of my Son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven and the fatnesse of the earth and plenty of corn and wine Why all this Answ Jacob have (7) Mal. 1.2 Rom. 9.13 I thosen Religious persons like perfumed garments carry with them a (8) Gen. 26.28 39.23 1 Sam. 18.5 Psalm 1.3 Jer. 17.8 blessing whithersoever they go Pharaoh Abimelech Laban Saul c. shall speed the better for their acquaintance with Joseph Isaac Jacob David c. It is not in vain that where the Prophets foretel Gospel-times there (9) Joel 2 23-28 Zech. 9.9 17 Esay 66.12 65 20-25 62 1-5 60.14 61.6 11 Revel 21.24 they promise temporal blessings The (10) hos 2.22.21 corn and the wine and the oyle shall hear Jezreel And the earth shall hear the corn and the wine and the oyle And the heavens shall hear the earth and I will hear the heavens saith the Lord But how shall Jezreel be assured of all this Answ I will (11) hos 2.20 even betroth thee unto me in faithfulnesse and thou shalt know the Lord. May Elijah prevaile with Ahab to cry down Baal he will soon prevail (12) 1 Kings 18 19-45 with God to pour down Rain Bring ye all your tithes and prove me now herewith saith the (13) Mal. 3.10 Lord of Hosts if I will not open for you the windowes of Heaven and empty out a blessing until I fill your Barns so full that you shall want room Wrest and misapply the Scriptures never so much yet from the Scritures (14) Mat. 5.5 Mark 10.30 1 Tim. 4.8 6.17 Psalm 144.15 122.5 7 128.5 125.4 35.27 1.3 119.165 81.16.147.14 148.14 36.7 8 Esay 60.6 7 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 18 61.4 5 6 62.7 8 9 65 20-25 66.10 11 12 clear it is that worldly riches are ordained not as a snare but as a promised blessing and that wheresoever Jesus Christ reigneth in the Gospel there he leadeth people from barbarism unto civility from civility to peace and from peace to the fruits of peace plenty The holy Spirit teacheth man to (15) Jam. 3.18 Hos 10.12 sow the fruits of righteousnesse the good Spirit to (16) Esay 28.24 29 Prov. 8.12 Exod. 31.3 6 cast abroad the sitches the cummin and principal wheat We mis-employ the encrease of the earth if we (17) Luke 16.9 12 Gal. 6.6 1 Tim. 6.18 19. spend it not upon the kingdome of heaven and the glory of this World [18] 1 Cor. 7.31 Esay 40.8 passeth away unlesse it may adorn the glory of the Gospel True where the Gospel is but yet in [19] Acts 14.22 planting or under [20] 2 Tim. 3.12 James 4.4 persecution or the like there if in this life only we have hope in Christ we are of [21] 1 Cor. 15.19 all men most miserable but I shall ever crave leave to think that where the Gospel flourisheth there the meek shall be sure to [22] Mat. 5.5 inherite the earth to be [23] Psa 149.4 beautified with salvation and to [24] Psa 22.26 eat and be satisfied The reason why I so think is this The meek on earth will [25] Zeph. 2.3 seek the Lord and the Lord will guide them [26] Psal 25.9 Esay 29.19 in judgement yea their meek and quiet Spirit is [27] 1 Pet. 3.4 in the sight of God of great price Hence The children of Israel never better bestowed their wealth then when they brought of it [1] Exod. 25.2 35.5 36 3 5 6 1 Chron. 29 2-13 willing Offerings for the service of the work of the Lord in his Sanctuary yea the followers of Christ even then when Jesus Christ was dead and buried would [2] Luke 8.3 John 8.40 Mark 16.1 2 3 See Learned Bishop Andrews his third Serm. on the Resurrection have ministred unto him of their substance And reason good for since the [3] Psal 24.1 earth is the Lords just it is that we [4] 1 Chro. 29.14 16 should give unto him of his own But this know God will not be behindhand with us in any [5] 2 Cor. 9.12 1 Cor. 15.58 Rom. 11.35 Hos 12.2 expressions of loving kindnesses whatsoever Though David did no more then [6] 2 Sam. 7.2 design to build a house for the Lord in requital the Lord built for David a [7] 2 Sam. 7. 11. sure House so far he is from desisting to [8] 1 Sam. 2.30 honour them who heartily [9] Prov. 3.9 honour him with their substance Christian remember thou that Temple of the Lord and forget the [10] Mat. 6.29 glory of Solomon if thou canst Recollect how zealous that Emperour Constantine [11] Enseb in vit Constantin was and then tell me whether he were not very deservedly stiled Constantine the [12] viz. The more good the more great Therefore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith to the Prince of Wales I had rather you should be Charles le Bon then Charles le Grand cap. 27. GREAT Yea whosoever sincerely loveth the peace of Jerusalem [13] Psalm 122.6 prospereth and if I once discern a person unfeignedly seeking the kingdome of heaven and the righteousnesse thereof then am I sure [14] Mat. 5.33 all other things shall be added unto him For although the [15] Pro. 3.18 Tree of life is like [16] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ibid. other Trees best planted in winter although the children of the [17] Mat. 5.45 kingdome are like the gold of the Temple best purified [18] Mal. 3.3 by fire yet the peace of the Gospel most flourisheth [19] 1 Kings 10.7 Psalm 45.4 21.5 31.9 Eccles 7.14 Jerem. 33.9 Job 8.6 Zech. 1.17 7.7 8.12 13 in the midst of prosperity and where the purity of the Gospel aboundeth it aboundeth in the fulnesse as well of earthly [20] 1 Tim. 4.8 Phil. 4.19 2 Cor. 9.8 Esay 32.18 as of heavenly mercies I lay the foundations of the earth saith the Lord and I therefore lay them that I may say [21] 1 Tim. 51.16 unto Zion Thou art my people Are we Jesus Christ's If so all things are [22] 1 Cor. 3.22 ours to the prayse of our God be it spoken all things are ours Thus much of the sixth Revenue of the holy Catholick Church namely that secular happinesse which like the heat at noon-day accompanieth the light of the Gospel a matter worthy out perpetual thanksgiving unto him whom we gladly desire ever to glorifie as God The Seventh is a fellowship (1) Phil. 3.10 with Christs sufferings When in one and the same day message upon message brought several tidings of several Victories at once unto Philip King of Macedon Philip brake forth (2) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Plutarch Apotheg O Fortune among such and so great good tidings bestow upon me some ill newes Beloved although the World is not aware
ever was is 1 and will be his own we betray our trust if by us God be not glorified Let prophane wretches know that the next time that the Lord prepareth another world for them they shall seek magnifie and love not It but Him O ye fools when will ye understand If the Vessel be pleasant for use for shame (1) Si alia nulla nobis esset merces illud tamen vel maximè nobis ad gloriam valeret si divinis in laudibus versari aon indigni haberemur siquidem qui principum laudes eloquuniur vel hoc uno si nihil reliquae esset mercedis quod Principem magni faciunt satis videntur ornamenti assequuâ—i Idem è Chrysost take cognizance of the Potter if the building be so wonderful to the eye look up unto the great Master-builder You who mind earthly things God hath sent every atom within this vast Universe to invite you unto himself Friend Hast thou no glory to attribute unto him who made both thee and what thing soever thou thy self desirest create one worm one grain one hair one grasse one dust nay create the very paring of thy nails or the very dropping of thy nostrils if thou canst Look on all else which thou possessest Tell me now those works of God which thine eyes behold are none of them worth (2) Psalm 28.7 a song Span the Heavens measure the earth number the variety of works in either and is it possible that you can despise the contriver of all these Rarities Have you so excellent a prospective and as yet do ye not discern him who layed the Foundations of the earth Must it be that of all which is everywhere before thine eyes not any one creature can hitherto (3) Quid scribam nisi ut te exhorter ed bonam mentem Hujus fundamentum quid sit quaeris Ne gaud as vanis Fundamentum hoc esse dâ—x etiam culmen est Ad summam pervenit qui scit quo gaudct Sen. l. 3. ep 13. ad Lucil. win thee over unto the Father of all things Are the marvailous works of Him whose Name is Wonderfull so much below your notice above your apprehension they are shall they be below your notice too God saw that whatsoever he made was very good seest thou not how that God is in Himself infinitely more good Hear O Heavens give ear O earth the Lord he (4) Jer. 23.24 Acts 17.27 filleth both Heaven and Earth but the Sons of Adam will not know it They do know it but will not Of all the creatures Lord in sea and land (1) Mr. George Herbert in his Poem entituled Providence viz. his Church mihi p. 109. Only to man thou hast made known thy wayes And put the pen alone into his hand And made him Secretary of thy praise Beasts fain would sing birds ditty to their notes Trees would be tuning on their native Lute To thy renown but all their hands and throats Are brought to Man while they are lame mute Man is the worlds high Priest he should present The sacrifice for all while They below Vnto the service mutter an assent Such as springs use that fall and winds that blow He that to praise and laud thee doth refrain Doth not refrain unto himself alone But robs a thousand who would praise thee fain And doth commit a world of sin in one God is [1] Esay 28.29 excellent in working but as the Apostle [2] 1 Cor. 9.6 pleadeth for himself hath he not a power to forbear working Verily he hath Yet loe he made he preserveth he governeth the curious wheels of the worlds most [3] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arist. de Caelo lib. 2. cap. 14. exquisite Fabrique For this end he maketh preserveth ruleth it that his Name may be glorified glorified not by things which cannot reflect upon his Excellencies but by us reasonable creatures The [3] Criminibus debent hortos praetoria mensas spacious Gardens and Orchards the sumptuous Structures and Buildings the superfluous Plate and Furniture the expensive Retinue and Apparel of Rich men are commonly more for pomp then for use Forsooth the owners fancie while you gaze upon their wealth ye will admire [4] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arist their persons Ye know how much the Ambassadors had dis-obliged King Hezekiah had they refused to view his Treasures and yet Hezekiah provided not these Treasures for those Ambassadors sakes Now what is ostentation in foolish man in God is not vain but solid glory To be at the [5] Luke 14.24 Matth. 22.4 Hos 2.8 charge of a Banquet and the treatment not at all resented to make a costly preparation for the welcome of a friend and for that friend when come to overlook all as altogether inconsiderable Such neglects were as uncivil as ungrateful as absurd as uncivil How much more if these neglects proceed not from a superiour but from an equal not from some of our equals but from some inferiour servant yea from some beggarly malefactor Beloved the case is the same infinitely the same and more [6] Omnia omnibus clament se Deum habere conditorem cui parere quem extollere est ordo totius universi Augustin between us and our God Mans heart is [1] 1 Cor. 3.19 foolish at the best but such as [2] Eph. 4 18 affect ignorance shall have even their foolish heart [3] Rom. 1.21 darkned their imaginations shall become vain and their affections vile knowledge is [4] Pro. 14.6 easie unto him that understandeeth therefore most equal it is that [5] Matth. 14.12 25.29 Mark 4.25 Luke 8.18 from him that hath no mind to know God as God is revealed in his Works should be taken away that little benefit of the Scripture which he might have So nearly are we concerned in [6] Acts 17.24 27 all which is before us that [7] Epb. 2.12 whoso live without God in the world do for their part annihilate the whole Creation at once nay what is worse they do render [9] Tit. 1.15 heaven and earth hurtful unto themselves and themselves [10] Rom. 14.23 offensive unto their Preserver By God men live and [11] Acts 17.28 live in the world yet so [12] Esay 1.13 great is their stupidity they live in the world without God! The world which should [13] Rom. 2.4 Acts 17.30 lead us toward him draweth such from him It should be our conduct they make it their [14] Hos 2.12 Rom. 1.23 seducement it should be our Remembrancer they make it their Detainer Through a childish mis-usage [15] Jer. 8.7 the same Spectacles which should help their eyes hinder their sight By the things which are made is [16] Rom. 1.20 clearly seen the eternal power of the Godhead clearly seen it may be but is not looked after nay some there are who [17] Jer. 8.5 9.6 wilfully look from it I
the tribes of Israel we see a [2] Revel 7.4 hundred forty four thousand sealed In the beginning of the world [3] Jude 14 ten thousand of the Saints were heard of If you will allow the seed of Abraham to be [4] Gen. 22.17 like that father of the faithful [5] Gal. 3.7 8 true believers you will as soon number the stars of heaven as them For although unto the great God neither [6] Psalm 139.16 they nor the [7] Psalm 147.4 stars are innumerable yet unto us finite creatures they are a [8] Revel 7.9 great multitude which no man can number Answ 4. A multitude of the heavenly host [1] Luke 2.13 seconded one Angel how great that multitude was God alone knoweth Every legion of Angels is computed six thousand six hundred sixty and six in number of these you may observe twelve legions mentioned [2] Matth. 26.53 like one single troop We read of [3] Dan. 7.10 thousand thousands spirits who ministred unto God and of ten thousand times ten thousand who stood before him and again [4] Revel 5.21 ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands Beloved in my Fathers house none of all these want their mansions Answ 5. Many viz. for the [1] Hos 4.16 greater solace of these Disciples Some conclude that one of hell-torments shall be an oppressing and [2] Esay 22.5 over-crowding one another thorough the narrow scantnesse of that bottomlesse pit If so One of the pleasures of Heaven shall be a [3] Mark 14.15 Psalm 31.8 118.5 Matth. 13.30 spaciousnesse of room God will [4] Esay 54.2 enlarge our Tent. The Saints shall not complain that the place is [5] Esay 49.19 20 too strait for them Answ 6. Many viz. to set forth the [1] Pauperis est aumâ—rare greatnesse of God their Maker and Builder Great is the House and therefore many are the mansions which he buildeth for [2] Dar. 4.30 1 Chron 29.1 the honour of his Majesty Saith Solomon [3] 2 Chron. 29 What house I build shall be wonderful great Answ 7. Many because of [1] Noâ— malè veteres intelligunt cum graduum differentiis G â—ot in locum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Clem. Serom. 6. Quonodo multae mansiones â—pâ—d Patrem si non pro varietate mer'torum Tertul. Scorp Plures sunt mansiones jam paratae secundum electionem aeternam sed parandae adhuc secundum merita Gorran in locum many degrees At Jerusalem one [2] Consulas Maymon in biath Mik lash Abah R. Nathan per. 34. Rambam in Kelim per. 1. sim Josephum de bell Jud. lib. 5. cap. 14. R. Solom in Kelim per. 1. c. part in and about the Temple was holier then another A stranger might not approach the Ally before the Temple A Priest might enter the Courts which an Israelite might not Between the porch and the Altar no Priest might come unlesse his head were covered The inwarder part of the Temple was more holy then the Priests Courts and within the Vail was the Holy of holies So in heaven there be mansions one of a higher degree of glory then another Hereunto the person speaking in my Text principally alludeth Saith he This is the victory which overcometh your troubles even your faith wherefore believe in God believe also in me and take this for your encouragement The greater your faith is the greater your victory and the greater your victory is the greater shall be your Reward for I will reward every one of you according unto his work of Faith and that I may reward every one of you according unto your work of Faith In my Fathers house are many Mansions _____ are It is not said they shall be but they already are Thiâ— is yet one more incitement unto a thankful glorifying of God as God viz. the [1] Beatitudo haec duo requirit frutionem incommutabilis boni certitudmem aeternae sruitionis See Ephes 2.6 Phil. 3.20 c. full assurance the lively hope which is set before us There [2] 2 Pet. 3.13 Revel 21.1 shall be new heavens nay there [3] Esay 66.5 17.18 are There are mansions many mansions many mansions of many degrees of degrees already prepared to recompence the highest degree of faith and love which any Disciple can possibly reach wherefore my beloved Brethren be ye [1] 1 Cor. 15.58 stedfast unmoveable alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord for so much as you know your labour is not in vain in the Lord There are many mansion in my Fathers house Quest Why is the kingdome of glory compared to a house Answ For the same reason that you here see many mansions not only mansions but many mansions as I told you The glory of the invisible (1) See Bishop Reynolds on Hos 14. Serm. 5. Sect. 2. in The beauty of Lillies infinitely transcendeth the glory of the visible world Hence as we are forced to use many letters to spell one long word or many words to compose one eloquent speech so by reason of our imperfect understanding we are constrained to borrow many worldly excellencies to represent any (2) 1 Chron. 29.1 Revel 21.2 one glory in heaven Be Jerusalem the (1) Psalm 48.2 137.6 joy of the whole earth yet Jerusalem which is (2) Gal. 4 26 above if she would make her self known unto us below she will (3) Esay 54.11 12 Revel 21.19 take up Jewels and Riches and Gold upon trust So immoveable is heaven that name (4) Psalm 46.5 Mount Zion and you say nothing Be a Throne glorious and heaven is (5) Psalm 113.4 Flay 66.1 exalted above that glory The Crown there is a Crown which (6) 1 Pet. 5.4 fadeth not away The inheritance there is (7) 1 Pet. 1.4 undefiled incorruptible The substance there is (8) Heb. 10.34 an enduring substance The peace there (9) Phil. 4.7 passeth mans understanding Life is there life immortal life (10) Rom. 2.7 1 Cor. 15.54 eternal There pleasures swim in (11) Psalm 16.11 whole Rivers they (12) Esay 48.18 roll in upon us like waves of the Sea Call heaven a house and the builder and maker must be (13) Heb. 11.10 a God Call heaven a House and that house must be as wide as heaven The windows must be (14) Esay 54.12 Agates the gates Carbuncle the battlements pleasantnesse and whatsoever else is precious the pavement love joy and glory The azured firmawent which our eyes behold is but as the rough rags the made-made-earth the unhewen the lowest the buried part of the foundations of this House The stars of the firmament are but as so many sandy dusts everywhere scattered within that azured that clayie rubbish The Moon and Sun which seem so bright unto us unto the inhabitants of this House in my Text do indeed a little glizzen but no otherwise then two shells of
Redeemer who hath done [4] Rev. 5.9 and suffered so great things for us will in due time welcome us to his Fathers house [5] 1 Thes 4.17 and so shall we ever ever ever be with the Lord When [6] Psal 101.2 shall I come unto thee I will walk in thy house with a perfect heart O my Soul [7] Psal 37.34 Isa 49 23 40.31 wait for the Lord wait I say for the Lord O ye Saints of his rejoyce in the Lord [8] Phil. 4.4 3. The Doctrine applied again I say rejoyce Hallelujah Ye have I trust such is your patience [1] Mat. 13.51 understood all these things ye have seen every afflicting stone [2] Mar. 16.4 rolled away ye have seen a world of Troubles [3] Joh. 14.1 2 swallowed up in Mansions of glory ye have seen life in death yea and life [4] Joh. 10.10 more abundant too ye have seen the good [5] Deut. 33.16 Angel in my Text as it were face to face ye have seen his strong [6] Isa 41.21 reasons his seven reasons his seven spiritual Reasons I had almost said his seven [7] Rev. 3.1 Spirits Our hearts should be troubled should we neglect [8] Luk. 9.44 Application O blessed Spirit Application is thy (1) Jer. 30.21 work Thy work O blessed Spirit Thou hast opened (2) Luk. 24.45 our understandings open our (3) Act. 16.14 hearts too Lord the stone is rolled (4) Joh. 11.39 41 43 away raise up thy Lazarus Give us life give us life (5) Joh. 10.10 more abundant AND now whether I look back upon the troubles past and gone or whether I look up unto the Mansions already prepared let my tongue cleave unto the roof of my mouth and let my right (1) Psal 137.6 hand forget her pen if I prefer not my Soveraign above the head of my comforts Therefore though I forget not my (2) Prov. 25.6 distance my first Application shall be The Lively Pourtraiture of CHARLES the Second King of Great Britain France and Ireland c. TO THE SACRED MAJESTY Of our most GRACIOUS SOVERAIGN LORD in all Causes and over all Persons as well Ecclesiastical as Civil our Supreme Governour CHARLES second only to that blessed Martyr and glorious Saint his royal Father of Great Britain France and Ireland KING Defender of the Faith and next unto God and his Christ the Prince of our Peace My Lord O King LIve like your (1) Psal 112 6 Name for ever live (2) Psal 61.6 and be The same you are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (3) 2 Cor. 3.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Great as was your (4) Psal 132.1 Affliction and our (5) 2 Sam. 15.30 woe Good as late (6) Psal 61.8 116.14 2 Chro. 32.25 Vows Happy as we (7) Psal 144.15 Prov. 13.12 are now Thus thus I (8) Ezra 6.10 pray But let Applauses be Suppress'd by others and refus'd by me Not as undue nor that a zealous praise May too too much mans expectation raise Nor that words match not though when all is done Ne're yet could pensil fully paint the Sun But loe Believers Sir should we display Your brighter beams would ravish'd sin for joy Saw they your soul they would sleight heav'n again And doat on earth because on earth you reign I blame my fears From Charles no evils spring They walk with God who follow such a King Next unto Christ this Prince of our Peace may If Subjects please roll ev'ry stone away Next unto Christ He doth our life appear Good Subjects find life more abundant here That Truth that Peace which with [9] 1 Tim. 2.2 Isa 49.23 His Throne consist Lifts us from Earth to Heaven from Charles to Christ But the Stairs at Whitehall are no winding stairs Blessed be God there is no cause why I should borrow Verses feet to bring me to the Presence-Chamber there I need not there measure mine approaches where blessed be God the golden Scepter is always [1] Hesther 5.2 held forth As in Majesty and [2] Psal 82.6 Power so in Patience and Clemency King Charles the second resembleth his God God is a God (3) Psal 65.2 that heareth Prayer and his Servant Charles (4) Deut. 17.20 shutteth not his ear no not unto his meanest Subjects In prose therefore When I compare the troubles of these Disciples hearts with the Mansions that are set before them rather To the Kings most Excellent Majesty when I compare the 30. of January with the 29. of May and again the third of September with the 23. of April Verily if ever any Christian in the world had encouragement to believe in God and in the only Son of God your Sacred Majesty hath I trust the same God who hath delivered (1) 1 Cor. 1 10 will yet deliver Nations could not get Dominion over your sacred person I trust (2) Rom. 6.14 sin shall not The Lord hath raised and removed the many burdens but I trust not the many (3) Heb. 12.6 7 Psal 94.12 13 and 132.2 5 compared with 1 Cot. 3.16.17 blessings of your Majesties late sorows Should not afflictions so great as your Majesties have been be more and more sanctified unto your Royal soul alas your heart might then be troubled indeed Should you desist to believe in God who (4) Psal 89.27 placeth your Majesty higher then the Kings of the earth it might then be unto you and your Kingdoms a grief of heart Should not your Princely soul believe in that only Son of God who (5) Isa 53.8 Heb. 2.10 suffered more for your Majesty then your gracious Majesty suffered for your lost people this might also trouble your heart Lastly should your soul (6) Isa 53.3 neglect so great salvation should your soul despise the Mansions in your heavenly Fathers house then then your heart would be utterly perplexed everlastingly troubled and that beyond measure But although King Hezekiah did not render according unto the (1) 2 Chro. 32.25 benefit received I trust your most excellent Majesty will True the more God blesseth his (2) Job 1.10 servant Job the more the Devil (3) Job 1.11 seeketh his ruine No doubt where the Lord hath multiplied so unparalleld favours as are heaped upon your dread Majesty there the malice of Satan will be very wilte very full of (4) 2 Cor. 2 11 stratagems the Serpent once enraged will first (5) 2 Cor. 12.17 buffet then sting Nevertheless while your sacred Majesty figheth not only against (6) 1 Pet. 2.11 flesh and blood but even against (7) Eph. 6.12 Principalities and Powers the same God who (8) Psal 140.7 covered your royal head in the day of battle the same God your sacred Majesty hath to believe in The same Christ who delivered you from so (9) 2 Cor. 1.10 great a death the same Jesus your Majesty hath to believe
in yea he who so powerfully restored unto your birth-right your Majesties strangely revolted Kingdoms he can (10) Psal 73. guide you with his counsel and afterward receive you to glory He I say can bring you to the Mansions in your Fathers house Once more The bed of love wherein you rejoyce over our most Gracious Queen your royal Consort as a Bridegroom (1) Isa 62.5 rejoyceth over his Bride the love of your (2) Jer. 2.2 Espousals and afore that the day of your (3) Can. 3.11 Coronation and before that the day of the gladness of your (4) Ibid. heart I mean the (5) May 29th day wherein the splendour of your glorious Majesty celebrated therefore the greatest because the happiest Triumph that ever yet was by mortal Prince solemnized of these of all these your prosperous Majesty hath tasted I most humbly appeal now unto your dread Majesties bosome-experience What yea what are all these transitory joyes these fugitive felicities if (6) See what Mr. Bolton in his four last things p. 111. illustrateth upon 1 Cor. 2.9 compared unto the Mansions in your Fathers house When he that (1) Psal 29.10 sitteth upon the floods sent (2) Psal 18.16 from above took and drew you out of many waters when he that (3) Psal 144.10 giveth salvation unto Kings commanded (4) Lev. 25.21 1 Sam. 10.26 the hearts of all your people as (5) 2 Sam. 19.14 the heart of one man when he that (6) Psal 46.9 causeth wars to cease made your patience victorious when at length your meekness (7) Mat. 5.5 captivated our afflictions well might your Subjects shout (8) Psal 47.1 unto God with the voice of triumph so wonderfully had the (9) Heb. 13.20 God of peace made your Highness what you still remain more (10) Rom. 8.37 then Conquerour Oh how great (11) Zech. 9.17 was Gods goodness how abundant (12) Jer. 33.6 our peace how matchless your bliss how unconceiveable the (13) Psal 114.1 Novelty of your joys And yet believe it Sir in the very height of all your glory though I dare affirm your glory exceeded Solomons I say in the height of your glory your sacred Majesties enlarged heart was never one half so much transported as in the midst of his unsufferable perplexities your blessed Fathers most gracious soul was daily then transported when possessing (14) If Galcacius Caracciolus could much more could Charles the First say Let their money perish with them who esteem all the gold in the world worth one days society with Jesus Christ and his holy Spirit heaven upon earth he compiled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 O King Let not your [1] Chro. 28.7 9 heart be troubled May your Majesty roll your self upon your God He who first honoured your Christian Father with a Crown of throns and then [2] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Solium which signifieth a Beer or Cossin signifieth also a Throae or Chair of State Rev. 2 10 converted that thorny crown into a Crown of Glory He can make your Crown of pure gold a Crown incorruptible He who when you [3] Psal 21.4 asked life gave you long life can give you life more abundant even life eternal He who translated your royal Father from a world of troubles [4] 2 Tim. 4.7 8 unto heavenly Mansions will though we your loyal Subjects hope it will be [5] Regni Coâ—ona Rex long first receive [6] Rom. 7.24 25 your ransomed soul from a body of sin unto your Fathers house Sir the holy God who unto your suffering Father made January the 30. an everlasting May 29. can sanctifie unto you that fatal September 3d. into a perpetual April 23d As we have seen what the Prophets fore-told [1] Isa 9.7 55.3 Hos 3.9 sim Psal 89.29 36 sim of David fulfilled in the [2] Mat. 1.1 21.9 Rom. 1.3 2 Tim. 2.8 Rev. 3.7.5.5.22.16 Son of David so what was [3] By good Dr. Holdsworth in his Epistle Dedicatory before his Sermon on Psal 144.15 prophesied of King Charles the First your Majesty hath lived to see fulfilled in King Charles the Second Believe therefore in God Believe also in the Son of God He who was unto you at your royal [4] As at the birth of Christ so at the birth of his immediate servant our King Charles the Second a star appeared Bp. Morley's Coronation Serm. p. 59. and Mr. Carles his Serm. on the same day p. 15. birth a bright [5] Rev. 22.16 morning star may be unto you during your happy Reign a [6] Mal. 4.2 Sun of Righteousness your [7] Psal 84.11 Shield he hath continued your Sun I trust he will continue here and Rev. 22.5 in Heaven Believe also in the blessed Spirit he inspired your holy Father to write 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 O make this good Spirit your Comforter he will day by day enable your sanctified Majesty more and more patrissare while your afflictions past become future sanctification So may your Majesty increase in faith that on earth in the sharpest tryals and in heaven within the highest Mansions your Majesty may shine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Live in faith O King and live for ever Live for ever in your Fathers house within your Fathers house possess the highest Mansions and in those heavenly Mansions you shall for ever face to face enjoy Charles the First Christ our Redeemer God our Saviour My Lord O King instead of further applying the several Duties in my Text suffer that I this [1] Possibly as Justine Martyrs Apology was read by his Emperour so may my Address by mine once propose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sure I am that in these two words I have spoken all for What [2] Eccles 2.12 can the man say that cometh after the King 2. By whom Kings reign To the Nobility by him [1] Prov. 8.15 Princes decree justice It is of God that our Ruler is in the midst of us it is likewise of God that [2] Jer. 30.21 our Nobles are of themselves wherefore my [3] Judg 5.9 heart is toward the Governours of Israel that offer themselves willingly among the people Right Honourable Late Divisions [4] See Bp. Fearns Serm. on Judg. 5 14 caused great searchings as in the unsearchable heart of our most serene Prince so in your heart too Alas Wheresoever the mighty Oak falleth there the nearest trees are most crushed Time was when your heart was perplexed God not long since poured [5] Job 12 21 Psal 107.40 contempt upon your Honours As ever ye would that the Lord should roll away your reproach 1. Keep your hearts [1] Isa 48.22 quiet I mean keep yovr selves without (2) Job 11.15 16 spot ye know They who [3] Mat. 11.8 dwell in Kings houses wear [4] Isa 61.10 soft cloathing Oh keep your garments always
Kingdomes within my Text since travail through them I can not Beloved These three generals are the particular limits of my remaining Discourse the which our God the God of all grace and glory so sanctifie unto us all that his most blessed Name may be by every one among us more and more abundantly glorified GOD is said to be glorified both by Himself and by his Creatures 1. In what sense God is said to be glorified By Himself If we cast into the Ocean one only spoonful of water nay By himself one only drop of a bucket we thereunto add because although the Sea be great and wide infinite it is not but unto Gods essential glory none can add for his glory is like [1] Acquaint thy self with God as be is described by B. ushers folio Christian Religon Bishop Baily his Practice of Piety Mo nay his Truâ—nesse of Christian Religion Balls larger Catechism or such others for It is life eternal to know God viz. Veluntas sequitur intellectum every other of his Attributes every way infinite It is more impossible infinitely more impossible for any yea for all the Creatures in the world to add either glory or blessednesse that I may not say delight or content unto the most infinite God then it is for the darkest Dungeon to augment the brightnesse or for the blackest coal to multiply the beams of the mid day Sun There can be no accession unto his essential blessednesse because he is for ever most infinitely blessed There can be no accession unto his glory because His glory is eternally the same In the soul of man the power of the Understanding of the Imagination 1 Non est necesse Deum velle aliquid nisi seipsum Non est ergo necessarium Deum velle quòd mundus fuerit semper Sed eatenus mundus est quà tenus Deus vult illum essè cum esse mundi ex voluntate Dei dependeat Tho. Aquinas 1 â. q. 46.3 c. and of the Memory abideth equally the same whether what is undestood conceived and remembred be or be not produced in word or writing so after a most incomprehensible manner in the divine nature the glory of the Father the glory of the Son the glory of the Holy Ghost was equally the same before all worlds as ever since the Creation it hath been and for ever hereafter will be The great God who from all never-begun Eternity unto the beginning of time took pleasure in forbearing to make any Creature at all did not at last [1] Gen. 1.1 John 1.1 Heb. 1.2 11.2 make the Heavens and the Earth as repenting himself of his eternity of leisure before neither did his then Creation proceed [2] St. August de civitate Dei lib. 12. cap. 17. With men animae quiescendo fiunt sapientiores it is not so with God from any new intent neither may we conceive that his Rest affecteth him one way and his Work another I neither was his Vacation idle or his working painful for as before the Creation he rested working so since the Creation he worketh resting again as at first in creating so afterward in redeeming preserving ruling sanctifying c. neither encreaseth he his essential glory neither changeth he his eternal purpose He in all these only applyeth his eternal Will unto new workings As [3] Rom 11.36 of him and through him so to him are all things yet of all those things which he hath made and doth govern it is His Glory that he [4] Psalm 50.12 Job 12.2 3 needeth none Wherefore as it was of his free goodnesse that he in the beginning created the world so [5] Deus suam gloriam quaerit non propter se sed propter nos Tho. Aquin. 22. ae q. 32. art 1. ad 1. mum of his free goodnesse it is that he ever since glorifieth Himself in them Then is God said to glorifie himself when he vouchsafeth to manifest any of his excellencies whether [1] Esay 6.3 Hab. 3.3 1 Pet. 4.13 universally by way of Redemption Creation c. or [2] Esay 60.7 Ezek. 43.2 Numb 14.21 John 13.31 particularly upon distinct ages places or persons 2. By his Creatures God is also glorified for By this crehtures while they glorifie although all the Creatures in the world could not 〈◊〉 they would resist the [1] Voluntati benâ—placuâ— Will or diminish the [2] Job 22.2 3 35.6 7 Psalm 16.2 50.8 12 Prov. 16.26 Rom. 11 35 self-glory of the most high God yet on the other side such several prints and degrees of his goodnesse hath the most high God [3] Acts 14 17 Rom. 1.20 communicated unto all his works that all his works glorifie him as they concur with the good pleasure of either his revealed or his secret Will thus all of them more remarleably set forth the wisdome c. of his providence some of them the power and severity of his Justice others the Riches of his free grace and mercies First His Providence To say nothing of [1] Psalm 77.19 135.6 unsearchable co-operations harmonious contextures regulated contingencies sim Every creature as it existeth and worketh after its kind setteth forth Gods Providence whether Rivers as they [2] Eccles 1.7 run into the Sea or the Sun as he knoweth his [3] Psalm 104 19 148.3 9 going down whether the Stars as they keep their due motions or the Trees bearing fruit in their season yea Angels whether good or evil while they reserve the nature of spirits and men whether regenerate or unregenerate as they partake of body and of spirit too For although Devils have [4] Jude 6. corrupted themselves with envy malice pride c. and although man hath [5] Eccl. 7.29 fallen from his integrity yet the nature of Devils as it continueth the distinct nature of intelligent spirits the body of man as it speaketh the flesh neither of beasts nor of birds nor of fishes but of men likewise mans spirit as it produceth the operations of the soul not of a brute but of a reasonable Creature do all of them after the same manner as all other Creatures do [6] In quantum sunt res quaedam Deus est in daemonibus Tho. Aquin. 1 a. q. 8. 1. c. 4. m. Uâ—â—co simplicissimo actu omnia in suâ bonitate vult Deus licet ejusdem suae divinae voluntatis nulla prorsus sit causa Idem 1 a. q. 19. art 5. c. bring glory unto the Providence of the great God I say whether Physically or Metaphysically considered the worst of men and the worst of Angels by performing that whereunto their nature was ordained and in observing after their kinds the ocult lawes of their Creatour glorifie Gods Providence that is they expose an open view of it unto [7] Psalm 148. per totum Psalm 139.14 Revel 14.7 Creatures reasonable and intelligent Secondly Creatures His Justice as creatures shew forth Gods Providence
Believer hath he hath the honour if I may so speak to (8) Psalm 145.1 30.1.66.17 Esay 25.1 Compare 2 Sam. 12.28 with Jerem. 9.23 24 extol that Throne which is the Lords to hand the Scepter of Gods Kingdom unto Gods right Hand and to lift a Crown of pure gold unto the Royal Head of this King of glory Then we extol God when we in our hearts and lives prayse and adore him And in this sense the solemn Coronation of our God is like Himself everlasting he that hath the honour to be one of those who magnifieth God hath this happinesse that he is said to extol God he glorifieth he crowneth his God and this is the (9) Non tam mea sunt quae mea sunt quam quae tua Plin. lib. 4. Epist 4. Crown of a Christian duty So shalt thou have (10) Rom. 13.3 compared with Gal. 1.24 Ephes 1.12 praise of the same Quest (11) Phil. 2 21 1 Cor. 10.24 2 Cor. 5.15 Sensum quendam voluptatemq percipio si ea quae mihi denegantur amicrs video superesse Plin. lib. 1. Ep. 10. What praise Answ The praise of bringing glory to thy God I undervalue my labours if I take paines for mine own only profit mine own only interest or mine own slender reputation The toyl which I undertake let me undertake it for the honour of my God No commendation (12) Ezra 9.6 sinful I do or can deserve Neverthelesse no that commendeth me or mine endeavours doth it to my losse let him praise not me for I am [13] 2 Cor. 12.11 Nothing but His God for His God is mine and he most favoureth me who [14] 2 Cor. 10.17 Psalm 115.1 105.3 103.1 23 2 Cor. 10.11 Gal. 1.24 Psalm 142.7.34.2 3. Amor non nisi donum amantis in amatum Gulicl Parisien de legibus c. 19. most glorifieth my God Lastly Life [1] Hoc etiam est quam ob rem cupiam vivere Plaut Curcul Psalm 119.17 1 Thes 3.8 2 Pet. 1.3 1 Tim. 4.8 Deut. 30.20 but such as dishonour God non tam vivunt quam in vitâ sunt Seneca Non est mortale quod opto Col. 3.3 more abundant Oh Sirs So often as we glorifie our God as God we anticipate life to come Then is our conversation like that in heaven when we be ever rejoycing in the Lord ever mentioning the loving-kindness of our God Verily we then seem to sit in heavenly places among Saints and Angels when in the midst of the congregation we set forth the prayses of our God in Psalmes in Hymns and in spiritual Songs Christians if ye know what it is to glorifie your God you will roll away that stone against which some have stumbled It will be unto you no trouble of heart if as you believe in God and believe in Christ so you through Jesus Christ celebrate [2] Psal 29.9 the name of your God publiquely and solemnly in your Fathers House Know Brethren if we glorifie God here upon earth They in heaven can do no more The most which They can do is though after a more heavenly manner to glorifie Our God We do what the Saints in [3] Psal 149.9 Neque ad loquendum digne de Deo lingua sufficit Neque ad pereipiendum intelâ—ectus praevalet magis ergo glorisicdre nos convenit Deum quod talis est qui intellectuÌ„ traâ—scendit cognitionis initium superat beaven do we do what the Angels in heaven do if we glorifie our God We do as the blessed Spirit doth we do as the Son of the Father doth yea we do as the Father himself doth if we glorifie our God Seeing it is unto us so great a glory to glorifie this God Seeing it is unto us heaven upon earth seeing it is unto us Life more abundant to laud praise and blesse the Name of our God I beseech you Friends Let us no more absent our selves from the Liturgie of our Church but let the Lord God have the glory of our open publick and solemn Thanksgivings Yea let us watch alwayes over our conversations words and hearts that at [1] Psalm 34.1 71.6 8 15 109.30 96.2.145.2 7 9 10 21 119.164 97 25.5 89.16 Nihil mihi fuit optatius quà m ut primum abs Te-ipjo deinde à caeteris omnibus quà m gratissimus erga Te esse cognoscerer Cicero Epist familiar lib. 1. Epist 5. all times whether in private or in publique whether in our labours or in [2] Non solum negotij sed otij reddendaâ—est ratio Col. 3.17 our recreations whether we mourn or rejoyce sleep or wake eat or drink or whatsoever we do we may [3] 1 Cor. 10.31 do all and desire to do all unto the glory of our God Beloved if we keep our selves [1] 2 Tim. 2 21 ever prepared unto every good work if we keep our selves ever unfeignedly desirous to ever glorifie our God Lo We have Psalmes and set-forms to [2] Eccles 5.2 Hos 14.2 furnish us with words the holy Scriptures to [3] 2 Tim. 3.16 instruct us in our duties the holy Spirit to [4] Rom. 8.26 Luke 11.13 Acts 5.32 Phil 2.12 13 assist us in our endeavours a [5] Heb. 4.15 16 1 John 2.1 2 Jude 24 Ephes 5.27 2 Cor. 4.14 15 Col 1.22 23 28 powerful Mediatour to render our imperfect performances perfectly acceptable nor can we want a perpetual supply of matter for our perpetual prayses and thanksgivings if we apply our selves unto the [6] See of this Treatise page 278.279 last General Part which limiteth this present Discourse I proceed therefore from the innumerable reasons why we should ever give thanks and prayses to the Lord our God unto the boundlesse matter of these our praises and thanksgivings The matter of our prayses and thanksgivings comprehendeth the three Kingdomes 1 represented in my Text. What supplyeth unto us perpetual matter for which our God is glorified If He who delighteth to [1] page 278. 1 Cor. 1.27 28 2 Cor. 4.7 strengthen grace by weak Instruments hath by * New Books are like new fashions taken up at the first with affection this Discourse of mine profited your soules then before we enter these three Provinces pause you here ye Christians Though such as I have I [2] Mat. 10 8 give Silver and Gold [3] See of this Treatise page 30 I have none at most so little that the imprinting of Sermons is too heavy for my light Purse Vnto the good example of other Generous Friends be it spoken What I write that another printeth not I but the surviving the affectionate Husband of a Gentlewoman now with God is [4] Imitating Jacob Gen. 35.20 the sole Publisher of this expensive Treatise and that not so much in memory of his dear Consort as in [5] 2 Cor. 13.9 Hominum charitas gratuita est Cicero de nat Deornm l. 1. 1 Cor. 13.5 compassion of us He so
too We are unto Christ not only Heirs but Executors and Administratours too Oh let it be the prayse of our God that although the circumference be is wide as heaven yet (4) Psalm 115.16 1 Chron. 28.2 Esay 66.1 compare Mat. 5.25 with Psalm 132.7 earth is the Centre and although that be the Throne yet this is the footstool The portion of the wicked is (1) Psalm 17.14 only in this life by the same method the portion of the Righteous should be only in the next but herein is matter worthy Thanksgivings that although the Lord granteth unto us his Ephah he grudgeth not his (2) Exod. 16.36 Psalm 112.2 3 homer too that although we partake of the (3) Prov. 3.16 blessings of his right hand he imparteth likewise the blessings of his left hand that although he hath given us a possession in the south-field he addeth also (4) Josh 15.19 water-springs besides the upper-springs nether springs too A feather in the hand is worth a bird in the ayre we have the bird in the ayre and the feather in the hand too Though grace and glory be vouchsafed unto us no good thing is (5) Psalm 84.11 withheld from us although there be set before us the (6) Matth 6.33 Kingdom of Heaven and the righteousnesse thereof we are not disallowed the (7) Luke 16 9 Mammon of unrighteousnesse The heir so long as he is a child (1) Gal. 4.1 differeth nothing from a servant though he be Lord of all Let it be the praise of our God that we here in our minority are used more like children then servants It sufficeth that we are (2) Joh. 17.3 assured of life to come neverthelesse over and above that we have the promise (3) 1 Tim. 4 8 2 Pet. 1.3 of this life too Since our (4) Psal 62.5 expectation is from God we may well feed upon the (5) Col. 1.5 hope that is set before us yet see while we (6) Ephes 2.6 sit together with Christ in heavenly places he hath given unto us the (7) Psal 115 16 fulnesse of the earth He prepareth (8) John 14.3 mansions for us in my Fathers House but that is not all he likewise removeth (9) John 14.1 troubles from our hearts in this world Christians Be (10) Phil. 4 6 ye careful for nothing He who provideth this little (11) As little as that et Chrysippus or as that of Zacheas thin body of mine to feed those (12) Job 19.26 24.20 17.14 wormes which shall dwell with me in my grave though I (13) Job 25.6 Psalm 22.6 am a worm and no man will (14) Heb. 13 5 never leave me nor forsake me Christians In all things (15) 1 Thes 5.18 give thanks because all things (16) Rom. 8.28 work together for your good As assuredly as (17) 1 Cor. 3.22 23 Christ is Gods and ye are Christs so assuredly all things are yours and if all things are yours then all things are matter worthy of your thanksgiving Matter of Thankfulnesse Secondly For the Kingdom of Grace Were there no Church of God extant under the whole Heavens yet unto man deserving hell-flames no small favour it is if instead of suffering torments in hell he may live a while upon the face of the earth So were there no mansions in my Fathers House yet to man unworthy to live in this World a very great mercy it is if he be suffered to live not in this world only but within the pales also of the (1) Id agamus ut omne tempus nostrum sit quod esse non poterit nisi nos esse cenerimus Seneca Eâ—ist 72 O insensati delusi infatuati Philocosmi holy Catholique Church For First Were Religion meerly a forged invention were it as meer a device to over-awe fools as Atheists would vainly have it yet since most men are [1] Homo homini lupus Prov. 30.14 Psalm 17.12 56.1 2 Micah 7.2 Gen. 10.9 so greedy to devour one another the awe which accompanieth Religion must necessarily prevent very many and very great inconveniences among us Next All people [1] Micah 4.5 will walk every one in the name of his god rather then not â—â—ease his mind with one sort of Religion or other man will delude his ignorant soul with some or other kind of [2] Ex arbitrio non ex imperio Tertul. contra Psychic cap. 13. will-worship Thirdly In [1] Psal 76.1 Judah is God known I bow my knees to the Lord Jesus giving thanks often for spiritual blessings by me received while I was long since of the royal foundation as well at Westminster Colledge as at Trinity Colledge in Cambridge In which Trinity Colledge Unto mine acute [2] Sir Hicks Chamber-fellow was [3] By a religious Fellow of our House Mr. Peter Samwaie's by name brought the gift of ten shillings from a concealed Benefactour Need enough of so good an Angel my Chamber-fellow had and a very ingenious Epistle of Thanks he wrote but I cannot easily forget how this my Chamber-fellow night by night wracked his braines and brake his sleep in conjecturing who or what Friend he might be which unexpectedly bestowed upon him so acceptable a gift whether he was the worthy [4] Dr. Cumber Dean of Carlile Master of our Colledge or whether that lover of all goodnesseâ— our [5] Dr. Richard Holdsworth Master of Emanuel Colledge then Vice-Chancellor or whether the then and there [6] Dr. Alglonbie Tutour of the then and there [7] George Villers Duke of Buckingham or whether some one of our eight Seniours fain fain he would have found it out but still the more he conjectured the more he was to learn Beloved the very same was the case of those [8] Acts 17.21 Athenian seekers who sacrificed unto [9] Acts 17.23 their unknown God Give a Philosopher one two three dayes to resolve you what God is what God is not he can tell you but what God is he will be further to seek at the three dayes end then he was at the first Friends see a [10] Heb. 3.3 4 fair house you presently aske who is the owner Light upon a choyce [11] Witnesse the Epistle to the Hebrews the Books of Ruth and of Job sim Book you would willingly be told who is the Author receive a kindnesse gladly ye would [12] Gen. 32.29 Judges 13.17 learn unto whom you owe your thanks Sirs The Gentiles they took notice of this worlds great Fabrique but could never learn the [13] Compare Exod. 63 Psal 83.18 with Acts 17.23 Builders Name The Book of Creatures they studyed much but could never [14] For Aristoâ—le and others fancied the world was eternally without beginning See Heb. 11.3 finde out who was the Creatour Raine from Heaven fruitful seasons food and gladnesse of heart they [15] Acts 14.17 received but could never
instruct themselves of the Donor whereas we within the pales of the Church are or may be soon redeemed from this grosse ignorance from this unsatisfying this disquieting curiosity I say unto every one of us within the [16] Psal 48.3 Esay 12.5 2 Chron. 20.9 1 Kings 8.43 Psalm 75.1 1 Tim. 6.15 true Churches of Jesus Christ may estsoon be made known who the maker and giver of all good things is we need not now to be taught that the only Potentate unto whom we owe all our thanks is the God of our prayses even the only true God Fourthly The excellence of knowledge is that [1] Eccl. 7.12 wisdome giveth life unto them who have it Anaxagoras rich as well in Cattel as in Lands unprofitably [2] Anaxagoras potius ovibus quam beminibus philosophatus fâ—it Apollonius Tyaneus suffered his Lands to be devoured by his Cattel nay he forsook all to travail after Learning at last returning home and finding his houses ruinated his lands unmanured his cattel scattered spoiled and lost he salved all [3] Non essem ego salvus nisi istae periissent saying I had not been safe if these had not perished Christians what made Anaxagoras and most other of the Philosophers so professedly despise this worlds goods What made Cleanthes labour hard night by night that he might purchase leisure to study day times What made Democritus first waste his whole Estate in travails and then that he might be the better disposed for contemplation deliberately and wilfully put out his own eyes Verily their ultimate ayme in these their self-denials was to [4] Socrates erat Homo corpore purissimus animâ— optimus vivendi raâ—â—one pe â—fectissimus in dicendo suavissimus qui p è cum Dco sanctè cum homiaibus versabatur Maximus Tyrius Epicurus saacta recta praecept Seneca understand the sweetnesse of a vertuous life of life to come They dreamed not And yet after all their search the best of their moral Philosophy fell infinitely short of our [5] In iis quae apertè ia Scripturis posita sunâ— invenâ—untur illa omaia quae mores viveadi contin ut Aug. de doct Christ lib 2 cap. 9. Evangelical Precepts Dear Christians were there no Hell to be avoided no Heaven to be expected yea and no God to be honoured yet a greater happinesse no person upon earth could possibly attain then to walk in a Gospel-conversation Mortifie [6] Col. 3.5 Prov. 11.3 your affections walk uprightly have [7] 1 Pet. 2.12 your conversation honest be [8] Phil. 2.15 blamelesse and harmlesse speak not [9] James 4.11 evil one of another provoke [10] 〈◊〉 5.26 none envy [11] 〈◊〉 5.26 none recompance [12] Rom. 12.17 to no man evil for evil be not [13] Rom. 12.21 overcome of evil but overcome evil with good if it be possible as much [14] Rom. 12.18 as in you lyeth live peaceably with all men submit your selves to [15] 1 Pet. 2. â— 13 every ordinance of man let every soul be [16] Rom. 13.1 subject unto the higher powers honour [17] 1 Pet. 2.17 the King give [18] Rom. 13.7 honour unto whom honour is due in honour [19] Rom. 12.10 preferring one another [20] Luke 6.37 forgive nay [21] Mat 5.44 love your enemies do good [22] ibid. to them that hate you love [23] Mat 22.39 your Neighbours as your selves bear [24] 1 Cor. 13.7 all things believe all things hope all things Love as [25] 1 Pet. 3.8 Brethren be [26] Luk. 6.36 merciful [27] 1 Pet. 3.8 pitiful and [28] Eph. 4.32 tender hearted easie [29] Jam. 3.17 to be entreated given to [30] 1 Tim 6.18 distribute be [31] 1 Pet. 3.8 courteous and [32] 2 Cor. 8.2 liberal be [33] Tit. 2.6 sober minded and low [34] Phil. 2.3 in your own eyes In your [35] Luke 21.19 patience possesse ye your soules In every estate be [36] Luke 3.14 Heb. 13.5 1 Tim. 6.8 Phil. 4.11 content Take [37] Matth 6.31 34. no thought for to morrow cast your care [38] Phil. 4.6 1 Pet. 5.7 upon him that careth for you Rejoyce [39] 1 Thess 5.16 alwayes c. Beloved Who is he that [40] 1 Pet. 3.13 will harm you if ye follow after these and the like Gosspel duties nay thus do unto yourselves and men [41] Psalm 49 18. Rom. 13.3 shall speak good of you nay you your selves shall be a [42] 2 Cor. 1.12 Virtus sibi praenium wheresoever gâ—â—â— comâ—th g â—â—â— payeth for her lodging 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arist Ethic. lib. 7. cap. 11. reward unto your selves Fifthly He hath shewed thee [1] Mic. 6.8 Numa Pompilius haec omnia quasi monitu deae Egeriae quo magâ—s barbari acciperent L. Florus lib. 1. cap. 2. O man Man is dust and ashes And that God himself should design to shew man what is good This is a fifth particular worthy your Thanksgiving They who collect the lives of the Philosophers are very exact in naming whose scholars whose hearers they were It is praise enough for Carneades that [2] Nisi Chrysippus esset ego noa essem said Carâ—eades Chrysippus taught him For Aristotle that ten yeares together he learned knowledge from divine Plato If Cleanthes be the Disciple of Zeno Cicero may safely term him a [3] Stoicum majorum gentium Stoick of the highest rank Nor could that [4] Cicero Oratour do more for his own [5] Marcus son then to place him under Cratippus and that too in Athens Therefore St. Paul spake well for himself in declaring how he had been [6] Compare Acts 22.3 with Acts 5.34 40 bred up not only in Jerusalem but also at the feet of Gamaliel It is a felicity well worthy [7] Rari sunt qâ—â—i philosophantur Ulpian de excusotionib leg 5. our prayses if Pythagoras or Plato Socrates or Solon Plutarch or Seneca Justin or Lipsius Cook or Littleton may be able to instruct any of us wherein we may passe this transitory life unto our best advantage but more far more worthy our prayses it is if the wholsome waters whereof we drink be pumped not out of the head of some mortal man but out of the fountain of living water The Precepts which we follow are like those of Xenophon to Cyrus they are Basilicon Doron they are Eikon Basilike they are not the scattered sentences of obscure Sibylls nor the doubtful responses of Delphick Apollo nor the carnal delusions of a seducing Mahomet no they are the divine wisdome of the blessed Spirit the safe counsel of the Son of God the immediate Oracles of God himself You see then a fifth particular within this Kingdom of grace preparing unto us plentiful matter of thankfulnesse namely the satisfaction that we find in having so great [8] Christ is truly
such a one as by Valerius Maximus lib. 7. Pythagoras was caâ—â—ed Peafectissimum sapientiae opus and as Socrates Humanae sapientiae quasi terresire oraculum and as the same Socrates by Eunapius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A living Image of wisdom Blessed were 1 Kings 10.8 Solomons Servaats behold a greater then Solomon is here an Author of those heavenly instructions by which we learn to lead a heavenly conversation while we are here upon earth we who walk by Scripture Rules are followers not of men but of God we are the Disciples not of Zeno or of Plato but of the person speaking in my Text. But Sixthly Godlinesse hath [1] 1 Tim. 4.8 the promise of this life St. John hath some encouragement then to wish the [2] John 2.3 health and wealth of Gajus his body and estate when the soul of Gajus prospereth The earth is [3] Psal 24.1 the Lords and the fulnesse thereof But what doth He with it Answ The precious things of the earth and the fulnesse thereof he giveth unto [4] Deut. 33.16 Josephs seed even unto the seed of them that delight [5] Psal 112.1 2 3 4 greatly in his Commandements Truth it is a mans life consisteth not in [6] Luke 12.15 Psalm 37.16 the abundance of things which he possesseth Rather feed me with food convenient for me then give me Riches saith [7] Pro. 30.8 Agur. But presupposing a plentiful estate of all conditions the best for a true member of the Church a plentifull estate [8] Psal 84.11 1 Cor. 3.22 he shall have Have it he shall but shall not be bound to it I mean he shall be unto it not a [1] Tit. 3.5 James 4.3 Eccles 4.8 servant but a Master Have it he shall and shall also have a [2] Tit. 2.24 5.18 19 power to use it moderately as if he [3] 1 Cor. 7.31 used it not viz. not [4] Psal 52 7 trusting in it neither [5] Psal 49.6 boasting of it nor [6] Psal 62.10 setting his heart upon it Indeed herein is one signal difference betwixt a man that is and a man that is not a faithful subject of the Kingdome of grace He that is not a subject unto the scepter of this Kingdome of grace is so full of usurpation that like one ill-bred he applyeth himself unto Creature-comforts neither [7] and yet Matth. 7.7 8 Leave is light asking leave nor [8] See 1 Thess 5.18 Quis enim non eâ—ubescat gratiam beae de se merentibus non referre cum videat etiam Tobit 6. 1 Sam. 1.3 bestias refugâ—re crimen ingrati D. Ambros lib. 6. Exam c. 4. rendring thanks whereas a man truly gracious enjoyeth the same the very same creatures and comforts which the wicked person doth but he enjoyeth them with (9) Rom. 8.28 Heb. 13.5 1 Tim. 4.4 better security and in greater [10] Rom. 11.36 1 Cor. 10.31 measure then doth the wicked person For instance The sound Believer hath in him so much good manners that he will not once meddle with the Creature unlesse he first obtain the (11) See ver 27.28 leave and good liking of the blessed Creatour Again he hath the wit to make the most and the â—est of this worlds goods namely while he useth these worldly Comforts not according unto his own shallow imagination but accordingly as the good Word of his God (12) Phil. 4.8 instructeth him Furthermore He is so humbly (13) Gen. 18.27 32.10 thankful that in whatsoever he possesseth he seeketh to observe please and credit not (14) Psal 145.11 115.1 1 Chro. 29.11 Jer. 9.23 24 Matth. 16.24 himself but his Lord and Saviour so much duty so much affection oweth he unto his most bountiful God that whether the (15) Job â— 21 22 Lord giveth or the Lord taketh away still he patiently and most contentedly blesseth the name of the Lord. To wit his care is not to (16) Matth. 6.19 lay up for himself treasures here upon earth but how to (17) 1 Pet. 4.11 1 Tim. 4.5 make the best and the most sanctifies use that he possibly can of every present (18) Heb. 13.5 portion wherewith he is already entrusted Mean while as the more he is entrusted the more he endeavoureth to be (19) 1 Cor. 4.2 Luke 16.10 11 12 found faithful so the more faithful he is found the (20) Mat. 25.23 more he is entrusted whereupon it followeth that wealth and riches shall be (21) Psalm 112.3 in his house It is said Riches and honour (1) Pro. 8.18 are with wisdome and justly for no person is so well able to make the best of either riches or honour as is he who is (2) Pro. 9.10 Tit. 1.15 spiritually wise The same Ark which made (3) 1 Sam. 5.6 the hand of God so heavy upon the men of Ashdod was a (4) 2 Sam. 6.12 blessing unto the house of Obed Edom. That Bishop who is a (5) Heb. 13.17 spiritual Over-feer of soules the greater (6) 1 Sam. 1.15 26 1 Kings 18.13 Lord he is the greater (7) 1 Sam. 1.40 2 Chron. 23 11-21 24.2 Prov. 11.10 good he doth and He is most worthy to be a Magistrate who is as (8) Miâ—aâ— 6.8 holy as powerful If when Solomon petitioneth for Wisdome what Wisdome he seeketh he seeketh wot for his own but (9) 1 Kings 3 8-13 for his Gods sake Solomon shall have wealth at will once let it appear that Joseph refuseth to (10) Gen. 39.9 10 sin against God and whatsover Joseph doth (11) Gen. 23. shall prosper Make Abraham a (12) Rom. 4.11 Father of the faithful and Abraham shall (13) Gen. 23.6 fare like a Prince He and Elisha understood what they did when the one would not (14) Gen. 14.23 accept spoiles from the King of Sodom nor the other a (15) 2 Kings 5.15 26 blessing from Naaman I wisse The Possessor of (16) Gen. 14.22 heaven and earth doth (17) Compare Gen. 15.1 with Psa 23.1 118.9 more for us every minute of the day then all the Princes of Syria and Kings of Sodom can do for us in an age Philosophers conclude that wheresoever there is light there is heat Sure I am wheresoever the Gospel shineth as the Sun there (18) Compare Matth. 21.9 with Psal 118.25 See also Psalm 36.8 31.19 1.3 the earth it self will be the warmer The operations of the soul are (1) Eph. 4.23 requisite for the exercise of grace the health of the body (2) Psal 51.8 is subservient unto the operations of the soul food and raiment (3) Matth. 6.25 1 Tim. 6.8 conduce unto the health of the body no marvail then if (4) Deut. 8.4 Nehem. 9.21 all things pertaining unto life are made subordinate unto the things (5) 2 Pet. 1.3 appertaining unto godlinesse See saith Isaac (6) Gen. 27.27 28 The smell
Rom. 13.14 our example and [27] Mat 17.5 1 Cor. 1.30 Phil. 3.9 merit His universal obedience hath [28] Gal. 2.16 fulfilled the whole Law [29] Gal. 3.13 in our stead His [30] 1 Cor. 1.30 sanctification is made ours because he is holy we are reputed holy because he is righteous we are (31) Esay 13.11 reputed righteous nâ—y his very Sonship is (32) Gal. 4.5 6 ours He is Son of God by (33) Psalm 110.1 nature we by the (34) Eph. 1.5 adoption of his Spirit for this cause he is not (35) Heb. 2.11 ashamed to call us brethren and to acknowledge His Father to be (36) John 20.17 Our father But though Jonathan keepeth (37) 1 Sam. 18.14 his bow his sword and his robes to himself David will love Jonathan for (38) 1 Sam. 18.3 Jonathans sake True of the fulnesse of Christ we all (39) John 1.16 receive grace for grace and whatsoever duties we owe unto God them Jesus Christ performeth (40) Eph. 5.2 Tit. 2.14 in our name and stead but did he neither secure us from wrath nor procure us benefits yet still Jesus is the (41) Magni Parentis non minor filius Chara Dei sobo'es magnum Jovis incrementum Or as Aurelius Symmachus of Boethius Illud pretiocijsimum humani generis decus gracious Son of a gracious Father we should love Jesus both for his Fathers sake and for his own sake Mean while He who spared not his own Son but hath (42) Rom. 8.3 given him up to our nature to our infirmities to our sorrowes to the wrath and death due to us he that giveth to us and thus giveth to us his Son how shall he not with him also freely give us all things Wherefore thanks be unto God (43) Rom. 7.25 through Jesus Christ our Lord yea thandks be unto God for Jesus Christ our Lord. The last matter of Thankfulnesse which I now propose while we abide here within this kingdome of grace is Gods love to mankind The (1) 2 Cor. 4.6 face of Jesus Christ could never be so full of (2) 2 Cor. 3.18 smiles to us-ward but that the God and (3) 1 Pet. 1.3 father of our Lord Jesus Christ is toward us so (4) John 3.16 Rom. 5.8 infinitely compassionate We (1) Mat. 18.3 1 John 4.4 John 13.33 little children conscious of our demerit (2) Jer. 31.18 Zech 12.10 1 John 1.10 bemoan our selves we cry we (3) Mic. 4.9 cry out aloud because we have done (4) Rom. 3.23 a very great fault (5) Mc 5.5 Peace (6) Ephes 2.10 15 17 peace saith the father of our mercies wipe (8) Esay 54.4 6 8 30.19 away all tears from your eyes I will not (7) Jer. 31.34.33.8 punish you you be (9) Esay 43.12 44.22 blamelesse and (10) Esay 40.2 55.7 8 righteous and (11) Esay 53.11 John 1.29 perfect You did not (12) Num. 23.21 commit the offence but my (13) Isa 42.1 servant did with you I am well pleased I was angry not with you but with my (14) Isa 53.10 servant Ah (15) Mar. 15.28 2 Cor. 5.2 naughty servant I have (16) Isa 53 3-10 beaten him but you be (17) Eph. 1.6 good children Come turn (18) Isa 51.11 your sorrow into gladnesse and your mourning into joy Love me (19) 1 Joh 4.19 John 14.15 16 little children I your (20) 1 Joh 3.16 father love you kisse (21) 2 Sam. 14.33 Psalm 2.12 and be (22) Eph. 2.16 2 Cor. 5.18 Col. 1.20.21 friends Other Kings whip their high-born sons upon their Pages back this King of heaven and earth he spareth his vilest servants and scourgeth them upon the shoulders of his most glorious Son His justice against us the avenging God must satisfie but so he loveth us that rather then we should endure everlasting imprisonment he (1) Psalm 40.7 8 got his own Son to be (2) Heb 7.22 surety for us By this advantage the severity of his just execution he extendeth not against us who brake his whole Law but (3) Esay 53 3-10 against him who (4) Matth. 3.15 5.17 John 19.30 fulfilled every tittle of it not upon us who deserve eternal death but against him who hath right (5) 1 Tim. 6.16 unto a Crown of life not upon us who daily rebel against him but upon Him who (6) John 4.34 5.30 6.38 ever delighteth to do his will not upon us the guilty and ungodly but upon him (7) 1 Pet. 3.18 the innocent and righteous not upon us who were (8) Ephes 2.3 by nature the children of his wrath but upon him who is by nature (9) Matth. 3.17 the Son of his love So God loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that (10) John 3.16 whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life God is of (1) Hab. 1.13 purer eyes then to behold our (2) Zech. 3.4 filthy garments therefore he (3) Esay 61.10 adornetk us with the Robes of his only Son He cannot excuse us while we take our own courses therefore he (4) Eph. 5.26 27 Tit. 2.14 sanctifieth us by the Word and Spirit of his own Son He cannot affect us as we abide (5) Ezek. 16.6 polluted in our sins therefore he taketh the (6) Revel 1.5 1 Pet. 1.19 1 John 1.9 2.2 heart-blood of his dear Son and therewith washeth away our stains and guilt [7] Ephes 1.4 He cannot exalt us while we abide strangers and enemies therefore he electeth us to be his (8) Rom. 6.22 servants (9) John 15.14 15 friends and (10) 1 John 3.1 children and to (11) Isa 54.5 let us see how great a kindnesse he hath for us he (12) 2 Cor. 11.2 Ephes 5.30 Matth. 25.10 Revel 21.2 giveth us in marriage unto the Heir of all things even unto his only begotten Sonne whom he ever embraceth within his bosome infinitely loving him loving him every whit as dearly as he loveth himself yea the Lord God (13) Heb. 1.4 2.7 exalteth him in our nature (14) Phil. 2.9 Heb. 2.9 Esay 53.10 12 49.6 Psalm 2.8 because our nature is by him exalted In Jesus Christ the Wonderful God revealeth unto us unsearchable (1) Col. 2.3 1.26 Ephes 3.8 9 10 1 Tim. 3.16 1 Pet. 1.20 12 Treasures of wisdome infinite Riches of (2) Ephes 1.6 7 2.5 7 2 Tim. 1.9 Rom. 3.24 1 Cor. 2.12 Revel 21.6 22.18 free grace ineffable bowels of loving kindnesses I challenge all the Poets among the Heathens to invent nay to imitate (3) 2 Pet. 1.16 either such a Tragedy or such a Comedy as in relation as well unto us as unto themselves is divinely acted by the Father the Son and the holy Ghost three persons in one God for ever blessed Let Pharaoh (1) Gen 41.43 make Joseph Ruler of
they take sanctuary in heaven Answ 4. Mansions as they import protection so they imply [1] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi Stabiles mansiones continuance of that protection Tents may be soon taken down soon removed Mansion-houses [2] Esay 33.20 not so Christians Upon earth we are all of us [3] Jer. 35.7 Rechabites we have here [4] Hâ—b 13.14 no continuing City the City of God that endureth for ever Answ 5. Mansions serve as well for convenience as for continuance The Jewish Temple which was so [1] Psalm 15.1 Revel 11.19 absolute a Type of the Temple of God in new Jerusalem was if [2] Ezek. 40.44 45 46 duly considered as well a Colledge as a Temple About it were [3] Jer. 35.4 store of Chambers built for those Priests and Levites which ministred before the Lord Friends so many of us as wait upon the Lord [4] Psalm 23.4 need fear no night no servant of this Lord shall want for lodging so professedly are the mansions in my fathers house allotted unto the followers of Jesus Christ that death shall only [5] Esay 26.20 bring us unto our chambers Answ 6. Mansions comprehend not only convenience but delight and that first in regard of the building next in regard of the furniture First Our out-houses are meanly built of hay stubble mud or such like Our outward buildings are ordinarily neglected as are those vessels of dishonour which lumber them or the cattle which we house in them may they be warm for the cattle necessary for businesse or serviceable for out-uses all is passing well not so with (1) See Revel cap. 21. our mansion-house that if any is of stone-work if not of Marble curiously hewen and carved Next as of the two the faebrique is more excellent so the furniture We will hardly be at the charge of plaistering our barns or hovils much lesse do we either wainscot or hang them But if we have any Bed Table Stool Candlestick c. let them be (1) 2 Kings 4.10 furniture for the Prophets lodging-room if the world hath any Purple Needlework Gold or Pearl let them be (2) see Exod. cap. 36. cap. 37. cap. 38. cap. 39. set apart for the dwelling place of the most High Unto our Mansion-houses we bring our houshold-stuffe our substance our riches our treasures our plate our furniture our tapestry c. Our Mansion-houses we make and keep as neat as pleasant as delightful as the condition of our private estates will permit Beloved these mansions in my Text are all of them (3) Domum apud patrem habâ—o cam â—ae vobis paratam to lodgè â—oculentissim â—n amplissimam bo t is omnibus instructâ—ssiâ—un Jac. Capellus in Joan 14.2 furnished not according unto the lownesse of our mean condition but according unto the majesty and honour of the high and mighty Lord of all things The royal Treasures the Princely Ornaments of every mansion within this Palace speak their owner a great king even a (3) Psalm 24.7 king of glory Therefore as you will finde them glorious mansions so you do finde them Many Mansions Jesus Christ had (1) John 13.36 newly informed Cephas whither I go thou canst not follow me now but thou shalt follow me hereafter This the other Disciples who then stood by (2) John 13.33 over-heard over-hearing this their hearts were troubled Thought they (3) Vide in Joan. 14.1 Tâ—rinum Molâ—â—â—â—tâ—m Jaâ—teni concord Evenâ— cap. 134 what shall become of us Peter he shall follow Christ but poor we may be left (4) John 14.18 comfortlesse behind No saith Jesus I (5) John 14.2 deal plainly with you Were it so I would have told you but in my Fathers house are many mansions mansions enough for Peter enough for my self enough for you and for thousands more besides you Object Many are called but (1) Matth. 20.16 few are chosen Strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life and (2) Matth. 7.14 few there be who finde it Answ 1. Verily this is one reason why I have openly endeavoured to roll every stone from your heart Alas the unbelief of many among us did never yet trouble their thoughts They accept an (1) Qui Christiani nominis opus non agit Christianus non esse videtur Salvian de Dei Gub. lib. 4.2 Tim. 2.19 3.5 Revel 3.1 James 2.20 idle fruitlesse opinionative knowledge instead of a firm belief in God and his Christ They promise unto themselves these mansions in my Fathers house whereas except they repent they shall never (2) Heb. 12.14 step toward them They have a name that they live but are dead By their (3) Matth. 7.20 fruits you may know it God will not put that into their heads which they cast at their heels if they (4) Acts 13.46 judge themselves unworthy of everlasting life it is just with God not to (5) See Dr. Selater upon 2 Thes 1.5 â—1 accompt them worthy of his calling But mine APOLOGIE in behalf of my God is that although few there be who work out (6) Phil. 2.12 their Salvation Christ (7) 2 Cor. 5.15 dyed for all Though few there be who finde that Jesus Christ is the (8) John 14.6 only way which leadeth unto life in Jesus Christ is everywhere (9) John 10.10 offered Life more abundant Answ 2. Although in comparison of all them for whom [1] 1 John 2.2 Rom. 5.18 Jesus Christ dyed they that perish [2] Matth 7.13 are many yet in comparison of them whom Jesus Christ might justly [3] Rom. 3.9 23 1 Sam. 2.30 have rejected they who belive unto salvation have need of many mansions for they are many Compare the [4] John 10.16 flock of sheep with the [5] Matth. 25.38 herd of goats and a [6] Luke 12.32 little flock it is but recollect how many of these sheep the [7] 1 Pet. 5.8 wolfe would have devoured and you will then grant that over what it might have been this little flock abideth a [8] John 10.16 Psalm 84.7 Revel 7.9 great flock There were in numerably more fishes left in the Sea then [9] Luke 5.6 taken yet the [10] ibid. Text saith They enclosed a great multitude of fishes Although more are without the pale of the Church then within it yea although more are in the Church then of it yet multi udes of Believers there are whom these Fishers of men convert True many are those unthankful wretches which will torment themselves in hell-flames but blessed be our Saviour many although not so many are the Saints glorified in Heaven Answ 3. No marvail it is if the mansions in my Fathers house be many since the elect of God cannot be few We finde from the East and from the west [1] Matth. 8.11 many coming to sit down with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the kingdome of heaven Among