him desirous to be vnloosed and to finde ease comfort and refreshing in him but their hearts are euen dead vvithin them and they are strangers from this life of grace and y Gal. 2.20 faith which is in Christ Iesus And no maruell then that there appeares in them so little or no loue of him so small desire to please him and to testifie their loue and thankefulnes vnto him by their new obedience and carefull and conscionable walking in his commandements seeing they neuer tasted fully of the sweetnesse and the exceeding ioy and comfort arising from that wonderfull benefit and vnspeakable mercie which is sealed vp to the soules and consciences of true penitent sinners and such as haue receiued Christ by a sauing faith to be their wisedome z 1 Cor. 1 30. their righteousnesse their sanctification and redemption O mercifull LORD how great is thy goodnesse and mercy towards mee that whereas thou sufferest many yea the greatest part of the world still to wander in the wayes of wickednesse and to sit in the shadow of death and darknesse eyther not seeing their misery and wofull and most wretched estate and condition or else seeing it to be so secure so carelesse and so hard-harted as not to regard it and to labour to come out of it being beguiled through the deceitfulnesse of their owne harts and the craft and delusion of Sathan yet in the vnsearchable riches of thy abundant grace and a 1 Tim. 1 14.17 mercy towards mee in Christ Iesus hast opened mine eyes vvhich before were shut vp as well as others and turned me from darkenesse to light and from the power of Sathan vnto thee my blessed Lord and Sauiour raising mee out of the graue vvherein I was dead and buryed deliuering me from the Kingdome of darkenesse and translating mee into the Kingdome of thy deare Sonne giuing me assurance of the forgiuenesse of my sinnes and a comfortable hope and expectation of that ioyfull inheritance prouided for thy Saints and chosen ones in the highest heauens What shall I returne vnto thee answerable vnto so great loue vnto such fatherly compassions and vnspeakeable mercies of thine towards me Thou mightest haue suffered mee to continue in my blindnesse and ignorance as well as others to haue beene as carelesse as secure and as hard-harted as any others and so to haue perished with them dreaming that all had beene well with me whiles I lay rotting in my naturall and corrupt estate For what am I or what haue I beene that thou shouldest respect me more then others Thou mightst for my sinnes so many and so grieuous iustly haue forsaken mee as thou hast done them But thou hast not so dealt with mee Blessed be thy name both now and euermore O touch my heart with the due meditation of this thy gracious goodnesse towards mee And teach mee daily to labour to feele this worke of thine more and more effectuall in me by renuing my repentance for my sinnes whereby I haue and doe daily and hourely displease thee in the breach of thy righteous lawes and commaundements Let me see my sinnes and transgressions and the misery vvhereunto they make me subiect and seeing them let me bewaile them yea lament and mourne for them and be truely humbled with the consideration of them Let me freely and vnfainedly confesse them vnto thee and that vvith shame and sorrow of heart And let them cause me wholly to renounce my selfe to iudge and condemne my selfe yea to abhorre my selfe and to flie vnto thee in the name of thy Sonne my blessed Sauiour in whom there is mercy and plentifull redemption b Psal 130.7 Let me hunger and thirst after his righteousnesse more then after any thing else vvhatsoeuer yea let me highly esteeme of it and make more precious account of it then of all the riches and treasures of this world desirous though with the losse of all other things to winne Christ and to be found in him clothed and couered with those precious robes of his And let me by the hand of a true sauing faith apply vnto my selfe the merits of his death and passion his righteousnesse his obedience and his full and perfect satisfaction being certainly assured that all the promises of the Gospell belong vnto me And let the knowledge and full perswasion hereof cause me to reioyce yea to glorie in thee and in this vvonderfull and vnspeakeable mercy of thine towards me euen with that ioy of thy spirit which is most glorious c 1 Pet. 1.8 and fill my heart and soule with that peace which passeth all vnderstanding And with all let it stirre me vp continually to walke before thee in all holy obedience desiring and endeauouring in all things to please thee and to approue my selfe and all my actions vnto thee dying daily more and more vnto sinne and liuing vnto righteousnesse and labouring by all meanes to bee cleansed from all filthinesse both of flesh and spirit and to grow vp to full holinesse d 2 Cor. 7 1 in thy feare that thus I may haue good euidence that I am thine that thou hast wrought thy gracious vvorke in me and wilt perfect it daily more and more till thou bringest me vnto that glory which thou hast prepared for me in thy heauenly kingdome through the merits of thy Sonne my blessed Lord and Sauiour to whom with thee and thy Spirit be all praise power and dominion both now and euermore Amen The godly man is alwaies blessed neuer miserable THe godly cannot but be alwaies blessed * Iob. 5.17 yea then when he seemes to be most miserable in the eye of the vvorld and to sense and carnall reason For when he is at the worst hee hath those things vvhich hee would haue being contented with any a Phil. 4.11 estate which the wise and gracious disposer of all things seeth fittest for him yea he cannot haue better things in regard of his present estate in this life then those things vvhich he hath and enioyeth euen then when he is laden and oppressed vvith many miseries Is he humbled through afflictions this is that which he vvould haue b Ier. 10.24 Iames 1.2 10 he had rather be continually vnder the Crosse then destitute of those excellent graces of c Rom. 5.3 patience humility d Mat. 11.29 Ioh. 12.26 without which he cannot be the disciple of Christ nor approued of God e Psal 4.6 119.13.5 of vvhom aboue all things he desires to be accepted and fauoured Is he poore he is vvell contented therewith seeing he is largely recompensed with the greater supply of those better riches * Phil. 4.19 those heauenly treasures both of grace and glory Hee would not change his portion with the greatest and richest Monarch in the world that aboundeth in worldly wealth f Psal 4.6.7 and wanteth those spirituall and heauenly treasures which he enioyeth and which shall neuer be taken from him vvhereas the
of Spirits i Heb. 12.9 euen the vvhole Trinitie that great and glorious God the splendor and brightnesse of vvhose Maiestie is so great that the eye of no mortall creature k 1 Tim. 6 16 now were able to behold the same Hence vvhen Moses not throughly vveighing his owne vveakenesse besought the Lord to see his glory hee receiued this answere from the Lord l Exod. 33.18.20 Thou canst not see my face for there shall no man see me and liue But they then shall see his face that is the fulnesse of his glory as farre as the nature of man is able to comprehend the same for neither man nor any creature else can perfectly discerne his whole nature for that is infinite they finite and limited vvith certaine bonds which they cannot passe They shall see him not as in a glasse m 1 Cor. 13.12 as they doe in the time of this life here vpon earth darkely obscurely and as it vvere a farre off but euen as hee is n 1 Ioh. 3.2 yea they shall haue his name written vpon their foreheads o Reuel 3.12 22.44 they shall liue with him in that glorious mansion hauing as farre as their nature is capable fellowship and communion vvith him reioycing in his presence vvith ioy vnspeakeable and glorious nay p Reuel 3.20 Ioh. 14.23 dining and supping with him in a manner at that heauenly table being continually fed with that pleasant Manna the food of Angels and refreshed vvith those pure waters which flow vncessantly from the throne of God wondering at the glory the might Maiestie of their Creatour yea wondering and admiring at their owne blessednesse which is farre aboue that the heart of man q 1 Cor. 2 9. now is able to conceiue or the tongue to expresse Our vnderstandings are too shallow to comprehend these things It is a light which our dimme and weake eyes are not able to behold without dazeling All earthly things are but toyes and trifles and dreames of imaginarie fancies compared thereunto yea vaine vanities r Eccl. 1.1 The Queene of Sheba s 1 Kin. 10 8 counted them happy that might stand euer in the presence of king Salomon Oh then how blessed and happie are they that stand continually in the presence of that glorious God seeing and admiring his wisedome his glory and vnspeakeable Maiestie yea liuing raigning and triumphing with him in fulnesse of ioy and happinesse for euermore who doth not wonder at their blessednesse If Peter was so rauished when hee saw Christ in his transfiguration on the Mount vvith those two worthees of his Moses and Elias attending vpon him that he forgat his home his wife and familie breaking forth into that speach Master it is good for vs to be heere t Mat. 17.4 Le ts make this our mansion place Let vs here builde vs Tents and Tabernacles to dwell in How much more must all the Saints needs reioyce yea be euen swallowed vp with ioy and admiration when they shall behold the diuine and glorious Maiestie of the Sonne of God yea of the whole Trinitie the great God of Heauen and Earth not onely haue a glance or glimpse of his glory but fully behold it as much as the nature of man is able when they shal enioy the presence of that glorious Maiestie when they shall haue such heauenly companie and societie euen the companie and societie of God himselfe the Father of lights v Iam. 1.17 of Christ Iesus their Sauiour of the Holy Ghost their comforter of all the Saints and Angels their fellow-brethren x Reuel 22 9. yea of the whole Court of Heauen who together with them make vp one family y Ephes 3.15 What a life is this Who doth not admire at it What a change is this from the estate wherein before they were For whiles they continued here vpon earth as Pilgrims and Strangers z Heb. 11.13 from their owne Countrie they were constrained to liue amongst the wicked of all sorts Sathans imps children of Beliall a Iudg. 19.22 who did continually vexe molest them b Prou 6.12.14 2 Pet. 2.8 vvith their prophane and vngodly courses being as the Cananites vvere to the Israelites prickes in their sides and thornes in their eyes making their hearts to ake within them and causing them to complaine with the holy man of God d Psa 120.5 Wo is me that I dwel in Meshec and that I haue my habitation among the tents of Kedar Or with that other who was led by the same spirit e Ier. 9.2.20 Oh that I had in the Wildernesse a cottage of wayfaring men that I might leaue this people this naughtie and crooked generation * Phi. 2.15 and be gone farre off from them Oh that I might once leaue this drie barren wildernes wherein there bee so many cruell and sauage beasts on euery side Lions f Nahu 2.11 Psal 22.13 2 Tim. 4.17 Tygers Wolues g Mat. 10.16 Foxes h Luke 13.32 i Pro. 17.12 Beares c. which are ready to prey vpon mee and to deuoure me Thus it was with them whiles they liued in this wretched and sinnefull world k 1 Ioh. 5.19 Mat. 13.41 1 Cor. 5.10 where there is a mixture of all sorts But now it is farre otherwise with them in steade of these they are receiued into the company and fellowship of all the Saints and Angels yea of God himselfe l Psal 16.11 in whose presence is fulnesse of ioy and at whose right hand there are pleasures for euermore I might lead thee further to a more ful distinct view of the maner of that blessed and glorious life which the Saints together in the presence of God shall enioy in that place of glory happines into which they are to be receiued yea I might euen wilder both my selfe and thee whiles I wander with thee in the varietie and plentie of matter which here doth offer it selfe vnto me and put me to a stand knowing better where to beginne then to end To keepe within some limits The life which they shall there leade is marueilous glorious in regard of the exceeding glorie which shal be put both vpon their bodies and vpon their soules They shall bee glorified in both First their bodies to let passe the fruitlesse and vncertaine speculations vvhich some haue broched with more curiositie of speech then euidence of truth their bodies no doubt shall bee very glorious farre aboue that our hearts now are able to conceiue yea so glorious that if now whiles wee are in the flesh wee should see the glorie of one of them euen the meanest of them as it shall then be vve could not be able to looke vpon it but wee would be amazed at the beholding thereof as the Israelites were at the shine vvhich was vpon Moses face when hee came from the Mount after that God had talked vvith him m Exod.
aduersitie like a cold winter pincheth men they complaine much of the hardnesse and extremitie thereof and would gladly bee altogether freed of them forthwith thinking that because they are for the present grieuous therefore they are no waies profitable but onely hurtfull vnto them but afterwards when they are ouer and the rigor and sharpnesse thereof changed into a temperate and warmer spring if they be such as God loueth and as indeuour to make the best vse of his dealings with them then they finde that they haue gained much and receiued no small benefit by them euen that they haue caused the sweet a Heb. 12.11 and quiet fruits of righteousnes of peace and true ioy to budde and to sprout forth in them more then euer otherwise they would haue done to giue them good hope that they shall haue a ioyfull and a more plentifull haruest so that they cannot but in the comfortable experience of the truth thereof say with that holy b Psal 119 71 seruant of God whom the Lord exercised much with his chastisements c Heb. 12.6 because he loued him much that it is good for them that they were afflicted O Lord giue me grace to indure thy fatherly corrections patiently and willingly yea to blesse thee and to be truely thankefull vnto thee for them seeing thou bringest them vpon me in loue for my good euen that being pinched with the extremity therof for a while I might thereby be the better rooted in grace and godlinesse and hauing receiued increase of spirituall sappe and moysture bring forth euer after more abundantly the blessed fruit of faith of hope and true holinesse to the glory of thy name and to the peace and vnspeakeable ioy of mine owne soule and conscience Another to the same effect SEe the Husbandman how great paines he taketh in tilling in sowing and in manuring his ground and how long he d Iam. 5.7 waiteth expecting the former and the later raine hoping howsoeuer for the present he seeth no fruit of his labour yet that at length euen in the due time and season he shall be recompenced with a large croppe and with a plentifull haruest Thus it is with vs that are the children of God This life is our seed-time our haruest in the life to come What though now for a vvhile how little a while e Heb. 10.37 we sow in teares yet are we not to faint but to trust in those gracious promises vvhich the Lord hath made to vs and to rest in hope with patience f Pro. 14.26 being assured that hereafter vvee shall reape in ioy g Psal 126 5 euen the fruits of righteousnesse and holinesse to our endlesse glory and happinesse O mercifull Lord doe thou teach me patiently to wait h Psal 37.1 for the accomplishment of those rich and sweet promises which thou hast made vnto me and vvith full confidence to depend vpon thee alwaies in all things I haue heard once and twise yea oftentimes of the patience of thy Saints i 2 Cor. 6.7 Iames 5.10.11 Heb. 11.36 37 in their miseries and distresse and what end and issue thou gauest vnto them how exceeding gracious thou shewedst thy selfe vnto them after thou hadst for a vvhile tried and afflicted them and found them faithfull and constant Lord let their example be alwaies before mine eyes that so following their steppes in faith in patience and long sufferance in all those afflictions wherewith it shall seeme good to thee vvho knowest what is best for me to trie and exercise me for a season I may bee blessed k Iob. 5.17 and receiue vvith them the l Pro. 16.10 Lamen 3.25.26 Iam. 1.12 Hebr. 11.38.39 promise vvherein I know thou vvilt not fayle me nor any of thine that withdraw not themselues from thee IIII. From the goodnesse of God in deliring his children out of them INto what depthes of miserie a Psal 69.1.2 34.4.19 hast thou brought me O Lord and drawen me out of them againe in thy due time euen in my greatest feares Thou hast shewed thy selfe exceeding gracious vnto mee causing the light b Psal 112.4 97.11 Iob. 33.28 Psal 94.19 of thy countenance to shine vpon me and to refresh me euen vvhen I trembled to see that fearefull darkenesse vvhich vvas readie to ouerwhelme me did thy light thy grace and thy fauour breake forth and inlighten me aboue that I could eyther expect or desire Thou hast suffered me to fall into many and deepe * Ps 88.15 16 2 Cor. 1.8.9 waters wherein I feared that I should sinke and rise no more but thou hast caused me to swim out of them again * 2 Cor. 7.6 thy hand hath drawne me out of those deepe and raging vvaters which did euen runne ouer my soule thou hast deliuered mee and giuen me a ioyfull issue out of all my temptations euen those whereby that cruell enemie and malicious aduersarie thought to haue preuailed most against me and to haue drowned me in eternall perdition O let my Soule neuer cease to sing prayses vnto thee who art my Sauiour and deliuerer Let mee euer giue that glory vnto thy name O my God which is due vnto thee and let me continually in all my necessities in all my distresses tryals and temptations depend wholly and only vpon thee who art my Redeemer in whom I trust and from whom alone commeth saluation Thou hast deliuered my soule from a great death thou hast broken the net wherein I was taken so that I escaped in my greatest danger thou dost deliuer c Psal 34.19 me euery houre euery moment in thee I trust that thou wilt d 2 Cor. 1 10. Iob 5.19 hereafter deliuer mee yea this I know that thou wilt suffer no euill to come vnto mee e Psal 91.10.15.16 but wilt free mee therefrom yea saue me and bring me to glory and happinesse V. From the end and issue of them in that they are the way to Heauen THe children of Israel could not come to Canaan that promised Land which flowed vvith Milke and Honie but they must first passe thorow a desolate a Exod. 16 17.1.3 Num. 14.1.2 21.6 and a dangerous wildernesse where they were exercised vvith many trials and afflictions being sometimes in perill of death by those flying and fiery Serpents sometimes in feare and hazzard of their liues and ready to haue perished with thirst otherwise And in like manner it is with all the children of God his chosen Israel They deceiue b Act. 14.22 Rom. 8.17 themselues if they looke to come vnto that celestiall and heauenly Canaan and to receiue the inheritance vvhich the Lord hath promised them in so good and pleasant a Land before they haue passed thorow the troublesome wildernesse of this euill world where they shall bee c 2 Tim. 3.12 exercised with many trials sundry kind of afflictions Lord sith this is the way to happinesse since by
in no good way but also giue themselues wholly to the practise of wickednesse d Isai 3.8.9 Phil. 3.19 Hose 4.1.2 Psal 55.9.10.11 and vngodlinesse lying e swearing drunkennesse vncleanenesse contempt of the word and blessed ordinances of the Lord prophanation of the Sabbath and many execrable impieties making euen a trade of these Iewde and vvretched courses sporting f Pro. 10.23 themselues therein and hating g Psal 50 17. them that go about to reclaime them from them What shall become of them My heart trembleth to thinke of the fearefull doome vvhich shall passe against them in that great and terrible day of the LORD vvhen hee shall come in flaming fire h 2 Thes 1.8 to giue iudgement i Iud. 14.15 against them and to render vengeance vnto them as they haue deserued My heart trembleth to thinke how vvofull their estate and condition shall then be and me thinkes they should be amazed and astonished vvhen they heare of it or enter into consideration of it For if the vnprofitable seruant shall bee cast into vtter darknesse then doubtlesse they that haue not beene onely vnprofitable and barren of the vvorkes of pietie and charitie but also openly malicious full of vvickednesse i Rom. 1.29.30 enuie deceit backebiting raylers haters of GOD doers of wrong proud inuenters of euill things and practisers of all kinde of mischiefe in a prophane manner they shall bee cast into the outmost part of that vtter darkenesse into the verie depth thereof they shall haue the lowest part in hell the deepe dungeon of Gods wrath Their punishment shal be most fearefull and dreadfull and their end most wretched and miserable As it was said of Iudas k Mat. 26.24 so it may be likewise of them l Isai 3.9.11 5. It had beene good for such that they had neuer beene borne VVoe bee vnto their soules or they bring euill vpon themselues VVoe bee vnto them for they shall eate the fruit of their wayes and of their workes vvherin now they reioyce themselues Let them know assuredly that it shall bee gall and bitternesse to m Ier. 2.19 them in the end Their sinne is n Ier. 2.22 marked out before the LORD and their vengeance sleepeth not vvhen their wickednesse is come to the full growth and ripenesse as the Ammorites was o Gen. 15.16 then the Lord in his iustice will put to his sharpe sickle and cut them downe vvith a dreadfull iudgement and cast them into the VVine-presse of the fiercenesse of his vvrath yea into the very bottome of that bottomlesse pit of endlesse perdition and confusion vvhere they shall be tormented in fiery flames for euermore without all hope of recouery This shall be their lot and portion * Iob. 5.27 if they continue in that estate into vvhich they haue made so fearefull an entrance Heare it p Psal 50.22 Mat. 4.7 Heb. 3.8 all yee that forget GOD tremble at it and seeke in time to escape the vengeance to come q Mat. 24.50 1 Thes 5.3 Harden not your hearts neyther presume to goe on yet further lest it be too late for you to returne and to auoide this vvofull miserie vvhich vvill seize vpon you sooner then you are aware of O mercifull Lord keepe me and all thine from the wickednesse of the vvicked Let vs neuer delight to vvalke in the vvay that pleaseth them seeing the end and issue thereof is so fearefull r Pro. 14.12 how soeuer it seeme vnto them yea let vs bee afraid once to set one foote in it and alwayes most carefully auoyde the occasions vvhich might draw vs vnto it Let not there bee one prophane person s Heb. 12.16 amongest vs that haue taken the profession of thy glorious truth vpon vs But teach vs now and euer to abound in the fruits of righteousnesse and holinesse that so vve may not be found vnprofitable but increase daily more and more seeking to please thee that so vvhen that day of our accounts shall come vvhiles the wicked shall stand trembling at the Barre wee may lift vp our heades vvith confidence and heare that ioyfull sentence from thee t Mat. 25.23 It is well done good seruants and faithfull you haue beene faithfull in a little your glory shall be vnspeakeable Enter into your masters ioy inherite the kingdome prepared for you before the foundation of the world vnto vvhich bring vs in thy good time O mercifull LORD not for any merits or vvorthinesse of ours but onely for thy Sonnes sake our blessed Sauiour and Redeemer to whom with thee and thy Spirit be all praise and glory now and for euer The securitie of the wicked THou seest how it is with people that lye sleeping in a Boat whiles they are caried down the streame they make way apace and come to their appointed place before they are aware thereof So it is with the wicked and vngodly they lye sleeping in carnall securitie whiles Sathan wherries them downe amaine till hee brings them scarce thinking of any such matter to the bottomlesse gulfe of endlesse perdition and confusion Euery houre euery minute they are hastening forward to their destruction in an vnsensible manner and at length they fall sodainly into the depth of it without all recouery and being awakened out of that dead sleepe into which they were cast beginne to wonder at their former carelesnesse yea cry out and send forth many fearefull shrikings and grieuous a Luke 16.24 clamours being as men amazed and euen at their wits end to see the woe and miserie which they haue brought vpon themselues and from which they can neuer be freed neuer released though they had a thousand vvorlds to giue for a ransome Lord suffer me not to sleepe as others doe b 1 Thes 5.6 lest I perish with them A soft and tender heart A Soft and tender heart as it is the gift a Ezek. 11.19 36.26 of God so it is a singular blessing and such as the Lord bestoweth vpon those whom he loueth best and to whom he hath a speciall fauour and purpose to doe them most good both here and hereafter Oh it is his delight to b Isa 57.15 Psa 51.17 Isa 66.1.2 dwell with them and in them by the abundance of his graces and by the presence of his holy and blessed Spirit Hee will reuiue them and giue life vnto them and will neuer depart from them Their sighes and sobs and teares issuing from a heart contrite * Mat. 12.20 and broken for sinne are deare and precious vnto him they are as sweet waters which he keepeth as it vvere in his glasse * Psa 56.8 in his owne closet Happy c Mat. 5.4 is the man that findeth this in him He hath it vnder the Lords hand and seale that he will graciously respect him and cause his soule to liue before him But alas how rare a thing is this How fewe be there
34 29.30 For they shall shine as the brightnesse of the Firmament n Dan. 12.3 as the Starres yea as the Sunne it selfe o Mat. 13.43 when it shineth in his greatest strength and dazeleth the eyes of all the beholders Nay as the Sunne of righteousnesse p Mal. 4.2 CHRIST IESVS himselfe VVee know how glorious his body was in his transfiguration vpon the mount q Mat. 17.2 when he gaue those three Disciples but a glimpse of that resplendent brightnesse wherewith his bodie doth now shine most gloriously Such as was then yea such as is now the glory of his body in the highest heauens such then also shal theirs be For their bodies shall be made conformable vnto his s Phil. 3.21 Now we are the sonnes of God saith that beloued Disciple of Christ Now we t 1 Iohn 3.2 are the sonnes of God euen all the faithfull but yet it doth not appeare what wee shall be But wee know that when hee shall appeare we shall be like him They shall be made like vnto him in glory though not equall They shall haue the same kinde of glory put vpon them though not the same degree and measure As their bodies were some-wayes comformable vnto his in his humilitie and abasement in regard of their sufferings as the Apostle speakes of himselfe v Gal. 6.17 I beare in my body the markes of the Lord Iesus and in regard of their manifold weaknesses and infirmities whereunto they are now continually subiect so then they shall be made conformable vnto his glorious body being beautified with the same glory and shining with the same brightnesse Such as is the Head such shall be the members As the Sunne giueth light vnto all the other Lights of heauen so shall CHRIST vnto all the Saints by communicating his owne glory vnto them Or as the Ayre being inlightned by the light of the Sunne is so transformed into the brightnes thereof that it seemes not so much to be lightened as to be light it selfe so the bodies of the Saints being inlightned with the beames of the glory of GOD and his Sonne Christ Iesus which shall shine vnto them x Ioh. 16.22 and in them shall be euen transformed into the glorious Image of God shining clearely with the brightnesse of that glory which is in the Son of God himselfe When the glory of the Lord reflected vpon Moses vvhiles hee was with him certaine dayes vpon the Mount it made his face to shine so brightly as it was formerly said that the people could not behold him but were afraid to come neare him for the glory of his y Exod. 34.33 2 Cor. 3.7.13 countenance so that hee was faine to put a couering vpon his face and to vaile himselfe because otherwise they were not able to talke with him and to heare that Message which hee had vnto them from the Lord Oh then how glorious must not onely their faces but their whole bodies be who shall not be certaine dayes or yeares but continually in the presence of God in his heauenly Mountaine vvhere hee shall cause all the beames of that vnspeakeable brightnesse and glory of his to be euer reflecting euer shining vpon them Adams body in his integritie was glorious and had a kinde of Maiestie vpon it so that all the Creatures stood in awe z Gen. 2.19 20. Psal 8.6.7 and reuerence of his presence much more shall theirs when liuing in that coelestiall Paradise they shall be made like not that earthly but that heauenly Adam CHRIST IESVS our blessed Lord and Sauiour whose Image they shall then a 1 Cor. 15 48.49 beare The Sunne that glorious creature vvould not so much dazle our eyes if wee should looke full vpon it in the greatest brightnes thereof as the bodies of euery one yea of the least of the Saints would if wee should now behold them in the glory wherewith then they shall be inuested in a wonderfull manner What should I say more The tongue of man is not able to expresse the greatnesse of their glory In briefe then to inlarge this no further whiles the bodies of the wicked like loathsome carkasses shall be vile contemptible inglorious full of shame and confusion yea an abhorring to all flesh b Isa 66.24 theirs shall shine in that brightnesse of glory which is vnspeakeable and rather with comfort to be expected then with words sufficiently expressed They onely who shall be made partakers of it shall know what it is And as their bodies shall be made thus glorious so much more their soules Nay the glory hereof shall as much exceede the other as the Soule it selfe doth excell the body which they that are of any vnderstanding vvill grant to be exceeding much Great yea marueilous great shall the glory thereof be They shall be changed and renued and of a farre more excellent condition then they now are changed I say not in regard of their essence for that shall remaine the same without any difference any alteration but in regard of their qualities which shall be refined and much altered from that they were before of a new stampe and impression as it were inriched with new endowments new ornaments yea the glory of them shall be wonderfull farre aboue that wee are able to thinke or conceiue of them More particularly The Image of God c Eph. 4.24 Col. 3.10 and of Christ which now through sinne is much defaced in them shall then shine forth in them in most glorious manner It is begunne in them here d 2 Cor. 3.18 it shall be perfected there Their Vnderstandings shall bee inlightned to know whatsoeuer may make for their happinesse Whereas now they are ouer-shadowed with much darkenesse then they shall shine most clearely most brightly They shall vnderstand perfectly the whole Mystery of e 1 Tim. 3.16 Godlinesse They shall know God yea see him as he is euen face to f 1 Cor. 13.12 face as much as the nature of a finite and humane creature is able to comprehend the glory of so infinite and so glorious a Maiestie There shall be no darknesse of error or ignorance in them for they shall liue alwayes in the light yea where hee that is the Father of lights g Iam. 1.17 shall continually cast forth his shine vpon them illuminating and inlightning their vnderstandings with the bright beames of his Spirit and making them partakers of the rich treasuries of all heauenly vvisedome and true spirituall knowledge and vnderstanding Great was the knowledge which Adam had in Paradise before his fall when as at the first veiw hee was able to giue vnto euery h Gen. 2.20 creature both Fowles of the Ayre and Beasts of the Field a name according vnto their nature but it was not so great as that which the Saints shall haue in Heauen I list not here to feede the curious Reader with nice speculations of things not reuealed i Deut. 29 29.
dangerous pathes Giue mee eyes to discerne of the true good that vvhereunto I was created and let my heart be wholy set vpon the same let mee not be led as the bruite beast is vvith those things which are sensible and carnall but as in mercy and goodnesse thou hast stamped thine owne Image in mee and set my face to thee-wards so Lord let me alwayes be looking vp vnto thee and meditating of those things vvhich are spirituall and heauenly Psal 119.148 that so after a few dayes spent heere below on this sinnefull earth in these earthly cottages where there is nothing but miserie and vanitie I may liue with thee aboue in those coelestiall mansions and enioy that glory and happinesse vvhich is endlesse and vnspeakeable and that onely through the merits of thy Sonne my blessed Sauiour and Redeemer who hath purchased so great things for me to whom vvith thee and thy gracious spirit be all prayse and glory both now and euermore Amen The end of the Preface Election WHY the LORD hath elected vs vnto life and suffâ—red others to vvalke in the way vnto death and euerlasting perdition there can no reason bee giuen but onely this that it was his owne good will and pleasure Rom. 9.11 11.5 Gal. 4.9 2 Tim. 1.9 Ephes 1.5 Iam. 1.18 it is so because it pleased him it should bee so Oh then how infinitely are the Lords chosen bound vnto him in that he hath taken them vnto himselfe and let goe thousands of others who deserued this fauour at his hands as much as they did How should their harts be inflamed towards him for that so free vnspeakeable loue and kindnesse towards them How should it euen inforce them to seeke by all meanes to testifie their vnfained loue and thankefulnesse vnto him for the same Rom. 15.36 Ephes 1.6 Col. 1.12 O blessed Lord how vvonderfull is thy goodnesse towards me how vnsearchable are the riches of thy free grace which through thy Christ thou hast vouchsafed vnto me denying the same vnto others who might haue made as good claime vnto it as I. Thou hast written my name in thâ— booke of life when thou mightst haue suffered mee to haue my part and portion amongst those that being reiected and forsaken of thee and cast out of thy presence shall perish and be damned for euermore Thou hast chosen me vnto life and saluation before all worlds without any merits or deserts of mine euen because it pleased thee O Father and because thou hadst a loue vnto me thou hast chosen me to be one of that small number that little flocke of thine Luk. 12.32 foâ— whom thou hast prepared a kingdome and in whom thou wilt make the riches of thy grace and glory to appeare in most glorious manner Oh what shall I returne vnto thee Psa 116.12 answerable vnto this marueilous loue and goodnesse of thine towards me O doe thou affect my heart with it continually let the remembrance thereof constraine mee to loue thee to reuerence thee to sing praises vnto thee yea to seeke by all meanes to glorifie thee being feruent in the duties of pietie and holinesse vvhich thou hast commanded and fruitfull in all those good workes vvhich thou hast prepared for mee to walke in Graunt this I beseech thee for thy mercies sake and for the merits of thy deere Sonne my blessed Lord and Sauiour in whom thou imbracedst mee from euerlasting with so great loue and fatherly compassions and to whom with thee and that good spirit of thine which hath sealed the assurance hereof vnto mee be ascribed as due is all honour 2 Cor. 1.22 glory prayse Maiestie dominion both now and for euer Amen Those that are elected vnto life and saluation are elected also vnto the meanes whereby to attaine vnto the same IF GOD hath ordayned mee vnto life saith the carelesse and secure wretch I shall be saued doe I what I will or liue I how I list and if otherwise I must needes be damned doe I what I can or what course soeuer I take and therefore soule liue at ease Eccl. 11.9 sport thy selfe in the pleasures and delights of sinne walke in the wayes of thy heart and in the sight of thine eyes let all griefe be put farre from thee take no thought for the time to come for howsoeuer thy life be thou shalt surely come vnto the end which is appoynted for thee and whereunto thou art destinated and ordayned of olde O vaine man how hath Sathan deluded thee yea how wilfully and foolishly doest thou deceiue thy selfe and beguile thine owne soule whilest thou reasonest after such a fond and strange manner thereby laying a snare with which if thou bewarest not in time thou art sure to be intangled to thy vtter confusion Deut. 29.19.20 See thy folly If God hath decreed that thou shalt liue any longer thou shalt liue till the date of that time be expired which hee hath appoynted though thou neyther eate nor drinke nor vse any meanes to preserue thy life and if he hath decreed that thou shalt die shortly thou must needs dye then what meanes soeuer thou seekest to continue and prolong thy life wilt thou therefore hereupon refuse thy meate and neglect the meanes whereby thy life should be maintained and preserued reasoning with thy selfe in this wise if God hath appointed that I shall liue then I shall liue without the vse of these and if otherwise I must dye of necessitie all the world cannot helpe mee would not thine owne reason conuince thee of great senslesnesse herein and would not all that should heare of thee condemne thee for thy simplicitie yea extreame folly in that as one destitute of all vnderstanding thou vvouldest through such a sottish opinion breake in sunder the thread of thy life before the time and euen wilfully hasten thine owne destruction and in a desperate moode digge a pit for to bury thy selfe in before thou wert dead yea when as thou mightst yet see many dayes in the Land of the liuing Good Lord although the foolish and vngodly perish in their vaine and vvicked imaginations yet let not any of thy seruants fall into their snares but giue true wisedome and vnderstanding vnto all those that loue and feare thy Name Grant that as wee desire the end which vvee hope for euen life and glory in thy Kingdome so wee may be alwayes carefull to vse those meanes duely Ephes 1.4 1 Pet. 1.2 whereby vve may attaine vnto the same working out our saluation with feare and trembling and that as wee are desirous to escape death and destruction so wee may be as carefull to shun those things which are the cause and procurers thereof and to auoid those paths which lead directly to the congregation of the dead and damned Thus doing vvee shall not dye but liue and be saued eternally The Booke of Nature NExt vnto the Booke of Bookes the sacred and holy Scriptures which
louing thee inwardly in heart soule and manifesting my loue towards thee by the fruits effects of it in my life and conuersation I may euerie day haue more full assurance of thy especiall loue towards me and comfortable experience of the riches of thy grace and mercy sealed vnto my soule conscience yea I may see by the fruits and pledges of thy loue that thou louest me and delightest in me and wilt cause thy gracious countenance to shine vpon me all my daies yea that thou wilt refresh my soule in the midst of my troubles and cause my fainting spirits to reuiue within me when death shal be ready to seize vpon me and assoone as death shall put an end to this fraile and sinfull life wilt stretch forth thy hand to imbrace me with thy armes and to translate me immediatly by the ministery of thy Angels h Luk. 16.22 into that blessed and glorious kingdome of thine where I shall enioy thy presence see thee face to face and haue the bright beams of thy louing countenance shining alwaies most clearely and comfortably vpon me to thy endlesse praise and glorie and my vnspeakable felicitie and happinesse for euermore and all this through the merits and mediation of thy blessed Sonne my onely Sauiour and Redeemer in whom it hath pleased thee graciously to respect me and to whom with thee O Father and the spirit of grace and loue three persons and one most glorious God be all praise dominion and thanksgiuing from this time forth and for euer Amen Loue of the children of God IT is impossible to loue God and to hate his image to loue Christ who is the head and to hate Christians who are his members Nay the more that any one loues the one the more must he of necessitie loue the other and the more his affection increaseth toward God the more also it will increase towards those that are the children of God resembling him in their measure in the inward graces and vertues of their mindes puritie righteousnesse holinesse and the rest of those diuine a Mat. 5.43 perfections wherein he hath set himselfe as a patterne and president to be imitated and followed of them He loues them intirely and vnfainedly because hee seeth that he is nearely tied vnto them by many and strait bonds as being members b 1 Cor. 12.27 of one bodie children of one father c Math. 5.45 Ephe. 4.6 brethren d Mat. 12 50 Heb. 2.12 of one Saâ—â—our fed e 1 Cor. 10 17. at one table where they haue mutuall communion and fellowship in one f 1 Cor. 12.13 Ephes 4.4 and the same spirit nourished with the same meat in the word and Sacrament liuing together in one and the same familie which is the visible Church g Heb. 11.31 1 Pet. 2.11 stangers togither in this world and trauelling as pilgrimes towards the same countrey that heauenly Canaan h 2 Tim. 4 7. souldiours fighting together vnder the same banner the profession of the same faith i Ephe. 4.5 and against the same common enemie the deadly enemie of all mankinde Sathan and his complices and confederates partakers of the same grace of Gods holy and sanctifying spirit and ioynt-heires with Christ of the same glory reserued for them and all the Saints in the highest heauens Being so nearely allied and so straitly vnited mutually each to other by so many bands so many Obligations how can it be but that they should loue one another with an entire and Christian affection in truth and sincerity without vanity and flatterie Shamelesse k Iohn 4.20 lyars therefore they are who glory in word that they are of God and yet shew forth by their deeds that they haue no loue to his children but hate and despise them or at least make little reckoning of them If there were nothing else this were enough to conuince them that they are not yet admitted into this fellowship called to this brotherhood but remaine still as they were bred and borne Ioh. 8.44 1 Ioh. 3.27 the bastardly brood of Sathan vnto whom and to his impes they are ioyned in the same league of friendship and familiaritie m Pro. 29.27 1 Pet. 4.4 hating and iniurying them who vvill not be n Gen. 49.5 brethren with them in iniquitie and vanitie O Lord knit my heart daily more vnto thee in an vnfained loue of thee my God who hast loued me so dearely and in an entire and Christian loue and affection vnto thy children to whom thou hast linked and fastened me with so many bonds let me loue them not in tongue or in vvord onely o Iohn 3.18 but in deed and in truth as it becommeth me and manifest my loue towards them in seeking by all meanes to the vttermost of my strength and power to procure their good euery way yea the more that they doe appeare to be thine the more thy graces doe shine in them the more let my loue and affection increase towards them the more let me seeke to doe them good Hereby shall I haue a certaine proofe and a sure euidence that I loue thee vnfainedly seeing I loue thine for thy sake yea hereby my heart shall assure me before thee that I p 1 Ioh. 3.19 am in the truth I shall haue a comfortable assurance that I am one of thine one of that small number of thy adopted chosen children indued with thy grace and heire together with all thy Saintes of the riches of that glory which thou reseruest for them in that heauenly kingdom which thou hast purchased so vs by the death of thy onely Sonne and our alone Sauiour in whom thou hast graciously accepted vs and to whom with thee and thy blessed spirit of grace and comfort be all praise and glory both now and euer Amen How the hatred of the world is to be esteemed of the godly IF the world hate vs what marueile is it seeing that it a Ioh. 15.88 hated and persecuted him to the death by whom the world was made b Heb. 1.2 and who is the Lord of the world and all things therein euen Christ Iesus our blessed Sauiour Shall he that is the king of glory be content for our sakes to indure the crosse and to be c Psal 24.7 crowned with shame and dishonour d Mat. 27.29 and shall we sinfull wretches wormes of the earth shall we be vnwilling to haue shame and reproch fastened vpon vs for his sake yea rather how ought wee to account it our e Mat. 5.10 11. 1 Pet. 3.14 blessednesse when men reuile vs disgrace vs and say all manner of euill against vs for his sake falsly how ought we to reioyce and be glad vvhen vvee suffer such things at the hands of the world vvhich alwayes hath and euer will be in irreconciliable enmitie and in flat opposition vnto Christ our blessed Lord and Sauiour vvho vvilleth vs to follow
this is the folly of the most in the vvorld euen such as otherwise are men of vvisedome and vnderstanding they will by no meanes forgoe the earth and the sinfull profits and pleasures of it which are but drosse and vanitie a Isa 55.2 for the enioying of heauen and happinesse it selfe How hath Sathan bewitched and besotted them It is marueilous strange to consider that the reasonable soule of man should be so seduced and deluded through the craft and wilinesse of Sathan who lieth in wait to deceiue and to bring men vnto confusion b 2 Pet. 5.8 Blessed Lord let the things of this world be vile and base in mine eyes in comparison of the felicitie of thy Saints and the glory of thy kingdome Keepe me now and alwaies from the foolishnesse of the wretched worldling and make me wise to see the difference betweene those most excellent and glorious things and these which are but fading and transitory Worldlinesse meere dotage VVE would wonder at him that would dote vpon a Strumpet a Pro. 7.7.22 that sought his life Such a one is euery couetous worldling or whosoeuer else is enamoured with the things here below pleasures profits honors The world with the sinfull and deceitfull shewes thereof doe secretly fight b 2 Pet. 2.11 against the soule of man yea seeke the vtter ruine both of soule and bodie they are the Deuils nets c 1 Tim. 4 6.9 and snares And the worldling is strangely besotted with this inchantresse he very fondly doteth vpon her and is drawne away with her allurements to his owne destruction And though he be often warned and admonished to take heed of her baites and to auoyd the mischiefe which she euen vvhiles she laughs and smiles vpon him seekes to bring him vnto yet he will not be drawne from her nor from her adulterous loue but runneth a d Hose 2.5 Iam. 4.4 whoring after her and is so bewitched with her that hee will not leaue her till shee hath wrought his vtter ouerthrow Mercifull LORD let not this world nor any thing that is in this world euer be able to preuaile against me so that I should perish with it But be thou powerfull in me by thy Word and Spirit draw my heart euery day more and more from these fading and perishing things and cause it to be set wholly vpon thee e Prou. 23.26 to whom of right it belongeth Discouer vnto mee daily more and more the f 1 Tim. 6.17 Eccle. 1.14 deceitfulnesse and vanitie of all things here below Let mee not vvith those vvhose eyes Sathan hath blinded with the false shewes of this deceiueable world dote vpon any earthly thing but let my loue be set vpon thee my ioy and delight be onely in thee and those blessed and glorious things which thou hast prepared for me in the heauens and in comparison of which all the things of this earth are but meere vanitie A Christian must not liue as one of this world A CHRISTIAN is not a man of this vvorld he is a soiourner and a stranger here vpon earth So haue a Gen. 23.4 47.9 1 Chro. 29 15. Psal 39.12 119.19 2 Cor. 5.6 Heb. 11.13 Hebr. 12.22.23 Abraham Iacob Dauid and other holy men of GOD acknowledged themselues to bee Heauen is his Country there is his mansion and dwelling place where he shall haue his abode for euer there is his God and blessed Sauiour his life and hope there are his best friends his neerest kinsefolke vnto whom hee is linked with the straitest bonds of perfect loue and amitie there are his chiefest riches and treasures euen that b Eph 1.18 1 Pet. 1.4 glorious inheritance that celestiall kingdome which shal haue no end no change Oh then why doe wee not vveane our hearts more from this vvorld vvhy doe we not shew ourselues strangers here by estranging c 1 Pet. 2.11 our affections from these things here below and lifting them vp vnto the desire and contemplation of those excellent things vvhich are aboue d Col. 3.2 vvhy doe wee not liue as Citizens of that heauenly Countrey If wee be Christians heires of glory vvhy is not our e Phil. 3.20 conuersation in heauen but on earth as if vvee were men of this world to liue here for euer and had no better * Heb. 11.16 things prouided for vs then those which the wicked of the vvorld enioy and which shall perish with them Is our Sauiour in the Heauens and doe wee lye groueling on this Earth like mucke-wormes Is our portion with the Saints in glory and doe wee in a base and seruile manner fasten our affections vnto this world which is but our prison vvherein vve are detained till the time of our libertie and redemption f Rom. 8.23 come O blessed Lord as in the riches of thy vnspeakeable mercies thou hast called me out of this world vnto the hope of g 1 Pet. 1.3 glory giuing mee some comfortable assurance of the full possâ—ssion of those glorious mansions h Ioh. 14.2 prouided for mee and all thy Saints in the highest Heauens so draw my heart I beseech thee daily more and more vnto thee Raise vp my soule and all the affections thereof from Earth to Heauen Let mee vse this world i 1 Cor. 7.31 as if I vsed it not Let me carry my selfe as a stranger and one that is from his owne home alwayes ready and willing to depart from hence k Phil. 1.23 yea euer in my thoughts aspiring vnto that heauenly country l 2 Cor. 5.2 desiring and longing to bee with thee my God and Sauiour and to haue the fruition of that glory and happinesse vvhich thou reseruest for me and which I am no wayes worthy of but that it hath pleased thee graciously to respect me in the merits and worthinesse of thy Sonne in whom and through whom thou hast done great things for me and to whom with thee and thy good Spirit bee all praise and glory now and for euer Amen Another IT ought to be the continuall and earnest desire of euery true Christian that his heart may daily be more and more alienated and withdrawen from the things of this world a Psal 73.25 1 Cor. 7.31 which are but shadowes and meere vanities and more neerely vnited vnto God in whom alone that true comfort and happinesse is to be found which is not elsewhere to bee obtained O LORD increase this desire in mee and be gracious in giuing mee to see the desire of my heart therein fulfilled and accomplished vnto mee and in mee O draw mee from the inordinate loue of this vaine and sinnefull world wherevvith many are so much insnared let mee finde my affections euery day more estranged and separated from the same and graunt that I may be wholly vnited vnto thee my GOD delighting continually in thy presence and receiuing from thee that plentifull increase of the heauenly graces
42.43.44.49 spirituall heauenly full of beautie and excellencie farre aboue that wee are able to conceiue or thinke their bodies which haue lyen in the dust and beene subiect to much basenesse q Iohn 11.39 Iob 10.21 22. 17.14.16 and loathsomnesse being now euen like vnto the glorious body of Christ r 1 Cor. 15 49. Phil. 3.21 1 Iohn 3.2 himselfe vnto whom then they shall be made conformable shining as the Starres s Dan. 12.3 yea as the t Mat. 13.45 Sunne in brightnesse for euer and euer The wicked on the other side shall rise in a most base and ignominious manner euen to shame and perpetuall contempt v Dan. 12.2 They that haue had the greatest beautie and excellencie here being not inferiour to proud and aspiring Absolon like vnto vvhom in all Israel there was not any for goodly feature from the sole of the foote vnto the crowne of the head there being no x 2 Sam. 14 25. blemish in him shall there be abhorred of GOD y Isa 66.24 and of all his Saints and Angels There can be no greater deformitie then that wherewith their bodies shall then be couered that they may be loathed of all yea of their owne selues being altogether disfigured with the vgly Image of Sathan so that they shall not be able to lift vp their heads for shame but stand like z Gen. 4.6 Caine or worse with flaited hellish and deiected countenances euen confounded in themselues and wishing that they were cast presently into the darkest corner of Hell where they might not behold themselues much lesse eyther see or be seene of others especially of those bright eyes of that glorious Iudge who is so * Hab. 1.13 pure that he cannot behold euill without great detestation Oh who is able to conceiue the shame and confusion with which they shall then euen wholly be ouerwhelmed And finally whereas the godly shall bee made partakers of euerlasting life a Ioh 5.29 Rom. 2.7 and happinesse in the highest heauens they shall bee deliuered vp to euerlasting death and condemnation b Mat. 25.46 Psal 11.6 Reue. 21.8 in the lowest part of hell where they shall be tortured with endlesse and vnspeakeable torments for euermore being banished for euer from the blessed and comfortable c 2 Thes 1 9 presence of the Lord. Gracious Lord teach me daily more seriously to consider vvith my selfe of the great difference that shall be betweene thy children and those that are seruants to Sathan and corruption Seeing that the one shall be raised vp in the last day to that ioy glory and happinesse which is vnspeakeable the other to end lesse wretchednesse and miserie O therefore let me be stirred vp to endeauour my selfe to haue alwaies a cleare conscience towards d Act. 24 15 16 thee and towards men and to abound euery day more and more in the works which thou hast appointed e 1 Cor. 15 58 knowing that my labour shall not be in vaine in thee And neuer let me enuie f Psal 37.1 at the flourishing estate and vaine supposed felicitie of the wicked in this world seeing the day is comming and hasteneth on a pace g 1. Pet. 4.7 wherein they shall bee cloathed with shame and dishonour and cast out of thy presence for euermore receiuing according to that which they haue done in their bodies g 1. Pet. 4.7 and eating the fruit of their owne vvaies h 2 Cor. 5.10 which they shall finde to be more bitter then death it selfe i Isai 3.9.11 howsoeuer now the remembrance of these things by reason of their ignorance k 1 Pet. 3.5 blockishnesse and cursed infidelity doth little or nothing at all affect or moue them The second death how exceeding fearefull and dreadfull it is MANY eye the first death much and are flaited and almost affrighted at the sight yea at the thought of it it striketh a feare and a terror into them But they looke but seldome and scarce with halfe an eye vpon the second death a Reue. 21 8 which begins where the other ends and is farre more dreadfull to all those that haue a right discerning and true apprehension of it Alas that is nothing to this no more to be compared to it then a little sparke to a great flame or a small droppe of water to the whole wide and vast Ocean For the first is of the bodie onely the second both of the body and soule b Math. 10 28 The one for a short time the other without all end of time of as long continuance as eternity c Math. 25 41.46 it selfe The one oft-times not so grieuous as the fits and pangs of many diseases the other more dolorous and painefull then all the sicknesses and diseases in the world though they were all laid together vpon one man In briefe the one is finite and such as many haue sustained d 1 Sam. 15.32 with vndanted courage and resolution the other infinite and vnsupportable not able to be borne or indured of any creature without hellish miserie Wilt thou behold the gastly face of this dreadfull enemy yet more clearely and fully discouered vnto thee Heare then hearken and beleeue that which the word of GOD which shall indure for euer e 1 Pet. 1.25 hath sealed and which all must beleeue that will not shew themselues to be no better then the heathen and infidels In this second death first there is a separation of the soule yea of the whole men both soule and bodie from the gracious presence f 2 Thes 1.1 of that glorious God without whom there can be no true blessednesse an vtter separation and banishment from him g Math. 7.23 13.41 25.41 and from that ioyfull and comfortable societie and fellowship of all his elect Saints and Angels a finall depriuation of all hope of entrance into that heauenly Canaan that new and celestiall Ierusalem the Citie of the euerliuing God of which so glorious things are spoken and the losse wherof will not lesse vexe torment the soule of the damned as that ancient and golden-mouthed Father not vainely supposed then all the paines and tortures of hell Chrysost Be sides this there shall be paines and torments vnspeakeable vnsufferable such as may dampe the stoutest champion and the most yron-hearted wretch in the world if he shall but enter once into a serious through consideration of them if eyther he regard the place of torment vvhere that wofull miserie is to be indured the pangs and tortures themselues the company with whom they are to remaine in the suffering and induring of them Or lastly the time which they shall indure them Euery one of them is enough to strike a terrour into a man and to make his heart to quake to thinke of them i Esai 14.9 34.9.10 Reue. 1.18 20.13.14 1 First the place is no other then that
quake within him for the greatnesse of the horrour thereof Heare O yee foolish yee of stiffe neckes and stony hearts how long vvill you be thus blinded how long shall your owne vvicked hearts deceiue you o Ier. 17.9 how long vvill you suffer your selues to be deluded by Sathan that deadly enemie of yours vvho seekes to make a prey of you for euer how long will you suffer your selues to be so bewitched and inchanted by that enuious p Mat. 13.28 and malicious Spirit that the remembrance of these things should no more moue you no more affect you vvorke no more vpon you then it doth Are you afraid of the first death and doe you not much more feare this second death which of all euils is the most fearefull the most dreadfull yea in comparison of which the other is scarce a shadow of death though a fore-runner of it and a way and entrance vnto it to those that shall perish Doth that astonish you and shall not this much more Are you so secure so stupid so senslesse Assuredly a very strange thing it seemes vnto mee and may well be so esteemed of all that consider of it how prophane gracelesse and vngodly persons when they heare or when they thinke of these things should not be terrified and affrighted with them and drawne with the feare and dread thereof from all their wicked and sinfull courses which heretofore they haue liued in the Swearer from his oathes and blasphemies vvith which hee hath pierced the heauens the Drunkard from his drunkennesse that bruitish and sottish vice the Prophaner of the Sabbath from his prophanations thereof the filthy person from his filthinesse and vncleannesse and shamefull pollutions the couetous Vsurer and Oppressor from their couetousnesse vsury and oppression of their poore Brethren and neighbours among whom God hath placed them to the very q Deut. 5.11 Mat. 26.11 end that they should shew mercy and compassion vnto them and not crueltie and rigour in a word euery impenitent sinner from the sinne and vvickednes wherein they haue heretofore liued and delighted and continued from time to time carelesly securely boldly and presumptuously as if all were well as if there were no cause of feare no such danger imminent or ensuing and ready euery moment to seize vpon them for nothing holds them vp from falling into the depth of that bottomlesse gulfe but onely the small twine-thread of their fading and vncertaine life which is ready to be cut in sunder euery minute euery breathing while O that they were wise r Deut. 32 29. Hosea 14.10 to vnderstand and consider of these things O mercifull LORD who art mighty in power and terrible in thy Iudgements doe thou strike their hearts with the horror of thy wrath and vengeance to come Smite their soules that they may tremble before thee and fall downe groueling vpon the earth in the apprehension of the greatnesse of their miserie that is to come vpon them if they doe not conuert and turne vnto thee Those that will not be drawne with the cords of thy mercy patience and long-sufferance to come vnto thee by true and vnfayned repentance doe thou euen constraine and compell them and driue them forward with that rod of iron euen with the feare of thy most fearefull and yet most iust and righteous Iudgements O doe thou giue them a sight of that dreadfull and vvofull miserie which shall ouer-whelme the wicked for euer Let them haue a right discerning and a true apprehension of it Let them beleeue it and tremble at it and be drawne thereby to turne out of all the wayes of wickednesse vvherein heretofore they haue vvalked being deceiued with the deceitfulnesse of sinne and Sathan let them so feare it that they may preuent it flye from it and be preserued from perishing in that great deluge with the world of the wicked whom thou hast ordained s Rom. 9.22 of old vnto destruction and euerlasting confusion And raise vp the heart of thy seruant both now and alwayes I humbly intreate thee to vnfayned thankefulnesse for that thou hast in some measure touched my hart with the consideration of thy iudgements prepared for the wicked and hast caused the feare and dread of them to be t 2 Pet. 3.15 saluation vnto mee humbling mee thereby and causing mee to stand in awe of thee and to flie from the wrath and vengeance to come vnto the throne of thy grace and mercie in Christ Iesus my Sauiour and Redeemer who hath giuen himselfe to death for mee to free and deliuer mee from that death and hell O doe thou continue still good and gracious vnto me Let thy mercy and vnspeakeable kindnesse so freely vouchsafed vnto mee in thy beloued Sonne be the principall motiue euen to force and constraine mee to hate all sinne and to abandon all iniquitie but let mee also be mindfull of thy dreadfull iudgements to be inflicted yea powred forth vpon them that forget thee v Psal 9.17 and are disobedient x 2 Thes 7.8 vnto thee and to that heauenly voyce of y Heb. 3.7.8 thine whereby thou daily callest them if they had eares to heare or hearts to vnderstand let mee alwayes feare the second death which is the death both of the body and soule more then the first death which is the end of this short and transitorie life and yet let mee liue so as I may not be in a slauish feare of eyther not of the first death because it shall be no death vnto mee but an end of my miserie and wretchednesse vnto which I am and shall be continually subiect as long as I liue in this valley of teares this place of mourning as one in exile and banishment out of his owne Country and a meanes of entrance into life and glory euen of that glory which is endlesse and vnspeakeable Not of the second death because through the riches of thy grace and mercy I am already passed from it z Ioh. 5.24 8.51 Rom. 8.1 Eph. 2.5.6 that so howsoeuer it may shew it selfe vnto me in a dreadfull shape yet it shall neuer haue power ouer me being one of thy redeemed ones to whom death a 1 Cor. 15.57 and Hell it selfe is subiect The blessednesse of the life to come how much to be desired THE life present how sweet doth it seeme vnto men how much desired is it of the most how loth are men to part vvith it what will they not doe that they may preserue it But the life to come how little is it affected of the greater sort how faintly desired how willingly parted with for euery sinfull lust euery fruitlesse vanitie the deceitfull pleasures and transitory profits and commodities of this fading and perishing vvorld Oh the sottishnesse and bruitishnesse of men the vvicked off-spring of prophane Esau a Gen. 25.35 Heb. 12.16 that for a small portion of these temporall things sell away all their hopes vnto that eternall
as whether the Saints in glory shall know one another the father the sonne the mother the daughter one neighbour another or one friend the other c. So much onely I will say hauing ground for it out of the Scriptures that no manner of knowledge shall bee wanting vnto them which may make for the increase of their happines neyther shall the knowledge of this be wanting vnto them if it will make them the more happy But to proceede Their Wils also shall be perfectly sanctified so that they shall will onely that which is good that which God willeth and not possibly be once moued or inclined vnto that which is euill that which GOD willeth not They shall not onely haue a will not to sinne but also an impossibilitie of willing that which is sinfull otherwise then it was with Adam in his greatest perfection Their Affections shall bee rightly ordered and tempered yea in an excellent frame and harmony without any vnpleasing discord They shall onely affect that loue that ioy and delight in that which is pleasing and acceptable vnto God and making most for his glory and so much the more ioy and delight in it as they shall know it to be more pleasing and delightsome vnto him Yea they shall haue that measure of holinesse infused into them both into their Wils and Affections and all the faculties of their soules that they shall be holy according vnto the capablenesse of their nature euen as God himselfe is holy pure as hee is pure righteous as hee is righteous For then is the time and not before as some foolish Heretiques haue fondly dreamed when the Church that glorious Spouse of Christ and euery member thereof shall be without spot or wrinckle k Eph. 5.27 without staine or blemish as it becommeth the vndefiled Spouse of that heauenly Bridegroome the Lambes wife l Reu. 19.7 Their soules shall be so purified so purged with those cleane waters which flow out of the Sanctuarie that they shall not onely be free from all sinne but which is more not so much as once subiect to the least sinne nor any fit subiect for sinne to worke vpon They shall be pure and Angelicall In briefe they shall shine most gloriously glistering with all heauenly graces of the diuine Spirit for they shall be made partakers of the diuine nature m 2 Pet. 1.4 in more full manner not that the diuine essence shall be infused into them but that those diuine and heauenly qualities of wisedome glory righteousnesse holinesse puritie c. wherein the Image of God consisteth shall bee communicated vnto them in plentifull and abundant manner so that if their bodies as the Truth it selfe hath said shall shine as the Sunne then their Soules shall shine no doubt farre more gloriously O how excellent shall the brightnesse thereof be who is able to conceiue it Blessed are they that shall be partakers of it Thus the Saints shall be glorious in their bodies glorious in their soules yea both in body and in soule they shall bee clothed as it vvere vvith long white n Reu. 3.4.5 7.13 robes of glory and dignitie hauing Palmes in their hands in signe of victory and triumph ouer Sinne Sathan Death Hell and Damnation and Crownes on their heads in signe of royaltie sitting also with Christ Iesus in his throne o Reu. 3.21 euen as he sitteth with his Father in his throne They shall liue like kings yea raigne and triumph like Emperours hauing conquered the World p 1 Ioh. 5.4.5 and the Prince of the World q Iohn 12.31 Sathan and his infernall host r 1 Cor. 15.55.57 Rom. 16.20 Keu 20.13 There shall be glory without measure in the presence of that glorious God yea all the glory of the most glorious things in the world is nothing vnto it All the pompe royaltie and magnificence of all the most Princely Potentates and mightie Monarchs in the whole earth with all their glorious glittering shew though euery one of them were as glorious yea more glorious then Salomon was when he was at the height of his glory were nothing vnto that glory but euen as dust no more to be compared to it then brasse to the finest Siluer or Copper to the purest Gold To be briefe for words cannot expresse these things to the full Paul when being rapt into the third heauens hee had a view thereof said that hee saw things s 2 Cor. 12.4 that cannot be vttered where that great Apostle is silent who can speake To be briefe therefore so glorious shall their estate then be that in an holy admiration they shall euen wonder at it for indeede marueilous and wonderfull it shall be farre aboue that which they expected whiles they lay crawling like Wormes vpon this lower earth and had their habitation in these baser cottages these houses of clay yea as Luther that hammer of Antichrist said of Abel so it may be said and shall be verified of euery one of them They shall be in better estate and condition then if they had the possession of a thousand worlds with all the riches and glory thereof And hence to leade thee on yet further with mee for I am as one in a Maze I know not where to get out such varietie offereth it selfe on euery hand in this diuine Meditation for the minde that is heauenly affected to exercise it selfe in Hence I say from the fruition and apprehension of the greatnesse of that glory and happinesse of theirs shall arise and spring forth vnto them and in them abundance of peace and ioy They shall be filled and replenished vvith true peace and vvith spirituall and heauenly ioy euen that ioy vvhich shall rauish their hearts and soules They shall liue a heauenly and an Angelicall life singing and reioycing hauing that new song continually in their mouthes which they with the rest of that celestiall quire euen all those blessed Angels and glorious spirits shal continually sound forth Haleluiah praise and glory and wisedome and thankes and honour and power and might be vnto our God for euermore Amen They shall haue fulnesse of ioy in the presence of God and be euen satisfied with those pleasures of his right hand for euermore a Psal 16.11 yea all pleasures and delights which this world can afford are but vaine shadowes smoake trifles for children and babes yea no pleasures no delights in comparison of those sweet pleasures delights wherewith the Saints shall be refreshed in that glorious Kingdome They shall feed daily vpon that Manna b Reuel 2.17 of diuine and heauenly consolation and all spirituall comforts which the heart of man can desire nay more then the heart of man can thinke of They shall drinke downe the cup of saluation and gladnesse c Isai 12.3 and draw waters of life out of the riuer of his pleasures vvhich shall flow forth abundantly vnto them Then they shall indeed tast d Tim.