more upon their own Head. We see how far the Corruption in us would go if not hindred even to all manner of Evil and iniquity like a mighty Torrent would bear down all before it If Men were left to themselves and might do what was right in their own eyes as they were once in such a Condition when there was no King in Israel as is declared before the most horrible Judg. 19. Relation ever done under the Sun there would be nothing but Tribulation and Anguish Weeping and Lamentation through the Earth continual Fears would arise from the strivings of the People But Blessed be our God who stilleth the noise of the Waves when they arise and ruleth the raging of the Sea and the madness of the People If that had no bounds it would quickly over-spread the Face of the Earth and the other if not kept in would bring an universal Dâ—lâ—ge not only upon the Vngoaly but the Servants of God and the Compass of this lower World would be one entire Aceldama a Field of Blood. He hath sent Kings and Governours for the Punishment of evil doers and for thâ— praise of them that do well 1 Pet. 2. 13 14. The Word which God sent unto the Children of Israel preaching Peace by Jesus Christ he is Lord of all Acts 10. 36. Amongst other Dâ—ties doth Command submission to Kings and Magistrates and forbids the contrary No Rebellion whatsoever is lawful A real good end will not sanctifie it much less those false and specious Ones wherewith it is often accompanied It is a slanderous Report of the Gospel That some affirm thereof as if it did allow to do evil that good may come Rom. 3. 8. God revealed himself otherwise of Old. He is the Rock his Work is perfect for all his ways are judgment a God of truth and without iniquity just and right is he Deut. 32. 4. Thou art of purer eyes then to behold evil and canst not look on iniquity Hab. 1. 13. For I the Lord love judgment I hate Robbery for Burnt-offering Isa 61. 8. Will ye speak wâ—â—kedly for Gâ—d and talk deceitfully for â—im Job 13. 7. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works Psal 145. 17. More Texts might be alledged to manifest that his Glory is not to be advanced by sinful means Indeed this cannot be for it would be contrary to his infinite purity and uprightness with whom dwells no shadow of Evil. But Experience hath discovered that when some have designed Rebellion for their own Ambition Interest and Revenge they must have a Fig-leave to hide it from simple People whom they 2 Sam. 15. 8. 11. draw on their side And what can be better then Absoloms Vow Religion and the Glory oâ— God as hath been the method of former Ages this hath been made use of as a Pretence to further their own damned Enterprizes Good God! That thy Name should be so abused by vile Miscreants that thou who dost abhor and hast revealed thy Wrath against all unrighteousness of Men shouldst Rom. 1. 18. be made use of to Patronize it as if thou werâ— such an one thy self I am astonished to think of this horrible perverting of thy Ways and Nature Men would not dare do thus but thou holdest thy Tongue Hab. 1. 13. Otherwise there could be no Tryal whither they would do thus or not But notwithstanding all the Practices of wicked Hypocrites through which Strangers and the Ignorant may mis-apprehend the God whom we serve thou wilt be justified when thou speakest and clear when thou judgest at the last and great day And even now thou art in this and all other Matters as thou speakest in thâ— Word The Author of the New Testament observed by his own Example what he taught and commanded to others when he was betraâ—ed into the hands of wicked Men though he could have had more then twelve Legions of Angels yet made â—ot the least opposition He was the Son of God King of Kings and Lord of Lords and consequently exempt from paying of Tribute to Mat. 17. them yet rather then he would give offence he wrought a Miracle for the Payment thereof And hath left this standing Commandment to all his Followers Render unto Cesar the things which are Cesars Mat. 22. 21. which is more particularly explained Rom. 13. Render therefore to all their Dues Tribute to whom Tribute is due Custom to whom Custom Fear to whom Fear Honour to whom Honour Ye must needs be subject not only for Wrath but for Câ—â—science sake These things are as much due to the Supreme Magistrate as it is from a Child to a Parent he hath Right to them from his Subjects as they have to their own Goods or Estate The Doctrine of Loyalty and Obedience to Governors is laid down in as plain Terms as any other Duty in the Gospel and are sufficient to convince him who Acts in Sincerity and Truth But those which are Presumptuous Self-willed 2 Pet. 2. 10. of turbulent and factious Spirits have found out some little and trifling Evasions against these express Texts There is a way in the World of putting Interpretations when there is no more need of them then of the most plain obvious Expression But this is a Trick either to wrest or make the Commandments of God of none effect The wicked thus vindicate or palâ—iate their Transgression and others in alike manner justifie Rebellion Let all Men in general remember and take heed that the great â—aw-giver when every one comes to give Account before him will not be trifled with Such ways and devices will not now pass in Humane Courts and Judicatories They have so much the more to Answer for by prevaricating the way of the Most High making his Word as it were a Nose of Wax some have Blasphemously called it so to stamp any Impression and mould it to any shape as serves their base Sinister turns In the end such Men will find that the All-wise God will not be outwitted by them The Criminals are not to make their own Construction of the Laws against which they have offended but must receive according to his righteous Judgment when what is written Rom. 1. 18. Rom. 2. 8. Shall be executed and found true Thus some who seem to be Religious Confess Men ought to pay Obedience unto Governours but then they say these Commands extend only to those Kings who love Christ and themselves live obedient to his Law. And whether they do or not private Persons are made Judges and if they think such an one doth not Subjects may lawfully disobey and rebel against him If this should be granted No King howsoever good or righteous would be safe in his Person for so apt are Men in judging the worst especially of those above them that they would censure him to be a prophane Prince or Hypocrite If he was another David a man after Gods own heart why he was hated and spoken
Face whom we now remember but Praise abideth to eternal Ages I will be bold to say When we shall be invested with this exceeding and enduring Happiness our thanks will not be so much now is the only time of Faith and Thanksgiving This is the only day to magnifie our God for giving unto us exceeding great and precious Promises Who is like unto the Lord our God who dwelleth on high who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in Heaven and in the Earth Psal 113. 5 6. He who made doth now preserve govern and dispose of them according to the good Pleasure of his Will. So we are to acknowledge and offer up thanks for all his Mercies and wonderful Works towards us Whether in Relation to Soul or Body this Life or that to come It is an imperfection of ours to judge any Mercies to be small for God gives nothing unworthy of his Majesty but the littleness is in our selves his Mercies are fitted to our mean Capacity Knowledge and Instruction are not imparted to Horse or Mule neither are we to expect the understanding of an Angel for our present Condition could not bear it According as his Divine Power hath given unto us all things that pertain to Life and Godliness 2 Pet. 1. 3. Even what belongs to this dying Life and vile Body yet there is such a necessity and Connexion of them in order to greater that they call for our most humble and hearty thanks That prepares for an immortal Being and we have all our Treasure in this earthen Vessel which also is to be changed and made Glorious and Incorruptible In our Body every Bone Artery and Vein is Subservient to the whole so the manifold Blessings of God are for our present and eternal Good. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father and in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ Eph. 5. 20. This is a most just and reasonable Command notwithstanding it may seem odd and precise in the sight of the World when done as to common things But if it were not thus esteemed the Duty would not be so Excellent for that more appears when one is contented to suffer shame and be accounted strange and ridiculous only for the sake of God. It seems uncouth through Zech. 3. 8. disuse and because it is not generally Practised The want whereof is through Pride and Sullenness disobedience and ungodliness ignorance and unbelief which in these corrupt times bear sway over the greater part of mankind But if these wicked hindrances were removed there would be giving of thanks at all times and in all places from the greatest to the least A Son honoureth his Father and a Servant his Master Mal. 1. 6. Themselves would not like to have a kindness and good turn requited with slight Forgetfulness and Ingratitude But they do not perceive the Goodness and Mercies of God as they do other things which come from one another which they bring take Or get by their own Power Let any one that imagines so stand forth Deut. 8. 18. and answer Who made him to be a Man and gave him Power to do whatsoever he doth What hast thou that thou didst not receive Now if thou didst receive it Why art thou not thankful One cause is what is of all Irreligion and Wickedness that thou hast these things nevertheless God is kind to the unthankful and evil Luke 6. 35. observe who is ranked first and therefore they remain so If God should make known himself and his Works a little more then he hath done already there would be no Tryal of any ones Submission or Thankfulness Because now he would prove whether Men will bless his Holy Name therefore they refuse But let such know they may have their good things and Consolation and hence pass to his Judgment Seat of whom they have been unmindful and sullen Hear ye and give Ear be not Proud for the Lord hath spoken Give Glory to the Lord your God before he cause Darkness and before your Feet stumble upon the dark Mountains Jer. 13. 15 16. If I may use such a familiar Phrase Do but behave your selves Civil towards God in this World that you may meet him with Comfort in the next Let us offer the Sacrifice of Praise to God continually that is the Fruit of our Lips giving thanks to his Name Heb. 13. 15. This is no hard thing It is so small a Duty and under the Majesty and Greatness of God that we need an express Revelation to assure that he accepts thereof If himself had not said Whoso offereth Praise glorifieth me Psal 50. 23. A considering Person could not believe it for he might easily think thus There is more distance in respect of Superiority between God and Man as between Man and Flies Now if they should buz forth in Commendation of us What Glory would it be God is gracious and infinite in Condescention If he doth set his Heart upon Man Job 34. 14. That he doth at all look upon our low and mean Services He is Glorified in all his Works and this with ordering our Conversation aright is the utmost we can do Or who hath first given to him and it shall be recompenced to him again Rom. 11. 35. But he hath first given unto us and expects the return of good words to our Maker Only acknowledge and Confess with the mouth what we have received and have Good-will towards him and speak out of Things truly as they are Lord Who would not Praise and magnifie thee Forasmuch as among all the Beings of the World there is none like unto thee thou art the Maker of all and they from thee Thou art worthy O Lord to receive Glory and Honour and Power for thou hast created all things and for thy Pleasure they are and were created Rev. 4. 11. The larger Potsherds of the Earth lifted up with Pride and Vanity do not value nor mind the good Expressions of a Beggar and a mean Person though they believe it to be sincere 'T is their Sin and Weakness to slight their Brother of the same likeness and as much a Man as themselves with all the Priviledge and Advantages of humane Nature But God is not like unto them He that first made doth not forsake the Work of his hands Psal 138. 8. 1 Sam. 12. 22. Isa 44. 21. He is pleased with and hearkens unto the Voice of his Children He who formed them after that manner and for this purpose doth accept the Fruit of our Lips. They that know God and have such raised thoughts of him as his visible Works do set forth are apt to doubt that he who is so much above and greater then mankind should at all mind them they being little and below his Cognizance But Scripture doth most evidently satisfie to the contrary There is the very Image of the Godhead upon our selves and a Capacity to know and Worship him all which give perfect assurance
Drunken were Drunken in the night 1 Thes 5. 7. but in this Age at Noon-day they will Reel and Stagger in the Streets Frequency takes of Admiration and they shall not be esteemed the worse for it Whilst the Liquor is working within them they Foam out their own Shame When the time of Brutishness is over and their reason returns Dan. 4. 36. they will boast thereof and for Confirmation will own it with an Oath to put the Matter out of question These kinds of exploit afford much Merry and jocular Discourse 'T is become fashionable both talked of and practised by the Gentiles of our time Wherein they think it strange if others of alike Birth and 1 Pet. 4. 3 4. Education Do not run to the same Excess of Riot speaking Evil of them or fancying them odd and different sort of People But doth not this imputation fall back upon themselves For what are they when the distinguishing Faculty is lost Is that becoming the neatness of a Well-bred Man to be sitting at Tables full of Vomit and Filthiness so that there is no place clean Isa 28 8. To be encompassed with a Cloud of Smoke and the Defilements of Drink and Spitting A goodly Argument of true worth to have nothing but shameful Spâ—â—ing for their Glory Hab 2. 16. They have the greater number on their side If only some few Persons they would be as Monsters but because many are so therefore they would have it praise worthy and of good Report A strange way of Reasoning for at this rate the more universal an Evil is it would lose its Nature and become a greater Good. It hath been the subtlety of Satan who setteth up his Kingdom against that of Christ to get the multitude over to his side and to make an outward appearance of Happiness Thus he perswades Men to that which is neither right nor good In the great Temptation to Drunkenness he is not wanting to suggest all the Conveniencies thereof but the Evils are cunningly concealed As it frees from Care and Sorrow removes heaviness from the Heart making that light and cheerful It takes away Fear and every thing that vexes Especially it doth pacifie those grumblings of Conscience which is imagined a mighty Priviledge for as those are irksome and grievous so it can be no small Comfort to be freed from them And then it exceeds all other Pleasures because of longer continuance Other sinful Delights are quickly vanished but Drunkenness doth endure for a considerable time all is Mirth and Jollity What Delight can be compared to this which may be had every day and takes up the greater part thereof Who but a morose ill natured Fellow would not oblige Company upon such pleasant and easie Terms Doth he not deserve to be thrust from the Fellowship of mankind who will not comply with them in a thing so much for their Happiness Away with Seriousness and Morality which makes dull and miserable Do not reproach us with breaking the Law for God giveth VVine that maketh glad the Heart of Man and the Lord Christ was present at the Marriage Feast where 't is supposed they had well Drunk He hath given great Liberty and if we do transgress that he is merciful to forgive and we hope he will. God would have mankind be Happy and we do only endeavour to be so This last is true but then they should go in the way he chuses and not despise his Wisdom or distrust his Faithfulness as if he did not know how to bring them to Happiness or would deceive therein If they will follow after those means themselves have chosen they will be certainly deceived Sin hath this advantage that it looses nothing for want of setting of if out ward shew and noise as this is the Rule whereby the World judge will recommend a thing there is sufficient Look not upon the VVine when it is Red when it giveth his Colour in the Cup when it moveth it self aright at last it biteth like a Serpent and stingeth like an Adder Prov. 23. 31 32. VVine is a Mocker strong drink is raging and whosoever is deceived thereby is not VVise Prov. 20. 1. It Promises much Pleasure and yields little but hath more Pain and Torment both at present and hereafter This is the Deceit Men only look upon the seeming good it brings not putting the Evil in Ballance therewith Conceive it altogether in the Beginning Middle End with its further consequents In the first is somewhat of Delight yet the Pleasure of drink Perishes in the Draught and who would value such a sudden Enjoyment As long as they continue within the bounds of Moderation it is none of the Pleasures of sin but to go over there is difficulty When one hath drunk sufficient for Thirst and honest Refreshment to drink yet more is Torment and Violence The other Glass is taken off with as much unwillingness as a physical Potion What Artifices are used to shift a turn or two Several Circumstances do manifest that it is painful and irksome to drink to Excess 'T is only so to punâ— Drunkards who are weak headed and do not Practise it but not to those who are strong and constant But was it not after this manner even to them when they first began this Trade To use their own Phrase Was it not some time before they could be thoughly brought over to take off their Liquor kindly The Stomach doth not presently admit of Excess and there must be many successive Acts to produce the habit of Sottishness which were hard and unpleasant Those cannot brag they have served the Devil with that which cost them nothing If such be the Wages of iniquity at present where he promised all Delight and Smoothness they might suspect further on where he hath nothing to say By degrees that reluctancy and Aukwardness goes of the Body becomes disposed to receive such a quantity without foregoing qualm or disturbance And then is Pleasure in the beginning of the Sin Yet that past trouble is to be put in the Scale over against it Now it is habitual and easie Here again constancy takes off the Delight for if one daily partakes of choice things he loses the Savour of them It is granted that the Pleasantness doth not consist in the drink but that is in the Effects thereof By giving a present Freedom from Evils and Enjoyment of Mirth unless the Man is dead Drunk the fancied Happiness of whom is the same with that of a dead Palsie which is not sensible of Pain But in the lesser Act thereof is discovery of Shame Folly and Madness It is described Prov. 23. 33 34 35. It ends in Sleep out of which he awakes in Sickness and Regret Trouble and heaviness possess again their ancient Room and are the worse for that little time they were driven out Nothing remains of Yesterdays Delight which seems as if it had never been but the Bitterness and Guilt survive The first may be
his disâ—ontent will not be washed away with the Blood of him that caused it his mind will not be more Cheerful when clogged with Gore and Guilt If himself is slain then he falls into the hands of the Living God and he would intrench upon his Prerogative who saith Ah I will ease me of mine Adversaries and avenge me of mine Enemies Isa 1. 24. Do not cajoul your selves with a Lye for Death is not an end but unto wicked the beginning of Sorrows It is commonly sâ—id Revenge is Sweet but it hath bitterness in the end If any pleasure arises it is like one labouring under Pain and Rancour who hath it stopped for a Moment but it returns with more violence thâ—n ever The mind is upon the Wrack till the furious Person hath performed his cruel design and then is for a Minute taken of but presently comes a worse instrument of Torture A Murderer walks only two or three turns by the Carkase of the Slain he Triumphs but a very little time before fear and self accusing Thoughts set a worrying of him There have been too many sad Examples of this Nature who after they have commit ed â—â—is crying sin if they escape Jâ—stice or another takes Satisfaction for the life of the Murderer contrarâ— to Numb 35. 〈◊〉 Which obliges Kings Judges and Potentates as much aâ—others yet Vengeance suffers them not to have comfort of li 〈…〉 bâ—t they betake themselves to Soâ—â—ishness to make them â—â—mindâ—ul of that for a little time whereof they are to be sensible for all Eternity They seldom come to true Repentance for whaâ— is past but go on to stifle the sence thereof till they come to 〈…〉 e their 〈…〉 t in the Lake which burneth with Fire and B imstâ—â—e Rev. 21. 8. Against which they will find nothing to harden themselves The least tendencies towards this sin are to be avoided as may be seen by the strict manner of those Precepts Mat. 6. 14 15. Mat. 18. 21 35. Which indispensably enjoyn the duty of actual forgiveness of injuries as is possible for Words to express If you have a mind to be revenged why should not God take revenge on you for the affronts you have offered unto him He will certainly deal so with you as you do with others and then avenge your selves if ye dare He will be more too hard for you then you can be with one another You had better be still for he is ready to execute upon you according as you smite your fellow Servants Have they injured you You have more offended God and it is a good way to come off to forgive them that he may forgive you also Be patient towards all Men see that none render evil for evil unto any Man 1 Thes 5. 14 15. It is for our present good to compose disturbed thoughts to allay the swelling of mind The God whom we serve is a sufficient comfort under all reproaches we may appeal unto him Be thou my judge for I have walked innocently Though they curse yet bless thou Follow Peace with all Men and Holiness without which no Man shall see the Lord. Looking diligently lâ—st any Man fail of the Grace of God lest any root of Bitterness springing up trouble you and thereby many be defiled Heb. 12. 14 15. It is to be admired that the Devil should make use of and prevail with a Temptation as is wholly made up of Torment He who knows that natural temper in all and accordingly prepares his others baits of being willing to be happy and averse from Misery yet through his subtlety hath made so unpleasant a thing be received by them These are some of the depths of Satan Rev. 2. 24. But if we found this it is bottomed on Pride for having suggested to the hearts of Men Nothing doth so much conduce to their Happiness as to seem great and be highly esteemed to be set above that none should dare to offend them to maintain this Principle he makes them submit to much uneasiness and trouble as is done by swallowing down those black sins Anger Wrath Malice Revenge in order to gratifie a proud Humour But there comes another Spirit more black and ugly which Of Envy crawls by it self viz. Envy At first sight we know not whether it should be ranked in the same Legion under the Command of Pride for as it proceeds from an abject and base mind so it doth confess it self The envious â—erson acknowledges himself inferiour to whom he envies for he seeth in another somewhat above which he hath not and that raises the Gall within him It gnaws upon the Spirit and Flesh it willfully brings what God intended to others for a curse leanness into the Soul and makes the outward Countenance appear Meagre and Ghastly Neither Meat and Drink will nourish what this pines and consumes away for wild Beasts to devour alive is more tolerable for they make a quick dispatch but this is as little Vermine continually feeding on the Liver He breaths forth sighing and grief within is anguish a little further is fretting without is evil speaking and injurious action It rejoyceth in evil and is sad at the good which cometh to another It will misconstrue every thing that is capable to be so It is sullen and will not speak out of others well doing which they cannot gain-say and should glorifie God for the gifts he giveth unto Men. What is the occasion of all this evil and misery Not pleasing the flesh only anothers Happiness Because such an one is contented and hath good things he is murmuring under vexatious Thoughts As he sees it he is grieved he shall gnash with his Teeth and melt away Psal 112. 10. O â—ursed abâ—minable Nature to be spiâ—eful against the welfare of others O thou Child of the Devil enemy of the happiness of Mankind who hinders it as far as he can Who settest thy self principally against * Numb 11. 29. Psal 106. 16. faithful Teachers the instruments of publick good resisting honest and worthy actions When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Servant of the Ammonite heard of it it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a Man to seek the welfare of the Children of Israel Neh. 2. 10. Wo unto them for they have gone in the way of Cain Jud. 11. Vpon you may come all the Righteous Blood shed upon the Earth from the Blood of Righteous Abel unto the Blood of Zacharias Son of Barachias whom ye slew between the Temple and the Altar Mat. 23. 35. This he charged upon them who afterwards for Envy delivered him Mat. 27. 18. The Son of God was used as a Servant that eminent Manifestation of the Love of God to the World was vilified through their Spleen and Hatred The Holy One The Prince of Peace endured such contradiction of Sinners as was never heard of before The Glory of the only begotten of the Father was rejected and despised of Men. What can be said more to
believe the Scriptures not only by saying so with the Tongue but in Reality let them see Ezek. 3. 17 18. Heb. 13. 17. Which should oblige them to act accordingly by making it their principal business to Turn people from Darkness unto Light and from the power of Satan unto God. If they would insist earnestly upon the word of Exhortation do all things to perswade making use of the Arguments that God hath given that people might do also the things well pleasing in his sight As the Scriptures are indeed the Word of God so respect is to be had to them accordingly as the Holy Ghost hath consulted for all times Persons and Places so application is to be made The reason of things is general and God is dishonoured in alike instances as those there particularly spoken against The Law of God is perfect Psal 19. 17. Reaching to all the Thoughts Words and Actions his Government extends over the whole Man and there is no action exempt from his Commandments As we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel even so we speak not as pleasing Mâ—n but God which â—rieth the hearts 1 Thes 2. 4. Not handling the Word of God deceitfully 2 Cor. 4. 2. Which is either done by concealing the cogent arguments or not pressing them home but superficially There are further directions from Acts 20. vers 20 26 27 28. 2 Cor. 10. 4 5. Heb. 4. 12. Isa 58. 1. Jer. 26. 2. If all this and much more which every Teacher knows and is convinced to be his Duty were carefully observed it would tend more towards the reformation of the World. The Church hath ordained Prayers to be used before the Solemn times of Ordination That God would give his Holy Spirit to them that shall be called to serve in the Ministery that they may set forth his Glory and set forward the Salvation of all Men which words if according to their part they did turn into faithful and diligent endeavours if they did their utmost according to the power and means given them more would be done towards it then now is Iâ— they would shew themselves as much concerned as an Embassadour is in a Negotiation for his Prince Men are reasonable Creatures and they might at length yield to the good-will of God who would have all to be saved And though all have not Faith which is the ground-Work for Spiritual Exhortation to be builded upon yet they have Judgment and Understanding to consider the probability of those things which are required to be believed But to this great and good Work there are amongst others two hindrances Pride and want of Resolution If they should use this kind of Preaching expressed by a * Canting and Fanatical disdainful contemptible Term they should lose their Reputation and Good-will with the People and they could not shew their learning The VVord of the Lord was made a reproach unto me and a dâ—â—ision daily Jer. 20. 8. Said the Prophet in his times And it may be a Question Whether it was not by some like saying as that so common in ours Whatsoever shift and meaning they pretend yet he who knows the secrets of the heart is judge himself Men shew their contempt towards him accordingly as they use his Word or Servants which he resents as immediately upon himself And therefore all should have a care how they take into their Moâ—th any Proud or Scornful expression of what relates unto him Neither should others be discouraged by it if they would learn what their great Master saith John 7. 18. The Doctor of the Gentiles hâ—d as eminent Gifts and Natural Accomplishments as any now amongst us yet he did use the foolishness of Preaching But he saith the foolishness of God is wiser then Men 1 Cor. 1. 26. So in his Word are contained greater Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge then in all humane Writings whatsoever There is the Wisdom of God in a Mystery even the hidden Wisdom which God ordained before the VVorld unto our Glory 1 Cor. 2. 7. Which by degrees hath shined forth and still there is more to be seen and so will be unto the end of the World. The well is deep and there is much Water our Fore-fathers have not drained it there is something left for us our Children and for all Posterity for evermore There lie * Isa 45. 15. hid many Inferences and Deductions by which God may be more known to the World his Works and manifold Wisdom more discovered All hath not nor is manifested to past or present Generations there is left for succeeding ones to exercise themselves withall And had all Learned Men applyed their study time and Prayer more closely unto this Book of Divine Revelation there had been much more made known then is now amongst us Whatsoever things are true Whatsoever things are honest Whatsoever things are just Whatsoever things are pure Whatsoever things are lovely Whatsoever things are of good report Whatsoever tends to the real happiness and good of Mankind are here contained the which cannot be said of that vast Multitude of Books in the World taken all together In them are things false meerly conjectural impertinent when here all is true certain and very proper to the great end of Man. Since he is beholden to God for his Being and for discerning those things in himself which is properly Knowledge Where can he better improve that then by the immediate help given in his Word This being Divine and for the assistance of all Men should noâ— set up so much as to be called Rabbi when all are Brethren and Fellow helpers Where they deliver any thing that necessarily flows from the Word and is Truth there we ought to receive it and be thankful unto God who hath made it known by such an instrument for it is one of the Raâ—es which comes down from the Father of Lights and leads up where we shall see Light Psal 36. 9. But if it is meer fancy and opinion if it neither rises from the Fountain of Life nor hath any taste of it such as gratifies an itching Ear or curious Humour this is not to be â—ed principally on nor to keep off from wholesome food The goodness of a thing is measured by the end and what hath the most sublime object God and immortality and that which conduces to present and future Happiness must necessarily excel that which delights only while it is read and perishes in the using for which none is more happy in knowing or if he doth meet with any benefit it is small and signifies nothing beyond this vain transitory life But the VVord of Life 1 John 1. 1. should affect us much more then those little and paultry things we now grasp of which we must in a very little while be bereaved for ever when those great astonishing things shall be both present and visible and so remain to Millions of Ages It tends to those things which always endure
of the World. Thy Will he done in Earth as it is in Heaven he left for a standing Petition who likewise told us Joy shall be in Heaven over one Sinner that repenteth Luke 15. 7. When a single Person among such a Rebellious and froward Generation as the Inhabitants of the Earth are do begin to do it The whole Happiness of the World and things therein is to obey the Law of their great Creator Every thing in Relation to him is delightful When we beg good things of him we are assured he giveth liberally and upbraideth not Prayeâ— conduces to our present Establishment and Security it begins and helps towards the true Perfect and never ending Happiness For Mercies received the just Consequent is to return thanks Of Praise Now of God are all things From whom every good and perfect Gift proceedeth Jam. 1. 17. there arises up towards him the Duty of Praise and Thanksgiving We at first judge it a most reasonable thing to give the Lord the Honour due unto his Name and our selves have a strong resentment of Benefits But then Corruption begins to work and turn the Stream of our Gratitude unto subordinate and lesser Objects We are very thankful to the Instrument or next hand that doth convey unto us but unmindful of the Author and Fountain from whence they all spring Those Blessings that are become constant and common which should most set forth the bounty of the great Benefactor we wrongfully esteem our due and desert and then whatsoever is more this is looked upon as an Addition to what was our own and is taken kindly Whereas in this we might have seen his Providence that either furthered or could have hindred this good thing from us And at last if we provoke him by unthankfulness he can turn it into a Curse instead of a Blessing When thou hast eaten and art full then shalt thou bless the Lord thy God for the good Land which he hath given thee Deut. 8 10. He first created the Earth with Vertue to bring forth Fruits and hath given unto Men that power and understanding to Till it accordingly Who gave them Life and Being to receive these things and hath allotted to them severally as he will. Yet these being visible and nearest are too often by ignorant unbelievers more thanked then the Author of all things The Conduit which of it self is dry is more had in Admiration then the Fountain which sends forth the Water God expresses himself severely against Idolatry How many Cautions are there least we Worship the Sun Moon and Stars which are useful to mankind but he made them so He is a jealous God and would not that they should draw off the least Glory from their Creator Much less should eartheâ— Vessels come in for sharers of his Glory Especially when his only begotten Son disclaims it John 8. 50. and so do holy Men 1 Thes 2. 6. 1 Pet. 4. 11. Mark 5. 19. Acts 3. 12. Acts 12. 23. Acts 14. 15. Even of temporal and outward Mercies we have an immediate ascribing them unto Almighty God the Patriarch Jacob presently ascends above all second Causes The God which fed me all my Life long unto this day Gen. 48. 15. He doth not say his Estate or fruitful Seasons the Good-will of such Friends Money Food but he refers them all higher In the New Testament he is stiled the Father of Mercies and God of all Comfort 2 Cor. 1. 3. He gives Gifts unto his Children whether immediately as spiritual Blessings which are not in the power of any to give or take away And therefore to him in a more peculiar manner belongs all the Glory But for the temporal good things he sends by the hands of another we are to give our most humble and hearty thanks to the Great Master but in no wise to thank the Servant more then the Master nor to exclude the Sense and acknowledgment of the Great Lord over all O that Men would praise the Lord for his Goodness and for his wonderful Works to the Children of Men which is thrice repeated Psal 107. To speak forth his Goodness is that which God delights Isa 12. 4 5. in This Duty is expressed in a publick and outward manner Make known his Deeds among the People talk ye of all his wondrous Works Psal 105. 1 2. My tongue praiseth thee with joyful Lips Psal 63. 5. Make the Voice of his praise to be heard Psal 66. 8. Examples of this are Luke 1. 64. Luke 17. 15. Rev. 5. 12. The Holy Ghost by this signifying that we should speak out when we praise God and not do it inwardly in a whispering manner or in a Corner as if we were ashamed of what we did It is not said thus concerning Prayer for there the inward reserved way is rather commended Mat. 6. 1 Sam. 1. 13. But the great things God hath done for us they should be shewed forth amongst Men. There is no mention in Scripture of giving thanks only in secret but in the Assembly of the upright and in the Congregation Psal 111. 1. And also among others that they may be brought over to partake of the Goodness of the Lord. Nothing but Praise breaths forth through every Verse of the Book of Psalms or something which may be matter and occasion thereof It is inculcated throughout the Old and New Testament This People have I formed for my self they shall shew forth my praise Isa 43. 21. The Earth hath he given to the Children of Men Grass and Herbs are for Beasts and both for our use And what were we made for but to Confess openly the Glory and Greatness of our Creator to see and consider this vast Fabrick of the World to admire and magnifie that God who made it But ye are a peculiar People that you should shew forth the Praises of him who hath called you out of Darkness into his marvellous Light 1 Pet. 2. 9. Here is yet more matter of Praise and also to encourage free Obedience for to live only for a short time would not be altogether so much though God oweth nothing to his Creatures and as he brought them out of nothing so he could turn them to nothing again But he hath given most full assurance that we shall have and see greater things then these The Bread of God is he which cometh down from Heaven and giveth Life unto the World John 6. 33. That Revelation to mankind by Christ Jesus all those unspeakable Mercies contained in him The means of Grace and hope of Glory do justly require such abundant Exaltation of our God that our Soul and all within us cannot worthily Praise him ' This would take up all our Life-time here as it will the whole length of Eternity As for Preaching Prayer and the Sacrament they shall cease when we shall perfectly know and be obedient unto him when we shall have the full Accomplishment of our desires When we shall see him Face to
Judgment Yea those which seem more significative in which considered abstractedly there is no ill as ingenuous Arts unnecessary Learning and several other things may be used as Recreations only but if insisted on they are something besides the matter in hand and at last tend to nothing but to further the great loss It would appear so whilst the Man was in the midst thereof if he did not go on in a blind hurry and inconsideration but it will be plainly discerned towards and at the conclusion I have seen an end of all Perfection but thy Commandment is exceeding broad Psal 119. 96. Nothing remains in a Man besides what he doth in the Service of God and for the good of his own Soul. That the Body is a consuming but the other part a more enduring substance may be a little seen by this because all Acts done as to the first do just serve the present end and then utterly perish they are determined with the day whatever is done in order thereto yesterdays Eating and Drinking doth not satisfie present Hunger But the Soul is even now bettered and improved for what she received some years ago The incorruptible Seed of the VVord springs up that was sown long since and though immediately at first it may seem buried it will rise up and bear Fruit to everlasting Life This is the proper and adequate thing for her Spiritual and Immortal nature The words of Eternal Life make her increase whilst the Flesh decreases He that hath my VVord let him speak my VVord faithfully what is the Chaff to the VVheat saith the Lord Jer. 23. 28. Even now the difference may be perceived for the one doth not nourish like the other this abides for ever when that shall be utterly blown away Examine all the Actions and Designs of Men of whatever Nature and great Reputation they may bear in the World though many are long in compassing yet the several intermedial Acts pass away like the trace of a Cloud When the end is obtained it is little unsatisfactory and perishing and at length as they might have been put in mind by so many little Deaths foregoing Death comes indeed and there is an utter end of all they have done which avails nothing at all But the business of Religion all the Life long is Firm and Stedfast Real and Constant there is a sensible growth in Grace and Knowledge a renewal of the inward Man day by day a building up in our most holy Faith a laying in a Foundation against the time to come by good Works And at last it ends in Peace according as the Scriptures speak which being found true is an earnest and assurance that it is finished in Glory I humbly conceive God therefore put such a vain and transitory Nature in whatever is here below that Man might the more lay hold on this substantial and enduring thing For who knoweth what is good for Man in this life all the days of his vain Life which he spendeth as a shadow Eccles 6. 12. Nothing but the fear of God and keeping his Commandments as he concludes the whole Eccles 12. 13. What is before us is the principal hindrance to this great and only end We have another divine Writer speaking on this wise Love not the VVorld neither the things that are in the VVorld 1 John 2. 15. One Reason of mighty force and cogency is added verse 17. The World passeth away and the Lust thereof but he that doth the VVill of God abideth for ever All our Life from Infancy and Childhood to the present day whether in Manhood or Old-Age to Forty Fifty or Sixty Years is but as yesterday Of the things heretofore done unless relating to our Immortal continuing part Nothing survives but a saint remembrance Many more are forgotten as if they were not done at all For the time past of our Life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles when we walked in Lasciviousness Lusts Excâ—ss of VVine Revellings Banquetings 1 Pet. 4. 3. Call to mind all the Enjoyments you ever had and what doth result out of them at this instant You are not desired to make the Reflection in Sickness or on a Death-Bed but even now in the day of Health and Fruition Are they not the very same as if never perceived or had Thou canst think upon such a day that was Past in Joviality and Merriment and another which went away in vexation and dulness Compare them both now And what advantage hath the one over the other There is no difference of Happiness or Misery as to the past God hath so ordained that according as we spend these days of Vanity in his Service and Obedience or if in the neglect thereof so there abides an eternity of Pleasure or Pain And therefore it must be the greatest Wisdom to improve them to the utmost for attaining the Eternal Good to lay hold of every opportunity for Well-doing to do all things in the first place to secure the principal end and then to husband every moment to continue in all Duty to abound in every Vertue and good Work that we may be found accepted of him who Rewards every Man according to his Deeds It is an exceeding satisfaction to look back upon well spent Time when some things have been done rightly heretofore he is for securing the present and hath a joyful Hope and Expectation further on Whatever trouâ—le and weariness is in the Christian course those Temptations and Tryals the evil usage and inconveniencies from the World all these go off making a way for a greater Reward But call to remembrance the former days in which ye endured a great fight of Afflictions Think upon those Reproaches Hardâ—hips and Difficulties you have suffered the irksomeness of them is past the pain is gone but still God will not forget them for your denyal of Pleasures Profits and Honours it is now the same as if you had catched at them all In keeping the Commandments there is great Reward Psal 19. 11. There was a concomitant good and satisfaction which you had for the inconvenience or disquiet occasioned not through them but the Devil your own Corruption or this wicked World God suffering it so to be to keep his Servants here in Tryal and Warfare that also is over and gone and appears to be the like as if you had endured none or Pleasure instead thereof but further on is a day of Recompence which will make amends for all The Vngodly are not so Psal 1. 4. They are for the Pleasures of Sin for a Season for all the profits of Obedience and Transgression as sure as Gods word is true there doth belong to them an Eternity of Sorrow and Repentance an Hundred Years pain is a sad requital for the joy of a Minute But take them whilst their day of Rejoycing lasts as to the past the poorest Beggar is as Happy as they all the pleasure of their whole Life being no more
thee a Crown of Life It is reserved in the Heavens for us The Inhabitants of the Earth see the outside they die and go away Many of them would God they were more perform the Work he requires of them we all depart hence and shall find whether he will fulfil his Promises for which now we have his Word and his Oath Two immutable things in which it is impossible for God to lie Ceâ—â—â—â—â— it is that those several designs of Pleasure Riches and Honour are little unsatisfactory pass away and come to an utter end When our selves act upon probable yea assured great and rational Principles Others have nothing but the multitude and common Practice to Recommend them How then comes that wide difference of the Actions of Mankind so many are led away by the worse as manifestly appears by the least Reason and Discourse and themselves at length find by sad and too late Experience The Apostle in the forementioned Place after summing up the Christian Graces saith But he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar of 2 Pet. 1. 9. He is wholly taken up with present and sensible things which fasten his Eyes down to the Earth and hinder looking up whereas they were made to look upwards all one as downwards to see afar off as near at Hand His understanding was given to apprehend things to come and make reflections upon the past to conceive and know things proper for her To seek after and work out our true Happiness not only to mind perishing and trivial Conveniencies to propose and follow after an end which is worthy and not still to be deluded with the vain Fancies and Opinions of the People There is nothing which is seen and commonly practiced among Men but may be made an Argument for God and Religion Himself in the wise ordering of things hath been pleased to Establish it so that Men might have greater Motives and Exhortation to come unto him and be left more inexcusable if they do not As for those of a Generous temper who are acted by a sence of Honour who pretend unto Courage and Greatness of Spirit in their proposed ends they rub through Difficulties and go on still If we examine them in their very nature upon what grounds of Probability they are undertaken Theâ—e are long in expectation they do many things for what is a voice and nothing else or a Rattle which they know not how soon may be taken from them or they from that or those delectable things which expire like Lightning or the dim light of a Candle which gives a faint Refreshment but wearisome which only provides against a continual Darkness of Soul and of all these there must be an absolute Deprivation for evermore There cannot be used too â—lighting Comparisons to manifest how short these things come of the true Happiness of Man which also are of his own Invention and going after But if he would do the same for what God hath set before him in complyance with the Divine Will what others do out of their own use the same Constancy and be contented to live by Faith and Hope as they do by Expectation not sink under a little doubting as they go on notwithstanding their many Disappointments then he may accomplish his whole Warfare on Earth In all the steps of his Christian Course let him be fixed and taken up with that of the Psalmist Wait on the Lord be of Good Courage and he shall strengthen â—bine Heart Wait I say on the Lord Psal 27. 14. There is much need of it in performing those several Acts of Duty in resisting the Allurements of sensual Pleasure and the assaults of Evil To choose Labour and what is irksome to Flesh and Blood To take up the Cross suffering Reproach and Persecution to be subject unto hatred and solitariness To incur the Displeasure and Evil intreaties of Men rather then be carried away by them in Sinful Complyances To constantly speak out the Truth and thereby to draw on Hatred ill-will lessening of Reputation all which might be declined by little Acts of Excuse and Disobedience Which he will not admit of who is fully resolved to please God in all things There are many things at this day which will sufficiently exercise Courage to go through with and overcome When his Good shall be evil spoken of his fixed purposes not to offend shall be called Humour what are the effects of Faith and Love shall be reputed Ignorance To Arm our selves against all hard Speeches Not to be afraid of the Faces and Frowns of Men not to be shaken with the Blast of the terrible Ones to adhere universally unto the Will of God rather then do what others would have and further not to love their Lives unto Death entertaining it in the most terrible and afflicting manner and many other instances might be named whereby Holy Men have and do act Valiantly Not to be frightened but willingly sustain Evil and Hardship To do worthily for God and his Glory against all oppositions of the World and powers of Darkness yea the several Acts of the Christian Life are more properly Courage then is to be found in those generous Actions according to the estimation of the World. A wise Man in what he takes in hand proposes what good will come of it If it seems uncouth and contrary to his nature yet the Prospect of Good shall back him on Now he that doth not think the Recompence of Reward from God is as High Excellent and Worthy to be sought after as a little Honour Wordly Pelf or Rest it is because he doth not understand or not believe it There is no good even here to be had without Trouble or Labour so it is in the things of God. There must be a Striving working out our Salvation giving Diligence which is more unpleasant and aukward to the Flesh than secular designs and enterprises Yet this is not esteemed fortitude amongst Men but on the contrary lessened and despised It is no matter what they think but what God will judge at last their Opinion will do none or a very slight Good but his approbation is Life and Happiness Things shall be at length naked and opened they shall be throughly dissected and laid before the view of all and then they will appear contrary to what they do now The secrets of all Hearts shall be made known then private judgments shall be discovered against what they seem now outwardly to commend The close Acts of the mind shall be brought to light That Hatred and Averseness to God shall be manifested which was the cause of their Contempt Sullen Silence or speaking evil of the things pertaining to him That wilfull and affected Ignorance that partial knowledge of considering one side and obstinacy not to go further that self-Conviction which was stifled shall break forth and then will appear another face of things What shall at last be fully disclosed would somewhat even now if