bending to them and all they that despised them and looked upon them as poor piteous sorry people shall bow down themselves at the soles of their feet and call them the City of the Lord the Zion of the holy one of Israel and whereas they were forsaken and hated God will make them an eternal excellency a joy of many generations Isai 60.14 15. and that leads to the next thing They shall be as the brightness of the Firmament and as the Stars 4. Perpetually and everlastingly glorious The Firmament and Stars are not subject to those decays and expirings and extinguishments as to their lustre and glory as our inferiour lights Candles Torches and the like which may either be blown out and so loose their shine or will of themselves in short time expire and go out as suffering a consumption and defect of the matter that feeds their light and shine but though by reason of the Clouds intervening or the earth in their daily revolutions in their turning about it or by reason of the brighter glory of the Sun their brightness or shining lustre is not alwaies seen by us yet they are alwaies alike bright and glorious in themselves And yet because of that intermission of their shining unto us by reason of those things above mentioned the Holy Ghost might to supply that defect adde here that expression which may be understood to appertain to both clauses viz. That they shall shine for ever and ever 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a hidden unknown time and still beyond that even for ever and ever their glory shall be like the glory of God that shall shine upon them everlasting Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads and sorrow and sighing shall flee away Isai 35.10 and 51.11 They shall be an eternal excellency for the Lord shall be their everlasting light and the days of their mourning shall be ended Isaiah 60.15 19 20. The glory of this world passeth away and mens shining lustre like the lamp of the wicked goeth out their honour shall not descend to the grave after them Psal 59.17 1 John 2.17 but God will give these an everlasting name honour and renown so as they shall be had in everlasting remembrance Isa 56.5 Psal 112.6 For the mercy and kindness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him and his righteousness unto childrens children to such as keep his Covenant and think upon his Commandments to do them Psal 103.17 18. 5. Indeed both the brightness of the Firmament and the shining of the Stars are inferiour to that of the Sun and so the Holy Ghost may signifie in his use of those Similitudes that their glory spoken of shall be inferiour to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ the Sun of righteousness and indeed its meet that He in all things and for ever should have the preheminence be glorified in â—…ll their glory as they also are made glorious by partaking of his as the Philosophers tell us that the Firmament and Stars derive their shining lustre and splendour from the Sun and from its light and lustre So to be sure all the Saints and holy ones shall do so from Christ not shining in any splendor in such sense their own as not to have or derive it from him And yet inasmuch as our Saviour useth the Metaphor of the Sun to set forth the greatness of the then shining glory of the righteous Matth. 13.43 it may signifie to us also that the Mystery of God and the great and glorious thoughts and purposes of his heart towards his servants and people was not made out so sully and clearly in former times to and by the holy Prophets as they are now in these last days by the coming and appearing and in the Doctrine and Discoveries of the Lord Jesus by himself and his Apostles Ephs 3.5 We have the things of God more fully made known in these last days than in those former times God reserving this honour to the appearance and ministry of his bleffed Son As the way into the Holiest was not yâ—… made manifest while the first Tabernacle waâ—… standing So neither was the glory of it or that was to be thence revealed so fully signified and declared Heb 9.8 2. As to what is peculiar of difference in these two Metaphors or Similitudes the brightness of the firmament and the Stars I shall only observe that the Stars are the more glorious ornaments of the Firmament and exceed the brightness of the Firmament barely or where there is no Star And so to that in saying that they are wise or instruct shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament and they that turn many to righteousness as the Stars We may note that he doth signifie both 1. That there shall be different degrees of glory given as rewards to the fearers and servant of God as is also signified by the Apostle in saying He that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly and he that soweth liberally shall reap liberally 2 Cor. 9.6 And our Saviour implies the like in his answer to the two Sons of Zebedee and their Mother desiring that they might sit one at his right hand and the other at his left hand in his Kingdome for He tells them among other things that â—…o sit at his right hand and at his left in his Kingdome that is to be near to Him is not his to give but to them for whom it is prepared â—…f his Father as implying that it is so prepared for some but not for all his Disciples Matth. 20 21-23 Mark 10.40 as also it is implyed in that of Zechary 12.8 â—…s the words may be construed and understood where he saith He that is feeble among them shall in that day be as David and the house of David shall be as God as the Angel of God before him and in that of the Apostle that as one Star differeth from another Star in glory So also shall be the Resurrection of the dead 1 Cor. 15.41 42. 2. That the greatest Glory shall be given to them that are most abundant in doing good for they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament but that is less than the Stars like to which they shall shine that turn many to righteousness which is more than simply the being wise yea or instructing or making others wise for so they may do that turn not many to righteousness this also is confirmed by the former proofs particularly that of 2 Cor. 9.6 and is evidenced in the Parables of the talents and pounds where he that by trading with his pound got ten pounds is rewarded got with rule over ten Cities when he that had got but five is rewarded with ruling but over five Luke 19 17-19 for God shall render in the judgment to every man according as his works shall be to them that do work good shall he reward glory honour and peace but yet so as to the
and encouragment to those that are wise themselves in the wisdom of Christ or diligently seeking after it and those that are faithfully and diligently endeavouring to improve what wisdom and other furniture they have received from God for the good of others that they might be made wise and righteous in Christ Jesus to go on and hold fast their wisdom and their exercise of it to so good an end Seeing here they have an assurance given them by Jesus Christ and his holy spirit that they that so do shall be glorious with him at the last which may bear them up against all the discouragements they may meet with here in the way as from their being here hid and obscure thrust into corners taken no notice of or made no account of among their Neighbours Yea or from their being here reproached vilified and rendred odious as Christ himself and many of his followers both holy Prophets holy Apostles and other holy men have been in their several Ages No cause from these things to be discouraged but to hold on their way as it is said The righteous also shall hold on his way and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger Job 17.9 And as it is said by our Saviour Let him that is righteous be righteous still and he that is holy devoted seperated and given up to serve God and Christ in seeking the glory of his name and the good of others let him be holy still And behold I come quickly and will render to every man according as his works shall be Rev. 2.11 12. That is to them that by patient continuance in well doing seek after glory honor immortality eternal life Rom. 2.7 This consideration is oft-times propounded by Christ himself as when he saith He that shall confess me before men him will I confess before my Father in Heaven and before the Angels of God Mat. 10.32 Luke 12.8 And No man that hath left Father or Mother House or Land c. for my sake and the Gospels to serve me and it as well as also to know me and it but he shall receive an hundred fold here in this life and in the world to come eternal life Mark 10.29 30. And so in each of the seven Epistles to the seven Churches in Asia Rev. 2 3. This the Apostles too propounded both to themselves and to others To themselves We believe therefore we speak knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus and present us with you For which cause we faint not But though our outward man perish our inward man is renewed day by day For our light afflictions which are but for a moment attending us namely in our seeking after and serving the Lord getting and walking in wisdom Worketh for us a far more exceeding and an eternal weight of glory while we look not at the things that are seen but at the things that are not seen c. 2 Cor. 4.14 16 17 18. And to others when he saith So run that ye may obtain and every man that striveth for masteries is temperate in all things Now they do it to obtain a corruptible Crown but we an incorruptible c. 1 Cor. 9.24 25. And this is a faithful saying For if we be dead with him we shall also live with him If we suffer with him we shall also reign with him 2 Tim. 2.11 12. Oh what have men often done and indured and with how great patience and unweariedness for a little glory that they might get a name and praise with men and be glorifyed of them and shine as it were in their atchieved glories and renowns Witness that great Alexander that in twelve years space ran over almost all the world with undaunted courage encountring with and vanquishing wondrous difficulties for glory sake And Julius Caesar Pompey and many others But alas What is all the glory of this world in comparison of the glory to be revealed on the Saints of God at the appearance of Jesus Christ of which the Apostle tells us that it 's a weighty and an eternal glory and that he reckoned that all the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with it Rom. 8.18 Surely if the hope of a little uncertain gain carryeth the Merchant Husbandman and other Tradesmen oftentimes through great dangers and unwearied labors and difficulties and the hope of a little honor and glory among men hath often and yet doth carry out soldiers to exceeding great and tedious hazzards what should not the hope of so great glory as this To shine as the brightness of the Firmament and as the Stars for ever and ever carry us out to in travelling for wisdom and for doing good to all we can and all the good we can that we may be instruments of their salvation Seeing we have the promise of God both of his presence and helpfulness with us in all our labors and dangers to assist and strengthen us and of his rewarding our labors also and crowning them in the issue with so great glory and happiness Neither of which promises are ingaged to those others in their adventures but they run at uncertainties and upon only fallible probabilities Vse 8. And Lastly How may what hath been said and considered from this Scripture occasion gladness with sadness to us in respect of this our Deceased Brother Mr. Thomas Moor the occasion of our meeting here and treating on this Text of Scripture than which I could not think there was any in the whole Bible more applicable to him and pertinent to our present business 1. In respect of himself we have undoubted cause and ground from this Text of great comfort and gladness as being thence perswaded that it is and shall be well with him though dead in the body and brought hither to be Interred no doubt but he shall arise among the just and such as shall have this Scripture fulfilled upon them for that he was a wise man and indued with a great portion of Divine wisdom and Heavenly understanding all that knew him and his parts and gifts and way of life may testifie and his many pious and religious Treatises both in Print and Manuscript left behind him will witness for him Indeed He had not University Learning to furnish him or to know himself by but what He had was the more immediately or remarkably from God in and by a diligent Study and practise of the holy Scriptures and their good instructions and converse with Godly persons to which from his youth God by his Grace excited and stirred him up and in which he mightily assisted and blessed him And indeed God hath not tyed himself nor us up to the Universities for their Learning for his giving or our receiving Heavenly wisdom But wherever men apply their hearts unto it and mind its instructions in those means of attaining it that he affords them and walking in what He gives wait
Mercy and Faithfulness as in Authority Power â—…nd Sufficiency to help and save us and therefore He will not fail nor be discouraged till he set judgment in the earth and briâ—… every one of his faithful flock aâ—… followers to the enjoyment of 〈◊〉 everlasting Heavenly Pasture To him therefore lifting up 〈◊〉 eyes and hearts let us take coâ—…rage making use of what He haâ—… left us by himself and by 〈◊〉 Spirit in his thereby made boâ—… Apostles and Prophets yea aâ—… of what he affords or hath lâ—… with us of any his faithful Pastoâ—… or Teachers Let us only taâ—… heed to follow his instruction hearing his voice and fear noâ—… but we shall do well in the issâ—… and conclusion My Love anâ—… Service to your Self Lady anâ—… Family And the God of peacâ—… that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus the great Shepherd of the Sheep through the Blood of the everlasting Covenant made in Him with us through and according to which He will also raise from the dead the under-shepherds departed in the faith of Him and all His faithful Flock in his due time â—…o endless Glory and Happiness He make you and us all perfect â—…n every good Work to do his Will Working in us that which â—…s well-pleasing in his sight â—…hrough Jesus Christ To whom be Glory for ever and ever Amen Even in all that he doth and orders to and about us at all times To Him committing you and yours I am Sir Your obliged Friend and Servant in whaâ—… I may and canJohn Horne Lin-Regis Aug. 13. 1672. THE REWARD OF THE WISE AND â—…he future felicity of the fruitful faithful Labourers in Gods work and service Dan. 12.3 â—…d they that be wise shall shine as the â—…ightness of the Firmament and they that turn many to Righteousness as the Stars for ever and ever OUr Lord Jesus for so I understand him to be whose appearance is scribed in Chap. 10. either as in himself as the spiritual Being that was aftâ—â—wards to be incarnate and made flesh as represented by an holy Angel havâ—… in Chap. 11. shewed and made known his holy and beloved Prophet Daniel maâ—… of those great transactions that should 〈◊〉 out in the World especially as relating the people of the Jews or Church of Gâ—… under the Grecian and Roman Monarchâ—… declares in this Chapter what help Gâ—… would afford to his people in the greaâ—… overspreadings of the power of their adâ—â—â—saries and the good end that should be them And so he saith ver 1. And at 〈◊〉 tâ—â—e namely when the Adversary shall pâ—… the Tabernacles of his Palace between 〈◊〉 Seas in the glorious holy mountain or mouâ—…tain of delight of holiness shall Michael stâ—… up even Christ for by that name is he câ—â—tainly called Rev. 12.7 the great Priâ—… the Prince of the Kings of the earth Reâ—…lat 1.5 that standeth for the children of 〈◊〉 people either for the people of the Jews aâ—… their posterity Daniel being a Jew orâ—… also for the Church of God made up Jews and Gentiles and by faith in Chriâ—… made the seed of Abraham and heirs accordiâ—… to promise Gal. 3 26-29 the partition waâ—… being broken down by Jesus Christ Ephâ—…sians 2.15 this great Prince shall all thâ—… â—…e stand up which may be understood â—…her of Christs appearing in the flesh and â—…ough sufferings entring upon his glory â—…d therein exercising his power in behalf 〈◊〉 his Church or else rather of his gloriâ—…s appearing or standing up at last in the â—…urches greatest exigence to give it deliâ—…rance And there shall be a time of trouble â—…ch as never was since there was a Nation â—…en to that same time which time of so â—…eat trouble may be the time of the Deâ—…uction of Jerusalem by Titus and of the â—…esolations and troubles following upon the â—…ewish Nation and People especially if by â—…e standing up of Michael we understand â—…e appearance of Christ in the flesh and his â—â—ing exalted through sufferings unto glory â—…nd abiding therein and in the exercise of â—…is power for his peoples help For our Saviour seems to apply this saying to that very time of trouble in Matt. 24.21 where speaking of the troubles that should be in Judea and in and about Jerusalem he saith Then shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to that time no nor ever shall be where we must either by No nor ever shal be understand that he means there shall never be such a time of trouble again in that Nation or else if we understand stand it universally that must of necessâ—… the time here spoken of this being sâ—… time as there was never before since thâ—… was a Nation But if we confine our Sâ—…ours expression to that Nation and uâ—…stand him here to speak of the World versally or of the Church in its larger pacity then we may also understand 〈◊〉 He may point out some such time of grâ—… trouble to the World or to the Chuâ—… rather from it towards the end of the timâ—… or immediatly before Christs appearing glory and so standing up for his peopâ—… as there never was the like before in a age As the time of the slaying of 〈◊〉 Witnesses by the Beasts rising out of the bottoâ—…less pit and of their dead bodies lying slâ—… Rev. 11 7-10 and of the gathering togethâ—… of the Kings of the earth to the battle of 〈◊〉 great day of God Almighty Rev. 19.14 maâ—… probably be though in the conclusion thâ—… Saints shall have joy and the adversariâ—… destruction as is there implyed And so 〈◊〉 is said and signified here when he addeâ—… And at that time thy people shall be delivered every one that shall be found written in the Book namely all they that shall be appointed oâ—… God thereunto or shall be truly righteous and fearers of God this is the fruit and benefit of Michaels or Christs standing up â—…hem both to intercede with God in â—…ven for them and to succour them from â—…out of Heaven And this is the great â—…er of hope and consolation to the â—…rch and people of God that whatever â—…ersaries rise up against them and how â—…oever they prevail and whatever sad â—…s of trouble come upon them yet they 〈◊〉 a great Prince greater than all their â—…ersaries even the Lord Jesus to stand â—…or their help therefore they may hold â—…heir way and hold fast the profession â—…eir faith with courage and confidence â—… conditions only necessary it is that give diligence to be found in Christ so that our names be found written in â—…en even in the Book of Life for no 〈◊〉 shall fail of deliverance Luke 10 20. â—…p 5.9 He adds â—…ers 2. And many of them that sleep in the 〈◊〉 of the earth shall awake some or these â—…erlasting life and some or those to shame â—…erlasting contempt It is the manner â—…e Prophets of times to speak briefly and â—…isely of the things of Christ and his â—…gdom so
seek for it as for Silver and dig for it as for hidden treasures Pro. 2.1 2 3 4. and 10.14 Yea they take not offence at but receive and turn at wisdomes reproofs and follow her counsels whatever they be or whithersoever they lead taking the Kingdom of God as it were by violence because they know the necessity and worth of it Prov. 3.23 and 15.5.31 32. Matt. 11.12 They hear wisdomes voice watching at her gates and waiting daily and diligently at the posts of her doors knowing that so they shall find her and finding her they shall finde life and shall obtain favour of the Lord Prov. 8.33 34 35. Yea and knowing that two are better than one and a threefold cord is not easily broken they join in company with those that fear God and go forth by bands with the Locusts Prov. 30.27 Eccles 4.9 12. Psal 119.63 Matth. 3.10 Psal 133. 1-4 Yea further in this Wisedome and these wise men there is 5. Cautelousness and circumspection their Eyes are in their head Eccles 2.14 and they understand their way and ponder and consider the path of their feet that all their ways may be established not believing with and as the simple ones every word or closing with all that hath a fair appearance in the flesh or outside but being wary they look well to their going Prov. 14.8.15 with 4.26 they walk circumspectly and exactly looking to themselves because they know the world is full of deceit and deceivers and Sathan can transform himself into an Angel of light and his messengers into Ministers of righteousness Ephes 5.16 Joh. 2.7 8. 2. Cor. 11.13 14. They believe not every spirit nor follow every Preacher that hath a form of godliness nor are led by the speciousness of their carriages their zeal noise and brave appearances in the flesh or outside performances of religious actions but they try the spirits whether they be of God or not and to that purpose they make use of Gods touchstone his Law and Testimony from which they will not start or be waved by any pretending Apostleship from God or appearing like Angels in their gifts parts speech or carriages towards and aâ—…gst men they mark whither mens doctrines confess Christ come in the flesh and lead to and build only on him as the full all-sufficient and only foundation of our hopes and whither they speake the Language of the holy Apostles and Prophets Isa 8.20 Gall. 1.8 9. 1 John 4.1 2 3 6. They understand the voice of their Shepherd and strangers therefrom they will not hear or follow John 10.4 5. They know that in believing on cleaving to and abiding in him there is sure and certain safety and out of him nothing but danger of destruction and therefore by no pretences will be drawn from him They understand that at what time God speaks to or concerning a Nation or concerning a Kingdome to build or to plant it yet if that Nation or Kingdome do evil in his sight and obey not his voice He is at liberty for all his former speaking or promise to harden and reject it and will repent of the good wherewith He said He would benefit it Jer. 18.9 10. And when he saith to a righteous man as He doth to none not truly and acceptably righteous thou shalt surely live yet if that righteous man trust in his righteousness and commit iniquity all his righteousness shall not 〈◊〉 remembred but for his iniquity that he hath done he shall die Eze. 33.13 and therefore as he is not discouraged from repentance by any threatnings against any sinful acts or ways that run in absolute formes so neither is he emboldened to sin against God because of any promises to the righteous in absolute forms nor will therefore be drawn to cast himself from the Pinacle of the Temple presuming and being confident that the Angels of God shall preserve him from harm because it is said to such as make God their refuge and the most high their habitation that his Angels shall bear them up in their hands and keep them in all their ways that they dash not their foot against a stone Psal 91 9-11 12. Mat. 4.5 6. The wise man feareth and departeth from evil He knows his standing is by faith and that in waiting upon God and keeping his way he shall be exalted out of all low ebbs that befal him to inherit the land that in Christ Jesus only are all the promises of God yea and in him Amen to the praise and glory of God so as in abiding in him and his doctrine they shall surely be met with and enjoyed but in departing from and wandring out of him they are departed from him too and he should become as a bird wandered out of his place and therefore he fears to imbrace such Scripture-less sayings as Once in Christ and ever in him That no sin can unson a Son of God whom God loves once he loves for ever if such a person sin never so much or never so often he cannot perish but must be pardoned cleansed and saved and therefore no need for such as are once justified of God can fear sinning against Him as a thing that deprives him of heaven and happiness He fears to suck in such Principles as may betray his Soul in a temptation and so to give any admission to sin and wickedness knowing that God spared not the Angels that sinned nor his people which He brought out of Egypt but afterward destroyed them that believed not nor the natural branches or seed of Abraham though elected of God and in Covenant with him as his first born people He is not high minded because of any grace bestowed upon or wrought in him but fears to offend or to follow after any principle or counsel leading him thereto knowing that though Gods goodness is towards and upon him yet the continuance of it to him is no otherwise assured than in his abiding in Christ keeping his Commandments and so continuing in his goodness Prov. 14.16 Psal 37.34 2 Corinth 1.20 Romans 11.20 21 22 23. John 15.9 10. 1 Cor. 9.27 with 10.1 3. 10 11. But the fool rageth and is confident or he goeth on transgresseth and is angry with them that would put him in fear 〈◊〉 any harm that may befal him and is bold and confident confident that he stands so sure he can never be moved He can never fall away totally and finally though he hearken to the enticements of Sin and Sathan and follow his desire and inclination to satisfie his lust and affection for why He is elected He is in Christ a Son of God Sin he may and suffer he may but all shall be for his advantage at last and work for his good even his presumptuous sinnings and sufferings for them too and he can never perish therefore he goeth on and whereas He that feareth alwaies is blessed this bold presumptuous and confident fool falls into mischief Prov. 14.16 and 28.14 6. A
the word themselves and are doers of the truth they teach to others for it is not every one that saith Lord Lord that is the wise man for many shall say in that day to Christ Lord Lord have we not Prophesied in thy name and in thy name cast out Devils and in thy name done many wonderful works to whom He shall say Depart from me ye that work iniquity Therefore our Saviour likens him that hears his sayings and doth them to a wise man that built his house upon a rock and when the rain descended and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house it fell not because it was founded upon 〈◊〉 Rock Whereas the hearer of them and thâ—… not doer the prating fool that receives not commandments to obey and do them is like a foolish man that built his house without a foundation or upon the sands and the rain descended and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house and it fell and so the prating fool shall fall and great the fall of it Matt. 7 21-27 Prov. 10.8 But he that heareth himself speaketh constantly Prov. 21.28 And indeed this instruction may be signified in the diversity of construction of this word rendred wise and Teachers viz. That they that would be or are Teachers of others should be wise themselves i.e. Men of understanding fearers of God none others being wise in the Scripture language thence the righteous are opposed to fools Prover 14.9 Art thou a master in Israel saith our Saviour to Nicodemus knowest not these things John 3.10 implying that Masters or Teachers in Israel should not be strangers to the matters of regeneration whereof he had been there speaking Verily verily I say unto thee We namely Christ and his faithful servants speak what we know and testifie what we have seen ver 11. It is noted of our Saviour that He did and taught Act. 1.1 and so he would have others also do Whosoever saith He shall do and teach the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven Matth. 5.19 such are the subject of Gods promises here the truly wise for the foolish though prating fools shall not stand in Gods sight He hates as to fellowship wâ—…th him or as to admission of them to nighness to him all the workers of iniquity Psal 5.5 But the wise shall inherit glory Prov. 3.35 which is the summe and substance of what is here asserted when he saith They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament and that is 2. The Second thing in or part of the Proposition that that makes it up a full Proposition or Observation and therein we come to enquire what is imported in its being said They shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament Wherein I shall here only speak of its general import leaving the Metaphorical resemblance till afterward and so it 's to be noted that he saith not they do shine but in the future they shall which future may either refer to all the time of Michael's standing up as it may signifie the whole day of Christs manifestation and of the Gospel preaching him according to the revelation of the mystery and so indeed as our Saviour himself was the light of the world while a Preacher in it Joh. 9.5 So he calls John Baptist a burning and a shining light John 5.35 and his Disciples the light of the world Matth. 5.14 and the Angels of the seven Churches are called seven Stars Rev. 1.20 and both He and the Apostle would have the believers of his Doctrine and the Preachers thereof to shine as lights unto others holding forth the word of life Matt. 5.16 Phil. 1.1 with 2.16 or else it rather refers to the time to come When Christ shall be revealed from Heaven and come with all his Saints and they that here believed on him and served him and suffered with him shall appear with him in glory 1 Thes 3.13 Coll. 3.4 the time of the resurrection mentioned in the vers before or of the end of the world and this appears more properly to be the time spoken of because of what we find from our Saviour to that purpose in the Parable of the Wheat and Tares where our Saviour saith that in the end of the world the Son of man shall send forth his Angels and they shall gather out of his Kingdome all seandals or things that offend and them that do iniquity and shall cast them into a furnace of fire where shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth and adds Then at that time shall the righteous the truly wise shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father He that hath ears to hear let him hear Mat. 13.40 41 42 43. Indeed here and now in this world and time though they be and shine as lights yet they are beclouded and obscured very much with reproaches put to shame and ignominy among men and that by the greatest persons of and such are in most repute for wisdome and learning with them and have a great lustre and splendour therethrough in the earth even as our Lord himself the bright and morning Star and the Sun of righteousness was vilified and set at naught by the Master builders the chief Priests Scribes and Pharisees and Rulers of the people they that thought themselves righteous and very wise and were reputed the most eminent and religious persons among others men of the straitest Sect of Religion that had a great deal of zeal and devotion a great appearance of piety and religion and whom the eyes of men were therefore generally upon as appears by that saying John 7.48 Have any of the Rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him These covered him over with reproaches calling him a Wine-bibber and a gluttonous man a friend of Publicans and Sinners Matthew 11.19 A Samaritan and one that had a Devil Joh. 8.48 One that deceived the people John 7.12 that He cast out Devils by Beelzebub the Prince of Devils Mat. 12.24 yea that he was Beel zebub himself Matt. 10.25 as if he had been a Devil incarnate instead of God manifested in the flesh a Blasphemer Joh. 10.33 36. Matt. 26.65 a Teacher of sedition and an enemy to Cesar Luke 23.2 John 19.12 and as He foretold that it should be with his Followers that they should be reproached and have their names cast out as evil doers so it befell and befalls them also and that too from men appearingly pious and religious that make a great shew and flourish in the flesh and would be esteemed the only Masters in Religion the most zealous and Orthodox by such oftimes the truly wise are reputed among the foolish and the followers of Christ numbred as He was with the transgressors suspected and accused of error or heresie false doctrine or bad living because not consenting with their Rabbiships in all their Dogma's or not conforming to them in all their scrupulosities or
pay him again Chap. 19.17 especially they that out of love to Christ and them relieve his Members and Brethren though but with outward bodily reliefs for they shall hear that heavenly Sentence Come ye blessed of my Father inherit ye the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world Matt. 25.34 35 36. Oh how much more then shall they be rewarded that have hazarded their lives and spent their time strength to do good to the Souls of others to turn them in to Christ to the making them righteous and so his friends and brethren and preserving them from hell and destruction Surely the wise and wisemakers shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament and they that turn many to righteousness or make many righteous as the stars for ever and ever they shall be glorious abundantly glorious that 's the substance of what is asserted here of them and signified in both the Metaphors used for illustration and in what is added thereto wherein we have also 2. The manner of their being glorified or rather the exceeding great measure of it We may speak to both the Metaphors together as to what is common to both first and then take notice of something peculiar and special in which there is some difference 1. Common to both namely to the â—…rightness of the Firmament and to the â—…tars is that they are 1. High above us â—…nd so it may denote and signifie that both â—…he wise and they that turn many to God â—…hall be highly honoured and glorified even â—…s Christ the great turner of many to God â—…e perfect one in wisdome and maker of â—…ise men is highly glorified above all so 〈◊〉 He is far above all Principalities and Poâ—…ers Thrones and Dominions and every name â—…at is named both in this world and in that to â—…me Ephes 1.20 21. Angels Principaliâ—… and Authorities being made subject to â—…im 1 Pet. 3.22 And all things put under his feet He being glorified with Gods own self even with that glory He had with him before the world was Heb. 2.8 John 17.5 and therein exalted extolled and made very high Isaiah 52.13 So also they that here are wise and means and instruments of making others so and they that in their endeavours turn many to righteousness shall be highly glorified God will exalt and honour them and set them on high because they have known and glorified his Name Psal 91.14 15 16. Yea their glory shall be as high above all the glory of this earth as the Heavens are higher than the earth and the stars above our common lights and torches and that iâ—… exceeding high as it is said Is not God iâ—… the heigth of heaven and behold the heigth oâ—… the Stars how high they are Job 22.12 anâ—… yet as high as the Heavens are above the earth so great is his mercy or kindness toward theâ—… that fear him Psal 103.11 Their glorâ—… shall be above the reach of men either 〈◊〉 give to them or take from them Ahâ—… suerus having promoted Haman and set hâ—… feat above all the Princes that were wiâ—… him yet could pull him down thence aâ—… command him to the gallows But the glâ—…ry of the Saints shall be above the reach 〈◊〉 either Men or Devils to pull them doâ—… from Pure and unmixt bodies and their splenâ—…our or glory in which they shine is pure â—…nd elear there is no fuliginous smoaky â—…isty matter mixt with the Firmament specially the brightness of the Firmament â—…nd the glorious Stars neither is there any â—…ixture of mans invention and endeavour 〈◊〉 their splendour or shine as in the shinâ—…ngs or brightness of fires or candles and â—…orches here below even so also shall the â—…lory and splendor of the Saints and holy â—…en the truly wise and such as have turnâ—…d many to righteousness be a pure and â—…nmixed glory and splendour nothing of â—…orldly casualties changes or vicissitudes â—…all it be obnoxious to neither shall there â—…e any thing so weak as that that is of mans â—…aming and devising put upon them as â—…ow there is put upon the sons of the glory â—…f this world human wreaths and crowns â—…tles dignities robes and the like But â—…l shall be there and upon them divine â—…nd heavenly pure and unmixed the new â—…erusalem the Bride the Lambs wife shall â—…ave on her the glory of God and her light â—…lendor or lustre shall be like that of a stone â—…ost precious like a Jasper stone in part â—…e representation of the glorious God upon is throne Rev. 4.3 clear as Chrystal Reâ—…elat 21.11 3. Most manifest and conspicuous such is the brightness of the Firmament and the Stars above they may be seen by their own light at the greatest distance and remoteness even a man as it were with half an eye may see their shining splendour so as the brightness of candles and torches at a great distance cannot be seen even so the glory of the wise and faithful ones that are instruments of turning many to Christ it shall be most bright and manifest it shall be seen and beheld of all for when Christ shall appear in glory they shall also appear in glory with him Coll. 3.4 Therefore that time and state is called the manifestation of the Sons of God when they shall all be seen and known who and how excellent they are Rom. 8.19.21 then men that could see no glory in and upon the servants and fearers of God nor no profit accruing to men by his fear and service but said It is in vain to serve God and what profit to keep his ordinances and walk mournfully before him and that call the proud happy shall tack about and turn and gaze upon the strange change that shall be then and discern plainly between the righteous and the wicked the wise man that is truly and spiritually so and the fool him that serveth God and him that serveth him not For then the day of the Lord shall burn like an oven and all the proud and all that do wickedly shall be as stubble and the day that cometh shall burn them up saith the Lord of Hosts so as it shall leave them neither root nor branch But unto them that fear the Lord shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing under his wings So as to render them bright and conspicuous also Yea then the righteous shall shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father So as their glory cannot possibly be any longer hid Matt. 13.43 Mal. 3.14 15 17. 4.2 Now the life of the Saints and holy men of God is hid with Christ in God but then Christ their life appearing it shall appear also to be very glorious when He shall come to be glorified in his Saints and admired in all them that believe their glory shall be so great clear and wonderful and so discerned to be by all Coll. 3.3 4. 2 Thes 1.10 And then the sons of them that hated them shall come
Jew first and also to the Gentile for there is no respect of persons but there is of works with God Rom. 2.6 10.11 which renders it a thing not in vain to be more diligent and industrious in the way and work of the Lord but good to abound therein which would be bootless and in vain if men being believers on Christ in the main should be equally rewarded for doing little good as if they or others that did more Indeed when there is a heart to do more and the reason of not doing more is merely want of matter or capacity for doing more there the reward of them that do less as to the matter done or administred by them may be as much or more than of them that have done more as to the matter done having ability to have done still more or better than they did as in the case of the poor woman casting in her two mites which was all that she had into the Treasury accepted by our Saviour as doing more than all they that out of their superfluity had cast into it though much more in quantity than she had Mark 12.41 42 43 44. as also in the Parable of the Labourers where they that wrought but one hour not being called in sooner and as it may seem more referring themselves to the good pleasure of their Lord for their wages and reward and less capitulating with him than those that came sooner had equal reward with them Matthew 20 1-9 15. But where men have capacities and abillities proportionable and do not equally proportionably to them the more faithful diligent and bountiful shall have the greater reward And so it s a good encouragement to greater diligence and abundance in the service of God and Christ knowing it shall not be in vain in the Lord 1 Cor. 15.58 and yet so as puts no discouragement upon any that have hearts set to do more but have less talents or abililities But that belongs to the use of these points to which having been so large in Explication we now come at length even to Application Applicat 1. And first what hath been said on the first point may serve Vse 1. To commend to us the study of Wisedome or a diligent endeavour after it as that which will be of greatest advantage to us for seeing they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament in and after the Resurrection well may we say with Solomon How much better is it to get wisdome than gold and to get understanding rather to be chosen than Silver Pro. 16.16 It is true that much Silver and Gold will make men glitter here but it is in things without them their gay cloaths and gawdy garnishings of them their houses houshold stuff horses and suchlike matter but alas the glory and shine they give them is as much below that of the wise man here promised and predicted as the glory or shine of the Glow worm is below that of the brightness of the Firmament Gold and Silver Riches profit not in the day of wrath from which wisdome will make us wise to Salvation giving us that righteousness which delivers from Death Prov. 11.4 A good Name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving kindness rather than Silver and Gold Prov. 22.1 But it is not Silver and Gold that will without wisedome give us a good name much less loving favour with the Lord but wisdome will give us them for Riches and Honour are with her yea durable riches and righteousness and whoso sinds her finds life and shall obtain favour of the Lord Prov. 8.18 34 35. Wisdome is that that will make a mans face to shine and change the boldness or strongth of his countenance Eccles 8.1 truly it puts a lustre upon faces or appearances now Stephen who was a man indued with the Holy Spirit and therethrough with such wisdome as all his learned Adversaries were not able to resist even when he came to answer his adversaries accusations for his life in the presence of the Greatest Council in Jerusalem All that sat in Council looking stedfastly on him saw his face as it had been the face of an Angel Acts 6 8-10-15 with 7.1 Oh what will it do when he shall appear with Christ in glory Men may be rich and have riches and yet leave little fame or glory behind them when they are gone no nor have any great matter of lustre while in possession of them How pittifully did Croesus or Crassus look to a judicious eye and so Nabal and Haman but much more in the eye of God and his holy ones in comparison of Saint Paul or Peter or Stephen yea or any the least in Gods Kingdome Yea men may be rich and infamous do so unworthily as to foile all their heights and enjoyments in the world by their foolish and sordid actions as that rich man Nabal did Whose name was Nabal and folly was with him truly many have gotten greater fame and shone more among men both in their life time and after death by their wisdome though but poor and mean persons than those that have been very wealthy being void of wisdome as not only many Prophets and Apostles but even many Heathens that are yet famous for their wisdome and learning though but a worldly and perishing wisdome as far below the heavenly wisdome as a rush light is below the brightness of the Firmament and therefore that that will give them no lustre in the Resurrection Surely Solomons wisdome made him shine more than all the riches and honour of his Kingdome others have been as rich as he but none so wise nor did his Riches so much as his great Wisdom draw the Queen of Sheba to come so far to see him and yet his folly in loving strange women how much did it take off the lustre of his wisdome How much more gloriously would he have shone had he been so wise as to have shunned that folly and he prefers even a poor and wise child before an old and foolish King that will no more be admonished for this out of prison may come to reign when he other though born in his Kingdome may become poor Eccles 4.13 14. especially being wise with the wisdome of God which is the wisdome here commended as endring them that are wise therewith so â—…orious hereafter even Christ the wisdome â—…f God as known of us and believed on by â—…s in knowing him we shall know all things â—…ghtly and have our hearts and minds â—…ghtly framed so as to fear God and keep â—…s commandments and the fear of the Lord at is wisdome even the beginning or prinpal matter of it the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and to deâ—…rt from evil that is understanding Job 28.28 Prov. 1.7 and 9.10 Psal 111.10 that 's the wisdome the praise whereof is so set forth in the Scriptures that makes them happy that gets her and that find the understanding and knowledg of her The
to him in this present world He that knows his masters will and doth it not shall be â—…eaten with many stripes for to whomsoever â—…uch is given of him shall be much required â—…nd to whom men have committed much of him â—…hey will ask the more Luk. 12.47 48. Christ was not sent of God neither came he into â—…he world nor hath he sent forth his Spirit â—…nd fitted and furnished servants of his and sent them into the world and given forth his Word and Doctrine and the light of his sons and servants holy conversation to such end that we might only have our brains filled with better and righter speculations or our tongues tipt with finer and righter language and that we should bow to him with our knees and honour him with our lips and cry Lord Lord and jangle and wrangle and make a noise bustle and bluster in the world about opinions and forms of worship while still we remain in heart and life covetous proud ambitious vainglorious unjust and wicked But his great end in all this and the great end we are to pursue in the enjoyment of them all and the use we are to make of them was and is our being redeemed from all iniquity and purified to be to Christ a peculiar people zealous of good works Tit. 2.14 Oh let us look diligently that we neither fail of the grace of God nor receive it in vain but so as we may have it so effectually in our hearts prevailing with us and bringing forth its fruits in us that we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear beâ—… made wise to Salvation a righteous people aâ—… branch of Gods planting the work of his hands that He may be glorified Isai 60.21 3. This also with reference to both it s branches Vse 6. May administer diverse reproofs as 1. To such as neglect Wisdome and Righteousness and regard them not that seek other things but seek not the Lord that call and cry and lift up their voices for vanities and that that will not profit them for perishing pleasures riches or honours but content themselves to be without wisdome and understanding seek not Gods Kingdome and his Righteousness have a will to be rich and through the love of money fall into a temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown them in destruction and perdition and pierce their souls through with many sorrows but flee from Wisdome and her calls counsels instructions and reproâ—… shunning the light thereof because their deeds are evil and follow not after righteousness godliness faith love patience meekness that they might lay hold on eternal life 1 Tim. 6.9 10 11 12. Who not believing that they are the truly wise that fear and serve God in the faith of Christ Jesus nor that they shall shine so gloriously in the issue and as the reward of their wise doings therefore say to God Depart from us we desire not the knowledg of thee or of thy ways preferring riches before righteousness wine and women and the ways of wickedness before wisdome heavenly understanding and righteousness their farms and oxen before the heavenly Marriage-feast husks with swine before the substantial bread of life laying out their money for that that is not bread and their labour for that that satisfieth not when they might but will not eat that that is good and let their souls delight themselves in fatnesse these are fools indeed and shame and contempt will be their promotion Prov. 1.7 and 3.35 When they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament then shall these ly down in everlasting darkness and be an abhorring to all flesh Isaiah 50.11 and 66.24 especially those that have had the greatest opportunities and advantages for getting wisdome and for being justified and made righteous and yet foolishly and wickedly have neglected and despised them Hebr. 2.3 that have a price put into their hands to get wisdome but they have no hearts to it Prov. 17.16 Indeed had Christ never been sent of God or come into the world or had he never died for them and rose again or had he by no means or God through him ordered any light or truth to them so as it might be known or discerned by them or given them no capacity to see hear or receive it their case might deserve more pitty and excuse God that winked at the times of ignorance would certainly comparatively at least overlook their remediless ignorance and brutishness but now that things are otherwise the light is come into the world Christ hath given himself the ransome for all and the the testimony in due or proper times and is the light that lighteneth every man coming into the world and what is to be known of God is manifest in or among men for God hath shewed it them and they close their eyes and refuse to see and like not to have or retain God in their knowledg yea professing themselves to be wise and neglecting what comes to make them wise become fools and their foolish heart is darkened they have therefore no excuse but the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against them for all their ungodliness and unrighteousness because they withold the truth in unrighteousness 1 Tim. 2.4 6. John 1.9 and 3.19 Rom. 1.18 19 20 21 22-28 Truly this is the case among the heathens But how much more inexcusable must we Christians needs be who have the Scriptures of the Law and Prophets among us yea the Preachings and doings of Christ and his Apostles in all a clear discovery of the mind and will of God and of his love and grace to us and the highest means and advantages given us for attaining to wisdome and being made just and righteous but put them from us or receive the Grace of God herein in vain Oh how great is the folly and how sad will be the state of such among us Folly and madness to neglect and slight what they might have of such worth as to advance them to greater glory than all the glory of the earth or world even to shine as the brightness of the Firmament But much more folly by neglecting that to incurr endless obscurity and disgrace and everlasting misery If men are accounted fools and well may be oftimes who having opportunities and advantages to attain to glory and dignity among men do sloathfully cowardly or otherwise neglect them how much more shall they who might attain to heavenly glory and care not for it nor will look after it upon which account also 2. Here is reproof to such as being somewhat acquainted with God and his grace truth and having received some furniture and fitness for being useful to others yeâ—… with the sloathful and wicked servant refuse to improve their talent know how to do good to others but have no heart to it mind their own things only but neglect thâ—… things that are Christs Philip. 2.21 Seek what to eat
and what to drink and where-with to be cloathed but seek not the advancement of Gods Kingdom or its increase nor the glorifying of Gods righteousness to men that they might be saved Whither through coveteousness and desire after the getting and keeping of the world they cannot look after Gods glory or their own and others good or through sloathfulness and loathness to undergo hardship and the difficulties and services requisite to be performed by them or through fearfulness and unbelief thinking the work and service of the Lord too dangerous and Him no certain or sufficient protectour of his servants and this often goeth with the other The sloathful man saith there is a Lyon in the way I shall be slain in the Streets Prov. 22.13 fearing what men may do unto them more than him that can cast body and soul into hell fire and so conceal the words of the Holy one â—…er hide them so within a bushel that they â—…are not sown abroad in Gods field to bring forth an increase Have received light but smother it and will not suffer it to shine forth and therefore set it not on a Candlestick but hide it underâ—… bed or a bushel or the like Or through want of Charity to and â—…are or desire of their neighbours good And â—…ruly if he that having the worlds good seeth his Brother have need and administreth not to him but shuts up the bowels of his compassion from him is injurious to God and men and hath not the love of God well abiding in him 1 John 3.17 How much more worthily may it be said of such as having that which is far better than all this worlds good the knowledge of God and his truth where-with to help men to heaven by instructing them in and unto wisdom and righteousness and see their brethren and neighbours have need thereof and yet shut up the bowels of their compassions against them and leave them for want of instruction and vision to die and perish how dwelleth the love of God in such men And oh what a reproof may this be to many Pastors or Ministers such as the Prophets have cryed out against that feed themselves but feed not but starve the Flock that either have not knowledge oâ—… mission from God and yet run and speak but not out of his mouth of whom more by and by or that having the words of God to speak to them withold them and speak them not Yea and such as causelesly leave and desert their Flocks or neglect their opportunities of teaching men knowledge and of turning them to righteousness such aâ—… that Shephard that Idol Shephard thaâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shephard of no worth spoken of in Zech. 11.13 that leaves the Flock Surely the loss of the great glory here set before the faithful and diligent servants of God the loss of shining as the brightness of the Firmament and as the Stars for ever and ever might sufficiently awaken men from such neglect of their duty But much more if withal the woe and misery contrary hereto threatned to such and allotted for their portion be considered it might alarm us all to take heed of these evils both that judgment threatned and predicted by our Saviour Take that Talent from him and cast ye that unprofitable servant into outer darkness there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth Mat. 25.24 25 28 30. and that Woe in the Prophet Zechary pronounced Woe to the Idol Shepherd or Shepherd of no value Idolized and worshipped perhaps of men but of no worth in himself and as to his way and practise that leaves the Sheep or Flock the Hireling that seeing the Wolf come shifts for himself but leaves the Sheep to the danger of him or that for any cause whatsoever voluntarily deserts and leaves the care of mens souls committed to him A Sword shall be upon his arm and upon his right eye his arm shall be utterly dryed up He shall lose his force power and virtue for doing good and his right eye shall be utterly darkned He shall lose all right understanding or shall be bound as it were hand and foot and cast into outer darkness where his eye shall see no light A sad heavy sentence is either of them and such as might awaken us to consider our ways and be fervent in spirit serving the Lord with all diligence seeking to do all the good we can to others Yea and to take the best advantages that Providence affords and that we may lay hold of for doing good to all or as many as may be Like the Apostle that pleased not himself but pleased all men in all things not seeking his own profit but the profit of many that they might be saved 1 Cor. 10.33 the more the better For they that turn many to righteousness have the more excellent promise that they shall shine as the Stars for ever and ever They therefore are faulty and foolishly defective to themselves and their own good who for any fleshly or worldly considerations of ease honor greater profits here or the like content themselves to do good to a few when they are in a capacity and may have opportunities to do good to many more It was the great blessing promised of God to Abraham that he should be the Father of many Nations Gen. 17.4 Rom. 4.17 18. And the glory of Christ that through his sufferings He brings many sons to glory Heb. 2.10 And David when God went so forth with him in his reproving and instructing men that Many said who will shew us God Lord lift up the light of thy countenance upon us tells us that God put more gladness thereby into his heart than in the time that their Corn and Wine increased Psal 4.6 7. The servant that with his pound well imployed gained ten pounds was made Ruler over ten Cities when he that gained but five with his pound was made Ruler but of five Cities Luke 19.17 19. 3. But if they that neglect to do what good they can are faulty and to be reproved hence what shall we say then to such as not only do not what good they can or might to make others wise and righteous but even do their endeavors to hinder men from wisdom and righteousness or to turn them therefrom surely such are far more exceedingly faulty And if they that make others wise or instruct them thereto shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament in the judgment and they that turn many to righteousness as the Stars for ever and ever then they that hinder or pervert men from being wise or righteous shall rise to shame and everlasting contempt as was said of some verse 2. And here divers sorts of persons fall under sore reproofs as to say 1. They that by force and violence endeavor to hinder men or do drive them from being wise or righteous they that make Laws and Edicts against and so in prosecuting them or otherwise persecute men for righteousness
light was with them John 12.35 36. and not as the Poet observed to be the common practise of men Presentem virtutem odio habere absentem quaerere invidi Horat. Slight present good out of envy of it and then when it is withdrawn seek for it when it cannot be had Surely it 's matter of lamentation for the Church and World to be deprived of any useful persons in them As also cause of sadness we have as the taking away such may presage judgments approaching upon us as is often found and as is implyed in Isa 57.1 2. The righteous man perisheth namely from among men and no man layeth it to heart And men of mercy or kindness are taken away none considering that the righteous is taken from the evil either the evil that is already predominant as Lot from the evil that vext his righteous soul or as we read it the evil to come as Lot also was and Noah when taken into the Ark from the approaching deluge He shall enter into peace c. In respect of him therefore we have cause of gladness as our Saviour said to his Disciples John 14.28 But in respect of our selves cause to grieve And God grant that that of our Saviour when the women wept for him when he went to his death may not be applicable to us Weep for you selves and for your Children for behold the days come in which they shall say Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bare and the paps that never gave suck c Luke 23 28 29. Well what of judgment and correction to us there is in it it is good for us to bear Searching and trying our ways and turning again to the Lord who in divers such strokes and breaches made upon us hath been smiting us Blessing him that we enjoyed him so long and that he lived to fill up so fully the number of his years in which respect there is the less of judgment I conceive in his being now taken away And whereas we can now have no farther usefulness of him by any personal care of or service among us let us bewailing our unprofitableness under what we have had have the more regard to his Relicks I mean those good and useful Books and Writings the best and truest Relicks of the Saints to be made much of by the surviving lest behind him In and by which we may yet be minded of the sum and substance of what he spake to us and hear him as it were yet instructing us and reap the labours of his spirit for us Luke 16.29 2 Pet. 1.15 And let it be also our care as being in this his Death and Burial aptly minded thereof and provoked thereto so to number our days as to apply our hearts unto the heavenly Wisdom So as we following after the knowledge thereof and walking therein we may be accepted of God also and be accounted worthy to have our lot and portion among those that be wise who shall shine as the brightness of the Firmanant in the Kingdom of God and if it may be that we also may be instruments of turning many unto righteousness that we may shine then too as the Stars for ever and ever Amen Blessed be God for his unspeakable gift THE END A DOUBLE ACROSTICK Thy Race is Run and Having thy work done Oh may we too do Merit we can't but At Christs appearance Shall rise again and Thou full happily Home t' Heaven didst ply Ours so as we may Mercy find that day At that day when we Shall judg'd by him be More more such useful Once was the Prayer of Old Master Power 't was Rome's and Geneva's Even when thou dst shewd their Moores to us God send One who did attend Of old Bullinbrook Rocks when thou dst shook Errors by Gods Book So be it may we Either with us or Neither the Learned In many places On whom like gifts were Rarer endowments Say for few there be Else where like to thee Nor Vnlearned can Instance such a man Of Gods grace so show'd Richer parts bestow'd 〈◊〉 Epitaph on Mr. Tho. Moore Sen. HEre lies a man wrapt up in dust Whose better part 's in heaven we trust â—…he who through Grace with diligence â—…tain'd to great experience â—…d was with heavenly gifts indu'de â—…ove the common multitude â—…undantly Yea few there were â—…ny in Gods truth more clear 〈◊〉 many wisely did instruct â—…nvert to righteousness conduct â—…ways of Truth and Piety â—…herein himself did live and dy â—…d therefore though as all else must 〈◊〉 now be laid in clay and dust 〈◊〉 at the coming of the Lord 〈◊〉 make good what He in his Word â—…th promised He shall no doubt â—…m thence to glory be rais'd out â—…d then in brightness as the sky â—…ll shine and as the Stars on high â—…h gain hath godliness So good God to such as here have stood â—…his good counsels and have chose â—…th Christ above all things to cloâ—… â—…ving their sins his truth to 〈…〉 〈◊〉 minding seek the things 〈…〉 〈◊〉 such as read these 〈…〉 〈◊〉 Faith and pure Câ—… 〈…〉 To follow after Christ believing God will be faithful none deceiving Who trust to his good Word and so Let 's chuse in such good ways to go As this deceased Friend and all Whom holy men the Scriptures call For there 's no glory may compare With theirs who truly godly are John Horne Another Here lies a Father Friend and Brother Where 's he can shew me such another Learn'd not i' th' learning of the School But in that which who wants are fools His preaching writing walking-one His hands did not bely his tongue Christ in whom's all in all be blest And having done his work 's at rest Bâ—… Thomas Moore Anagr. O harm to some A Help he was to many Souls who His heavenly teaching had their heaâ—… 〈…〉 unto Christ in whom they met 〈…〉 â—…enly peace and blessed safety 〈◊〉 〈…〉 in 's such a sense 〈…〉 as a rock of offence â—…o such as his good counsels did reject â—…ot suff'ring them to have their due effect â—…or better not to have Gods grace set forth â—…han to reject or count it little worth â—…nd o to some his death's harm who depriv'd â—…f what advantage by him while he liv'd â—…hey had in Gods good ways are likely now â—…heir former love thereto away to throw â—…ea to the countries 't is more generally â—…harm where good men live for them to dy â—…r good mens worth and usefulness is oft 〈◊〉 such like names as these in Scriptures taught â—…ch treasures jewels lights o'th'world or stars â—…ods grain earths salt and sometimes its pillars â—…oss of which O what a harm t' would be â—…ightless heaven or grainless earth to see 〈◊〉 loose our jewels or rich treasures and â—…ose pillars whereon our choice buildings stand â—…d yet no less Churches or world's less when â—…d takes away therefrom his godly men â—…n such in Sodom had its safety been â—…r had