immediately instead of a Temporal King â—nd Law-giver 1 Sam. 8. 7. He was pleased to be over that Nation in a more especial manner though he was Lord over the whole Word But the other part was for the Government of mens Life and Actions concerning Good and Evil teaching them their duty to God and one another which remains still in full force Christ did vindicaâ—e and clear the Law from those corrupt Interpretations and narrow Restrictions the Scribes and Pharisees had invented He introduces it Except your Righteousness exceed the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven And then he doth explain the true meaning and full extent of the Commandments He hath also filled up the Defects and Imperfections of the Law hath rendred it holy and spiritual By making more known how it did reach the inward man was a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the Heart for out of that did proceed the things which defile the man and therefore should be rightly ordered He enjoyned Purity and Sincerity of Heart which in Scripture language signifies the Spirit or Soul with all its Operations and Faculties the whole man. Indeed the same was required of old but then both Priest and People did draw near to God with their Lips placing all their Religion in outward Performances the like mistake is too common in these days against which the Prophets in sundry places boldly declare the Word of God for which faithful dealing they were stoned killed sawed asunder and their Writings were not much hearkned unto for the rebellious People were resolved to go on in their course There was no Prophet among them for four hundred Years before the coming of Christ in which space the Jewish Nation had corrupted their Way and those intrusted to preach Moses and the Prophets proved most unfaithful for by their own Traditions they made the Commandments of God of none effect But he hath restored again the true Doctrine and incorrupted Word of God and hath rescued many poor and ignorant Souls from blind Leaders This was one end of Christ's coming into the World but the principal one was of offering his Soul a sacrifice for Sin and establishing a more gracious Covenant as is particularly set forth in the Gospel Thou art the God that dost Wonders thou hast declared thy strength among the People thou hast with thine Arm redeemed thy People the Sons of Jacob and Joseph Psal 77. 14. 15 These things thou didst of Old but since thou hast magnified thy power by Jesus of Nazareth a man approved of God by Miracles and Wonders and Signs which God did by him and as a further Confirmation of all God hath raised him up having loosed the Pains of Death Acts 2. 22 24. And declared to be the Son of God with Power according to the Spirit of Holiness by the Resurrection from the Dead Rom. 1. 14. Thereby witnessing all which he said was true And now having done so great things for us whereof we rejoyce he is pleased not to multiply Miracles It is his decree we should walk by Faith and not by sight and we have sufficient for the establishment of that It was the saying of Father Abraham If they hear not Moses and the Prophets but now since the Author of the New Testament hath suffered and that is become of force by his death it may be added If they hear not Christ and his Apostles neither will they be perswaded though one rose from the dead Luke 16. 31. For this would not be half so wonderful as what they did and if men will not be perswaded by what is greater if they will not believe so many strange Works and such a cloud of Witnesses above five hundred Brethren at once which had seen Christ after he was risen neither will they give credit unto a single Person that came from the Grave and testified of these things Men are apt to think and with in their Hearts that they had greater Evidence and full Assurance that these things are so but that cannot well be unless the fore-mentioned Decree is reversed and we did now see the things of Heaven with open face God is not such as he should lye or repent neither will he falsify and bring to nought his wise Counsels and Designs to gratifie the unreasonable desire of sinful men We are to be thankful that he hath been pleased to reveal himself thus far and not as an evil Generation to seek yet a sign when no sign shall be given saving that of the everlasting Gospel He hath ordered it to be preached unto all Nations for a witness unto them which carries with it sufficient Evidence for convincing all mankind and to leave them without excuse We ought to rest satisfied now himself hath given the final peremptory Rule He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned Mark 16. 16. John 3. 36. Whether men believe the Gospel or not they shall be judged by it Let not this be thought hard for God hath power over men however there is such certainty in the things contained therein that People cannot do otherwise then believe them unless they renounce even common understanding But they are become corrupt and perverse by Lusts which make them unwilling to believe They would not have God reign over them and therefore will not receive for truth what he hath revealed He that believeth not God hath made him a Liar because be believeth not the Record that God gave of his Son 1 John 5. 10. God by the punishment he will inflict on such will manifest that he is no Lyar but what he hath said will perfrom to the utmost What is it that moves despicable Creatures to offer such an affront to the Most High God Only gratifying of paltry Lusts or a Base Interest which hath so bewitched them that they cannot endure any thing which contradicts it And the Gospel commanding the denial of them which is enforced with Rewards to the Obedient and Threatnings to those that will not comply upon this Reason some being resolved to keep to their own wicked Inclinations they shew malice against it they will not believe lest they should be induced to obey and thus they provoke the author thereof But let these men know Greater is he whose Word it is then themselves who will give no credit thereunto As he is the Lord our Righteousness Jer. 33. 16. so will he be the Lord taking Vengeance 2 These 1. 8. He hath given a gracious Law so likewise he hath annexed Severity towards those who will not observe it They had need be well assured that those things which make a separation between God and themselves do counter poize the loss of his goodness and favour and make amends for the power of his anger But are they equivalent to the least of his Mercies Or will they take off the smart when his
is to come It is so irksome that they cannot consider their Pride of Glory Isa 23. 9. passeth away and they make daily approaches to receive a recompence for their evil Deeds One that is continually going to the place of Execution can take but little Pleasure though he hath some Miles to it and is to pass by Meadows Gardens Woods and the most delightful Countrey that ever the Eye saw and though he is feasted with all imaginable Rarities upon the Road hath Variety of Wine and Women and Musick unless he doth quite stupifie and make himself unmindful of his Journeys end If he doth so yet his Misery is never the less or unavoidable but increased by the sad and dismal Change much worse is their Condition who spend their days in Mirth and in a moment go down to the Grave What a motive is here to turn quickly aside out of this and get into the other way To use all means for getting an Hope true and firm sure and stedfast then is Comfort and Rejoycing the nearer one comes to the end thereof The longer one walks in the path that leads to Heaven he is better satisfied for it is more smooth and plain and there are fewer steps till arrived at the Blessed Countrey This is my Rest for ever here will I dwell for I have desired it Psal 132. 14. He is glad at every Stage for he is advanced yet further in the way He can sup Cheerfully and refresh himself with the good things of the Inn but he must rise up early and away He will use them so far as to renew his Strength for Travel but if he should gorge himself then he would not be fit to go He is journeying to receive for himself a Kingdom but it is not one of this Earth nor bringing it down here no more then he can keep that which he hath already but is obliged against this shall fail to secure unto himself that which endureth unto all Ages That Kingdom which cannot be moved Heb. 11. 28. He must use Diligence and Earnestness for From the days of John the Baptist the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent take by force Mat. 11. 11 12. So that a few and careless Endeavours will not serve the turn there must be exercised the whole Strength of a Man. Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he that doth the Will of my Father which is in Heaven Mat. 7. 21. Here again is to observed that the performance of outward Acts of Devotion will not bring him thither unless he doth also the Will of God which is expresly revealed and applied to him to keep all the Words of this Law and these Statutes to do them Deut. 17. 19. Oh but it may be said that is impossible Let him instance in one Commandment that is so and if each of them is possible to be kept then the whole is likewise by united Care and Diligence But it is very hard Nothing is so to the Grace of God and if it be to Flesh and Blood the Command is Strive to enter into the Streight Gate Luke 13. 24. The word in the Greek Language imports as much as putting forth the utmost strength which certainly may be done None obtains the corruptible Crown without they run for it so neither the incorruptible Crown without Pains We do not Pity those which endure great Hardships as long as thereby they Aâ—chieve mighty Conquests and subdue whole Countries this is thought to make amends for all the trouble they have been at and why should we think so hardly of Heaven if we must Labour before we come there Is noâ— that as much worth as some small spot of Ground here We see that is had so in the way thither is somewhat had which is not seen but really perceived viz. Peace and Contentment of Soul. Those who have fought many pitch Battels undergone tedious Marches Who seemed to be of a Gentile Nature have waded through a Sea of Blood Who have been bred up to Softness and Delicacy have endured the heat by Day and frost by Night to obtain that end All the Labour and striving in the World to better their present Condition is if that would give more quiet of mind They gâ—udge at no Pain for the fancied means towards it which were wrong and false as might have been known before because those who sit at the very top of Worldly prosperous Condition do most want it You are once more shewed the alone true Happiness do ye pause And are ye discouraged at it This doth not become men of great and excellent Spirits I am sure a little Hardship is no hindrance in in all other Actions of Life Why should it be in this great and real Concern for a false and little shew whereof they are undertaken The difficulty should not so much frighten as the necessity press forward for who misses hereof is undone for ever Eternal Salvation is a thing which cannot be made too sure of In great Enterprizes Men look every way and use all manner of Circumspection that they may succeed What are they for Is not Happiness more then all that can be named Can thought and care be needless as to this when so much is had about the less material things And if a man strive for Masteries yet is he not Crowned except he strive lawfully 2 Tim. 2. 5. All Religion is to the intent that we may please God. He who is made by him chief Officer in the Armies of the Earth must submit upon Pain of his dispeasure unto the Orders of the Great Governor of the World. And what are they He shall read in the Book of the Law all the days of his Life that he may learn to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of his Law and these Statutes to do them Deut. 17. 11. Which it is impossible he should unless he know them And if he follows after Christ he will not walk in darkness He is the way the Truth and the Life Which John 14. 6. the King himself is to come unto and walk in if he would Live for ever CHAP. IV. Of the NOBILITY and GENTRY An Exhortation for them to serve God a Caution against Mistakes in matters of Religion the Vnreasonableness of some particular Reproaches Of Humility and the Way to Greatness The Description of a Good Man. I Will get me unto the great Men and will speak unto them Jer. 5. 5. Even here somewhat may be Collected out of the written word of God for their use and benefit Amongst his chosen People the Israelites there is frequent mention made of Princes Nobles Great Men and Rulers It is necessary for the support and exercise of Government that there should â—e subordinate Ministers The King having large Territories and Dominion cannot Rule them all immediately by himself but must constitute Judges and Officers throughout his Countrey
Inclinations and Humour and not the Will of God they run on in Pride Lust Sensuality and if Prayers be read in their Family they go to Church on the Lords Day be sure to be a little more serious and repent upon a Death-bed all is well enough there is no need of making such a stir and adoe about Religion in their Life-time This is the fashionable sort of Godliness which is used and commended every where but upon diligent survey it may appear that the Commandments of God are made of none effect by this Fasion for the Precepts in the Gospel of obedient and Holy Life signifie nothing Duty is neglected and sin committed And if they do but ask God Pardon in a formal way then they may go on and Transgress yet against him and so on But be not deceived God is not mocked for whatsoever a Man soweth that shall â—e also reap He that soweth to the Flesh shall also of the Flesh reap Corruption Gal. 6. 7 8. Every one shall receive according to the Deeds he hath done The Sacrifice of the wicked is an Abomination how much more when he bringeth it with a wicked mind Prov. 21. 27. It was never well with Religion since a certain Mode thereof came up when they do such Acts because People of quality See Zech. 7. 5. do the like and they do no more then according to the common Standard This is the moving though not the only Reason for they do expect some benefit when they must die they would as willingly go to Heaven as the poorer sort and they trust unto these Prayers which they hope will translate them thither for though they did live in disobedience and run unto the same Excess of Riot as others yet God is merciful and they did ask him forgiveness He is so indeed but also he is Just and True. There is no respect of Persons with God for as many as have sinned without Law shall also Perish without Law and as many as have sinned in the Law shall be judged by the Law Rom. 2. 11 12. According as it is written so shall every one receive although he doth never so much flatter himself with idle Fancies and vain Hopes Take heed and be not deceived in this great and important Concern of your everlasting Happiness or Misery and to this I exhort you the more because if you do mistake once you are eternally Damned there is no correcting this Errour and therefore I say again unto you Take heed that ye be not deceived In the mean while you may know this one thing that if the fashionable sort of Godliness will infallibly bring to Heaven how would that be found true which Christ saith A rich man shall hardly enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 19. 23. but after this rate he would easily for the modish Worship requires not much Labour or Pains And as the Disciples asked our Lord upon that Saying Who then can be saved So if this were allowed the question may be reversed Who then would Perish For who is it that follows the Fashion in Clothes Behaviour and manner of Living and doth it not in Religion also We are sure God spake by his Son and therefore that is truth which he saith as for this Opinion it is contrary to his Doctrine and we know not who was the first Author of it unless it came from him who setteth up his Kingdom against that of Christ whose Employment it is to beguile Souls the old Serpent the Father of Lyes And the Falshood is so Transparent that if they would but look throughly they may easily see it which they also would if it did not contradict their own Lusts and so they remain willing to be deceived But if they will they may be deceived and shall at last go away with a Curse instead of a Blessing Those on the left hand Mat. 25. it seems did not expect to have such a dreadful Sentence for such a Reason pronounced against them as appears Ver. 44. They might think themselves safe enough because they did not see the Lord Jesus himself an Hungred or a Thirst or a Stranger or Naked or Sick or in Prison for then they say they would have ministred unto him They had the Letter of the Law on their side yet maâ—k this their Exposition was not allowed but the great Judge gave his own and by that Condemned them But some now adays have not so much to trust unto for both the Letter and direct meaning of the Gospel are against them This Peter teacheth plainly Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the Flesh arm your selves likewise with the same mind for he that hath suffered in the Flesh hath ceased from Sin That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the Flesh to the Lusts of Men but to the Will of God for the time past of our Life may suffice us of have wrought the Will of the Gentiles when we walked in Lasciviousness Lusts Excess of Wine Revellings and abominable Idolatries 1 Pet. 4. 1 2 3. An exact Pourtraiture of our times for though the last may seem to have been somewhat ceased among us yet whose God is his Belly or who saith unto Gold Thou art my Confidence is also an abominable Idolater Saith another Apostle Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the Lust of the Flesh for the Flesh Lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the Flesh and these are contrary one to the other Gal. 5. 16 17. And the works of the Flesh are reckoned up further some of which are esteemed necessary Qualities of a Person of worth and briskness and the Fruits of the Spirit are thought fit only for dull sneaking base born Souls but not for them So the Judgment of Gentlemen is contrary to the Gospel And that which would render one a meet Partaker for the inheritance of the Saints in Light is in no wise thought comely for those of that Station This I say therefore and testifie in the Lord that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk in the Vanity of their mind Having the understanding darkned being alienated from the Life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the Blindness of their Heart as to saving and spiritual knowledge for otherwise they are quick-sighted enough Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto Lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with Greediness But ye have not so learned Christ Eph. 4. 17 18 19 20. Let any compare these places and several others in the New Testament with the present Fashion and then Judge Whether true Christianity and the modish Gentility are not as contrary and incompatible as Light and Darkness And though some Men-pleasers but not the Servants of Christ would fain reconcile impossible things yet let none trust to what they teach or say for we are not to stand or fall according to their corrupt Glosses but the secrets
must out of his own experience and knowledge assent to what the Apostle saith The whole World lieth in Wickedness 1 John. 5. 19. If thou hast no mind to be condemned with the World 1 Cor. 11. 31. Do not comply with the sinful customs thereof Remember what thou didst promise unto God in thy Baptism that thou wouldst renounce the vain Pomp and Glory of the World with all covetous desires of the same and the carnal desires of the flesh so that thou wouldst not follow or be led by them This thou didst then promise by thy Sureties which promise when thou camest to Age thy self wert bound to perform and thou didst take it immediately upon thy self either at Confirmation receiving the Sacrament or full purpose of mind or if thoâ— hast not how canst thou expect the benefits thereof How art thou in the Christian Church If thou hast not taken it upon thee yet God will judge thee and if thou hast it is a fearful thing to be a Lyar unto God. If thou thinkest this a thing of Form the custom of the Country then thou art a Christian only in Name and for all that to have thy Portion with Hypocrites and Unbelievers But thou hast a distinction to elude this and all which hath been hitherto spoken viz. The Pomp and Glory of the World there meant and those places in the New Testament afore-cited refer only to the Idolatrous customs of the Gentiles at that time and signifie nothing to those of the present Age. This is apparently false for in the generality of those Texts there is no mention made of Idolatrous Customs but of Lust excess of Wine excess of Riot Revellings Vanity of Mind they are somewhat intended but not only A full Answer is given to all this from Acts 2. 39. The promise is unto you and your Children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call And seeing Christ is to have a Church for all Generations to come even to the end of the World undoubtedly he designed the New Testament which is Sealed with his own Blood and become of force by his Death as a means for those to believe on him and as a Law to govern their Manners not only for those which saw and heard him in the Flesh but for their Children and Childrens Children even to all posterity for evermore It is further decreed that he shall judge the World by the Gospel Now if he should as most certainly he will understand them according to the plain and common sence of the same Words What then will become of those who trust unto this Objection Which if admitted true would strike at the Root of all Religion and by further degrees banish it quite out of the World. But if here Men should shake the fear of God from their minds by cunning Evasions excuse themselves from the Obligation of his Commandments yet they shall never escape that vengeance which now dogs them at the heels and will be sure to seize on them when out of this life all their Sophistry will signifie nothing at all when they come to appear before his Judgment-Seat Though at present they are so pleased if by a nice distinction they can save themselves from the obedience of such precepts yet when he discovers the deceit they intended to put on him and maketh them of none effect How must they be confounded before Angels and Men at the last and terrible day Indeed if we were to be judged by those of like infirmities with our selves who know nothing of our thoughts then there might be some hopes by crafty excuses and subterfuges to palliate our case before them but Seeing God hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained Acts 17. 31. Who is the Power of God and Wisdom of God 1 Cor. 1 24. Who will have all the Churches know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts Rev. 2. 23. How then can they expect by some foolish fancie to out-wit him or that their close intents shall not be made known in that day when Christ Jesus shall judge the secrets of Men according to the Gospel And before him shall be gathered all Nations and he shall separate them one from another as a Shepherd divideth his Sheep from the Goats Mat. 25. 32. And then several who think themselves sure enough at present will be deceived in their Expectation Many will say unto me in that day Lord Lord have we not prophesied in thy Name and in thy Name cast out Devils And in thy Name done many wonderful Works and then will I profess unto them I never knew you depart from me ye that work iniquity Mat. 7. 22 23. Every one is sensible there is no little Torment in a Worldly disappointment but in a thing of so great Moment it must be inexpressible anguish The indignation will be so great that they would utterly destroy themselves if possible rather then see themselves rejected by God and that happiness with him and to go along with the accursed crew into everlasting Misery No words can throughly set forth that discontent and raging those wretched Souls must groan under and therefore least any one who casts his eye upon these lines should come amongst their number to prevent this danger let him look upon the verse foregoing Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he that doth the Will of my Father which is in Heaven Mat. 7. 21. This place which is easy to be understood should take away their confidence who rest only in a formal course of Devotion for here we are told it is not that but doing his Will which is revealed in Scripture that must bring us to Heaven What can be more plain and which if throughly confidered of would take away all those destructive mistakes we have been labouring all this while to remove Hath any one a mind to go to Heaven or escape Hell He need not ascend up thither in curious Speculations or study whither it be possible to climb up and wrack his brains which way to accomplish it so neither need he descend into the lower most parts of the Earth to search where the place of Torment is that he may avoid it But the Word is nigh thee which shews the way to the one or the other They are both set before thee Choose whether you will have Never mind what others do Every one is to bear his own burthen and to give account of himself before God What they do what is that to thee Look thou to thy self thou art more sensible of thine own Happiness or Misery then all the World besides it were better for thee that thou wert Happy and all Mankind besides Miserable then that thou wert Miserable and all the rest Happy Whosoever shall come to dwell with everlasting Burnings it will be but
is but one way which is Godliness wherefore should he be lessened for walking in it Because others do not that is their fault not his he must look to himself He is to stand upon his own Legs and therefore it must be his business to take heed he doth not fall for if he should and others fall with him he only would feel the Pain of it and they when fallen will not be able to help him up It is commonly said every Man hath Power over himself let him follow his own Humour and though if we are toucht with a feeling of Humane Nature we should endeavour to do another Good and be instrumental to his Happiness yet it must be a strange Savageness when instead of doing this we are Angry and Malign him only for endeavouring after it himself If he doth well who lives according to Gods word why do we not imitate him If ill then O Lord thou hast deceived him and he is deceived Jer. 20. 7. Such an one we neither envy nor hate but Pity But John 17. 17. the Lord who Sanctifies his Chosen through his Truth and gives them his Word which is Truth can in no wise be said to deceive any If then he that come unto him unfeignedly neither doth evil nor yet is in an Errour why should the World be so enraged against him Either this or nothing is to hate without a Cause See John. 7. 7. John 15. 18 19 23 24 25. There is an Enmity in the Seed of the Serpent against God's Children Gen. 3. 15. Rev. 12. 17. they will say all manner of evil of them falsly if they think their lying may be concealed and gain Credit with others How glad are they of an appearance of evil to object against them And to spread abroad a dubious Story aggravated with the most ill Circumstances that malicious Wit can invent If concerning a Religious Person it passes current and uncontradicted but if of another there will be enough to make Excuses for him to Examine throughly and detect it of Falshood in one part and so dash it in the whole but as to him they are ready to add something to render it more odious The wicked plotteth against the just and gnasheth upon him with his Teeth Psal 37. 12. And therefore they cast Reproaches laugh and do any thing to blemish his Fame and Reputation This hath been and is the usage of the World. And who will come to serve the Lord in sincerity must provide accordingly If your Feet be shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace Eph. 6. 15. You will find therein so many Blessings and Promises on this occasion that notwithstanding all hindrances you may run the way of God's Commandments Above all taking the shield of Faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery Darts of the wicked Verse 16. for if you believe the good things God hath prepared for them that love him and on the other hand his Terrours for the disobedient certainly such a light thing as the unsavoury Breath of talking People cannot counterpoise the Love or Displeasure of so Merciful so Just a God. When any turn from sin they must expect Mockings and Reproaches from their old Acquaintance and Partners in iniquity for having done it already They think it strange that you run not with them to the same Excess of riot speaking evil of you 1 Pet. 4. 4 5. But rather Pity then be terrified by them For these speak evil of the things they understand not 2 Pet. 2. 12. There is no Reason why they should deride those who leave their Company and the evil of their doings for they are posting on in the wrong way and unless prevented in like manner their loud and impious Laughter will shortly cease in weeping and gâ—ashing of Teeth Thus hath been viewed the great stumbling Block which hinders Of Humility the Gallants of our Age from coming into the right way They have an inward Approbation and would fain save their Souls but Reproach or lessening of Reputation they cannot submit unto Hear what our Saviour saith Verily I say unto you except ye be converted and become as little Children ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 18. 3. There are no subsequent words of Exemption for Men of Honour and Renown He hath indeed shewed how they may be so there likewise Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little Child the same is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven Verse 4. Let not the mighty Ones of the Earth think here is running out upon strange Doctrine for the end why they take Pride upon themselves is to be great and a way is shewed though it may seem odd yet true how to be so The Gospel runs contrary to things here If any Man among you seemeth to be wise in this World let him become a Fool that he may be wise 1 Cor. 3. 18. And so if he seems great let him become little that he may be great By doing those things which are little and despisable in the Eye of the World but great and highly esteemed by God. To lay in a greater Foundation by good Works to abound in Christian Graces and Vertues is the way to receive a greater Reward in Heaven It is commendable to be ambitious after that so far as to put upon using the means to obtain Accustoming himself to all Godly and Sober living and to have respect unto all the Commandments to lay out himself which way he shall most glorifie God and do good to mankind To improve time and every other Talent to the utmost and such like as may be learnt from Duty and Example in God's word It is worth any Mans pains to aim at the higher Degrees of Glory they being much beyond the greatest trouble that can be endured here To which he may be quickened by considering what Austerities some have suffered to gain the Kingdom of God how they have tumbled themselves naked in the Winter Snow rolled upon Thorns macerated the body with long fastings submitted unto all the inconveniencies of wilfull poverty and other hardships of Popish Superstition But these being additional services to what he hath commanded which many times make them neglected and if that was not perfect or as though the God-head needed any thing Acts 17. 25. They will oblige and give him more ex abundanti And therefore it is to be feared they are not so very pleasing in his sight even thus much we may judge of our selves that if we shew unto those under us the manner how they shall do such things we had rather they keep to that then do it another way out of their own head for as that argues self-conceit in him so a distrust of our Wisdom in that they know better and we cannot tell how we would be served If there be any such thoughts in Mortal Men or Spiritual Pride God knoweth all their performances signifie nothing and are
Gentile World were not able to suppress though they did try with their utmost skill and might Which had no aid from the World yet obtained the victory over it Which still increased though who entertained it got nothing at present but cruel Mockings and Scourgings Moreover Bonds and Imprisonments nay further the most horrid and Tormenting Deaths that was possible for Flesh and Blood to suffer yet through Faith hereof endured them all with more Constancy and Resolution then was ever seen in the Mightiest Men of Valour If these and several other Arguments were duly considered and weighed it would be the greatest wonder that for all these any yet should not believe So more then abundantly hath God provided for Mankind to bring Mark. 6. 6. them to Heaven and Happiness But as if all this were nothing worth Men will not know or not believe what he hath told unto them otherwise they would be never so regardless thereof When they reverence their Land-lord but do not mind the great Lord of Heaven and Earth When they earnestly court the favour of a Mortal Man and think themselves never sufficiently diligent in getting Money but are not careful after those things above Do they verily believe God is and that he is a Rewarder of them who diligently seek him When they like Beasts are only for the present things before them but negligent of what shall be hereafter and never cast an eye towards the things that are not seen certainly these do not live by Faith Whose understanding is waxed gross that can conceive of nothing but what may be felt or seen Who can relish nothing but what goes between the Teeth these do not live the common lives of Men being led by sence and not reason It is an amazing thing to consider of the stupidity and dulness of those of lower degree as concerning their Spiritual State and Condition 'T is not so much down right Atheism and Unbelief but a dead Faith which is in them It is not equal to that of Devils for they believe and tremble but this hath no such effect upon them They fancy there may be such a thing as Heaven they are not suâ—e to the contrary They look upon it as a place of reserve where they would be when they can no longer abide in the World it is appointed for the poor and needy so it will receive them whether they take any care or no. Such thoughts as these may enter into their minds for notwithstanding they may still go on in their course But were they really perswaded there are two places for all to go into after this life Heaven and Hell And how it is set down in Scripture what is to be done to obtain entrance into the one and avoid the other Did they really think what an happiness the one is much greater then Riches and all Pleasures in this World and the other to be a worse Torment then any Pain or Sickness now is they would as willingly go to Church and be as devout to set them forward in the way to Heaven as now they go to Fairs and Markets and are intent upon their Business to get some small gain On the other hand they would take as much care to flee from the Wrath to come as now they do to keep themselves in health and prevent the beginnings of a bodily Distemper They would labour as earnestly for the exceeding great reward God hath prepared for them that keep his Commandments as now they do for a little Money from another Man. They would act in the very same manner to obtain the things pertaining to his Kingdom as now they do for the things of the Earth It is the property of Faith to make things which are not seen to be as if they were seen and though were they both of the same value it could not be expected we should so willingly run after what we have never seen as after that which is most certain and our Eyes see Yet there being such an exceeding odds and worth in the things that are to be believed over the things that are now seen this turns the Scales and make them hang even yea and weigh down the things of Sense If we have the full assurance of Faith that upon doing such things we shall receive an everlasting 1 John 5. 4. Kingdom we should no more grudge to do them then we do now a days work upon anothers Promise of so much for our Pains We may as reasonably trust for what he hath promised as we do the Word of a sinful Man when we Labour for him And there being such a vast difference between what the Almighty will vouchsafe to bestow upon us worthy of God to give and as much as a Creature can receive over what we can impart to another then surely there is as much reason I say infinitely more why we should serve God as do the like for another Would we be as diligent to be made Kings and Priests unto God Rev. 1. 6. as now we are to be Servants unto great Men endeavour as much to get an eternal Crown of Glory as now for those Corruptible things of Gold and Silver Labour as earnestly after the great things of Eternity as is now done for the little things of Time we should certainly come to possess them Neither can the World condemn us of Folly for we Act according to the same measure as themselves who are accounted Wise in their Generation If we do indeed settle it in our Hearts that these things are we should be as careful and industrious to have them as others are of the things here and if so our Labour would not be in vain But what a faithless and stubborn Generation are we fallen into A Generation that will not believe or will not set their Heart to obtain them A Company of Infidels and Fools for so are all those who do not walk in the way to the New Jerusalem If you will not consider you must perish in your Folly. Look and bethink your selves you are Men Stand upon your Feet and shake off that drowsie and benum'd Disposition Be throughly rouzed out of Negligence and Sottishness Come to thy self and hear what shall be said unto thee The Lord made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evil Prov. 16. 4. He will be glorified in all his Works and thou also being the work of his hands art not to think thy self unconcerned or nothing related to that God with whom we have all to do If thou wilt have nothing to do with him he will have to do with thee Thou art his Creature and he will deal so with thee as the rest of mankind according to their deservings Thou must be either a Partaker of his Mercy or Wrath There is mercy O Lord with thee that thou mayest be feared And his Wrath is likewise revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of Men Rom. 1.
and there spring up the Fruits of the Spirit That the Soul may be renewed according to its first Creation from whence it was fallen But now it is to be restored to the likeness of God and become partaker of the Divine Nature The old corruption may be in a great measure taken away or subdued the seeds of good may be cherished and grow up into acts and habits of doing well Were Men assured the things of God were for their Happiness they would be for them they are indeed called the things that belong to our Peace but that is hereafter they make a promise of safety when no danger is seen but now they seem to trouble and disquiet Much hath been said already as to every part of this surmise And what if the carnal Man should be gratified yet further and it could be made probable unto him yea clearly evidenced if he would try what is here affirmed that they are for our present good also Let him ask those who have had experience of the Way of the Lord who have trodden the Path of Peace If they be thought partial Judges in their own Case let him enquire from himself or others of the way of Sin and Wickedness He can find nothing from those who have been throughly practised therein but outward Smiles for they can give no true Commendation but Silence sad Wishes Hypocritical Looks do betray their inward dislike and sorrow of heart The open Testimony and Acknowledgment of the first concerning the excellency of his the others feigned Laughter deep Silence or vain drol-Drollery would weigh somewhat with a Wise Man concerning the Goodness of the one and Suspicion of the other They have various and different Effects in the Persons of Men but if moreover he would diligently examine the Nature and Reason of things and find them accordingly If they are both the same in Speculation and also in Practise for these go together in things Divine when they are rightly understood and univerversally complyed withal What can be more desired for the full Satisfaction of a prudent and considering Man If he sees others already at Peace who have went the same way and also can be justified from the very thing And further might be seen felt and understood within himself if he would make a through experience and continue it for some time What is for our Good Peace and Benefit hath a shew at first of Evil disturbance and inconvenience this frightens the Foolish Nature of Man who doth not perceive what is hidden under the different disguises of things The meer outside and covering is the least but thought should be had to what is substantial and within In short Good is Happiness and Sin is Misery the more a Man hath of the one and less of the other so he hath the blessed Effects and is freed from Vexation Whosoever is born of God doth not commit Sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot Sin because he is born of God 1 John 3. 9. And then he hath not disturbance nor Restlessness of mind neither is he in danger of the Punishment to come In Truth we do many times disquiet our selves in vain being vexed for and desiring we know not what But this proceeds from the evil of Ignorance a want of understanding the Nature of things which would take away all this Misery A right understanding puts upon diligence and endeavour to provide our selves so as to keep off the Evil and obtain the Good set before us And we are not perplexed with those common things which either do not at all or not much concern us What Solomon saith In much Wisdom is much Grief and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth Sorrow Eccles 1. 8. That is When it is only confined to the things before us and of this Life for then it quickens the Resentment of Miseries here and finds out no Remedy But if extended further as the Excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord doth there it mitigates the Vanity and Vexation of the present by hope of better things hereafter satisfies of our imperfect State in order to being made Perfect and prompts to the doing of all things to make that sure unto our selves A little smattering of knowledge makes more miserable but if throughly improved and stretched out to its due pitch of Gospel Revelation the succeeding Eternity and as it enters within the Vail there it is a necessary help and if throughly complyed withal it will secure us of the blessed End. The first Man is of the Earth Earthly the second Man is the Lord from Heaven As is the Earthly such are they also that are Earthy and as is the Heavenly such are they also that are Heavenly 1 Cor. 15. 47 48. As Man was made in the image of God which was chiefly in Holiness and good upon his Soul from which he by Transgression fell So when he is born again he is transformed into the Likeness of his Creator Whilst on Earth he ascends as it were into Heaven the place of perfect Felicity as this is an intermixture and imperfection of both that below is of deplorable and absolute Misery The utmost Happiness which only arises from the things here makes the Soul cleave unto the Ground and at last sinks into the lowest Hell but the true as it came down ascends again Like Stocks planted by our Heavenly Father which are grafted and shoot forth into Trees of Immortality What is begun here God is pleased to add that it may grow till it reaches above the Clouds and is perfected in the Regions of Bliss The one is Earthly Sensual and Devillish expressed in its three Degrees of sinking till it comes to the lowest But the VVisdom that is from above is first pure then Peaceable Gentle and easie to be intreated full of Mercy and good Fruits without Partiality and without Hypocrisie And the Fruit of Righteousness is sown in Peace of them that make Peace Jam. 3. 15 17 18. In the time of imperfection here we begin to lay a Foundation which will be builded on and made consummate in the Heavens Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect Mat. 5. 48. As he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of Conversation 1 Pet. 1. 15. And every Man that hath his hope in him purifieth himself as he is pure 1 John 3. 3. We are sincerely according to the Grace and Power given us to imitate him in all his Communicable Attributes and Excellencies All our Happiness should tend upwards or otherwise it is a vain shew and deceit for assuredly as we hope that we might be Partakers of his Holiness so we must expect to be Happy as he is Happy It was an excellent Act of the Old Heathens to the shame of Christians who seek for boasting in taking upon them the Name of Philosophers that is Lovers of Wisdom for they said truly none but