did not take up our rest there for we believed God had provided better things We fully trusted unto what some did only make a reserve of and therefore would make sure of the Wordly happiness O wonderful wise in their own Opinion and accordingly did run after every trifle snatch at every thing goodly to behold did tear their flesh with thornes and briers walked through deserts and wandred out of the way and so missed of the place to which those who had faith are arrived Deut. 32. 20. It will be more Happiness to the blessed Spirits in Heaven to remember that they came thither with more ease and less trouble then those accursed Souls did find in the way which led to Hell which consideration will be a greater degree of torment to them This is true of all sorts and conditions of Men from the highest to the lowest whatever rank they stand in the World it is their greatest happiness to fear God and keep his Commandments then which what more forcible Exhortation can be desired to perswade Men For the very same doth prevail as to all other things CHAP. VI. A Survey in General of those sins which hinder the Happiness of Mankind as contrary to Scripture and from the very nature of Things HItherto hath been shewed out of Gods Word what is required of Man in every state and condition and what is most for his own Happiness Nothing can be done too much to further this great end and therefore it is necessary to proceed unto the discovery of those things which promise and make a shew of Happiness but in truth hinder from obtaining Every single person proposes to himself some Felicity which is the end of his Actions Now the mistake is wherein this Happiness of Man is placed Whether in obedience to Gods Commandments or taking the full of the things of this World following his own inclinations and humours God hath given Laws to his Creatures the transgression of which is Sin. As soon as the World was peopled the Wickedness of Man was great in the Earth and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the Earth Gen. 6. 5 12. Evil hath interwoven it self into every particle of his Nature he is become strangely in love therewith not knowing or rather not minding that like a sweet Poyson causes Sickness and Death so this brings Misery and Ruine The fault is wholly in himself for he will be ignorant Love is blind according to the Proverb and also it prejudices The resolution is not to part with and so shuts the Eyes stops the Ears not suffering himself to be perswaded of its Deformity and Mischief Sin hath stole away the hearts of the Men of this World it kisses and flatters insinuating what a deal of good it will do them what pleasure it affords By one Man sin entred into the World Rom. 5. 12. It prevailed upon him after such a colloguing and creeping manner We may blame our Fore-Father for putting the Seeds of evil in but yet by the assistance given us we may stop the growth thereof Sin hath this Advantage that it hath taken Root and hath one part even our dear flesh to side with it Which as so much dung and soil makes it shoot forth abundantly yet still as it appears above ground we may cut it off And if we alwayes keep it thus short it may indeed and will somewhat trouble us as long as we remain in this sinful Earth but it will not overcome or triumph over us Let not sin reign in your Mortal Body Rom. 6. 12. The Apostle well knew what â—e said in calling it a Mortal Body If absolutely without sin it could not be Mortal for Death is by reason of Sin But he further explains himself verse 14. Sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the Law but under Grace 'T is the Dominion and Power of sin which is really and finally hurtful from that any one may be freed who will come unto Christ Without me ye can do nothing John 15. 5. And again We can do all things through Christ that strengthneth us Phil. 4. 13. Men are naturally apt to give back yea and corruption hath so weakned them that they cannot go unto him No Man can come unto me except the Father which sent me draw him John 6. 44. And if any will seek unto God for this purpose he will powerfully move and incline them to be followers after Christ When one is brought over to a thing with great striving and unwillingness it is a common saying that he is compelled though at last he yields to it freely compare Mat. 22. with Luke 14. 23. And so God doth work by his Spirit upon the untoward hearts of Men He gives Grace and corruption is there also and these struggle together within the Man. Though corruption hath the start of being there before and doth influence yet Grace sollows close at the heel hath power with God and with Men and will prevail But the Question is with which the Man will side and take part whether he will work together with the Grace of 2 Cor. 6. 1. God or yield to his own corruptions and so receive that in vain He cannot be neuâ—er or unconcerned for the War is within him and it is here as between the house of David and Saul the one grows stronger and stronger the other weaker and weaker according to the single Victories one hath over the other To him that hath shall be given who useth well shall have more but who doth not from him shall be taken away that which he hath An old hardned Sinner bred up in ungodliness from his Youth is as awkward to Prayer or good Duties as a stone to flie upwards yet in his life time past had Disposition and Power to do those things unto which now he is averse So he who hath little and few good motions yet if he doth cherish and comply with these from time to time he will have them greater and more impulsive The Spirit of God is a delicate thing and cannot endure to be vexed who rebell against its dictates and thwart its desires do provoke him to with-draw What passionate intreaties doth Isa 63. 10. he make to reclaim sinners O! that my people had hearkened unto me and Israel had walked in my wayes Psal 81. 13. Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee Jer. 31. 3. Some are moved by this and others are of such base nature as to resist it And the Spirit and the Bride say Come and let him that heareth say come and let him that is Athirst come and whosoever will let him take the water of life freely Rev. 22. 17. Here is Conscience Christ his Ministers the want and desire of good and comprehensively all other motives which invite but none is forced for all
2. 12. Eph. 4. 3 4 5. Col. 3. 12 13 15. 1 Thes 5. 13. Religion should of all things most endear one to another but it is only the corruption and abuse thereof which turns it into matter of Quarrel Hatred and Animosity Many of us differ in little Opinions not necessary to Salvation and therefore should in no wise for them endanger that by not observing the weightier matters of the Law Mercy and Love of one another After what manner did our Fathers serve God who are in Peace They continued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and Fellowship all that believed were together continuing daily with one accord in the Temple Acts 2. 42 44 46. And the Multitude of them that believed were of one Heart and of one Soul Acts 4. 32. It was prophesied of the Gospel times that many Nations shall Come and say Come and let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord and to the House of the God of Jacob Mic. 4. 2. Who are these that flie like Doves to a Window Isa 60. 8. So harmless and peaceably should they move together Then would cease all jealousie and bitter envying There would be no more heard the voice of the Slanderer Blasphemer and Censorious Person then Malice Hatred and the Destructiveness of exorbitant zeal would not be seen among us but we should all love as Brethren be Pitiful and Courteous one to another How happy would it be if Christians were of the same mind I do not mean in every Question for seeing we know but in part and all have not the same measure of understanding that is not a yet but in the mean while we might all agree to the same manner and meet at the same place of Worship The proâ—â—es of God are that it shall be so as Jer. 32. 39. Zeph. 3. 8 9. Isa 30. 21 26. Eph. 4. 13. Which was fulfilled in the Primitive Times but in a lesser degree as one sheaf to the whole Harvest and will be again more universally when so restored as it was then Christ did break down the Partition-wall between Jews and Genâ—ilâ— and those dividing impositions are to be taken away before all Christians can come and meet in the same Room However in the mean while it is one and the same House though there be several apartments They are one Fold and one Shetherd John 10. 16. Though at present there be several dividing hurdles intermixt of Mans settiâ—g up which at length will be removed And so what is said of the Unity of the Church Joh. 17. 11 21 22 23. Eph. 4 5 6. Cant. 6. 9. It comprehends all Gods faithful People in the whole World God setteth the solitary in Families Psal 68. 6. Or in the new Translation maketh Men to be of one mind in an house so in his good time wiâ—l grant to themall However distinguished or named to be like minded one towards another according to Christ Jesus that they may with one Mind and one Mouth glorifie God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Rom. 15. 5 6. In the beginning of time Satan beguiled Eve through his Subtlety so doth he even now continue to deceive all her Children Of deceits this design of the Wicked one doth prove destructive to thousands and millions both of learned and unlearned wise and foolish for the things of God are hid from the wise and prudent being by them accounted as foolishness And then Satan gets an advantage over them also for they are not endued with the Wisdom of God which alone discovers his devices He exercises his whole craft and skill with these But where ignorance abounds there he abominably thrives in the trade of deceiving and he strangely leads away captive silly people laden with sins It is wonderful and sad to consider how miserably poor mankind is deluded about their everlasting Happiness or Misery then which nothing can be of greater concern and therefore we should take all imaginable heed and circumspection least we be mistaken herein Yet of this we use the least care so strongly hath the evil one possest us and lulled to peace that we are willing to be deceived by him we would fain have those things he suggests to be true and therefore presently believe them without Examination as if we could be saved by a lie or excused by what draws Gods further displeasure the not desiring the knowledge of his ways Satan transforms himself into an Angel of Light he did once tempt our Lord with Scripture so doth he those who believe on his name and confirmeth his deceivings over again with the written Word The Wisdom of the Father was not imposed upon by a false application his Doctrine is left to succour us and other assistances are given so it is our own fault if seduced or overcome by him Innumerable are the Whims and Fancies Men have to allow themselves in some Sin or other â—or which they will presently cite a Text of Scripture and then they conclude they are right because that in their thinking tells them so They reckon themselves sure because we are to search the Scriptures whether these things are so and there they find it so what can they desire more This is a dangerous and common Deceit when that which should lead them into Truth through wrong â—uterpretation or Application is the cause of Error Nothing is so frequent and orâ—inary to be heard as naming a place of Holy Writ in Vindication or mitigation of such a Sin or Wickedness Almost every single Person hath some particular mistaken Opinions of his own which he tells unto others who again acquaint him with theirs so they are full of deceitful Falshoods The Reason of all is We being by Nature the Children of Wrath through Corruption Prone to Evil as the Sparks fly upwards and strongly inclined to break Gods Commandments But he having threatned The Soul that sinneth shall die the fear of this makes us look about and stop in the Course we design to go in Then cometh the Evil one and Whispers that we may transgress and if we repent at such a time in Sickness Old Age Death-bed all is well enough Or if we have not a mind to commit all iniquity yet we may break this or that Divine Law now live in one Sin and then another as our inclinations lead us for which Psal 103. 14. is alledged which is commonly quoted otherwise That of Psal 103. 14. doth not extend to wilful continued Transgressions for it is before said such are removed from us and then the Lord pitieth them that fear him so as not to impute their Sins of Inadvertâ—ncy unavoidable Ignorance or natural Weakness then it is in the Bible God knoweth we are Flesh and therefore it is falsly inferred such Works of the Flesh as Gal. 5. 19 20 21. are excusable enough and for further Satisfaction they are mis-called Infirmities The former deceit is not so universally received most considering People spie out
and know not what to say else it comes in after and only for want of other talk These act unworthily towards him who is most Great and Glorious So speak ye and so do as they that shall be judged by the Law of Liberty Jam. 2. 12 The rule of Action is the whole Scripture as it relates of Actions towards God our Neighbour all which may be judged of by Mat. 7. 12. and to our selves Gods Glory is to be the end of all 1. Cor. 10. 31. By his word all the Actions of mankind may be determined whether good or evil Where no Law is there is no Transgression Rom. 4. 15. And where there is either going contrary or leaving it undone is Sin. Eschew evil and do good is a comprehensive Command reaching to all our ways The example of our Lord Acts 10. 38. is obligatory to all according to their Capacity and Station to do what good they can whilst in the World to profit whom they are able but to hurt none Whether ye eat or drink or whatever you do Respect is to be had unto God for his Government extends over the whole Man even the thoughts and intents of the Heart All the faculties of Soul and Members of Body are to be made instruments of Righteousness unto Holiness which were before instruments of Sin unto Iniquity This is a blessed change which every one would have if he did throughly understand the true worth thereof but an Enemy doth hinder whom the Captain of our Salvation would enable to resist if he would follow the directions and use the Power given him He prompts and inclines when the other doth beat off The Temptation is near the same with our Lords invitation who promises rest the other makes a proposal and offer of Happiness If the poor Man is overcome by cunning perswasions then he is held Captive he hath leave for a while to intoxicate himself with Pleasures that he may not be sensible of his enslaved condition Outward objects are provided to divert him from looking within by these as Children with Toys the Soul is deluded some time but at length grows weary He finds no real satisfaction in any thing he knows not what to do Conscience will move him towards Repentance Then comes the evil one to affright him from considering of his ways If the evil spirit is in danger to be cast out he doth foam and rage the possest is in as great a combustion as if he were cast into the Fire and therefore some fearful Souls will rather endure the Bondage still then bear the trouble of driving it out like silly Patients die of their Sores rather then suffer them to be searched to the bottom But there are others who dare grapple with this power of darkness Fasting and Prayer are excellent Weapons the Soul being freed from the clog of Meat and Drink is more strong and vigorous so fitter for the Combate by the latter he is called to assistance Who for this purpose was manifest in the Flesh that he might destroy the works of â—â—e Devil 1. John. 3. 8. When the strong holds of Sin are pulled down the Enemies turned out the Conqueror will succeed in the room Christ dwell in him and he in Christ If a Man love me he will keep my Words and my Father will love him and we will come unto him and make our ahode with him John 14. 23. If he know when he is well he will endeavour to continue so not admitting of any Sin least bâ— the â—ilthy smoke thereof he should offend and cause to go away the undefiled one of God who holds his Soul in Peace and Blessedness This condition any one may arrive at through the Grace that came by Jesus Christ A Prize is put into our hands which if we have the heart to use the means we shall certainly obtain It is no great matter only to obey the Gospel which is what a wise Man could choose to do if no recompence of reward was to be revealed hereafter for such true satisfaction which nothing else can give arises to the mind through well doing that this alone is sufficient motive There is more sincere Pleasure in abstaining from evil thoughts then yielding to them the mind is serene and clear and meditation of good things is sutable to its nature hath neither Shame nor Repentance following it What are called common and indifferent things they do equally divert as what are sinful and strange To speak the truth is natural there is no difficulty and trouble to find out evasions or avoid self-contradiction There is no danger for him to be entangled in his talk who speaks nothing but truth for that is consonant to it self Lying is shameful and hated who are addicted to it would not be accounted so it is odious in the opinion of the worst of Men. Slandering Flattery and other Sins of the Tongue are abominated by all that have but common nature and ingenuity As for vain Swearing those who use it will acknowledge there is no Pleasure nor Profit yea but there is â—ashion and Custom 'T is strange that one is not reputed a compleat Gentleman unless he affront his Maker nor a Souldier without bidding defiance to the Lord of Host Doth it souâ—d great and majestick But how improper is it for a Worm of five or six foot long to use it against the express Command of him describâ—d Isa 40. 12 15 17 22. And who hath said which he hath also fulfilled in fore-going Generations I will cause the arrogancy of the Proud to cease and will lay low the Haughtinss of the Terrible Isa 13. 11. Did men really believe and consider his Infinite Greatness Power and Truth who hath affirmed he will not hold them guiltless that take his Name in vain they would not do it so often upon the meerest trifies If they are such Fools to say in their Heart there is no God Why are they yet greater to take that in their Mouths which in their imagiâ—ation is nothing But his Being is as true as that there is a World and any thing in it more certaiâ— then that they live for he was before and so remains notwithstanding all their silly fancies Themselves will find there is a God that judgeth the Earth and when he cometh Every one that Sweareth shall be cut off as on that side Zech. 5. 13. They are the more inexcusable because they have so little Temptation to this Sin the commonness whereof seems to be imputed to that perverse humour of some who will therefore do it because God hath forbidden it Be not Merciful to any wicked Transgressors Psal 59. 5. Perjury is Infamous amongst all Nations some have thought no punishment too severe for it God is highly provoked and dishonoured the forsworn Wretch as far as lieth in his power makes him an Instrument and Partner to his own deceit and malice As if the fountain of Truth were false as himself he calls
put before the means for the Apostle speaks of Gods principal intention and here mentions the way how they may accomplish it by knowledge of the Truth which whosoever doth sincerely and universally as any one may do this will quicken and stir him to arise and be saved It is the same as if in ordinary Conversation one would have his Servant go to such a place and then shews him the way Truth is distinct from Man for it is the very Nature of things without the Connexion between themselves and how they pertain Of Reason to us whether Divine or Common for so they are distinguished to us when properly all things are Gods. There is a Power implanted in us to know them many of them are hidden which we discern by searching and inferring one thing from another which is the proper Office of our understanding and commonly called Reason Some have been offended at this word because it is so little mentioned in Scripture Whereas it is 1 Sam. 12. 7. Isa 1. 18. Acts 17. 23. Acts 24. 25. and in innumerable places by other words to the same purpose as Knowledge Wisdom and Understanding and the great necessity of them is pressed throughout the whole Book of God. He appeals to us Ezek. 18. Whether his ways are not equal Implying we have some Capacity to think thereof I speak as to Wise men judge ye of what I say 1 Cor. 10. 15. And then what he saith concerning the Gentiles That which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hâ—th shewed iâ— unto them for the invisible things of him from the Creation of the World are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his Eternal Power and God-head so that they are without excuse Because that when they knâ—w God they glorified him not as God Rom. 1. 19 20 21. Their way of knowing him was by inferring it was some one who made this Beautiful House of the World and he that Built all things is God. They had but a dim knowledge of him just believed he was but for want of Grace and Revelation knew not how to come unto him nor seek him aright This is our advantage above theirs we have now blessed be his Divine Majesty the Old and New Testament compleated the sum whereof is a rational way of pleasing God see Mat. 23. 16 17. Isa 44. 19. All our duty to him is a reasonable service Rom. 12. 1. Here is to be seen his law for the Government of the World which at first was given in short as well becomes Sovereign and infinite power as the ten Commandment which contain great equity The Writings of the Prophets are as so many Expositions on them who did exhort to the observance and reprove for the Transgression of them all which may be observed to be reasonable inference and conclusion from them applicable to those particular acts as even the heart of Man might judge Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his Servant Isa 50. 10. God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son Heb. 1. 1. In whose Gospel the things to be done are most agreeable unto the Sons of Men the precepts given us are worthy of the Son of God and came from above for the Wisdom of Ages could not contrive so excellent He whom the Jews did stile a Carpenter hath outdone all who were ever before him his worst and implacable Adversaries could not say any thing against what he Taught and those sent to apprehend him did confess never Man spake like this Man John 7. 46. The malicious world could not find fault with his Doctrine Of all those Antichrists and Hereticks who have done so much mischief to the Church of God none have either wrote or spoken against the rules of Life unless some mad prophane Persons in a scurrilous Language which prevailed nothing upon Wise and considering Men and never made any Proselites but such as were before led that way by their corrupâ— Lusts and Affections Nothing can be said against them â—oâ— they aâ—â— pâ—re 〈◊〉 and even the perfection of reason All do approve of their Excellency that do admit them into full and due consideration If reason were stretched out to the utmost and suffered to have its perfect work to look out every way and â—ow far this would dictate This Star being now assisted by the Son of Righteousness would direct to the right Path though it be a small Light in comparison to the other yet it will lead to the greater by direction of both we may go on securely Religion without reason is Superstition and Folly God is not pleased with the Sacrifice of Fools and reason without Religion doth argue Man more ungrateful to his Maker so liable to a greater Condemnation Well is it where they meet together and each assist the other remembring still which is subject and must keep close to the other The natural understanding prompts to do nothing prejudicial to our Happiness and to follow after what conduces thereto if it be further unable that hinders not seeing it is offered help from above Gods Grace is sufficient and that is never wanting to any who desire and seek after it which every one may do And therefore let none say if he becomes Miserable that it is through God he is so for I have no pleasure in the Death of him Deut. 8. 20. that dieth saith the Lord God wherefore turn your selves and live ye Ezek. 18. 22. That we may know how to do this we are shewed and also required to follow after Him who is the Way the Truth and the Life God hath given us Knowledge and Power to be Happy and hath done all things that can be well conceived seeing he hath been pleased to make us as we are to put us to a free Choice and Obedience We are not Gods but the Work of his Hands he may do what he will with his own if God should force us to do our Duty that would be like the Sacrifice of a Beast against his Will. We ought to praise our God that he hath made us capable of serving him who hath provided so much for our Good that we may live for ever if we will he doth press us forward to the things which are for our Peace he Neh. 9. 29. doth testifie against us that he might bring us again unto his Law this is done by the Spirit he hath given us Conscience is called the first Spirit of Man 1 Cor. 2. 11. Prov. Of Conscience 20. 27. It is the most excellent part of the reasonable Soul which being assisted from above make Application of the Mans actions to himself He that is wise is wise unto himself and this bringing all things home is most useful for accomplishment of the great end of Happiness
If they will come they shall be kindly received but if they make light of all these Messengers going their Wayes one to his Farm another to his Merchandize at their peril be it The reason why they did Mat. 22. was because they had some present business which they thought of more concern then the Wedding Dinner In like manner Men will not entertain the offers of Grace and Salvation made to them out of the Gospel because they have some lusts and covetous desires to gratifie which they think tend more to their Happiness then the others That these have some delight they are sure for they have it in hand but they cannot conceive any in the other it is to be revealed hereafter they know not when so in their Opinion they make the better choice because they are certain of something whereas others expose themselves to self-denial and present losses and live upon imaginary expectancies There is no time like the present a slight vanity now is to be prefered before a substantial Glory hereafter Most excellent reasoning and agreeable to the Wisdom of this World that come to nought 1 Cor. 2. 6. It is worthy of and such as could be expected from Men who have no foresight of things to come in other things it is prudence to have an eye forward but in this which is of greater Moment then all things put together to pass on and be punished is reckoned the wiser way Then it will be discerned otherwise but this is the misery when they shall come to be throughly convinced of their foolishness it will be past remedy This objection against the things of God because they are to come hath been already answered And for the delight of the sins most in esteem and pâ—actice Ch. 3. if God permit shall be fully examined in the ensuing Chapters It may appear very small and inconsiderable for which a Man must lose Temporal Comfort and Eternal Joyes endure the manifold evils and inconveniencies of sin in this present time and afterwards suffer endless Torment To be excluded from Peace here and Glory hereafter to be made subject unto sorrows now and hence forwards Eternal anguish of mind must be prejudicial to Mans Happiness or nothing is All this is to lay stronger engagement on us to observe Gods Laws In keeping of them there is great reward Psal 19. 11. There is happiness to be found but in transgression is exceeding punishment there only misery is felt The way of God is a way of Peace as long as any one walks therein he is safe but if he turns his foot aside he presently falls into trouble and danger Obedience and Happiness are met together Righteousness and Peace have kissed each other As again Sin and Misery are coupled Wickedness and Punishment are joyned hand in hand The Heavens declare the Glory of God and the Firmament sheweth his handy work Day unto Day uttereth Speech Night unto Night Of Scripture sheweth Knowledge There is no Speech nor Language where their voice is not heard Psal 19. 1 2 3. The astonishing Works of creation proclaim aloud to all the World there is a God who made them The excellent contrivance of this glorious Fabrick doth shew forth his great Power and infinite Understanding But they do not make known what the Lord requireth of us they do not reveal in what relation we stand towards him they cannot discover our imperfection or how we may please and become like unto him they do not shew the errour of our crooked and perverse wayes or manifest the true Happiness or how we may run towards it and not at uncertainty Neither doth they prescribe how to remedy our natural folly and blindness But the Law of the Lord is perfect converting the Soul the Testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple The Statutes of the Lord are right rejoicing the Heart The Commandment of the Lord is pure enlightning the Eyes It doth what all the World cannot direct into the way of perfect Peace which leads up to everlasting Glory The Prophecy came not in Old time by the Will of Man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1. 21. God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son Heb. 1. 1 2. Who whilst he dwelt amongst us made known the Will of his heavenly Father chusing unto him Disciples to go and teach likewise He instructed them until the time of his Suffering To whom he shewed himself alive after his Passion by many infallible Proofs being seen of them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. And being assembled together with them commanded that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the Promise of the Father which saith he ye have heard of me Acts 13. 4. It was the Comforter which is the holy Ghost whom my Father will send in my Name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you John 14. 26. Many things Christ did and said which are not written by the Evangelists some whereof the Apostles have delivered And other things they have laid down out of his Doctrine by infallible inference and deduction They could not be mistaken for they received the Promise John 16. 13. The Spirit of Truth will guide you into all Truth and for a manifest Testimony thereof they foretold things to come which have been and are to be fulfilled In the old Testament the Law of Moses the Prophets and the Psalms so summed up Luke 24. 44. In the New the Writings of Evangelists and Apostles are given to make us wise unto Salvation By these God will judge us at the last day I saw the Dead small and great stand before God and the Books were opened and another Book was opened which was the Book of Life and the Dead were judged out of those things which were written in the Books according to their Works Rev. 20. 12. The Bible is the Lords Statute Book containing those Laws for the Government of the world and according as People have observed oâ— transgressed them he will proceed to acquital or Condemnation In Christ's Sermon on the Mount before he comes to speak as to the Commandments he doth premise Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy the Law but to fulfill For verily I say unto you till Heaven Earth pass one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law till all be fulfilled Mat. 5. 17 18. As for the Types and Ceremonies they were but Prefigurations of him that was to come so they vanish when all was finished on the Cross Other Statutes did relate to the Jews in their politick capacity which Moses did ordain from God who was to them
principal and whole place in Man nothing to be preferred before him and all things to be done in subserviency to his Obedience That which was given to Minister must not set up for Rule What he only allowed for Necessaries and Conveniences that he might be served in Holiness and Righteousness all the days of our Life is not to come in for the main end nor be made an occasion to provoke him by iniquity and disobedience How unreasonable is it that a little yellow or white Dust should be preferred before God who made Heaven and all things therein They are accursed who worship the Sun Moon and Stars which declare his Glory but are not to deprive him of the least degree of his own much less may the small things here below God made us preserveth us gives whatsoever we enjoy and hath provided an eternal Happiness hereafter if we do not by such gross Demerits as esteeming every little thing before him which sets forth the infinite Aggravation of Sin forfeit our Right we have to his free and gracious Promises If we might â—ender to all their due that just Esteem they deserve and no more Now of God are all things and therefore to him belong all Love Fear Honour Praise Obedience and whatsoever we can do to express our utmost Acknowledgment and Worship of his Divine Majesty Let us do as much as we can to acknowledge His Dominion and Property and our own Subjection and Dependance Let us have an exceeding high Opinion of whatever appertains to him and then we should have but a very little Opinion of all that is here in Comparison of the Great things of God. Even in this wicked partial and idolatrous World Dung is never preferred before Crowns and Scepters And if the Eyes of our understanding were enlightened and we did lift them up to the everlasting Hills we might apprehend such unutterable things there that we should no more esteem of the most magnified things of this World then now we do the Stones and Earth we walk upon But all Men have not Faith who look upon this as meer Dreams and fine Fancies Indeed few speak out so but many think thus in their minds and therefore are for being sure of something letting alone these glorious Imaginations for such who believe them It is said there is one Nerve more in the Eye of Man then in Brutes by which he is enabled to lift it up If this be not lost for want of use look upwards in a clear Night ye earthly minded Observe the Firmament bespangled with Stars and do ye not really guess there may be above them some greater Excellency then Gold and Silver which Canker and Rust Seek him that maketh the seven Stars and Orion Amos 5. 8. whose is the World and the fulness thereof Psal 50. 12. and you must conclude he hath greater things in his disposal then what we now see or handle Be not so rash and foolish to perswade your selves there are no such things because you do not believe them for in your Opinion it would be an odd kind of reasoning that there was no such things as Riches because Beasts know them not And it is alike absurdity to deny those true Riches our Saviour speaks of Luke 16. 11. only for that covetous Worldings will not know nor believe them If they will not they shall lose their part in them and that will occasion greater trouble then now it is to miss a good Bargain or Purchase 'T is perverse Humour and Opposition to the Truth that any are unbelieving for would they but impartially examine those Evidences of Faith we have they must fully assent But this wicked and stubborn World is afraid the Gospel should be true and therefore will not look upon its Pillars and Grounds of Truth least they should be found too strong and then such must not continue in Transgression They are willing to grasp and hold fast what they have and they take effectual Care not to attend to any thing how true soever which may perswade to the contrary O profound Policy and Wisdom To refuse to be Happy here and hereafter because by coveting after Riches they will pierce themselves through with many Sorrows and wilfully subject themselves unto temporal and eternal Misery only to hug themselves a little with ill gotten abundance What unheard of Folly is this There being set before the Sons of Men good and evil they will lose the one and incur the other by considering of neither before-hand Good God! That Men should set at naught the most inestimable thing in the World and yet blindly run upon accursed Misery Reason it self would tell them that there is no harm to seek after the greatest Good and if it be grievous to think of the Evil so they cannot endure that how much more to suffer it And they had better think thereof and so escape then as now they do shut it out of their Minds and thus unavoidably run into it This may be applied to all manner of unbelief Ignorance and Sin but Covetousness hath a mixture of all for otherwise a Man would not renounce his part in the Portion of Israel for thousands of Gold and Silver Were he perswaded he hath a Soul and of its due worth he would not lose it to gain the whole World when now he doth to get a less part thereof then the point of a Pin is to an Acre of Ground Covetousness doth strangely fasten the affections to the Earth and takes them quite off from Heaven The mind is daubed over with thick Clay that it conceives not Spiritually and so intent upon things Temporal that he regards not the things Eternal And thus comes in him an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God Nevertheless let him still know he is bound to obey the Commandments If one hath never taken the Oath of Allegiance yet he is obliged to keep the Kings Laws if he doth not he shall be punished accordingly So likewise if one was never Baptized nor enters into Covenant with God yet still he lives under his Laws Every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward Heb. 2. 2. He is Lord over all the Great King of all the Earth and requires subjection from every Creature those his Enemies which would not have him reign over them he will send forth his Armies and destroy them Who will not mind Scripture his revealed Law are at this present transgressours against the same and shall at the last day be condemned by it For the iniquity of his Covetousness was I wroth and smote him I hid me and was wroth and he went frowardly in the way of his heart Isa 57. 17. The iniquity of Covetousâ—ess consists in getting by evil and sinful Col. 3. 5 6. means as Falshood or Wrong so it is a complicated sin of inordinate Affection and Disobedience Another kind of Covetousness is gathered from 2 Cor. 9. 5. Which hinders from
now for this short time If both cannot stand together there the least must give place to the greater for more concern is to be had for a Year then for a Minute only Said one Who received the Spirit which did lead into all Truth Know ye not that the Vnrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God nor Thieves nor Covetous nor Extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God 1 Cor. 6. 9 10. So what are accounted the ways of thriving in the World are an absolute hindrance to their Title unto that Men are to be judged by the Scriptures and according as they have done or transgressed are to be admitted or shut out Now this Book Condemns all the proposed Schemes of advantage What is a Man profited if he shall gain the whole World and lose his own Soul Or what shall he give in exchange for his Soul Mat. 16. 26. The Word of God is different from â—ain and common received Opinion The Tempter first instils those principles of Dishonesty Have they not read how he was a Liar from the Beginning He insinuated to our Parents that the forbidden Fruit should do them no harm he beguiled them with a promise and appearance of Good but we have found the contrary The Commandments of God have a shew of inconvenience and Transgression may seem expedient at first but examine things throughly and see how it will be then The great Objection against this Duty and therein it hath a shew of Folly that hereby we become liable to be imposed on suffer Loss and are deprived of opportunity of more Gain Our Lord's Counsel and Command is Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves Be cautious that you do not receive any Injury and be sure to do none Every Man may preserve his own and use a lawful redress where it is taken away by Wrong The fault found by the Apostle 1 Cor. 6. 6. is when they go to Law before Unbelievers but in the fore going verse he seems to admit thereof before a Christian Magistrate or rather in the first place they should refer it to an Arbitrator Or if it be for trifles there one may suffer himself to be defrauded and pass it over as not worth a wise Mans regard for that is not extended to little things Christianity and Prudence are not in themselves inconsistent but the Error is that some frame notions of Wisdom according to the Opinion and Practice of the World and by that would state the obligations of Duty whereby they make the Commandments of Christ of none effect or by distinctions would correct them But let nothing be done contrary to the least of them whatâ—ver inconveniences may ensue If we suffer Shame or Loss for the Doctrine of Jesus we may trust him a more enduring substance in Heaven will be a sufficient requital It doth seldom happen that any considerable disadvantage doth fall upon any for keeping stedfastly to his Laws when that only and no other is the Reason or if it should it would be made up another way here or hereafter The Meek shall inherit the Earth Mat. 5. 5. He dwells safely and none cares to molest or disturb him And though the baseness of some little poor Souls may extend so far as to Cheat Defraud and take Advantage over his simple Honesty as they phrase it yet this is done privately and in small instances which either he doth not know or not mind and so lives well and contented for all The Vnjust knoweth no Shame Zeph. 3. 5. He may come at length to be so brazen-faced that he doth not value the judgment of Men but so far only is kept in least humane Law take hold of him yet through restraining Providence he will sooner do Wrong to any one then the universally sincere and good Man. Who did ever want Food and Raiment convenient for him only by keeping Gods Commandments It is somewhat hard to Flesh and Blood but it is safe Blessed is the Man that trusteth in him O Fear the Lord ye his Saints for there is no want to them that fear him The young Lyons do lack and suffer Hunger but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing Psal 34 8 9 10. It is Gods Will that they shall comply with his Ordinance of Labour and not be slothful in Business so they being in some Calling and adding there to Honesty and Diligence do not want what is good or necessary for them The Eyes of the Lord are over the Righteous but then they must not tempt God or expect a Miracle that he should feed them as once he did the Prophet with Ravens but they are to use the means he hath appointed Though we do live by Faith and God is not willing that any thing should be made too evident for that would destroy this noble Principle and take off from the excellency of Obedience yet to establish our Trust and Dependance on him he discovers himself more then in any thing We may as it were see with our Eyes his Watchful and especial Providence over his own Servants Those peculiar ones redeemed from all Iniquity do get a livelyhood Or if they are disabled and hindred from Work or Imployment he provides some other way Still he acts most wisely who lives so in this World that he may live for ever He that walketh Righteously and speaketh uprightly He that despiseth the gain of Oppression that shaketh his hands from holding of Bribes Isa 33. 15. Who useth Lawful and prudent means according to the Trade and Occupation he is in and rejects whatever is of Craft and Evil. It is sometimes seen that he may prosper and increase in the World. His Seed shall be mighty upon Earth the Generation of the Vpright shall be Blessed Wealth and Riches shall be in his House Psa 112. 2 3. This was often fulfilled in old time under the Jewish Dispensation who had great measure of temporal Blessings At this time it may be observed whether for their Worship and Service of God or the favour he retains to the Children of Abraham the Sons of Jacob and Joseph or whatever Reason we may in Humility guess at yet they are generally in good estate and plenty though scattered in the World. But to us Christians are promises of better things of the Life that now is and that which is to come one in order to the other as the divine Wisdom thinks fit Those who are Heirs of Salvation for whom the greater things are reserved do commonly live by his Grace and good Providence here in expectation and pursuit after that More is not desired then sufficient for this They look further then barely to live but do something worthy of Life which is only towards that to come As they get means for the first they press forward to the high and eternal Calling There is much talk of living and living well in the World this is the principal Mark at which most aim to get in
effect He did not therefore make Promises to the Poor or speak against the Rich because he was himself in a low condition for he might as well have been Born of a Queen and in a Sumptuous Palace as of a mean Virgin in Bethlehem the least of the Princes of Judah The Counsels Decrees and Prophesies of old might have been so fixed But the Son of God despises the Pomp and Glory of the World he slighteth them both in Word and Practise Gods Thoughts are contrary to Mans Thoughts for he speaks in Favour and Comfort of the Poor whom the World abhorreth and despiseth On the other hand terribly and to humble those who now are so much flattered and Psal 18. 27. had in admiration the significancy whereof themselves shall feel who do not mind nor take due warning The Scripture runs thus when it mentions that difference of State and Condition And whosoever intends to have good must follow the steps of the Captain of our Salvation taking him both sor a Lord and Example to do and to speak yea and to think as he did That we may have boldness in the day of Judgement because as he is so are we in this World 1 John 4. 17. And then will not be given so great Respect and Adoration to Riches only no fawning upon those who abound therewith For they have not so learned Christ Eph. 4. 20. It comes near to a Contradiction that the Grace of our Jam. 2. Lord Jesus Christ should be had with respect of Persons for that equals and makes us Brethren in Christ It was given to contemn Vanity and is of a different nature from Gold or precious Raiment and therefore in no wise to be more magnified by reason of those worldly Advantages the Person is in The Faith and good Works of those in ordinary State are not taken notice of but who have Riches and Honour of this World what they do towards Religion is applauded even by those who should Know Teach and Practice otherwise Though these do contrary to the Apostolical Canon 1 Tim. 5. 21. Yet God and the Lord Jesus and the Elect Angels will not prefer one before another they will do nothing by Partiality but distribute to every Man according to his work It is thus also in a lower step We find it by Observation and Experience if we never saw it Written The Poor Mans Wisdom is despised and his Words are not heard Eccles 9. 16. The Apology here is Because t is supposed that they who have Worldly Advantages have also better opportunity and means to get Wisdom and those cannot attain it who have them not Great Men are not always Wise Job 32. 9. and further Wisdom doth not depend so much upon outward means as those Endowments and Faculties God hath first implanted in the mind There is much upon the Improvement of them yet this is not necessarily had or hindered by worldly Aâ—â—â—d 〈◊〉 or Want for the first is often made an occasion â—â— Sensuality Negligence and Idleness None judges of a Tree by its bâ—ing planted in a right soil or dunged about or the likelihood to bear but by what Fruit it doth actually bring forth God may and doth raise up some without common Advantages whom he enlightens by his Grace and Spirit He shews his own Glory and Power this way and chiefly in them who had not much of outward abundance The Prophets and Apostles those Worthies of old both in Divine and Humane Learning were rejected and despised by that corrupt and foolish Estimation of judging the Man without the Man neither according to Body nor Soul but Land or Money which he hath no right unto from his own Nature but national Laws and Constitutions hath set out unto him Besides Wisdom and Truth is without the Man and not to be jâ—dged of by him The Blessing is sent unto the World through such water-Pipes which of themselves are dry and meer Engines to convey Who is so sottish to refuse the good because of the meanness of the Instrument that brings it A Man can receive nothing except it be given him from Heaven John 3. 27. God is jealous of his own Glory and sends forth his Treasure by despicable outward means that the Excellency thereof should not be in us and all praise should be returned unto him None doth refuse his daily Sustenance although it comes forth of the dirt of the Earth the Proud person doth not esteem Silk the worse because it is the Excrements of a Worm Yea all Temporal things if we look down to the Pit whence they are digged are mean and filthy which doth not prejudice as to them Every good Gift and every perfect Gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of Lights James 1. 17. They no have Defilements We are naturally unclean but this comes on purpose to cleanse us Sanctifie them through thy Truth thy Word is Truth John 17. 17. It receives no advantage but diminishment from the things of this World. One would think we were all under the Dominion of Mammon he is so much in Mens Thoughts It is a shame that Reasonable Creatures should esteem of one another according to a little Pelf or outward Gaiety but much more that Christians who if they were so indeed their Profession would as much advance them above the common Size of People as they are above Brutes if they preserved their Dignity should yet be carried away with the errour and absurd Partiality of the World. A sign how little they are governed by Faith and Reason but they are led on by Sence and Custom Which would do us most good will be seen when the Lord of all shall demand how we have done according Mat. 25. 14 19. to the Laws and Power he gave unto us Were those false opinions of things taken away as it would be a great help to our Duty so to present Peace and Contentment For the generality of Mankind being Slaves to the opinion of others do more according to what they think then themselves Such a thing could be let alone but the Fashion and Majority is for it and they must do as the rest Again they could be without it but Reputation and Esteem of others make it necessary Who go not according to Conscience towards God yet do upon the very same Principles towards Men for would they do the same to please and get Honour from him who is more then all the many Inhabitants of the World as they do from one another they were in the right Which seems to shew that what God requires is not only easie and may be performed but there is a propension in the Heart of Man to do even the same for he doth it in common Acts though he doth not stretch up this Principle to the high and right end Would he do so in Obedience unto God as to recommend himself unto others take and go according to his Estimation of things For