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
be more tormenting when it comes to be in reality for evermoâ—e The surest way never to come to Hell is to hear of it often and this is a thousand times better then not to suffer the bare Report but blindly go on and drop into it It is better to be foretold and foresee and so avoid then run on Deaf and Blind to the place they did so much fear whilst it was but in sight and hearing The froward hardened Sinners will neither think of nor let another tell them what they are liable unto whereas this would somewhat remove their Obstinacy and Senslessness and then way is made for Gods Grace and so they might be saved It is almost the same thing to speak to an Herd of Cattle as Worldly Men they will keep their head downwards a grazing and these will mind their sinful gain let what will be declared unto them And the Pharisees also who were covetous â—eard all these things and they derided him Luke 16. 14. They may 〈◊〉 off a conviction with a scorn and neglect Others know not what this means Unregenerate Men who have long continued so and their hearts are pinioned to the World understand not much more of Spiritual things then Beasts do of reason But God will take care that what he hath said shall come to pass And those who are so stout now to value his Words as an insignificant sound or dead letter may at length find they will cause an hideous yelling in themselves â—zek 6. 10. Dan. 12. 9 and be a savour of Death unto Death As the Words in a Statute Book do now cause several to suffer loss of Libeâ—ty Life and Member and other ways of Punishment from Truth all that is rightly inferred is Truth Let people resist the Truth 2 Tim. 3. 8. or disregard it still that remains and however in the mean while stifled or prevaricated that will rise up at the Judgment of the Great Day Whether they will read or not these words are laid before them that they might have turned from their evil ways Take heed and beware of Covetousness for a Mans life consisteth not in the abundance of things he possesseth Luke 12. 15. 'T is enforced with a double caution to prevent the least beginning thereof and an excellent Reason added And though the Wisdom of the World seems to confront this for they would account none truly Wise but who gets Riches and so again whosoever doth he must be necessarily Wise yet as sure as God is and we have any Revelation from him there is another Notion of Wisdom Man was sent into this World and endued with understanding that he should be Wise He is not to continue here but only pass through and so away Now that he should do nothing but pick up Dirt in the Road seems a most Senseless thing For though he was made of Earth yet this here treated of is no part of his Nature it neither came into the World with him nor shall go out with him Our days fly as a Post till the last cometh and in that day all our Thoughts shall perish all the Labour we have taken under the Sun signifieth nothing The end of that was to Minister things for Life but when this is demanded all those things likewise vanish which did relate thereunto there is no Jer. 51. 13. more rising up early to eat the Bread of Carefulness Bodily work ceaseth Worldly business is at end It avails not to have been cumbred about many things to have heaped up Riches and gotten Gain A Man shall not by having so done redeem his Soul nor give to God a Ransom for it But he is to be examined whether he was more employed about the one thing needful which shall not be taken away and will stand in stead when all these things shall fail When a Man comes to die if he had all Pleasures Riches and Honours he is not therefore in a better Condition much less is he who hath bestowed all his time to be a little more Rich then his other Neighbours and for this he hath forâ—eited his Right to the Heavenly inheritance which otherwise he might have been Partaker of He counted himself a cunning Fellow whilst he lived because he knew how to get Money and keep it thinking others Fools who had not such a high value thereof as himself And perhaps thought them unwise who mind Religion which was an hindrance to Gain and also Chargeable he did not see them get any thing by it Whilst he letting alone Words did Compass real and substantial Coyn For all he hugs himself so much in his own Wisdom he shall be the meerest Fool. He is sensible what a Vexation it is to lose a Pound to save a Penny for this commonly happens to covetous Niggards and the torment will not be less when he shall come to know that for a little earthly Pelf he is deprived of a Kingdom The opinion of the World is if they see one always diligent in business and he grows Rich they conclude him to be a very Wise man another doth not neglect his Calling but Labours therein so far as to provide things necessary and convenient But in the first place doth carefully observe his Duty towards God and will sometimes lose a temporal Profit rather then let slip an opportunity of doing his Soul good him they term a foolish and simple Fellow Whatever Men think now at length it will be plainly discerned between him that serveth God and who serveth him not and which of the twain is most Wise Even now we perceive the one hath hopes in his Death the other goes away not knowing what shall become of him Men think it enough if they do but mind their business whilst they live besides they understand not what they should do but what Wisdom is it to be employed about that which shortly shall cease seeming all one as if it had not been at all and to leave that undone for which they must eternally suffer They have nothing to trust unto but this Life of which they are not assured for a Week nor a Day before they are convinced of the greatest and Remediless Folly that ever was For their Wit and Contrivance in getting Money It is to be observed how corrupt Nature is carried violently to evil It is easie to Swim with the Stream so to find out those crafty and hidden things of dishonesty They are learnt from one to another any one may know them that will look into the Practise of the World. And the Devil will be ready to suggest more However it signifies little if he is Wise in the way if he is not so in the end He who makes a Journey to such a place to no purpose if he doth go the right and nearest way is a Fool for all that And if Covetousness is not the principal business and end of Mans Life he can never Act prudently who Labours for it all
against he would not be after their liking Then they would not have this Man reign over them they will outwardly conclude him to be an Enemy to Jesus and pronounce it as lawful to destroy him as Bears and Wolves Whether he is so or not an uncharitable Opinion or false Accusation is sufficient ground with them to kill the Lords Anointed against whom none could lift up his hand and be guiltless This hath been the Divinity of some and mischievous in its effects but let it be examined by that word which is to try the Doctrines whether they be of Men or no. Christ delivered that command of Obedience to Magistrates at that very time when an Heathen Emperor was in the Throne when Herod and Pontius Pilate were subordinate Governours when he was Sentenced to Death by unjust judgment Peter would have hindred the execution but was commanded to put up his Sword in the Sheaf His Apostles Preached the same Doctrine after the Kings of the Earth stood up and the Rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ which doth manifest that some have interpreted the Gospel contrary to what the first Founders of it intended and have put that restriction which they never designed O ye perveâ—ters of the meaning of the Holy Ghost What authority have ye to do these things By your expositions and glosses you have diminished from the universal obligation of the commands Wherefore do you make distinctions where the Law maketh none To come to the Old Testament wherein ye so much trust what do ye think of Saul from whom God had rent the Kingdom and gave it to one better then he and though Saul did seek after his life yet Davids faithfulness and duty to him may be seen 1 Sam. 24. 5 6. 2 Sam. 1. There were many wicked Kings in Israel yet to none did the people hence take occasion to rebel or refuse their lawful injunctions neither is the least intimation from Gods Word so to do It was not because they were Jews and so the anointed of the Lord but even Cyrus a Gentile is thus called Isa 45. 1. And unto Nebuchadnezzar God gave the Kingdom Dan. 2. 37. So they are indefinitely called Gods Ministers Rom. 13. 6. It is not said of that single one but all in general The Kings rule several Countrys but over them all is the Great King or the whole Earth the Lord and Governour of the World. Thou shalt not speak evil of the Ruler of thy People Acts 23. 5. Upon no account although he doth what he should not In the original place Exod. 22. 28. It is doubtly forbid to lay on greater enforcement How can Men over-look such plain places when they are quick enough to spie out any thing that may be wrested to serve their wrong designs When they meet with such they have set their brains on work for a pâ—â—â—sible interpretation to delude the hearts of the simple They neglected to put them in mind to be subject to Principalities and Powers to obey Magistrates Tit. 3. 1. Whereas if they could bring any thing out of the Old Testament of zeal for the Lord of Hosts and â—ighting his Battles this was managed with all their skill and dexteritâ— to stir up Sedition and Rebellion but for those against them they did either omit or fasten their own sence quite turning that of the Holy Spirit To apply Maâ— 2. 7 8. The Priests lips should keep knowledge and they should seek the Law at his Mouth for hâ— is the Messenger of the Lord of Hosts But thâ—se departed out of the way they have caused many to stumble at the Gospel by Preaching contrary thereunto they have corrupted the covenant of race and been partial in the Law otherwise they could not turn Religion into Rebellion for this doth not allow the least Wickedness so neither that which is the greatest sin that is ordinarily committed against Man. It is against the immediate Oâ—dinance of God which he doth commonly punish and defeat in this life One would think Men might have taken warning by them that perished at the gain-saying Jude 11. of Core how the Earth opened and swallowed them up as if not â—it to live above ground who would have disturbed that order and government there Though this was set forth for an Example for all that hereafter should act rebelliously yet the Spirit of disobedience hath so worked in the minds of Men that they have not refrained from doing the same things Every Age since hath produced instances of those who â—ave not dâ—ed a death common to Men It would be endless to Number all the Traytors that have been in our own Nation I am unwilling to accuse mine own Country Men but I am afraid we are a reproach to Ezza 4. 15. our Neighbours that we are a rebellious Country and Enemies to Kings as by our Records and Histories it doth appear If we consult them we find that several have came to a miserable and untimely end If the business of Dathan and Abiram was afar of and long since these are later and come home What if in our our Memory some have been destroyed in a rebellious War others dyed like Dogs and had their Carcases hanged up for a Spectacle The Apostle 1 Cor. 10. mentioneth the punishment which fell upon the Jews to dehort others from those sins which were the occasion thereof so that may be here represented according to Truth which fell upon them that we may not commit Rebellion as some of them committed and fell and became as the dung of the Earth All these things happened for ensamples and are written for the admonition of those that come hereafter One must be moved with indignation to hear the Enemies of the Lord Blâ—spheme and the way of Truth evil spoken of to which nothing hath given greater occasion then the carriage of the pretended Religious especially in two things Disloyalty to the State and knavery between Man and Man. Then which nothing is more forbidden in Scripture which if rightly understood and obeyed would make the best Men and the best Subjects in the World he who lives accordingly is an Enemy to none much less to him whom God hath placed over his people Government is as necessary to the well being of the body politick as health to the Natural The ligatures and strings do hold together the several parts so that doth joyn the Members of the Common-wealth dependant and subordinate one to the other and prevents that confusion which would otherwise ensue Every Man enjoys his own his Person Fame and Estate are preserved from wrong and injury he hath all the outward good which can be desired in this World. God hath in a wonderful manner from time to time been pouring forth his benefits upon the undeserving Sons of Men he hath given all his Law to make us happy and excellently contrived that part which relaâ—es to keepâ—ng up that order which he did first
find out some new thing or draw out that satiating Nature in the old Dress it several ways it is but the same Dish in substance still and fresh invented Sauces will not cure the loathing of a full Stomach The Pleasure of eating is when one is hungry otherwise the Taste of Dainties is no more then of the white of an Egg. The being accustomed makes them favour as common Meat if never so sweet it continues only in the mouth which is so short that it must be a mean and Paltry Happiness that depends upon so Transitory a thing The Taste of pleasant Liquors perishes in the draught and afterwards seems as if not received in but if the immoderate use makes an Alteration in the Man it is a drunken fit and the utmost good which arises from that is to be examined in another place As Chap. 7. for that of fair Women is no advantage Conjugal love except unless he gives himself over to sinful unbounden Lust the Consideration of which is referred to Chap. 8. This is one of the Pleasures of sin for a Season which destroyeth Kings Prov. 31. 3. as well as other Men. No unlawful delights can render a Man truly Happy but contrariwise miserable in reference to his future State. Even now they do not yield a sincere Satisfaction Company is one of the most noble Pleasures of a reasonable Creature yet if one is continually therein as such is the Condition of Princes it doth not always refresh but is tiresome There must be some intermission from Worldly delights or they will not Relish It is more Eligible to be sometimes alone then in a Croud he cannot esteem the sweetness of Conversation who never knows the want thereof If there be an intermixture and Succession both contraries are pleasant but otherwise neither is Let the Men you converse withal be of great Endowments of Wisdom and Eloquence if skilled in all the Arts of rendring themselves good Company and acceptable to others yet by continuance with them the Admiraâ—â—on will diminish till it comes to nothing In all visible things under the Sun there is a satiety and weariness Even the continual hearing of News is no Novelty and though several things do happen yet they are but the same under little differing Circumstances acted by Persons of other Names but in substance the same which hath been already so this Variety doth not still recreate Fine Buildings Plantations and other magnificient Works please a little at first but in Process of time not at all Lastly what is reckoned worth all abundance of Gold and Silver This doth serve only for the procurement of the things spoken of and if they do not afford a true Happiness much less will the other The reason hereof may be learned from Hab. 2. 13. Jer. 17. 13. and other places of Scripture which discover the vast Capaciousness of the Soul its proper End and the Vanity of the Creature We are designed for more noble things then what are here before us We are built up and to be prepared for the Mansions above And least we should be stopped in the way thither as we pass through this wilderness God hath suffered it to be barren and dry of the Water of true Comfort Such as is to be had here may a little refresh us in our Pilgrimage but cannot throughly satisfie our Thirst for that is only to be done there where he bids us come Isa 55. 1 2. John 7. 37. That we may be the more quickened to come when he calleth us he hath so ordered the matter that if we set at naught his Gracious invitation and going through this vale of Misery use it for a Well sit down and John 4. 11. 13. tarry here yet most have not to draw with that is such means but who have yet the Well is deep it is trouble to draw up and when we have drunk of it we shall Thirst again Do what we will if we only seek herein we shall never satisfie our Desires nothing here can do it they must cease after Earthly things and be turned unto the Heavenly But if we coâ—â—ne them here though we do pour in upon them we are therefore no more Happy then one in a continual Thirst because he hath drink as often as he calls for it The things of this Life may for the present a little stop our Desires but do not take off the * Which too many know not for what that is but it is not in vain neither was it designed for â—â—r torment craving somewhat more We still coveâ— after drink and yet are weary of drinking We use the things of this World and that not giving us content we try whether the abuse of them will but then we are deceived in our Expectations and the sooner wax weary of them They are insufficient For the Creature was made subject to Vanity not willingly for any fault of her own rather our Transgression but by reason of him who subjected the same in Hope Because the Creature it self also shall be delivered from the Bondage of Corruption Rom. 8. 202 1. God willing to retrieve poor lost Men sent his Son to dye for us and make known those better things and least we should be detained by the present hath rendred them hungry and empty We have here no Satisfaction but seek one to come Alas For all things are so we are too apt to rest on the Creature and expect Contentment from it but if we could once find that we should go no further fix here and never come to the place God hath appointed for us He is pleased Oh infinite Condescention to let us seek abroad if we can find better Entertainment and if after a vexatious and dangerous Pursuit we Luke 15. meet with nothing but Husks which may stuff but cannot satisfie which are meat for Swine but not fit and commensurate for reasonable Creatures we would return unto our Fathers House where is bread enough and to spare not such as the World giveth but which he giveth from Heaven that bread of Life unto which who so Joh. 6. 34. 34 35. cometh shall never hunger Here he feedeth us with the Bread of Tears we eat in the sweat of our brow having Labour and Sorrow intermingled and afterwards we hunger again But if we would pray unto him evermore to give us that know and accept it when offered for want wherâ—of those in John 6. 34 35. missed it and others at this day that is unleavened not sowred with Worldly Care a spiritual Manna sutable to our Taste fills our Souls with Gladness and endureth unto everlasting Life That we should come and partake is the design of our Heavenly Father Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things Psal 103. 5. Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it Psal 81. 10. Stretch out thy Desires to their due extent a little Earnest and Relish is given they are now quieted with Faith and
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
easily cut in pieces as make this offer what cause can be assigned for such unparalled goodness but his own gracious nature which delighteth in Mercy He doth make the first proposals of Reconciliation between himself and his stout Creature What a wonderful thing is this that the humility of God who is so Glorious in Majesty fearful in Praises and doing wonders should exceed that of Man the Work of his hands a small contemptible and impotent being And yet how strange would it be let the Heavens and Earth be astonished if he who is less then nothing should withstand and despise such goodness Call to mind further he doth not this because he cannot do otherwise for he hath severity in store as he will manifest upon thy self if thou contemnest his goodness it cannot be unless thou art guilty of the most horrible incivility that ever was thou shouldst refuse to hearken when he calls thee Thou mayest put off thy inferiours to a more convenient season and whom thou dost not much care for but God is the excellent one in all the World who daily poureth his benefits on thee hath given all thou hast who holdeth thy Soul in life Is he not worthy to have a present answer To be opened unto immediately Luke 12. 36. Who is Lord of Heaven and Earth to whom the greatest Monarch is a Grashopper If you do not hearken to this but slight and despise he hath his threatnings which those shall feel who do not mind them as Psal 29. Job 34. 20 24. Rev. 6. 15 18 17. Amos 2. 14. Isa 10. 3. Rom. 2. 9 11 12. Mat. 13. 42. You are Men and not God you are Flesh and not Spirit and your Flesh is not the Flesh of Brass nor your Bones Iron They must necessarily turn into the Dust of the Earth And you that cannot now bear the least indignity offered to your person how will you endure to rise up to everlasting shame and contempt Dan. 12. 2. Or to drop into Misery in all things just contrary to that soâ—tness and delicacies here An heedless unbelieving thought will not secure Men as to this for what is prepared cannot be destroyed by an imagination only As Abraham said to Dives the great gulph is fixed besides the inference he there makes Luke 16. 26. This also follows so that those who are not yet in but going the direct way to it can neither pass it by nor after being plunged in get out again by an Opinion or Wish There are many pretty sayings about this but in the mean while whom shall we believe The Wisdom and Truth of God or the Foolishness and Falshood of Men Certainly the safer way is for every one to use diligent care and circumspection that he come not there which he is now reminded of Gods Word is as true as his Existence and seeing he hath said by his Son the Worm shall not die and the fire shall not be quenched to deny it would be to make God a Liar or the Lord Jesus an Impostor which none either can as to defeat what he hath said or dare to do Let me ask the great Men Do ye believe these things I know ye are Christians and ye do believe them Why then will you not be moved to flee from the wrath to come If you are impeached of High Treason against your Sovereign you will use all endeavours not to be found guilty and if you are you will use no means unattempted to procure a Pardon We are all by Nature the Children of Wrath and consequently liable unto it and have added further Rebellions against the Majesty on High. Is he not as dreadful who liveth for ever to take vengeance as Princes are whose breath goeth forth and their thoughts perish Do ye think ye ought not as much stand in aw of the Great Mighty and Terrible God for so he is still to them that obey not the Gospel as of meer Man Is he not as worthy to be sought after Ye have offended against him and will ye stand out still Is it meet he should come unto you and force a Pardon upon you whether you will or not Indeed he waits to be gracious but it is to those who come unto him and if you will not to speak in the gentile dialect you may choose and be damned Our selves would take it ill if we should at great cost or pains get a Pardon for a Servant and he out of peevish pride or negligence would refuse it Now this Christ hath done he hath purchased you with his own Blood but you must sue it our your selves or go without it A condemned Criminal here is dealt bountifully withal if his life be spared only but the goodness of God endureth yet daily and infinitely exceeds that of Creatures He doth pardon and if ye continue in his goodness otherwise ye shall be cut off rewardeth you This shall be the Covenant which I will make with the House of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my People this is the first part of it as well as the other for I will forgive their iniquity and their sin will remember no more Jer. 31. 33 34. This extends both to the least and greatest for they are expressed He promises to be our God which imports as much as is evident from the whole tenour of the Gospel what is said 1 Thes 4. 17. We shall be ever with the Lord Which should be desirable to those who think it a priviledge to stand in the presence of the King much more is it before the great King of all the Earth In thy presence is fullness of joy at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Psal 16. 11. You that affect nothing but great Company do likewise seek to be Equal unto the Angels Luke 20. 36. The least of whom doth exceed the greatest of Men. Who are now in the first rank Why will you not in a Godly sort be ambitious of being so in the first born of Heaven and endeavour after a degree of Glory answerable to that of greatness ye have here In the Name of God try to keep your first Station that you may never have the least cause to remember from whence you are fallen Never sink below your selves strive to attain the higher perfections but above all take heed of coming short of the lowest for it is better to be least in the Kingdom of God then not to be there at all Little Flock it is my Fathers Will to give you a Kingdom Luke 12. 32. And why should it not be yours to accept of it Who deem your selves worthy of all honour I hope will not judge your selves unworthy of everlasting life for all your abundance you would receive a great Estate if any of your Friends and Relations would bequeath it unto you And will you not
in the prime of Youth when a little before they were lusty and strong but there are other sorts which creep on by degrees sending notice before by a little pain or illness that there is a greater approaching The first make the noise of mirth to cease but when sickness comes with full power then all past joviality and delight will not yield a minutes refreshment it may be whispered by companions in iniquity to take off the blame from themselves that this might have been if he were temperate yet the judgment of Physitians and daily experience of the World sufficiently manifest that by Drunkenness Men bring Sickness upon themselves and do not live out half their dayes He found himself sick and ill at several times he drank excessively which like skirmishes before a battel did proceed from the same Enemy that now with united force Assaults him Before it lay quiet within his Territories but he hath stirred and furnished it with strength for the War. Men are apt to think it hard that they should be sick when others of the same Age and Constitution are well Indeed Acts of Providence in this kind are not so easily known but here the Man himself hath been the cause thereof Sickness is the natural effect of habitual Drunkenness And it cannot be expected that the God of Nature who Acts according to Nature should alter his doings and work a Miracle to preserve those who are ungrateful and disobedient as Drunkards are Will they sin against his most righteous Laws and yet be angry because he doth not hinder that mischief which falls upon them by so doing Would they have their Bodies be as Brass or Iron to receive no hurt however the Maker of them is provoked by being Instruments of iniqiuty They might with as much Reason have him to be no God as to take away his Power of revenging all manner of disobedience But these are only foolish Imaginations He that sitteth in the Heavens shall laugh the Lord shall have theâ— in â—â—rision Psal 2. 4. I will punish the World for their Evil and the wicked for their iniquity Isa 13. 11. Let them say or think whatever comes in their mind And if they be bound in Fetters and be holden in Cords of Affliction Then he sheweth them their Work and their Transgressions that they have exceeded He openeth also their ear to Discipline and Commandeth that they return from iniqiuty Job 36. 8 9 10. Thou who hast Sinned resolve sincerely to do so no more Throw thy self wholly into his gracious Arms. Commit thy whole Body and Soul intirely into his disposal And then if thou diest it will never be worse for thee in so doing Who knoweth but he may raise thee up and say to the Ax that is now laid to the Root of the Tree Let him alone one year longer and if he bear Fruit well but if not then cut him down He may grant recovery to see if thou wilt obey and please him by Godliness and Sobriety of living henceforward and when the forbearance and Long sâ—ffâ—â—ing of God doth not lead to Repentance at length the final and irreversible voice will go ouâ— â—ut it down Why cumbreth it the Ground Too many have not taken warning but died in their Sins In what a fearful Condition were they during the last Sickness When they made Ship â—rack of their Body and Soul and are just dropping into the Bottomless Pit. Their doom is written 1 Cor. 6. 10 Gal. 5. 21. Drunkards shall not inherit the Kingdom of God and then they must go into another place Whatsoever was not written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire Rev. 20. 5. Those that do iniquity shall be cast into a Furnace of Fire Mat. 13 42. Now Drunkenness is such being a Transgression of the Law in the Old and New Testament Deut. 29. 19. Isa 24. 9. and 28. 1 3 7. Hab. 2. 15. Joel 1. 5. Luke 21. 34. Eph. 5. 18. It is not a thing of naught if taken abstractedly but this Sin seldom goes single Like the unclean Spirit it taketh to him seven other Spirits more wicked then himself it hath worse Sins and Abominations going along therewith As hardening ones self against God prophane and idle Talk vain Swearing Lust Lying readiness to any mischief What evil hath not the Drunkard done Even righteous Lot was betrayed to commit Incest with his own Daughter When a Man is in this Condition he hath no fear of God before his Eyes He is not himself but inclined to all manner of Sin which he will commit according as he hath opportunity and invitation Let not the World say it is a small Sin for it is great in the consequent Evils and the wrath of God is plainly revealed against it There is no Reason why Men should follow it with such Greediness know ye what ye do To bring on your selves swift Destruction to plunge your selves yet sooner into it You are sensible of the evil and inconveniency of this present Life occasioned by your Sin and will you to be rid of that thrust your selves into greater This would be as ridiculous madness as to divert the Pain of a cut Finger to pour scalding Oyl upon the whole Body There is a better way shewed by taking away the cause of the Grief which you are exhorted unto and to prevent all the Misery You cannot endure Thirst how then would you like to be in that place where he is Who wants a drop of water to cool his Tongue Luke 16. 24. If you could have a short and merry Life that would no more make amends for a sad Eternity then a single pleasant dream now doth for an hundred years Misery There is a Drunkard who thinks he shall escape because he is no Murderer Extortioner unjust Person he pays every one his due and is no Mans Enemy but his own he is of the good natured sort for he cannot endure quarrelling but prevents it in the beginning and is a Peace-maker He abhors Malice Envying Strife and hath several good Qualities Perhaps he is ungodly or a Swearer but if not In Truth so far thou dost well thou comest near being qualified to be one of the Saints in light Yet lackest thou one thing Go and put away thy Dâ—unkenness forsake all thy Companions in evil come and follow Christ and thou shalt have better Fellowship in Heaven Many will go away sorrowful at this Saying for they think the other sufficient and this the only Delight they have which they care not to part with then they have no Lot or Portion in the Kingdom of God. Neither let them think they may retain it throughout their Life and leave it off in Old Age when they cannot Taste what they drink or in Sickness when their Stomach will not bear it then they will repent of their former Excess Thank you for nothing you will Sin as long as you can and when not able any longer you
power that we may do the things he doth require of us they are made known in Scripture which is given by inspiration of God 2 Tim. 3. 16. We are to believe him to be true and then all must be so which is contained in that Book God doth encourage to his service with a Reward so that he who labours to please him acts after the very same manner tho in a much more eminent and greater degree as another who studies to recommend himself to the â—avour of the Kâ—ng or any Superiour The utmost visible greatness is Low and but a shadow of Majesty in comparison of this High and Lofty One dark as to his Brightness and soon passeth away when He inhabiteth Eternity However Religion which is our whole Duty towards God is looked upon as a little contemptible thing laughed at by the Ignorant Scornful and Proud Men yet is as much greater then any Temporal Design or Business as God is greater then Man Heaven then Earth Eternity beyond time a most perfect and everlasting Happiness above the fading imperfect trivial conveniencies here We may as well trust God for the great things to come and labour after them as we do for our daily Food and those little things that are present And though he now gives common Mercies to the unthankful yet they must use some means after them but for the better hope the exceeding great and precious promises of unseen and future things those are only for them who glorifie him here and seek after them Faith makes these things as absolutely true and certain as those now before us Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed Rom. 10. 11. Faith towards God is reckoned among the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ Heb. 6. It being that upon which not only those there recited but whatsoever is said throughout the whole Book of God doth depend Which whosoever believeth stedfastly must necessarily be a Christian not in Name and Profession but in manner of Life or otherwise he will act more unreasonably and foolishly then ever any one yet did as to the things of this World. The Scripture doth contain things to be believed and things to be done The first are comprized in a brief form of sound Words commonly called the Apostles Creed which is believed as it stands upon certain and eviâ—ent places of Scripture and the outward confession of them is necessary to Salvation according to what may be gathered from John 5. 24. Rom. 10. 9. Mat. 16. 16. John 3. 15 16 17 18 36. Luke 6. 47. The great danger in not believing any Scripture is what the Apostle Speaks He that believeth not God hath made him a Lyar 1 John 5. 10. Which is more provoking then living in known Sin and Wickedness But this none that believes other things will dare to do the General Question and debate is what God intended in such a place It is agreed on both sides of the Truth of some sence and meaning but what that is is the rise of controversie and dispute In Paul's Epistles are things hard to be understood which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest as they do also the other Scriptures unto their own destruction 2 Pet. 3. 16. But since we have had those who were learned and resolute in their way who have done the same to carry on an interest to maintain the grandeur and infallibility of such a Church to espouse and propagate all the errours of such and such parties There hath been horrible pervâ—â—ting and seeking out Evasions not to the establishment but ovâ—rthrow of the Truth The pure and true Word of God hath beâ—â— made use of to defend corruptions and mâ—iâ—tain errour abâ—â—dance of this kind of iniquity will be disclosed at the revelation of all things It is sad to reflect that the only thing necessary in Religion is the only thing neglected how people fly about the skirts and borders not coming into the substance thereof The Church is pulled asunder into this or that parcel of Christians every little difference in Opinion must forthwith make a distinct party they cursing and damning one another It is the greatest part of the Christianity of some to be exclaiming against such a Sâ—ct or Communion so that if our merciful God should proceed according to the Anathemas Excommunications Wishes and Impretions of one against another No flesh would be saved What is the cause of all this stir and madness The VVisdom from above is fiâ—st Pure then Peaceable Gentle and Easie to be intreated full of Mercy and good Fruits without Partiality and without Hypocrisie Jam. 3. 17. The Gospel is good and plain made up of simplicity and purity so that is not the occâ—sion thereof But an enemy hath sown these tares of division who works mightily in the hearts of Men to deceive and hath taken this course to hinder the good seed to stiâ—le those practical truths which would bring forth fruit unto everlasting life Men rightly think they must have something to do with the things of God and some falsly think these vain disputations will serve the turn These are speculative not falling upon lust and they hope a zeal for this one way or another it is something for God and therefore shall come in for atonement of other sins And in conclusion tends to that he fain would save himself by condemning others What else makes him so extraordinary zealous for such a way and against such an opinion when himself in the mean while lives in Habitual sin and unrighteousness which is more dangerous to Souls then errours of the understanding if they were really such Here some drive on an interest of their own but who do not are led by such an impulsive cause In those that have set up for Guides and Teachers there hath been Doting about Questions and Strifes of words whereof cometh Envy Strife Railing evil Surmisings perverse disputings of Men of corrupt minds and destitute of the Truth supposing that gain is Godliness 1 Tim. 6. 4 5. This was their end but the silly people were by them told that was most for Salvation which made for their own profit and thus they have came to that height of zeal and giddiness Do they not place more in their petty differences then in the weightier matters of Law Judgment Mercy and love of one another That all this is a meer delusion may be further seen because it quite vanishes when the Man approaches near to Death and apprehends things according to sincerity and Truth How earnestly doth the Apostle express himself against these disputes even at their first beginning Rom. 14. 1. Phil. 2. 14. 1 Tim. 1. 6 7 6. 20 21. 2 Tim. 2. 14 23. But what would he say if he had lived at this day to see so many volumes of controversie to have heard of so many go about as have troubled Christians with words subverting their Souls Acts 15. 24. Shattering if not making to fall the
thee a Crown of Life It is reserved in the Heavens for us The Inhabitants of the Earth see the outside they die and go away Many of them would God they were more perform the Work he requires of them we all depart hence and shall find whether he will fulfil his Promises for which now we have his Word and his Oath Two immutable things in which it is impossible for God to lie Ceâ—â—â—â—â— it is that those several designs of Pleasure Riches and Honour are little unsatisfactory pass away and come to an utter end When our selves act upon probable yea assured great and rational Principles Others have nothing but the multitude and common Practice to Recommend them How then comes that wide difference of the Actions of Mankind so many are led away by the worse as manifestly appears by the least Reason and Discourse and themselves at length find by sad and too late Experience The Apostle in the forementioned Place after summing up the Christian Graces saith But he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar of 2 Pet. 1. 9. He is wholly taken up with present and sensible things which fasten his Eyes down to the Earth and hinder looking up whereas they were made to look upwards all one as downwards to see afar off as near at Hand His understanding was given to apprehend things to come and make reflections upon the past to conceive and know things proper for her To seek after and work out our true Happiness not only to mind perishing and trivial Conveniencies to propose and follow after an end which is worthy and not still to be deluded with the vain Fancies and Opinions of the People There is nothing which is seen and commonly practiced among Men but may be made an Argument for God and Religion Himself in the wise ordering of things hath been pleased to Establish it so that Men might have greater Motives and Exhortation to come unto him and be left more inexcusable if they do not As for those of a Generous temper who are acted by a sence of Honour who pretend unto Courage and Greatness of Spirit in their proposed ends they rub through Difficulties and go on still If we examine them in their very nature upon what grounds of Probability they are undertaken Theâ—e are long in expectation they do many things for what is a voice and nothing else or a Rattle which they know not how soon may be taken from them or they from that or those delectable things which expire like Lightning or the dim light of a Candle which gives a faint Refreshment but wearisome which only provides against a continual Darkness of Soul and of all these there must be an absolute Deprivation for evermore There cannot be used too â—lighting Comparisons to manifest how short these things come of the true Happiness of Man which also are of his own Invention and going after But if he would do the same for what God hath set before him in complyance with the Divine Will what others do out of their own use the same Constancy and be contented to live by Faith and Hope as they do by Expectation not sink under a little doubting as they go on notwithstanding their many Disappointments then he may accomplish his whole Warfare on Earth In all the steps of his Christian Course let him be fixed and taken up with that of the Psalmist Wait on the Lord be of Good Courage and he shall strengthen â—bine Heart Wait I say on the Lord Psal 27. 14. There is much need of it in performing those several Acts of Duty in resisting the Allurements of sensual Pleasure and the assaults of Evil To choose Labour and what is irksome to Flesh and Blood To take up the Cross suffering Reproach and Persecution to be subject unto hatred and solitariness To incur the Displeasure and Evil intreaties of Men rather then be carried away by them in Sinful Complyances To constantly speak out the Truth and thereby to draw on Hatred ill-will lessening of Reputation all which might be declined by little Acts of Excuse and Disobedience Which he will not admit of who is fully resolved to please God in all things There are many things at this day which will sufficiently exercise Courage to go through with and overcome When his Good shall be evil spoken of his fixed purposes not to offend shall be called Humour what are the effects of Faith and Love shall be reputed Ignorance To Arm our selves against all hard Speeches Not to be afraid of the Faces and Frowns of Men not to be shaken with the Blast of the terrible Ones to adhere universally unto the Will of God rather then do what others would have and further not to love their Lives unto Death entertaining it in the most terrible and afflicting manner and many other instances might be named whereby Holy Men have and do act Valiantly Not to be frightened but willingly sustain Evil and Hardship To do worthily for God and his Glory against all oppositions of the World and powers of Darkness yea the several Acts of the Christian Life are more properly Courage then is to be found in those generous Actions according to the estimation of the World. A wise Man in what he takes in hand proposes what good will come of it If it seems uncouth and contrary to his nature yet the Prospect of Good shall back him on Now he that doth not think the Recompence of Reward from God is as High Excellent and Worthy to be sought after as a little Honour Wordly Pelf or Rest it is because he doth not understand or not believe it There is no good even here to be had without Trouble or Labour so it is in the things of God. There must be a Striving working out our Salvation giving Diligence which is more unpleasant and aukward to the Flesh than secular designs and enterprises Yet this is not esteemed fortitude amongst Men but on the contrary lessened and despised It is no matter what they think but what God will judge at last their Opinion will do none or a very slight Good but his approbation is Life and Happiness Things shall be at length naked and opened they shall be throughly dissected and laid before the view of all and then they will appear contrary to what they do now The secrets of all Hearts shall be made known then private judgments shall be discovered against what they seem now outwardly to commend The close Acts of the mind shall be brought to light That Hatred and Averseness to God shall be manifested which was the cause of their Contempt Sullen Silence or speaking evil of the things pertaining to him That wilfull and affected Ignorance that partial knowledge of considering one side and obstinacy not to go further that self-Conviction which was stifled shall break forth and then will appear another face of things What shall at last be fully disclosed would somewhat even now if
11. 3. He gives preserves and continues our Health But yet what is corruptible and weak will wax old and decay Health consists in such an exact disposition of Humours which is easily disturbed by Violence from without Defect or Excess from within The Goodness and Wisdom above doth ordain Strength out of Weakness and continuance from tottering things otherwise it were to be admired that we are not Sick always instead of being so sometimes A Sparrow doth not fall to the ground without the Will of our heavenly Father Nor any Chastisment light upon the Sons and Daughters of Men without his Permission or Order He suffers such an one to fall under the harm of a second Cause or adverse Accident If we would search and examine to the utmost then confess and give Glory unto God we might many times find our Disease to be the natural effect of some Sin or Provocation We became at first subject unto Sickness by Sin only So if we reflect upon Gen. 2. 17. all our foregoing Actions and Circumstances There is some evil which insensibly alters and breaks the sound Constitution or brings it on Speedily and Violently The next thing is to be humbled for the same to accept the Punishment of our Iniquity Lev. 26. 43. I will bear the Indignation of the Lord for I have Sinned against him Mic. 7. 9. We must sincerely resolve if God should spare us this time to watch more carefully against the same for the future now to be unfeignedly sorry for it and to cry mightily unto God. The King of Israel is a Merciful King he will be Appeased and Reconciled Behold Happy is the Man whom God Correcteth Therefore despise not thou the Cbastening of the Almighty Job 5. 17. Then he fully perceives that false shew of Happiness with which Fools and Blind are deluded all along Which they might know in the mean while if they would consider it throughly as they do ever and anon slightly Outward things cannot give so much aid as they vainly promise They are all passed away as a Dream and cannot help in the greatest time of need My Flesh and my Heart faileth but God is the strength of my Heart and my Portion for ever Psal 73. 26. If the Conscience is accused by sin let the Sick Man cast it forth by Confession and Prayer and the Sea will cease from raging The mind will become more quiet Whether the Body dies or lives he is safe when he hath done all things to obtain the Mercy and acceptance of Almighty God. It is a sad Story of those who in time of Dangerous Sickness have made great shews of Reformation and Amendment and after Recovery have returned again unto Folly. And they have not cryed unto me with their Heart when they howled upon their Beds Hos 7. 14. Which word imports no true in ward Sorrow but an outward noise upon apprehension of Danger which goes off with it However God cannot be imposed upon he knows the Thoughts long before searches the Heart and tries the Reins discovers the bottom and inward reserves according to which he will judge So it is not what they pretend but what they will really be Those who have been for a superficial and slight Repentance which they did hope might avail if they should Die but if they Recover then to return to their former evil ways I say these should have done well to have considered What moved them to any Repentance at all the same should engage them to continue and perfect it For admit you should certainly live it is but a Reprieve only You will be Sick again or what is worse cut off suddenly And then things will appear exactly at the same manner again yea worse for the former Hypocrisie and Dissembling As also for that more Sin and Guilt is increased How many years may be added unto your Life is not known but it will be a sad thing to have lived Ionger to have committed more Iniquity and so Die hardened Impenitent or feigned at last At first recovery is uncertain for many have lulled themselves with hope thereof till Death hath been upon them Many things might be urged to disswade people from doing Foolishly and Presumptuously Their own Eternal Happiness or Misery lies at stake It is not a matter to trifle or deal deceitful with Be prevailed upon as you tender the good of Soul and Body to have your Repentance true and sincere By the Trouble or Pain of them think of the Worm which shall never die and the Fire which shall not be quenched and which are to be escaped from only this way Believe in God and Jesus Christ that all things contained in the old and new Testament are certainly true Faith and Repentance are necessary for all Men both in time of Health and Sickness which whoso hath according to Truth is sure for these intitle unto the Promises of him with whom we have to do Health doth consist in a regular Disposition and due Motion of each part of the Body None can see into himself or tell the exact manner how as to every particular I was made in secret and curiously VVrought in the lowest parts of the Earth Thine Eyes did see my Substance yet being imperfect and in thy Book were all my Members written which in continuance were Fashioned when as yet there was none of them Psal 139 15 16. None of us can look into the Womb or whilst in Life can see how all the Members and Parts within do work and move yet after the Body is dead we may perceive somewhat by Dissections which is guess and uncertain for if a number of Men should come into the Shop of an excellent Artist seeing his Tools and Instruments only One may think this another that and so may be divided but can never find out the exact manner of his Art. He that sees a dead Carkase unless he were put in mind by himself carrying about one of the same likeness would be at a stand to answer the Question Was this lump ever in Life He could never by his own Wit and Invention find out the way how it was He would also admire how each part both within and without did move and actuate So wonderful and fearful are Gods Works which puzzle the Understanding of Man. Whether it were to keep of Boasting or other causes yet God doth hold our Souls in Life by hidden and invisible Bands that whatever others pretend unto they cannot perfectly find out and see them The Lord Killeth and maketh Alive He bringeth down to the Grave and bringeth up 1 Sam. 2. 6. He hath kept this in his own Power All the ways he hath set out for Nature to go according unto are not yet known Indeed many of them have been searched after and some found but not all for then those Diseases would be Cured which were not first Mortal and Irrecoverable The prevention of and recovery out of Sickness doth depend upon