Rom. 6.23 Wages of sin is death Answ Answer But the (1) Rom. 6.23 gift of God is eternall life Object Object I have [1] Heb. 6.6 crucified to my self him who is that life Answ Answer So did they who (1] Act. 2.37 were pricked at the heart Object Object But I am [1] Ephes 2.3 by nature a child of wrath Answ Answer So were those [1] Ephes 8. Ephesians which were saved Object Object But I am to this day [1] Ephes 1.1 dead in trespasses and sin Answ Answer So were they [1] Ibid. whom the person speaking in my Text quickned Oject Object But I have not repented though I have had [1] Rev. 2.21 space to repent Answ Answer Gods long-suffering which thou hast all this while abused may now at length lead thee [1] Rom. 2.4 thereunto Object Object It should have caused me to repent but I have delayed [1] Prov. 1.27 28. even to this very last hour of my life Answ Answer So did the Thief which is [1] Luk. 23.43 now with Christ in Paradise Object Object But I have in effect chosen [1] Isa 66.4 death Answ Answer Why [1] Ezek. 18.31 wilt thou die Object Object Since I believe not I am [1] Joh. 3.36 condemned already Answ Answer The sentence thus pronounced is not as yet executed as yet I say breath is in thy Nostrils though but in thy nostrils how soon it may be the God of [1] Psal 42 8. 31.15 Job 7.1 thy life foreknoweth but hitherto thy weak-spun thy slender thread of frail life is not utterly cut off this life how frail soever while it lasteth with-holdeth [2] Heb. 9.27 Eccles 11.3 John 8.21 Ex hoc momento aeternitas the revenging sword of eternal Justice from dropping upon thy head I confess if ever we will be born again it must be before we enter a second time into [3] Gen. 3.19 our mothers womb I acknowledge that shouldst thou depart this world before thou art prepared for the next should thy body die before thy Soul liveth unto God shouldst thou be found in thy grave and not found in Christ Jesus I tremble to mention it thou wert then damned for ever but such such is the forbearance of thy patient God that [4] Psal 95.7 while he continueth life unto thee he continueth unto thee a possibility of escaping Object Object How shall I [1] Heb. 2.3 escape if I despise so great salvation Answ Answer Salvation great salvation so great salvation is freely [1] Hos 14.4 offered that I trust thou canst no longer despise it if thou wouldest Object Object To me any offers of salvation are bat the savour of death unto death [1] 2 Cor. 2.16 Answ Answer To thee they may be the (1) 2 Cor 2.16 savour of life unto life Object Object But I have (1) 1. John 3.19 loved darkness Answ Answer The person speaking in my Text calleth thee out of that darkness into his (1) 1 Pet. 2 9. marvellous light Object Object But I as a deaf man hear him not Answ Answer He (1) Mat. 11.5 Isa 29.18.35.5 maketh the deaf to hear and he openeth the blind eye Object Object But I am at the best of a weak (1) Prov. 1.32 capacity Answ Answer His Word giveth Wisdom to the (1) Psal 119.130 simple Object Object It is the (1) Prov. 9.10 knowledge of the holy that is understanding Answ Answer Then (1) Hos 6.3 shalt thou thus know if thou follow on to know the Lord. Object Object I am so far from following after God [1] Isa 21.12 that I run further from him Object Answ Answer If (1) Rom. 4.25 thou wilt enquire enquire return come Object Object An Offender so notorious as I am [1] 1 Pet. 4.18 Answ Answer The person speaking in my Text was (1) Rom. 4.5 delivered for our Offences Object Object Ah but I am a most 1 ungodly wretch Answ Answer Christ is one that (1) 1 Tim. 1.15 justifieth the ungodly Object Object Never doth he such a sinner as I am Answ Yes the very [1] Ezek. 18.31 chief of sinners Object When they 1 unfeignedly repent Answ Answer He would therefore have thee [1] 2 Pet. 3.9 come to Repentance Object Object That is more then (1) Jer. 10.23 I can do Answ Answer It is not more then Christ can (1) Act. 5.31 give Object Object But I though I am vile (1) Ezek. 16.63 am insensible of my vileness Answ Answer Thou art so much the fitter for the manifestation of [1] Rev. 3.18 Christs free grace Object Object But I am [1] 2 Tim. 2.26 led captive at Satans pleasure Answ Answer The person here speaking in my Text proclaimeth liberty [1] Isa 61.1 unto such Captives Object Object Liberty unto Gods [1] Rom. 8.21 Sons not unto Gods enemies Answ Answer If thou [1] Joh. 1.12 receive Christ thou hast power to be no longer an enemy but a Son Object Object I can neither receive Christ nor that power nor that [1] 2 Cor. 3.17 liberty without the spirit Answ Answer Nor will God [1] Luk. 11.13 with-hold his [2] Isa 44 3. spirit if thou thirst for it Object Object I must first sincerely [1] Act. 5.32 obey God before I can effectually expect Gods spirit Answ Answer Nay first thou must partake of his [1] Rom. 8.9 2 Cor. 3.5 Spirit before thou canst obey him acceptably Object Object By what means can so wretched an Vnbeliever as I am ever come to partake of that spirit which I have so much grieved Answ Answer By ordering thy self according to Gods revealed [1] Mat. 7.7 Will Ask seek knock in asking seeking and knocking rest not upon thy performance make not means Mediators but upon Gods [2] Isa 40.27 64 5.50.10 Psal 27.14.37.34 goodness Wait I say [3] Isa 30.18.40.23 upon the Lord His wind bloweth when and where [4] John 3.8 Prov. 13.12 it listeth There is in thee no sufficiency no propensity no will but there is in God [5] Psal 130.7.9.10 plenteous Redemption if he [6] Isa 43.13 will work who can [7] Mic. 7.18 hinder him Look not for any thing from within [8] Job 14.4 Jer. 10.23 John 15.5 Rom. 9.16 thy self but from him to whom God [9] Mat. 17.5 upon all occasions sendeth thee The same God which giveth thee more means of knowledge then have (10) Psal 22.28 Jonah 4.11 Mark 8.1 2. those brutish Indians who worship black and white Devils the same God who giveth unto thee more means
for it p. 80. 81 342 Self-denial tryeth the truth of graces p. 350 Sin why remainders of it in the elect p. 266-269 Spirit Sow to it p. 326. joy in it p. 431. 435 Talents may not be un-improved p. 317. 323 336 Tapers their use in Cathedrals not insignificant p. 122 Time an exceeding precious talent p. 96 Unbelievers in effect drudges for true believers p. 240. 331. shaken from their shifts p. 56-61 guilty of troubling their own hearts p. 62. of distrusting God and his Christ p. 62. 63 of despising heavenly mansions p. 63. of death spiritual p. 65-71 of death eternal p. 71 72. awakened to a holy fear p. 73 74. answered their manifold objections p. 76-80 called to the life of faith p. 80 84 253-257 to peace of conscience p. 85. 86. to perseverance p. 88. 89. by several motives p. 90-108 Unbelief a sin most inexcusable p. 319. most accursed p. 318. 320 Ungodlinesse aggravateth guilt p. 312. 313 Unthankfulnesse an argument of unbelief p. 320 White Vestments suit with a Gospel-purity p. 369 Worldly blessings accompany the peace of the Gospel p. 28. 397 406-413 and oblige us to glorifie our God ibid. Zeal why so strictly required in Believers p. 310. 311 314. MARK 16.4 And when they looked they saw that the stone was rolled away for it was great Imprimatur Ex. Aed Sab. Decemb. 20. 1662. Geo. Stradling S. T. P. Rev. in Christo Patri Gilb. Episc Lond. à S. Domest THE STONE ROLLED AWAY AND LIFE more ABVNDANT JOHN 14.1 2. Let not your heart be troubled ye believe in God believe also in me In my Fathers house are many Mansions ROM 10.17 Faith cometh by hearing The Introduction I dare not therefore distrust your attention So your heavenly Redeemer prepare for each of you a Mansion in his Fathers house as ever ye believe that where His Gospel is preached there the Power of his Spirit is present to heal Even so Lord Jesus Time was when the (1) Deut. 32.8 Dew the (2) Pro. 16.21 Sweetness of (3) Pro. 10.32 thy blessed lips once (4) Can. 4.11 dropped once (5) Psal 45.2 graced as well this Text of mine as other thy Gospels Oh that now while it is called to day the Inspirations the Breathings of thy Holy Spirit would vouchsafe to sanctifie would vouchsafe to bless unto us as well this Discourse of mine as other thine Ordinances Beloved The Method that the Sun of Righteousness may at this time delight to arise upon us with healing in his wings it is at this time my Duty therefore to explain these words that I may profitably apply them First 1. The Explication of the Text. then Let not your heart be troubled ye believe in God believe also in me In my Fathers house are many Mansions The manner how delivered Words all Gospel and all Epistle I mean full of Doctrines and full of Vses too Words full of Passion and as full of Compassion spoken to the heart yea and from the heart too unexpectedly ushered in and as abruptly uttered forth Let not your heart be troubled A Reproof smiting friendly a Reproof pouring out excellent (1) Psal 1â—1 5 Oyl though soft smooth yet fetcheth out the poyson which lieth in the stomack B. Reyâ—o'ds in his Rich Mans Charge p. 7. oyl Ye believe in God believe also in me An Exhortation cloathed with Instruction cloathed with Evangelical Instructions In my Fathers house are many Mansions A Consolation a strong consolation a strong consolation far fetched fetched even from the highest heavens Beloved The Party speaking ye may know the man from his manner of Communication Surely the Hand nay the Heart of Jesus is in all this It is so Compare this verse with that next above The same Jesus which answereth there Thou shalt deny me thrice the same Jesus answereth here Let not your heart be troubled The Party speaking we know Jesus we know The Persons spoken to but Who are ye your heart Answ Some Greek Copies prefix 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He saith unto his Disciples Imagine that Varia lectio Apocryphal admit it not the Dictate of the Holy Ghost but the Annotation of some busie Transcriber Nevertheless more then manifest it is (1) c. 13.22 35. who The persons here spoken unto are They prove themselves to be Disciples Disciples of Christ the chief of the Disciples of Christ all twelve of them excepting (2) c. 13 30. Judas one not worthy the looking after The Disciples spoken to we see Jesus speaking The occasion of Christs speaking here we hear But Vpon what occasion speaketh he Answ S. Chrysostom and from him Theophylact they therefore repute these former words one Argument of Christs divine nature for that then when his Disciples here stood silent He of Himself perfectly knew the secret troubles of their heart But saving the esteem due unto so great Fathers that Jesus Christ was as well God as man the latter clause of this verse (1) Plscator in locum better proveth and that Jesus knew all things other Scriptures sufficiently declare we need not to discompose this Text. Were no other causes manifest yet one plain and visible reason wherefore the hearts of the Disciples should be the less troubled may be (2) Maldonat in locum derived from Christs approaching Resurrection or rather from his approaching Ascension That our Redeemer here looketh quite thorough his Resurrection unto the hour of his ascending I demonstrate from c. 13.33 from c. 13.1 and from this c. 14.1 2. 1. From 1 Proof from c. 13.33 Whether I go ye cannot come They could drink (1) Mat. 20.23 of Christs bitter cup could be baptized could be plunged into a (2) Phil. 3.10 fellowship of his sufferings but unto the Heavens whither he now went they could not now come neither their souls while they abode in the flesh nor their bodies until the general resurrection 2. 2 Proof from c. 13.1 The hour was come wherein Jesus should go not only out of the world but to the Father All Divines own a difference between that measure of joy which departed souls now receive and that consummation of bliss which they shall finally participate together with their glorified bodies But some very learned Interpreters critically distinguish between that (1) Vide sis Grotium in Lucae 23.43 part of Heaven wherein blessed souls do now abide and that whereunto say they the same souls shall at the time of the Restitution of all things be everlastingly exalted They tell us That S. Paul's (2) 2 Cor. 12.24 Paradise was inferiour to his third heaven they affirm That during Christs death Christs soul was only as the Jews call it in (3) Luke 23 43. Paradise and as others phrase it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (4) Fuit dives quidem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sed sait 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 etiam Lazarus nam
* Septemb. 1662. Psal 148.7 9 doth again take root downward and bear fruit upward if not it can be but (3) Ezek. 15.3 cast into the fire for fuel In like manner be it that (4) Isa 5.24 thy blossom go up as dust and thy root as rottenness yet still the fire can but devour thee as stubble the flame can but consume thee as chaff I say conclude it altogether impossible to escape Everlasting burnings it is but trying though Even then when (5) Eccles 8.11 sentence of death hath been passed irrevocably passed I have at our Assizes seen a condemned Malefactor begging for his life Yet (6) Jonah 3.4 forty days and Nineveh shall be destroyed but (7) Jonah 3.5 who can tell that God may be better then his word Behold now (8) 1 Kin. 20.31 we have heard that the kings of Israel are merciful kings peradventure the now king of Israel may pardon a provoking enemy O Lord thine inexcusable Offendor saith I pray thee let me live Why (9) 2 Kin. 7.3 sit we here until we die if we sit down content with that small pittance of provision which Adam left the Famine will consume us now therefore let us fall into the hands of the all-sufficient God if he save us alive we shall live if he kill us we can but die MOTIVE IV. Gods forbearance Motive 4. Ere we can bury our dead out of our sight such is our affection we rub we rouze we stir we (1) Conclamatum est chafe the breathless body to wit if by any means our friend may recover life before he go hence and be no more seen just thus dealeth thy merciful God with thy soul thou (2) Psal 7.11 hast provoked him every day and every day he hath waited (3) Isa 30.18 65.2 to be gracious his sentence though (4) Jer. 4.12 Eccles 8.11 pronounced is not executed between thee and death there is scarcely one step nevertheless God hath not given thee over to that death I mean that which enumerateth all the curses due unto thy sins death eternal True thy life is as (5) Gen. 47.9 1 Cor. 7.29 short as evil and although short far spent yet quite spent it is not Thoroughout the whole year the Malva horaria hath but one single hour wherein to blossom and from the beginning of ages unto all eternity thou hast no more space wherein to bring forth the fruits of saving faith then is the short remainder of (6) Psal 95.7 6.5 88.11 Eccles 11.3 9.10 John 11.9 9.4 1 Thes 5.5 thine uncertain hour the fag end of thy fleeting days should this last scantling of thy mis-spent life bring forth no blossom confess I must there would then remain no way for thine escape then indeed thy sad soul would be troubled perpetually troubled everlastingly troubled troubled so long as conscience and horror and darkness and brimstone and torments and hell and devils and an avenging God shall endure The patient God he fore-knows all this and fore-knowing all these Judgements to come such is his goodness he hath inched out thy (7) Job 21.17 wasted candle unto this very minute on purpose that from this instant forward thou mayest (8) 2 Pet. 3.9 redeem thy time and thy self I say God giveth unto thee (9) Rev. 2.21 space to repent though but a little space Before thou return again unto the womb of the earth thou Zarah like dost but just (10) James 4.14 Gen. 38.28 29 thrust out thine hand yet rather then this breach should be upon thee thy Mediator imparteth unto thee his scarlet thread He (11) Rom. 2 4â— spareth unto thee life natural that thou mayest receive life supernatural even the life of grace and of glory Redeem (12) Ephes 5.16 the time for thy days have been evil While it is called today let the goodness of thy God lead thee now at last unto repentance Others make the continuance of their life and health an occasion of delays until their delayes on earth become lamentation in hell but what [13] Eccl. 9.10 thy soul findeth to do that do thou presently One moment now is worth [14] Psal 83.11 a thousand ages in the grave Hell is full of good [15] Luk. 13.24 1 Cor. 9.24 intentions while foolish Virgins go to fetch oyl the Bride-grooms [16] Mat. 25.25.10 door is shut God will not be [17] Isa 55.6 found in thy time but in his own present seasons [18] Gal. 6.10 are golden seasons and seldom [19] Rom. 13.11 cometh a better God hath put into thy hands an opportunity to do good unto thy soul improve this [20] Mat 25.27 Talent and thy soul shall live The eldest daughter of unbelief is [21] Ezek. 16.49 Rom. 11.8 Isa 56.10 Prov. 6.10 Mat. 25.26 Heb. 6.12 Amos 6.3 sloath and her grand children are delayes on the other side Faith taketh up her bed and walketh faith useth [22] 2 Pet. 1.5 all diligence and diligence is the chiefest vertue which [23] Heb. 6.9 accompanieth salvation it seeth night [24] John 9.4 at hand it [25] Ibid. worketh so long as day-light lasteth it considereth there is no labouring after we are [26] Eccles 9.10 gone to bed it perceiveth no difference between Time and Opportunity how [27] Rom. 13.11 much time of present life so much opportunity for future salvation the servant which would be found [28] Mat. 24.45 faithful the Steward who would give up [29] Lur. 16.2 a true accompt the debtour that would honestly pay [30] Mat. 18.26 all he oweth interpreteth Gods forbearance [31] Rom. 2.4 as a very great kindness What would Dives [32] Luk. 16.28 what would Judas give for the benefit of one only of those few hours which thy long-suffering God denieth unto them but vouchsafeth unto thee Time [33] Rev. 10.6 shall be no more is an alarm of whch any one that hath ears to hear cannot chuse but take notice it is a dooms-day alarm Of all those talents wherewith we sons of Adam are entrusted there it none of so great moment (34) Mat. 25.24 27 as is this talent of time It is the purse without which (35) Eph. 5.16 we can carry no money about us every dust of this (36) Eccl. 12.1 brittle hour-glass is precious they are dust not of sand but of gold of these what foolish we let fall to the ground God himself [37] Rev. 2.21 picketh up I shall then manifest that I know the things which [38] Luk. 19.42 belong unto my peace when I so compose so deliver a Sermon as the last for ought that I know that ever I shall [39] 2 Tim. 4.2 be suffered to preach I then make a sanctified use of divine patience when I read hear meditate pray c. [40] Eph. 6.18 as watchfully as if I should be never allowed to read hear meditate
publishing their own corrected labours or in advancing revising contracting and digesting the learned works of other men Oh that I might see (2) Like unto the Hexapla written by Andrew Willet in English Hexapla upon the whole Scriptures Oh that some Evangelical Riverius (3) Imitating Riverius his Practice of Physick would out of the best practical Divines select the case and cure of every soul Fifthly For (1) See Mr. William Durham his Epistle before his Sermon upon James 5.9 the Gospel preached What any Minister of Christ delivereth according to the simplicity of Gods holy Word that not so much the Minister as (2) with Exod. 20.19 Job 33.6 7. and 2 Cor. 4.7 compare Num. 16.5 ii Deut. 18.19 Num. 17.10 1 Sam. 8.7 Mat. 10.40 and Luke 10 16. So long as he keepeth to his Commissiom and delivereth the Counsel of God you cannot despise the work of your Minister but you do therewithal despise the blood of your Saviour Bishop Reynolds pag. 46. of his Pastoral Office Christ himself speaketh for Christ by His (3) 1 Cor. 12.28 Matth. 28.20 Eph. 4 11 12 Ministry now (4) Heb. 12.25 Ephes 2.7 2. Cor. 5.20 speaketh from Heaven O blessed Jesu Thou didst not pray for thy Ministers alone but for (5) John 17.20 them also which shall believe on thee through THEIR word Sixthly For every other Ordinance of Christ administred among us Compare the purity of our Church with the superstitions abroad yea confer (1) 2 Cor. 3.8 9 Gospel worship with the (2) Gal. 4.9 beggarly rudiments of the Law or the (3) 1 Pet. 3.21 laver of Baptism with the (4) Curtis Jadaeis Pers Gen. 17.11 unsightly circumcision of the foreskin of the flesh or the (5) 1 Cor. 11.23 Supper of the Lord with the (6) Exod. 32 8 bitter herbs of the Passeover nay taste the Spirit and life of any Ordinance of Christ you will then (7) Psal 30.4 give thanks unto God at the remembrance of his holinesse Seventhly Let us and all the Churches be thankful for that the (1) John 6.29 1 John 3.23 whole duty of man is to believe in God and his Christ When we hear and believe read and believe meditate and believe then is our heart filled with joy and our lips with prayses I believed therefore (2) 2 Cor. 4.13 have I spoken The (3) James 5.16 prayer of faith how doth it avail The (4) Hab. 2 4 just shall live by his faith yet (5) Gal. 2.20 not he but Christ liveth in him Wisely to (6) Psal 119.66 Matth. 13.56 believe to credit and to trust is noble and heroique then this generous duty what duty can be more desireable except to love which is but (7) Gal. 5.6 faith exercised God he graciously entrusteth the Believer with whatsoever conduceth unto his everlasting good The believer he again doth not only believe but (8) Psal 62.8 Esay 7.9 30.15 Prov. 14.26 Ephes 3.12 Heb. 3.6 trust his God He resteth assured that the Almighty is so just so true that man may safely rely upon the faithful friendlinesse of every proceeding of his and upon his bare word in whatsoever he speaketh no wisdome c. like Gods wisdome c. Between learner and teacher servant and master man and wife c. there is a necessity of trusting of these some or other may betray their trust But seldome will we mistrust a person of honour and as for the word of a King that ye know is sacred among us it were barbarism to give a Prince the lye Oh then where we have Gods word of truth for our warrant and that (9) Joh. 17.3 warrant sealed unto us by Gods Spirit of truth with what full assurance may we (10) Heb. 4.16 repose a stedfast confidence upon our great and loving God Most chearfully can the Believer (11) Credere Joan. 14.1 in Deum est fiduciam habere Zegerus trust his God for the pardon of all his sins for the supply of all his wants for the acceptance of his person and of his endeavours for the reward promised unto every duty c. Things temporal are not more visible to thine eye then (12) Heb. 11.1 things spiritual are to his faith All have (13) Rom. 3.23 sinned and come short of the glory of God Christians wherein soever we sin therein our faith faileth us viz. We do not (14) Psal 111 7 119.66 151 86.172 believe the commandement by us broken to be so good for us so advantageous to us as (15) Deut. 6.24 10.13 in truth it is There neither is nor can be any sin which is not accompanied with unbelief On the other side the greater our faith the lesse we disobey that is the lesse we come short of the glory of God Eighthly If the life of faith [1] Hab. 2.4 be a life so desirable what thanks is due from us unto our God for that [2] Rom. 1.4 holy that [3] 1 Pet. 4.14 blessed spirit of his by which [4] 2 Cor. 4.13 alone we are enabled to believe By Him is sanctified the [5] 2 Thes 2.13 use of all that is before us Our [6] Matth. 5.6 thirst after righteousnesse maketh us to rellish righteousnesse the better The waters of salvation which we draw we draw with [7] Esay 12.3 joy The breasts which we suck are breasts of [8] Esay 66.11 consolation We [9] Esay 38.16 live and the spiritual life which we lead is [10] Rom. 8 6 pleasant unto us We have bread from heaven to feed upon and a [11] Jer. 31.25 spiritual taste to delight us while we feed We are a people [12] Psa 75.1 14.14 Rom. 13.11 near unto the Lord We are not amused as those Disciples were [13] Luke 9.33 Matth 17.6 before whom the person speaking in my Text was transfigured no our eyes are [14] Num. 24.3 Luke 24.31 open we [15] Phil. 3.12 apprehend that for which also we are apprehended We are not layed in a trance as [16] Acts 9.4 10.10 22.17 Saul was then when the Lord converted him God doth not cast us into [17] Gen. 2.20 21 a dead sleep as he did Adam while he raiseth a [18] Psalm 89.19 help meet for us rather he giveth us [19] Mat. 13.17 1 Cor. 2.7 10 Ephes 3.9 10 Col. 1.26 27 1 Pet. 1.12 free leave to look on and to contemplate the wisdome of his power He doth not snatch us from unbelief to eternal blisse in a moments space but he giveth us leisure to inform our selves of all those mysteries which his holy Gospel revealeth We are not taken up in a whirl-wind but we walk with God and gently passe from death to life We are entertained in this Kingdome of grace with the [20) Psalm 84.2 Heb. 9.28 2 Pet. 3.13 Heb. 13.14 Rom. 8.24 Jer. 31.17 interview of glory to come We
Rom. 13.14 our example and [27] Mat 17.5 1 Cor. 1.30 Phil. 3.9 merit His universal obedience hath [28] Gal. 2.16 fulfilled the whole Law [29] Gal. 3.13 in our stead His [30] 1 Cor. 1.30 sanctification is made ours because he is holy we are reputed holy because he is righteous we are (31) Esay 13.11 reputed righteous nâ—y his very Sonship is (32) Gal. 4.5 6 ours He is Son of God by (33) Psalm 110.1 nature we by the (34) Eph. 1.5 adoption of his Spirit for this cause he is not (35) Heb. 2.11 ashamed to call us brethren and to acknowledge His Father to be (36) John 20.17 Our father But though Jonathan keepeth (37) 1 Sam. 18.14 his bow his sword and his robes to himself David will love Jonathan for (38) 1 Sam. 18.3 Jonathans sake True of the fulnesse of Christ we all (39) John 1.16 receive grace for grace and whatsoever duties we owe unto God them Jesus Christ performeth (40) Eph. 5.2 Tit. 2.14 in our name and stead but did he neither secure us from wrath nor procure us benefits yet still Jesus is the (41) Magni Parentis non minor filius Chara Dei sobo'es magnum Jovis incrementum Or as Aurelius Symmachus of Boethius Illud pretiocijsimum humani generis decus gracious Son of a gracious Father we should love Jesus both for his Fathers sake and for his own sake Mean while He who spared not his own Son but hath (42) Rom. 8.3 given him up to our nature to our infirmities to our sorrowes to the wrath and death due to us he that giveth to us and thus giveth to us his Son how shall he not with him also freely give us all things Wherefore thanks be unto God (43) Rom. 7.25 through Jesus Christ our Lord yea thandks be unto God for Jesus Christ our Lord. The last matter of Thankfulnesse which I now propose while we abide here within this kingdome of grace is Gods love to mankind The (1) 2 Cor. 4.6 face of Jesus Christ could never be so full of (2) 2 Cor. 3.18 smiles to us-ward but that the God and (3) 1 Pet. 1.3 father of our Lord Jesus Christ is toward us so (4) John 3.16 Rom. 5.8 infinitely compassionate We (1) Mat. 18.3 1 John 4.4 John 13.33 little children conscious of our demerit (2) Jer. 31.18 Zech 12.10 1 John 1.10 bemoan our selves we cry we (3) Mic. 4.9 cry out aloud because we have done (4) Rom. 3.23 a very great fault (5) Mc 5.5 Peace (6) Ephes 2.10 15 17 peace saith the father of our mercies wipe (8) Esay 54.4 6 8 30.19 away all tears from your eyes I will not (7) Jer. 31.34.33.8 punish you you be (9) Esay 43.12 44.22 blamelesse and (10) Esay 40.2 55.7 8 righteous and (11) Esay 53.11 John 1.29 perfect You did not (12) Num. 23.21 commit the offence but my (13) Isa 42.1 servant did with you I am well pleased I was angry not with you but with my (14) Isa 53.10 servant Ah (15) Mar. 15.28 2 Cor. 5.2 naughty servant I have (16) Isa 53 3-10 beaten him but you be (17) Eph. 1.6 good children Come turn (18) Isa 51.11 your sorrow into gladnesse and your mourning into joy Love me (19) 1 Joh 4.19 John 14.15 16 little children I your (20) 1 Joh 3.16 father love you kisse (21) 2 Sam. 14.33 Psalm 2.12 and be (22) Eph. 2.16 2 Cor. 5.18 Col. 1.20.21 friends Other Kings whip their high-born sons upon their Pages back this King of heaven and earth he spareth his vilest servants and scourgeth them upon the shoulders of his most glorious Son His justice against us the avenging God must satisfie but so he loveth us that rather then we should endure everlasting imprisonment he (1) Psalm 40.7 8 got his own Son to be (2) Heb 7.22 surety for us By this advantage the severity of his just execution he extendeth not against us who brake his whole Law but (3) Esay 53 3-10 against him who (4) Matth. 3.15 5.17 John 19.30 fulfilled every tittle of it not upon us who deserve eternal death but against him who hath right (5) 1 Tim. 6.16 unto a Crown of life not upon us who daily rebel against him but upon Him who (6) John 4.34 5.30 6.38 ever delighteth to do his will not upon us the guilty and ungodly but upon him (7) 1 Pet. 3.18 the innocent and righteous not upon us who were (8) Ephes 2.3 by nature the children of his wrath but upon him who is by nature (9) Matth. 3.17 the Son of his love So God loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that (10) John 3.16 whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life God is of (1) Hab. 1.13 purer eyes then to behold our (2) Zech. 3.4 filthy garments therefore he (3) Esay 61.10 adornetk us with the Robes of his only Son He cannot excuse us while we take our own courses therefore he (4) Eph. 5.26 27 Tit. 2.14 sanctifieth us by the Word and Spirit of his own Son He cannot affect us as we abide (5) Ezek. 16.6 polluted in our sins therefore he taketh the (6) Revel 1.5 1 Pet. 1.19 1 John 1.9 2.2 heart-blood of his dear Son and therewith washeth away our stains and guilt [7] Ephes 1.4 He cannot exalt us while we abide strangers and enemies therefore he electeth us to be his (8) Rom. 6.22 servants (9) John 15.14 15 friends and (10) 1 John 3.1 children and to (11) Isa 54.5 let us see how great a kindnesse he hath for us he (12) 2 Cor. 11.2 Ephes 5.30 Matth. 25.10 Revel 21.2 giveth us in marriage unto the Heir of all things even unto his only begotten Sonne whom he ever embraceth within his bosome infinitely loving him loving him every whit as dearly as he loveth himself yea the Lord God (13) Heb. 1.4 2.7 exalteth him in our nature (14) Phil. 2.9 Heb. 2.9 Esay 53.10 12 49.6 Psalm 2.8 because our nature is by him exalted In Jesus Christ the Wonderful God revealeth unto us unsearchable (1) Col. 2.3 1.26 Ephes 3.8 9 10 1 Tim. 3.16 1 Pet. 1.20 12 Treasures of wisdome infinite Riches of (2) Ephes 1.6 7 2.5 7 2 Tim. 1.9 Rom. 3.24 1 Cor. 2.12 Revel 21.6 22.18 free grace ineffable bowels of loving kindnesses I challenge all the Poets among the Heathens to invent nay to imitate (3) 2 Pet. 1.16 either such a Tragedy or such a Comedy as in relation as well unto us as unto themselves is divinely acted by the Father the Son and the holy Ghost three persons in one God for ever blessed Let Pharaoh (1) Gen 41.43 make Joseph Ruler of
THE STONE ROLLED AWAY and LIFE MORE ABUNDANT AN APOLOGIE Urging Self-denyal New-Obedience Faith and Thankfulnesse By GILES OLDISWORTH Rectour of Burton on the Hill in Gloucestershire 1 SAM 14.33 Ye have transgressed roll a great stone unto me this day LONDON Printed by Thomas Ratcliffe 1663. To the sacred Majesty of CHARLES the second by the [1] 1 Chron. 29.12 Revel 1.5 grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland The [2] 1 Chron. 21.24 Defender of the faith in all [3] Levit. 8.23 24 causes and over all [4] 1 King 2.27 persons as well [5] 1 Chron. 16 4 8 Ecclesiastical as Civil within these his Majesties [6] Psalm 144 15 148.14 happy Dominions next unto God and his Christ [7] Eccl. 8.4 P. 0.8.14.15 16 1 Pet. 2.13 supream Head and Governour Dread Soveraign AT sundry times and in great deliverances the Lord hath already said unto your Majesty [1] John 14.1 Let not your heart be troubled Believe in God believe also in me lay claim unto your Majesty as Defender of the faith The many mansions here [2] John 14.2 asserted prepare for your Majesty a glorious Diadem in the house of your Father As my Text so my Treatise hath everywhere a kindly aspect upon your dread Majesties sacred person For this Tract while it attempteth to remove a [1] There never yet fell upon the Church a tempestuous storm the vapours whereof were not first noted to arise from a coldness of affection Hooker in his Eccles Polit. lib. 5. sect 76. coldness of affection and the cause of that a stone of unbelief from [2] Heb. 3.12 evevy heart it endeavoureth to render every heart among us therefore subject to Your Scepter because obedient unto Gods Nevertheless I am bold to take Sanctuary at your sacred feet inasmuch as the weakness of mine Apologie cannot but recover strength from the clemency of your royal protection Which one blessing maketh three Kingdomes like your sacred person great and prosperous That they may so continue the God of power who hath made your Gracious Majesty Our Peace add unto your Majesties peace Life more abundant This is this shall be the earnest prayer of Your Sacred Majesties Most humble and most thankful subject and servant GILES OLDISWORTH Novemb. 5. 1663. In this Treatise THese words [1] John 14.1 2 Let not your heart be troubled Ye believe in God believe also in me In my Fathers house are many Mansions 1. Examined 2. Applyed 1. Examined 1. Preparatively in the joint explications p. 2. 114 122 216 232 254 441. 2. More fully in the several applications p. 11 c. 2. Applyed 1. Restrictively to Gospel-Ministers p. 11. 2. Vniversally to Gospel-professors p. 53. 1. To Gospel-Ministers 1. As preaching not themselves but Jesus Christ p. 14. 118. 2. As living in the world yet unto God p. 114. 217. 2. To Gospel-Professors 1. AsVnbelievers p. 54. 2. As Believers p. 109 1. To Unbelievers 1. As layed out for dead p. 56. 2. As called from death to life p. 75. 2. To Believers 1. By way of Doctrine p. 111 1. stated p. 112 2. proved p. 114 3. applyed p. 131 To the Kings most excellent Majesty p. 133 Nobility p. 140 Clergy p. 144 Magistracy p. 146 Gentry p. 151 Their Ladies p. 154 Men of low degree p. 162 Men poor and destitute p. 164 Unto Little Children p. 169 Young men and Maidens p. 179 Middle-aged persons p. 189 Aged persons p. 198 One with another p. 210 2. By way of Reproof p. 216 To some Ministers p. 217 Lawyers p. 226 Physitians p. 227 Tradesmen p. 229 Generally unto all p. 231 3. By way of further Instruction p. 232 4. By way of Consolation p. 253 Unto complainingVnbelievers p. 254 Unto disconsolate Believers p. 257 Against Worldly distresses p. 258 Death of friends p. 260 Fear of death p. 261 Remainders of sin p. 264 Want of grace p. 266 Fear of falling away p. 267 Any temptations whatsoever p. 269 5. By way of Exhortation viz. unto Thankfulnesse p. 271 Where 1. In what sense God may be said to be glorified p. 271 By himself p. 272 By his Creatures p. 274 In our Words p. 279 Works p. 291 Thoughts p. 293 2. Why God must be by us glorifyed p. 295 In regard of us p. 332. 358 In regard of Himself p. 336 3. Matter worthy our Thanksgivings unto God viz. p. 366 The blessings of this world wherein we finde no more troubles p. 395 The kingdome of grace wherein we believe in God and his Christ p. 400 The kingdome of glory wherein we expect the many mansions in my Fathers house p. 441. A Table AFflictions may not trouble believers hearts c. p. 111 Reasons why p. 122. 130 413 Books more to be desired then gold p. 41. 152 272 283 428 Bowing at the name of Jesus p. 118 Bowing toward the East p. 118. 121 Calamities when fore-runners of greater evils p. 245. 246 Christ Jesus a blessing above blessings p. 435. 436 Churches inoffensive to understanding Christians p. 285. 286 Clergy inoffensively distinguished from the Laity p. 49. 50 51. Their Hierarchy inoffensive p. 38. 43. Their function not unbeseeming the Nobility p. 44. 48. Their dignities vindicated p. 32. 37. Their Revenues advantageous to the Gospel p. 27. 28 29 145 Common Prayers ought to be frequented p. 148 149 290 291 352 357 382 385 Devotion encreased by set-forms p. 220. 223. 288 354 Englands unthankfulnesse p. 301. 304 305 312 315 316 Examples of Vertue p. 160 Failings in Ministers excused p. 19 24 blamed p. 218 223 Faith raiseth comforts against all discomforts p. 8 aimeth at glorifying God as God p. 352 A desireable Duty p. 429. 430 Festivals a due part of Gospel-worship 418 p. 383 Glorifying of God the whole duty of man p. 353 God the most desireable good p. 335. 437 438 Gospel-blessings oblige us to glorifie our God p. 400. 424 433 Grace undervalued if ascribed unto our selves p. 361. how sought p. 323. 327. how wrought p. 211. 212 213 346 347 Guilt washed off by Christs blood p. 265 Heaven why called my Fathers house p. 441 Hypocrites reward but temporary p. 227. 248 420 Hope of Heaven obligeth us to glorifie God p. 440 Insufficiency not a bar but a spur to duty p. 90 91 Knowledge without it no holinesse p. 152. It s excellency p. 403 Laity inoffensively distinguished from Clergy p. 49-52 Mansions how prepared p. 9. why so called p. 44. why many p. 128. 44 Meditation the sinful neglect of it p. 300. 301 302 402 Obedience due from the unregenerate p. 90. 338. delightful unto tht regenerate p. 351 Preachers ought to affect not mans wisdome p. 16. but the power of godlinesse p. 14. 15 Prophanesse the sad encrease of it p. 316 Prosperity a fearful judgemement upon the wicked p. 240 Regeneration how usually wrought p. 324. 327 Repentance unsound if delayed p. 331 Sanctification wait Gods leisure
Joh. 8.7 take up the first stone against us may do as our God (20) Mâ—c 7.19 doth ye may (21) Jer. 51.63 cast your Book of Remembrance into the midst of Euphrates 3. III. Reply It is not for you (1) Exod. 20.12 but for our God and our Rulers to number our steps To our own Masters we stand or fall Be not many (2) James 3.1 Masters my Brethren or if ye (3) James 4.11 12. will be our Judges consider the Race that is set before us if ye will needs weigh us weigh us in an even ballance take the (4) Gal. 6.1 2. ballance of the Sanctuary give unto (5) Lam. 4.2 sons of Zion the allowance due to gold compare our burden with your own and if our duties be both greater and more then are yours can you blame us if our failings be so too Examine duties (6) Phil. 2.12 15. 2 Pet. 1.10 personal Is each of you bound to search out his fall in Adam To pass from the death of nature to the life of grace to grow in that grace and in the knowledge of God so is each of us compare (7) Jam. 2.8 family and neighbourly offices still ours are the same with yours and more Proceed now unto our distinct Vocations we have here more much (8) 1 Tim. 3.2 14.6.10 2 Tim. 6.8 v. 13 14 c. 2.3 4. v. 15 22 v 24 25. Tit. 1.6 9.2.1 8. 1 Cor. 9 22. more weight upon our shoulders then have ye Our personal and relative Obligations match yours and as ours overmatch yours but the Obediences due from our Callings transcendeth what is due from yours and that by far Ever as is the Employment which is enjoyned such is the Duty By how much more publick our vocation is then is yours by so much more extensive is our duty and by how much more sacred our Calling is then is yours by so much the greater is the Task upon us incumbent Consider then if your obediences be more then ye can perform if your duties your burdens be more then ye can weild and more then ye can weild they are who is [9] 2 Cor. 2.16 sufficient for these of ours You see now that the persons her spoken to must be allowed their failings not only as men but as Believers not only as Believers but as Disciples they are subjects not of your Obloquie but of your Compassion Fitly are they fitly are such as succeed them compared [10] Gal. 2 9. unto Pillars of the Church since upon their narrow shoulders so great a part of Christs spiritual building as a heavy burden is weightily placed 4. IV. Reply It is not so much our failing as your observation As we are more tasked so we are more exposed to censure I see more eyes upon this one Pulpit then upon all the other Seats in this Church As the [1] Mat. 5.14 City so the [2] Isa 52.7 foot upon the Mountain cannot be hid the four cornered Cap had need sit squarely Saith [3] Francis L. Verulam one the Errors of Great men say I the Errors of Clergy-men are never small Where the feet are [4] Isa 52 7. beautiful every stray-step is noted it is not the hood but the silk that doth amiss Let a blemish be in ones eye and look from off it we cannot although in good manners we would If the black Gown be not fire-new it is thought duskish if new it be it smelleth of the fire The grave stile is termed flat and the polite quil pedantique It is much if the Rochet be neither too short nor too long The Embassadour is never more observed then when he hath Audience and the stains are therefore obnoxious because the Scarlet is so pure White was the [5] 2 Chron. 5.12 Levites linnen else had the Levite seemed as spotless as one of another Tribe In his sufferings hundreds of other followers deserted Christ of them the Gospel is silent it is not silent of the persons spoken to in my Text The persons here spoken to are chief Disciples chosen Apostles wherefore of their haltings the Context is full It is noted of them that hitherto they [6] Mat. 16.22 Took not up their cross could not [7] Mat. 26.31 40. watch with Christ one hour minded [8] Mat. 20.21 Mark 9.34 Luke 22.24 earthly things had [9] Mat. 16.8 Mark 9.34 very little faith were [10] Mat. 8.38 Mat. 26.74 ashamed and [11] Mark 14.50 Rev. 21.8 afraid to own either Christ crucified or [12] Gal. 2.12 the purity of His Gospel nor as yet knew they [13] Mark 9.32 John 20.9 V. Reply the Scriptures But herein alas herein lieth the difference That these Apostles failings are so much noted is the goodness of Gods spirit That our failings are so much noted is the wickedness of mans Spirit But Let not your heart be troubled the thing is of God It is for [1] Rom. 8.28 your sake that God permitteth our sins to [2] Act. 14.15 equal if not to exceed yours for your sake it is that we are such [3] 2 Cor. 4.7 compared with Judg 7.20 earthen vessels that we are [4] Exod. 20.19 Gal. 2.19 not Angels but men The holy Ghost giveth unto you that [5] 1 Cor. 12.28 Ephes 4.11 sort of gift which is best for your profit When Christ prayed that Peters fath [6] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 St. Chrysost in Lucae 22 32. might not fail him he would not pray that Peters [7] John 18.27 heart might not fail him He could have made these Disciples here spoken to as Self-denying as stout as stedfast as full of knowledge as full of holiness before his Ascension as after his Ascension they were he could so but this he knew suited neither with his Spouses benefit nor with his own [8] 1 Cor. 1.27 wisdom Let this suffice you That whether he use Silver [9] Numb 10. Trumpets or Rams [10] Josh 6.13 compared with 2 Sam. 5.24 horns the Captain of your Salvation will bring forth Judgement unto Victory [11] Mat. 12.20 Phil. 1 6. He long before this Text or Context perfectly [12] John 2.25 knew the inabilites of the persons to whom he now speaketh yet their [13) John 20.29 Ignorances [14] John 13 38. Infirmites and [15] John 15.5 Insufficiencies notwithstanding he made them the [16] Mark 9.50 Salt of the earth the [17] Mat. 5.14 light of the world witnesses of [18] 1 John 1.1 2 3. saving truths and [19] John 15.16 chosen Disciples c. Why this Answ His glory he would not give unto others He who revealeth his power in mans weakness will have the glory of his grace ascribed by you not unto his frail Ministers but unto Himself alone Hence it was that as simple as they were these very persons he [20] Mat. 10.5 sent to publish the
First Shaketh This Scripture shaketh Unbelieuers from their vain Delusions Subterfuges and Shifts Thou who Iudas-like From their Shifts gaddest so much about to change thy way from bad to worse if worse may be Methinketh I know thy thoughts which come into thy mind every one of them but shall (1) Jer. 16.20 a man make gods unto himself and they are no gods or wilt thon (2) Jer. 51.26 25 24. hew unto thy self a stone for a corner or a stone for a foundation out of a burnt a destroying a Babylonish mountain Now that thou art within thine own view numbred among the enemies of Christ thou wouldest but they are but vain thoughts thou wouldest as one (3) Jer. 17.9 desperately wicked sear thy conscience with a hot Iron thou wouldest give thy self over unto thine own hearts lust one nay peradventure each of these three evils thou wilt flee unto who shall be sorry for thee thou wilt with the Adder stop thine ear against God or if thou give him the hearing thou wilt with the serpent open thy mouth against God or if thon bite in thy lips thou wilt with Lucifer exalt thy heart against God Lest they should tingle at the hearing of all those evils which menace thine unregenerate estate 1. Subterfuge shaken thou foolishly stopest thine ears like the Adder a vermine already like thy self sentenced (1) Gen. 3.14 to the dust and laden with curses I say lest thou shouldest see thine own loathsomness thou turnest away thine eyes thou dost (2) Andabatarum more Job 15.12 Mat. 13.15 wink and fight against God wicked thou hast been and to drown the clamour of thy conscience wicked wilt thou be even forcing thy self upon (3) Jer. 8.6 thine unwarrantable practices as the horse turning his course rusheth into battle but shalt thou (4) Psal 56.7 escape by thine iniquity No no rash soul this is nothing else but to leap from the checks of a frying conscience into the flames of everlasting burnings as the guilty soul of Judas did forlorn wretch Who (5) Job 9.4 hath hardened his heart against God and hath prospered Thereafter as a man feareth so is (6) Psal 90.11 Gods displeasure a heart that (7) Isa 66.5 trembleth moveth pity and the heart of (8) Ezek. 11.19 flesh may (9) Psal 51.17 receive a healing wound but where the heart continueth stony there Christ that (10) Dan. 2.34 mountanous stone falleth with his full weight he (11) Mat. 21.44 grindeth such a heart to mere pouder if thou set briers and thorns in (12) Isa 27.4 against him he will be unto thee a consuming fire I hope thou wilt take watning by Judas he (13) Mat. 26.24 John 6.70.13.21 27. neglected many a fair hint which Christ gave him Oh imitate not the stupidity of him the deafness of him whose (14) Prov. 28.9 end thou darest not think of do not (15) 1 Cor. 10.22 provoke the Lord to anger as he did If a servant if a slave spake unto thee thou wouldest vouchsafe an ear even unto him and darest thou (16) Jer. 5.22 stop thine ear darest thou (17) Jer. 32.33 turn thy back when the God of heaven calleth Be not another Judas give ear and hearken unto Christs words (18) Mat. 4.17 for the mouth of this Lord hath (19) Prov. 1.24 c. 2. Subterfuge shaken spoken 2. A meer (1) Marcus Aurelius heathen could pronounce it equal and just That who so is willingly led into sin should be against his will drawn unto punishment and Truth (2) 2 King 7.9 revealeth That every sin is a vengeance unto it self while one and the same word therefore signifieth the evil of punishment because it (3) Gen. 4.7.19.15 2 Sam. 12.13 Isa 6.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth the evil of sin and fitly for as the disunion of the (4) James 2 26 soul from the body is the death of the body so the disunion of good from the soul is the (5) Gen. 2.17 death of the soul wherefore impossible it is that a reasonable Creature should (6) Pro 8.36.14.14 Gen. 20.3 Deut. 30 15. Numb 32.23 chuse sin and refuse death yet thou who (7) Joh. 8.24 1 Cor. 2.14 continuest a very natural fain thou wouldest lay the blame of thy unbelief not upon thine own unregenerate heart but upon the permission of the holy God even of that God who not only (8) Josh 24.15 leaveth thee unto thy free choice but doth also by way of (9) Prov. 8.1 c. prevention (10) Joh. 15.5 instruct nay (11) Neh 9.13 Psal 119.86 Hos 8.12 Act. 17.30 1 Tim 2.4 faithfully command thee for thy good Thou such is thine ignorance standest upon terms Who may say unto a King what dost thou yea no servant is allowed to (12) Tit. 2.9 gainsay his Master yet hast thou the face to (13) Rom. 9.20 reply against thy Lord the King thy King and thy God! whereas it is thy (14) Deut. 4.6 wisdom not to contest but to obey thou instead of fulfilling his good pleasure murmurest and disputest why sayst thou why (15) Rom. 9.19 doth he yet complain Unadvised wreth for shame leave the great God (16) Deut. 29.29 unto the counsel of his own will However know Caitiffe thou canst not ask Who hath resisted his Will for thou hast Rom. 3.23 The Will of God was (17) Gen. 2.17 that thou shouldest not destroy thy self by trying conclusions with the forbidden fruit but even (18) Gens humana ruit per vetitum nifas Rom 7.9 Psalm 58.3 Deut. 29.4 unto this day taste of it thou wilt God for his part (19) Ezek. 33.11 desireth not thy death but thou wo wo unto thee saith the Lord God thou hast (20) Isa 63 3 4 chosen death rather then life He earnesty endeavouring thy preservation vehemently calleth out Why (21) Ezek 18 31 wilt thou die for thy part answer (22) Rom 13 9 thou him if thou canst Judas was indeed a son of perdition but his (23) Hos 13 9 3 Subterfuge shaken perdition was from himself 3. Now that the worm gnawing thine evil conscience hath smitten this gourd also guilt seemeth to turn bank-rupt and so whispereth unto thee as if thy sinfulness were now so beyond all pardon that it were now to no purpose to serve the Lord Well I will not extenuate thy guilt for what (1) Joh 27 8 is the bope of the Hypocrite and what is tby strength that thou (2) Joh 6 11 9 2 3 shouldest hope yet say not thy sins are more then God can pardon but speak truth say thy sins are more then thou wilt part with When Israel (3) Jer 2 25 exclamed There is no hope God drew aside his Vizard and called unto him With-hold thy foot from being unshod and thy throat from thirst just so thou if
holy fear thy slumbering conscience is thorough mercie a little awakened hath at length a little feeling dreameth now at last what an evil thou cherishest by maintaining enmities against the great God for (1) Esa 59 18 he will repay fury to his adversaries and recompence to his enemies Possibly thou beginnest to perceive what a desperate presumption it hath been to make it thy sport to crucifie (2) Heb. 6 6 Christ for had (3) 2 Kings 9.31 Zimri peace who slew his Master Possibly a fore-sight of judgement to come hath affected thy soul with present horrour for the (4) James 2.19 Devils themselves beleeve and tremble Which if thou according to thy wonted impenitencie canst not doe be confounded and astonished at the sense of thy (5) Esa 1.2 Jude 15. crying guilt Except thou repent and believe loe vengeance is at hand lieth ready in store (6) Mat. 3 10 Esa 65.6 and will in an hour which thou art not aware of swallow thee up for ever and ever Alas thou hast foolishly and childishly (7) Jer. 4.22 5.21 25 like one stupid or Starke madd with all contempt and heedlesnesse in the most unthankfull manner that malice it self can suggest from thy youth up despised thy (8) 2 Sam. 12.9 Num. 25.31 1 Sam. 2.30 Lords pleasure and thine own peace No marvell then if wrath already smoaketh against thee alas (9) Deut. 29.19 20. it already breaketh out and as it flasheth first into thy (10) Rom. 2.15 1 John 3.20 conscience scorching that so it will hereafter flash upon thy soul (11) Gen. 2.17 Rom. 6.23 Ezek. 18.4 affrighting that from thy body and will in the end seize again upon thine unclean body (12) John 5.29 forcing that lump of sin to accompany thy lost soul as well in suffering torments as in contracting guilt Now if the Lord hath a mind to destroy thee (13) Esa 63.17 2 Chron. 25.20 Mat. 13.14 15. Deut. 29.4 he will go on to hide from thee these sore evils but possibly the power of the Word hath wrought upon thee possibly thou art afraid of Gods judgements I trust the Lord hath caused thee to tremble at his threats I hope thy heart smiteth thee I hope thou seekest for Jesus If so then but not until then be of good cheer The Master calleth thee I beseech thee therefore whosoever thou art ponder thy life past the hours dayes weeks moneths years which thou hast spent not in service to but in rebellion against a God patient indeed but just and (1) Nahum 1.2 jealous Consider again and again that thou canst not be at the same time in a state of unbelief and in the state of salvation too it will cost more then so to work out thy salvation wouldest thou know in this thy day the things which belong unto thy peace thou wouldest what pains soever it shall cost thee watch and pray and strive and strive to make thy calling and election sure Hell flames are about thine ears wilt thou lye still and be burnt in thy bed Art thou so foolish a Coward that thou wilt wink while the Devil stabbeth thee Is it more tolerable to endure torments in hell then to exercise repentance upon earth Are unquenchable flames more to be desired then the Mansions in heaven Is it safer to continue a Judas then to approve thy self a sincere convert and a sound beleever Wilt thou still refuse eternal life rather then accept of it upon Gods terms I deal plainly with thee unless thou canst truly say I (1) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Milesius Thales am not I except thou canst say I my self was (2) Joh. 3.7 Tit. 3.3 such another Judas as is here secluded from these Disciples here spoken unto in this Text except thou canst say such (3) 1 Cor. 6.11 a one was I but I am washed but I am sanctified but I am justified Until thou canst say I was (4) Ephes 2.1.2.3 a child of disobedience I was dead in Trespasses and sin but am now quickned am now a (5) 2 Cor. 5.17 Gal. 6.15 new Creature except thou canst say (6) Rom. 7.25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord this stone of unbelief presseth thee for a mute if thou persist in this stubborness thy hard heart may well be called stony for it shall be nothing (7) Pro. 10.20 worth unless to make a fearful (8) Gen. 19.26 monument of inexcusable guilt and of ineffable Justice There is a (9) 1 Kin. 8.38 Plague in thy heart wilt thou not be made whole when (10) Si non modo quando shall it once be Jer. 13.27 Thou With Joy of whom I travail in birth until Christ be formed in thee the Prophet raised up (1) Deu. 18.15 like (2) Deu. 30.15 unto Moses hath set before thee this day Life and Death viz. Life that thou mayest escape death Death that thou mayest seek life I have heard of one in a Swoon who was mistaken for dead layed out for dead wrapped in a Winding sheet coffined A familiar but sad story related applyed and buried too for dead the same person awaking out of his Trance and finding himself coffined by struggling for life bruised his body to death Shall I apply this He when people thought him quite dead was alive thou O unbeliever hast a name that thou livest but art dead He when he found his body buried bruised it to death couldst thou complain that thou art dead there were hopes of thy life true thy body of sin hath indeed been hitherto merely a black Coffin for thy departed soul the worser Grave-stone of the two remaineth fixed on thy heart of unbelief as immoveably as ever the dust of death lay upon that interred friend nevertheless the good Angel in my Text can (3) Mat. 28.2 roll away this stone He who (4) Joh. 11.44 called Lazarus forth of his grave can speak to thee the dead (5) Joh. 5.25 have heard his voice and thou mayest the Author of this Gospel hath (6) 2 Tim. 1.10 abolished death and brought immortality and Life to light werefore he saith Awake (7) Eph. 5.14 thou that sleepest and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee life Set thy soul in order for thou mayest live and not dye Object Object I am fitted for destruction and therefore (1) Rom. 9.22 for ought that I know am a vessel of wrath Answ Answer Though thou art fitted for destruction thou art for ought that thou knowest (1) Eph. 1.4 chosen in Christ Object Object I have in me all the signs of a (1) 2 Cor. 13.5 Reprobate Answ Answer Thou hast the more need to (1) Phil. 2.12 work out thy salvation for God (2) 2 Pet. 3.9 would not have thee perish he would have thee (3) 1 Tim. 2.4 saved Object Object The (1)
of the holy One and the poor in spirit wax rich in grace MOTIVE VIII Thy natural averseness There is no such Trewant as the natural man Motive 8. Judas will rather hang himself then delight in his Masters pleasure but first meer shame will reduce thee from this ingratitude no love for thy father nor love for thy Redeemer nor love for thy preserver fie fie for shame the oxe (1) Isa 1 3 knoweth his owner and the dog at thy heels his master Secondly Let thy heart alone and thou (2) 1 Cor. 2.14 wilt love thy God less next day then thou wilt to morrow and less to morrow then to day thou dost Thirdly Thou must not follow but (3) Col. 3.1 lead thine affections we force our selves to delight in such diets such exercises such employments as most suit not with our pleasure but with our real good Fourthly What thanks is it if we place our affections upon that whereunto we are of our selves addicted but herein we know that we love our God if we deny (4) Mat. 16.24 our selves that we may love him Lastly remove thine ignorance and thy dis-affection is removed once see the beauty of holiness (5) Exod. 15.11 and be out of love with it if thou canst thou wilt therefore love God because God is glorious in holiness thy Lord most holy MOTIVE IX Motive 9. A ninth Motive which may stir up thy mind to follow God fully is thy desperate guilt The whole need not the Physitian but thou dost such a sinner as thou art may well cry God mercy all the days of his life He that hath wallowed in so much mire as thou hast done hath great reason to wish (1) Ezek. 36.25 for clean waters who should thirst after sanctification if thine Aethiopian skin should not the Leopards spots are white to thine if the blood of the Lamb can make thy crimson sins whiter then snow surely thou hast cause sufficient to bath in that warm blood thou hast sinned so prodigally against heaven and against God that it is the best of thy skill to make benefit of Christ merits Then then the holy Angels will (2) Luk. 15.7 rejoyce indeed when they see such a lost creature as thou hast been take the kingdom of heaven by violence and main force MOTIVE Motive 10. X. A tenth particular which helpeth thine unwearied soul to take the kingdom of heaven by violence is the present evil world viz. unless it were better then it is thou wilt no more (1) Jam. 1.27 dirty thy self with it the cares thereof may choak such as love them but thee they drive unto (2) 1 Pet. 4.19 thy faithful Creator to him that endured temptations in the wilderness Canaan is sweet pleasures upon earth may ensnare fools they only mind thee of thy masters joys thou translatest the whole book of nature into a book of grace well knowing that the things which are seen are transitory but the things which are not seen are eternal MOTIVE XI Motive 11. The next particular serving to awaken thee unto righteousness is the corruption of thine old man For first while [1] Gal 5.17 thy flesh is contrary to thy spirit his thou [2] Rom. 6.16 art unto whom thou yieldest obedience and if it was thy [3] Rom. 8.6 death to be carnally minded to be spiritually minded is a sign of life Again sometimes a (4] 2 Cor. 12.7 buffet or two doth Saint Paul a kindnâ—ss [5] 2 Cor. 12.9 while the flesh (6) 1 Pet. 2.11 warreth against thy soul thy soul is [7] Deut. 8.2 Judg. 2.21 22 3.2 kept upon her guard Rome is not secure so long as Carthage is standing nay opposition strengthneth the prevailing party as [8] 2 Sam. 3.1 Sauls rebellions established David in his Throne for infirmities of nature excite the power of grace Corruption is flesh and [9] Isa 31.3 not spirit MOTIVE XII Motive 12. The roaring lion at this instant seeking to devoure thee Among too too many Ministers who during our late detestable rebellions were most reproachfully tossed out of their livelyhoods one I knew who (1) Mr. Vade of Odington in Glocester-shire would full often with indignation enough boast himself a person more beholding unto Committee-men then unto all the kinred which be had his riddle was while he kept house in his Parsonage diseases cares and debts grew upon him but so soon as the Committee had once for ever sequestred from Him his Parsonage they from that time forward eased him of his debts by disposing his fifths for their payment they cured him of his disease while want of a horse made him walk away his Gout and withall they freed him from his cares for he had now no worldly thing to care for bear with me the condition is thine I may seriously affirme that next unto God himself this (2) Matt. 6.13 13.39 evil one is although full (3) Esa 10.7 sore against his will the very best friend whom thou hast in the world if thou hast but eyes of understanding in thy head this I will clear unto thee in three particulars The Devil (4) Eph. 6.12 1 Pet. 5.8 befriendeth thee first By deterring from sin Ah Sir this Bug-bear at the gate will make thee (5) 1 Tim. 3.6 7. keep within dores the saucer eyes of this spright will make thee look unto thy self espie once his cloven foot and adventure (6) Act. 24.16 abroad if thou darest Secondly By Temptations thou wilt not trust a reconciled enemy The Devil is so [7] Eph. 6.11 2 Cor. 2.11 well known that none of his chaff can catch old birds if he begin to tempt he will make thee glad to cling unto thy father Thy fear of this Pursevants Arrest [8] Heb. 4.16 will make thee take Sanctuary the more stratagems this subtle creature useth to (9) 2 Tim. 2.26 entice thee toward hell the more thy holy jealousies will draw thee toward heaven and all the while this Avenger lasheth thee [10] 1 Kin. 12.11 with Scorpions he [11] Gal. 3.24 schooleth thee unto Christ Thirdly [12] Ephes 6.11 by wrestlings carnal [13] 1 Pet. 2.11 lusts war against the soul but we wrestle not against flesh and blood alone these are no equal match for him that [14] Psal 23.4 27.12 undertaketh to be strong in the Lord that is a [15] Heb. 22.4 Sine periculo seiget ludus dull skirmish which hazardeth no blood Surely thou shalt see what thy servant can do saith the (16) 1 Sam. 28.2 Warriour As the Martyr Juliano kissed the step whereon he stood to suffer death so thou when valiant wilt kiss the turf whereon thou standest to fight thy Lords battel Glad is David if he may be but allowed to deal with (17) 1 Sam. 17.32 a Goliah if Jether (18) Judg. 8.20 fear Zebah and Zalmunna it is
Redeemer who hath done [4] Rev. 5.9 and suffered so great things for us will in due time welcome us to his Fathers house [5] 1 Thes 4.17 and so shall we ever ever ever be with the Lord When [6] Psal 101.2 shall I come unto thee I will walk in thy house with a perfect heart O my Soul [7] Psal 37.34 Isa 49 23 40.31 wait for the Lord wait I say for the Lord O ye Saints of his rejoyce in the Lord [8] Phil. 4.4 3. The Doctrine applied again I say rejoyce Hallelujah Ye have I trust such is your patience [1] Mat. 13.51 understood all these things ye have seen every afflicting stone [2] Mar. 16.4 rolled away ye have seen a world of Troubles [3] Joh. 14.1 2 swallowed up in Mansions of glory ye have seen life in death yea and life [4] Joh. 10.10 more abundant too ye have seen the good [5] Deut. 33.16 Angel in my Text as it were face to face ye have seen his strong [6] Isa 41.21 reasons his seven reasons his seven spiritual Reasons I had almost said his seven [7] Rev. 3.1 Spirits Our hearts should be troubled should we neglect [8] Luk. 9.44 Application O blessed Spirit Application is thy (1) Jer. 30.21 work Thy work O blessed Spirit Thou hast opened (2) Luk. 24.45 our understandings open our (3) Act. 16.14 hearts too Lord the stone is rolled (4) Joh. 11.39 41 43 away raise up thy Lazarus Give us life give us life (5) Joh. 10.10 more abundant AND now whether I look back upon the troubles past and gone or whether I look up unto the Mansions already prepared let my tongue cleave unto the roof of my mouth and let my right (1) Psal 137.6 hand forget her pen if I prefer not my Soveraign above the head of my comforts Therefore though I forget not my (2) Prov. 25.6 distance my first Application shall be The Lively Pourtraiture of CHARLES the Second King of Great Britain France and Ireland c. TO THE SACRED MAJESTY Of our most GRACIOUS SOVERAIGN LORD in all Causes and over all Persons as well Ecclesiastical as Civil our Supreme Governour CHARLES second only to that blessed Martyr and glorious Saint his royal Father of Great Britain France and Ireland KING Defender of the Faith and next unto God and his Christ the Prince of our Peace My Lord O King LIve like your (1) Psal 112 6 Name for ever live (2) Psal 61.6 and be The same you are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (3) 2 Cor. 3.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Great as was your (4) Psal 132.1 Affliction and our (5) 2 Sam. 15.30 woe Good as late (6) Psal 61.8 116.14 2 Chro. 32.25 Vows Happy as we (7) Psal 144.15 Prov. 13.12 are now Thus thus I (8) Ezra 6.10 pray But let Applauses be Suppress'd by others and refus'd by me Not as undue nor that a zealous praise May too too much mans expectation raise Nor that words match not though when all is done Ne're yet could pensil fully paint the Sun But loe Believers Sir should we display Your brighter beams would ravish'd sin for joy Saw they your soul they would sleight heav'n again And doat on earth because on earth you reign I blame my fears From Charles no evils spring They walk with God who follow such a King Next unto Christ this Prince of our Peace may If Subjects please roll ev'ry stone away Next unto Christ He doth our life appear Good Subjects find life more abundant here That Truth that Peace which with [9] 1 Tim. 2.2 Isa 49.23 His Throne consist Lifts us from Earth to Heaven from Charles to Christ But the Stairs at Whitehall are no winding stairs Blessed be God there is no cause why I should borrow Verses feet to bring me to the Presence-Chamber there I need not there measure mine approaches where blessed be God the golden Scepter is always [1] Hesther 5.2 held forth As in Majesty and [2] Psal 82.6 Power so in Patience and Clemency King Charles the second resembleth his God God is a God (3) Psal 65.2 that heareth Prayer and his Servant Charles (4) Deut. 17.20 shutteth not his ear no not unto his meanest Subjects In prose therefore When I compare the troubles of these Disciples hearts with the Mansions that are set before them rather To the Kings most Excellent Majesty when I compare the 30. of January with the 29. of May and again the third of September with the 23. of April Verily if ever any Christian in the world had encouragement to believe in God and in the only Son of God your Sacred Majesty hath I trust the same God who hath delivered (1) 1 Cor. 1 10 will yet deliver Nations could not get Dominion over your sacred person I trust (2) Rom. 6.14 sin shall not The Lord hath raised and removed the many burdens but I trust not the many (3) Heb. 12.6 7 Psal 94.12 13 and 132.2 5 compared with 1 Cot. 3.16.17 blessings of your Majesties late sorows Should not afflictions so great as your Majesties have been be more and more sanctified unto your Royal soul alas your heart might then be troubled indeed Should you desist to believe in God who (4) Psal 89.27 placeth your Majesty higher then the Kings of the earth it might then be unto you and your Kingdoms a grief of heart Should not your Princely soul believe in that only Son of God who (5) Isa 53.8 Heb. 2.10 suffered more for your Majesty then your gracious Majesty suffered for your lost people this might also trouble your heart Lastly should your soul (6) Isa 53.3 neglect so great salvation should your soul despise the Mansions in your heavenly Fathers house then then your heart would be utterly perplexed everlastingly troubled and that beyond measure But although King Hezekiah did not render according unto the (1) 2 Chro. 32.25 benefit received I trust your most excellent Majesty will True the more God blesseth his (2) Job 1.10 servant Job the more the Devil (3) Job 1.11 seeketh his ruine No doubt where the Lord hath multiplied so unparalleld favours as are heaped upon your dread Majesty there the malice of Satan will be very wilte very full of (4) 2 Cor. 2 11 stratagems the Serpent once enraged will first (5) 2 Cor. 12.17 buffet then sting Nevertheless while your sacred Majesty figheth not only against (6) 1 Pet. 2.11 flesh and blood but even against (7) Eph. 6.12 Principalities and Powers the same God who (8) Psal 140.7 covered your royal head in the day of battle the same God your sacred Majesty hath to believe in The same Christ who delivered you from so (9) 2 Cor. 1.10 great a death the same Jesus your Majesty hath to believe
Sed ad pervidendâ—m quid sit quod ad beatam vitam essiciat calig mt Seneca de vi â beata Sapiens autem nihil facit quod non debet nihil praetermittit quod debet Idem de Clementiâ l. 2. perish in the using upon the vain diversions of pleasures profits and honours or upon the removing of these unnecessary troubles from our hearts Surely the best of our life is then best husbanded when eying Death Judgement Hell Heaven and Eternity we prepare our selves for these The Holy Ghost calleth unto children as children unto [13] Psalm 148.12 1 John 2.12 13 14 young men as young men unto old men as old men but he nowhere singleth out middle aged men as middle-aged viz. He that is now about the midst of his age hath the vigour of his youth seconded with the gravity and experience of an aged person it were therefore a notorious shame for him to be negligent of believing his God of trusting upon his Saviour and of hastening to his Fathers House Some [14] Apothegms by Mr. George Herbert p. 189 190. would have it the praise of Bellarmine that he is ever as constant to himself as if he had written all his Works in two hours Oh that Believers would be thus constant unto [15] Urbemâ— produnt dum castella defâ—ndunt Cicero de divin lib. 2. their spiritual peace especially in this midst of their age [16] Psalm 102 24 Suave illud facile fecit consuetudo which maketh constancy facile and almost natural It was [17] Eph. 5.16 a good practice of Ignatius Loyola in that when he heard the Clock strike he would say to himself and unto others I have now one more hour of my life to answer for Beloved of all the hours of our life the hours for which we shall be most accomptable are these of our best estate because in these we have most ability to refuse the evil [18] 1 Cor. 14.20 and chuse the good In these we best understand what a [19] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tha'es trouble of heart every thing is that doth not forward our Salvation In these we may best goe from strength [20] Psal 84.7 2 Pet. 3.18 to strength from an earthly poverty to a spiritual from [21] 1 Tim. 6.17 trusting in Riches to a trusting in the living God from [22] Psalm 16.11 empty pleasures to heavenly expectations Of all the ages of a mans life this is the age which draweth nearest unto that perfection wherein Adam [23] Eph. 4.13 was created and which [24] Luke 3. Christ sanctified by his Administration of the Gospel of our peace If ever we can be so wife [25] See Mr. George Herberts Poem entituled Elixar as to make Gold of Copper to make a spiritual benefit of all that is before us it is now that we are in our full strength still fisheth he that [26] 1 Pet. 2.2 3 hath catched one fish he that hath found in his Child-hood what (27) Psalm 119.165 Phil. 1.10 3.12 Luke 10.27 peace they have who love Gods law he that in his youthfull dayes walked with God will now in the excellency of his life believe in God rejoyce in Christ and make sure of the Mansions in his Fathers House 4. If Wisdom be expected from full age Unto aged persons much more is it expected from you that are full of dayes Plutarch relateth of Alcibiades (1) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Plut. Alcib that he rendred his Infancy his youth and his manly stature exquisitely amiable and pleasant may what was attributed unto his limbs be due unto the vertues of a believers soul yet we shall not conclude such a one perfect untill he hath also crowned his gray hairs with spiritual wisdom Alas so doth time (2) Psalm 144.4 undermine us that half our life is spent before we begin to live unto our God and if we are alive unto God (3) 2 Pet. 1.8 it is a holy conversation which preserveth us as we are Yeares know more (4) No wisdom like the wisdom of experience then Books and tell us by experience that what abideth in vanity endeth in vexation Therefore I said (5) Job 32.7 Dayes should speak and multitude of Yeares should teach wisdom But although it becometh me to keep silence before the gray hairs here is one in my Text who hath a right to speak Verily When the evill dayes are (6) Eccl 21.1 come when the yeares are drawn nigh wherein ye complain ye have no pleasure it is then our Duty to beseech you Let not your heart be troubled Hours are spent since your Sun was in the Zenith yea your Sun O my Fathers is not farre from setting now the long shadow (7) Eccl. 6.12 which it doth now cast wanteth but a little of the shadowes of Death You have numbred twice as many dayes upon earth as our Saviour Jesus Christ himself did If ye know not (8) Hos 7.9 gray hairs are here and there upon you these are Messengers which of his loving kindnesse the Ancient of Dayes sendeth unto you The staves in your hand rap at Deaths door rather at the Mansions in your Fathers House you will therefore call upon your God who is eares to the deaf eyes to the dim-sighted health unto broken-bones and a staffe of life unto all such as lean upon him He that hath taught you from your youth (9) Psalm 71.17 18 will not forsake you when old and gray-headed especially if ye declare the works which he hath done and shew your Childrens Children what the Lord hath wrought for you and yours (10) Psal 44.1 in your dayes The observations of aged Christians are Treasures layed up (11) Psal 102.18 for Generations to come more precious then those prepared by the Chinois against two or three hundred yeares hence while our Fathers tell us what was done in their dayes the troubles which arrest their age they feel not Their (12) Prov. 16.31 hoary head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousnesse They can convince us how insipid (13) Gal. 6.14 Creature-comforts are unto him that savoureth the things that are of God They will accompt so many of their years lost utterly lost as have not been exercised unto (14) Eph. 5.16 godlinesse They will professe they never were (15) Deut. 32.29 truly wise untill they at last began in all their actions to consult not the world but the holy Scriptures not their own inclinations but the pleasure and praises of their (16) 1 Cor. 10.31 God So much and no more they have lived as they have believed in God as they have believed in Christ and as they have surveighed the Mansions in their Fathers House Thus much they know and thus much they will tell us when we (17) Eccl. 7.4 Keep company with good men and thou shalt be of
Christ hath (4) Gen. 3.15 1 Pet. 5.8 Rom. 5.12 21 no such occasions of complaint we have indeed received a mortal over-throw in the fall of Adam great is the misery great is the reproach many are the troubles which that old Serpent hath maliciously brought upon us all But our comfort is that (5) 1 John 4 4.2.13 14 5.4 5 as our shame dieth not so neither dieth our Adversary the Devil No He is so full of his stratagems so good at tempting that he daily appeareth in his likenesse daily giveth us fresh opportunities of (6) 1 Pet. 5.9 James 4.7 avenging our selves upon his pride while through Christ who (7) Phil. 4.11 strengtheneth us we daily (8) Eph 6.13 withstand him (9) James 4.7 resist him wound (10) Gen. 3.15 Psalm 68.21 118.7.41.11 his head and put (11) 1 John 2 14 him to flight He who resisteth stedfast in the faith shall see his desire upon his enemy By this we know that God favoureth us because our enemy doth not (12) Psalm 41 11 triumph over us Seventhly The wise Virgin will not then (1) Mat. 25.4 be to seek for oyl when the bridegroom is comeing Neither will the experienced believer want a (2) Psalm 23.4 staffe while he either [3] Gen. 32.10 foardeth Jordane or climbeth the wearisom top of [4] Deut. 34.1 Pisgah He knoweth that every [5] Eccles 12.1 Jer. 12.5 mile is two in winter He is so thriving that he [6] John 12.35 layeth up a penny against Christmas He walked [7] Eph 5.16 while he had light [8] 1 Tim. 6.19 and made provision for a dear day He cannot say So many years I have lost the [9] Psalm 90 12 more years he numbreth the more he applieth his heart unto a spiritual wisdom He expecteth the [10] 1 Peâ— 5.8 assaults of Sathan and therefore armeth himself with [11] Ephes 6 14 16 17 sheild and helmet He is not now to make his last will at least his Soul he hath [12] Psalm 86 2 bequeathed unto God Ere ever [13] Revel 2 22 he be layed upon his bed of languishing he hath set his soul in order so doing He valueth a [14] Psalm 95 7 8 Luk. 19.42 2 Cor. 6.2 John 7.34 feather in hand more then a bird in the aire and esteemeth one [15] 2 Tim. 3.5 Eph. 6.6 7 Josh 24.14 ounce of sanctified goodnesse before a whole bushel of fruitlesse ostentation He furnisheth his heart [16] Psal 119 11 with spiritual knowledge exerteth [17] Esa 64.7 2 Peâ—â—â— 3 18 his knowledge into faith his faith into strong assurance his assurance into a love unfeined when chill age [18] Eccles 12 1 benummeth and palsieth as well his understanding as his head he then [19] 2 Tim 4.7 knoweth in whom he hath believed He can then live [20] Col 3 16 upon the quick stock When his sight and Hearing utterly fail then [21] Psal 71 18 Heb 13 5 John 13 1 Phil 1 6 Jude 24 Revel 1.18 then as in winter Swallows and summer birds subsist upon a vital heat and are of themselves a nourishment unto themselves the spirit of God that [22] Phil. 119 4.19 sustaineth him and so richly doth Gods word dwell in his retired memory that his meditation [23] Psal 1.2.63 6.104.34.119 97 99. 1 Tim. 4.15 Josh 1 8. knoweth no night Eightly He who [1] Deut. 28.66 Esa 33 18. feareth death enjoyes not life He therefore [2] 1 Cor. 15.31 Ipsa consuetudine matus exolescit Plin. lib. 1 Ep. 4. dieth daily The consumed candle while it winketh and winketh untill it catcheth after [3] Psal 18.28 Job 21.17 her vanished flame night by night reneweth unto him the future [4] James 4.14 expiration of his deceasing Soul Nor is it any new thing with one of his age [5] Job 17.13 to go to bed in the dark His Lords leisure he [6] Psal 27.14 tarrieth His masters [7] Job 14.14 call he attendeth but can most chearefully [8] Revel 14 13 rest from his labours so soon as ever his God shall allow him [9] John 11.12 Job 3.13 to sleep He sleepeth sweetly who [10] 1 Thess 4 14 sleepeth in Jesus Ninthly A necessity is layed upon the long-lived Christian His old age hath no time to dally in He hath received (1) Charon me momordit Demonax in Eras Apo. l 8. his praestomoney and must march If to Heaven (2) John 5.29 he will not to Hell he shall Other (3) Gen. 27 2 people may die but he must Wherefore he of this necessity [4] Nihil neque meum est ne jue cujasquam quod auferri quod cripi quod amitti potest M. T. Ciceronis Paradoxa maketh a vertue so great a vertue that the nearer he cometh to the shoare the more he prepareth for rocks If at any time Nature beginneth to shrink Grace upbraideth it or if through melanchosly his dejected soul draweth a little back she recoileth [5] Phil. 1.23 with a more vigorous resolution Nay if the God of his life should freely put it unto his choice whether he would be [6] Gen. 5.24 translated like Enoch caught up [7] 2 Kings 2.11 like Elijah or dye the death like their and his Master He would refuse Elijahs fiery Chariot and Enochs milder assumption for one dust of his Redeemers [8] Compare Job 30.23 with Luk. 7.6 7 and 1 Cor. 15.55 57 John 11.16 Grave I say he would with a holy ambition desire to taste of that Cup which his dearest God did [9] Heb. 2 9 drink off and sweeten From a transitory life to an everlasting life passe he would but upon no easier terms then [10] St. Peter thought himself so unworthy to be crucified as Christ was that he obtained leave to be crucified with his heels upwards what his Lord and Master accepted before him and for his sake Lastly Of all the Romane Souldiers none no not the Principes themselves were so great a stay unto the Empire as [1] For Ad Triarios ventum est if once the stresse of the Battel came unto them were the Veterani and among all the Souldiers of Jesus Christ none are more exemplary unto the Churches of God then are they who are aged [2] Psalm 71.18 as well in the practice of piety as in the multitude of days Polycarpus gave us an instance of this said he [3] Enseh Eccles Hist Eighty five years have I served God neither hath he ever offended me at all how then can I to escape Martyrdom revile my King who hath hitherto kept me 1 Therefore reverence your gray hairs O aged [1] Qu bus nihil opis est in i sis ad bene bia qu vivendum iis omais gravis est aetas qui autem omnia bena â seipsis petunt iis nihil potest
paratam lo â—è toculentissimam ampâ—â—ssimam bonis omnibâ—â—â— instraâ—ctissimam Jac. Capellus Ostendit hoc nomine Apostolos Deo fiâ—ere debere quod in domo Patris sui variae sint paratae mansiones A transsugis sumpta Metaphora quibus magno solatio èst habere varia Asyla ad consugièndu quae promittit Christus sive praesentem vitam spectes sive futuram Zegerius moment if compared unto the 3 Mansions in my Fathers House Fifthly Imagine these afflictions I which for the present seen so grievous were worthy to be compared unto the Joyes that are set before us yet [1] Deur 4.29 believe in God God is [2] Psal 47.7 King of all the earth Again I say believe in God Faithfull are the [3] Prov. 27.6 3.11 Job 5.17 Heb. 12.6 Revel 3.19 wounds of a Friend I know O Lord that thy Judgements are true and that thou in 4 very faithfulnesse hast afflicted me Sixthly Believe also in Christ In Him thou mayest find peace He [1] John 14.29 foretelleth thee that he hath [2] John 16.33 overcome the world for thee He hath [3] John 13.15 given thee an Example of [4] Luke 21.29 possessing thy Soul in patience His peace he [5] John 14.27 giveth unto thee and what he giveth that he [6] ibid. leaveth with thee He putteth that into thine eye which will make thee see the better soweth that in thy [7] Psalm 126.5 Heb. 12.11 tears which will bring forth fruit to thine accompt even the peaceable fruits of Righteousnesse Once Jesus Christ doth in thy sufferings give thee the [8] Phil. 1.29.3.10 2 Cor. 4.11 Credit the Reputation the honour of having a fellowship in his sufferings A second Life of Comfort here is Against the death of our Friends namely [1] Videbat eos commotos antecedentibus de suâ morte Sermonibus it áque eos erigit Grotius in John 14.1 against the [2] 2 Sam. 1.26 18.33 John 11.3.33 Phil. 2.27 Death of our Friends Thou who art a follower of God art thou troubled on every side So were these Disciples Art thou disappointed of worldly hopes So were these Disciples Is some dear Friend deceased Loe these Disciples were [3] John 13.33 16.6 fain to part with their dearest Jesus What it was to be bereaved of so good a Master you have [4] viz. p. 235. already seen but This was not all When Jesus had escaped death was [5] Luke 24.21 beyond all hopes raised from the Grave was beyond all hopes restored unto them again for his Disciples then again to lose Him to lose Him whom [6] Cant. 3.4 their Soul had found Him who [7] Revel 1.18 was dead and is alive and behold he liveth for evermore This this is much very much One would think if at Christ his death his Disciples hearts were troubled they would have been at his [8] Acts 1.6,11 ascension troubled much more Did I not say unto my Lord [9] 2 Kings 4.28 Do not deceive me If when Christ dyed all their hopes [10] Luke 24.21 dyed with him then much more when he arose their hopes [11] Luke 33.34 Acts 1.11 revived also Consider now For Jesus after that he had overcome death to depart from his Disciples again to depart from them now no more by a necessity of death but during health and life to ascend from them [12] Luke 24.9 just then when they [13] Luke 24.6 expected the issue of his [14] Matth. 21.7 8 riding in triumph of his [15] Matth. v. 9 15 accumulated Hosanna's of his declaring and owning of himself to be the [16] Matth. 2.2 27.11 King of the Jewes the long expected [17] Matth. 21.15 Luke 2.11 Son of David yea the [18] Matth. 3.17 17.5 Rom. 1.4 Son the only Son of the great and only God Loe ye here a tryal yet see when this dear this potent friend thus unexpectedly ascended I say when the most loving Jesus most unexpectedly departed his Disciples which had formerly drooped were now so far from being at all troubled that they were [19] Luke 24.52 filled with great joy Consider consider my Beloved When the God of all flesh taketh away from us our best our nearest friends he can and if we trust in him he will leave a greater comfort [20] John 14.16 16.17 behind them This for the death of others Against our fear of death Is now thlne own death thy [1] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arist terrour I say is the darknesse of the shadow of death thy discomfort Fear thou [2] Psal 23.4 none evil He who hath [3] Joh. 16.8.5.4 taught thee to live will [4] Phil. 4.13 help thee to dye Women bring forth in sorrow but it is to their comfort for their repeated pains in Child-bearing [5] 1 Tim. 2.15 teach that fearful Sex how to overlook a lesser pain namely that of death As when the Moon so when the soul is in the change she is then nearest unto the [6] Psalm 84.11 Sun When Christ came from Bozrah his dyed [7] Esay 63.1 Garments drew the [8] 1 Cor. 15.56 Fiducia Christianorum resurrectio mortuorum Tertul. de carnis resur sting out of Death and as of the flesh of Adders are made Antidotes against poyson so of that sting is now made a Cordial for the deceasing Party The Grave seemeth to [9] Prov. 30.16 Rom. 3.13 gape like the red Sea mean while it maketh way for our more speedy coming unto the promised Rest Christ was placed within the Grave that we [10] 2 Cor. 4.10 Col. 3.4 See Bishop Reynolds his Churches Triumph over Death might step over it with ease The Believer now a dying is onely passing from death to life nay more from the death of sin unto him who is [11] John 14.6 1 John 3.2 Col. 3.3 4 The Life The Earth provideth a Rest for our Bodies the Heavens contain a Rest so our souls but Jesus Christ will be a Rest unto them both True Death [12] Rom. 5.12 passed upon all these Disciples This [13] John 21 19 spake Christ signifying by what death he should glorifie God viz. Peter was to put off his earthly Tabernacle [14] 2 Pet. 1.14 shortly As for St. James he was [15] Acts 12.2 killed with the Sword Great very great [16] Gal. 2.9 Matth. 19.28 were these Apostles but notwithstanding their greatnesse as (17) Psal 82.7 Princes so THEY must dye like men A Believers Comfort is [18] Job 30.23 not that he shall not dye but that he shall not dye the everlasting death of common men Of the beloved Disciple himself the Lord Jesus never said [19] John 21.23 he shall not dye but Unto him he said [20] John 14.2 In my Fathers House are many Mansions The least child of God can now [21] Revel 1.18 fetch a stride
quite over Hell There is now but a step [22] 1 Sam. 20.3 between us and Death and [23] 1 Thes 4.14 1 Cor. 15.52 1 John 3.14 not a step between Death and Heaven Death is swallowed up into [24] 1 Cor. 15.54 52 Victory that is as the phrase importeth into Eternity Could we not step beyond Death the foresight of Death would sting us unto the very heart but Jehovah [25] Judges 6.24 Shallom Faith vieweth every thing in the words of Jehovah who giveth being unto every Promise The mighty Jesus is ascended nor is it possible to [26] Christus etsi solus resurrexit tamen non totus Bernard detain the [27] John 6.39 54 56 11.25 26 14.19 20 17.23.24 redeemed from [28] Esay 43.1 49.24 their Redeemer a Christian from Christ his Lord a member on earth from [29] Esay 43.21 The Head in Heaven Wherefore unlesse thy heart be a heart of Vnbelief Let not thy heart be troubled Believe in God believe also in Christ Is thy desire toward thy Saviour thy Saviour reacheth forth his hand It shall be unto thee no trouble at all to [30] Rom. 7.24 compared with Job 19.27 passe from death which of an old enemy is made a new Friend unto life now no more mortal but everlasting Is thy [31] Matth. 25.6 24.44 midnight soul upon departure Let her go forth to meet him whom her soul loveth Behold her Bridegroom cometh yea rather is [32] John 14.8 already gone gone [33] John 14.3 to prepare a place for thee I say for thee In my Fathers house are many Mansions and because many one [34] Ibid. for Thee Verily there remaineth a [35] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Similitudo sumpta ab uno comitum qui in itinere praegressus ad diversorium ibi caeteris cubicula assignat efficitque ut venientibus parata sint v. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hic ut c. 12.32 valet postquam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Continuatur similitudo nam solent qui primi in diversorium venerunt caeteris jam adventantibus obviam procedere eos inlroducere idem quod Christus Act. 1.11 redâ—â—â—s effecturus erit Grotius in Joan. 14.2 3 35. Heb. 4.9 See Mr. Baxter his Saints everlasting Rest. Rest for thy soul into thy Fathers bosome resign thy spirit 4. Thy greater trouble is Against the corruption of our sinful Nature not that thou shalt dye in the Lord but that thou dost live in the flesh I say not the shadow of death but the [1] Rom. 7.13 14 15 16 17 18 18 19 20 21 23 body of sin dishearreneth a gracious soul Give me any death but the death of sin To do evil is to [2] Compare Isa 59 2. with Psalm 125.5 depart from God and this is indeed a [3] Compare Psal 28.3 with Luke 13.27 sad departure for this Let your heart be troubled provided your trouble be a sanctified trouble such a sorrow shall be turned into joy into a spiritual joy inasmuch as from this Gospel you who believe may [4] Isa 66.11 such strong consolations Thou broken and contrite heart as assuredly as thou mournest thou [5] Isa v. 2.57.15 Luke 6.20 21 shalt be comforted Watch over thine [6] Isa 21.36 Psalm 18.23 own sin Give thy self [7] 1 Thess 5.17 unto prayer Be ever [8] 2 Pet. 1.10 upon Duty Exercise thy self unto (9) 1 Tim. 4.7 godlinesse Giving all (10) 2 Pet. 1.5 3.18 diligence strive to grow in grace and in the delightfull knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord so doing Let not thy heart be dismayed Know Sin was a (11) Videbat eos commo'os de antccedentibus de abnegatione sermonibus Grotius in Joan. 14.1 chief trouble of these Disciples hearts To forsake Him who hath loved and chosen us To love our selves more then we do love him in whom the great God is so well-pleased This you will yield is a very great defection He (†) Luke 9.23 Mark 8.38 that taketh not up His Crosse his daily crosse neither followeth Christ crucified into whatsoever perils this his crucified Lord shall conduct him such a one is unworthy of so great so good a Master Whoso is ashamed of Jesus Christ of him Jesus Christ hath just reason to be more much more ashamed Meek he is yet the wrath of this Lamb hath as justly as mercifully threatened that Whosoever denyeth Him before (12) Matth. 10.33 2 Tim. 2.12 frail men here upon earth him will He deny before his dread Father in heaven In one word (13) Rev. 21.8 Hell is a portion for the fearfull and fearfull were these Disciples neverthelesse so far was Christ Jesus from not forgiving them their trespasses that he most compassionately preventeth them Let not your heart be troubled Wherefore all ye who (14) Ezek. 6.9 20.43 36.31 loath your selves for your iniquities loath your selves and them more and more Alas no (15) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Toad is so ugly in mans sight as mans venomous nature is in the holy eyes of the most pure God A sinfull condition is an (16) Psalm 51.5 Job 25.6 odious condition wicked deeds are shamefull deeds gracelesse practices are wretched practices practices better becoming the Devils who are accursed of God then the Disciples who were blessed of the Lord Mean while Give God the glory (17) Haec alia adduxerunt Gregorium ut clamaret O Faelix culpa quae talem meruit habere redemptorem Quae verba ego non facilè dicerem siquidem in illâ causâ nihil video quod non sit miserum flebile Pet. Martyr ubi infra 27. His arm is not shortened that it cannot save He can remove from us as well all our staines as all our guilt He who delivered us from so great a death could had he seen cause so to do have quite warded off the lesser wounds The Lord Christ could have strengthened his Disciples every whit as much before his Ascension as after his Ascension he did and would he so please He could since Adams fall make us every way as perfect as before that fall of Adam we were yea he is able to make us both as unspotted of sin and as gloriously gracious in this present evil world as we shall be in the next This he is able to do but he according to His wisdom seeth cause to the contrary this this alone may comfort us against our sinfull nature that God the infinite God is wise His wisdome is a Believers comfort And yet Why hast thou made us to err [1] Esay 63.17 from thy wayes Wretched men that we are whence is it that the sanctifying Spirit [2] Relictae quidem suat animi vires actiones verum destitutae suâ rectitudine atque idcirco pravae corruptae Pet. Martyr Lo. Com. Classis secnad cap. 1. sect 25. leaveth in our vile hearts the remainders the dregs
YOUR day sanctifying the Lord of hosts in your heart exalt him not only as a Diadem of beauty unto the residue of your people but as a crown of glory unto your Royal head And you the happy subjects of a (1) Ezra 7.27 serene Monarch why are ye the last (2) 2 Sam. 19 11 to defend the glory of your God Knowledge covereth our Island as waters cover the Sea the late Rod of Gods wrath we (3) Mic. 6.9 could not chuse but hear the present plenty peace and prosperity we (4) Psal 34.8 both see and taste neverthelesse multitudes multitudes from among us have (5) 1 Tim. 5.15 turned aside after Satan Beloved what wickednesse may we expect from forreign Dominions if in this Kingdom a Kingdom so (6) Esay 26.9 schooled by late judgements so (7) Psalm 144.14 endeared with preseut benefits so (8) Acts. 17.30 enlightened with the truth of the Gospel so small a remnant give glory to the Lord their God More knowledge then any beside us we have but we have likewise lesse grace then any beside us else what others have is excedeing little lesse then is a grain of Mustard seed for that brancheth forth Surely the fear of God is in very few places I had almost said in very few persons Ye then who fear the Lord (9) Matth. 3.16 speak often one to another Let not the Royal Standard fall to the ground since (10) 1 Joh. 5.19 the whole world lyeth in wickednesse see that ye (11) Phil 2.15 shine as lights in the world When other of Christs Disciples went back and walked no more with Jesus Jesus called unto these in my Text (12) John 6.66 67 Will ye also go away Brethren the more universal the defection the greater the alarm Wherefore take unto you the whole (13) Eph. 6.11 armour of God The Lord looketh out of his Chariot (14) 2 Kings 9.32 Who is on my side Who by this will he finde whether we be for him or against him if (15) 1 John 2.29 3.7 3 John 11. we seek after holinesse as he is holy should so small a remnant as list themselves under his Banner neglect to fight a good fight (16) Acts 1.8 of faith What will God do unto his great Name True His (17) Psalm 62.11 is the power but it more becometh the Majesty of the Emperour to look on then to fight or if fight he do let the Adversary know that the Generals Souldiers love their Commander The (18) Heb. 2.10 Captain of our salvation must have glory from his followers as well as from his own Prowesse The Lord subdueth our Canaanitish affections but (19) Josh 23.10 1.7 Phil. 2.12 31 Joshus must fight the Lords battel the sword of the Spirit is the Lords but (20) Judg. 7.18 Gideon must draw it God winneth the Victory but (21) 2 Sam. 23.12 Shammah must stand his ground too accursed are we if when God is ready to work in us and by us we our selves (22) Judg. 5.23 come not in unto the help of the Lord If we hold our peace His glory (23) Esther 4.14 Eph. 5.16 will not he give unto another but who knoweth whether we are born in this backsliding generation for such a time as is this if as Saint Paul did Christ should complain No man (24) 2 Tim. 4.16 stood with me but all were against me the Lord would lay this to your charge and mine But the (25) 2 Cor. 5.14 love of Christ and not a fear for our selves should constrain us to stand upon our guards Let us draw out our affections Have we a King and (26) 1 Pet. 1.17 18 Heb. 12.4 such a King let us then resist our corruptions unto blood let us (27) Judg. 5.18 jeopard our lives that is (28) Matth. 10.39 save them let us jeopard our lives unto the death that is (29) Mark 10.30 exchange the for an everlasting life If the conspiracy be strong if Achitophel be in the conspiracy of his own accord Hushai the Archite will (30) 2 Sam. 15.32 both rent his coat and cover his head with earth If David be in a strait Abishai the son of Zerviah (31) 2 Sam. 21.17 will succour him Christians stand to your Armes keep to your Colours follow your Leader even the Captain of your salvation for Legions of Devils and a world of men are risen up against him O be not ye like unto them whose damnation is just but resist (32) 1 Pet. 5.9 stedfast in the faith Though ten (33) 1 Kings 12.20 Hos 4.15 Tribes revolt let Judah walk with God and if nine Lepers neglect their duty let not the (34) Luke 17.15 17 tenth fail to testifie his thankfulness Let God instance in us as he did (35) Job 1.8 in his servant Job Let the Devil know that (36) 1 John 4.5 6 all are not of the world that are in the world Let not the Lord of our hosts want a Souldier to fight his spiritual battels so long as (37) Psalm 104.33 you and I have any breath in our bodies although all men should forsake him let us perfectly cleave unto him By how much the more he is dishonoured by others by so much the more let him be by us glorified Creatures void of reason cannot those void of grace should but will not but God give us grace that as well as we can we may zealously bring glory unto the Throne of his Holinesse Prophanesse spreadeth from one corner of the Land unto the other it is therefore high time for us to bestir (38) See Mr. Baxters Now or Never our selves it now concerneth us that our God be by us glorified more then ever Again Naturally a right understanding will no lesse desire to cleave unto the living God then a dying creature would struggle to prolong life Nor is it possible there can be invented a greater Doom then to be for ever justly separated from the only God When at length the last the just the terrible the avenging day is fully come Depart from me ye cursed will then [1] Matth. 7.23 21.41 be the last the blackest sentence The foreknowledge of this one truth makes [2] James 2.19 even the proudest of the Devils stoop and tremble yet is this sentence this dismal sentence the unadvised choyce of every gracelesse person Fight against God the ungodly will although they dye for it in the place they will rather [3] Jonah 2.8 2 Chron. 15.2 Ezra 8.22 Esay 1.28 Psalm 9.17 hazard rather damn body and soul then not depart from the presence of their holy God thus unadvised wicked men are but why they are thus unadvised they themselves can in no wise pretend a reason No [4] Matth 27.23 evil hath Christ done that the Jewes should all of them be thus maliciously bent against him nor is there iniquity
just sicabitur omnis case coâ—am illo accipentes quippe mandatum seatientes defectum clamabimus in coelum miserebitur nostri Deus S. Bernardus Serm. 50 in Contic seek Gods face in vain Object Where then lyeth the Controversie Answ In mans pronesse to [1] Rom. 9.20 We are like him in Seneca Dic aliquid ut simus duo dispute against God Sirs Truth [2] John 8.32 would free us from extreams would we receive a love of the truth For instance Them that are without the pales of the Church God [3] 1 Cor. 5.13 judgeth therefore What have we to do to [4] 1 Cor. 5.12 judge them that are without Next since we of this Kindom are a people near [5] Psal 148 14 unto the Lord let every man mind his own Duty [6] Phil. 2.12 2 Pet. 1.10 If the Lord will that John should tarry in the flesh until Jesus [7] John 21.21 22 come in his fury against Jerusalem what hath Cephas to do with that Let Peter follow Jesus and leave John unto his Masters pleasure Thitdly The good Angel in my Text would quickly roll away the stone would we cease to interpose our thoughts [8] Esay 55.8 9 against Gods thoughts Had the woman of Samaria known the [9] John 4.10 gift of God instead of urging [10] John 4.12 Art thou greater then our Father Jacob she would have asked [11] John 4.15 Sir give me of this water that I thirst not On the other side While Naaman is wroth [12] 2 Kings 5.10 11 12 13 14 Omnis fessinatio caecaest Seneca de Renefic l. 3. c. 3. Lukc 16.15 to see his opinion crossed he continueth as leprous as ever The Question was not whether had been the better manners in home-bred Elisha to send his messenger or to come out himself unto Prince Naaman Nor whether was a more probable course like our Princes which heal the Kings Evil to move the hand over the place affected or meerly to wash it with cold water no nor yet what was most seemly in a Prophet whether to send a stranger unto an unheard of practice or to stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God no nor whether were to be preferred Abana and Pharpar or the Rivers of Israel nor lastly whether the waters of Jordan were cleansing waters No The state of the question was Whether [13] 1 Cor. 1.20 25 27 28 29 How brâ—â—ish and below our thoughts is the manner of mans generation and yet God is pleased from that brutishnesse of humane nature to raise unto himself his own Image even a nature exalted above the nature of Angels Water in Baptism how common an element Bread Wine are ordinary food and yet by these God vouchsaseth to convey his Spirit â—rby Answ The more inconsiderable the meanes of any mercy or grace the more plainly God is seen to be the Author of that mercy and grace 1 Cor. 3.7 Jordan could cleanse from the Leprosie then when the Lord said Wash in Jordan and Jordan shall cleanse Just so The Question is not whether a natural man can discern the things of God for we are all of us born spiritually blind no nor yet whether the Lords Christ can give sight unto the blind for unto God all things are possible but whether clay and spittle even earthen Vessels may not then help men to their sight when Christ so ordaineth Sure I am in every Ordinance of His the power of his [14] Luke 5.17 Spirit is ready to heal A leprosie we all bring with us into the world and let Gehazi reprobate as he is accompt upon it that he shall dye leprous but if Christ bid a man shew himself unto the Priest though that man were a Samaritane I would not [15] Luke 17.16 question his recovery Except a man be born ugain drawn of God endued with Christs Spirit c. there can be no entring into the Kingdom of Heaven It is confessedly true And of this truth both the Jewes were frequently animadvertized and the Gentiles throughly informed and herein great was the loving kindnesse of God unto both Jew and Gentile but Christian in the mean space what signifieth the ministery of the Gospel Is not the ministration of the Gospel the [16] 2 Cor. 3.8 administration of the Spirit Verily it is Unto them who are without [17] 2 Cor. 4.3 the pales of the Church our Gospel is hid unto them within hid it need not be It is I say the savour of death unto death [18] 2 Cor. 2.16 only unto such as chuse death rather then life Object Without me ye [1] John 15.5 can do nothing Answ By God thou [1] Acts. 17.28 movest Tell me is that a pretence for thee that thou canst not stir Rather as I have already answered it is [2] Phil. 2.13 an argument that thou mayest stir if thou wilt That which thou sowest thou sowest not [3] 1 Cor. 15.37 that body that shall be but bare grain yet be not deceived [4] Gal. 6.7 God is not mocked What thou sowest that thou [5] Gal. 6.8 therefore reapest because unto [6] 1 Cor. 15.38 every seed God giveth his [7] Matth. 7.7 Luke 11.13 sim own body The same God which [8] Matth. 16.27 maketh our obedience the measure of his heavenly gifts the same God which maketh our mortal life the beginning of life everlasting the same God which useth the blood in our veines to conveigh animal spirits the same God which frameth the body for the benefit of the soul the same God blessed for ever maketh use of our natural senses while he infuseth into us spiritual graces If we desire that God should [9] Heb. 2.3 12.25 Hos 2.15 Psalm 126.5 Phil. 2.12 Despice ne parùm sit providum sperare ex aliis quod tibi ipse non praestes Plin. lib. 2. Epist. 10. Neverthelelse Ille facit ut nos faciamus quae praecipit nos non facimus ut ille faciat que-promisit Aug. Epist 143. see Psalm 57.3 Inspirat Charitatem ut quae discende novimus diligendo faciamus Therefore Phil. 2.12 13. Take the ball at the bound not be wanting unto us let not us be wanting unto our selves Unto your finest and smallest white thred tye that thred which you call brown tye unto that pack-threds unto that the smallest Twist unto the Twist a small cord to that a threefold cord to a threefold cord a Cart-roap to a Cart-roap a strong Cable and although the weaknesse of the first thred could not yet the strength of the Cable may wind up an Anchor of hope at the last Object But certainly it is non in mans power to come unto Christ Answ Where [1] Matth. 11.28 compared with Mat. 14.27 28 Christ calleth there is hope given that he will [2] John 6.37 give a power Samuel knew not the Lord at the first and
well knew the excellency of her gracious spirit that he aimeth to have our spirits like unto Hers His cost is your benefit His Liberal soul deviseth liberal things and by liberal things may He stand But may you and I glorifie our God [6] Gal. 1 24 in Him And as in Him so in his other Self whose untimely [7] Like Rachels Gen. 35.16 19. untimely not to her but unto us as Phil ip of Macedon spake of his friend Hipparchus Plutarch Apotheg death first gave life unto what you now read One especial matter which setteth forth the prayses of our God consisteth in [1] Psalm 66 16 Veritatem celare est aurum sepelire S. Aug. confess l. 12. what the Lord hath done for his chosen servants Our God is glorified in those divine Histories which tell us how great mercies the Lord poured upon Abraham Moses Joshua Samuel David Solomon c. He is glorified in such Scriptures as mention the prayses of Sarah Rebeccah Deborah Ruth Hannah Abigail and those other Matrons whose good examples are recorded for our learning There were that [2] Mat. 26.8 had indignation at Mary for pouring so precious ointment upon the Head of our Saviour neverthelesse it is the glory of our Saviour that Her prayse is [3] Mat. 26.13 in the Gospel May it likewise be interpreted unto the glory of our God if wheresoever this small Treatise shall finde acceptance there some of those blessings which the Lord vouchsafed unto this religious Gentlewoman be told for a memorial of her To the Right Worshipfull Sir JOHN HALES Baronet Encrease of favour with God and man SIR AMong those affectionate Kinsfolk so uncomfortably withheld from the solemn burial of your pious Aunt YOU her Dearest Nephew were a Chief Her embalmed Corps you did not see her spiced and perfumed Grave you could not attend I am bold therefore to place before you this Specimen of [1] [1] Illa quidem anima in societatem sidelium recepta landes nec curat nec quaerit humanas imitationem quaerit non laudem S. Aug. Epist 125. her Funerals A rough unpolished unhewn Tomb-stone it is a Stone worthy to be rolled away by the same hand which erecteth it Vouchsafe neverthelesse to approach unto it as [2] [2] Tumulum intuens pius esio unto her lively Monument For if the memory of this good Gentlewoman shall remain dear unto you you by delighting to imitate her vertues will partake of Her happinesse past and present You will during life obtain peace and after death life more abundant Dominae Dorotheae Rutter Vera Effigies Martij 21 mo 1661 2 Anno Aetatis suae ult et 31 mo Life more abundant in her lookes you see Picture her Soule a Heav'nly Saint is Shee Sir I willingly promise my self this blessing because it farreth with those good Christians who bury their Friends as it doth with us Ministers when we are crucified with Christ Espy us in the Town you see us in black mourning for the sinfulnesse of the World but meet us in the Temple you finde us in white rejoycing at the purity of the Gospel just so when good Christians have buried their dead if their thoughts reach no further then this World well may they cloath themselves in mourning but let their thoughts follow their dead unto their Fathers House and then their grief and sorrowes are swallowed up in Joy and Rejoycings From my Study April 3d. 1662. COnsider this dear and worthy Gentlewoman first as She was a part of this world next as She was a Member of the Church and thirdly as She is present with the Lord within the mansions in her Fathers House In every of these you will see plentiful matter layed before you for the prayses of Our God First In the things of this Life It is the glory of our God that while he [1] Psalm 17.14 giveth unto the wicked their portion only in this life He is also in the things of this life sometimes bountiful as well unto the [2] Matth. 5.45 just as unto the unjust thus he was unto [3] Gen. 13.2 6 Abraham and thus he was unto this [4] Gal. 3.7 Daughter of Abraham From the Cradle which first danced at the voyce of her cryes unto the grave which now bewaileth her silence little very little cause there was why Her heart should be troubled For instance The more loyal our affections be toward our most gracious Soveraign Lord the King the more honour we have for that Sexe which gave conception and birth unto his sacred Majesties sacred Person Adam he [1] Gen. 3.20 calleth his wives name Evah Why Answ Because she was the Grandmother of Christ in whom all are made alive Beloved Let not the community of a Blessing bury that Blessing in oblivion The Friend of whom we now speak was a Daughter in Israel to wit One of that Sexe which had both the Happinesse and the Honour to bring the Great Redeemer of all mankind into the World As for her lineage I am no Herald yet this I can say as by wedlock she matched into a [1] For she was married unto Michael Rutter of Burton on the Hill in the County of Glou. Esquire worthy Family a Family of a just esteem a Family of a good and [2] See page 117. of the Vale Royal of England viz. The County Palatine of Chester illustrated by Dan. King long descent so She her Self was no Filia terrae It is of God that while one Family is low and obscure another is superiour and exalted This Gentlewoman was of the later and superiour sort She was the branch the off-spring of a very Generous Stock I shall utter more then in other words I can so well expresse if I tell you she was a [3] Of which Family see Dugdals Surveigh of Warwicksh HALES a HALES no way over-reached by any specious pretences of hypocritical Rebels Whereas the honesty of some great Ones is rugged and the seed of their goodnesse unformed for want of an early education it was not so with this Friend she was highly civilized Indeed Her education was as well became Her Eminent birth very singular Furthermore it was as successeful-as exquisite Her wealth was suitable unto her birth The blessing of the Lord made her rich and he added no sorrow with it Her body that body which now sleepeth in Jesus was herein a picture of her soul upright and graceful In the natural endowments of her mind she surpassed many of her equals She had a tenacious memory an elegant fancy a piercing judgement and a deep understanding Her acquired parts were no lesse remarkable She read much and much unto her benefit witnesse her language alwayes apposite witnesse her habitual transcendent elocution and from that again the law of kindnesse which was ever in her lips together with that charity and that piety which so often perfumed her familiar Discourse Although she could not
be born but she must be [1] Job 14.1 born to know sorrow surely goodnesse and mercy followed her all the dayes of her life Even in all his Dispensations toward her so favourable unto her were the providences of her God that most usually her sorrowes and mourning were recompenced with joy and gladnesse True She knew the losse of Children but she never [1] Esay 47.8 sat as a Widow Bury some Kinred she did bury some Kinred if she her self would live she must but the God of our life which removed from her some Friends exalted other of her Kinred as surviving blessings The same God which suffered her to close the eyes of her dearest Parents instead of her Parents hath given unto her [1] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eurip. in Oreste children hopeful Children She lived to see the captivity * During our late Wars of our Zion but as Moses from Mount Nebo did before his death behold the promised Canaan so neither did she depart this life until having with [1] Heb. 2.1 the Prophet watched to see what the Lord would say She did with [2] Psal 85.8 the Psalmist hear him speak peace unto his people and to his Saints As she prayed for the peace of our Jerusalem so she saw her prayers answered She left not this transitory world until she had first seen that Deliverance which the great God hath most mercifully and most miraculously brought unto us his most unworthy people Hitherto you have chiefly seen what praises we owe unto the divine Majesty in the behalf of this dear Friend for common mercies Beloved although the bountiful God scattereth these blessings of his left hand as well upon the evil as upon the good yet when these worldly favours are placed in and imparted unto an elect Vessel they then begin to be spiritual Blessings Wherefore as God hath had the glory of his Benefits unto this singular Friend of ours in the things of this life so blesse we the Name of the Lord for that large portion of true Riches which she received in things appertaining unto a better life Concerning things appertaining unto the Gospel God was very gracious unto this singular Gentlewoman for she was exceeding happy in [1] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 prudent and religious Parents By them not out of custome but out of a religious choyce she was consecrated in Baptism unto their God By them she was brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord By them she was trained up in the way she should walk in which way of holinesse she kept unto the end Hence it was that she was so great a lover of good Books of good [1] Scias ipsum plurimis virtutibus abundare qui alienas sic amat Plin. lib. 1. Ep. 17. men of Lords dayes of holy Festivals and of holy Ordinances But over and above these outward priviledges of the Gospel as she walked uprightly so the Lord God Her Sun and Shield had [1] Psalm 84.11 vouchsafed unto her his free grace I say over and above these outward priviledges she had that one blessing which maketh all the rest such for the holy God withheld not from her his holy his blessed Spirit The most merciful and most gracious Father of Lights did by his good Spirit lead her in the way that she should walk in He guided her obedient soul by His Counsel and hath now received her unto his glory That is the last In the life of Glory Of this what shall I report Might her blessed soul descend hither unto us She would now tell us things which cannot be by me uttered What Our eyes have not seen what Our eares have not heard what our hearts cannot conceive that would Her glorified Soul reveal unto us We I trust shall go to Her She you know shall not come to us only This This is our Comfort that As Solomon removed the Ark from the Tabernacle unto the Temple so the Son of David even the person speaking in my Text He hath translated the soul of this Saint from her earthly Tabernacle unto the mansions in his Fathers house For this also it is our Duty to give much thanks unto our God Quest But how shall we best expresse this our thankfulnesse Answ By endeavouring as she endeavoured after a sanctified enjoyment of every of Gods blessings This Gentlewoman whose whole life was a continued thankfulnesse unto the God of her mercies may be unto us both a Motive unto religious thanksgivings and an Example A Motive for [1] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that this righteous Gentlewoman shall be had in everlasting remembrance assuring us that the prayse of a Gospel-Conversation endureth for ever An Example because she could and did shew us Her faith by Her works viz. She made the Blessings of this World serviceable unto the blessings of the Gospel and When at any time troubles arose in her heart she believed in God she believed also in Christ The greatest part of her Conversation I say the greatest part of it was not only a Practice but a Pattern of Piety Look upon her self-denyals She was as I told you very well descended But did any of you ever hear her boasting her Ancesters She had Wealth at will but Did she make it an occasion unto pride With plenty she possessed the right the humble the spiritual enjoyment of plenty Others make it their businesse to be not Christian but vainly Gentile but she instead of drowning a Christian in a Gentlewoman taught Gentility to adorn Christianity Others are more for the broidering of the hair then for the Ornament of a meek Spirit Was she so Others are more for the pride of life then for the beauty of holinesse Was she so She was none of that sort of Gentry which like S. Chrysostomes Schoolmaster [1] When Liban us who had tought Chrysostome in Philoâ—o by was asked who should succeed him in teaching Libanius answered No one but Chrysostom had not the Christians won him to them Platina in vita Zosomi repute Christs Ministers therefore contemptible because Christs Ministers She was very well educated but was she more a Courtier then a Saint Could any prophane Esau keep her by her Chimney-side then when health allowed her to attend Gods Ordinances in Gods House She had good elocution But was guile found in her mouth I speak this to her praise She detested hypocrisie in another much in her self more On the other side She was a lover of good persons because [1] Ut de pictore aut de sculptore nisi artisex judicare non possit ita nisi sapiens non possit perspiccre sapientem Plin. lib. 1. Ep. 10. good Not long since [1] viz. Octob. 15. 1660. my very good Lady [2] The Lady Ann Overbury late widow of Sir Giles Overbury Knight went comfortably from her own house unto the mansions in her Fathers House Friends You never heard this Gentlewoman
thereof we (3) 2 Cor. 12.10 Est quaedam stere volupt as take pleasure in infirmities The Lord hath set adversitie over against prosperity (4) Symmachus Cajetanus in locum to the end that man should finde nothing worthy complaint 5 nothing therefore wearisome because alwayes the same That life is certainly the least burdensome which is checkered as well with the darknesse of affliction as with the light of gladnesse Yeares would slip from us like a dream did neither vanitie nor (5) Eccles 1.2 vexation keep us awake Winter is (6) Gen. 8.22 every whit as seasonable as is either Spring or Autumn and frosts not only purge but (7) Job 37.10 Matth. 5.4 please Then the morning is comfortable when weeping (8) Psal 30.5 endured a whole night and the likeliest course to reap in joy is to sowe (9) Psa 126.5 in teares A holy rest prepareth for (10) Exod. 20.9 six dayes labour and when by (11) 1 Cor. 7.20 24 2 Thess 3.10 walking in our Vocations we have gotten a (12) Mat. 5.6 Esay 58.13 spiritual appetite the first day of the week will be more the (13) John 20.1 19 Acts 20.7 1 Cor. 16.2 Revel 1.10 Lords day then our own without (14) There is such a thing as Mos populi Dei As every society so the Church besides her habemus legem hath her habemus consuetudinem Men have so great a good liking to duties which be afterward their customes that they are remembred without book neither need they be put in writing as Lawes and Statutes are Bishop Andrews Serm. 13. of the Resurrection The Civil Law speaking of Custom saith Imò magnae authoritatis hoc jus habetur quòd in tantum probatum est ut non fuerit scripter comprehendere necesse Pandect 1. Tit. 3. de legibus 35. Once call to mind what provision God made in the old Testament for his Ministery by Tithes and Offerings and for his publique worship not only on every seventh doy bùt in very many other yearly festivals and except you will either deny God your Rom. 12.1 reasonable service or else degrade the 2 Cor. 3.7 8 9 10 11. ministration of the Gospel below the ministration of death you must openly acknowledge that concerning either the maintenance of Gods Ministery or solemn dayes for Gods worship under the new Testament the holy and blessed Spirit need not 1 Thess 1.8.4.9.5.1 2. 1 John 2.27 Heb. 8.12 Esay 35.8 write unto us more then what is already written and received in the 1 John 2.7 old Testament Wherefore if any disclaim the observation of other our Holy dayes Psalm 81.3.42.4 Esther 9.26 27. John 10 22. much more if any disclaim the observation of the Lords day it is sufficient if we reply first with the first Nicene Counsel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Deut. 4.12 Job 8.8 Jer. 6.16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 next with the Apostle 1 Cor. 11.16 we have no such custom neither the Churches of God videas Cyril in Joan. l. 12. c. 58. As Christ substituted the Lords Supper instead of the Posseover so did he the Lords day in the Jewish Sabbaths room saith Athanasius further scruple I say In the Kindome of grace Look how many the troubles of the righteous are so many are their (1) Rom. 8.28 Psalm 34.19.50.15 83.18 opportunities of glorifying God as God First amidst equal paines variety affordeth some ease and the more (2) Rom. 101.1 amant alterna Camaenae vicissitudes we finde the lesse we nauseate our wearisome lives Next It is both (3) Jerem. 10.24 judgement from God and mercy to us that we are corrected The (4) Rom. 6.23 wages of sin is death now because the deadly wound and killing stroke lighted upon Him who (5) Rom. 5.6 7 8 most willingly dyed for us meet it is that we our selves (6) 2 Sam. 12.13 14 10 should feel some smart That we may perceive how heavy a curse we had (7) Gal. 3.10 13 layen under had not the only Son of God been made a curse for us meet it is that (8) Gal. 6.5 every man should bear some part of his own burden and most kindly it is that we (9) Matth. 20.23 taste although we do but taste that bitter Cup the dregs whereof the mighty Redeemer drank in our stead In the third place more (10) Heb. 12.1 easily sin besetteth us the the more circumspectly we do at least the more circumspectly we should walk In (11) Mic. 7.8 Luke 12.35 dark nights we are careful to keep (12) Perdidistis utilitatem calamitatis S. August our Lamps burning If ought can draw us out of Gods blessing it is the (13) Deut. 6.12 Prov 1.32 Woe to the house where there is no chiding warm Sun as for stormes they compell us to have (14) Luke 12.32 Psalm 119.71 our loynes girt Fourthly where sorrow for sin aboundeth there thankfulnesse for free grace much more (15) Rom. 5.20 aboundeth when the letter killeth then (16) 2 Cor. 3.6 Christ cometh that we may have life and that we may have it (17) John 10.10 more abundantly Fifthly the more grievous godly sorrow is for the present (18) Heb. 12.11 afterward the more it bringeth forth the peaceable fruits of righteousnesse Sixthly If we were without chastisement whereof all are (19) Heb. 12.8 partakers we should then seem to our selves bastards and not Sons Whom thou Lord lovest them thou (20) Heb. 12.6 chastenest O shew me some (21) Psa 86.17 At tu si modò sum caelesti stirpe creatus Ede notam tanti generis meque assere coelo Ovid. Psalm 23.4 Revel 3.19 token for good A seventh particular I will be (22) Pse 31.7 glad and rejoyce in thy mercy for thou hast considered my trouble and hast known my soul in adversities Unto us in the Kingdom of grace Calamities are trials as woll of (23) Pse 20.6 41.11 Gods goodness as of (24) Deut. 8.2 16 Judges 2.22 3.1 our own It is matter worthy our thanksgiving unto God that the shoe waxeth not old upon the (25) Deu 29.5 Pilgrims foot or that his weather-beaten garment abideth new If the Prophets Widow be poor God will (26) 2 Ki. 4.1 7 pay her debts and that Widow in Zarephath shall not want for a (27) Ps 104.15 chearful countenance so long as her Cruse is (28) 1 Kings 17.16 filled with Oyle Elijah will (29) 1 Kings 17.6 want bread to chuse forasmuch as his God (30) Psa 147.9 feedeth the Ravens O my God the bones which thou (31) At Sir Thomas Overburies gate Monday Jan. 29th 1654. hast broken do (32) The Lord do good unto the house of the Overburies for then when I was mortally bruised they tenderly refreshed me 1 Tim. 1.16 rejoyce for during my weaknesse thou didst (33) A week together at Sir Thomas Overburies
suat qui Phâ—losophantur Ulpian de excus leg 5. finde the promise of this life neverthelesse be it that Ahab speedeth the better for humbling his heart or that Israel procure corn and wine by howling [2] Hos 7.14 Uxor dicitur quae dotem habet concubina vero quae non habet upon their bed or that every hypocrite hath the whole reward which he looketh after yet still while he preferreth things temporal before things eternal his soul is more like a* concubine then a spouse Yea let a man suck out the [3] Disce gaudere caetera bilares levitates sunt mihi crede res severa est verum gaudium Quid sit islu l interrogas Dicam ex bonâ consciâ—nt á ex honest's consiliis ex rectis actionibus Seneca lib. 3. Ep. 13. ad Lucil. sweets of Vertue let his soul delude her self with the common works of the Spirit and mistake counterfeit grace for true grace I confesse no heathen Philosopher could ever attain so near no not unto this lifes happinesse I say the soul that perisheth cannot finde a more self-pleasing practice wherewith to feed empty hopes yet still this happinesse is only in this life it is but a perishing happinesse As young as he was that dying Prince of Loraine could say [4] O Domine Jesu quem meritò praecepisti muâ—di contemptum O Lord Jesu most deservedly hast thou required our contempt of this world And Philip the third of Spain [5] Nihil confert regemesse nisi ut in morte cruciet suisse Mendoza in 1 Sam. Tom. 1. Page ult protested All the sweet which I have found in being a King only serves to embitter my death Beloved it fareth not so with the Kingdome of grace To believe in God to believe in his Christ does as well in death as in life raise for us Matter of Thankfulnesse unto God viz. First For [1] Psalm 19.11 giving us to [2] Gen. 2.17 understand our [3] Rom. 7 8 9 lost condition Who [4] Gen. 3.11 told us that we were naked Children of wrath we [5] Ephes 2.3 are by nature but who hath warned us to [6] Matth. 3.7 flee from wrath If God say unto Abimelech Thou art [7] Ephes 2.1 Gen. 20.3 a dead man there is mercy [8] Ephes 2.7 intended for Abimelech Whether we heed it or heed it not Guilt dwelleth in us It is therefore of thy free mercy O our God that the Scripture hath [9] Gal. 3.22 concluded us all under sin Secondly For delivering us from so great a death Gnashing of teeth weeping wailing This was our portion for ever Ah who among us can abide darknesse which may be felt perpetual darknesse perpetual darknesse in a bottomlesse pit in a bottomlesse pit streaming with brimstone even with everlasting burnings With everlasting burnings kindled by the breath of the Lord by the breath of Him [1] Horresco resereas unto whom vengeance belongeth even of a provoked Judge of an enraged Father in short of a jealous angry furious God! O give thanks unto the Lord for his mercy endureth for ever Thirdly For redeeming us not only from torment but from damnation Friends though we must all appear before the judgement seat of God yet there is [1] Rom. 8.1 no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus A Malefactor reprieved at the place of Execution escapeth death yet was he in a peck of cares in a bodily fright he trembled every joint of him then when he held up his hand at the Bar he looked as pale as that death which he feared at what time sentence was pronouncing against him But ye Beloved give glory to the Father of mercies Although the ungodly [2] Psalm 1.5 cannot the righteous shall [3] Psalm 37.33 stand in judgement That great and last day terrible to unbelievers to you shall be a day of [4] Revel 12.10 absolution a day of [5] Ephes 4.30 redemption a day of [6] Acts 3.21 restitution a day of [7] Luke 21.28 exaltation yea of exultation rejoycing and triumph Christians you shall be so far from dreading judgement that you your selves shall [8] 1 Cor. 6.2 judge the Angels Fourthly For preserving us as in Judgement so in death Unto us death shall be not our fear but our hope not our sting but our gain When we shall like the Priests [1] Luke 1.8 in the Temple have sinished our course we shall then [2] Revel 14.13 Heb. 4.9 rest from our labours We shall not only rest but [3] Psalm 127.2 sleep sleep we [4] Dan. 12.2 shall and shall sleep [5] 1 Thes 4.14 in Jesus Thanks be unto God for our life in death Fifthly For begetting us unto a [1] 1 Pet. 3.1 lively hope We who [2] Esay 48.8 from the tombe unto [3] John 3.3 our new birth have [4] Esay 1.2 Jerem. 5.23 Ezek 2.7 fought against [5] Psalm 2.6 10.16 our King had high cause to despair of obtaining mercy Against our dread Soveraign even then when He Himself stood at at the door [6] Rev. 3.20 and knocked we have shut the door of our Imagination which should ever conceive of him not evil but good the door of our Memory which should never let him go the door of our Vnderstanding which should in all our wayes acknowledge him the door of our Affections which should rejoyce in him above all that can be desired the door of our Conscience which should ever admit him a witnesse unto all our deeds words and thoughts These [7] Psalm 24.7 everlasting doores have we bolted against him wherefore most equal it is that he should shut against us every [8] Hos 2.15 Matth. 25.10 Prov. 1.26 28 door of hope yet lo before we call He answereth yea He expostulateth [9] Ezek. 18.31 Why will ye dye He saith unto us [10] Ezek. 16.6 Live What compassions he bare unto his Brethren Joseph [11] Gen. 42.17 concealed How Esau would deal [12] Gen. 32.7 by Jacob Jacob was not worthy to foreknow but for the righteous light is [13] Psalm 97.11 sown Our life which is given us for a prey is [14] 2 Tim. 1.10 brought to light doth not hang in doubt before us Sixthly For the exercise of godlinesse When the (1) Saper King of Persia led about the Roman (2) Valeriames Emperour captive so often as he took Horse he trod upon the back of this Emperour the late Emperour of Rome was now made an Upping stock Beloved the King of Heaven doth not like that King of Persia Upon us he trampleth not His enemies he (3) Psalm 110.1 Esay 63.3 doth his redeemed ones he doth not make his footstool VVe are not handled we are not (4) Judges 1.7 thumbed as were those seventy Kings whom Adoni-bezek used worse then dogs God neither fettereth nor cageth us as Tamerlan did Bajazet