of wickedness The very plowing of the wicked is sin their whole design is to dig descents into Hell they are true drudges to the Devil they plow iniquity sow wickedness Job 4. v. 8. arrant serunt occant scelera they drudge night and day turning up all the corruption in their hearts and conveniences in the world for the effecting of their devices all their expences and endeavours is to this end Thus Alexander the great promised a Crown of an hundred and eight poud weight to the men that drunk themselves dead and thus Charles the ninth of France gave Albertus Tudius an Hucksters son six hundred thousand Crowns to teach him to swear with a grace and make him an exact Artist in his impiety In a word they are sinners in action not only in intention They devise iniquity on their beds and act it when the day is light because it is in the power of their hand Mica 2.1 Suggestion are smoothered in the godly and prophaneness in them seldome passeth into purpose but this seed soon springs in prophane soil and having conceived it brings forth not onely purposes but practises also Jam. 1. 15. they are sinners of duration not transiency they continue in their course of prophaneness the practice of sin is the prison of the pious if they fall they recover by repentance Isa 56.12 but in the palace of the prophane they cry out to morrow shall be as this day and much more abundant they abide in their wicked course against friendly counsels misteriall reproofs checks of conscience and corrections of Gods severe hand they will not be warned nay if God hedge up their way they leap hedges and rush into sin as the horse into the battle Ier. 8 6. and will not be restrained they carry guilt without any remorse and run on in profaneness without any return they are workers of wickedness who never cease till they compleat the estate of darkness designed by their master the Divell they are sinners of diligence and delight not sloth or reluctancy they play at acts of piety and are therein careless and superficiall but work wickedness with all their skill and will laying out study and strength on sin as sold to work it so far are they from slipping any opportunity that they rise early and seek occasions of sin and make provision for the flesh they compass sea and land contrive conveniences and stir up corruptions admit no check or curb of conscience but as spurred go on from evill to evill and wax worse and worse so that this is the first note of such who may prosper in the world they are workers of wickedness to whom you must confess all wrath and woe doth belong Rom. 2.8.9 and therefore it may seem strange that they should who yet do prosper and yet they are not onely workers of wickedness But 2. Note of prophaness Mich. 7.3 Secondly Proud workers of wickedness not onely do these men do wickednesse with both hands earnestly Exodus 18.11.21.11 but they also deale arrogantly boyling and swelling with spite and spleen against God and his people pursuing their own ends confidently and daring Proud haughty and scornfull is their name Prov. 21.24 they swell in their own sence unto the forgetting God and themselves and the scorn and contempt of others they are insolent towards men and impudent towards God in the pride of their heart they disdain the poor and oppresse them Psal 10.2 their hearts swell with such apprehensions of their estate and enjoyments that their eyes do sparkle with pride they are of haughty and scornfull looks their hands can act nothing but appression vengeance and destruction to the Mordecai and his people who deny to adore their Hamam like pride their tongues can speak nothing but braggs boastings and arrogancy their very jesture is a Comment on their pride they are so lifted up they think none is or can be like them their enjoyments are in their eyes unparalleled unchangeable excellencies and therefore they require all prostration of others to their pride their haughtiness can abide no obstruction but their wrath swells to the ruine and removall of them who dis-respect their dignity and disobey their unjust demands they taunt at the godly in their adversity and insult over their calamity with an Ha Ha so we would have it where is now your God Psal 35.21.137.3 Mat 27.43 sing us your Hebrew songs he trusted in God let him save him if he will have him they sit in security and say they shall not bee moved their purposes they pursue with the height of resolution because with in the power of their hands We will pursue we will overtake we will destroy are their proud terms towards Gods Israel Exo 15.9 so that they can admit no parity among men nor parly between reason their own proud thoughts nor are they more insolent towards men then impudent towards God appropriating to themselves their own power might acquirement what they hold by divine indulgence Our high hand Deu. 32.27 Dan. 4.30 not the Lord hath done all this Is not this great Babell which I have built for the house of my kingdom by the might of my power and for the honour of my majesty is their proud boasting language witnessing that they forget God that ruleth in the Kingdome of men and hence they arrogate to themselves the honour and adoration as did the Roman Emperours which only belongeth unto God their Image must be worshipped on pain of a fiery furnace and prayers must be presented to no God save themselves on pain of a Lions den and in the haughtiness of their spirit they blspheme Gods holy name denying his power with Sennacherib who is the God that can deliver out of my hand Isa 37. and determine the execution of their own purposes in despight of God as did Pope Julius in eating his porke-flesh as if omnipotency should not hinder them nay such is their pride that they break all bonds and presume to intermeddle with holy things without their sphere Corah's conceipt of the peoples holinesse carrieth not onely to the contempt of Moses and Aaron but unto a proud preposterous unwarrantable approach to God Vzziah is no sooner made mighty by the Lord but his heart is lifted up and he breaks all order and thinks scorn to be limited in any act he takes a Censer and goes into the Temple to offer incense 2 Chron. 26.18 nor will he be by the Priest of God warned to desist his sin in a word he is so proud that he forgets God by whom he subsists and strives against God who can soon break him in pieces blasphemeth the Lord who is jealous of his name and although God hate the workers of iniquity and resist proud doers yet these are the men that meet with prospering providences for a time 3. These men are yet more wicked 3. note of prophaness for they are proud
Foelix scelus Querela piorum ET Auscultatio Divina OR Prospering prophaneness provoking Holy conference and Gods Attention in which you have The Happy estate of the wicked The Holy exercise of the godly The Hazard and event of both Plainly propounded in sundry sermons preached at Botolphs Algate London and after contracted in two sermons preached in Peters Church in West-Chester July 17. 1659. Now published to the counsell and confirmation of the godly and check of the false surmises and reports of the wicked By ZACHARY CROFTON Job 1â— 5 He that is ready to slip with his feet is as a Lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease ver 6. The Tabernacles of the robbers prosper and they that provoke God are secure into whose hand God bringeth abundantly Psal 44.17 All this is come upon us yet have we not forgotten thee neither have we dealt falsly in thy covenant Psal 12.5 For the oppression of the poor for the sighing of the needy now will I arise saith the Lord to set him in safety from him who puffeth at him London Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the three Crowns aâ— the lower end of Cheapside 1660. To the Right worshipfull the Major Bayliffs and Burgesses of the ancient Corporation of Newcastle Underline in Staffordshire Right worshipfull and well beloved AMongst my many friends I have at this time made bold to prefixe your names to this small tract you have been my people and I doubt not but will bee my patrons you have already appeared my purgators from the reproaches which hereticall rage hath raised against me yet that is not the end of this Dedication the truth is Gods and I doubt not his defence of it and its Author but to express my hearty affections towards you I think I may say you know I love you I hope to rejoyce in many souls among you as seales of my Ministry I cannot but let the world know my Ministry afforded me most comfort among you The Lord forgive the sin of such as divided between me and you as my love is to you my care is for you A people you are obnoxious to temptation conversant in holy coÌ„ference so sit for these instructions you are subject to the same providences with other men and no less apt to be swayed by them against divine precepts your schismaticall neighbours studying to seduce you will without doubt ply you with the arguments of providence and the lukewarmness to and slighty recession from holy Ordinances of many among you the Skepticisme of others who change their tune with the time and company the separation already made by some and the Errastianisme of others making the Church no other then the Common-wealth in a religious dress decked by the looking glass of the civill Magistrates mind The attendance of the allegiance of some of you on whomsoever by a providence though never so prophanely can step into a chair of State but especially the late discords which have fallen out between you and your Ministers the rather for that as I have heard your Town hall hath though but for a time and that it may bee by connivance too become a Chappell of contradiction to your Church wherein the Lords day was spent in a different worship to what you profess cannot but make me fear that you too much incline to dance after providence beyond what God alloweth Scriptures doth direct I must confess if providence must be our rule universall toleration nay rather protection propagation of schiâ—me error and heresie must be our duty but I would desire that you may know the providences of God may dispose our condition but not direct our conversation I would beg you to approve your selves obedient to Scripture precepts whilst observant of successefull providences as sensible that one divine direction will afford more comfort in evil times then all providentiall dispensations notwithstanding therefore your eyes see to the trouble of your souls men of Atheisme irreligion perfidie perjurie schisme sacriledge subverting all civill Magistracie supplanting Gospel order blaspheming Gods truth and ordinances making schismes in and from Christ his Church and setting up themselves by sinfull projects and violent intrusion into Church and State yet prosper in this prophaneness tempting God by stout words and religiously espousing him by fasting prayers unto their horrid impieties and yet are delivered be you carefull you do not admire providence into illogicall and irreligious conclusions I would not darken any the dispensations of God to our Land but wish that in our revolutions all men may read that God ruleth in the kingdoms of men he pulleth down and setteth up by bis own soveraignty but my work and endeavour is to direct men to the righâ— husbanding of providence that successfull sin may not be lifted up with the crie of sanctity nor oppressed loyalty justice and piety bee dejected despised and disowned We live in changing days and therein great is the cry of providence the godly are censured for not dancing after providence into Jeroboams changes in Church and State whilst palpable positive prophaneness is pleaded for as piety and generation-work of God I pray you consider sad are the changes which are onely defended by after providences alteration may be of divine appointment yet disowned by God when effected by mens sinfull accomplishments they have set up Kings but not by mee saith God in a case against which Israel must not fight for this thing is from the Lord 1 King 12.21 Hos 8.4 It will never content a gracious heart to attain an end of Gods appointment unless by means of Gods approvement anointed David provoked by persecution durst not cut his way to the throne his heart smote him for cutting the lap of Sauls garment when providence put his head into his power Jeroboam for catching a Kingdom by a providence beareth this brand Jeroboam who made Israel to sin better it is to wait on walk with God in affliction then be the subjects of such providences to wander with David in a wilderness til God cleer the throne then with Jeroboam by perfidie sedition rebellion to rend away a Kingdom and possesse it themselves though this condition be of divine appointment But beloved Sirs that I may not too long parley with you at the threshold shall I be bold in the name of the Lord to propound unto you some few duties to be done by you in such days of providence shall I beg that in these evill times you will observe these four directions 1. Propound the word not providence of God as the reason of your faith and rule of conversation This not that is appointed to this end Jesus Christ by one providence might have made to himselfe many proselites yet would not allow it but ever referred his hearers to Scriptures the new lights of our age blaze much with providence but look you to the Law and the Testimonie if any speak
workers of wickedness and proceed to tempt God They sin with such daring presumption and speak such desperate blasphemous expressions as if designed to prove whether there be a God or he be a God of holinesse justice and power as he is deser bed Like prophane Israel they fret fume grudge grumble under their crossed expectation cry Is God in the midst of us Exod. 17.7 Can God spread a Table in the wilderness and prepare bread and flesh for his people As Psal 78.18 19 20. They dispute all divine threats and debate Gods very nature arraigning all the attributes of God at the barre of their proud fancy to be judged by their corrupt sence and blaspheming reason and so daringly resist divine direction like Israel rush out of a dogged diffidence into a desperate resolution of going to fight against Amaleck though warned by Moses to sit still in their places and not to go out to Warr for that God is not in the midst of them Numb 14 41 42 43 44 45. And presumptuously answer the Prophets of God with We will not hearken unto the voice of the Trumpet As for what thou hast spoken in the name of the Lord we will not do it but we will do what seemeth good in our own eyes Jer. 6.17.44.16 17. That by their daring presumptions they put Gods truth and justice so upon the test that he can no longer forbear but because of their abominations bring a curse on the Land v. 22. nay such is their hor-impudence that they do not onely debate but also blasphemously determine against the threatnings of justice crying out the destroying scourge shall not come nigh unto us we have made a Covenant with Hell and death and have made lyes our refuge and hid our selves under falshood Isa 28.15 Therefore they deride the messengers of God and mock his Prophets with an how went the Spirit of the Lord from me to thee 1 Kings 22.24 Watchman what of the night Isa 21.11 Where is the promise of his coming do not all things continue as they were 2 Pet. 3 Nay such is their impiety as to impeach Gods very holinessâ— and from his patience positively conclude him to be prophane and the pandor of all impiety they steal murder commit adultery and swear falsly and come and stand before God in the house where his name is called and say we are delivered to do all these abominations Jer. 7.9 They purpose and practice against plain precept most positive and unparallel'd prophanesse and crie providence providence leads us to it because God abides silent they say he is altogether such an one as themselves Psal 50.21 They conceive a mischievous device and come and enquire of the Lord They contrive by false accusations and horrid perjurie to shed innocent blood and Jesabel-like they proclaim a Fast S serious acts of piety are the prologues of their prophanesse in Nomine Dei in â—ipit omne malum they no sooner begin to fast and pray but sober men see and know their prophane purposes are near unto execution nor doth the wisdome and power of God passe their proud temptation for they attempt acts of cruelty and cry who is the God that shall deliver out of our hands crucifie Christ and his people and blasphemously insult he trusted in the Lord let him save him if he will have him trample on the righteous and triumph over them with a Where is now your God he persecutes the poor he boasteth of his hearts desire hee blesseth the Covetous whom God abhorreth through the pride of his countenance he will not seek after God God is not in all his thoughts his wayes are always grievous thy judgments are far above out of his fight as for all his enemies he puffeth at them his mouth is full of cursing and deceit under his tongue is mischief and vanity he croucheth and humbleth himself that the poor may fal by his strong ones yet he hath said in heart I shal not be moved s for all his enemies he puffeth at them he hath said in his heart God hath forgotten he hideth his face he will never see it The wicked contemn God he hath said in his heart Thou wilt not require it Psal 10. So thus these proud workers of wickednesse speak stout words against God and determine It is in vain to serve the Almighty they prophanely strive with their maker and put his truth holinesse power and justice to proof and provoke to the vindication of them And are not these the prophanest wretches Can we scrue iniquity one jot higher Can we chuse but wonder the Heavens fall not on their heads and the Earth devoureth them not alive yet these are the men whom prospering providences do frequently attend and so much for their persons The 2d thing to be considered is what prospering providences do attend these prophane wretches and in general All those providences which passe in common from the Creator to the Creature prophane men do and may possesse they have not indeed any the specialties of Grace holinesse and Covenant priviledges which stream in the blood of Christ unto Gods redeemed ones these strangers meddle not with these joys but peace plenty health honour wealth liberty all worldly terâ—â—ne sublimary mercy expressions of Gods goodnesse are extended to them and that in such abundance that as the Psalmist noteth They have more than heart 〈◊〉 wish They floâ—rish like the green 〈◊〉 tree and know no sorrow our Prophet doth very accurately describe the porsperitie of prophane men in the three steps thereof they are called Happy Set up Delivered 1 step of profane prosperity 1. The Proud are called happy they are accounted the only blessed men on earth they are objects of other mens admiration and applause they are esteemed and envied as the only possessors of good all men arise to give them honour and could wish their estate and enjoyments Their condition comments on Gods goodnesse and favour towards them They swim so in the fulnesse of their desire that they become the objects of all mens flatteries their happinesse shines with such splendour that their very attendants like Solomons young men are happie that they are so near none can or dare speak contemptibly of them nay men are their felicity to the silencing of reproof towards their impiety nay the very justifying of their wickednesse and crying all is well done Alexander wants not an Anaxarchus to set Justice by Jupiter Psal 49 18. and conclude all must be deemed just that is done by so great a King and that first by himself then by others though it be the murther of his dearest friend Clitus nor is it to be thought strange thâ—t men arise call them blessed and conclude them the happiest men on earth for that 2 They are set up 2 step of profane prosperity exalted by the hand of God to the highest of outward enjoyments They are set up in natures throne and blessed
language heavenly discourse godly conference the sweet breath of their sound hearts in an hypocriticall age the evidence of their hearts fullness of piety thus venting its abundance the expression of their care by the words of the wise to preserve knowledg whilst the evil communication of the prosperous prophane did corrupt good manners They that feared the Lord spak often one unto anthere whence we shall propound to your serious thoughts Doct. this observation or point of Doctrine The success of prophaneness must stir up the truly pious to speak often one to another Or thus Prospering prophaneness doth provoke the godly to frequent câ—nference Many are the exercises of piety enjoyned by the Lord to be duely performed by his people some are personal concerne only a particular soul but others are publick to be used unto the conviction of the wicked confirmatioÌ„ of the godly against all temptations that assault them and these are not only the administrations of word sacraments in and to the Church in general but also admonitions expostulations of particular Saints in more private and particular societies expressing the thoughts of their hearts by the help of the tongue and communicating their gifts and graces to each other by godly religions conference Godly conference and christian confabulation is an absolute duty and apparent act of the Communion of Saints Incumbent on all the members of Jesus Christ and brethren in the faith to be carefully performed by all that pray for and in their places propagate the perfection of the whole body by the supply of every particular Joynt This dutie is not indeed fixed unto time place and order as are some other acts of worship and dueties of religion but to be exercised as occasion calls for it and opportunitie doth enforce it no condition time or season is unsuitable for holy conference when ever good men have occasion of commerce and opportunity of serious communication yet some estates of the Church doth more enforce it and an enquirie of opportunitie to enjoy it then others when the tongues of the wicked do walke proudly through the earth the tongues of the godly must be tuned for Heaven when the prophane glutted with their prospering prouidences do speak pride and blasphemy and that in talking stoutly against God and and openly affirm it It is in vain to serve God it is no profit to walk mournfully before him all the day for that the proud are called happie Then above all times is it a time for them that feare the Lord to speak often one unto another though our words must be always seasoned with grace and our care must ever be to admonish one another yet more especially when assaulted with the temptation of prospering prophanenesse then our ordinary language and our often discourse must be holy conference This hath been the care and carriage of them that feared the Lord in all ages of the world you shall not find the old World filled with pride security and sensuallity but Noah the preacher of Righteousnesse will be speaking of and preparing for the approaching Flood Nor shall you read of the Captivity of Righteous Lot but also of Abrahams consultation with his chatechised servants for his rescue conference with Melchizedeck Israels oppression cannot increase by the pride of prosperous Egypt Gen. 14. but Moses Aron will confer of the mind of God concerning their deliverance and their own duty towards it Exod. 4.14.15 16. Sauls pride and blasphemies passe not without the serious conferences of Jonathan and David Sam. 18.19 Job is no sooner brought into distresse but his friends gather about him to conferre of the things of God though they make false conclusions yet they discoursed right â—eligious premises Ahab succeeds not in his idolatry but we shall finde the Prophet Elijah and Elisha and he and Obadiah in godly conference nor can Jesus Christ be crucified and blasphemed at Jerusalem Luk. 24.13 but his disciples will discourse as they walk to Emmans of the things that befell him nor shall the Roman Emperors in their prosperitie oppresse the Faith and afflict the Romane Christians but the Apostle Paul longs to see them to the end he may imparte unto them some spirituall good that they may be established we shall not read in sacred or Ecclesiastick storie of the successe of prophaneness which did not stir up the holy conference of the godly The fellowship of the Saints is never so visible as in the suffering seasons of the Church Arius prosperity unto persecution made the Orthordox resort one to another with frequencie Marian pride in the successe of Poperie made the Protestant reformers to confer with diligence the things of truth and of salvation the late prelaticall crueltie was the spur of the Puritans Conventicles as in derision their holy conferences were called for in such times as these if ever Communion of Saints is necessary profitable and comfortable for then they That feare the Lord speak often one to another By way of complaint of sin and sorrow the wickednesse of men and darke providences of God that the heart may be affected with both and they may as becomes them mourn for the abominations which abound and the blasphemies which are proudly belched against God his name truth Ordinances and people in this day of prospering prophanenesse and duly pray the diversion of these darke providences which are so dishonourable to God and discouraging to Godlinesse sin must not succeed in the World or sorrow seize on the Saints without their sensible observation and sad but serious expostulation with God and each with others by way of confirmation each of others spirit against the strong influence of so sore temptations we have before noted that the prosperity of the wicked is a very great stumbling stone to the godly at this David spurned and had almost slipt unto the condemning the generation of the iust Psal 7.3.7 and charging vanity on the course of piety On this Peter fell to the denyall of his Lord and Master making him with more then ordinary earnestnesse enquire his affection to him Peter lovest thou me Peter lovest thou me Peter lovest thou me It is strange if Ahabs insolency in his Idolatry make not all even the best of Israell to halt between two opinions and most to fall into flat and open Idolatry when the multitude do evill those few who will not follow them have need to cleave close together if ever the feâ—ble knees must be strengthened it must be when they stumble at the prosperity of prophanenesse If ever the godly will be armed against impiety it must be when it ascends the there and becomes the stirrop of authority and sole principle of preferment and if they will ever speakne couragingly of waiting on God and walking with him in holinesse it must be when most men discouragingly determine God hath forsaken the Earth doth not regarde the righteous It 's in
honour on them then ever Ahashuerosh did on Mordecay when by the record of his good service his oblivion was allarum'd for his compassion doth work towards them he is peirced to the heart with this holy language his pity is provoked to spare them as a man spareth his own son which serveth him Nay his complacency is in them they shall be his is propriety and his jewels in peculiarity whose hearts cause such holy language in so bad and evil times but of these I shall speak more fully hereafter we see then what delight God takes in holy conference no tender parent can with more delight listen to the tatlings of her babe or lay up in her heart the pretty prudent reasons urged by the child and set her heart on the childe with more serious and compassionate affections then God doth to his people in their holy conference nor is it to be wondered at for this discourse is the expression of the thoughts of his holy name which they fear and evidence of those zealous affections they bear unto the honour of his name wayes of his holiness and this leads me to the 2d. Reason of the point Prospering prophaness provokes Reason 2 holy conference to declare the sincerity of sanctity God loves the truth in the inward parts hypocrisie is to God an abomination all outward profession of his name and attendance on his ordinances are of no value without sincere sanctity and an upright heart he is not a Jew who is one outwardly nor is that circumcision which is of the flesh but he is a Jew who is one inwardly and whose circumcision is of the heart whose praise is not of men but of God such as will be delight unto the Lord must be upright in heart the integrity of the heart covereth many infirmities God winks at the weakness of his sincere servants whose hearts are right before him mens care must be to manifest that holy conference in evill times as an evident declaration of sincere grace such as have superficiall and temporary graces may be forward in common and ordinary acts of holinesse and religion but are estranged to and carelesse of the rare and extraordinary acts thereof Common Christians make some care of publique exercises of Religion such as hearing Reading and the like ordinances of the Church in common but when acts of private and personall concernment are to to be performed they think them needless and superfluous all specialties in Religion are in their account singularities and nicities and the agents in them deemed busie bodies and giddy spirits making themselves over righteous but the sincere make conscience of keeping all Gods commands and performing every prescribed duty as well those which are private and personall as those which are publick and common and in this their speaking one to another there are these evidences of their sincere holiness 1. It is an especial service to God a speaking to him for him coÌ„plaining of the dishonor done to him confirming each others in adependence on him holy confereÌ„ce in so sinful times under so sad discouragements doth spring out of an heart 1. Apprehensive of present affairs observant of the dispensations of God towards his people security senslesness under gods hand is the object of a wo. God threatens sensuality as a sin indelible Iâ—a 22.13 non-appreheÌ„sion of his peoples affliction with most heavy judgments to live at ease in Lion and not to regard the affliction of Joseph is the work of an hypocrite and an high transgression Amos 6.4 But to apprehend Gods anger provoked and his hand lifted up the Lord looks on that with delight Josiah shal dye in peace because his heart was tender when he heard the words of the Lord against Jerusalem 2 Cor. 34.27 And the mourners for all Jerusalems abominations make such melody in Gods ears that they shall be the marked of the Lord in the day of Jerusalems desolation Ezek. 9. It is a kind check Godgives Samuel for mourning over Sauls rejection 1 Sam. 16.1 It is an how long not why dust thou mourn for Saul the matter was pleasing the measure is burthensome and to be blamed 2. Affectionate and ardent for Gods honour Their good thoughts did heat their affections and make them to boil over into holy conference heat of heart towards God must have vent of tongue for God thus when David mused the fire waxed hot untill he at length was constrained to break his resolved silence zeal for Gods honour grief for sins successe sets the Godly on conference each to others holy language is the Ruptures of the heated affections and provoked passions of an holy heart The Parents danger will make that child speak who never spake before Stephen spake with such fulness fervency as when the coÌ„motions of his soul stirred by the blasphemies of the Jews shewed him to be full of the holy Ghost Acts 7. 3. Associated to the Saints Communion of Saints is an Article of Creed and advantage of grace to every sincere soul Schisme cannot be a sign of sanctity it is a fruit of the flesh never was any savingly nverted but he presently sought Communion with the Church for extra Ecclesiam nulla salus no salvatioÌ„ without the pale of the Church Saul is no sooner become a Paul but he assayed to join himselfe to the Church Act. 9.26 No member of the Church must be idle and dead or unprofitabl buâ— must gives and receive nutriment towards the increase of the whole body every joint must supply it's proper part which is and can only be done by holy conference Good lives and languages are the Churches veins in which the blood of Gods word doth run unto it's strength and growth so that the men who manifest life in their union with the Church are carefull to maintain Communion and they that confirm themselvs by holy conference in evill times do evidence themselves in society with and serviceable to the Saints Colloquy is an act of Communion conference is in company 4. Adhaerence unto God professions are the souls obligations purposes bind a man at his own good will and pleasure and are alterable but promises professions and publike discourses provoke other mens observation and expectation of performance and accomplishment and so abide not within our power conscience of a backsliding spirit doth bring many of the Saints under the bond of promises professions and good conference from which they cannot start without shame but conference of God and Religion in times of prospering prophanenâ—sse proclaim a resolution of adhaerency a care against apostasy by such confirming soul-establishing Colloquies They must needs resolve to follow God piety who are fervent in discourse for and of them when they find no favour in the World an heart apprehensive of present affairs affected with Gods honour associating with the Saints adhaering to God in times of discouragement is approved sincere in Gods sight but holy conference is the vent
have set up Davids resolution though on different principles to keep a watch before their lips and to Refraine from good talk in the sight of the wicked for saints when they meet seem strange and unacquainted each with other opportunities of holy intercourse are little looked after and when accidentally offered we meet each with other as men of no Relation and little affection our language carrieth with it no life counsell or comfort or bespeaketh us to be men devoted to the world and drowned in the earth speaking of nothing but worldly affairs Though times are evil sin is advanced and sad affliction on the godly snares and temptations are on the best of men and run them one straits not well knowing what to do every tongue is tipped with blasphemy and discountenanceth piety saying it is in vain to serve God yet we who professe speciall Relation to God and each to other in the Lord keep at distance each from other and walk alone in such evil times and when occasionally we meet make little or no mention of the ways of God Case and Condition of the Church or cause of Religion complaints of evil and confirmations in good are to us strange language and such as either wee know not how through our ignorance or are afraid through our weaknesse to administer each to other we shall not deny but there is a time to speak and there is a time to be silent and the multitude of words many times are the notes of folly therefore he that hath knowledge will spare his words and that a fool stopping his lips may bee judged prudent Prov. 17 27. But must caution in speaking be the barre of holy conference must we flie from the fools babling into prophane mens silence of the things of God can the tongue chuse but speake out of the abundance of the heart will not holy affections boil in our bosoms untill they bubble out in heavenly discourses must not the lips of the wise seed many and if ever be the time of speaking one to another must it not be when the wicked do speak against the godly their holy practises when God is dishonoured Religion degraded and danger of seduction and apostasie from truth and piety very palpable because the proud are called happy c. But you will say this season of sins successe and prospering prophanesse is an evill time in which the Prophet saith the prudent shall keep silence Amos. 5.13 But doth this evil of the times engage an absolute silence though the prudent are prohibited by the Rage and violence of the wicked who hate him that Rebuketh in the gate and abhor him that speaketh uprightly verse 10. Yet the Prophets of God must speak â—â—y a loud and not spare to tell Judah of her sins the fear of the Saw did not silence Isaiahs prophesie nor the terrors of the dungeon tongue-tie Jeremiah nor yet the scourge prison and proud commands no more to speak in the name of Jesus stop the ministry of the gospell but you are not in awe of office and so bound to speak against opposition private Saints we grant may with much prudence be silent when like to be made an offendor for a word but yet not altogether silent neither though you speak not to the wicked may you not speak one to another though not to the conviction of the proud and prophane may you not conferre to the confirmation each of of others when should godly conference more abound then when open checks will not bee endured by the wicked if any thing do drive the people of God to joint complaints and mutuall communication of gifts and graces it must be the times that are thus evill and therefore Christian soules you who shun the society each of other and abide silent in sinfull times abstaining from holy conference as strange or dangerous let me tell you there is sin upon you and you are greatly to be blamed for the neglect of anindispensible duty and failing in the exercise profitable to your selves and honourable to your God and your sin is capable of these sad aggravations 1 You degenerate from your pious progenitors I have before mentioned many examples of the pious who were frequent and fervent in holy conference especially in evill times as amongst others these in our Text who did speake often one to another the Corinthians did abound in speech and wisedom one toward another 1 Cor. 1.5 And the Romans were filled with all knowledge admonishing one another Rom. 15.14 And the Philipians continned in fellowship from the first day of their conversion The Virgin Mary could not contain the good news brought her by the Angell but up she went to thâ— hill Country to conferre of them with her cousen Elizabeth hath not Catechizing been the object of Popish and conference of prelaticall rage in our Nation witnesse the bulla Papalis condemning Catechizing and the late Prelates complaint of and contests against Conventicles how did not the Protestants in Queen Maries dayes confirm one another unto Martyrdome It is storied of Rawlius White a poor fisher man in Cardiffe in Wales that hee not being able to read did by the reading of his little boy and conference with good men in the time of King Edward the sixt gain such knowledge that hee became an instructer of others going to his neighbours and conferring with them hee did prepare himselfe and them for the patient undergoing the bloudy persecution in Queen Maries dayes I need not multiply instances of this nature you that have been observant of the godly wickedly and falsly called Puritans well know the common and commendable course of conference by them used such Communion of Saints eomplaining of sin and Gods sad judgments hath been the event of evil times in England as hath caused this note to be left upon our Nation Angelica gens est optima stens pessima ridens England is best all in black when prospering prophanenesse provoketh holy conference then doth piety most flourish can you call your selves brethren to the Saints and so basely degenerate from their practice 2. You demonstrate your selves dead members in Christ's body and that because your silence in such sinfull sad times doth bespeak you in sensible and unprofitable without any feeling of Gods dishonour and Religious danger or zeal for the Lords glory and the safety of piety I have before told you warm affections must word it and have vent by good expressions It is impossible for an holy heart to bee tongue-tied Davids holy heart and heated passions wil burst the padlock of resolved silence and constrain good conference especially if enforced with the desire of our brethrens profit for such as are slack in holy conference are unprofitable for the souls of men are no way fed but by the lips of the wise or preserved from falling but by the understanding of the prudent though every act of woâ—ship in the Church is an act of Communion with the Church
yet gifts and graces are only communicated to the members thereof in Colloquie Saints stand charged each with other and the joints must supply their places by mutuall conferences administring nourishment to the whole body lively and profitable Christians do in evill times enquire the way to Zion with their faces thitherward saying one to another come and let us joyn our selves unto the Lord in a perpetuall Covenant And in evill times they say every one to his neighbour and every one to his brother what hath the Lord answered and what hath hee spoken they do stand charged with the souls each of other and are therefore bound to exhort rebuke admonish comfort edifie one another And if ever the life of grace must bee manifested by acts communication it must bee in evill times the hour of temptation which commeth on them in a day of generall defection and diligent seduction the Saints must edifie one another in their most holy faith and save one another with feaâ—e pulling them out of the fire if you are will ng to witnesse your selves stupid under Gods heavy judgments sencelesse of Gods glory and the welfare of Religion and livelesse uselesse members in the body you may with due shame stand at distance each from other and smother thoughts of God in your own brests for want of vent by holy conference but consider profession of the tongue is no lesse usefull to salvation then the perswasion of the heart and withholding counsell from the weak in evill times is wickednesse 3. You disgrace Religion and are condemned by the wicked of the World whilst you sinfully suggest that sanctity destroyeth society and maketh the ungodly conclude Religion a solitary condition in which communion is not to be enjoyed whereas indeed holinesse is a bond of union and ground of Communion which whilst it seperates us from the Tabernacles of the wicked seateth us in the Temple of God and doth not more divide us from the society of the prophane then drive us into the CoÌ„munion with the Saints the scope of sanctity is to turn the stream and direct mens thoughts and expressions into an holy channell which not being thus employed makes Religion look like the Ruine of charity and that which barrs all kind of counsell admonition or conference The men of this world are wiser in their generations then the children of the kingdom they are Reduced into no straits but they run together and counsel each other to escape and evade them they agitate no affairs in the world but by good counsell and ordinary conference men that seduce from the truth are diligent and dextrous in their discourses Chatechizing and conference the two great preserva ive of truth and Religion have been exercised as eminent means of seduction whilest neglected by such as should be established by them is it not ashame that the enemies of God should beat us at our own weapon Popery Arianisme Socincanisme Anabaptism and other heresies are propagated hy Catechising and conference whilest these edifying exercises are omitted and slighted by the professors of truth in the affairs of this world we are common in Counsels and mutuall Colloquies but mindlesse of the great concernments of salvation Let it therefore be our shame that we are so slack unto acts of Communion and so carelesse of this eminent means of confirmation and the rather for that the successe of sin should stir us up unto the frequent discharge thereof Lay your hands on your hearts and blush who are professors of the same faith and worshippers of the same God pretenders to the same covenant and priviledges and yet such strangers unto each other and so much unacquainted that you speak not unto the comfort confirmation one of another Repent your sinfull neglect of these sociable soul-edifying acts of conference or renounce your relation to the Saints who have gone before you of whose spirit you do not partake Nay renounce your relation to God and his people of and to whom you speak so little that you seem insensible of their estate and unprofitable to their souls The 2. Use that I shall make of this doctrine is of exhortation to stir up the godly to be frequent in holy conference to get together and speak often one to another This is the duty incumbent on you that fear the Lord and cannot but be discharged by you whose hearts are full of thoughts of Gods holy name if you are indeed in union maintain the Communion of Saints and whilst you sit joyntly under the same ministrations of grace fail not in your places and capacities to minister one to another Consider Christian brethren Scripture as well as nature doth teach us it is not good to be alone we are not born for our selves we are members one of another we must seek every man the good of his neighbour the things of others not our own things solitude is not more burdensome and dangerous to nature then to grace nor more unsuitable to man then to a Christian much hurt have the godly received by solitarinesse when David exilde from Israel did walk alone in the land of the Philistins he fell into diffidence and despondency and blasphemous conceits that God had forgotten to be gracious he had in vain washed his hands and cleansed his heart in innocency and when Peter wandered alone in the high Priests hall he was overcome with the temptation to deny his master Profit of holy conference is ever great but most in evil times by it we are established in holinesse kept from falling Restored when fallen strengthened in the day of temptation quickened when dead and dull in duty It is the very veins of the Church by which every joynt supplieth its place unto the edification of the body there is not more profit then priviledge in holy conference It is the Communion of Saints and fellowship of the Gospel the comunication of the gifts and graces of Gods holy spirits it gives counsell in doubts and straits comfort in despondencies and sorrows It is the vent of grief easeth our hearts of the burden of sad apprehensions by friendly coÌ„plaints it is the expression of zeal which would burn he uphold of the heart by the Common consent of good men and mutuall counsell each of other how is it then Christian souls that you are so much unacquainted and unaccustomed to holy conference for shame content not our selves to hear the word preached but conserre of what you have heard live not in the Church but in your places communicate each to others as lively members of the Church are not the times evill in which we live do not the proud prosper are not they who work wickednesse set up and see we not men that tempt God delivered are not truth blasphemed ordinances trampled on sincere sanctity slighted vilified and contemned is not perfidy perjury violation oâ— solemn oaths and covenants the way to preferment do not men court us by providences into wayes pinciples
succeeding in their guilded impiety do by doctrine practice direct you to self constitution in Church way decline it depend upon Gods publick ministery in disposing of you untill you can make corporations without Civill think not to make Churches without Religious and divine sanction 2. Private Christians may not under the colour of holy conference consecrate things or Persons unto God self constitution must needs produce sinfull consecrations for no body politick can be preserved or Resolved into order and any capacity of acting without Officers and therefore the Congregationallists in plain the Independents who make self aggregation the form of Church constitution give not only power to men unordained not consecrated to come nigh unto God in the most holy and publick of administrations but make that self-collected body the subject of the keyes and Receptacle of all Church power from and by whom the administrators of Gods ordinances must be appointed and ordained and thus their leaders having resolved themselves members of such a society Receive from that society a ministery but beloved do you consider consecration of any thing or person unto God is an act of office and Authority none may come nigh to God in the administration of holy things but such who are thereunto consecrated this God hath made manifest by the Perez-Vzzah made in Israel for Vzzahs putting forth a common hand to stay Gods holy Arke when tottering and Ready to fall the desire to support Reâ—igion in danger to fall will not defend this impiety and by the leprosie of King Vzziah for presuming to meddle with the Priests function and by the censers of Corah and his company beâ—ten into plates and made Monuments of memoriall that no unconsecrated persons meddle with the holy things of God nor can it in Reason be thought that the ministry should lie common to be taken up by any hand and at pleasure for that it is an office and function place and particular order in the Church of God charged with speciall service appointed to a proper end prepared unto by speciall qualities and indowed wiâ—h speciall priviledges men will not let civill offices lie common who contend to lay open holy functions and so dissolve all order in the Church as none but holy persons may come nigh to God so nothing unhallowed must be presented unto God as a part of his worship if the sons of Aaron pressed into Gods presence with any prophane and unhallowed thing they should perish none but holy fire must burn on Gods altar common Elements as water in baptisme and bread and wine in the Lords supper must be consecrated before they become acts of worship and seals of Gods covenant It is blasphemy and prophanesse to make every table the Lords table and common use of creatures bread or wine the commemoration of Christ his death and sufferings the most sinfull Schismatiques will confess consecration of things and persons necessary and you must know that this is not the work of every no not of any private hand men cannot communicate what they have not received nor stamp peculiarity on others who never had it stamped on themselves It is Gods standing Law that the Priests sons of Aaron consecrated themselvs do consecrate things and persons that shall come nigh to God and therefore it is Israels Horrid impiety in their defection from the house of David and altar of God that whosoevor would might bring a bullock and consecrate himself a Priest unto the Lord nor is the liberty greater under the Gospel for it is the method and order of Christ that the office of the Gospell ministery be transmitted unto faithfull men by the solemn ordination of men themselves ordained to that sacred function we deny not the priviledge of election to be the peoples but the power of ordination abides in officers It is plain that in the Church constituted by Gospell ministery at Jerusalem charge of election is given by and power of consecration Reserved to the officers of Jesus Christ Chuse you out men whom we may appoint and those who act any thing in Christ or his Ministers name without their Authority may expect to be corrected by the Devil himself as were those Exorcists in Acts 19.13 14 15 v. Paul we know and Jesus we know but whence are ye whilest therefore you confer as brethren take heed you consecrate not as officers Remember you may be holy in your kind to your God but not have a power to make other men or things holy to the Lord make not your selves a Church make not your own ministers or Sacraments 3. Private men may not communicate ordinances to the Church in the name and stead of Jesus Christ when you are in your conferences used to speak take heed you presume not to preach whilst you play the men in ministring counsell nay good men in ministring holy instruction and Religious admonition do not so manage it as to presume in your selves or proclaim to others you are more then private brethren even publick â—fficers the Embassadors of Jesus Christ to this end you must take heed that your administrations be not to the Church of Christ nor in the name or stead of Christ these two are boundaries of ministeriall instructions which may not be broken in upon by private men without palpable presumption and prophannesse we shall willingly allow Christians their liberty as Parents and masters of families to speak instruction to their children and families private and particular brethren to exhort admonish and Rebuke in their friendly societies Generalls to make their orations and that like Christians to their Armies and Tutors to Read divinity Lectures to their Pupills in the Universities but let their abilities be never so great we must barre them out o the Church here they must be hearers not speakers the Church is onely the object of ministeriall instruction when men presume to speak in and to the Church of Christ they pâ—esse upon the function of Gospell ministry and make themselves Prophets unto the Lord for all Agents in the Church appear as officers and are on that account to be Received Reverenced heard and obeyed so that their feet that thus bring glad tidings must be beautifull unto the hearers unto prophesying which hath believers for its object mission is essentiall sending of the preacher is one ground of faith in the hearer how therefore can he preach exept he be sent and as we barre private men from speaking to the Church as their object so also from speaking in the name and stead of Jesus Christ the instructions admonitions Rebukes and exhortations of private men must be in amity not authority as friends distinguished dignified by their Relations not deputed by Jesus Christ or invested with his authority only Ministers are the Lords Emabassadors beseeching us in Christ stead as if he himselfe did beseech us to be reconciled to them it is indeed given in charge and to them only to teach and command and in
therefore shall not so particularly discusse them but shall gather the whole Respect herein expressed and so the mind of God towards the Righteous in bad times into this generall point of doctrine viz. The Godly and their holy exercise Doct. in times of prospering profanensse doth meet with speciall acceptance from the Lord of hosts This is a doctrine worthy our serious and second thoughts as eminently usefull to the establishment and encouragement of the godly under the increase and successe of prophanesse they had done their best endeavour amidst an ungodly nation and rude people they clave to God themselvs continue in the fear of the Lord and thoughts of his name and give proof thereof in speaking one to another bestir themselves to the conviction and confutation of the wicked comfort and confirmation of themselves and this they do under the greatest of discouragements imaginable for notwithstanding all their adhaerencie to activity for God thâ—ir condition was cloudy and dark the providences of God were crosse calamity compasseth them about only The proud are called happy and they that work wickednesse are set up c. In so much that the prophane insult over the Godly and blasphemously say It is in vain to serve God and there is no profit in keeping his Ordinances or in walking mournfully before him all the day how must we think God carrieth it all this while Do any serve God for nought as the wicked men will have it thought hath he no regard to the Righteous yea surely however the current of providence seems to suggest and and prophane men speak the Lord doth hearken and hear c. sheweth especial respect to the Godly accepteth with much delight their holy exercises maintained in times of prospering prophanesse although a sinner do evill an hundred times and his days be prolonged yet surely it shall go well with them thâ—t feare Gâ—d which fear before him Eccl. 8.12 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the earth to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect before him 2 Chron. 16.9 The Lord delighteth not in the strength of the horse he takes no pâ—easure in the legs of a man The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him in them that hope in his mercy Psal 147.10 11. The grief of the godly meets with gracious acceptance Gods complacency is in their contests for his truth and glory in a cloudy day more then in all the glittering glory of the world the mourners in Jerusalem in the day of her abominations are the marked of the Lord. Ezek. 9. and in his own time God will restore comfort to Zion and to her mourners did ever the house of Jacob seek God in vain or serve him for nought or stand up for his name cause or people and not meet with eminent expressions of acceptance Shall Abraham arise to the rescue of an holy Lot from the hands of the prophane and not meet with his God to assure him that he is his shield and exceeding great reward Gen. 15.1 Gen. 19.16 Or shall Lot's Righteous soul be greived with the filthinesse of Sodom and not find the favour of God to pull him out of the destruction thereof Knoweth not the Lord how to deliver the Righteous Joh 42.10.7 8. Shall Job serve God for nought when stript of all by the Devill and shall not God return the captivity of Job and double his estate Shall he maintain his integrity against the proud censures of his prospering friends and not become their advocate to pray the pardon of their sin Shall Davids courage destroy the Goliah that defied the God of Israel and must not the Daughters of Israell sing 1 Sam 18.7 David hath slain his ten thousands Saul his thousands Shalhe wait on God in patience not lay his hand on the Lords anointed though himself anointed to the Kingdome to make way for the possession of Gods appointment and shall not his Throne be established Shall Daniel in the midst of Babylon make supplication for oppressed Israel Dan. 9.20 and not be comforted by the Angel Gabriel and assured that he is greatly beloved and his supplication is heard Shall any give a cup of cold water to a Prophet Mat. 10.40.41 42.19.28 29. Mâ—r. 10.29 in the name of a Prophet and not receive a Prophets reward Shall any lose his houses or brethren or sisters or father or mother or Wife or Children or lands for Christ his names sake and not receive here an hundred fold hereafter eternall life in a word when the dispensations of providence are darkest towards the Church the diligent discharge of holinesse is most delightfull to the Lord when his Spouse is in holes and clefts of the Rock then he takes pleasure to see her countenance and to hear her voyce Cant. 2.14 When all Israell are turned aside by Ahab then Gods regard is to the Remnant that bow not the knee to Baal when all the inhabitants of the earth receive the mark of the beast and follow the Whore Râ—v 13.10 then the Lord triumpheth in and insultingly observeth the faith and patience of the Saints when the prosperity of prophane men swells them to blaspheme and say that it is in vain to serve God if then they that fear God do speak often one to another then the Lord shall hearken and hear c. He accepts their service done in so sinfull a time nay he expresseth speciall acceptance as we shall evidence by the severall degrees and acts of it as they are declared in the Text. The specialtie of divine acceptance of the Godly and their holy exercise in times of prospering profaness doth appear and consist in three steps or gradations viz. The 1. Regard God hath to them and their service 2. Remembrance of them and their service 3. Recompence for them and their service The first degree and expression of Gods speciall acceptance is The Regard God hath unto the holy exercise of the godly in evill times 1 degree of divine acceptance and that is ardent and affectionate hee hearkned and heard he heard not onely but hearkned importing diligence and delight in his attentition as one that was affected with the discourse of the Godly in those dark times hearing is an act of observation but seemes to be formal superficiall and carelesse yet when it is referred unto God it notes his serious observation and delight unto the answer of the prayers of the poor and needy Psal 34.17.69.33 But hearkning is an act of attention that with all earnestness activity that we may apprehend what is spoken and not misse of it or mistake it but be resolved into it as the direction of our ways and therefore it is emphatically expressed by the Prophet Isai 32.3 The eyes of them that see shall not not be aim gestus diligenter auseul tantis The ears of them that hear shal hearken
Mans most serious attention is always expressed by a hearkning unto the Word of the Lord and Gods most speciall acceptance of his peoples desires is said to be hearking to their prayers Thus God hearkned to Leah and to Rachel Gen. 30 17.22 and he hearkned to Moses when he moved for Israel Deut. 9.19 10.10 Hearking is an act of regard and respect not onely to Attention but Auscultation they that hearken do obey yield assent admit of the thing hearkned as true good so that when the godly spake one unto another though to men it seemed to be in vain and they would not regard it yet the Lord heard and he had respect unto it nay he hearkned listned layed his ear unto their discourse with all diligence and delight assenting unto the truth and goodnesse of what they had spoken and admitting it to seize and settle upon his heart as that which must command the great Jehovah which he could not gain-say out would constrain him at the length to break his attention by an open asserting the verity of their discourse and the integrity of them that in so evill a time and under such a generall apostacy did feare him and think upon his name and zealously speak one to another But 2 degree of divine acceptance Secondly Gods acceptance of the Godly and their holy exercise is not onely to listen and regard but also to record and remember he doth hear and hearken with all pleasure and delight in so much that he hath a book of Remembrance written before him for them that fear him and think upon his name This Judge of the whole earth doth not only listen carefully to the language of his Advocates but lest any of their pleas should passe without pondering and due answer his Notaries are at work and enter in a book their discourse all their acts and arguments of holinesse least they should be forgotten note-books are notations of affection and care of recordation what we write we deem worth remembring Records are kept of matters of moment to be regarded and acts of loyalty and fidellity to be rewarded Catalogues and Calendars of eminent persons and service are prepared for Kings as the evidence of their respects and direction of the dignities they shal confer Chronicleâ— are written for the consideraon of most Royall Emperors as evidences of their esteem of things transacted and dictates of recompense for noble atchievements Tamerlane the great was so well pleased with the diligence faithfulnesse of his servants that he kept a Catalogue of their names and services which he daily read and the Chronicles of Persia were kept and consulted by the King Ahashuerosh that if his list or leasure could not confer a present recompense upon faithfull Mordecai for his good service an after opportunity may do it Now God is not forgetful as man nor needs he any record it must needs be in a distemper that David shall demand hath the Lord forgotten to be gracious Psal 77.9 Isaih 49.14 or Zion determine the Lord hath forsaken me and my God hath fogotten me For the Butler may forget Joseph and Joseph may forget his former toyl and Fathers house nay a woman may forget her sucking child but God cannot forget hâ—â— people and therefore when God makes mention of a book of Remembrance it is but after the manner of men to manifest and make known his high esteem of his people and their holy exercises whose names he is said after the manner of noble Princes to enter in a book of of life and their diligence in duty for him and his name to register in a book of Remembrance that although their devotion bee disowned and despised by men and devoted to oblivion and their present estate suggest it disregarded by the Lord yet they may know it is observed and esteemed as an high act of holinesse it shall bee registred in his Chronicles books of acts and Monuments that they may not lose but hereafter reap their due Reward And therefore The third and last degree of Gods speciall acceptance of the Godly and their holy exercise is 3 degree of divine acceptance Recompence and reward thereof God regards unto Remembrance and remembreth unto recompence he doth not only hear and hearken but cause a book of Remembrance to be written before him nor is his Record uselesse and a bare rehearsall of the holinesse of his people in evill times But the Dictator of the reward to be conferrd on them for diligent adhaerence unto him under prospering prophaness they must not lose that leave all for God in a day of temptation He will soon resolve that enquiry Master what shall we have who have left all and followed thee With an assurance none that have left any thing for him shal be losers but shal reap their comfort an hundred fold and have eternall life in to the bargain Mark 10.29 None that are stedfast unmoveable abounding in the woak of the Lord shal labour invain the God that accepts will in his time approve the acceptance of their service He that hears and hearkens will remember and he that remembreth wil recompence so as that after all the contempts of men by reason of the cloudy providences that attend them a man shal say verily there is a reward to the Righteous verily there is a God that judgeth the earth Psal 58.11 And the acceptance of God wil appear to be the more speciall if we consider the quality of this reward they shall receive that speak one to another in evil times which consisteth in these two things viz. Their 1. Propriety and Peculiarity of relation to God They shall be mine when I make up my Jewels 2. The Paternal carriage of God towards them I will spare them as a man spareth his own Son which serveth him 1 Part of Righteous mens Recompence The first â—art of this reward is the propriety and peculiarity of their relation unto God they shal be mine in the day that I make up my jewels their propriety is unto God they are his the Lords people are his portion and Israell is the lot of his inheritance Deut. 32.9 This is the high honour of Israel to vouch God for their God and to have God to vouch them for his people Deut 26.17 18. The great Charter of all our priviledges even the very Covenant of grace concludes us but in a propriety to God I will be your God and you shall bee my people nor indeed need we any more for happy is that people whose God is the Lord. Psal 144.15 In the utmost of distress nay wâ—en drawing nigh unto death the holy heart desirâ— no more then to beable to determine this God is our God our God and he will bâ— our guide even unto death Psal 44.14 For what is there in Heaven but God and what can we desire in all the earth besides the Lord. Psal 73.15 To stand entitled to God is to enjoy Abrahams
portion a God all-sufficient there can be no want where God is possessed where God gives himself he becomes a shield and an exceeding great reward Relation to God is the Reason of all good divine councells cannot bee concealed from Gods Abrahams or Christ his friends Egypt must not think to Captivate Israel Gen 18 1â— John 13 14 15 Isai 43.44 Zach. 2.8 but to their own ruine because the Lords own people Wrath though provoked must be restrained when it goeth out against Gods heritage the fire must not burne nor water drown Gods Israel the utmost of preservation even as of the apple of the eye is the portion of such as belong to God no argument can be more affectually urged in prayer then that though Abrahad be ignorant of us yet thou art our God Isai 93.16 No greater assurance of support in affliction can be given then to cry unto the Lord in the midst of the furnace my God and for God to answer my people Zach. 13.13 nor yet of salvation out of all sorrows then for God to say unto Zioâ— thou art my people Isa 51.16 Relation to God is the Reason of Christ his redemption and intercession he seekes mens souls because they are his Fathees and he prayes for their preservation on this ground they are thine thou hast chosen them out of the world Joh. 17.9 Christ his argument of support under his absence is the propriety of his people unto God I go to your God and your Father Joh. 20.17 The utmost of Saints endeavours is to see a propriety in God the sormallity of saving faith is to say sincerely my Lord and my God the satisfaction of a gracious heart in the saddest of affliction is to see that it is the Lords The utmost design of the Devills envy at the Saints is to make them deny their relation to God and Gods affection to them knowing that the estranged to God are exposed to all woe and wickednesse so that a propriety to God is a prime reward Well may the pious speak often one to another under the prosperity of the prophane if they stand in propriety to God they need not matter how the World goeth They may wel be disowned by men yet devoted to and diligent in acts of holinesse if owned by the Lord and he say of them they are mine But yet again These men are not onely in propriety to God but in peculiarity also they are not only the Lords in common course and providence as the earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof but in speciall relation and peculiar esteem they shall be mine when I make up my jewels they are not ordinary houshold-stuffe but Jewels gold and silver like the Treasure of Solomon peculiar Treasure of Kings Eccles 2.8 they are picked and chosen out of all the earth like pearls of prize to be of prime esteem with God like Israel a peculiar Treasure unto the Lord above all nations of the earth In brief however they lye scattered at present among the objects of commoÌ„ providence yet they must be manifested to be a chosen generation a Royall Priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that they should shew forth the praises of him that called them out of darknesse into his marvellous light 1 Pet. 2.9 God hath not onely the propriety of a Creator in them but the peculiarity of a Redeemer they are the Redeemed of the Lord bought not with corruptible things a silver gold but incorruptibl the precious blood of Jesus Christ as of a Lamb without spot and blemish who gave himself for them that he might redeem them from all iniquity and purifie them unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works 1 Pet. 1.19 Tit. 2.14 And to them therefore are given the great and precious promises of God and these are they who partake of precious faith possesse special and peculiar graces and are fitted for speciall and peculiar duties and destinated to special and peculiar dignities they are jewels in efficacy and operation and so must appear in esteem and acceptation They are the bright Diamond that sparkles in the darkest times and places of profanesse therefore fit to be fixed in Gods Crown they are the flourishing Amaranthus that continueth green and fresh in the most parching places of prospering pride the splendid Amiants which retain their oriency brightnesse under the most polluting prophanesses which passe upon them and are kept by the power of God through faith to the exercise approvemeÌ„t of it as more precious then gold tried in the fire 1 Pet. 1.7 unto prais honor and glory for them therefore is reserved the Amarantine Amiantine Crown the inheritance incorruptible and undefiled that fadeth not away so that however at present they are mingled with the men of the world and the providences of God passe upon them in common with others there is no discrimination save only in their duty they cannot be known to stand related to God save only by their standing to and for God his name truth and people against the opposition which prophanesse makes and prosperity heightneth yet God hath his day of segregation a day of gathering up his Jewels and seeking after his scattered pearls and then hee will make the very World to see and know they that spake often one to another were his when their souls were sadnâ—d for the sins of the times and places where they lived they were his peculiar ones even his Jewels God hath a day of collection and it is a segregation he gathers his people into the receptacles appointed and when pearls are brought into the Cabinet they appear to be pecious and peculiar Treasures Sometimes before a day of Common calamity God gathers his Righteous ones from among the wicked into the receptacle of the grave so as that the Righteous are taken from the evill to come Isai 57.1 Thus Augustine died before the sacking of Hippo by the Vandals Paraeus before the taking of Heidelburg by the Spaniards and Luther before the wars in Germany therefore thereby God manifested his esteem of them in providing for them who were vexed by the sins to rest in peace under the sorrows of the places of their abode Sometimes God gathers his Jewels into an estate of conservation in the midst of the many troubles and common calamities that destroy the wicked and thus he marketh out his mourners over sin to see but not sink under the sorrows of the wicked which seem to strike equally at the just as at the unjust he supports and saves his people in an evil day Noahs Ark derided by the World defends him from the deluge and Lot is conducted to and conserved Zoar a City of Sodome Daniell and his three Companions are safe in Babylon when Israell perish in Aegypt Baruch Jeremiah Ebedmelech and Gedaliah are preserved in the sacking of Jerusalem And thus Gods acceptance is expressed to his people in his peculiar preservation in the
the Sea for the ransomed of the Lord to passe thorow and the Redeemed of the Lord shall return to Zion with singing and everlasting joy shall be upon their head they shall obtain gladnesse and joy and sorrow and mourning shall flee away Isai 35.9.51.10 11. Can God be mindlesse of his Church bought with his own blood hath he not spared his Son but given him for us Rom. 8. â—2 and shall he not much more spare us all things elâ—e hath he bought us with a price to glorifie him in soul and body and redeemed us to bee unto himselfe a peculiar people zealous of good works and shall he not have speciall respect unto our performancies vocation Lastly the godly are in speciall Relation to God by their vocation they are the chosen from eternity Redeemed with inestimable price yea and the called of the Lord the Elect of God lye sometimes in the estate of darknesse and by nature are no lesse liable to the wrath of God then the worst of men running with others in the same excess of riot Ephes 2.2 3. Titus 3.3 subject to the God of this World and serving divers lusts thus it was with Abraham and thus it was with the â—postles untill the grace of God appeared and called them out of darknesse into his marvellous light Heb. 3.1 but the godly are made partakers of the heavenly calling an estate of honour unto which not many wise not many rich not many noble do attain 1 Cor. 1.26 Vocation is the execution of Election and extention of favour intended from eternity whom God praedestinated them he called Rom. 8.39 Our calling is that which actually entitles us to the priviledges of grace and brings us into con formity to and communion with God engageth us to walk with Gâ—d and assureth that he is our God alsufficient our shield and exceeding great reward we are culled and called to bear up Gods name in the World and therefore must needs be cared for by him above the rest of the world he hath called us and must needs conserve us to his heavenly Kingdome If the cry of the called and chosen of God be of more value then that of the sleighted and rejected of the Lord if the complaints and holy conservation of the Redeemed bee worth regard then the Godly and their holy exercise must needs meet with speciall acceptance this specialtie of relation is the great Reason of the Saints affliction and suffering by the World and shal it not be the reason of their support safety the World hates them because chosen out of the World and shall they not then be kept in the World and from the evill of the World John 17. the the Devill rageth against them because the redeemed of the Lord and shal they not through divine favor shortly bring Satan under their feet their friends forsake and contemne them because the Called of the Lord shall not God then favour and fill them with joy in the light of his countenance So long as the godly stand in this speciall relation by Election Redemption and Vocation they cannot but find speciall acceptance of their service in sinfull times But secondly They are a people specially qualified for God they are not onely Vessells of honour but fitted for the masters use they have not one-divine election Redemption and Calling to enforce Gods affection towards them but singular holy qualities in their own mind and spirit to attract and draw unto themselves the divine favour like good Children are beloved by the Father not onely for that innate Reason because Children but because good they are the subjects of all those qualities which are the objects of divine complacencie they do what God delighteth in they are godly and hath not godlinesse the promise of this life and of that which is to come and they are employed in holy exercises and that is profitable when bodily exercise profiteth not The Text taketh notice of their rare qualifications and they are two they fear God and think upon his name they are both habitually and actually holy the fear of God that spring of prudence and beginning of all wisedome designing matters of highest importance discerning dangerous and difficult oppositions and directing all way and means for the accomplishment of it's great design of favour and Reconciliation That spur of duty that trembleth at Gods Word trampleth on all obstructions and travelleth with constancy and cheerfulnesse in the way of Gods holy Commands That strength against corruption and temptation curbing lusts casting off allurements and couragiously standing against humane fury which can onely kill the body the fear of God which made Abraham leave his Fathers house and follow God he knew not whither Mat. 10.28 which made Joseph faithfull in Potiphars house not daring to commit lewdnesse with his wanton Mistrisse that made Obadiah compassionate toward and carefull to preserve the Prophets of God that kept Job upright in the East and restrained the Idolatry imposed on the three Children and spurred Daniel to be exact in devotion when never so much liable to danger that filled the Martyrs with zeal in adhaerence to truth under hellish torments This fear of the Lord is the qualitie habit and disposition of such as live godly in evill times for indeed others that want this cannot do that the want of divine fear is the very ground of aâ—l impiety and shall not this speciall quality make them acceptable to God the fear of the Lord is to be prized above favour which is deceitful and beauty which is vain Prov. 31.30 And the Lord seeketh such as fear him to serve him and his eyes are on such as fear him his ears are open unto their cry Psal 33.18 And his pity is to them as a Father to his Child Psal 103.13 The fear of the Lord tendeth to life he that hath it shall be satisfied and shall not be visited with evill Prov. 19.23 but if visited he that feareth the Lord shall come out of all evill such is Gods delight in this speciall quality Eccl. 7.18 that though the sinner do evill an hundred times and be delivered yet certainly it shall go well with them that fear the Lord. Eccles 8.12 But they are not onely united unto God by the fear of his namâ— but do also act it unto his honour â— By thinking on his name they have not only this holy habit imprinted on and implanted in their hearts but it is operative and sendeth forth its fruits and effects they that feared the Lord thought â—pon his name and spake often one to another The fear of God fills the Godly man with the thoughts of Gods Name and so fills him with grief and jealousie because of the blasphemy which is belched out against this holy name and the dishonour that is done unto it like ingenious children they are affected with the Fathers disgrace the very zeal of Gods house consumeth them their cry
is what shal become of Gods holy name the thoughts of Gods name fixeth them in faith and filleth them with fervour to cleave close to God and his Covenant under the utmost of opposition The name of the Lord is a strong Tower the Righteous run into it and are safe Prov. 18.10 They trust in the name of the Lord when others trust in Chariots and in horses Psal 20.7 And so by the fear of the Lord they depart from iniquity for let what trouble will befall the godly they deal not falsly in Gods Covenant because they forget not Gods name the dread of Gods name is on the spirit to deterre impiety to drive on duty and quiet the soul in dependance on the same not onely doth the fear of God stir up the thoughts of Gods name but engageth the Godly to speak one to another to be much in complaints and conference each with other their hearts swel with holy thoughts and their tongue give vent unto the fire they can not but speak against fin in defence of God and holinesse when the wicked say it is in vain to serve God c. But of this in the next Reason we see then that the Godly are fitted for divine favour being affected with and afflicted for Gods name in an evill dark and cloudy day and can it choose but engage Gods affections unto them but so much for the first Reason why God hearkens and heareth causeth a book of Remembrance to be written and sheweth speciall respect to holy services in times of prospering prophanesse they are the performances of speciall persons related to and qualified for God for if the tears of a Mother could move an Alexander to oâ—liteate all accusations how much more shal the tears and prayers of the Elect Redeemed Called and them that fear the Lord and think on him Render savouries the services of holinesse They perform speciall service and therefore must needs meet with speciall acceptance holy actions are alwayes good but sometimes they shine with more then common splendor God as well as man hath extraordinary services to put his people upon some speciall acts of sanctity are laid on some hands which are not on others and done at sometimes which are not to be done at others Thus prayer is the work of every day but holy fasting and Religious vows are the extraordinary service of extream affliction and so Christian conference though the very act and du y of the Communion of Saints yet this speaking one unto another in the day when men speak stout words against God and say it is in vain to serve him is speciall and peculiar service It is speciall service unto God in respect of the matter of it to speak one unto another by way of complaint of Gods great dishonour by way of comfort under such sad prospering providences to the most prophane by way of confirmation one of another under so strong temptations to apostacy this is no ordinary work to express such sence of and zeal for God It is not the work of every soul no not of every Saint to instruct many and strengthen the weak hands to speak words that may uphold the falling to strengthen the feeble knees as did Job to preach a sermon pen a Psalm and become a pattern of patience Job 3.3 4. Isa 37. as did David in perplexing times of prospering prophaneness is no ordinary service no this requires strength and measure as well as truth of grace they must be strong in the faith that restore a fallen brother with a spirit of meeknesse To speak one to another is speciall service in respect of the principle that animateth and acteth the same the fear of the Lord that excellent usefull and acceptable grace before spoken of is the primum mobile spring of this motion wheel of this Clock Reason of this zeal for Religion The thoughts of Gods name is the oyl that makes this lamp to burn and the fulnesse of those holy hearts who speak out of their abundance but on these I intend not to insist The specialtie of this service which indeed sets the lustre on it and sends it with strength and holy violence towards Heaven is the season in which it is performed Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another Pro. 25.11 every thing saith Solomon is beautifull in it's season and a word spoke in season in like apples of gold in pictures of silver It is the season that sets a lustre on these holy exercises they were performed in that juncture of time which eminently called for them Gods attendance to the discharge of them Then they spake often one to another when all men almost spake against them and their God then when the multitude did wickedly and walked stubbornly against God they walk submissively with God then when the prosperity of the wicked made men embrace impiety as the step to honour and stirrup of authority when onely they that tempted Gâ—d were delivered and such as wrought all manner of wickedness were set up they clave close to piety and the practices thereof they patiently wait on God and plead his Cause and provoke one another to courage and constancy then when every tongue was tipped with blasphemie against God and Religion they spake in the defence of both and witnesse it is not in vain to serve God or walk mournfully before him that God is just and gracious and hath regard unto the Righteous so that their then holy exercises were vindications of God and godlinesse convictions of wicked prophane contempts of piety and blasphemies uttered commonly agaist God Confirmations of weak brethren ready to stumble at prospering prophanesse and complaints of zeal and affection to Gods holy name dishonoured so that they run counter to the common cry of the multitude set to do evill and were singular from their neighbours the subjâ—cts of scorn and fury speaking for God and Religion when common policy nay almost Christian wisedome did conclude it an evill time in which the prudent should keep silence For all the fruit to bee expected was opposition and persecution so that this is indeed speciall service To live as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation Phil. 2 1â— holding forth the word of righteousness If God have respect to his Children much more to his Champions he cannot but take it wel to see men best in the worst times Shal he slight them that stand for him against the very pride of prospering prophaneness Shall hee not see to them that make all the world see They can serve God for nought Hath God registred all the holy men that have served him no onely such are made Eminent in sacred and Ecclesiastick story who have done especiall service to God Noah a Preacher of Righteous Lot whose Righteous soul was grieved for the sins of Sodom Job a mirrour of patience under the prond censures of his prosperous friends David a Cham pon
build the Arke however derided by a prodhane world and with Lot do grieve for and complaine of the abominations of Sodom though the men abhor and seeke to destroy him 1 King 32.13 with Michaiah they They will speak the mind of God though 400. Prophets speak the mind of the King with Antipas suffer martyrdome and the Church of Pergamus hold fast the name of Christ Rev. 2.13 and deny not the faith when Satan his seate is set among them With Athanasius will conclude for the faith when the whole Empire is Arrian and with Luther enforce reformation when Pope Bishops Emperor and Kings are against him Thus they approve the sincerity of grace and uprightnesse of their hearts by standing in a storme abiding the utmost influence of temptation and serving God for naught Jam. 1.5 leaving all outward comforts for a naked Christ and his Crosse Animate their weak bretheren Phil 1.14 by their confidence for and constancie in the waves of God under so sharpe conflicts and sad discouragements as they meet withall Answere the expectation of God who disposeth them into trouble for the tryall of their faith and expect to have it found unto praise honour and glory in the day of the Lord Jesus 1 Pet. 1.7 and therefore triumphantly observeth their faith and patience And abate the insolency and contempt of the wicked whose wayes are rebuked by the good conversation of the godly their very keeping of the law is a contending against the wicked Phil. 2.16 among whom they live as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation holding forth the word of life How repugnant to the carriage of the good men is the Tepidity Luke warmnesse nay Changeablenesse and Apostasie of those vespertine professors of Religion that square their principles and piety according to the company times and places where and among whom they live So long as Religion flowrisheth they are the forwardest in pleading for it but if prophanesse prosper they shake hands with pietie and do as the most do that they may be least spoken of what ever becoms of their conscience they wil make sure to sleep in a whole skin and if their age afford but few Martyrs they make sure that they will be none of the number they are great adorers of providence unto the disobedience of precepts and degeneration from all holy men whose care is in times of prospering prophanesse to provoke themselves and others unto zeal and seriousnesse in acts of piety but of this I shall speak more hereafter Secondly From the subjects of this holy exercise they that feared the Lord we shoul observe this point of doctrine The fear of God is the spur and preservation of piety in times of prospering prophanesse Observ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdome Psal 111 10. by it men depart from iniquity the want of the fear of God is the ground of all impiety and ir religioÌ„ When Abraham travels he expects all acts of violence cruelty in Aegypt and Gerar because the fear of God is not in this place and the unjust Judge is described by this note he feared not God nay when mens throats become an open sepulcher and with their tongues they use deceit the poyson of Asps is under their lips their mouth is full of cursing and bitternesse their feet is swift to shed blood It is because there is no fear of God before their eyes Roma 3 12 13 14 15 16 17 18. But the feare of God is the bridle of corruption Josephs nature is restrained with an hew shall I do this great wickednesse and sin against God the bar unto temptation the feare of him that can cast the soule and body into Hell makes us scorne the allurements of the world and scoffe at the rage of men and utmost suffering can overtake us in the way of piety and the hand of holinesse that wee cannot cease to pray unto God though we be with Daniell cast into the Lyons Den The fear of God and only the feare of God is the spur of piety when we row against the streame of the world the preservatiue of religion when we see a general apostasie seconded with the height of prosperity Let it be noted that this feare of God must be spiritual not natural ingenions filliall not slavish as of a vassal it must be a feare of reverence sensibly apprehending Gods holinesse power iustice majesty and all his attributes and that great desparitie disproportion which is between God and us which was in Abraham constraining him to cry out Iâ—hat am but dust ashes having taken upon me to speak unto the Lord Gen. 18.27 And in Isaiah I am a man of polluted lips live among a people of polluted lips I have seen the Lord of host Isa 6.5 The carriage of Saints must be as becomes the Children of so great a God so glorious majesty The feare of sence awfully affecting the heare with the horror of Gods fearfull judgments dreadfully discerning that it is a fearful thing to fal into the hands of a living God this led Josiah to the renting of his garments and humbling himself before the Lord and made the marked of God in Jerusalem mourn for her abominations Ezek. 9.4 Stupidity under Gods judgments threatned or inflicted is folly Jer. 5.2 security and senselessnesse of the symptoms of Gods anger is a note of stubbornness incotrigible and fasteneth a guilt indelible Isa 22.16 Deut. 29 1â— 20 The feare of diligence attending all dangerous assaults of sin and animating unto most difficult duties of holinesse as the souldier standing sentinell and lying perdue in a Land of peace keeping an Army undermilitary discipline in a conquered Land working out their own salvation with feare trembling becaus it is God that worketh in them to will and to do of his own good pleasure No marvel if few be found pleading fâ—r God cleaving to his covenant in evil backsliding days for there are not many that fear the Lord if we will be of the number of the men that speak one to another in evil tims wil be spurred to piety and kept from iniquity will steer our course by precepts not by providence cleave close to the covenant of God when al men count it carry towards it as analmanack out of date will we commend Gods truth justice faithfulness and manifest godliness with contentment to be gain when the prosperity of prophaneness make most men say it 's in vain to serve God no profit to walke mournfully before him all the day the proud are only happy Let it be our care studie prayer to fil our minds with the fear of the Lord. But on these circumstances I must not insist intending to acquaint you of and effect you with the exercise it self which was especially performed by these God fearing men in these sin successfull times that is holy