perpetual remembrance it must be by that way and manner himself hath prescribed As Parchment and Wax are little worth of themselves but yet useful and significative of conveying Land one to another So our Lord may Minister unto us his grace and benefits by the outward signes of Bread and Wine and when they are received in this Ordinance they are more to be esteemed in respect of the thing signified then in our common eating and drinking The Bread broken sets forth how the body of our Lord was torn upon the Cross the Wine poured out puts in mind of his side being pierced and the shedding of his blood As often as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye do shew the Lords death till he come 1 Cor. 11. 26. The like Figure whereunto even Baptism doth also now save us not the putting away the filth of the Flesh but the answer of a good Conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 3. 21. That is not so much the sprinkling or dipping in Water as the thing signified The Apostle doth not speak to exclude it for himself used it and so did the other Apostles who had the Spirit of God and all the Church down ever since Now there is the same prejudice as to that What doth the meer Water signifie They might have put the same question to the Apostles themselves had they been in their time or to our Lord in the institution of his Supper There is not so much only in the outward sign but there is in the thing signified Many remain still in Ignorance and Sin but if they would be saved let them come out from among their Sheep and Oxen and lift up their eyes to Heaven considering who inhabits there They must not always be confined in a Barn or with Saul hide themselves among the Rushes or be wholly taken up with the little things of this short life for they are called out and invited to receive a Kingdom This is spoken in good earnest Your only end of coming into this World is to serve God and to know the things pertaining unto him and hence to be translated up to receive it If they do that for a while they will at length perceive there is something more in the Ordinances then what they at present imagine through the darkness and blindness that is in them None can think slightly but who do not understand If they do really believe on Christ it would seem no strange thing to come unto his Supper The Man is to raise up the highest Love for God and his Christ Remember the holy Covenant that hath passed between them with a continued firm stedfastness and sincere purpose to perform the same He may refresh and strengthen his Faith especially on the Death of our Lord and the Truth of his whole Gospel he is to lift up his Soâ—l in the most hearty Praises and lively Devotionâ— where is a constant â—ear and obedience to Almighty God if he comes unexpectedly where the Sacrament is Administred upon a little examination and reverence of mind he may receive But where he hath notice before hand and he may lay aside some of his Worldly Business as this may be done thrice in the Year at least there let him not approach to this Holy Mystery without Solemn preparation before for it is altogether of as high a nature and deserves as great reverence as the Passover of Old. We are always to have Oyl ready in our Lamps but then we should trim and make them ready at the meeting of the Bridegroom It is not an humbling or carefulness for a day nor a fit of holiness for a Season only for this is the practice of them Who are Foolish Disobedient Deceived serving divers Lusts and Pleasures Tit. 3. 3. who fondly think to make atonement by this Ordinance not considering that some will be rejected who have eaten and drunk in Christs presence Luke 13. 26. But a due preparation consists in a constant course of keeping the Commandments of God There is a building up in our most holy Faith and a progress in the Christian Life so that whosoever is sincere and willing as to that may partake of this Supper to his comfort and benefit Give not that which is holy unto Dogs is the express command of the Master of this Feast Since the Church hath been remiss to this thing and promiscuously admitted all the Sacrament is become common and disesteemed When she kept to the rules of our Lord people were earnest and desirous to come and sorrowful to be kept away If the Government of God over the World were not in a manner made precarious by those who take upon them the Office and Administration thereof Men would be more willing and obedient under it Neither would themselves be so contemptible and base among the People if they had kept up that authority in word and power which the Lord had given When a thing stoops or becomes easie the consequent is to trample upon and not care for it they are to answer before him who in their several Generations have thus managed the cause of God. They have not done according to their direction in his Word for that is with Authority and would if truly Preached command the most Rebellious and Proud hearts of the sons of Men. God is greater then Men and as those who exercise Authority would not suffer it to be brought low neither should his Kingdom and rule over them diminish Truth was once stablished in the Earth the Kingdom of God was once set up with Power but now through the treacherous yielding of the supporters it hath been long falling away and loses strength God is not the least beholden to his Creatures for serving him as Gen. 4. 7. So afterwards his Commandments are given in a Majestick and Authoritative manner Exod. 20. And though the stubborn Sinner saith in his heart which he Manifests in practise I will do this and that just contrary yet he shall be answered again in Plagues and Punishment In like manner did the Lord Jesus give out his Commission of Teaching Go ye into all the World and Preach the Gospel to every Creature He that believeth and is Baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned Mark 16. 15 16. If People do their duty it is accepted if not they are to expect the danger There hath been a wonderful deal of begging yea moreover civil Authority must be called in for aid to bring Mankind over to the ordinances of their God and all will not do When their fear towards him is taught by the precept of Men they may come to perform such a Worship as is described in the foregoing part of the verse of drawing near with their Mouth and honouring with their lips but have removed their heart far from me Isa 29. 13. and that cannot be hindred by all legal constitutions What Glory is it unto him to have a
Holiness insinuating as if God's Law was too strict it curbs free nature and deprives of Happiness Why should not a young Man enjoy pleasure He furnishes with several Commendations of Drunkenness Lust and other deeds of darkness He uses all tricks and devices to get our first years for if he misses them he very seldom recovers the following so contrary it proves to the forementioned saying If a man keeps all Gods Commandements from his Youth knowing that therein is great reward and having respect still to that he despises the present pleasures of Sin finding more satisfaction in the way he walks in He knows the necessity and encouragement of Perseverance 1 Cor. 15. 58. 2 John verse 8. Rev. 2. 10. It cannot be denied but there have been some Apostates the Scripture never supposes or cautions against a vain and impossible thing see Ps 125 5. Ezâ—k 18. 24. Heb. 6. 4 5 6. 10 26 38. 12 15. 2 Pet. 2. 21 22. but these are few in comparison of those who hold out unto the end If they are well grounded in the Faith and lay a good Foundation If they are quite gone out of Egypt and leave not a hoof behind Exod. 10. 26. forsaking every evil way the Sin as dear to them as their right Eye And then if they sincerely endeavour still and are not lazy or negligent not omitting the means of Grace there is no great fear but these will receive the end of their Faith the Salvation of their Souls These love God and are loved by him Who loves with an everlasting Love Jâ—r 31 3. These shall receive the Crown of Life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him Jam. 1. 12. If Satan desires to sift them as Wheat yet our blessed Advocate prevails that their Faith fail not The ministring Spirits Heb. 1. 14. Ps 91. 11. 2 Kings 6. 16. preserve against the destroying We are put in mind of good to defeat the suggestions of evil endued with spiritual Wisdom to discern and avoid the Crafts and Deceits of our Adversaries Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heâ—d least he fall 1 Cor. 10. 12. And having done all to stand Eph. 6. 13. for Christianity is not an idle state but compared to a Pilgrimage which is always going forward aâ—d using care not to be out of the way there is no doubt that the aforementioned Speech will ever be found true in him which ought to be razed out of the number of Proverbs whose nature is to be true for the most part but this is most commonly false and rules are laid down that it may be always Let none hence be discouraged from early walking in the way to Heaven We have a long Journey to go the sooner we set out so much the better If in the Spring time he hath all the year before him observing the directions in Scripture he shall neither miss the way nor be disappointed of the end which he proposes to himself For the Lord never said to the House of Jacob nor any one else Seek ye my face in vain Gird thy Sword upon thy Thigh O most mighty with thy Glory and Majesty And in thy Majesty ride prosperously because of Truth and Meekness and Righteousness Ps 45. 3 4. Looking unto Jesus there Prophesied of the Author and Finisher of our Faith. Consider him least you be weary and faint in your mind Heb. 12. 2 3. Grow in Grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 3. 18. till thou come to the fulness of Stature to be a Perfect Man both in the divine and common acceptation which is the third stage of Life In which we are properly Men and reasonable Creatures the Body being at its utmost pitch the understanding ripe and sound Of Manhood Now we have a right estimate of things in their own nature what we formerly admired and were pleased with we daily disesteem The gayeties of Youth appear foolish and despisable Our thoughts are altered to more substantial things Company and getting of Money are two principal things this time is taken up with and therefore it is not to step much besides the Subject matter to treat severally of them according to our purposed method in their rightful use and contrary abuse all in pursuance to the general Argument Company is thought one Of Company and Solitariness of the chief good things belonging to the Sons of Men which whosoever doth not care for is pitied as Melancholy and Miserable Indeed we are made for Society and there is implanted an inclination in our Nature towards it Our Lord when he dwelt among us did freely converse with mankind So did his Apostles They did endeavour to turn many into the right way from whence they had strayed and did effectually answer the end of Society by doing good to others As for those who retire and shut themselves from the World upon the account of Religion do otherwise then those who did understand and Practice it most Let them spend much time in Devotion yet What receiveth he of thine hand Thy Righteousness may profit the son of man Job 35. 7 8. but who runs away he doth not exercise Acts thereof How can he love his Neighbour as himself which is one half of his Duty who never performs Offices of kindness unto him The Saints of old did not lurk in Dens and Caves of the Earth till driven there by Persecution And John Baptist was in the Deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel Luk. 1. 80. but after he Preached and lived among Men. There is no example or precept in Scripture for the solitary Life The wilful Hermite who is for pleasing God in a way he hath not shewed nor commanded doth also violence to his own just Inclinations is continually discontented and wishes he had never been for he lives only to be sensible of sad Reflections He frets at the heavy Yoke he bears which as God ordained is easie and Light but himself by Additions hath made insupportable His Life through his own Foolish choice is become like the Owl in the Desert or the pensive Inhabitants of the Wilderness Let not the Reader mis-apprehend here or in any other place for the things themselves are not so much spoken against as the Excess and abuse of them Mans Nature which must be Coâ—â—ected in order to Happiness is addicted to extreams in declining one he runs to the other and leaves the middle way of Truth so turning aside into the by-paths of Error Some being sensible of the inconvenience of too much Solitariness therefore will not use it at all and yet great advantage may be thereby received One may better converse with God by Prayer and good Thoughts Our blessed Lord would go up to a Mountain to that intent upon it was transfigured and thence ascended into Heaven And who would follow him thither it is now expedient he should sometimes go alone up to high
before he is sent for he thinks it Duty to wait till he is called He being but a Potsherd of the Earth dares not be thus rude with his Maker as to go before for this would be the way to be excluded from his Presence for evermore We are to use all honest Care to preserve our Life as long as we can for Death is no such trivial thing as some seem to make of it through ignorance and unmindfulness The Servant of God hath no reason to fear for unto him it is an entrance into a Blessed Eternity yet he would be rightly provided What is to be done but once all Wisdom and Caution are to be had that it be done well and sure If by any means I might attain unto the Resurrection of the Dead not as though I had already attained or were already perfect Phil. 3. 11 12. Or if that were done yet he is to tarry the Lords seisure What if he hath stood without his Fathers House the Spring Summer and Autumn yet there was no great Hardship in them if there was it signifies not now it is all past and gone The worst is behind the Winter and that may be shortned none knoweth how soon but for the present it is somewhat irksome to endure the Frost and Cold to have our head Hoary and our joynts Tremble This doth make him more desire Come Lord Jesus come quickly and it will be a greater happiness when he doth come but in the mean while he is not angry if not heard see Heb. 10. 36 37 38. If the body be waxed Old the Mind suffers no decay the Seed sown in Spring cultivated in the time of strength yields a plentiful Crop which doth good service in this time of need They shall still bring forth Fruit in old Age they shall be fat and flourishing to shew that the Lord is upright Psal 92. 14 15. The flower falleth and the beauty thereof is vanished before the Fruit come but this is better So it is of the flourishing and loveliness of Youth that is gone before good and worthy Actions are performed but when they are done the remembrance of them and a well spent life is a mighty comfort to fading and decrepit years If he cannot now enjoy the pleasures of the World that can be no vexation unto him whose mind is fixed upon better Objects God and Christ He being throughly convinced both by reason and experience of the vanity of all things here below doth indeed pity and not the least envy those who greedily hunt after them Having the Wisdom from above which is gentle and easie to be entreated he hath no peevishness of humour and therefore he is not wearisome nor hated like others of the same age The Grace of God changes the whole nature much more a single circumstance thereof He is not in continual dread of the approach of Death for that is the thing expected and desired The sting of it is sin but he hath made it his business throughout his life past to pluck that out now he can lie down in peace knowing assuredly that day which others so much fear will be unto him the Birth day of Immortality Neither is he afraid to consider thereof before hand for it doth not appear terrible to him who is reconciled with God and hath laid up a Foundation by good Works which are ready to follow him Having cleaved unto God in life and health he will not cast him away in time of Age nor forsake him when his strength faileth He that is his God will be his Guide unto Death with this firm assurance he is blessed But the sinner being an hundred Years Old shall be accursed Isa 65. 20. and therefore is extreamly afraid to receive it That studied unmindfulness of his latter end when Death dogs him at the heels and is ready to gnaw on him yet he puts of the looking thereon and thence foolishly thinks all is well enough An horrible dread and fearful expectation hovers over him which he drives away as long as he can some make a shew off much Mirth and Briskness all for pleasure and company still this is but a forced Joviality However they pretend to have a Youthful mind in a withered Body in vain Pastimes to skip like young Lambs this they are the more obliged unto for to stifle inward Sorrow and fear It is an easie matter especially by aid of Company and Sensuality to make an outward appearance of what is contrary within to laugh or make a noise when there is Vexation of Spirit 'T is not only Age nor Constitution whatever worldly and unbelievers talk is the cause of Misery but it is principally occasioned by Sin and Guilt which others again are freed from by Innocency and Gospel Righteousness Some are such deceivers of themselves that they will rather think any thing a cause of trouble then their sins The way of the wicked is as Darkness they know not at what they stumble Prov. 4. 19. Natural weakness is common to all as to which they are tormented and others comforted but they are further subject to horrour and misery from which the Righteous are altogether freed If the eyes of the ungodly are waxed dim so that they cannot longer behold vanity it is grievous to be bereaved of what they placed good in especially there being no Light within them but their body is full of Darkness If they are not able to fulfill their lusts in which was their chiefest delight how wretched must they be When the affection and desire towards them doth still remain but the Members and Sences have lost their power and relish Those which knew no other Happiness but outward sensual pleasures and they have yet an hankering what shall be done when those are vanished and they have no other comfort or satisfaction instead thereof They wish they had never been Life is a burthen which they would surrender up presently if they could be certain the Spirit would turn into soft air and the body ever remain insensible as the Earth out of which it was taken but they sadly fear it will be otherwise The oldest men if remaining in Irreligion and Wickedness still do desire and endeavour after a further continuance of their life though it be a succession of miseries linked one upon another and they have sucked out even to loathing all Worldly pleasures and now cannot enjoy them They are weary of life and afraid to die for they expect no good from it but evil That punishment which attends for them till out of the body frightens when they are in and the remedy they use is not to think thereof If they cast a transient glance towards the Grave as sometimes they are forced they do not look beyond unto Eternity and future Judgment for that raises trouble and anguish of mind There is an inward apprehension which hath been stifled as much as it could they are indeed afraid to appear before that God
4. 7. Have an honourable esteem and good will towards him and his kindness will be discovered to you Whatever hard thoughts arise or are subministred by the Tempter they all proceed from our ignorance and sin some remainders whereof are in good Men though they should labour all they can to have the same done away If any Man love God the same is known of him Many make a shew of much love but if true and sincere it will be manifested by the very nature thereof for if we love God we must be careful to please him above all things as Profit or Pleasure Favour or Good-will of Men. We must be zealous for his Glory contented to suffer Shame Reproach or any Inconvenience for him We are to side with him against the World and the corruption therein a sence of his favour and assurance of his See Exod. 32. 26. reward will make amends for all the seeming disadvantages the other may bring on us All Acts and Offices of Religion are Pleasant and this keeps in all Obedience Love is a constant Principle always abiding on the Soul for it hath a Complacency therein and Dictates at all times to do all things well-pleasing in his sight whom we Love. Take good heed therefore unto your selves that ye Love the Lord your God Else if ye do in any wise go back Josh 23. 11 12. Implying that if this be not in their Minds they would do so This suggests that they can never do too much for God makes them do every thing Willingly and Cheerfully carries them through all the Varieties of this Life sweetens their Enjoyments and for Sickness Pain Loss Affliction this gives that Patience and Resignation that they are as none adversity for they can apply Rom. 8. 28. 1 Cor. 2. 9. Prov. 3. 11 12. The apprehension of a good God above makes every thing Happy unto them As the Father hath loved me so have I loved you continue in my Love John 15. 9. and he that loveth the Son loveth the Father also Glory to God in the highest and on Earth Peace Good-will towards Men was sung at the Birth of Christ our Lord who Of Love to ones Neighbour fulfilled it by that excellent and improved Law he gave unto us Ye have heard that it hath been said thou shalt love thy Neighbour and hate thine Enemy But I say unto you love your Enemies Mat 5. 43. 44. This seems an unreasonable Command to Flesh and Blood but only as it is corrupt and unbelieving for otherwise it may be justified If thine Enemy be hungry give him bread to Eat and if he be thirsty give him water to drink for thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head and the Lord shall reward thee Prov. 25. 21 22. Thou shalt by this means stop his further Violence and Malice In point of prudence it is better to bear a little Evil then by resisting receive greater and trust to the recompence of God for having obeyed his Command We are obliged to do more then is common to Men to manifest our Faith and Dependance on him as may be seen by what is required Mat. 5. 44 45 46. The Reason is added That ye may be Children of your Father which is in Heaven for he maketh his Sun to rise on the evil and good and sendeth rain on the iust and unjust God is provoked every day yet he is strong and patient He loadeth Men with Benefits which they make occasion to sin yet more which he suffers to try if his Goodness will lead them to Repentance but if they offend yet worse their Malice doth only hurt themselves but he is highly exalted and looses nothing if all the World were as Stubborn and Rebellious against him as is possible for such small and limited Creatures to be His Glory and Goodness and Happiness is still the same for all the ungodly Deeds and hard Speeches which ungodly Sinners commit and speak against Jud. 15. him His obedient Servant who is but Dust and Ashes a Worm and nothing in Comparison of the Great Lord of Heaven and Earth Who hath and shall receive every thing from him is here in Duty bound to imitate his Maker and all through his Gracious ordering cannot receive the least disadvantage by it By loving Enemies they become reconciled unto him or not Iâ— the first then it is granted by all to be better then revenge But suppose the worst They are still malicious and resolved to do him all the mischief in their Power the whole in the end will fall on themselves and not on him Will they say all manner of Evil of him â—alsly for Christ's sake his Religion and Good Conscience They cannot torment him in this for he applys the Blessing Mat. 5. 11 12. and the Promise Psal 31. 20. He may be just sensible but doth not lie under Vexation and Discomposure The light breath which sends forth evil Words can never make any Wound in his Soul who hath on the Breast-plate of Righteousness Sayings of one another signifie nothing We are all to stand at Gods Judgment Seat and who have assured Evidence of being approved Detraction there doth no harm but increases our reward that we can heartily forgive the Authors thereof Will they do their utmost and persecute him to the Death As they did to the Prophets the Lord Jesus and his Saints yet after they have done that they have no more that they can do They intitle him to a Crown which the Lord hath promised to such so when he comes to suffer he may well say with him Who suffered for us leaving us an Example that we should follow his steps Father forgive them for they know not what they do When by the Eye of Faith he seeth the Heaven opened he may with real Charity and sincere Affection cry out Lord lay not this Sin to their Charge If it be reasonable to love Enemies so it is to love Friends this we do as Men that as Christians A new stone is laid and both are raised above the common pitch A new Commandment I give unto you that ye love one another as I have loved you that ye also love one another John 13 34. from whence the Disciple that leaned on Jesus Bosome makes this necessary inference Hereby perceive we the love of God because he laid down his Life for us and we ought to lay down our Lives for the Brethren 1 John 3. 16. To do the highest Act thereof that can be expressed There is nothing more enjoyned in the Gospel then Love. The Primitive Christians who did live exactly according to the Rule given them were remarkable for this See how they love one another was observed by the Heathens concerning them who herein fulfilled that Saying of their Lord and Master By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples if ye have love one to another John 3. 35. But we that are reserved to the dregs of time are
from it If we expect the Blessing of the second Adam it is meet we should submit to the Condition of the first Neither doth that Dispensation wherewith Christ hath made us Free exempt herein for one saith who knew the utmost extent of it Those walk disorderly which work not at all Now them that are such we Command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that with quietness they work and eat their own Bread 2 Thes 3. 11 12. Intimating that it was not properly their own unleâ—s they did work for it Not that it is necessary for all to take manual Employments upon them for some have not strength of Body and their Education is another way but yet may do as much good and be serviceable to their Countrey as those who do reap and sow The Promise of eternal Life is to keeping the Commandments whereof the second is Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self which obliges to do those several good and necessary Offices for him which we would have done for our selves But how agrees herewith that proud and selfish Spirit who would have others do any thing for him the Poor must dung his Ground Cut his Corn and be serviceable unto him but he will not contribute towards their good in so large a manner as he expects they should do for his He speaks disdainfully and contemptuously of those who drudge and slave for a Livelihood and blesses himself because he is not forced to an Employment for Bread for indeed few do take any upon them unless by constraint or greedy Desires after encrease but who doth so only out of Conscience Neh. 5. 15. 18. towards God The heads thereof judge for Reward and the Priests thereof teach for hire Mic. 3. 11. The fault is in making that the ultimate end when they would not do so much unless for the Profits and Maintenance belonging to such Offices and these are principally intended To be in some Calling is our Duty and also it frees from the Misery and Sin of idleness We have restless and busie Spirits which must be Conversant about something Both the Faculties of mind and Members of Body were designed for Proper Action they are uneasie when not employed Such a kind of Life is more wretched and irksome then the mâ—anest Labour and working with the hands Behold this was the iniquity of thy Sister Sodom Pride fulness of Bread and abundance of idleness was in her and in her Daughters neiâ—her did she strengthen the hand of the Poor and Needy Ezek. 16. 49. These three go together in too many Men and Women of this Nation and have Connexion The last is the natural result of the two former for through haughtiness of mind and Sloth which is the consequent of Excess comes that Contempt and neglect of honest Callings When the Wisdom of God hath ordered Man to work and labour they Fancy themselves Psal 104. 23 24. too good for it So they either think themselves to be somewhat above Men or that to be unbecoming them But they should have a great Care how they despise Divine Ordinances because of what is written Numb 15. 30 31. Heb. 10. 28. The Son of God came into the World not to be Ministred unto but to Minister But some contrariwise think others ought to do nothing but serve and cringe unto them For all their high Imaginations they are but Men be they never so Selfish they stand in need of others so it is both Conscience and Reason they should do as they would be done by and be alike useful unto others But the nice and delicate Souls do not love Trouble or Pains if they would throughly rouze themselves from Lethargy they would find more delight then ever they did in the unactive manner of Life The being accustomed to business or bodily Labour makes it Pleasant and takes off from the Irksomeness of Life It seems strange that those who greedily hunt after Happiness should yet give way to Idleness which is a Torment and Vexation to the Soul. Is it because they have more time to enjoy Pleasures When they are had continually they cease to be such Intermingle Work with Play and both would be delightful but if one followed only the latter it is more Tiresome then to go all day long to Plough and Cart. It is not only a Matter of temporal Conveniency but is necessary in order to eternal Rest and Happiness So it stands as to the means of obtaining it and prevention of the hindrances which are Temptation and Sin. Let the Devil never find thee idle was the good Advice of one for then he cannot tempt thee At times of leisure he is most busie suggesting Pride and spiritual Wickedness all things to begnile and lose somewhat of our Reward In that time also the Solicitations of the World present themselves and we Parley with them But the worst of all is from within The heart which is desperately wicked when it hath no outward Object to fix on that Corruption lurking there begins to stir It will run after Theft Covetousness Lust and all manner of Evil which breaks forth into iniquity and disobedience It may be observed of several who are rightly disposed to the ways of Good but they have nothing to do and not knowing how to spend their time resort to the Pleasures of Sin and idle Company which either choak or stop the growth of the Good Seed So mightily hath idleness contributed to Satans Kingdom and the Destruction of Souls which should have been prevented by honest Labour and Employment But some make an Excuse from that because they would have more leisure for Religion whereas that if used aright doth not thrust out but help towards it They were both ordained to stand together and Consistent with each other for the same God appointed all The common mistake is of consining the whole to one part as placing all in Acts of Godliness and Devotion which is but one third and therefore not to shut out from the other Duties I have not caused thee to serve with an Offering nor wearied thee with incense Isa 43. 23. 'T is not required of any one to tire his Soul with long Prayers and our Saviour Christ remarks of the Heathen who think they shall be heard for their much speaking Mat. 6. 7. The Sacrifices were offered up under the Law every Morning and Evening but not the whole Day except the Sabbath-day for which was ordered a double and continual burnt Offering Numb 28. 9 10. Thereby giving to signifie that the day which is even now set apart for the immediate Service of God should be wholly spent in sacred Duties Six days shalt thou Labour and do all that thou hast to do God could have provided things without our Labour if his Wisdom had thought fit but having ordained that a Man who is faithful and diligent Col. 3. 24. therein serves him as acceptably at that time as in holy things at
that it may be otherwise If they would retire into the Spirit of their minds setting aside that Willingness to be deceived they would be even condemned of themselves If they did search and examine their own Consciences and that not lightly and after the manner of Dissemblers with God they cannot raise to themselves such false Hopes and Expectations as some do They are disobedient and willing to remain so and therefore are deceived Why they refrain from gross Sins no Extortioner no Swearer and such like they say they are But do they refrain from all Whosoever shall keep the whole Law and offend in one point is Guilty of all Jam. 2. 10. It is as much opposing the Will of God in one instance as in twenty When that commandeth such 1 Kings 11 2. Lev. 26. 21 24. a thing to be done or not done he who doth contrary though in a small Matter his own Will taketh place before the Will of God which is the direct Evil of Sin which comprehends Pride Malice and Stubbornness The continued disobedience of one Precept involves in the same Condemnation as of many 1 Cor. 6. 9 10. Rev. 21. 8. The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a Treasure hid in a Field the which when a Man hath found he hideth and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth that Field Mat. 13. 44. he must part with all Sin and Wickedness if he intends to come there It may be said that cannot be For in many things we offend all Jam. 3. 2. But it must of every known habitual Sin for that may be done Ye have not yet resisted unto Blood striving against sin Heb. 12. 4. This sounds harsh who can do it Any one that will seriously and in good earnest endeavour to do so What God hath said and decreed cannot be altered and therefore it concerns us to try and examine our selves that when the Lord cometh we may be found accepted of him It is appointed for all once to die and after that to Judgment Heb. 9. 27. When all Tricks and Evasions shall be discovered and fully answered to the Confusion of those who make use of them Men may now excuse themselves before their Neighbours and Acquaintance who know not as God knows the very Secrets of all Hearts The Consideration of a Judgment to come should make us suspect ourselves for not every one that is perswaded of his own Righteousness is accepted with God but whom he approveth Most commonly People have too hasty and good Opinion of their own Condition they presently think themselves fit for Heaven and they 1 Sam. 15. 13. have an interest in Christ and will cry out Lord Lord as if they were his own When he shall profess to them I know ye not depart from me ye that Work iniquity Mat. 7. 22 23. If they do that the Lord Jesus will disown and not admit them into his Kingdom All their false Thoughts will avail nothing at that time but now they breed Unconcernedness and Presumption Men are willing to be quiet and cannot endure to be disturbed but let them consider this one thing That if they should perish by the deceiveableness of Satan and their own Hearts it will be most sad to think and worse then it is now to have their present ease interrupted that if they had found it out which they would not when they might they had avoided all this Misery Those upbraidings of past irrepairable Folly will be no little Addition to it After-Wit is never good but in a thing of this moment where is no possibility of remedying the mistake is more Senseless and inexcusable O Jerusalem if thou hadst known in this thy day the things that belong to thy Peace but now they are hid from thine Eyes Could we come to speak with those who whilst they lived walked in away right in their own Eyes but find the paths thereof to have lead unto Death How would these wretched Creatures accuse themselves for running on perfunctorily in their Course without throughly considering whither it did tend They would lament their Carelessness and neglect of making their Calling and Election sure I am perswaded they would testifie unto us to take all heed that we be not deceived in like manner They must acknowledge God righteous for his word makes known all Errour and would have done good unto them if they had walked uprightly Mic. 2. 7. but they did follow their own Hearts Counsel and would have none of his then what they did frame agreeable to their own O that they might have another day of Grace and Amendment of past mistakes Nothing can be granted against eternal and immutable Decrees But we on this side of the Grave may do it but if we will not we shall pass into the same Condemnation there is no remedy if we will not when we may when we are so earnestly called upon and intreated and shewed how we may escape There are now abroad in the World Men sporting themselves with their own deceivings 2 Pet. 2. 13. Who live in some wickedness or other and yet pass the time of their sojourning without fear who stand continually at the entrance of Eternity but take no due care least the gates of Hell be opened upon them And why should any one be thought evil of who acquaints them of their danger that they may go further from it As long as they are in any way of Wickedness they are not in the right way and whether such will know it or no Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed which do err from thy Commandments Psal 119. 21. That fancy which allows in the practice of any sin or which excuses from obeying any one single Gospel Precept pertaining to such a Man or Relation is a meer deceit and is damnable There are many devices in Mans heart nevertheless the counsel of the Lord that shall stand Prov. 19. 21. People are very apt to trust unto those which concern their Spiritual Estate but herein they compass themselves about with Sparks in this life they may walk in the light of their fire and the sparks that they kindled enjoy a little outward Isa 50. 11. heat but no solid warmth and comfort have carnal security but not Peace towards God But that must vanish upon a Death-bed they may see their errour and lie down in Sorrow but if so blinded that they cannot see then they will feel if they should be let down into everlasting fire Why will they not in the mean while take heed to themselves that they be not deceived Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and receive with meekness the ingrafted word which is able to save your Souls Jam. 1. 21. The Scriptures as aforesaid have proved an occasion of deceits that was when Men did abuse and pervert them of set purpose but if made use of as here directed they do discover them all and lead into
aggravate the Abomination of Envy Then that it caused the Death of our Lord. What Storms and Persecutions hath it since raised against his Members Hath kindled a fire and shed the Blood of thousands of his Servants because they did receive his Doctrine and were more Righteous then theâ—â— Tormenters If they have persecuted 1 John 3. 12. me they will persecute you also John 15. 20. Said their forerunner and it hath been fulfilled to a Witness look upon that vast Army of Martyrs Who have washed their Robes in Blood and came out from great Tribulation unto whom it was said in the days of John That they should rest yet for a little Season until their fellow Servants also and their Brethren that should be killed as they were should be fuâ—â—illed Rev. 6. 11. Which since his time hath been done in great measure and the end is not yet Who slew all these An Enemy hath done it through whose Envy Death came first into the World and he hath employed his Instruments ever since for accomplishing all the mischief that was ever done It hath inflicted cruel Mockings and Scourgings Bonds and Imprisonments and found out all ways to torture and make miserable if that were possible the elect of God. When his only Son the first born among many Brethren was slain he prayed for his Murderers Father forgive them for they know not what they do Luke 21. 34. But one would think by this time they have been so long used to this accursed Employment they should know what they do and who sets them on Even the Dragon who hath so long made war with them which keep the Commandments of God and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ Rev. 12. 17. When People hear their good Confessions with what Faith and Constancy they suffer for the Name and Truth of the Lord Jesus When they neither suffer as Traytors Murderers Thieves or Evil doers When they are neither Blasphemers nor Hereticks for an Heretick is condemned of himself Tit. 3. 11. Convinced to the contrary in his own judgment and such are they though their Adversaries would cloath them in the skin of such but it is so thin that themselves and all the World maâ— see their innocencâ— through it but Wickedness wants a pretence and some they would make use of to hide their own Malice and Envy Can they hide their Counsel from the Lord Isa 29. 15 Or conceal from him before whom all things are naked and opened Heb. 4. 13. The wicked plotteth against the just and gnasheth upon him with his Teeth here is the beginning but a little further The wicked have drawn out the Sword Psal 37. 12 14. And when they have had Powâ—r aâ—â— Authority they have executed it O ye Sons of Mâ—n wherefore should you do such things Why will ye bâ— Tools to do his Work who hath great Wrath and but 〈…〉 le time Saâ—an is not divided against Satan We do not Râ—ad that the Devils â—oâ—ment those of their own kind Why should on carry your selves cruelâ—y and despiteâ—ully against the saâ—e Fâ—â—â—h and Blood They are the Servants of God of whom it is said He that â—oâ—cheth you tâ—ucheth the Apple of his Eye Zech. 2. 8. The Lord Christ takes it immediately upon himself when any of his Memâ—ers suffer I am Jesus whâ—m thou persâ—cutest It is hard for thee to kick agaâ—â—st the Pricks Acts 9. 5. And therefore you had best have a Care what you do to these Men. Your Breath is in your Nostils which will one day go forth and then God will suffer your evil Deeds no longer You can only lift up your hand and heart against Heaven and manifest a little spite against your Fellow-Creatures but will you contend with him who liveth for ever Who can cast both Body and Soul in Hell Fire it will be manifested who is stronger and who will have the worst oâ— it at last Conâ—â—der of this before hand Life is lent to aâ—l Men to work out their own Salvation and escape the Wrath to come And what madness is it to bereave others a little before to send them into the place of Rest and Doom your selves unto Torment You think evil against them but God will turn it into Good the more mischief you do he will change it into a greater Benefit There are no such Fools in the World as Persecutors for they miss of the thing they aim at it falls out contrary to what they would have And hast feared every day because of the fury of the Opprâ—ssour as if he were ready to destroy and where is the fury of the Oppressour Isa 51. 13. What is now become of all those stirs they have made in the World The Dust is cast over them and they are quiet their â—ands are tyed up and fettered in the Grave from doing any more violence the wickedness of those wicked Men is come to an end but where do their Souls abide In what Condition are they How vext and enraged are they at their past Rage With what Fear and Trembling do they look for the Resurrection of their Bodies when they must come â—orth to Judgment And those who did â—eretofore ruffle and bluster in humane Courts and Judicatories will be forced to behave themselves in another manner at the Judgment Seat of Christ Those mighty Emperours and Tyrants will find one higher then they the inferiour Officers and Magistrates will meet with one whom they were as much bound to obey as their respective Masters The great swelling Words will be changed into doleful Crys and Lamentations Instead of Domineering and insulting over those they had once Prisoners before them will succeed trembling at their Presence and will be strangely abaâ—hed to see them become their Judges God will arise and maintain his own Cause and â—â—e boldest Persecutors shall at length find It is hard to kick against the Pricks the fiercer they do it the deeper they wound themsâ—lves Their Sword shall enter into their own Heart and their Bows shall be broken Psal 37. 15. If you are Men and not savage Wolves Be reasoned with a little Wherefore should you deal so cruelly against those who believe on God and obey him They must acknowledge He is greater then Man and should be served by us Is their hatred against the mighty One because They would not have him Râ—ign over them Luke 14 14. And because they cannot hurt him will they hurt his Servants He sets himself on their side It is impossible to resist him It is mâ—dness but to attempt it If it be of God ye cannot overthrow it lest haply ye be found even to fight against God Acts 5. 39. He searcheth the very Secrets of all Hearts and if their Rage is against him Isa 37. 28. he knoweth it There is a Root of bitterness growing within the Bosom of Persecutors an Enmity against God. Either it must be this or hatred against the Persons of good Men in whom shines forth his
that lived under the Old Testament which doth not so clearly manifest immortality as the Gospel doth Luke 16. 22 23. Luke 23. 43. Phil. 1. 21 23. Heb. 9. 27. Rev. 6. 9. Besides are innumerable places to prove Resurrection eternal Judgment and Life everlasting Things are fixed and not according to Mens Fancies one way or another those Decrees and Ordinances remain still the same in Heaven Of which we could know no more unless they had been â—old unto us by the Son of God who came down from Heaven and the Spirit from above then one now lying in the lowest Dungeon doth know of what is done in this World. And they do not vary change or alter with our several apprehensions of them whether of assurance or doubt no more then the Sun ceases from shining when only a Cloud comes between Let the sick Person use continual Ejaculations Lord increase my Faith And God will not leave him But he shall receive the end of his Faith the Salvation of his Soul. There cannot be too much Strength or Comfort laid up against this Day it should be the business of a Christians whole Life before for it is the entrance into an endless Life It is the fulfilling and Manifestation of whatever he hath heard Read or done in Truth pertaining to God and Religion And indeed it is worth while to do all things to go off safely He will have Peace in his Life and strong Consolation in his Death Let him observe all parts of Duty to God his Neighbour and himself throughout the Course of his Days Let him do what he can in Sincerity and Truth Whoso doth these things shall never be moved He that hath an Ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second Death Rev. 2. 11. Being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good Work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ Pâ—â—l 1. 6. We may be certain of using the means of perseverance for God hath put them into our Power and as long as we rightly use those means we shall infallibly persevere So that in the mean while we may be assured and at last have true and cercertain hopes of Resurrection unto eternal Life And there cannot be such Fright and Amazement concerning that which is to make the everlasting Decision either when it is far off or near at hand If any one hath let him search and examine his Conscience impartially either he doth something which he ought not to do or he leaves something undone which he ought to do this makes him horribly afraid and must be amended before he can be freed from the Danger which the Fear gives warning of A true Christian can contentedly look for the blessed Hope even in the midst of Life he can find Comfort and sweet in the thoughts of Death as that which will free from the disturbances of Flesh and Blood the Molestations of an unthankful unbelieving ignorant World from the Miseries and Labours of Life and send him over unto eternal Rest and Rejoycing To come to the Enjoyment of our Lord Jesus Christ to be admitted into Fellowship with Abraham Isaac and Jacob Prophets Apostles Martyrs all the Good and Wise Men since the World began to be gathered unto his Fathers to see his Godly Friends and Acquaintance of the same Generation with himself just gone before all this must be a desirable thing The dead may be supposed to be about five hundred to one more then the living now are those whom thou leavest behind shall in a little time follow thee and the People which shall be born shall die in like manner and shortly God will accomplish his whole Elect. None hath advantage who goes before or after And seeing the River must be gone over it is small difference who hath a longer or shorter Passage so we avoid the Rocks and Dangers in the way The pious Soul will be in a Strait willing to stay and yet have a mind to go and there is some Irksomeness to leave the World as now it is to change the place where we have long dwelt Our Nature is something made up of Contraries willing and yet unwilling but if God doth really send as we know not his Pleasure until after the use of all prudent Remedies the Sickness proves unto Death Fear not to go for he calls thee Remember that Petition thou hast often made Thy Kingdom come and when it is wilt thou then shrink back One end of Sickness is to make us the more willing to leave the World. Whatever is sudden doth surprize for the time but then it is soon over whereas that which comes on by Degrees and expected is longer but then more easily born Good Men have been divided in Opinion about this thing those who have been for a sudden departure have rightly thought the only Preparation is by an holy Life for the Gospel speaks of no other It Commands to Watch to have our Loyns girt and our Lamps burning and this is to be done in the midst of Health Life and Vigour There is much Talk in the World about providing for ones latter End but unless to settle temporal Affairs from the example of Hezekiah there is not so much said thereof throughout the whole Word of God. It is the beginning of Error and Deceit when People depart from that It is Non sense and Contradiction to the saying of our Saviour John. 9. 4. to put off the working while it is day till the night cometh when no Man can Work. Who purposely put off the working out their Salvation till that time had best have a great Care what they do for besides the hazard of being taken away by sudden Death yet if they should have considerable time of Sickness or Old decrepit Age they have no such Warrant of being accepted Hear what God saith Mal. 1. 8. of offering the Blind the Lame the Sick for Sacrifice But if some are against Death by the ordinary way of Sickness because that is tiresome and may be an occasion of murmuring Distrust Unbelief blasphemous Speeches which proceed from violent Distempers yet we should not refuse to suffer whatever God thinks fit to lay upon us He knows our Condition and will not enter into Judgment for the meer Sin of the Disease no more then he imputes the Follies of Childhood We are to receive for the things done in the Body 2 Cor. 5. 10. to be judged according to the general Tenour and Bent of our Life Neither will our most merciful God take advantage of any infirmity or slip at the last He will not suffer us for any Pains of Death to fall from him The Church prays so for more abundant security and also to deliver from sudden Death O Lord thou knowest what is best for every one of us Thy Will be done Whether this first coming of the Son of Man finds in the
that we are related and the Objects of his Concern That 〈◊〉 doth and will punish the World for their Evil and the wicked for their iniquity Isa 13. 11. is manifested when his wrath is kindled a little for sometimes Punishment doth begin to seize on the ungodly Sinner even before he goes to receive the full recompence of his doings By that abundant Misery which is every where he doth let all the Earth know that he hath indignation against Sin and this the place thereof Again on the other hand By seeing the felicity of his Chosen by that little taste of Happiness he gives unto his dutiful Children He doth thereby assure that he designs to bring them unto greater to encourage here and reward hereafter Their affliction and trouble doth manifest the Sin even these have They are chastened of the Lord that they should not be Condemned with the World 1 Cor. 11. 32. That liberal Provision and plenty the Evil and unthankful have is for Tryal or Retribution for even these do some little good So that a Man shall say Verily there is a reward for the Righteous Verily he is a God that judgeth in the Earth Psal 58. 11. The Lord looketh from Heaven He beholdeth all the Sons of Men from the place of his Habitation he looketh upon all the Inhabitants of the Earth He fashioneth their Hearts alike he considereth all their VVorks Psal 33. 13 14 15. God doth care for us and we have to do with him Heb. 4. 13. notwithstanding his infinite Greatness for he hath been pleased to admit thereof The VVord Prayer and Praise do keep up this astonishing intercourse They expel the former Hatred Aversation and Strangeness Can two walk together except they be agreed Amos 3. 3. But they may when they are Acquaint now thy self with him and be at Peace Job 22. 21. Abraham was called the Friend of God Jam. 2. 23. Many like sayings the Holy Ghost makes use of as may create Humble Boldness and love to him There is nothing affrightful in him to good Men but perfect love casts out Fear 1 John 4. 8. When this once begins to be established and rooted it is no harshness to make mention of his name then to talk and think of him must be exceeding delightful The very reason why natural and disobedient people cannot endure to hear or speak of God is for want of what is here mentioned and they judge of others by themselves But examine your selves is there any torment to speak of what one loves There is such a thing as love of God if themselves would turn from every evil way and come nearâ—â— they might be happy partakers and not only conceive but be sensible thereof It is the whole required of Man to love God with all his Heart all his Soul all his Strength and all his Mind to love him better then any yea all things besides As much as he can and to use sincere endeavours to love him more The first thing to be done before any can come unto that is to hate evil Psal 97. 10. And then we may love the Lord which gives a delicate relish of every duty we owe unto him O how love I thy Law it is my Meditation all the Day Psal 119. 97. My Meditation of him shall be sweet I will be glad in the Lord Psal 104. 34. My Mouth shall be satisfied with Marrow and Fatness whilst my tongue praiseth thee with joyful lips Psal 63 5. Praise ye the Lord for it is good to sing praises unto our God for it is pleasant and praise is comely Psal 147. 1. But God commendeth his love towards us in that while were yet sinners Of the Sacrament Christ died for us Rom. 5. 8. Now it is just and reasonable that wonderful and gracious works should be had in remembrance To this end our Lord instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood that we may call to mind the one was broken the other shed for us to obtain the forgiveness of our sins This do in remembrance of me Luke 22. 19. Here is a positive command and the refusal is an act of Disobedience It is called by his own name the Communion of the body of Christ and the communion of the blood of Christ 1 Cor. 10. 16. The Psalmist seems to have intended it in a prophetick Spirit when he said I will take the Cup of Salvation and call upon the name of the Lord Psal 116. 13. So that it may be applyed to this Every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward Heb. 2. 2. Again He that despised Moses Law died without Mercy Heb. 10. 28. That Soul which did not receive the Passover was to be cut off from his people And ought not the Marke 12. 6. Son of God himself be as much reverenced in the Commandments he gave us Did he not work for us a greater Salvation then the other did for our Fore-fathers in delivering them from the Land of Aegypt May it not be fearfully expected that those who either contemn or wilfully neglect this divine institution shall not be admitted into that eternal inheritance Christ hath purchased for us And where I am there shall my Servant be John. 12. 26. But he is none who will not do the things Christ saith and commands Let all consider of this and fear and lay hold of opportunity for this duty That of 1 Cor. 11. 28 29. should not keep people away for this is a certain Rule That if one truly repents and discerns the Lords Body that is esteem it more then common Bread and Wine he can never eat or drink unworthily A common and ordinary capacity doth not judge of more then he sees or handles Indeed there are too many especially in Country Towns and Villages that are sunk into gross Ignorance and Darkness as to spiritual things who was in the fault will be judged at the last day There being throughout our Land like Priest like People both backward and unwilling the one to give the other to receive instruction Yet any one that is a Man and reasonable Creature otherwise he could not do the common business of life may conceive thus much that God is who made the World and all things therein The Bible is his Word and whatsoever is written therein is most true and certain When this is heard or read sincerely it will by degrees let in more Light into his Soul Especially if he goes to the place where it is Preached and Expounded He may come to understand the sence and meaning for the Scripture in necessary things is very plain and then to conceive thereof in his mind There he may learn that under the old Law God instituted many Ceremonies and required the punctual observation of them and though the beggarly Elements and carnal Ordinances are done away for they were Types of Christ our Passover who is now risen yet since his supper is ordained to be kept in
will rise up again for we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ that every one may receive the thing done in his Body according to what he hath done whether it be good or bad 2 Cor. 5. 10. We are only proved here how we will behave our selves towards God. It is worth while to look further to consider Man in his several Circumstances State and Condition in this World with some general Heads of Good and Evil that are set before him if he may be stirred up or put in mind of some things for his own Happiness and Safety CHAP. II. Of Man confidered in his threefold Condition Original Corrupted and Restored Of his Thoughts VVords and Actions Infancy Youth Manhood therein of Company and Marriage Of Old Age Body Senses and sensual Pleasure Of the Soul Vnderstanding VVill Affections as Love Fear Joy Sorrow Anger Hope Of Temptations The Close THou hast made Man a little lower then the Angels and hast Crowned him with Glory and Honour Psal 8. 5. One part is of the dust of the ground the other the breath of Life a reasonable Soul in which he hath resemblance to the angelical Nature and is exalted above Beasts His Happiness in the state of Innocency and how it was lost by Transgression is known by every one that reads the Scripture again he was redeemed by our Lord and Saviâ—ur Jesus Christ Rom. 5. 17 18 19. 1 Pet. 3. 18. If we are not wanting to our selves he hath restored us to as great a Capacity of good as we should have had if our Forefather had not sinned God so loved the World that he gave his only Son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting Life John 3. 16. Hereby perceive we the love of God towards us because he laid down his Life for us and greater love then this hath no Man then to lay down his Life for another 1 John 3. 10. The holy Spirit inspires Grace and good Motions into our hearts whom if we do not resist and so grieve he will Seal us to the day of Redemption We feel the mischievous workings of Original Corrruption and we have the same quality of our first Parent to Lust after forbidden things A coveting after Evil and averseness to Good. Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my Moâ—her conceive me Psal 51. 5. It is intermixed and grows up with every part that we all are as prone to Evil as the Sparks to fly upward Indeed goodness doth appear reasonable and lovely yet our Inclinations are backwards to the Practise of it there is a Close hankering after and Preference of the contrary The whole Man is defiled Mark 7. 21 22 23. Gen. 8. 21. Eccles 3. 9. He deviseth iniquity in his Bed he studies to do mischief His Thoughts are vain He takes no delight in Good but rather on Lust Pride and all manner of Concupisence Every mouth speaketh folly Isa 9. 17. Evil Communications Filthiness Deceit Lying and all sorts of Evil proceed out of it With Blasphemies and horrid Oaths he is dishonoured who enabled it to Speak With this Sword it is endeavoured to give our blessed Redeemer more Wounds and to crucifie him afresh The tongue is a fire a World of iniquity so is the tongue amongst our Members that it defileth the whole Body and setteth on fire the course of Nature and is set on fire of Hell. Therewith bless we God even the Father and therewith curse we Men which are made after the simitude of God Jam. 3. 6 9. Our Actions proceeding from the same corrupt Stock are of the like Nature Wise to do evil and forward to put in Execution what our wicked hearts conceive Every Member is wicked and abominably wicked Their inward part is very wickedness Psal 5. 9. and as it is further described Rom. 3. 10. to ver 18. Man is become as sinful as is possible for such a poor Creature to be with short Faculties and Powers they are stretched forth to the utmost he sins till he hath not Ability to sin any more though he hath not wherewithal to vent yet the malicious and corrupt Desire is infinite in a little finite Being The Seeds of Evil came in with the forbidden Fruit. But we must not accuse Adâ—m of our Transgression more then is due for it is our own fault if we suffer it to grow forth and improve it to that monstrous height It may be hewn down and destroyed but still the stump of the Dan. 4. 23. Roots is left in the Earth The holy One that came down from Heaven hath got this Priviledge and Power for us The Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the World could even at this present time extirpate it quite Root and Branch but that he is not pleased to do for wise Reasons yet now he puteth in such a Condition and Ability to perform so much as in and through him will be accepted and we shall come to that place where this accursed thing with all its remainders shall utterly be done away If we come unto him and sincerely do what is required under the second Covenant Christs righteousness will supply our defects The filthy Rags Isa 64. 6. Shall be cast away and we shall be arrayed in fine Linnen clean and White For the Fine Linnen is the righteousness of Saints Rev. 21. 8. What then shall we continue in sin that Grace may abound God forbid Those which make this damnable inference do mistake the Gospel Covenant which requires obedience and good Works Tit. 2. 11 12 13. 1 Pet. 2. 24. Heb. 5. 9. Christ hath brought good tidings and published Peace and brought good tidings of good and published Salvation Isa 52. 7. The same Jesus hath said Those which do iniquity shall be cast into a Furnace of fire Mat. 13. 41 42. Luk. 13. 27 28. He hath proclaimed the acceptable Year of the Lord and the Day of vengeance of our God Isa 61. 2. The Gospel is commonly said to be all mercy yet therein the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of Men Rom. 1. 18. so 2 Thes 1. 7 8 9. The end of both Law and Gospel is obedience by this we are freed from the Curse Gal. 3. 10 13. We have further the assistance of the holy Spirit to resist Temptations and keep Gods Commandments The stony Heart is taken away and an Heart of flesh is given Whereas the whole Man is corrupted now he is put into a way to be right again if he will use the Grace given him He may run counter to his natural State and be sanctified throughout A good Man out of the good Treasure of the Heart bringeth forth good things Mat. 12. 35. After those days saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their Hearts Jer. 31. 33. So we may draw near with a true Heart in full assurance of Faith having
his service as the Ox and Ass â—or ours when he pleased without making any question or dispute concerning it yet he leaves us to our Liberty But how doth he resent it when freely offered and given up unto him Thus saith the Lord I remember thee the kindâ—ess of thy Youth Jer. 2. 2. see Hos 11. 1. 2. Chron. 34. 3. Mark 10. 21. These are written for the Exhortation and Encouragement of all to come betimes for God hath a pecâ—liar Favour and doth take notice of them â—or only doing that which is the duty of all to do To follow after him that is the guidâ— of our youth Jer. 3. 4. The nature of the Christian warfare and state of its Enemies require the chief time of Life to encounter with them When he is Listed at Baptism he takes an Oath to fight manfully against the World the Fle 〈…〉 the Devil The latter is most maliciously set against us Rev. 12. 12. 1 Pet. 5. 8. whom we must Resist stedfast in the Faith by this Shield we shall be able to quenâ—â—h all the siery Darts of the Wicked Eph. 6. 16. The Angel of the bottomless Pit is often transformed into an Angel of Light yet if we are so happy As from Childhood to have known the Scriptures which are able to make wise unto Salvation 2 Tim. 3. 14 15. We shall not be ignorant of his devices noâ— be beguiled through his subtilty Resist the Devil and he will flee from you Jam. 4. 7. This subdued the next is our own dear sâ—lf for though none ever hated his own Flesh but loves and cherishes it yet that when too much cockered and luxuriant turns our Enemy When Blood runs warm in the veins the Sences quick and brisk that is rampant and would get Dominion over us The Commands are directed accordingly Flee youthful Lusts 2 Tim. 2. 22. If ye live after the Flesh ye shall die but if ye through the Spirit do mortifie the deeds of the Body ye shall live Rom. 8. 13. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not Provision for the Flesh to fulfil the Lust thereof Rom. 13. 14. When overmuch fuel is taken away the fire will do no hurt but serve only for its necessary use Another Enemy is the World which with its pomp and glittering is apt to deceive new and tender minds but if they be seasoned with the Love of God and Knowledge of his Word particularly what is written Jam. 4. 4. 1 John 2. 14 15 16 17. 1 John 5. 4. this will cast out the love of the World Faith overcomes it clearly for what this assures of doth so infinitely exceed Wordly Greatness and Glory that they cannot hold due competition with the heavenly manifest Sence sheweth that we are but Sojourners here and have no continuing City Faith â—eeks one to come so we will hold no correspondence with what we are now in then as furnishing conveniencies for not to hinder ouâ— Journey All these Foes are more dangerous because they assault in the disguise of Friends making a shew of Happiness but deceive into Misery and do most strongly tempt in our inconstant Age. They act subtilly taking advantage of want of a through and perfect Understanding But fore warned and fore-armed Wherewithall shall a young Man cleanse his way by taking heed thereto according to thy Word Ps 119. 9. Which discovers the snare laid for him and he may avoid it in the mid'st of his career if he can duly stop or turn aside I have more understanding then my Teachers because I have learnt thy Word Every thing done in the World is with intention and desire after good and that lays down certain directions for Happiness and avoiding Misery so this kind is most profitable If God did no more regard the Iniquities of Youth then Childhood its Vanities were more allowable as the effect of Mirth and Lightness but there is not the same reason for both Children have no Knowledge between good and evil Deut. 1. 39. but Youth hath or may have which is the same thing God expects when we know his Will we should do it otherwise we Sin and are liable to his Indignation It would be impertinent for the Psalmist to cry out O Lord remember not the Sins of my Youth Ps 25. 7. If God would never have imputed them And Righteous Job would have falsly expostulated Thou writest bitter things against me and makest me to possess the Iniquities of my Youth Job 13. 26. so Jer. 31. 19. The just Judge of all the earth calls to account for those Transgressions as of succeeding years Good Men have been guilty of some Extravagancies at that time of Life which are not written for presumption and licence to Sin but for the Hope and Comfort of those who Repent as they did and for those who are not yet defiled with Wickedness to keep their innocency By their Examples it appears that however sweet in commission yet they are exceeding bitter in remembrance Many secret heavy doubtful and disturbed Thoughts did arise as often as they did look back upon them the pleasure whereof was vanished as if it had never been All things considered he consults most for Gods Glory and is wisest for his own Peace who remembers his Creator in the days of his Youth It is said A young Saint an old Devil Which pestilent Proverb sprange frome him the Father of Lies who will suffer himself to be abused for the advancement of his own Kingdom There can be no suspition or danger in the word of Truth which requires To bring up Children in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord Ep. 6 4. The wise Man renders a Reason for it Prov. 22. 6. This Age will gadly receive the imprâ—ssions of good which are as acceptable as those of Sin and Evil. If they grow up and consent with them they become more customary natural and delightful then unlawful Pleasures are to others The sincerity of Youth tasts of the good Word of God and powers of the World to come which have their due influence on such a mind The simplicity thereof doth highly approve the works of Righteousness which cannot be otherwise thought of except by Corruption and Wrong Would God these youthful qualifications might be still retained which in these and other instances are very advantageous for the things pertaining to him This the Enemy of mankind knows though he doth cunningly whisper to the contrary for he uses endeavour to get the first Possession into our Hearts He will try to hinder our Sons from being As Plants growing up in their Youth And as far as the divine permission extends will graft into tender Stocks the wild Olive-Tree that it may become fruitless hewn down and cast into the fire He shews forth many alluring baits and fair promises to beguil foolish nature to himself If he gets young Souls he hath half done his work When he hath them in invincible clutches he instils a dislike of
the Divine Nature take more delight in the things of God then others do in the things of the World. Who by continuance in well-doing have a Blessed Habit thereof so it is become familiar and pleasing as any other Course of Life Their love preserves them from committing of evil and though this being hot at first did cool again yet they have used all means to renew it To keep the Fire upon the Altar always burning Lev. 6. 3. If the flame do not continue so brisk as at first kindling yet they have taken all imaginable Care that it shall never go out It cannot be expected one should be continually ravisht with a pleasant Countrey as at first sight thereof the longer we live and only behold the Works of Creation it takes away that just Wonder and Astonishment And so it is of the invisible things of God we are not always so transported as at first hearing of them when they were New and exceeding Great they are the very same still but the defect is in our selves our Ears are dull of hearing and remain unconcerned There may be a Gracious and Wise disposal in this that ye should shew forth the Praises of him who hath called you out of Darkness into his marvellous Light 1 Pet. 2. 9. These youthly fervourâ— of Spirit that joy because of the sudden Alteration that taste of precious things that lively Faith in what is unutterable how much did they exceed the little Vanities of the natural State And when all these do flag and become less affecting even to the end of our Lives it may be a short Emblem given us to signifie that when we shall be let into the Enjoyment and Possession they will be infinitely more surprising And we shall be amazed within our selves how it came to pass we should have the less Sense the nearer we did approach to them They will be found to be so much beyond then was possible to enter into the Heart to conceive of them I have heard of thee by the hearing of the Ear but now mine Eye seeth thee Wherefore I abhor my self and repent in Dust and Ashes Job 42. 5 6. Which then was so great that there wants a word to set it forth and this should be fully assented to as true yet to lessen the inward Estimation thereof the nearer we draw to be more unmindful careless and negligent must be a condemning thought to the Souls in Heaven that ever they should come tâ—ither with Faintness and Weariness of mind that their steps should well nigh slip or think of going backwards By which perhaps they have lost such Degrees of Glory and a greater reward They will be vexed that they did not more whilst here in the World. But it will be inexpressible Anguish to all Apostates who forsake their first love A Lesson of instruction to us now in the way things are so ordered to see if we will do what the Prophet complains for want of There is none that stirreth up himself to take hold of God Isa 64. 7. Which is to be done by constant frequenting the Ordinances hearing the Word Prayer and Sacrament Holy Meditation edifying Discourse Watchful avoiding the occasions of evil and other hindrances And also doing good Works In all things put forth the utmost Strength and Vigour get that Chain of Graces 2 Pet. 1. 5 6 7. And if these things be in you and abound there is great Emphasis in that word full measure and running over they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their Strength They shall mount up with Wings as Eagles they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint Isa 40. 31. They must continue in all means of Grace and Duty even from the Child to the Ancient of days as long as they are in this Earth for this is the place of Faith and Waiting otherwise this blessed Promise doth not belong to them All that you have hitherto done signifieth nothing unless you still press forward to the mark of the High Calling in Christ Jesus And ye have hitherto run well what should hinder but that you should obtain You have past over the Corruption through the Giddiness and unruliness of Youth have escaped the Dangers of that shallow violent Age in which so many have split and been carried away with the swift Streams of Lust running down into the dead Sea before ever they considered well where they were going But you are safely arrived into the Mediterranean of this Life and your Voyage now is safe pleasant and easie You will quickly be at the desired Countrey if you do take diligent Care. Behold now is your Salvation nearer then when we dreamed and in a little while it will be before you Wherefore lift up your feeble knees and your hands that hang down use still your utmost endeavours and the great Pilot above will not leave you nor forsake you If you be not wanting to your selves he will not be behind in making good his Promises Go on still as you have begun Watch ye stand fast in the Faith quit you like men be strong 1 Cor. 16. 13. Exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the day approaching Heb. 10. 25. The day when the Keepers of the House shall tremble and the strong men shall bow themselves and the Grinders cease because they Of Old Age. are few and those that look out of the Windows be darkned Eccles 12. 3. This is the fourth and last Period of Mans Life Old Age is Gods Blessing which he bestowed on his Servants before and under the Law as the Fathers before the Flood Abraham Isaac and Jacob. The Spirit of God saith by Solomon My Son forget not my Law but let thine Heart keep my Commandments for length of Daâ—s and long Life and Peace shall they add unto thee Prov. 3. 1 2. But we who are under the Gospel and not Carnal Ordinances must not so much relie on Temporal Promises as the Jews did Yet the Apostle seems to intimate Eph. 6. 2 3. that of long Life exâ—ends to Christians also We are enjoyned Temperance moderate Labour and Action which naturally conduce towards it and on the contrary several come short by the Sins of uncleanness Gluttony Drunkenness Revenge Sloth and such like God doth indeed take away at several Times and Seasons out of the good Pleasure of his Will but still many hasten Dâ—ath unto themselves through their own Sin and Folly. He that taketh heed of those things prolongeth his Life and if it be cut off through any other Sickness or Accident this is his comfort and assurance that it was not through his own Fault The humble Christian never thinks himself sufficiently prepared and therefore desires a long space of Repentance and making ready Nor will he presume to rush forward and boldly meet his God
the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the Flesh and these are contrary the one to another They that are Christs have crucified the Flesh with the affections and lusts Gal. 5. 16 17 24. To be carnally minded is Death but to be Spiritually minded is Life and Peace For if ye live after the Flesh ye shall die But if ye through the Spirit do mortifie the deeds of the body ye shall live Rom. 8. 6 13. And then can be no greedy desires after sensual Delights An affection or hankering after them is the principal thing forbidden for there is large Commission given Gen. 1. 29. 9. 3. 1 Tim. 4. 4. A sweetness is put into the Creatures and sence given us to perceive it but they are to be used according to the bounds God hath set in his Word and our Nature To be temperate in all things and not the least sensual minded is what doth become Men and also Christians Neither let Vngodly Men walking after their own lusts think them less happy because these have not an unlimited enjoyment as they wrongfully usurp to themselves for the great God who gives us all things richly to enjoy may well prescribe after what manner they shall be received especially seeing it is for our further good Sobriety gives a better relish to every lawful delight then all the studied Sauce and Contrivances to those who are full and Surfeitted But then we do err not knowing our selves for Nature doth not so much require Pleasure as now and then a little Divertisement but is for a middle and even State between Pleasure and Pain There may be observed a weariness of the former if too long dwelt on and the desire of intermission Take Reason into Advice with Enjoyments and then they will not be troublesome or occasision of inconvenience but this is banished because it is thought to lessen only for that it conceives of them according to truth Indeed the Act is little and mean common to us with Beasts unsatisfying mixt and vain When sought after they are full of trouble and impatiency and afterwards is Disappointment and Vexation All which perish in the using and are determined in this Life which signifie no more taken all together then the single interrupted Acts all which go of as a Dream when one awaketh So it is not possible for the true and real Happiness to consist in them all this may Learnt as a Man. But then the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ teacheth more That there is a real good set before the Sons of Men that we are to press forward to it and take heed least these things hinder There is great Talk in the World about following Pleasure and too much Practising of it not minding how consistent it is with Christianity and the Attainment of true Happiness Abstain always from unlawful things and sometimes from lawful may seem a rigid and severe Rule but yet is necessary for the Boundaries between good and evil are so small and indiscernable that he which will venture to go to the utmost of one will before he is aware transgress and pass into the other To prevent all Danger of this Nature it is commanded Abstain from all appearance of Evil 1 Thes 5. 22. All Excess is Evil even what are esteemed the more innocent Divertisements if followed too much do turn aside the Heart from God and good things The Apostle Prophecies of these last Days That Men shall be lovers of Pleasures more then lovers of God 2 Tim. 3. 4. But it is strange that any should be so who really believe in him for can they imagine he hath Communicated more Goodness to things then is in himself That there is more Satisfaction in earthly Vanities then the things above May they not more certainly conclude that he purposely made things here so small and empty least they should take off our esteem from him that fulness of Joy and the Pleasures for evermore at his right hand By these sweet things he gives an earnest if we seek after it and shall be found worthy Luke 16. 11 12. That He will commit unto us the true Happiness And therefore let the Christian be put in mind not to be Liquorish nor Desirous after present things but turn the whole Stream of his affection to God and the things of his Kingdom Look diligently to himself that he forsake all to come unto them Let him who hath this hope purifie himself from all dregs and defilements of Sensuality And let those follow after it who are strangers to Godliness without Hope and who have nothing eâ—â—e to trust unto Who if they are bereaved of this they are bereaved of all these are Sensual and earthly the other man is spiritual and Divine He hath the Body subdued to the Spirit Whereas some willingly suffer their noble and free born Souls to be inslaved unto a lump of Flesh And become the worst of Gods Creatures for they are not Vassals to themselves nor Act contrary to their own Nature All the Excellency of a meer Sensualist lieth in his outside A gallant Horse exceeds him in Beauty and Strength the Lyon in Courage a Fox in craft and subtilty but indeed he hath the Pre-eminence in that which should be his Shame for all things unseemly and abominable meet in him together which are single and not to be found but in the worst of Bruits Man would be a contemptible Being if it were not for that Divine thing within which preserves his Soveraignty over the lower Ps 8. 5 6. Creation but when this is defiled by the filthiness of sin he sinks below himsâ—lf He forfeits his Honour by disobedience unto his God and his Soul creeps and cleaves unto the ground which was given to raise him up unto Heaven As to the Body none hath much reason to Glory for the Beasts excel us in every Sense and are equal in every Member Wherefore the Almighty sent us into such Flesh we are not to enquire but rest satisfied with the good Pleasure of his Will. Nay but O man who art thou that repliest against God shall the thing formed say to him that formed it Why hast thou made me thus Rom. 9. 20. God made us immortal but we made our selves vile and corruptible Foâ— he did not suffer his holy one in whom was no Sin to see corrâ—uption Psal 16. 10. Whatever our Condition is now in this Tabernaâ—le it was not grievous before the fall and we deserve worse then what is laid on us The Children of God contentedly fear with all the Weakness and Pain belonging to the Flesh having for support 2 Cor. 5. 1 2 3 4. Happiness rises unto them out of what by Nature is miserable All things work together for good But it is time to enter within this vail of flesh The Soul is the Of the Soul. Man himself Compare Mat. 16. 26. with Luâ—e 9. 25. The Body is enlivened and
Pretence of more Freedom and being their own Men for not so much Original corruption as their own added Transgression hath inthralled them While they promise them Liberty they themselves are the Servants of Corruption for of whom a man is overcome of the same is he brought in Bondage 2 Pet. 2. 19. Every one is thus who is led away by sinful Inclinations which is the worst sort of Slavery If they be fulfilled he is thirsty after more and if not he is discontented when they did obtain it was great trouble before the thing when had doth not satisfie and still Desires are let out after something more All of us are miserable and enslaved in our natural State but Gods Grace doth help and bring us out The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to Preach deliverance 〈◊〉 the Capâ—ives and recovering sight of the Blind and to set at liberty â—hâ—m that are bruised Luk. 4. 18. To free those that are the Servants of â—in Know ye not that to whom ye yield your selves servants to obey his sâ—rvants ye are to whom ye obey whether of sin unto Death or of obedience unto Righteousness Rom. 6. 16. If Men will not yield subjection unto God they do to something else they are servants of Sin and Evil and as much under the suggestions of them as the obedient Soul is bound to live according to his Word Gods service is perfect freedom in comparison of serving divers Lusts and Pleasures yet these â—tand in competition with that so one would think Men were in love with Destruction or they would not suffer so much to â—all into it for less trouble rightly bestowed would carry them to Heaven His Commandments are not grievous 1 Joh. 5. 3. Which cannot be said of the dictates of a sensual appetite neither is so much difficulty in keeping them as making provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof The way of Man is not in himself it is not in Man that walketh to direct his steps Jer. 10. 23. It is not in his own power to make himself happy and seeing he fain would be so let him make the wisest choice The Lord commanded us to do all these Statutes to fear the Lord our God for our good always Deut. 6. 24. And who would not be confined to the things which are for his welfare and happiness It is for the safety of the Ship that it be steered Mans goings are of the Lord how can a Man then understand his own way Prov. 20. 24. That way is not good which is after his own thoughts Isa 65. 2. And then unto whom can he stand better beholden then that the Lord shall guide thee continually Isa 58. 11. The Steps of a good Man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth in his way Psal 37. 23. It is the property of the Creator alone and not any Creature to have his own will Angels do comply therewith much more should the Sons of Men especially when it is so reasonable and excellent It restrains from nothing but what would do hurt and make us miserable Self will which is an Enemy to Righteousness and Peace must be pulled down This is the first thing to be done If any Man will come after Me let him deny himself Mat. 16. 24. saith our Saviour which is no such hard saying as carnal Reason may Judge for it is a greater satisfaction to resist corrupt inclinations then to yield unto them the less they are given way unto the less strength they have the understanding part rejoyces to get Masterdom over the Will for that is naturally contrary to the Law of God so Command must be had over it or no Obedience will be performed Some have subdued Countries triumphed over mighty Kings led them and their people into Captivity yet themselves have been holden under the invisible Chains of imperious lust and desire They are troubled with stirs and commotions in their new conquests but the greatest are within their own breast which cannot be appeased though the others may by outward force Those Wars and Fightings come from their lusts which War in their Members and cannot be suppressed with all the gallant Troops of Horsemen or brave Legions Though they have got Cities and strong Holds yet still they lust and have not enough If they kill never so many Enemies to possess their Lands yet they desire to have and cannot obtain as much as they wish for they Fight and War yet have not what they would And the reason of all is because they know not God who is the only proper and commensurate object for Mans vast desires There is no other way to Contentment but to apply our selves unto the infinite One above that he would be pleased to moderate our desire after the things here and turn the whole stream thereof unto himself If we could cease reaching after outward things more then what is necessary we should be more happy then those who have greatest abundance the not having is no torment where is no desire We are imperfect and wanting so must covet after somewhat more this leadeth our desire to the end â—or which it was put in that is taketh off from the Creature which cannot satisfie to fix upon the great Creator in whom all fulness dwells As the Heart panteth after the Water-Brooks so panteâ—h my Soul after thee O God. My Soul thirsteth for God for the living â—od when shall I come and appear before God Psal 42. 1 2. Whom have â—in Heaven but Thee and there is none upon Earth that I desire dâ—sire besides Thee Psal 73. 25. If ye be risen with Christ seek those things above Col. 3. 1. These are equal to our boundless desires and even the contemplation do some what fill much more will the enjoyment hereafter Whereas these here being subject to vanity leave the mind craving and empty What can be a greatâ—r Torment then earnest desire after those things which are not to be obtained by all that would and if had to be disappointed of that satisfaction expected from them Inordinate Affection evil Concupisence Covetousness have a present punishment besides the wrath of God which cometh on the Children of Disobedience To prevent these direction is given in the words foregoing Mortifie there â—re your Members which are upon the Earth Col. 3. 5 6. â—f this be done and the body is dead unto the Worlâ— there can be no â—â—â—re after things therein Our Lord Jesus Christ gave himself for our sins thâ—â— he might deliver us from this present evil World according to the will of God and our Father Gal. 1. 3. 4 Christians are obliged by their profession not to love it nor to walk according to it 1 John 2. 15 16 17. Eph. 2. 2 3. Let none think these harsh Doctrines which make mans life miserable when they do the contrary In the World is trouble who mind it are perplexed with cares loss and disappointment If any
as none ever yet did should compass all that he sought after he would be dissatisfied yea more then when he first began for he hath spent his days and strength in a vain thing He that succeeds most prosperously hath a bundance of Labour and Grief for his Portion and when he hath done all yet still gapes after more of the same or somewhat else it must be the more excellent way to cease from those desires which are the cause of so much misery This was the Doctrine of Antient Philosophers they gave many specious reasons to enforce the observance thereof but here was the failure they would have desire taken of from outward things but then knew not rightly where to place it for we are not sufficient of our selves neither could be happy in the exercise of vertue that according to their notions being but a barren and dry Subject and not of so large extent as Mans capacity so they left him hovering between Heaven and Earth and he could not any where find rest for his Soul. But our Religion which doth more exceed their Morality then the Sun shining in its Brightness doth the first dawning of the day removes this uncertainty and hindrance of Happiness We are not to look at the things that are seen yet we look upon things that are not seen 2 Cor. 4. 18. We can apprehend something within and beyond all sensible objects Lay not up for your selves Treasure upon Earth we are not at a loss what to do further as they were for we are taught and also enjoyned to lay up for our selves Treasures in Heaven Mat. 6. 19 20. We are put in mind to set our Affections on things above when they are taken off from things on the Earth Col. 3. 2. The Christian hath Subject enough for his desires God and the Holy City He is the Fountain of all Happiness and makes it glad in his Presence is fulness of Joy Psal 16. 12. So he that in heart and mind thither ascends and with him continually dwells must be happy for our Conversation is in Heaven Phil. 3. 20. and to be preferred before him who roots in the Earth and turmoils after what he must leave in a little time Whereas the Saints look with disdain upon whatever seems Beautiful or is accounted excellent here below but not worthy to be compared with those Glorious things which are spokeâ— of thee O City of God Psal 87. 3. Did otheâ—s look up and do the like things to intitle them to the same hope they would not be cumbred about many things but be more employed in the one thing needfull When the mind Soars up to the third Heaven it is calm and peaceable all disturbances being gendred out of the Earth but doth not molest who is above them Thus hath been shewed how our will and desire perverted by Original corruption and Additional Sin may be right framed by the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ who was sent to make up for Adams Transgression Lust in the wicked is the occasion of much evil but the desire of the Righteous is only good Prov. 11. 23. Obedience is the condition of Happiness Jer. 7 23. Mat. 19. 17. Heb. 5. 8 9. Now this could not be done if we had no will no more then it can be by Beasts By this power Man is exalted above inanimate and sensitive things God hath given him power to be so and he is become a self-moving Creature he can go this way or that so can creeping and forefooted things but then he can do this or refrain as there are not only See Gen. 18 19. inclinations but reasonings from within When of two things he can do either it is a demonstration that he is a free Creature To Man not the Fowls of the Air or Fishes of the Sea the Lord hath said Obey my voice and live He doth not command nor are we obliged to what is impossible the gracious Lord appeals to us for the equality of his ways Ezek. 18. And he would not command us to turn and live if he had not before put it in our power so to do As we should think haâ—d of the end so of the means for iâ— a Man were compelled to lead a wicked life and could not do otherwise he might as well be punished for simple Eating Drinking and Sleep as that and so on the other side if he were led irresistably it is indeed by strong impulse and quickening by grace to a Godly life he might expect to be glorified because he Eats when he is Hungry The righteous judgment of God will render to every one according to his Deeds Rom. 2. 5 6. What one is forced unto are none of his If a Man would violently put a Sword into anothers hands and grasping that thrust it into the body of a third he alone is guilty of the Murther but not the Weak person who could not withstand what was done God declares throughout his Word that he will deal so with us as we do with one another But this will be more for our advantage because he hath Goodness Mercy and all Knowledge whereby he will shew himself more graciously and uprightly Psal 9. 8. 98. 9. then now is done by the best and wisest of Men. The Grace of God is his Word revealed in the Gospel opposed to the Law so Joh. 1. 17. Tit. 2. 11. and the assistance of his Spirit by which Men know and also are inclined to do but there is a power in them to work together with that Grace 2 Cor. 6. 1. Phil. 2. 12 13. Col. 1. 29. There is a Light which lighteth every Man that cometh into the World by the help of which he may make use of such means as will procure greater degrees and so doing may grow in grace This is given to every one not that it is of Man for what have we that we have not received 1 Cor. 4. 6 7. Natural faculties are no more our own then the Grace of God for he is the maker and giver of both But they may be used and lifted up towards Spiritual things Otherwise what doth it signifie to exhort People to Duty All Preaching would be vain and if they could neither understand nor do it would be as ridiculous a thing to declare the Word in the Congregation as among an herd of Cattle or uttered to the Trees of the Forrest Incline your Ear and come unto Me hear and your Soul shall live Isa 55. 3. Which doth manifest they might if they would They refused to hearken and pulled away the Shoulder and stopt their Ears that they should not hear Zech. 7. 11 12. Which doth most plainly imply that they might have done otherwise There is an idle pretence too common among Men for when pressed to this or that Duty the Excuse is I cannot do this whereas if they would make use of the means which are in the power of all they may have further assistance
and be at their Wits end It would be a more amazing sight then when Abraham looked toward Sodom and toward all the Land of the Plain and lo the Smoke of the Country went up as the Smoke of a Furnace Gen. 19. 28. we should all think we could never get far enough off from so terrible a thing If there were no Promises nor Threatnings Who would be the Servant of the Lord For now there being both and other Arguments to yield to his obedience that if we believe and consider of them it is impossible that we should do otherwise then assent and be actually perswaded by them yet still for want of that few are throughly brought over But if these were taken away none would serve God and his Church would be like the wilderness No Homage though most just and due from us without would have been paid unto him without Expectation of future reward Neither is he worshipped as though he needed any thing Acts 17. 25. for he wants not the Services of Angels much less of sinful Men. His Glory and Happiness was infinite and compleat before the World began and cannot receive the least addition He created man to take him up unto himself and out of the good pleasure of his will hath ordered him to dwell on the face of the Earth to try whether he will be obedient and a fit inhabitant for Heaven and hath placed on the other side of him a Land of Darkness of Dragons and Scorpions where the Shadow of Death and no Light is that if he will not come whither he calls and invites him he may as a just recompence of his stubbornness and transgression fall into the other In the mean while it is made known and he is liable thereto that he may flee and get away it is decreed he must take up his everlasting habitation some where and seeing that is so full of misery he should now seek out the new Heaven and new Earth where dwelleth Righteousness If we were to sleep for ever or to be as we were before our Birth we should not esteem of and consequently not labour after the rest that remaineth for the people of God But now it is his Decree and Ordinance that if we should miss thereof we must necessarily drop where is no rest day nor night so we are obliged out of self-love to endeavour more diligently after the other There have been some of Opinion that to talk of Hell is not agreeable to the Gospel Dispensation and that fear should be banished alledging 1 John 4. 18. For what end did God put it in Man but that hereby he might be stirred up to shun the approaching Evil Why hath he told the World thereof by his chosen Messengers but that they might escape it If it be not agreeable with the Gospel Wherefore is it so often spoken of therein John who was sent to prepare the way of the Lord Preaches of the Wrath to come and unquenchable Fire Mat. 3. 7 12. A little after the Author of the New Testament speaks of utter Darkness weeping and gnashing of Teeth Mat. 8. 12. Everlasting Fire and Punishment Mat. 25. 41 46. The like was the Doctrine of his Apostles 2 Pet. 2. 9. 2 Pet. 3. 7. Rev. 9. 6 14. 10 11. 16. 10 11. 21. 8. Jam. 2. 19. 5. 5. Jude 5 6 7 13. Lastly he who came after them all as one born out of due time delivered the same 2 Thes 1. 9. Knowing therefore the terrour of the Lord we perswade Men 2 Cor. 5. 11. So those who make this objection differ in judgment from him and other Holy Men moved by the Holy Ghost for they used this kind of Doctrine Should they not now Teach as Christ himself did whose Embassadors and Stewards they say they are Have they not him for an Example Are they wiser then he Why should not all the Arguments which God hath given in Scripture be made use of to exhort unto Duty amongst which this is powerful and apt to prevail for though indeed Love is the most excellent and abiding principle of Obedience yet the terrours of the Lord do more effectually perswade Men which will drive when the other grows faint and languishing Because of the little smart and irksomness there is an unwillingness to speak or hear thereof but it is an odd kind of Mercifulness to let Souls drop into Hell rather then a little disturb them before hand with the rumour thereof and they had better suffer that then the thing it self This brings most people unto repentance for they look about themselves and think what will be the event of a wicked life continued in The word every where denounces Wo and Cursing Tribulation and Anguish against it and their own Conscience accusing them of sin and that they are now subject unto all those threatnings which they will certainly feel unless some way avoided All men even the wicked and ungodly do abhor misery and would flee from it if they saw it coming and therefore they turn from iniquity least it should be their ruin This conversion proceeding from such motives as God hath given in his Word is acceptable with him By faith Noah being warned of God of things not seen as yet moved with fear observe that prepared an Ark to the saving of his House Heb. 11. 7. And others save with fear Jud. 23. After our Lord assures us of the joy over one sinner that repenteth Luke 15. He brings in the parable of the Prodigal Son who was ready to perish for hunger the consideration of that and not any love to his Father caused the resolutions of going home yet he was kindly received who was so little worthy of it So one rouzed up with fear comes to repentance and seeing Gods wonderful compassion towards him notwithstanding his former sins and provocation which are all pardoned according to his gracious promise Isa 1. 18. Now his former hatred and aversness is turned into good will and reconciliation to his Heavenly Father and he lâ—ves much much being to him forgiven This is increased more and more by further acts of Divine Goodness he is sensible of so what was at first begun by fear is now grown perfect and consummate by love and then living and being stablished in all Obedience he comes to that perfect love which casteth out fear 1 Joh. 4. 18. For having peace towards God and forgiveness of past sins he is not tormented with affrightful thoughts of Damnation for though heretofore he was an Adulterer or Covetous or a Drunkard now he is Washed â—e iâ— Sanctified he is justified by the Name of our Lord Jesus and the Spirit of our God 1 Cor. 6. 11. He hath not that fear which he had at first which hath Torment There is a Godly fear Heb. 12. 28. Which is to be retained all the days of our life Love and this kind of fear are consistent Deut. 10. 12. The distance is infinite between
he shall be Hanged if it be proceeded against him according to the strict rules of Justice And so it is of the sinner Except ye repent ye shall perish Luke 13. 3. In common Opinions and Sayings the sence of Good and Evil Truth and Falshood is confounded that passes for despair which is but the right pronouncing of ones condition out of that word by which all are to be judged at the last day 'T is neither that nor the inferences which necessarily flow from it which bring this sad effect on any but Mens committing and holding fast those sins to which the threatning part is just and due but they might cease to do so and avoid it The design whereof is to turn many away from iniquity Mal. 2. 6. Not lull them in the continuance of it Neither would they make lies their refuge and under falshood hide themselves Isa 28. 15. only for a little outward quiet if they did throughly consider the great good and satisfaction of a true and well grounded hope It was said of Old Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for Psal 146. 5. his help whose hope is in the Lord but now he is much more who looks for that Blessed hope and the Glorious appearing of the great Tit. 2. 13. God and our Saviour Jesus Christ and so shall be ever with the Lord. 1 Thes 4. 17. With the thoughts of this he can contentedly bear all the present miseries and infirmities of life that God will give an end unto them and receive him to himself where shall be no Sorrow nor Rev. 21. 4 Pain nor Crying Those which have the sure expectation of a Kingdom or good Estate do not grudge at some small inconveniencies in the mean while the thing waited for will make abundant compensation so likewise who doth really hope for the Kingdom God hath prepared can easily go through with that Tribulation he meets with in the World Looking unto Jesus the Author and Heb. 12. 2. Finisher of our Faith who for the joy that was sâ—t before him endured the Cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God. Consider what he saith John 14. 1 2 3. How can their hearts he troubled who stedfastly believe this but yet O happy Souls Ye have need of Patience that after ye have done the Will of God ye might inherit the promise for yet a little while and he that shall come will come and will not tarry Heb. 10. 36 37. Be patient therefore Brethren unto the coming of the Lord behold the Husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the Earth and hath long patience for it until he receive the early and latter rain Jam. 5. 7. He may be deceived of his crop by several accidents which he cannot help but it is not so with you Do but what is required on your part for all the promises of God in him are Yea and in him Amen unto the Glory of God by us 2 Cor. 1. 20. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end that ye be not Sloathful but followers of them who thorough Faith and Patience inherit the promises Heb. 6. 11 12. But if we hope for that we see not then do we with patience wait for it Rom. 8. 25. The Wisdom of God hath excellently contrived for our Happiness by joyning these two precepts together for the mind is restless till it obtains the desired good unless quieted by divine command and pleasure the contemplation of those joys above would vex and torture unless we could patiently tarry for them The Israelites were distressed forty years in the Wilderness before they came unto Canaan Jacob served seven years for Raâ—hel in every temporal end there is fore-going labour and expectation which none doth so much repine at all which do instruct what is like reasonable we should do but the same for Heaven as others for the things of this World. The excellency and greatness whereof will be a more sufficient recompence for the pains and time of waiting The Gospel doth not promise freedom from hardship but compares our life to a Warfare Race Pilgrimage which have trouble intermingled but there is sweetness at the very time by consideration of the victory the incorruptible Crown the pleasant Country we shall at length possess our selves of The thoughts of this doth make us fight couragiously putting on for a helmet the hope of Salvation run cheerfully and pass through this barren and dry Wilderness where no Water of true comfort is Having a mind whither we are going and though they may seem aâ—ar off yet even now Joy springs up out of the Wells of Salvation We have example in a worthy Saint who speaking before of bonds and afflictions yet still reckons that Acts 20. 23 24. no hindrance to finish his course with Joy. None can refuse to suffer any thing that hath in him the true and certain hopes of Eternal Life Ye took joyfully the spoiling of your goods knowing in your selves that ye have in Heaven a better and enduring substance Heb. 10. 34. Rejoycing in Hope patient in Tribulation Rom. 12. 12. That looks oâ—t to the end what we shall come to enjoy not minding little difficulties in the mean while Men do not fear the roughness of the Ocean Tempests or Thunder when they make a Voyage to get Money they have no assurance before hand that they shall not be Ship-wrackt if they once set a shore it matters not what they have undergone but rather it is more pleasant the more dangers they have run through And shall they be discouraged at being tossed up and down in the troublesome Sea of this life who are assured that if they guide their course according to the rules given them they shall at length arrive at the most fair Haven that ever was Come fine weather or foul gentle gales or Euroclydon fears and perils they are contented all things are possible and sweet to them who have this expectaon But the last and greatest is behind as they are just going into harbour It shall bring him to the King of terrours Job 18. 14. How shall this be looked in the face Yet he who hath a sure interest in the promises may hear one speaking unto him Fear not I am the first and the last I am he that liveth and was dead and behold I am alive for evermore Amen and have the Keys of Hell and of Death Rev. 1. 17 18. There is no doubt of getting admittance seeing he keepeth the Door who therefore died and rose again that where he is there his servant shall be John 12. 26. What if the body lie some while in the Grave this dear flesh inherit creeping things and worms yet when there it is void of sence and misery in the mean while this is our comfort that it will not be long there Indeed
it will be somewhat longer and to more disadvantage then of whom it is written Psal 16. 9. All we have sinned but the holy one did not But now blessed be the Father and the Lamb for it Our flesh shall alsorest in Hope for it shall rise again and be as highly exalted as ever it was abased John 12. 24. 1 Cor. 15. 42. 44. Phil. 3. 21. What need he to fear whose body is committed unto the ground in sure and certain hopes of Resurrection unto Eternal life and his Spirit commended into the hands of thee O God For so an entrance shall be ministred unto you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 1. 11. Sweet arises unto them out of that which to others is nothing but bitterness it is the messenger of God to bring them to himself and that is true which the Son of his love hath said The righteous shall go into Life Eternal Mat. 25. 46. and therefore they willingly submit unto what comes upon this errand All the promises are theirs in all time of Tribulation in time of Wealth and further in the hour of Death they are happy Wherefore grid up the loins of your mind be sober and Hope unto the end 1 Pet. 1. 13. The tranquillity of the mind was what the Wisdom of Ages did A summary of the preceeding Discourses labour after but they for want of the Grace of Jesus Christ knew not what hindered which should be first taken away A gross and Stupid Understanding a guilty Conscience a crooked and perverse Will strong and irregular Affections but Almighty God hath sent him who was the Wisdom of the Father and hath published peace Isa 52. 7. If our Souls be framed according to the directions given they must be composed and quiet Every one who doth not only call Jesus Lord but doth the things which he saith Who being in Christ is a new Creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new 2 Cor. 5. 7. hath his Passions so as above described out of his Revelation He is free from those miseries which do arise from inordinate affections and they being in him conversant about holy things afford more satisfaction then when pressed down only to the things of this life It is more delightful to love God with all his Heart and all his Soul then to them who are lovers of Pleasure Riches and Honour He loving his Neighbour as himself doth exceed them who are outwardly kind and civil but within dissembling and malicious It is better to serve God with reverence and godly fear and not to be slavishly afraid of any thing Psal 118. 6. Psal 112. 7 8. Isa 41. 10. Then to others who dread him with the Spirit of Bondage who stand in continual fear of evils to come Death Judgment and Hell. There is more contentment in rejoycing in the Lord then worldly delgihts loud laughter and hearing all manner of Musick Godly sorrow and contrition hath been shewed to be less grievous then cares trouble and discontent for the things of this World. Who is zealous for God and true Religion hath more rest in his Soul then those who are so for their own honour and reputation and are tormented with the least disgrace or evil surmising And lastly the assured hope of glory brings more comfort then all vain false and foolish confidences The right use of the Affections grows up to immortality and reward but the abuse is only for this present and short time the act perishes and the punishment is to come besides the present irregularity and torment of disordered Passions Whereas he that is born again hath in a great measure escaped the original corruption of his Nature he is not tossed to and fro with contrary desires and passions within him is a great calm this was done by the everlasting Gospel The Word of him whom even the Wind and Sea obey It is to be understood that none have an uninterrupted peace Of Temptations for there is a Law in the Members warring against the Law of the mina Rom. 7. 23. There are some lees remaining of corruption and then are the several kinds of temptation from the World the Flesh and the Devil Thou art too delicate O Christian if thou expectest to come to Heaven without some trouble What Worldly good is to be had without it Thou must withstand and go through all these Enemies for if thou yieldest or art overcome thou art undone for ever This is the good fight Here is the Faith and Patience of the Saints they cannot now enjoy perfect and absolute happiness but this they are to contend for here being reserved for them who shall be found worthy in another state Take the Apostles Exhortation Be strong in the Lord and the power of his might Eph. 6. 10. He â—here furnisheth with habiliments of War from the crown of the head to the â—ole of of the foot see 1 Cor. 10. 31. James 1 2 3 12. 1 Pet. 1. 6 7. The Lord your God proveth you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your Soul Deut. 13. 3. Thus he did tempt Abraham Gen. 22. 2. To know his obedience or to try but as to deceive or to perswade unto sin Let no Man say when he is tempted I am tempted of God for God cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth he any Man but every Man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed James 1. 1 3 14. And there is one called the Tempter Mark 4. 3. Who finds something in him whereon to ground the Temptation as Pride Lust or such like God doth suffer all this to try our Obedience the whole order and establishment of things may be referred to this See Deut. 8. 2. none can compel and by the assistance of his Grace which is made known unto Men they may be all resisted The excellency of Mans faith and service unto God appears when he holds fast to that notwithstanding Sollicitations and Discouragement to the contrary Who would not fear God I had almost said even those who sin against him if thereby he was assured to have a â—edge round about but if a gap were opened and Satan might come in and trouble him a little this would manifest for what reason we did and whether we would keep constantly to obedience Job 1. 10. Innumerable are his devices which all may be known out of Scripture In general they are either to commit sin or hinder good By the first he doth delude the wicked World and with the latter assail Gods faithful people more especially though the one and the other are tempted both ways He would first keep them from doing the thing that good is but if it is done for all then he will endeavour some way to spoil or defeat of the reward When they have heard the word Satan cometh immediately and
taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts Mark 4. 15. As by prompting them to worldly talk or business presently afterwards which makes them forget all and signifie no more then if they never heard it such are his ways and methods to keep Men from their good and Salvation Whosoever will not know when he may and when he doth will not counterwork and make void the design it is his own fault if he perish Neither give place to the Devil â—ph 4. 27. Resist the Devil and he will fly from you Jam. 4. 7. Your adversary the Devil as a roring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour whom resist stedfastly in the faith 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. God hath given us power and here commands thus to do We are to our sorrow told he is come down unto us having great Rev. 12. 12. wrath because he knoweth he hath but a short time He doth not now so universally tyrannize over the bodies of Men as he did before our Saviours coming into the World but tryes by subtle windings and insinuations to glide into the heart or suggests evil Thoughts spiritual Pride Unbelief Disobedience We have not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Heb. 4. 15. So temptations may be without sin as where is no consent unto them but an abhorrence and utter disowning of them in the mind It is expedient to cry out the Lord rebuke thee Satan if any thing comes never consent the Lord pardon the iniquity of my thoughts and reject them with more abomination fly to the Lord Jesus for help for in that he hath suffered being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted Heb. 2. 18. Say over his Prayer more earnestly learn from his example Mat. 4. To beat back the temptation with Thus it is written in the word of God. Then thou mayest know assuredly thou shalt never fall away utterly through all his subtilty As for other Temptations of the Flesh and the World it is the The Conclusion of the whole Chapter design of the following Pages to confirm Man against them Man hath been surveyed in his Thoughts Words and Actions in the several Ages of Life in Body and Soul and he may be truly Happy if governed by the Law of God. He may enjoy greater good and be free from more evils according to this State of imperfection and beginning He is a Creature built up by the wonderful working of God for Happiness and another Life All the Members of the Body are compacted and knit together the Powers of Soul are rightly framed made capable and designed for this great End. Now as all these have dependance upon each other for Constitution of the whole Man they are linked together for his Being so every one of them singly and joyntly are to be ruled and ordered by Scripture for his Well and Happy being If any is not all the rest suffer Confusion and Misery are in the Man. One string in a Musical instrument out of Tune spoils the Harmony of all the others A single part which moves irregularly and refuses to be under him in whom we live and move and have our Being troubles the whole Man. Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God and bringing into Captivity every thought unto the obedience of Christ 2 Cor. 10. 5. Otherwise it would be almost the same to do nothing towards it A little leaven leaveneth the whole Lump One reigning Sin sowres our whole Nature and makes it unmeet for our Masters use The Blessed Jesus who â—itted his Commandments for our Good gave this to his Disciples the last we read of and consequently of greatest moment a Summary Conclusion of all that they should teach all Nations to observe all things whatever I have commanded you Mat. 28. 20. These are the only terms upon which our Happiness is to be had and who will not take it upon them he may go without he hath no share nor Lot in this Matter This is the pearl of great price if he will not Sell all that he hath and give to the value the Lord Jesus hath put upon it it is all one as if he bid nothing he may let it alone It is just if we expect this good thing from God that we should come up to those Conditions upon which and no other he will Communicate it For he hath created the whole Man and therefore is no Reason why he should be served by piece-meal We are bought with a price so upon both Respects of Creation andâ— Redemption we ought to Glorifie God in our Body and Spirit which are Gods 1 Cor. 6. 20. Alas What are we to make so much adoe That we will as it were Capitulate and know for what Reason before we submit to his obedience Man is a Worm and the Son of Man is a Worm Job 25. 6. If we respect his outward shape he seems a contemptible Creature When he appears nakeâ— and stript off those Ornaments he so much Prides himself in the Beasts are not so ugly in our sight So little doth he appear in reference to the other Works that the Psalmist might very well admire O Lord when I consider thy Heavens the work of thy Fingers the Moon and Stars which thou hast ordained What is man that thou art mindful of him and the son of man that thou Visitest him Psal 8. 3 4. How much do they exceed him in Beauty Greatness duration and usefulness The Heavens declare the Glory of God and the Firmament sheweth his handy work Psal 19. 1. They all observe the Rules he hath given them Whereas â—ullen Man doth not ascribe the Honour due unto his Name and will not so much shew forth his Praise as he ought who will not speak out what he sees Psal 145. 10 11 12. and knows which is justly required but perversly denied As if this was not sufficiently provoking he makes it his business to dishonour God and break all his Laws Who is but a depending Creature hath all from him and yet Transgresses his most reasonable Commands But how will he Answer when God shall plead with him How will they be able to stand before him Who dwell in Houses of Clay whose Foundation is in the dust which are crushed before the Moth Job 4. 19. Yet this vain Man whose breath is in his Nostrils who is not to be accounted of I tremble to think upon it continually displeases him who keeps it in who holds his Soul in Life This Worm wriggles and shews all the spite it can against his Master Most certainly these things ought not so to be The Lord hath made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evil Prov. 16. 14. If he is not glorified in our Salvation he will be in our Destruction When God arose to
for that also was once to come and we see it hath already been The day of death with us living is to come and though it be so none can be foolish to deny but that will as certainly be as was the day of our Birth All this great business which is cryed up to be so much at a distance is only till then for albeit the perfect consummation of bliss and misery will be after the general Judgment and how it shall be with us immediately after Death there is no plain Revelation yet from John 9. 4. Heb. 9. 27. and alike places it appears As the Tree falls so it lies As Death leaves one so Judgment finds him What therefore doth it signifie if the General Day be afar off when the Day of our particular Death may be next Week to Morrow this very Night God may require our Soul The body remains insensible in the Sleeping-House of the Grave yet it will be awaked from thence by the Trump of the Arch-Angel A Man would not go to sleep very securely if he knew before hand he Mat. 25. 6. should be rouzed by his House burning about his ears and of this we are assured that after our earthly Tabernacle is laid down it riseth up no more till the day of the Lord comes as a Thief in the Night 1 Thes 5. 2. In the which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise and the Elements shall melt with fervent heat the Earth also and the Works that are therein shall be burnt up If we would be safe in that great day we must before we go hence consider and do well that we may be worthy to escape and stand the only strength is innocence Seeing then these things shall be dissolved what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy Conversation and Godliness Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God wherein the Heavens being on fire shall be dissolved 2 Pet 3. 10 11 14. We daily approach nearer to morrow then to day and thus continually make towards it Whether we Eat or Drink Sleep or Play our time passeth and whether we think of it or not we are always going to that state in which time shall be no more How soon we may be there we know not but most certainly we shall be there at last Take ye heed Watch and Pray for ye know not when the time is Mark 13. 33. Who will not obey this Commandment but be unmindful go to sleep and take their rest yet their Damnation slumbereth not and if they put the evil day far from them yet still their condemnation lingereth not and that will come do what they can In the days of Sodom they did Marry and were given in Marriage did not at all consider the things which should come upon them nevertheless the Lord rained down Fire and Brimstone What are now become of all those in the Generation with Amos who would put the evil day far from them Yet it is long since come and they could not stave it off Those of the same mind in the time of our Amos 6. Fathers are all gone and their carelesness could not preserve them from the Pit of Destruction They thought the very like what some do now the things of another World were at a great distance and they need not mind them yet they fell in unawares We can no more think their misery less then who wilfully shut their Eyes and drop into a bottomless Gulph whereas if they had kept them open they might have seen and passed by it Like the evil Servant who said in his heart My Lord delayeth his coming Mat. 24. 48. They had time enough and to spare on the Earth therefore they would smite and oppress their Neighbours eat and drink with the drunken But the Lord came in a day when they looked not for him and they are reserved unto his just Judgment if they might rise from the dead again and have another day of grace and for bearance they would be other kind of Men They would take heed and not be surprized on a sudden But the decrees of Almighty God like himself are unchangeable they were told of this before and they might have accepted the good counsel of the Lord Jesus and therefore he is Righteous in his dealings towards Men. Who dyed in their sins have no more place for repentance for he gave them a space to repent and they repented not Rev. 2. 21. But the living may as we are at this day yet not better then our Fathers we must shortly dye in like manner and are to stand or fall to our own Master We shall see another representation of things then is now before us one which openeth into the eternal Countrys either new Heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth Righteousness 2 Pet. 3. 13. Or a Land of Darkness of the shadow of Death a place of Dragons and Scorpions the inhabitation of Sin and Misery Yet a little while and we shall be removed out of this place and then we shall find that the things here spoken of though they may at present seem as idle tales Luke 24. 11. will be real and no fictions Whosoever believeth that God is true and that those things are so which he hath spoken by his holy Prophets Son and Apostles cannot otherwise then be convinced of the certainty of them even now If so nothing can be more effectual to perswade Men futurity will be no more an argument against them then now it is against Mens going a Voyage to a Foreign Country where it is several Months before they can reap any profit The shortness of the time before at least by Death the infallibility of that the exceeding greatness of the concern should take away all other disadvantages If we had but faith as a grain of Mustard-seed we should remove Mountains which now hinder us to behold the Land that is very far off Isa 33. 17. And for all the distance it would more affect us because of its exceeding pleasantness then that our feet now tread on if it doth not it cometh to pass because of unbelief Nevertheless if we believe not yet he abideth faithful he cannot deny himself 2 Tim. 2. 13. He hath provided a rest for his people and to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest but to them that believed not Heb. 3. 18. They shall not only be deprived of that but shall have their part in the Lake which burneth with Fire and Brimstone which is the second Death Rev. 21. 8. Which they may as soon avoid by saying they do not believe any such thing as now they may a temporal evil by fancying strongly it shall not come upon them If they could make themselves immortal by having a lively Faith that they shall â—ot die or if they were fast bound to a Stake and a pile of Faggoâ—s kindled close round about and they could be preserved from
which is according to Deut. 16. 18. and hath been the continued usage of all Nations As these discharge their Trust committed by their Sovereign he doth commonly annex Honour and Profits Thus Numb 27. 20. they and their Posterity become Noble according to the Titles he hath given them David a King equal in Power and Majesty to the rest of the Earth freely and according to truth acknowledges 1 Chron. 29. 11 12. what some Monarchs will not speak out God giveth Honour unto the King who conveyeth it down so all is to be derived from him This way of advancement in it self is good and lawful for the King is to give Praise to them that do well 1 Pet. 2. 14. but especially to those who with Wisdom uprightness and diligence manage that Authority intrusted with them Neither was it only allowable in the time of Carnal Ordinances but remains now under the more spiritual Dispensation The Eunuch of great Authority under Candace Queen of the Ethiopians was converted to the Faith and after instruction therein Philip told him If thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest be baptized Acts 8. 37. but did not at all require him to part with his high place The time would fail me to speak of Nicodemus the Centurion Rich Zacheus those honourable Women Sergius Paulus the Deputy the Saints in Cesars Houshold which believed on the Lord Jesus and of all those Persons of higher Rank who embraced Christianity after the Apostles times It did not only spread into Villages and common Cities but that of the imperial Residence and was received by the chief Officers of his Army and those next in Dignity under the Emperour The Grain of Mustard Seed was the least of all when first sown but did shoot it self more and more by Degrees And though at the first Preaching of the Gospel Not many mighty not many noble are called 1 Cor. 1. 26. yet we see according to Gods gracious method more were afterwards and according to his good promises we are to expect yet a further addition and increase When the people are gathered together and the Kingdoms to serve the Lord Psal 102. 22. Of every Rank and Degree of every Calling and Occupation of every Generation since the World began of every Countrey Nation and Language and from every Corner of the Earth there will come from the East and West and sit down with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of God. None is excluded from thence only upon the Account of what when and where he was in the World. Some indeed do stand in more slippery places then others they are in greater Danger to fall but yet they may stand if they take heed The Rich are in a Temptation and a Sâ—are enticing and deceiving them into foolish and hurtful Lusts which drown Men in Destruction and Perdition but this Temptation may be overcome the Snare seen and avoided as the Apostle sheweth them how 1 Tim. 6. But yet they are a strong Allurement to Vanity and Sensuality they can Administer a present Gratification to the Flesh and this makes a goodly appearance oâ— Happiness Which hath been represented in its utmost advantage and found false Chap. 3. and empty God doth equally intend the Happiness of all mankind and therefore that cannot be the proper one which is not given to all For they are all of the same Frame and natural Desires Body and Soul alike which would appear if they had the same Education and Circumstances That those of upper Condition be not exalted above measure let them know There is not so much in Riches and Honour as is commonly imagined Gold Pearls and costly Array are nothing of the Man himself they neither came into the World with him nor shall go out with him and our selves would think it ridiculous if we saw an Horse insult and push his Fellow as if not worthy to come near because the other hath a rich Saddle and fine Entrappings Bare Honour is but Breath depending upon the Speaker and when received in may bloat up or burst the Owner but can never fill or make him more Healthy And though these Men are puffed up upon Account of other Priviledges it might be manifested particularly what they are sensible of by Experience that the trouble and discontent arising from them will abundantly Counterpoise the seeming Good and Complacency Besides that they are in no wise adequate to the Divine Soul of Man for Sensual and Visible things can never satisfie her which is of a different Nature they are narrow and finite unable to fill her large Room and boundless Desires They may be just taken in but do not throughly replenish the least part thereof And further they come from without which may be stopped by several Accidents and hindred from within If the Body is sick or there be Pain in the least Member all those put together will not make Compensation nor can it be driven away when the Patient will by all his Riches and Greatness They cannot cure Grief and Vexation of mind for common occasions much less the fears and thoughts of the World to come for these are only to be allayed as hereafter shewed But other kinds of Remedy are more dangerous and in the end will prove longer tormenting then present irksomeness and disquiet Indeed unless those are ordered aright it will spoyl the Enjoyment of all for do what he can this thought will ever and anon recur That he who is Lord of so many Acres must be confined to such a Compass of ground which is six Foot in length and two in breadth for Nobles shall dwell in the Dust Nahum 3. 18. It will not stay there but go further for who hath not heard of the Rich Man that died and was buried there is somewhat worse succeeds And in Hell he lift up his eyes being in torments Luke 16. 22 23. If this which was spoken by Truth it self were duly considered of it would make Great Men tremble and live otherwise then they do for we can see no Example of their manner of Life throughout the Gospel but in him who went to Hell and there is no other Reason assigned thereof but his voluptuous Living and what may be gathered of uncharitableness Too many now adays resemble him in both giving not much more out of their great Possessions then a few Crumbs which fall down of Course and according to Custom They had best take heed that their end be not the same also Who will go on in his way and not think thereof now yet then He will lift up his eyes and consider from whence he is fallen It will be most afflicting to remember that who had all things to please Flesh and Blood should be tormented there who swilled down delicious Wine in abundance should want a drop of Water to cool his Tongue Be not frightned with this Severity of Words for it is better to be fore-warned though in the most
terrible Characters then suffer the Truth and Signification of them If diligent care be not used to prevent this it will take off from the Pleasure of your Recreations and Pastimes as they are called Which are said to be made use of to spend the time as if that did not pass away fast enough of it self And it may seem strange that some should so much endeavour to throw that away when for ought they know unless they repent and bring forth Fruits meet for Repentance this is the only time of Comfort they will ever have and therefore they should make much of it that it may appear long but not contrariwise Which is an intimation that their Life which they would have others think so Happy yet themselves do not find it for they that count it Pleasure to riot in the day time 2 Pet. 2. 13. yet are more Solicitous to make it seem short then poor Day-labourers At night they fall to the Works of Darkness spend the greater part in Chambering and Wantonness When it is time to awake out of sleep then they go to it and reverse Gods Ordinance of the night for Rest By not observing the words of his Law the threatning is fulfilled now upon Earth In the Morning thou shalt say Would God it were even and at even thou shalt say Would God it were Morning for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear Deut. 28 67. As is discovered by them who cannot be one minute without Company who in time of Health must have wax Candles burning all Night In the day they make it their Business to stifle it more And yet for all they would have time pass away Which is a manifest token of the Misery of their present Condition for none can desire that unless it be out of Expectation of a future and greater Blessedness which they have no Prospect of being only for the present and what is before them If all this should at length end in a sad Eternity there is no Stupefaction nor making the least part thereof to pass away and it will be ten thousand times more Vexing then that now in the days of their Flesh What can be said too much to recover People out of this Condition What kind of Expressions shall be made use of to prevent others sliding in but the least towards it To you High and Rich let this warning be given Who are so desirous after it have a care of mis-placing or seeking in a wrong way that Happiness which is to be found in God only and in the way he hath shewed for there it is to be had and no where else For my People have Committed two Evils They have forsaken me the Fountain of living Waters and hewed them out Cisterns broken Cisterns that can hold no Water Jer. 2. 13. Who resort to these will be still disappointed of satisfying their Thirst Our gracious God in that he would the more effectually draw us unto himself hath so provided that we cannot be otherwise Happy but by coming unto him and we must be necessarily miserable if we do not Man is a proud Worm he will not stand beholden no not to God for Happiness though he hath brought him into Being and furnished him with those means by which he will try to attain it himself and his own way in opposition to that prescribed unto him 'T is Riches and Honour which lift him up to this height he thinks them his own and they can make him Happy and what need he then be indebted to any For he is apt to say in his heart My power and the might of my hand hath got me this Wealth or Deut. 18. 17 18. else mine Ancestors have done it for me whereas he should remember the Lord his God for it is he that giveth thee Power to get Wealth It is he which brought thee into this World by means of such Parents if it had been the good Pleasure of his Will â—e might have caused thee even thee to have been a Beggars Off spring whom now he hath made the Son of Nobles Thou shouldst rather be the more thankful and obedient for his Goodness and not thence take occasion to be stubborn or lift up thy self against him O Generation see ye the word of the Lord Have I been a wilderness unto Israel A Land of darkness Wherefore say my People We are Lords we will no more come unto thee Jer. 2. 31. He doth as it were expostulate whether such should be the return for his Love and Kindness Stop a little and think seriously It pleaseth God now to call you by his Grace Be sure not to confer with Flesh and Blood but examine the things which have and are to be delivered in the Spirit of your Minds Have nothing to do with carnal Reason heaâ—ken not to the insinuations of lust or bewitchings of concupiscence Put away all things which may hinder As now born Babes desire the sincere Milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby 1 Pet. 2. 2. It will do you no harm Let us walk honestly as in the day not in Rioting and Drunkenness not in Chambering and Wantonness not in Strife and Envying But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not provision for the Flesh to fulfill the Lusts thereof Rom. 13. 13 14. What pleasure doth at this instant remain of all past Jollities and if none doth now in time of health and enjoyment much less will they comfort upon a Death-bed They are fading and unsatisfying Vanities delight only a very little for the present but not yield a true contentment Wherefore leave them before they leave you if you forsake them you will avoid all their dreadful consequents but if you hold fast to them they will at length forsake you as to their refreshing Nature for this lasts not in Sickness or declining Age but the guilt they leave behind will stick close and press you down to the lowermost Hell. You must of necessity part you see what difference there is if they or you first drop away or you come out from among them In the Name of God cast them of forthwith do not cry out with the Sluggard yet a little Sleep a little Slumber a little folding of the hands to Sleep let me lye a little longer in my sins and then I will rise Thou dost not surely consider who it is that calls thee Awake thou that sleepest and Christ will give thee life Your hands have been defiled with sin and filthiness Wash ye make you clean put away the evil of your doings from before mine Eyes cease to do evil learn to do well Come now let us reason together saith the Lord though your sins be as Scarlet they shall be white as Snow though they be red like Criâ—son they shall be as Wool. Behold what manner of Isa 1. 16 17 18. Love and Condescention is here The Mighty God proposes to reason with those whom he could as
easily cut in pieces as make this offer what cause can be assigned for such unparalled goodness but his own gracious nature which delighteth in Mercy He doth make the first proposals of Reconciliation between himself and his stout Creature What a wonderful thing is this that the humility of God who is so Glorious in Majesty fearful in Praises and doing wonders should exceed that of Man the Work of his hands a small contemptible and impotent being And yet how strange would it be let the Heavens and Earth be astonished if he who is less then nothing should withstand and despise such goodness Call to mind further he doth not this because he cannot do otherwise for he hath severity in store as he will manifest upon thy self if thou contemnest his goodness it cannot be unless thou art guilty of the most horrible incivility that ever was thou shouldst refuse to hearken when he calls thee Thou mayest put off thy inferiours to a more convenient season and whom thou dost not much care for but God is the excellent one in all the World who daily poureth his benefits on thee hath given all thou hast who holdeth thy Soul in life Is he not worthy to have a present answer To be opened unto immediately Luke 12. 36. Who is Lord of Heaven and Earth to whom the greatest Monarch is a Grashopper If you do not hearken to this but slight and despise he hath his threatnings which those shall feel who do not mind them as Psal 29. Job 34. 20 24. Rev. 6. 15 18 17. Amos 2. 14. Isa 10. 3. Rom. 2. 9 11 12. Mat. 13. 42. You are Men and not God you are Flesh and not Spirit and your Flesh is not the Flesh of Brass nor your Bones Iron They must necessarily turn into the Dust of the Earth And you that cannot now bear the least indignity offered to your person how will you endure to rise up to everlasting shame and contempt Dan. 12. 2. Or to drop into Misery in all things just contrary to that soâ—tness and delicacies here An heedless unbelieving thought will not secure Men as to this for what is prepared cannot be destroyed by an imagination only As Abraham said to Dives the great gulph is fixed besides the inference he there makes Luke 16. 26. This also follows so that those who are not yet in but going the direct way to it can neither pass it by nor after being plunged in get out again by an Opinion or Wish There are many pretty sayings about this but in the mean while whom shall we believe The Wisdom and Truth of God or the Foolishness and Falshood of Men Certainly the safer way is for every one to use diligent care and circumspection that he come not there which he is now reminded of Gods Word is as true as his Existence and seeing he hath said by his Son the Worm shall not die and the fire shall not be quenched to deny it would be to make God a Liar or the Lord Jesus an Impostor which none either can as to defeat what he hath said or dare to do Let me ask the great Men Do ye believe these things I know ye are Christians and ye do believe them Why then will you not be moved to flee from the wrath to come If you are impeached of High Treason against your Sovereign you will use all endeavours not to be found guilty and if you are you will use no means unattempted to procure a Pardon We are all by Nature the Children of Wrath and consequently liable unto it and have added further Rebellions against the Majesty on High. Is he not as dreadful who liveth for ever to take vengeance as Princes are whose breath goeth forth and their thoughts perish Do ye think ye ought not as much stand in aw of the Great Mighty and Terrible God for so he is still to them that obey not the Gospel as of meer Man Is he not as worthy to be sought after Ye have offended against him and will ye stand out still Is it meet he should come unto you and force a Pardon upon you whether you will or not Indeed he waits to be gracious but it is to those who come unto him and if you will not to speak in the gentile dialect you may choose and be damned Our selves would take it ill if we should at great cost or pains get a Pardon for a Servant and he out of peevish pride or negligence would refuse it Now this Christ hath done he hath purchased you with his own Blood but you must sue it our your selves or go without it A condemned Criminal here is dealt bountifully withal if his life be spared only but the goodness of God endureth yet daily and infinitely exceeds that of Creatures He doth pardon and if ye continue in his goodness otherwise ye shall be cut off rewardeth you This shall be the Covenant which I will make with the House of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my People this is the first part of it as well as the other for I will forgive their iniquity and their sin will remember no more Jer. 31. 33 34. This extends both to the least and greatest for they are expressed He promises to be our God which imports as much as is evident from the whole tenour of the Gospel what is said 1 Thes 4. 17. We shall be ever with the Lord Which should be desirable to those who think it a priviledge to stand in the presence of the King much more is it before the great King of all the Earth In thy presence is fullness of joy at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Psal 16. 11. You that affect nothing but great Company do likewise seek to be Equal unto the Angels Luke 20. 36. The least of whom doth exceed the greatest of Men. Who are now in the first rank Why will you not in a Godly sort be ambitious of being so in the first born of Heaven and endeavour after a degree of Glory answerable to that of greatness ye have here In the Name of God try to keep your first Station that you may never have the least cause to remember from whence you are fallen Never sink below your selves strive to attain the higher perfections but above all take heed of coming short of the lowest for it is better to be least in the Kingdom of God then not to be there at all Little Flock it is my Fathers Will to give you a Kingdom Luke 12. 32. And why should it not be yours to accept of it Who deem your selves worthy of all honour I hope will not judge your selves unworthy of everlasting life for all your abundance you would receive a great Estate if any of your Friends and Relations would bequeath it unto you And will you not
accept of an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in Heaven for you 1 Pet. 1. 4. if you perform the conditions required As for that you have already must fade away for if you think the Lands are yours for ever yet your selves are not so they may remain somewhat longer but you shall be taken away before Their inward thought is that their Houses shall continue for ever and their dwelling places to all Generations they call their lands after their own Names this their way is their folly yet their posterity approveth their sayings Psal 49. 11 13. When many times they do not long enjoy their lands for these change owners and seldom continue in the same Family for two or three hundred years much less for ever Nay if they were secured from Folly Prodigality Forfeiture Injustice as that is in defeating the 1 Kings 21. 3. next Heir of the Blood of the inheritance of his Fathers and of firm Title and furthest from Inundation of the Sea yet this would not endure for ever for the time draweth near when the Earth shall be burnt up and all the Works thereof so the goodliest Estate now seen is but temporal which fades away He that hath the best tenure and most indefeasible right yet hath no perpetuity but himself is tenant at will to the great Landlord of Heaven and Earth now t is the wisest way of such an one to feather his nest to provide well against the time he shall be turned out Agreeable hereunto is the Counsel of the Lord Jesus And I say unto you make to your selves Friends of the mammon of Vnrighteousness that when ye fail they may receive you into everlasting habitations Luke 16. 9. It is strange that those who have such an advantage of Worldly outward prosperity of which they must be one day eternally deprived should not take care against that fails to be provided of an Happiness in the highest Heavens for evermore especially if they miss thereof they must fall down into opposite Misery One of these two must be your condition there is no avoiding of it if you should be miserable it will be in a worse degree then the common sort of mankind because of your manifold transgressions and mighty sins Amos 5. 12. They are against great Love and Mercy and when those which should have been Examples unto others of obedience and righteous living have most of all sinned and contemned the Almighty Vengeance may be taken upon them seven-fold and when the day of their calamity is come that pride and pleasure in which now they so much trust shall be all vanished and gone and serve to torment them yet more by sad reflections of what they have been For as the benefit is great if they use Riches and Honour as instruments to set forth the Glory of God and maintain good Works so likewise is the danger great if thence they be proud and rebellious turning them into an occasion to fulfill the lusts of the â—â—esh it would have been better not to have had then thus to have abused them It is not only because such an one is in a higher Seat in the World therefore he shall be so in that to come for there will be changes and those that are exalted shall be abased Yet to him that rightly managed the ten Talents authority was given over ten Cities and he that did five had proportionably So Luke 19. 17 18. contrariwise he that is unfaithful in most shall receive the greater condemnation and if he that received but one Talent went and digged in the Earth and hid his Lords Money was cast into outer Darkness as an unprofitable Servant What will become of him who received ten or five and used them to rebel against his Lord Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy Now things are so set that extremity and eternity of joy or sorrow must be the final condition of every one it may seem impertinent to bid him choose whether he will have as if ten thousand Talents were laid on an heap and the other side a single farthing to make long perswasion that he would be sure to make choice of the first Or if there was offered unto him a glass of the most pleasant Wine and a cup of deadly Poyson and he knew before which was so Neither of these come up to the present Case for the good of the one is more beyond the evil of the other then in any two things that can be compared Although there is such a vast difference yet commonly the evil part is chosen and those who call themselves Men yea Men of Honour and Renown are worse then Children in understanding They greedily catch at toyes and trifles they are careful to learn all the punctilios of Honour niceties of Pride modes of Breeding and things which belong to their Quality but in the mean while are negligent of the things that belong to their peace They run after every imaginary pleasure are for every thing which hath the name of it yet they will not seek after true and real Happiness they run on still in their course not considering for what end they came into the World or what will become of them when gone out This is not a Gentlemans business he is to go in the Fashion carry himself obligingly in Company understand his Estate this is sufficient for him What should he mind any thing else for Let him do what his inclinations lead him unto such is the language of Pride and Modishness But what saith the Holy Spirit thereto Do ye thus requiâ—e the Lord O foolish People and unwise is not he thy Father that hath bought thee Hath he not made thee and established thee Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful and hast forgotten God that formed thee Deut. 32. 6. 18. Wilt thou obliterate the notions of him who hath spread thy Table and made thy Cup to overflow Is this the return he is to make to his Almighty Benefactor He may turn Mercies into Disobedience yet he shall not go unpunished forsooth it is not his business to work the work God hath sent him to do he is too good for it in his own conceit The Lord saith them that honour me I will honour and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed 1 Sam. 2. 30. Some may not care if they are so for as yet they find no harm come by it but what will become of the most scornful and exalted Sinner when God shall pluck thee out of the land of the living and there shall be none to deliver thee Even here though thine house of defence be very high he can bring thee down make thee a mock and by-word as he hath done by some but he doth generally suffeâ— Mens evil Deeds in this World letting them go on as they will as he did the manners of the Israelites fourty years in the Wilderness Acts
13. 18 Yet they shall be sure to receive the just recompence of them in that which is to come There is no holding the Spirit in it will fly out there do what thou canst and least it should be then nothing but shivering and horrour Repent therefore of thy Wickedness if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee Acts 8. 22. Cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God. When this is done thou 2 Cor. 10. 5. wilt think it as much thy duty and business to obey God as it is of the poorest Man. To the Poor the Gospel is Preached Luke 7. 22. Those who are rich and high in their own conceits will not receive it so far as to obtain the benefits thereof Christ is a Prince and a Saviour they are both joyned together and his government reaches to the inward Man to allay those swelling thoughts and order them aright Blessed are the poor in Spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 5. 3. They are meet partakers thereof for 't is not riches but trusting in them that hinder from thence Neither need they fear from Luke 16. 19. For poor Lazarus was in rich Abrahams Bosome so there are of both sorts If they that buy be as though they possessed not and they that use this world as not abusing it although they have never so much thereof yet through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ they shall be saved as well as others They may still conceive themselves to be so as who have not such abundance and with what remains over deducting for the necessity and conveniency of their Families out of which also a portion is to be laid aside for the Poor give Alms and maintain gook Works This seems to be the design of the Gospel as appears by the several precepts and the practise of primitive Christians not only of those Acts 2. 45. for that community was not then of necessary obligation Acts 5. 4. but those further on for some centuries who if they were rich did mightily abound in Liberality and Alms giving for relief of Christs poor Brethren I am moved with indignation as often as I think of that Emperor who in a pious disposition resigned the Throne or hear of any other who by a single and imprudent refusal at once deprives himself of Ability for exercising a thousand Acts of Charity and opportunity of well doing and consequently of a greater reward Whereas the higher station Men are in they may do God more service and their goodness be exemplary If we search to the bottom this mistaken way doth rather proceed from pride then self-denial for the reason thereof seems to be that they could not so well come down to those base things of the World and the things which are despised 1 Cor. 1. 28. Which they rightly think themselves in Conscience bound to do but they can better do it once for all then several repeated times whereas Humility is more acceptable the more often it is used and from those of more exalted condition That thing of Gentility if strictly examined is but a vain Word according to the judgment of reason and therefore people need not be so offended because the Christian Profession requires not to have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of Glory with respect of Persons Jam. 2. 1. The Apostle doth not design to confound all the order that is in the World but chiefly intends those rich Men who were Heathens and without the Church as appears vers 6. 7. For such a Character could not belong to Christians at that time But still it is so far obligatory that we are not to give reverence as the World gives only upon the account of their fine clothes or wealth Nor are they hence to take liberty to wax proud and despise their poor Brethren whom God hath chosen rich in Faith and Heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him and therefore others should not keep them of Nor are they to imagine the distance between God and themselves is not quite so great as between him and the Poor for what now makes the difference Will â—e esteem thy Riches no not Gold nor all the forces of strength Job 36. 19. That accepteth not the person of Princes nor regardeth the Rich more then the Poor for they are all the work of his hands Job 34. 19. so Psal 62. 9. He seeth not as Man seeth for Man looketh on the outward appearance and if there be gayety without hath a wonderful conceit of him as some goodly one but the Lord looketh on the Heart and if that be evil notwithstanding the fine out-side Amos. 6. 8. such an one is as odious in his sight as the most abject contemptible person is in ours Let none say in his heart My obedience is so much the more acceptable and I deserve better of Gods hands because I am Noble or Rich in the World and I come to serve him when I could serve divers lusts and pleasures What then It is thy bounden duty so to do as well as it is of the meanest What thanks doth he deserve who doth only what is Luke 17. his duty to do As our Lord hath told us in a familiar instance but thou sayest thou canst do otherwise as others of like Condition do So likewise can your Servants do contrary to what you Command them but what must they expect then To incur thy Displeasure and be turned out of thy Service and it may be thou mayest Command him to be beaten and kicked off this is all thou canst do And if thy self dost not obey our Master which is in Heaven but do thine own Will his Indignation and Punishment will be worse then all this Thou mayest enjoy the Pleasures of sin for a Season if thou wilt but in so doing thou shalt not only lose the recompence of Reward but procure to thy self never ending Pains and then what wilt thou get by the Bargain Some will surmize this to be strange Doctrine to Gentlemen especially whose peculiar priviledge it is to be devoted unto Pleasure if it were not for this they would not differ from others But are not all under the same God and equally obliged to do according as he requires And surely also it is their principal design to be Happy both now and hereafter all one as they desire to live pleasantly next Year as well as this They are whether they think of it or not Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth as their Fathers were So the present Condition is not to be accounted of for it is nothing in Comparison of what shall succeed and therefore it should be ones whole business to neglect this and do all things to secure a future Happiness for this in a short time will be done away and seem all one as if it had never been Even at this instant it may be observed
Inclinations and Humour and not the Will of God they run on in Pride Lust Sensuality and if Prayers be read in their Family they go to Church on the Lords Day be sure to be a little more serious and repent upon a Death-bed all is well enough there is no need of making such a stir and adoe about Religion in their Life-time This is the fashionable sort of Godliness which is used and commended every where but upon diligent survey it may appear that the Commandments of God are made of none effect by this Fasion for the Precepts in the Gospel of obedient and Holy Life signifie nothing Duty is neglected and sin committed And if they do but ask God Pardon in a formal way then they may go on and Transgress yet against him and so on But be not deceived God is not mocked for whatsoever a Man soweth that shall â—e also reap He that soweth to the Flesh shall also of the Flesh reap Corruption Gal. 6. 7 8. Every one shall receive according to the Deeds he hath done The Sacrifice of the wicked is an Abomination how much more when he bringeth it with a wicked mind Prov. 21. 27. It was never well with Religion since a certain Mode thereof came up when they do such Acts because People of quality See Zech. 7. 5. do the like and they do no more then according to the common Standard This is the moving though not the only Reason for they do expect some benefit when they must die they would as willingly go to Heaven as the poorer sort and they trust unto these Prayers which they hope will translate them thither for though they did live in disobedience and run unto the same Excess of Riot as others yet God is merciful and they did ask him forgiveness He is so indeed but also he is Just and True. There is no respect of Persons with God for as many as have sinned without Law shall also Perish without Law and as many as have sinned in the Law shall be judged by the Law Rom. 2. 11 12. According as it is written so shall every one receive although he doth never so much flatter himself with idle Fancies and vain Hopes Take heed and be not deceived in this great and important Concern of your everlasting Happiness or Misery and to this I exhort you the more because if you do mistake once you are eternally Damned there is no correcting this Errour and therefore I say again unto you Take heed that ye be not deceived In the mean while you may know this one thing that if the fashionable sort of Godliness will infallibly bring to Heaven how would that be found true which Christ saith A rich man shall hardly enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 19. 23. but after this rate he would easily for the modish Worship requires not much Labour or Pains And as the Disciples asked our Lord upon that Saying Who then can be saved So if this were allowed the question may be reversed Who then would Perish For who is it that follows the Fashion in Clothes Behaviour and manner of Living and doth it not in Religion also We are sure God spake by his Son and therefore that is truth which he saith as for this Opinion it is contrary to his Doctrine and we know not who was the first Author of it unless it came from him who setteth up his Kingdom against that of Christ whose Employment it is to beguile Souls the old Serpent the Father of Lyes And the Falshood is so Transparent that if they would but look throughly they may easily see it which they also would if it did not contradict their own Lusts and so they remain willing to be deceived But if they will they may be deceived and shall at last go away with a Curse instead of a Blessing Those on the left hand Mat. 25. it seems did not expect to have such a dreadful Sentence for such a Reason pronounced against them as appears Ver. 44. They might think themselves safe enough because they did not see the Lord Jesus himself an Hungred or a Thirst or a Stranger or Naked or Sick or in Prison for then they say they would have ministred unto him They had the Letter of the Law on their side yet maâ—k this their Exposition was not allowed but the great Judge gave his own and by that Condemned them But some now adays have not so much to trust unto for both the Letter and direct meaning of the Gospel are against them This Peter teacheth plainly Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the Flesh arm your selves likewise with the same mind for he that hath suffered in the Flesh hath ceased from Sin That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the Flesh to the Lusts of Men but to the Will of God for the time past of our Life may suffice us of have wrought the Will of the Gentiles when we walked in Lasciviousness Lusts Excess of Wine Revellings and abominable Idolatries 1 Pet. 4. 1 2 3. An exact Pourtraiture of our times for though the last may seem to have been somewhat ceased among us yet whose God is his Belly or who saith unto Gold Thou art my Confidence is also an abominable Idolater Saith another Apostle Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the Lust of the Flesh for the Flesh Lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the Flesh and these are contrary one to the other Gal. 5. 16 17. And the works of the Flesh are reckoned up further some of which are esteemed necessary Qualities of a Person of worth and briskness and the Fruits of the Spirit are thought fit only for dull sneaking base born Souls but not for them So the Judgment of Gentlemen is contrary to the Gospel And that which would render one a meet Partaker for the inheritance of the Saints in Light is in no wise thought comely for those of that Station This I say therefore and testifie in the Lord that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk in the Vanity of their mind Having the understanding darkned being alienated from the Life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the Blindness of their Heart as to saving and spiritual knowledge for otherwise they are quick-sighted enough Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto Lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with Greediness But ye have not so learned Christ Eph. 4. 17 18 19 20. Let any compare these places and several others in the New Testament with the present Fashion and then Judge Whether true Christianity and the modish Gentility are not as contrary and incompatible as Light and Darkness And though some Men-pleasers but not the Servants of Christ would fain reconcile impossible things yet let none trust to what they teach or say for we are not to stand or fall according to their corrupt Glosses but the secrets
of all Hearts are to be judged by the Gospel of Jesus Who will put his own Interpretation on his own Laws and we are to receive from his month the Sentence of Life or Condemnation Let none therefore be the more Confident or presume to go on in his Course because one whom he hath chosen for a guide tells him he is right enough and he is willing to believe him for such can know no otherwise then by the Gospel and it is agreed on all hands that those Texts which are given to make wise unto Salvation are so plain and easie to be understood that they need no Interpretation at all and it cannot be that any who come in sincerity to be informed should be deceived in them But thus it is Men are strangely given to their own Lusts they cannot endure to resist the Allurement of sensual Pleasures and are not willing to bring down their haughty minds and yet would partake of the Promises of the Gospel and avoid its Threatnings so there must be an expedient found out to do all this How ready are they to hearken unto and embrace every proposal made to this end Either by their own deceitful Hearts or by him who works with all deceivableness in them that Perish Or some others have been found who instead of shewing People Mic. 3. 5 8. their Transgression and the House of Jacob their sins have soothed them up and concealed Who have strengthened the hands of the wicked that he should not return from his wicked way by promising him Life Ezek. 13. 22. Who being willing to please their great Benefactors do according as they would have Speak smooth things and Prophesie deceits Isa 30. 10. Who know no sooner way to oblige them then by dictating Doctrines sutable to their ungodly Lusts and Inclinations that they may live the Life of the wicked and die the Death of the righteous follow all iniquity here and receive the Crown for Well-doing hereafter And this is done by divulging some pleasing but wrong and mis-applyed Notions of Gods wonderful Mercy of Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and relying wholly on him for Salvation of a formal daily Repentance which is well enough if more sincere and perfect on the Death-bed the Doctrine of partial Obedience of Desires and Resolutions which are for the most part Mockery or Non-sense the mistakes of Sins of infirmity for the works of the Flesh and unrighteousness come under these of distinguishing between the Counsels and Precepts of the Gospel stretching it further then they have Warrant from 1 Cor. 7. 25. What they have a mind to follow those are the Commands and what they have not is of the other sort and then they sin not in neglecting it And such like Out of which may be patched up a fine sort of Divinity to please the Great Ones here by giving them Encouragement that after they have gratified to the utmost all their wicked Lusts and bid defiance to the Almighty in their Life-time yet they can appease him again slightly and when they will But certainly this is quite to leave the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ to go on to imperfection not laying again but utterly over-throwing the Foundation of Repentance from dead Works and of Faith towards God which if such as pleases him must consist in Obedience as well as to believe that he is But one would think some did not so much or what is worse Think that the God-head was like unto Gold or Silver or stone graven by Art and Mans device Acts 17. 29. for they would stamp their own Impressions and more derogate from his Glory and despise him in their own imaginations then they did Rom. 1. 23. for these would make God such an one as they would have him render him a Lyar alter and change his very Nature beseech him to determine his everlasting Gospel rather then he shall not save them Or else how can they ever dream of thrusting themselves into his Holy City above any other way then by which God hath appointed nay going contrary to what he hath Chalkt out Our Saviour Jesus Christ gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and puriâ—ie unto himself a peculiar People zealous of good Works Tit. 2. 14. Now these defeat the very end of his Coming for according to their supposal Men may still live in all iniquity and instead of being zealous for good Works they need do none at all but cast themselves intirely on Christs satisfaction and Merits The foregoing Verse is The grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared unto all Men Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly Lusts we should live soberly and righteously and Godly in this present World but according to the daubing of some if we do the contrary all our Life-long and we do that is impossible but say or wish as much before the last Gasp of Breath is gone we may lay hold of it But hold there Salvation is not Mens to give they cannot so much as redeem their own Souls much less barter with Almighty God for others We are to have the Reward from his hands only and he hath said already on what terms he will give it Christ became the Author of eternal Salvation unto all that obey him Heb. 5. 9. and to none else The Priests may not prescribe unto him who is a God of infinite Sovereignty and Power Laws of their own Head nor parcel out the Objects of his Bounty they may never partake of it themselves much less be so impudent as to set it out for others Themselve◠〈…〉 e to stand among the number of the Criminals for since they have corrupted the Word of God 2 Cor. 2. 17. Instead of warning the Wicked from his way such have been occasion why he sinned yet more they shall receive greater Condemnation Nevertheless those shall not escape who being led away with their own lusts and enticed do gladly receive their plausible Opinions and Sayings but shall perish for all Mat. 15. 14. Ezek. 33. 8. Isa 9. 16. Though the Serpent Gen. 3. beguiled the Woman and the Woman beguiled the Man yet the curse was pronunced on all And it will be no excuse in the last day Lord the Teachers who came in thy name told us we might do such things and live for Christ had foretold that false ones should arise and commanded to take heed least any Man deceive you He left his Word behind to try the Doctrines whether they be of Men or no by which he will judge the World and not by this or that Doctors Opinion Let others now put what meaning they will upon the commands of Christ yet if he should interpret them otherwise every one knoweth whose must be taken and by which we are to abide His judgment and exposition will be according to Righteousness and Truth whatever others make now If they turn the Word up Isa 24. 5. and down to make
a gain of Godliness and procure the favour of those above them yet the Most High God remains immutable and cannot lie let them make what alterations they will yet one cometh to rectifie Saith Christ He that rejecteth Me and receiveth not my Words hath one that judgeth him the word that I have spoken the same shalt judge him at the last day John 12. 48. So it is most reasonable he should and he shall be the alone distributer according to the very intention and meaning of them This is necessary to be insisted on because there is a wonderfull deceit cherished amongst the greater sort who though they live in Wickedness and Pleasures and have no real inward sence of Religion Yet if they can get a Man in black unto whom they make a partial relation of themâ—elves that they are sinners indeed but who is not Howbeit they do this and that good thing which they are sure to tell him of and magnifie and then if he not making a through examination acquaints them in general their condition is good enough towards God and they will go to Hâ—aâ—en through his Mercies in Christ Jesus and intimate as if there was no such need for more they forthwith cry him up for an honest fellow and â—â—g themselves now they can have their consolation here and hereafter that they will go on in their course The abuse and corruption this way cannot be vindicated from those who call themselves Pastors of the True Church for there are some who understand not what they say and whereof they affirm who would be glad of a good Table or Preferment Others know better but speak what they should not to comply with the custom of the World or a Potent Neighbour but it is aâ—ominable among those of the Roman Church The Priests there have modelled such a Religion which they call Christian but is contrary to the very nature design and end of it as any thing can be as is most agreeable to sinful flesh and blood They may be more properly stiled followers of Mahomet then of the holy Jâ—sus for they have used the very same Arts and Policy though in a different way to ingratiate their Religion in the World but especially amongst those of higher rank by adopting it to their pride and wicked desires for if it were true what they said none that had Money enough could miss of Heaven O most damnable Impostors as if the gift of God could be purchased with Money Acts 8. 20. As if that Man from whom they pretend to derive all their infallibility were a liar when he said Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as Silver and Gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your Fathers 1 Pet. 1. 18. But according to these Men of corrupt minds if ye have plenty of these ye may still abide in your vain conversation Who have made a concord between Christ and Belial and laid down a Scheme how Men may live contrary to the Gospel and yet obtain the benefits thereof who have cryed up Peace Peace to that way where is no Peace For if we consider seriously the great displeasure God Almighty hath to sin as is shewed forth 2 Pet. 2. 4 5 6. For one single Act of Disobedience he entailed a curse on Adam and all his Posterity Of six hundred thousand of his own People whom he had brought out of Aegypt there were but two only which went into the Promised Land and Moses himself who had so often stood in the gap between an enraged God and a provoking People yet he was not admitted there But to leave those under the Law which worketh Wrath and by which every Man is accursed come we to the Gospel which taketh that away yet of the sour sorts of the hearers of the word there is but one good When one asked our Saviour Lord are there few that be saved He said â—nto them Strive to enter in at the streight Gate Luke 13. 24. Which signifies the using more endeavour then lazy and negligent Worshippers can pretend unto And then there is Gal. 5. 24. Mat. 11. 12. 2 Cor. 5. 17. 2 Pet. 1. 4 5 6 10. If these and more places which do declare the strictness of the Gospel Precepts were impartially weighed in the Spirit of our minds not putting in the ballance against them fleshly lusts or corrupt reason How can we imagine a perfunctory and formal course of Godliness though it be never so much in vogue will ever carry a Man to Heaven for none can go thither who obeys not the Gospel Let Men promise to themselves a future blessedness upon the Whims and Fancies of their own brain or else the Opinion of others yet they are to remember once again we are not to stand or fall by these but the Book of the everlasting Gospel shall be opened and it shall be according to what is written therein without humane Glosses but according to the Wisdom of God who shall judge the World in Righteousness Neither let any one therefore at present be fearful least when he hath run well he shall not obtain by reason of some sence which God may put on his own Laws which his poor Servant is not aware of for God is not unfaithfull that he should deceive any and on what conditions the promise of Eternal Life is given is so clearly delivered that it is impossible any one who hath but common sence should be mistaken as to them The great Men cannot for they have known the way of the Lord and the judgment of their God Jer. 5. 5. The Scriptures are able to make thee Wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 3. 15. What pertains to this end is so clear and obvious that they must be damnably wrested if any one do err herein There is such a wonderful agreement concerning the necessary things and such plainness of expression that none can be deceived but he who hath a mind to be deceived nor any be ignorant but he that would be ignorant so all are left without excuse Suffer your selves to be admonished who now walk according to the course of this World among whom you have your conversation in the lusts of the flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind Eph. 2. 2 3. Consider well what you do You that say it is as good to be out of the World as out of the Fashion can you really think it as good to be somewhere else too as our of the Fashion Will Company make that more tolerable Do not look upon this as vain Words for it is a certain truth if you follow the Multitude you will not be among those few in the narrow way that leadeth unto life and you must then be amongst those many of the other way It is the command of God Thou shalt not follow a Multitude to do evil Exod. 23. 2. Every one that lives and converses in the midst thereof
one mark of Gentility to speak contemptibly of the common People and to make them keep their distance another apt instance how contrary it is to true Religion can neither be justified from Grace nor Reason It is contrary to the mind of God and his Son Jesus Christ He was both a Pattern and Preacher of Humility notwithstanding his High and Eternal Generation he kept company with Publicans and Sinners his constant Associates were poor Fishermen he did one of the meanest Offices by washing their Feet and did not slight or refuse any that came unto him of whatsoever condition In the precepts he gave he made no distinction some to be observed by Rich and others by the Poor but to extend unto all equally Take my Yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart Mat. 11. 29. Take away Infidelity and Men are almost Christians Take away Pride and they will become altogether so for this accursed thing hinders from embracing his whole Doctrine The heads of the People will not lose ought of their esteem it is beneath them to learn Humility Meekness Long-suffering Gentleness if they will not they may let them alone their end is to be with them that obey not the Gospel Come to those that will Therefore if any Man be in Christ he is a new Creature old things are passed away all things are become new 2 Cor. 5. 17. He is to leave off the evil thoughts Words and Actions of his Natural State and to practise the contrary Whereas in times past he had his conversation according to the course of the World in Vanity of Mind and was acted by his own humour now it is to be as becometh the Gospel according to the Examples of good Men in Lowliness and in every thing agreeable to the Will of God. In every Generation there were Persons of Eminency who served him and they did nevertheless retain their Possessions and Servants and other things according to their degree so it is lawful to do the like Anothers abuse doth not hinder but the thing may be well used In great Mens Houses their plentiful Provision of Meat and Drink is perverted to Gluttony and Drunkenness their Titles of Honour outward Estate and fine Clothes become Sinful through Pride by having many Servants they grow Imperious and are too much lifted up their several Sports and Recreations produce abundance of Idleness and some in a literal sence give the Childrens â—read unto Dogs Giving that to them which belongs to the Poor but all these ill consequences may be separated and turned another way unto Good. Out of their abundance they may use Hospitality feed the Hungry cloath the Naked and themselves receive the Creatures with Thankfulness and Moderation If well attired they may be humble minded and are so for distinction God hath as well ordained the Silk worm as Sheep for Clothing The duty of Masters to Servants is laid down and they are no where prescribed to have such an exact number as many they have they maintain so much the more who otherwise might be destitute of convenient Live-lihood Neither are Titles of Honour to be relinquished for the Scripture calls Men Gods and Lords Nor doth it speak particularly against Recreations they may be laudably used to clear up the Spirits that otherwise would be dull and cloudy The danger of them is excess and hindrance of more important concerns all things are Lawful though subject through the corruption of Mans nature to be abused and therefore must be continual circumspection as to them It is hard to sit constantly at a full Table and it shall not prove a snare to him to have all variety of Pleasant Liquor and yet not pour down to excess to taste daily of sweet things and yet not be sensual minded It is difficult to wear fine Cloathes to be inured to outward Pomp and many Attendants and yet not to be Proud to be Rich but not High minded The Gospel hath shewed this way for such to go to Heaven Greater is he that is in you then he that is in the World there is that which is a preservative against all Temptation But grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 3. 18. Be not content with that measure you have already for the Lamp continually burning requires fresh supplys of Oyl There are appointed means to attain further degrees thereof which whoever sincerely makes use of will be more confirmed in the good way and against returning unto folly Look to your selves that we lose not those things which we have wrought but that we receive a full reward 2 Joh. 8. Which may be by giving way again unto some paltry Lusts or pitiful transitory Pleasures you have had the same already you know how vain sudden and unsatisfying they are if you entertain them again you will receive a greater damnation 2 Pet. 2. 20 21. Ezek. 18. 26. Heb. 6. 4 5. All the irksomness in Religion begins now to be over and when thou art come into the way of Peace wilt thou leave it O my People What have I done unto thee and wherein have I wearied thee Testify against me Mic. 6. 3. The weariness doth not lie in the duties God hath required for by doing them they are more easily done but that is occasioned by hankering after old wayes and our own unwillingness to good but remove these and his Commandments are not grievous The whole of our duty is comprised Tit. 2. 12. Which whosoever actually doth finds more ease and pleasure then can be had in the contrary Besides that great difference in the verse following Looking for that blessed Hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ To partake fully thereof is the sum and comprehension of all happiness and in the mean while the expectation thereof is exceedingly valuable as now it is to have assurance of any future good But how is it with the wicked and ungodly They cannot look beyond this life without strange Terrour and Amazement When their Earthly enjoyments begin to fail as in Sickness Pain outward Calamity or if none of these happen yet in declining age how sad and miserable they are They find no satisfaction in this World and having provoked God they dare not cast a thought upon the other and yet they are continually going towards it but for fear of being Tormented before their time must not consider before hand Their Case is like unto condemned Prisoners in a Dungeon whose condition is wretched and life grievous and yet wish the time long before dragged out to Execution They know that must come but are willing to put it out of their mind still so these with all outward things cannot purchase unto themselves inward Peace They are tired with or cannot rellish their sumptuous manner of living which they could willingly part with if assured their Souls might become as nothing and so ever remain
But there is a real fear it may be otherwise and the sence of future judgment is not quite razed out of their minds with all they could ever do so they endeavour to lengthen out an uneasie life and put that afar off which they dread as the inlet to misery What doth it signifie to fly a little from that which will at length overtake them And how bitter will that be when it comes to grasp the thoughts whereof are so astonishing Such devices do manifest both Folly and Misery for would it not be better for them to repent and bring forth Fruits meet for Repentance and then all this would be avoided under which they groan For the good Man by obedience fulfills the condition of the promises so they belong unto him He is continually storing up comfort against his dying day and therefore not tormented with the apprehension thereof It is not unpleasant unto him to consider of leaving his Fine House and Lands who hath a firm expectation of better things in Heaven The faith and hope of this do very much Mitigate all the Miseries he meets with here that they are as none at all It is generally granted he is more happy then others in reference to another life and the inconveniencies of this but is he so as pertaining to present enjoyments Yes assuredly for our excellent Religion doth not take them away but only prescribe a more excellent manner of receiving them It pares off what is insipid and hurtful it takes away nothing of the Man but Folly Falshood and Extravagancies Every Creature of God is good and nothing to be refused if it be received with thanksgiving for it is sanctified by the Word of God and Prayer 1 Tim. 4. 4 5. And to our selves it is rectified with Temperance and Moderation for hereby a greater and more sincere pleasure is perceived then the Glutton or Wine-bibbers can boast of Sobriety gives a relish to every thing Humility takes away Ambition and Insatiable desires and brings Contentment and Rest to the Soul. Charity delights by a Blessed Sympathy He that distributes willingly rejoyces with him that is partaker of the Alms. It is more Blessed to give then to receive As for his Family and Government over his Servants there are Directions given Col. 4. 1. Eph. 6. 9. 1 Pet. 2. 18. 1 Tim. 6. 2. Tit. 2. 9. Job 31. 13 14 15. Psal 101. 6 7. Both observing their respective duties they live more comfortably then where neither do For Company if he doth not more converse with all sorts then Necessity and common Civility oblige unto yet he is not therefore deprived of the Pleasures of Society and what delight can any one endued with Goodness or Wisdom take amongst them who find none within themselves buâ— in Wickedness and Folly Who cannot be longer Merry then whilst Sinning Depart from me ye evil doers for I will keep the Commandments of my God Psal 119. 115. There is conversation enough to be had amongst the Good Prudent and Sober part of Mankind He may have for Company Godly and Learned Ministers who must necessarily be acceptable to good Men these being the two great Qualifications which can render conversation truely useful and pleasant The Scripture doth admonish of our demeanour towards them Exod. 16. 7. Deut. 33. 10 11. Lam. 4. 16. 1 Thes 5. 12 13. 1 Tim. 5. 17. 1 Cor. 4. 1 2. 2 Cor. 5. 18 19. They are Ambassadors of Christ and we signifie the respect and honourable esteem we have to any King by shewing the like to his representatives They are the outward Instruments through which God sends blessings to Mankind who instruct and exhort them to lay hold of the greatest Good so unless they love not the Lord Jesus nor themselves or are horribly ingrateful they must receive such with honour and good will. Many exclaim against this kind of Doctrine What be Priest-ridden But who are those which take up such a Proverb of reproach He that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me Luke 10. 16. Said our Lord to his Disciples from whom are derived Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ Eph. 4. 11 12. Let people have a care how they speak contemptibly of this order of Men. Had we lived in the days of our Fathers in the first Ages of Christianity we might have seen Kings and Emperors shewed them that Civility which now the meanest Laick will hardly vouchsafe But let not those who are Novices or corrupt in Life and Doctrine hence take occasion to be lifted up with Pride for so began the Usurpation and Errours of the Roman Church or expect any estimation unless like those primitive Men they are ensamples to the Flock who did not only Preach but follow the steps of our Saviour in Humility such as spoken of 2 Cor. 4. 5. And were not puffed up but did thank God for the good will of the People and were more industrious and faithful in their duty Such even in this time however placed in the Church whether over a Diocess or single Parish are equal Company for those of highest Rank and whoso feareth God will esteem them accordingly In the next place succeed his faithful People I am a Companion of all them that fear thee and of them that keep thy Precepts Psal 119. 63. Said David the King. Much less should it seem strange and odd for those of inferiour Quality to do the like Why should any one refuse it Either Pride of Heart which must be taken away or Custom of the World but an evil Custom is not to be complyed with Why should we over-look our Brethren or separate them from our Company God admits the meanest to Communion with him and will receive them into his Presence Are we better then he They are to be admitted amongst Angels and Archangels amongst all Saints where estrangedness and keeping of distance shall cease What is any though of the most exalted Condition to disdain their Conversation in the mean while If this mind be in him he may be contemned by God for despising his Servants who are the same with himself for those things which make the difference are without the Man and were never given to thrust others far from him If he thinks himself too good for their Company on Earth how knoweth he but God may not think him good enough for their Company in Heaven And then they will take up this Saying Lo this is the Man that slighted us would not come near us we forsooth were not worthy of him but see what his Pride is come unto God hath rejected him now he would be with us if he might The Obad. 3. Pride of thy Heart hath deceived thee To prevent this Danger there is for imitation the Resolution of the Royal Psalmist To the Saints that are in the Earth and to the
poor of this World rich in Faith and heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Jam. 2. 5. Why therefore will you not also choose him to be your God Some have done so but why will you not all Indeed one would imagine every single Soul should do so unless he did cast his eyes out into the World and then he might see Satan hath a Kingdom among these equally as the great ones of the Earth Wickedness is not confined to high Places nor inhabiteth only in fine Houses but hath spread among those of low Estate and crept into the smallest Cottages Oppression Bribery and Injustice are in great Employments Cousenage Lying and all manner of deceit do accompany every inferior Trade there is a knavish part a Mystery of iniquity interwoven into it and is peculiar to each profession There is a general failure of Truth and Justice from among us I have seen violence and strife in the City mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it deceit and guile depart not from her streets Psal 55. 9 10. In the Country is over-reaching one another each Man trys to impose upon his Neighbour the hireling loyters and is negligent in his Masters business The poor in time of leasing will break the Commandment for a morsel of bread and handful of barley if they have opportunity of taking it from the heap and not be discovered They are every where corrupt in their dealings there is hardly one that doth justly They will exclaim against the Debauchery of the Rich and perhaps out of an ill humour because themselves are restrained from sinning after the same manner through want but they will equal them in another kind by Dishonesty Falshood and Murmuring and the same Spirit of disobedience would lead them to commit the same sins they now speak against if they had where-withal The Word of God is gone forth against all manner of Sin and Iniquity and it will signifie nothing at his Judgment to say you did not commit such and such if you did of another sort Ignorance contempt of and repining against God Slandering Lying and Theft are as damnable as Whoredom Drunkenness or Gluttony As the rich are more liable to the enticement of these so are you of the others They are more easily beset by the pleasures you by the profits of this World. Both are in Temptation that the trial of your Faith and Obedience may be had there is no necessity for either of you to fall the one may be temperate even in the midst of all his abundance the other may be honest and yet have sufficient for Life and Godliness God hath given the rich great advantages to work out his own Salvation so he is in alike danger of miscarrying the poor hath not quite so great furtherances but is in less danger This comes to be through knowledge and ignorance the former know more the other not having such means are commonly poor and foolish for they know not the way of the Lord nor the Judgment of their God. Jer. 5. 4. Ignorance hath and doth yet too much abound in our Land Of Ignorance especially amongst the lower sort The causes whereof hath been the covetousness or poverty of Parents who either would not or were not able to put them to School and then it should be supplyed by the charity of others Or else their own perverse will who hated knowledge and despised instruction out of a wicked mind because they think that if once they knew the will of God they are to do it which they care not for and therefore will not seek to understand it vainly hoping hereby to be excused from obeying Or thirdly the fault and negligence of Pastors and Teachers who were for doing no more then just to entitle them to their Tythes They are all ignorant they are all dumb Dogs they cannot Bark sleeping lying down loving to slumber they all look to their own way every one for his gain from his quarter Isa 56. 10 11. And because this might have been had with less they have not been diligent and earnest to make people throughly understand which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God. If such hindrances were removed all the inhabitants of this Nation miâ—ht know the Lord from the least unto the greatest What could God do more then to give us the Law and the Testimony and the Light that is in them To command that his Gospel be Preached to every Creature wherein is so plain a discovery of Himself and his Son Jesus Christ that none who either hears or reads can be ignorant let him have never so mean a Capacity unless he is a meer natural Ideot of whom more is not required then is given There is an appointed Order of Men who are to be Guides of the Blind a Light of them which are in Darkness an Instructer of the Foolish a Teacher of Babes Rom. 2. 19 20. But if they instead of speaking to Edification and sound Doctrine will utter dark Speeches or useless Notions if the people will come into the Assembly but not hearken to what is said or willingly forget if those will not search the Scriptures when they are commanded so to do God doth move and incline but forces none They know not neither will they understand they walk on in Darkness Psal 82. 5. Come to die like brute Beasts and then be reserved Hear ye all this and tremble until the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God 2 Thes 1. 7 8. You think to go Heaven because you live a poor laborious life but how can you expect that when Truth it self hath said This is life Life Eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Joh. 17. 3 Think not this knowledge too excellent for you to attain unto it What should hinder If you can read you will understand and then you hear the Word Preached every Lords day you may enquire of Christian Brethren and Friends so having these advantages if thou canst not read thou mayest believe and do thy duty if thou hast in sincerity a mind to do it Many people talk of ignorance by which they will defend their ungodly manner of living which in truth is a further degree of Provocation because they began that first with not â—esiring the knowledge of Gods ways Those times are long â—â—nce passed when he winked at Ignorance Acts 17 30. And it cannot be now pretended under the Gospel especially where blessed be God every one hath or may have the Book of saving Knowledge The most unlearned Soul who can neither write nor read hath other helps to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth for God hath appointed means to make it known unto Men. In this Place and Generation none can be ignorant but he who is willingly ignorant if rightly
2. 12. Eph. 4. 3 4 5. Col. 3. 12 13 15. 1 Thes 5. 13. Religion should of all things most endear one to another but it is only the corruption and abuse thereof which turns it into matter of Quarrel Hatred and Animosity Many of us differ in little Opinions not necessary to Salvation and therefore should in no wise for them endanger that by not observing the weightier matters of the Law Mercy and Love of one another After what manner did our Fathers serve God who are in Peace They continued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and Fellowship all that believed were together continuing daily with one accord in the Temple Acts 2. 42 44 46. And the Multitude of them that believed were of one Heart and of one Soul Acts 4. 32. It was prophesied of the Gospel times that many Nations shall Come and say Come and let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord and to the House of the God of Jacob Mic. 4. 2. Who are these that flie like Doves to a Window Isa 60. 8. So harmless and peaceably should they move together Then would cease all jealousie and bitter envying There would be no more heard the voice of the Slanderer Blasphemer and Censorious Person then Malice Hatred and the Destructiveness of exorbitant zeal would not be seen among us but we should all love as Brethren be Pitiful and Courteous one to another How happy would it be if Christians were of the same mind I do not mean in every Question for seeing we know but in part and all have not the same measure of understanding that is not a yet but in the mean while we might all agree to the same manner and meet at the same place of Worship The proâ—â—es of God are that it shall be so as Jer. 32. 39. Zeph. 3. 8 9. Isa 30. 21 26. Eph. 4. 13. Which was fulfilled in the Primitive Times but in a lesser degree as one sheaf to the whole Harvest and will be again more universally when so restored as it was then Christ did break down the Partition-wall between Jews and Genâ—ilâ— and those dividing impositions are to be taken away before all Christians can come and meet in the same Room However in the mean while it is one and the same House though there be several apartments They are one Fold and one Shetherd John 10. 16. Though at present there be several dividing hurdles intermixt of Mans settiâ—g up which at length will be removed And so what is said of the Unity of the Church Joh. 17. 11 21 22 23. Eph. 4 5 6. Cant. 6. 9. It comprehends all Gods faithful People in the whole World God setteth the solitary in Families Psal 68. 6. Or in the new Translation maketh Men to be of one mind in an house so in his good time wiâ—l grant to themall However distinguished or named to be like minded one towards another according to Christ Jesus that they may with one Mind and one Mouth glorifie God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Rom. 15. 5 6. In the beginning of time Satan beguiled Eve through his Subtlety so doth he even now continue to deceive all her Children Of deceits this design of the Wicked one doth prove destructive to thousands and millions both of learned and unlearned wise and foolish for the things of God are hid from the wise and prudent being by them accounted as foolishness And then Satan gets an advantage over them also for they are not endued with the Wisdom of God which alone discovers his devices He exercises his whole craft and skill with these But where ignorance abounds there he abominably thrives in the trade of deceiving and he strangely leads away captive silly people laden with sins It is wonderful and sad to consider how miserably poor mankind is deluded about their everlasting Happiness or Misery then which nothing can be of greater concern and therefore we should take all imaginable heed and circumspection least we be mistaken herein Yet of this we use the least care so strongly hath the evil one possest us and lulled to peace that we are willing to be deceived by him we would fain have those things he suggests to be true and therefore presently believe them without Examination as if we could be saved by a lie or excused by what draws Gods further displeasure the not desiring the knowledge of his ways Satan transforms himself into an Angel of Light he did once tempt our Lord with Scripture so doth he those who believe on his name and confirmeth his deceivings over again with the written Word The Wisdom of the Father was not imposed upon by a false application his Doctrine is left to succour us and other assistances are given so it is our own fault if seduced or overcome by him Innumerable are the Whims and Fancies Men have to allow themselves in some Sin or other â—or which they will presently cite a Text of Scripture and then they conclude they are right because that in their thinking tells them so They reckon themselves sure because we are to search the Scriptures whether these things are so and there they find it so what can they desire more This is a dangerous and common Deceit when that which should lead them into Truth through wrong â—uterpretation or Application is the cause of Error Nothing is so frequent and orâ—inary to be heard as naming a place of Holy Writ in Vindication or mitigation of such a Sin or Wickedness Almost every single Person hath some particular mistaken Opinions of his own which he tells unto others who again acquaint him with theirs so they are full of deceitful Falshoods The Reason of all is We being by Nature the Children of Wrath through Corruption Prone to Evil as the Sparks fly upwards and strongly inclined to break Gods Commandments But he having threatned The Soul that sinneth shall die the fear of this makes us look about and stop in the Course we design to go in Then cometh the Evil one and Whispers that we may transgress and if we repent at such a time in Sickness Old Age Death-bed all is well enough Or if we have not a mind to commit all iniquity yet we may break this or that Divine Law now live in one Sin and then another as our inclinations lead us for which Psal 103. 14. is alledged which is commonly quoted otherwise That of Psal 103. 14. doth not extend to wilful continued Transgressions for it is before said such are removed from us and then the Lord pitieth them that fear him so as not to impute their Sins of Inadvertâ—ncy unavoidable Ignorance or natural Weakness then it is in the Bible God knoweth we are Flesh and therefore it is falsly inferred such Works of the Flesh as Gal. 5. 19 20 21. are excusable enough and for further Satisfaction they are mis-called Infirmities The former deceit is not so universally received most considering People spie out
loss or forecast more gain and when obtained to consume it all presently in a good Dinner or two this must be imprudence To see no fruit or increase of his labour to lay up nothing for Children and there are other like mischiefs which more then weigh down all that small and seeming good of excessive eating Such kind of considerations prevail with the greater part of Mankind to abstain from it They generally go over to the other extream for they rather defraud themselves to scrape and hoard up It is strange that a reasonable creature should not hit upon the right mean between both but from one evil runs to another He might eat and drink and make his Soul enjoy good in his Labour Eccles 2. 24. But because that doth not give full satisfaction which was designed only to refresh therefore he falsly seeks for it in another sin of covetousness Even those people who are but little governed by Reason less by Faith but principally led by sence and example yet have a low esteem of that good which arises from immoderate eating It makes dull and heavy it causeth a gross understanding and weary mind and takes away Mirth Nature rejoyces when it is relieved not when oppressed God hath given great variety of his good Creatures for our benefit and comfort Gen. 1. 29. Gen 9. 3 4. 1 Tim. 4. 4 5. And hath shewed an excellent way of enjoying them in his Word Ye shall eat in plenty and be satisfied not clogged and praise the Name of the Lord your God Joel 2. 26. Blessed be his Divine goodness we have more precious promises under the Gospel but however are so to receive the things pertaining to life that we may more cheerfully perform this duty But if the heart is overcharged with good Victuals then it cannot be lifted up in thank-giving This would be a sinful and horrible abuse though too common amongst the Worshippers of God who on their Solemn Feast-Dayes in memory of our Redemption accomplished by our Lord Jesus Christ instead of an offering of Praise to a Spiritual and Holy Being as if they were to Sacrifice to Men of like inclinations with themselves do then load themselves with good cheer This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it Psal 118. 24. But some are so pressed with fulness that they cannot and if they are forced to raise that with the help of strong drink this is not Spiritual Joy but Sinful Mirth Do ye thus requite the Lord O foolish People and unwise By keeping the Feast with the leaven of Sin and Wickedness Is that your tribute and return of praise to provoke him yet more Is that a seasonable time of Rioting and Drunkenness when you should put on the Lord Jesus and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof Rom. 13 13. 14. When one is puffed up with Sensuality he is apt to disregard the things of God and they have not a due impression on him which seems to be the reason of such strict precepts against it for that is the evil of sin to turn away the heart or to stifle that aw and sence of God we should always have upon our minds and we are to prevent all degrees tending towards it so the single acts of intemperance are to be carefully avoided It is necessary to repeat again our Lords Command the words of expressing it are observable Take heed to your selves least at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfetting Luke 21. 34. At every Meal use the utmost caution for you can quickly run over to excess It was noted of the Wicked Gnosticks of feeding themselves without fear Jude 12. They had no regard to the sin and danger which doth easily beset our Feasts There are also corrupt cravings within which would betray into it if resisted they will at length lose their force and importunity but if yielded unto they will be more urgent If this sin deprives of a Kingdom and hinders from present Happiness may it not rightly â—e named a deceiver Which supplants a Man twice bereaves of good here and hereafter And who will continue herein is a prophane Person as Esau who for one morsel of Meat sold his Birth-right Heb. 12. 16. All the dainties of the whole life long are not so much to Heaven as that single mess of Pottage to a temporal inheritance May he not be stiled prophane in that he defiled the Temple of God by making use of his body only to receive superfluities in to fill and empty it again Let him not deceive himself if he seemeth to be wise in his own conceit because he hath something in hand by eating to the utmost and of the best he doth see others abstemious neglecting the body not valuing his Luxury but he doth not perceive they get any thing by so doing As for his part he is for satisfying the flesh to the very full for he is sure of what he puts into his Mouth But this Wisdom of the Glutton is foolishness and so will appear in the end When he shall come to be rejected of God for his past delicacies how fain would he enter into those good things prepared for such who through grace qualifie themselves here but who neglected that for inordinate trifles which then utterly disappear he will have sufficient reason to take up an exceeding bitter cry when the Lord will not pronounce on him the eternal Blessing If there is so little good to be had by this Will another kind Of Drunness of excess afford more Come and see By Drunkenness is understood when one drinketh so much as to lose the free use and exercise of his reason God hath made Man for himself endued his mind with faculties and expects to be glorified by them now when these are rendred unable for that he is dishonoured his will is contradicted which is a provocation of his most excellent Majesty Herein is some of the evil and the sin is in being contrary to his revealed Word and Command VVo unto them that rise up early in the Morning that they may follow strong drink that continue till night till Wine inflame them Wo unto them that are mighty to drink VVine and Men of Strength to mingle strong drink Isa 5. 11 22. Whom God Curses Man Blesses for who is esteemed a more worthy and honest Person then he that will not baulk his Liquor Surely those were strange times much differing from ours when Paul wrote Not to keep Company if any Man that is called a Brother be a Drunkard with such an one no not to eat 1 Cor. 5. 11. But now if a Man is not a Drunkard he is not thought fit to keep Company He is a dull Fool and who will come near him So much we who call our selves Christians and in things which do not relate to Lust are admirers of Antiquity have varied from the primitive Fashion Then they that were
done though with difficulty It cannot be done in an Instant but may in Succession of time There is none so far gone in the Disease of Drunkenness or other Sin but there is hope of Cure Wherefore those Sinners are required to attend to the exhortation Rom. 13. 11 12 13 14. Take the Bible into their hands and read it whether they will hear or forbear it hath been here enforced with Motives out of the said Book if hâ—y neglect it is at their Peril they are Children of Darkness But let us who are of the Day be Sober putting on the Breast-plaâ—t of Faith and Love and for an Helmet the hope of Salvation 1 Thes 5. 8. And these things even now will give us more comfort and Satisfaction then they can meet with in Stupidity and Drunkenness CHAP. VIII Of Adultery Fornication Uncleanness Lasciviousness THese are some of those Works of the Flesh Gal. 5. 19. 21. Of the which they that do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. But what present Good do they bring in recompence of so great a Loss It is surmised much because of the inclination in Mans Nature to these Lusts they do likewise beat strongly upon the outward Sense and it seems hard he should be restrained to gratifie them It is the most intense Delight Man enjoys and why should he not find some Pleasure amidst so many Evils and Miseries of Life All Flesh consorteth according to its kind and must Man who hath the same Tendency be hindred from it Were those Desires put in only to torment him in that he must not Act accordingly Doth God to magnifie his Power and Pleasure command him to abstain from that which by the Law in his Members he is bound to obey And then how much Pleasure and Mirth doth the Discourse thereof afford More is fancied in the Act and Fruition The present Design requires to set forth Sin in its utmost advantage and there may be other Circumstances conceived but allowing for all the Delight thereof yet this is not that Good thing which is set before the Sons of Men. Indeed Sin is improved to the utmost Though its Followers with all their Wit and Contrivance cannot find out any new Pleasures yet what they have already they manage with so much Skill that they receive as much Delight from them as possibly can be had and yet all comes short of the True Happiness As for these Fleshly Lusts the trouble and expectation going before and those Inconveniencies and Evil afterwards will more then exceed the sudden Complacency The Gall is much more then pure Honey if any is to be found which is little like that at the end of Jonathan's Rod 1 Sam. 14. 43. Many of them which used curious Arts brought the Books together and burnt them before all Men so mightily grew the word of God and prevailed Acts 19. 19 20. And there is the same Reason still that those Printed Songs Romances Play Books which propagate Sin in the World and in an implicit manner under â—eathenish Titles call to question Gods Justice and Truth in giving Laws to mankind should also be burnt as those are which contain scandalous Reflections upon the King and Goverment And so accordingly they would be thrown into the Flames if the word of God did now so mightily grow and prevail as it did in those first and purest times But seeing they are still extant to corrupt the Minds and Manners of People something is to be said more particularly Behold in this thou art not just I will answer thee that God is greater then Man VVhy dost thou strive against him For he giveth not Account of any of his Matters Job 33. 12 13. He doth more exceed the greatest Monarch then this vast Globe of the World a single Dust of the Ballance and is not bound to give the least Account of whatever he enjoyns us Therefore shall ye keep my Commandments and do them I am the Lord Lev. 22. 31. Present and cheerful Obedience is to be paid unto him without perverse Disputings of corrupt Minds By Faith Abraham when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an Inheritance obeyed and went out not knowing whether he went Heb. 11. 8 9. Who believes in God that formed him if he would be justified with faithful Abraham must perform his Commands how contrary soever they appear to Flesh and Blood if he doth not presently understand wherefore the Lord should require such things as he doth commonly make that known afterwards The Servant is to do not to examine the Will of his Master But who who is like unto the Lord our God who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in Heaven and Earth Yet condescends to that which the proud Men of the World will not as to permit his Servants to reason of his righteous Acts 1 Sam. 12. 7. and to judge of the equality of his ways Ezek. 18. 25. and for those who despise this manner of Goodness there is severity reserved in store The Case in hand seems opposite to carnal Reason because Flesh will argue for fleshly Lusts nevertheless take it not quite away but only its Prejudice and Corruption it may put in a lawful Claim without boundless or extravagant Desires and then Flesh it self may judge how just and reasonable the Laws of God are Those natural Inclinations are not restrained but expresly ordered to be complyed withal Gen. 2. 18. Gen. 9. 1. 1 Cor. 7. 2 9. This one Expedient vindicates the Justice and Goodness of God from all those Cavils of Men walking after their own Lusts But as he is Soveraign Lord to exercise his Kingdom and Dominion over Men he doth in this as in the other things allow a lawful Liberty and is pleased further to try our Obedience The Gallants will cry Pish a Wife is an irksome thing to Men of Fashion They cannot endure to be confined The Blood runs warm in their Veins and they are wanton When I had fed them to the full they then committed Adultery and assembled themselves by Troops in the Harlots Houses they were as fed Horses in the Morning every one Neighed after his Neighbours Wise Jer. 5. 7 8. If these marry it is to get Heirs to inherit thâ—ir Estate but they will not be deprived of wonted Libertinism They hunt out after convenient Objects not valuing whether they break through another Mans inclosure or sport in a Common Are not these brisk Men more Happy and better esteemed of in the World then those dull Flegmatick Souls who keep the Marriage Bed undefiled Most certainly such are of the safer side as for the time to come but for the present who hath the greater share of Happiness It may be judged of when the ways of the Lascivious Wanton are somewhat laid open The Lord hath been Witness between thee and the Wife of thy Youth against whom thou hast dealt Treacherously yet is she thy
Companion and VVife of thy Covenant Mal. 2. 14. When a Man proves unfaithful his Heart is alienated from her who is the constant Companion of his Bed for going after Strangers makes affection cease towards his own Perhaps at first it was not so much unkindness as to gratifie an extravagant Desire but the Seeds of hatred are sown which spring up and embitter their other Delights Who have sufficient of outward Blessings yet all is spoiled by this one accâ—rsed thing Those mutual Heart-burnings Discontent sad Wishes and Imprecations take away the Rellish of other Enjoyments It is very hard on the Womans side that she must be wretched for no fault of her own but meerly the iniquity and baseness of her Husband who according to the usual Methods of injustice commits a double Transgression First becomes perfidious and then conceives Hatred which last is thought an excuse of the Sin when in Truth it is a worse Aggravation thereof If he hath the least Sense of God above those severe girds and twitches of Conscience do more then abundantly take off from the Sweetness of stolen Waters If he hath any degree of common Nature he cannot but be moved with his own injury and falshood towards whom he is bound to give that which is equal and observe the solemn Oath and Promise between them Many particulars do sufficiently shew that he who violates conjugal Chastity procures continued Vexation unto himself and for a few hours running after unlawful Love he renders the whole Course of his Life miserable This Truth is so discernable that more need not to be said thereof It is not altogether so pleasant for married Men to follow these Lusts of the Flesh but the single Person who hath none to controul him who is tyed to none but at Liberty for all he finds the pretended good of them But it would be better for him if he let them alone or have the lawful Remedy No no Crys the young Man. Variety is pleasant one time for this then for another wherever Beauty or Change invite him At first this kind of Life may seem delightful those Preparatives do somewhat please That obscene and filthy Talk lascivious Songs wanton Dalliances and rude Gestures for thus the Devils Souldier is trained up and Disciplined are a little diverting till abundant and repeated use doth also take that away If the stripling hath not cast off all regard to God and his Worship as that is seldom for the impressions are then more strong and sensible and it may be preserved by good Education of Parents then his thoughts will be apt to accuse him It is not meet the same Tongue wherewith Prayers and Praises are offered up unto the Most High God should be defiled with corrupt Communications or singing forth the Encomium of sin and iniquity Therewith to Bless God the Father and therewith to dishonour him Out of the same Mouth proceedeth Good and Evil My Brethren these things ought not so to be Doth a Fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter Jam. 3. 10 11. Conscience wiâ—l make such Reflections which turn outward Laughter into an inward Sigh This bitter allay is mingled with the jocular and merry Discourse as it is called And if he will not think of these things but go on making â—much noise yet there is a sad sting behind that of the Lord Jesus shall be fulfilled I say unto you that every idle word that Men shall speak they shall give an Account thereof in the Day of Judgment for by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be Condemned Mat. 12. 36 37. Even at present a Man discovereth himself by the Talk of his Mouth Where proceeds forth Filthiness and Folly it is a strong Presumption that such is he himself A noble Subject to converse upon whereof a Man cannot think without abhorrence A sign of an exalted and raised Spirit to depress the Mind into a Beast Whatever delight arises hereby it is like that of Children or Fools The great Talkers of this kind do not pretend to such a mighty degree of Pleasure from the meer Discourse that is said to be when Words are reduced into Actions Here lies a rub in the young Mans way and this helps for removal thereof That shame and modesty of Nature is an hindrance to him from doing thus wickedly He gives back and had rather let it alone And therefore this must be laid aside which is not done without time and difficulty before the expected Satisfaction can be had The mind is spoiled of its most lovely Ornament before he comes to the doing of those things in secret whereof it is a shame to speak That Virgin blush then which nothing is more beautiful must be gone Accordingly the modern way of breeding is to drive that away as soon as possible It is more eminent in the Female Sex and was formerly an excellency but now esteemed the effect of Countrey Education laughed at and by keeping Company with the Town Ladies and frequenting the Play house it is at length utterly â—ost In the other it goes away by associating with Lascivious Persons and complying with unsavoury Discourse Is this to bring up Children in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord Certainly this way doth sooner lead them to commit all iniquity with Greediness and makes them the Children of Hell. Corruption moves quick enough of it self there is no need of taking away the Clog that he may run more hastily in the broad way However it is irksome to do that but then he may fall to committing of Folly for so the Holy Ghost in a peculiar manner calls this Sin. The foregoing disturbance is removed there succeeds another afterwards Those qualms of Conscience immediately after the Fact are more bitter then the sweet of the beloved Sin. They are equal in Degree but longer in Duration That Horrour and Distraction of mind for what is done those frightful Suggestions of having offended God the Blackness of Guilt which comes forth and sits heavy upon the Soul Indignation and Anguish all thâ—se stand in opposition to the delight he had The lustful Person is sensible of thus much at first which render the Sin uneasie and disquieting He thinks to follow it no longer But then the Devil or his Instruments wicked Companions or his own deceitful Heart may dictate That at first he will meet with such kind of Bugbears The Dog within will at length cease to bite he may grumble a little but that is nothing Go resolutely on and he will not find such severe resistance His own experience assures him every time he Practises it there is less Reluctancy The raw and unexperienced Souldier is frightned at the smoke of Guns his Heart pants at every Push or Charge but the old Marches on undountedly and is not troubled with Fears Never be discouraged if a thick Cloud should arise in thy mind do not value every Dart that sTrikes
through the Liver do not fear the assaults of the armed Man within thee The Souldier is strengthened with Brandy and thou mayst afterwards resort to good Liquor to drown Melancholy fancies Be Patient resist them and they will by degrees vanish If thy Acquaintance find thee dejected they will Laugh at thee do as they have done and thou shalt be as brisk as they Such is the Policy of the old Serpent to get the young beginner into an Habit and Course of Sin for he knoweth this is the way of hardening and then he is almost sure of a prey It is acknowledged that Custom will take of the Sense of this Sin as appears from Eph. 4. 19. But this is a long time in gaining and those struglings in the mean while do annul the Pleasure of it Men think themselves Wise and Happy if they can once come to enjoy their Lusts without interruption for then they imagine they have nothing to do with the Powers of the World to come but are only for what present Pleasure they can have Whereas in Truth they have only hardened their Hearts and shut their Eyes â—east they should repent and see the Evil But still it waits for them and shall overtake them whether they believe and consider or not When the Eyes which they wilfully shut Zech. 7. 12. are sunk into their Heads and their Hearts which they make as an Adamaâ—t Stone shall be turned into Dust then their Souls shall see the Power of Gods wrath and be so far softened as to be made sensible thereof Take a further view of that present Happiness these boast to have It might have been delivered before how Nature is nipt in the Bud and blasted like an untimely Fruit. Even young Marriages are prejudicial much more are forbidden and irregular Lusts He renders himself weakly and short lived loses the delicaâ—e and ruddy Complexion there succeeding a thin Paleness and other ways soyls the Beauty of flourishing Youth The Lips of a strange Woman drop as an Honey Comb and her Mouth is smoother then Oyl but her End is bitter as Wormwood sharp as a two edged Sword Her Feet go down to Death Remove thy way far from her and come not nigh the Door of hâ—r House Prov. 5. 3 4 5 8. We may take his Word for it who had experience of what he said Whose shame is published to the World and stands a remarkable Penitent for this sort of Folly. He gives warning of those Evils which himself felt The common Reply which hath been delivered down from one Adulterous Generation to another is I will do as Solomon did in younger years and repent as he did in Old Age Then I will cry out All is Vanity and Vexation of Spirit when I can follow â—ust no longer Then thou wilt do a thing now because thou art resolved to be ashamed for it hereafter and wish thou hadst not done it for such must be true and unfeigned Repentance And how can that be when thou choosest to do it now To Sin with foresight of future Repentance argues an evil intent of mind so likewise it is an absurdity It is ridiculous to say I will wound my self that I may go to a Surgeon for thou wilt have a certain smart and pain when thou mightest have continued whole but how knowest thou thy hurt may be incurable such that the great Physitian of Souls hath vowed he will not heal and he is not a Man that he should Lie or alter his purpose To despise the Riches of his Goodness or to continue in Sin that Grace may abound there is not the least Encouragement from his Word or Nature see Rom. 2. 4 5. and Rom. 6. The Great God will no more suffer himself to be triâ—â—ed withal then the mighty Ones among the Childâ—en of Men. Surely you have low Thoughts of him if you Fancy to put him off after that manner and huddle up your Peace with him whensoever you would You pâ—â—â—umâ— upon this instance but we are not to Live nor yet be judged by Examples but by the written word of God. And what saith that Thou shalt not commit Adultery Exod. 20. 14. Be not deceived neither Fornicators nor Adulterers nor Effeminate nor Abusers of themselves with mankind shall inherit the Kingdom of God 1 Cor. 6. 9 10. This last is not to be understood absolutely but unless true and timely Repentance doth interpose as is evident from the Verse following And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. The Apostle speaks to all in General as to Men and Women after their Conversion to Christianity and so they were to continue unto their Lives end If Men will Confess and forsake their Sins endeavour to reclaim others and at last leave it to God whether he will accept and Pardon them as blessed be his Name we have abundant assurances from his Goodness Mercy and Truth that he will forgive such then they may stand in Judgment But who put off his Fear and Obedience with a jest or scornful Neglect Let us alone we will Repent hereafter who put a slight upon God it is just to recompence them after their deservings to let them run through that space he gave for their Repentance and they repented not The Eye also of the Adulterer waiteth for the twilight Job 24. 15. those Intervals of Expectation are not so pleasant Especially to him who hath disturbance and hurry of mind A Cloud arises before the understanding that he can conceive nothing he lies under the base Slavery of an imperious Will hath discomposed and ruffled Affections And several other things forego the gratifying a Lust which occasion no little torment or disorder What is it at the time or rather instant I have read that sinful Pleasure is sooner gone then well perceived of so short a continuance that the end sticks to the very beginning immediately after is annoy and loathsomeness We may use as plain Expressions as we find in Scripture After Amnon had forced Tamar and lay with her Then Amnon hated her exceedingly so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater the love wherewith he had loved her 2 Sam. 13. 14 15. And Amnon said unto her Arise and be gone The expected Satisfaction is come to nothing and the more often these Acts are repeated the less Pleasure Let the Objects be never so many different or beautiful that will not take away Nauseating No Ezek. 16. Variety can satisfie the Cravings of unlimited Lust or hinder weariness If he doth from the Similitude of Boars Bulls and forefooted Creatures who go with their belly to the ground plead for running after the whole Sex but the Beasts do it only to propagate their kind neither do they joyn after conception whereas he hath no such end or confinement for it is only to satisfie a worse then
brutal Lust The highest happiness if it may be so stiled that Beasts are designed unto is meerly sensual and therefore are allowed a more free enjoyent in these things then Man who is a compound of Angel and Brute As such he is barely to use and pass by the delights of the one but to aspire after and to finally rest in the happiness of the other Sence was given us just to relish but Understanding to enjoy Men will catch part of a thing and run away with it and then think they have a mighty Argument on their side a frequent Policy in this disputing Age but take the whole together and that which seemed for turns against them The lustful person fancies he hath the whole world of Creatures on his side when further the greater part Copulate at set Seasons and other circumstances may be found out to prove his manner of doing more unreasonable and even in his lower inclinations to sink beneath the Beasts that perish He acts more foolishly and preposterously then they which have no Understanding They do not shorten life and bring Diseases upon themselves as Man doth 'T is he alone who turns Good into Evil that is made miserable by his Enjoyments God hath set a bound to them and then they are good which the sensible Creatures keep within but Man will leap over though it be to his own Ruine What was given to refresh and preserve the kind he makes an occasion to destroy himself and to produce none or an accursed seed His Breasts are full of Milk and his Bones are moistened with Marrow Job 21. 4. But he drains it out wherein consisted his strength When every Dracâ—m is continually exhausted the body becomes weak and so more quickly drops into the Pit. And then it doth not only extract the sound but brings rottenness into the bones 'T is common that he who is addicted to this sin gets a wound at last which for sweet repayes with bitterness The joviality of Youth is changed into pains and languishing those years are given unto the cruel and thou mourn at last when thy flesh and body are consumed Prov. 5. 9 11. That unspeakable Pain and Weariness which some have laboured under for several Weeks â—ea Months together seem to have a visible pourtraiture of Hell Torments the difference being in the duration of them for here as much is endured as the weak body is capable of For the punishment of the iniquity of the Daughter of my People is greater then the punishment of the â—in of Sodom that was overthrown as in a Moment and no hands stayâ—d on her Lam. 4. 6. But when one shall groan under continued Miseâ—y â—or half a Year and longer when he shall be placed over the 〈…〉 e of Affliction as if baked in an Oven or being alive he is used in the same manner as the Carkasses Hoâ— 7. 4. of dead Beasts are when the iâ—â—truments of cruelty shall search into the members of Iniquity and grate upon the most sensible parts here is an aggravation of Miserâ— and it may be theâ—e is no remedy at last dâ—e he must though with such Vexation and Lingâ—ing Did any Martyr by close imprisonment or thrown into the darkest and lowest Dungâ—on there fed with Bread and Water and after haled out to the most cruel Death yet endure so much as this unhappy Creature hath done He all the while enjoyed the liberty of the Sons of God his Soul was free and liâ—tâ—d up with light from above his Belly filled with hidden Manna thence supported by the Power of Gods Grace and after received into Glory But the other Person did groan and Weep still mindful of his Wretched conâ—ition and every thinking did add unto his grief he is gone and we know no more of him Look into primitive story and find him out who suffered most for the the Lord Jesus and his Kingdom There have been likewise examples of those who have went through a more Fiery Trial and worse hardship only for the â—ake of a base lust Flesh and Blood will be apt to recoil and mormur if we endure any thing for God though he is pleased to recompence exceedingly our light and short affliction but if others endure ten times more in the slavery of Sin and the Devil they take iâ— patiently though this is not half of what is to succeed in another place Let none object to Christianity the Cross or Persecution when greater trouble is annexed to one single sin and there is Misery linked to every one then to the whole chain of Spiritual Graces and Duty He that practises them aâ— finds less difficulty and tribulation then some have done in accomplishment of lust Many after long and painful contesting under it have been overcome others have been put to more strugling and danger to prolong Temporal Life for a little then the worthies of old to lay hold of Eternal Life If some few have wholly escaped those continual fears thereof did take away much of their conceived and unlawful Pleasures If God hath permitted them to act wickedly without bringing punishment upon themselves let them look to it unless they repent he will not spare them hereafter If Judgment doth not begin 1 Tim. 5â— 24. in this lifâ— it will be begun and never ended in that which is to come in some who follow all iniquity with greediness may be seen the fire already kindled and if that be so intolerable now what will it be when it shall burn out for evermore By the Severity of Gods Wrath consider of and fear his Indignation against sin It is soon acted but his Vengeance rests long upon the head of those who do the same He hath manifested his displeasure by Judgments of old upon Sodom and Gomâ—â—rah the death of Zimri and Cosbi and three and twenty thousand which fell in one day It was the occasion that Absolom slew his brother Amnon there are innumerable Examples in common History and daily experience in all Places and Generations Whether the aforesaid Disease hath been lately sent into the World to scourge the Transgressors of these worst Ages or was known long since and those sayings in Scripture of Rottenness of Bones Body and Flesh consumed have allusion to it is not here determined It hath and doth torment these Workers of iniquity and this plague will not be stayed till they cease from their evil doings it brings Death or great Misery at least it makes them sufficiently roar for giving way to a paultry lust But what shall we think of those who have been â—ured and endured all this misery yet will venture again Surely it must be a transcendent delight and greater then all the pain that follows it for otherwise none would choose it And moreover old Persons who are disaâ—led will recount their pasts Acts with rejoycing and please themselves with the remembrance their old hearts run still after Youthful Lusts their dim eyes are full of Adultery
Lascivionsness which they have committed 2 Cor. 12. 21. The Lord Jesus will not condemn them if they go and sin no more John 8. 11. Was not Rahab the Harlot justified And from the Examples of Lot David we may be assured God hath Mercy on such Sinners if they do not abuse his goodness but leave off their Transgression and do Works acceptable and holy in his sight This full and plain manner of Writing was necessary to manifest the very Truth let none suck Poison out of that which was designed for an Antidote nor presume to sin yet more from what God knows was only intended to lead to Repentance The temptation which leads Men over to these lusts is that they think they shall be happy in so doing here it is discovered to be a delusion only and Men would be more happy as to this present time if they had nothing to do with them or make use of the lawful remedy there is the same invitation offered to leave of as before was to follow them So much of lust in the General now briefly run over the particulars Every one knoweth what Adultery is Stolen Waters are said to be sweet and it is matter of sport to beguile the poor Husband Of Adultery Yet O Man shalt thou boast for ever Knowest thou not it will be bitterness in the end Yea there is Trouble and Vexation Fear and Guilt all along By the Jewish Law which wâ—s of Divine Appointment the Adulterer and Adulteress shall be sâ—râ—ly put to death Lev. 20. 10. And so it is at this day in several Nations of the World Christian Mahometan and Heathen but here it is rather fashionable and of plaufible report Whatever credit Adulterers or Adulteresses get it is only among the Children of Disobedience but the Righteous have them in Abomination in this life they labour under continual Disquiet Tribulation and Anguish everlasting Shame and Contempt wait for them in that which is to come The injustice and wrong is somewhat less in Fornication but Of Fornication it is a provoking sin and offensive unto God. If any Man dâ—files the Temple of God him shall God destroy for the Temple of God is Holy which Temple ye are 1 Cor. 3. 17. Flee Fornication every sin that a Man doth is without the body but he that committeth Fornication sinneth against his own Body 1 Cor. 6. 17. A great part of the Chapter is against this particular so that any thing may as well be denyed to be a Sin as Fornication If the Spiâ—it of God saith it is a sin and wicked Men say it is none whose Words shall stand his or theirs Jer. 44. 28 29. And by whose Judgment must they abide When he punisheth for the same let them dispute away the Smart of it if they can Even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the Cities about them giving themselves over unto Fornication and going after strange Flesh are set forth for an Example suffering the Vengeance of Eternal Fire Jude 7. The end of being set forth for an Example is that others should take heed for the like will happen to them if they do the same things There doth too often go along with this an abomination of iniquity as Murder in the Womb those preventives of getting with Child and wicked means to cause Abortion or Miscarrying Moreover there is killing of Infants to hide their shame from the World a manifest proof how tormenting this is that they dare upon such Sinful and Barbarous Actions to concâ—al it If they are not so unnatural and desperately wicked as to stifle the poor Infant then it remains a Witness of the Parents Transgression But if made away that is a double sin and shall rise up an evidence against them at the Bar of the General Judgment to their Eternal shame and confusion before God Angels and Men. There are several other evils too many to be recited but may be known by observation which do sufficiently shew that it is best for Mankind to comply with the VVill of God even your sanctification that you should abstain from Fornication 1 Thes 4. 3. There are several sorts of uncleanness as if a Man lie with Mankind as he lieth with a VVoman both of them have committed Abomination Of Uncleanness they shall be surely put to death And if a man lie with a Beast he shall be surely put to death and ye shall slay the Beast Lev. 20. 13. 15. so that described Rom. 1. 26. 27. There is another kind by self pollution If there be among you any Man that is not clean by reason of uncleanness that chanceth him by Night Deut. 23. 10. Which is no great fault because it is matter of infirmity contingency and not wilfullness but how much worse is he who of set purpose forceth himself to be thus unclean It is detestable to think or speak of much more it is to act such things But Fornication and all Vncleanness let it not be once named among you as becometh Saints Neither filthiness nor foolish talking nor jesting which are not convenient but rather giving of thanks for this know that no VVhoremonger nor unclean Person hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. Eph. 5 3 4. 5. Lasciviousness imports Light and wanton Actions Dalliances Of Lasciviousness and rude Gestures lustful Thoughts immodest glances of the Eye curious inspection upon the faces of Women Whosoever looketh on a Woman to lust after her hath committed Adultery with her already in his heart Mat. 5. 28. Said Christ who came to interpret some Laws give others and finally is to be the judge of all Those several Inclinations and Tendencies to unlawful lust are comprehended under this Word VVhen lust hath conceived it brings forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Jam. 1. 15. It suggesting pleasing thoughts will be apt to procure a consent which makes the sin and therefore should be stifled in its first rise The way of avoiding Lust is to eschew all occasion and provocations thereof The great design of the Gospel is to prepare and bring People to Heaven and then they must be pure and spiritual to fit them for the Holy of Holies to qualifie them for the promise Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God Mat. 5. 8. Now lust and filthiness is an hindrance to this and therefore must be taken away before we are made meet for the Celestial Happiness To refrain from the aforementioned things would be to destroy the Briskness and refined Breeding of the World the principal whereof is to make complemental Addresses to young Women What Mirth and Laughter do they stir up amongst Promisâ—uous Company of both Sexes So the use thereof may appear not only agreeable to right Education but also it conduces to divertisement and happiness It must be acknowledged that here and in other things Christianity is directly opposite to the present Fashion God and the
the Glory of such Good Men have been offended at the prosperity of the Wicked we hear frequently thereof in the Old Testament but not so much in the New. Those who had chiefly Temporal Promises to Encourage them to Obedience might well startle when the Disobedient also received the same in effect Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain Psal 73. 13. Tâ—ere was not then a clear revelation of a judgment to come and the succeeding Eternity which is to make a vast difference between the Righteous and the Wicked This would have instantly satisfied all their doubts But now Christians who are assured of all this have no reason to let their thoughts be disturbed this way Yet Do ye think the Scripture saâ—th in vain the Spirit that dwâ—llâ—th in us lusteth to Envy Jam. 4. 5. The difference between sins of Regenerate and Unregenerate is The first have little motions and tendencies towards them which are crushed and kept short but the others suffer them to break foâ—th into open act And so there are in sincere good People some little inclinations to Envy They are apt to be grieved that those who provoke God should flourish and seem outwardly in better plight then themselves There is a carnal intermixture something for themselves when they cry out How long wilt thou suffer them to do in this wiâ—e Such thoughts are evil perhaps God gives them their portion in this life However we are to let him alone with the ways of his providence for he and not we poor Wretches knoweth what he hath to do How he deals with others What is that to us We may rest fully satisfied with what the Wise Man saith Tho' a sinner do evil an hundred times and his days be prolonged yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God which fear before him Eccles 8. 12. God cannot be unrighteous and if he deals more bountifully with the wicked in this life then with you Certainly you will fare better then they in that which is to come Faith and Knowledge will cure all manner of Envy The Grace of God doth not destroy our Affections but only turn them from evil upon that which is good Anger and Wrath may be changed into Zeal for the Glory of God and Indignation at every thing that displeaseth him There is a Godly kind of Revenge 2 Cor. 7. 11. to be acted upon our selves All Hatred and Malice may be confined to a constant Detestation and Abhorrence of sin in our selves or others with this caution that nothing of private Spleen doth come in hating the Wickedness in them but not the Men. Do not I hate them O Lord that hate thee and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee I hate them with perfect haâ—red I count them mine Enemies Psal 139. 21. 22. Saith the Psalâ—ist It must be only for this Reason because they 2 Chron. 19. 2. Rev. 2. 2 〈…〉 hate the Lord And whosoever loves him most necessarily be vexed with such who without cause do haâ—e him that is most Good and Gracious It is the utmost perverseness that makes any to be malicious and stubborn Offenders It is observable what our Lord commands Love your Enemies bless them that cuâ—se you do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecuâ—e you Mat. 5. 44. But are we to do all this to those who carry themselves after this manner against God himself Let us do any thing to reform them pray for them endeavour by kindness and all ways to perswade them off from their evil ways But if they continue froward and despisers let no fawning be used towards them Let nothing be done to nourish them up in their Rebellion We are in no wise to bless them that Blaspheme the Holy One of Israel and curse by his Name or to do good to them that hate him no otherwise then to draw off not encourage them in their Transgression And lasty Envy is to give place to an honest emulation for those only which have affiâ—it to Hatred Varâ—ance Wraâ—h and Sâ—rife amongst which it is ranked Gal. 5. 21. are sinful and excluding Every one would fain be as Happy as another Improve that principle to the utmost but go only in that way God hath shewed for there is no other and there try who can walk fastest A blessed contention when Christians strive who can most grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Who can most abound in Good Works and live in all manner of Obedience Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and Good Works Heb. 10. 24. A noble competition and well pleasing unto God when his Children strive together who shall lay up the best Foundation against the time to come who shall get most of his Love and Favour who shall give most Diligence to make his Calling and Election sure In this good Emulation none envies another every one trys what he can do for his part if another doth better he is glad and glorifies God on his behalf He is quickened thereby to do more for himself but in the Name of God let every one seek to serve him to the utmost It is a common Salvation and the more earnestly others contend for it there is room left still for thee If others glorifie God by their light shining before men you may make it up another way in Humility and Thankfulness It may be you have not such opportunity as he hath if thou hast and dost not come upon him it is thy own Omission thou mayst do more To apply here Phil. 1. 17 18 19. If others serve God more then thy self thou dost rejoyce seâ—ing that God is served yea and thou wilt rejoyce for thou knowest that this shall turn to thy Salvation through the Prayer of your Brethren and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ Even those Passions which through Disobedience do cause misery to the Sons of Men may be Converted into Vessels of the Sanctuary help them now their daily Ministration and tend to their Reward hereafter CHAP. XI OF FEAR FOrasmuch as Fear is implanted in all Men and hath relation to somewhat the subject of this ensuing Discourse will be Whether it is better to stifle disregard or to provide against that Fear Not to Fear at all is impossible so not desirable by a prudent Man for it serves to divers good Ends and purposes but not to be afraid with any Amazement 1 Pet. 3. 6. Not to be so horribly afflicted with it as generally People are is a thing which may be attained And if Religion sheweth us the only good and wise way which is more safe then any other herein it tends very much to the Happiness of Mankind We are all poor imperfect Creatures Men and not Gods yet of such a strange aspiring Temper that we are apt to forget what we are So it is necessary as
sign of their Fearfulness of Spirit so it is most unreasonable and foolish To flee from that which is frightful in your imagination and your selves have made so into a real Danger to run from that God who would have you be saved into the Pâ—ws of the roaring Lyon who walketh about seeking whom he might devour is a Fear without knowledge The striving to put out the Thoughts of what you do Fear is the certain way to bring your Fears upon you It is only smothering them for a little time when they will Rise up worse and more tormenting It is the Sense of us all that when we have offâ—nded God like our Fore-father Gen. 3. 10. We are afraid and would hide ouâ—selves Indeed if the Godhead were in no wise appeasable it would be natural and prudent to keep off our Punishment and alâ—o the Thought thereof as long as we could But now seeing we have so plain Revelation throughout his whole Word what the Apostle saith 2 Cor 5. 1â— 19 20. He is to be reconcilâ—d and he caâ—â—s upon all Let thâ— VVickâ—d forsake his way and the unrighteous Man his Thoughts Aâ—d let him retâ—â—n unâ—o the Lord and he will have Mâ—rcy upon him and â—o our God for he will abundantly Pardon Isa 55. 7. The guilty Sinner will be apt to imagine his offence greater than can be forgiven Himself Answers that in the Words following My Thoughts are not as your Thoughts He speaks by another Prophet Thou hast played the Harlot with many Lovers yet return again to me saith the Lord Jer. 3. 1. Whatever any Mans past Sins have been yet still he need not Fear to come unto God through Jesus Christ who came not to Call the Righteous but Sinners to Repentance These Doctrines are good and true but trifled with and abused What was designed to give all People Comfort and Hope for amendment of Life the wicked make use of for Presumption and continuance in Sin but they will find God is not so easie as they would think or wish him They must not dally with him as they dare not with their Superiours on Earth Remember he is Almighty so he is the All-wise God and will no more admit of those repeated Provocations then now Men of Authority and Wisdom do with those who carry themselves despitefully and disdainfullâ— towards them This slighting Temper is very common among People they say God is merciful and though they sin against him yet he will be pacified again which is as they make it as if he was what I am unwilling but to name However these Proud Scornful Sinners laugh inwardly at their own conceits but if they did consider throughly trembling would arise within them that it may be otherwise then they imagine and so it will be But to pass by them Come again to those who are less Wicked who stand of in some dread and reverence who think they have so highly displeased God that they dare not approach to him to beg Pardon Herein is some manners and goodness and such may be assured there is mercy with him sufficient to do away their Transgressions notwithstanding all their Multitude and Aggravation Come now and let us reason together saith the Lord though your sins be as Scarlet they shall be as white as Snow though they be Red like Crimson they shall be as Wool Isa 1. 18. Sinners need not be afraid to return unto him from his Word or Nature there is notâ—ing afâ—rightfâ—l in him to the VVilâ—â—â—g and Obediâ—nt those beginning the good work or who are perfecting the same There is one who sâ—cretly represents God and Religion to be very dismal and happy is he that hath least to do with them But they are false and lying Words There may be some difficulty at first in the act of Repentaâ—ce and Conversion but when that is got over the way is smooth and plain But if it were never so rugged as it is noâ— yet lâ—t those fearful Souls whom the Devil holds Captive by this snare consider God hath the upper hand in the World He hath sent a Message to the Inhabitants of the Earth commanding subjection from them He hath given them a Law whiâ—â— if they do they shall live by otherwise theâ— shall die eternally This present life is appointed for time of Tryal Things thus standing What safety doth Satan provide for those he draws unto Rebellion surely none other then this not to think of their Case and Danger A poor miserable shift by not seeing to run into it whereas had thy seen they had avoided it Be astâ—nished O Heavens be confounded O Earth If I might call the Angels to come and behold the utmost folly of the Sons of Men. Were they so as those who befool them in the state of Devils irreversibly doomed to Damnation then in truth to put in mind of God and Eternity would be to Torment them before their time But seeing they have a day of Grace and Salvation it is both natural and reasonable to consider that they may make sure of it and to be told of the Wrath to come that they may flee from it for it were something if they could turn away the evil by not thinking thereon but the Gulph is fixed the fire is prepared and they cannot be removed or quenched only by the carelessness of those who go the ready way to plunge themselves in They foolishly think to escape by this their design not attending to what is Written The wicked is snared in the VVork of his own hands The Vvicked shall be turned into Hell and all the Nations that forget God Psal 9. 16 17. There is no safety for the negligent and careless World. If their heart was not darkened or become altogether inconsiderate they might reason thus with themselves Am I terrified with the uneasiness of Religion and shall I to avoid that for a little time bring upon my self Eternal Anguish of Mind Are the strivings of Gods Spirit irksome now for a Season They are only so because you will not comply with them yet will you by resisting them draw on the Spirits of Darkness to Torment for evermore If that be so grievous which is now for a short time it will be much more so that shall last to all Eternity and therefore the less is to be submitted unto to avoid the greater We count him Childish and Foolish who will not take a bitter Pill to recover Health And it is ten thousand times more so in him who will not sorrow after a Godly sort 2 Cor. 7. 9. To prevent the damnation of Hell. That is afraid to shed a few Penitential Tears to avoid Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth To stand in awe of a little thing and run into a greater is as if we should run from the shaking of a leaf into a place of Dragons and Scorpions Men conceive more hardship in the ways of Godliness then really there is Strangers are affrightened at that which the
was for enjoying the Pleasures of Sin as long as he could and when they leave him to come in just soon enough as he imagines will save his Soul all for himself and nothing for God shall find how it will be accepted If we had right knowledge of the Godhead it would prevent abundance of mistakes and deceits in Masters of Religion Consisider him as All wise All-knowing with whom is Majesty and Honour Goodness and Power It is the wickedness of the wicked to Think that God was altogether such an one as himself Psal 50. 21. But whatever is of good report amongst Men there seeing himself is pleased to make such resemblances we may conclude that he will deal so with us as one Superiour dealeth with his Inferiour for which he is not blamed but commended in the sight of the World. The Prophet Mal. 1. argues after this manner very much to the present purpose and concludes the Chapter for I am a great King saith the Lord of Hosts and my Name is dreadful among the Heathen Conceive him therefore so and we are obliged to do as much to please him and make way for his Acceptance as any Earthly Monarch whatsoever Is it irksome It would indeed have been better not to have sinned but seeing thou hast thou must suffer the difficulty of Repentance or that which is worse Put on a good resolution and the irksomness will wear of Be encouraged by what the Lord Jesus saith I am not come to call the Righteous but Sinners to repentance Mat. 9. 13. Joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth more then over ninety nine persons which need no repentance Luke 15. 7. When any increase is mace to Christs fold besides those they had before Our nature is something aukward and averse to repent What to undo and recant to accuse our selves of fault folly and shame seems hard in our natural proud state Yet it is not unreasonable to confess what we cannot deny our imperfection and want of foresight It is an act of prudence to return from an errour and of such an one who is able to discern what is really good and profitable It is an advancement to a better state Was it not more unreasonable to do those things at first then it is now to leave them when they are discovered to be false and evil But chiefly which should have been mentioned in the first place seeing we have offended against a Great and Good God we are required Only acknowledge thine iniquity that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God Jer. 3. 13. What is more just and equal What hath God deserved at our hands that we should be so Rebellious against him Whatever pride may suggest it is no undervaluing for us poor Worms to fall low on our Faces before his Foot-stool to lie down in confusion and our shame hath covered us to make our Sabmission unto him He is worthy of the greatest prostration from far more excellent Creatures and they pay it accordingly Whatever the prophane foolish and scornful Men think of Religious Sneakes yet the God whom we serve is of such Greatness and Glory that ten times greater reverence is most due unto him then either we do or can give but the day will come when they shall more creep before the Holy One of Israel When God shall tread down his Enemies Let them inwardly laugh or smile at our crying peccavi they do the same unto their Superiours who are but Earth Worms and they shall further take up the very same voice when it will be disinal and fruitless When they shall be rejected and find no place for repentance though they seek for it carefully with Tears Heb. 12. 17. We do buâ—â— now what through the goodness and Mercy of God may avail to his forgiveness and reward what they shall be forced to in vain to turn from themselves Gnilt and Condemnation We have no reason to upbraid or look little upon one another for so doing for it is the case of us all we have sinned and are worthy of punishment he alone is Happy and Wise who useth this means to prevent it It is just that the Soul should be in the utmost subjection to the Father of Spirits that it should both pray and endeavour to be turned at the command of him who fashioned it to comply with the will of him who did both create and also would renew it The first was done without our consent and power the second will not seeing God is to be glorified by our free obedience and himself hath enabled us to give it without our working together with him who transforms the hearts of Men. Because we can just refuse must we necessarily do so He hath ordered the heart so that it may turn either way and should not it go towards its first mover turn unto the Lord our God Turn thou me and I shall be turned for thou art the Lord my God Jer. 31 8. Turn unto me and I will turn unto you saith the Lord of Hosts Zech. 1. 3. There must be some work of our own to concur with Gods Act and be partaker of his gracious Promise The heart is re â—less and dissatisfied until fixed on its proper Object which is God alone It covers after this or that thing but still doth not find content wandring up and down in its pursuit after Happiness but never meets with it Every least appearance and shadow is catched at but the only true and chiefest good is not minded nor sought after My people hath been lost sheep they have gone from Mountain to Hill they have forgot their resting place Jer. 50. 6. As the Soul hath a natural desire to know God not in those who have defaced it with sensuality and brutishness but who exert the operations thereof as they should so when it comes to be acâ—uainted with him is in peace It can be contented for the present and wait some time for the full enjoyment of him When it is once sensible God is willing of his Creatures Happiness hath placed them here only to try them and all his dealings are Wisdom Truth and Righteousness When it comes throughly to know the order of divine affairs then it both admires and is satisfied with the whole will and good pleasure of our God sits down contented and patiently bears with the things of this present time and hopes for nay is assured of good things to come But however hath not the least doubt or fear of future Evils which is a very considerable difference between the Righteous and the Wicked Repentance first brings into this happy state frees from the Spirit of errour and giddiness makes him to leave off those unsatisfactory Vanities suffers him not to be still deluded with false Imaginations tedious travel and after all Vexatious disappointment When by reason of the pain and insufficiency that is in all things of this World there is an utter despair of Happiness
this shews him where it is My heart and my flesh faileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever Psal 72. 26. We know him as yet by Faith and our rejoycing in him is according to the measure of that Whatever good and comfort is in pure and undefiled Religion in an universal and constant complyance with it which is much every way as may be partly seen by what hath been and is to be said but much more would be perceived by him who makes a through experience of it all this comes in by repentance which is the beginning thereof for it forsakes sin and keeps the Commandments This was the first Doctrine John the forerunner and Christ himself Preached Mark. 1. 4 15. And it was also the message in which the Prophets before came Moses speaks very little thereof He that despised Moses Law died without Mercy Heb. 10. 28. God gave his people at first severe and strict Commandments without making so full a discovery of Pardon and Forgiveness but then those who became obnoxious to the guilt and judgment of the Law did not know how to escape The Lord who is rich in Mercy did in time reveal it more and more to those who would turn from their evil doing Before the last threatning there goes out another warning and invitation to submit Thus saith the Lord Behold I frame evil against you and devise a device against you return ye now every one from his evil way and make your ways and your doings good and they said there is no hope but we will walk after our own devices and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart Jer. 18. 11 12. Strange Stubbornness that Men should be thus provoking to God and act so madly against themselves we see what a mighty force there is in Lust and Pride They sinned yet more in not believing his wonderful offer they incensed him yet more in not being overcome by his goodness but he abounded in this as they did in iniquity confirming the truth of the Prophet Let favour be shewed to the wicked yet will he not learn Righteousness Isa 26. 10. All Gods doings are gradual and successive both his Works of Nature and Grace The most inestimable and accomplishment of all Mercies was in the Redemption of the World by our Lord Jesus Christ of this discovery was made to the Fathers by little and little If I may so speak with the greatest reverence and adoration with thanksgiving for such his gracious Methods God shewed himself the most hard Master at first The Law given Gen. 2. 17. was peremptory and penal then he begins Gen. 8. 21. Gen. 9. to release off his severity and then to Moses he proclaims himself Merciful and Gracious long Suffering Exod. 34. 6. But yet did not so fully make known to him the Doctrine of Repentance as he did afterwards to the Prophets Then comes John the Baptist Mat. 3. 2 3. Afterwards He who was bringing into the World so long before and to whom all the Old Testament hath Relation came Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and saying the time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand Repent ye and believe the Gospel Mark 1. 14 15. And now it is established for all persons times and places as appears Luke 24. 46. Man must not presume to sin yet more upon hopes of more Mercy For as Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto Salvation Heb. 9. 28. So for those who despise and sin wilfully there is a dreadful threatning Heb. 10. 26 27 28 29. God now commandeth all Men every where to repent Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all Men in that he hath raised him from the dead Acts 17. 30 31. The whole Counsel of God is contained in Faith and Repentance compare Acts 20. vers 20 21. with vers 26 27. To believe and to do is the substance of all That is Faith and Repentance puts upon the second Cease to do Evil learn to do VVell It is not only to be sorry for the past or a little displeased for Of Obedience the present but shews it self by Obedience for the future To this the promises belong If thou wilt enter into life keep the Commandments Mat. 19. 17. said he VVho though he were a Son yet learned he Obedience by the things which he suffered And being made perfect he became the Author of Eternal Salvation to all them that obey him Heb. 5. 8 9. The Book of Deuteronomy is wholly on this subject there is scarce one Chapter throughout the Law of Moses the Psalms Prophets Gospel and Epistles but hath somewhat relating to this Every where is line upon line line upon line precept upon precept precept upon precept here a little and there a little and all to this purpose that Man should obey God for he hath an absolute Dominion over us all by Creation Preservation and Redemption Ye shall do my Judgments and keep mine Ordinances to walk therein I am the Lord your God Ye shall therefore keep my Statutes and Judgments which if a Man do he shall live in them I am the Lord Lev. 18. 4 5. So in the Preface to the Ten Commandments I am the Lord thy God and as he was the God of the Israelites by bringing them out of the Land of Aegypt so he is of us Christians by redeeming us from Spiritual Aegypt the Bondage of Satan Sin and Death Even we require Obedience and Service from the Horse and Ox nay from the very same Creatures as our Selves Children Mal. 1. 6. and Servants and they do such things only because we command them and think it no shame or discredit And we may allow our selves to be ten thousand degrees more inferiour to Almighty God then they are unto us neither should we be unwilling or ashamed to do such things purely and principally for his Commandment This is properly Obedience and no other God will accept of When ye fasted and mourned on the fifth and seventh Month did yet at all fast unto me even to me Zech. 7. 5. Observe the patheticalness thereof in that it is twice repeated and this is applicable to all the actions of our life do we this or that thing only 1 Cor. 10. 31. to glorifie God thereby and have we no other motive but in Subordination to that And when ye did eat and when ye did drink did ye not eat and drink for your selves vers 6. Some private ends of your own or moral considerations Do not dissemble for one knows the very secrets of your hearts There is a proud principle nourished by some who are willing to save their Soul and think if such a thing is done
it is well enough but do not regard with what mind vainly imagining God would have his Work done any way so it be done but doth not regard with what affection they do it And therefore if they practise Righteousness or Temperance though they will speak out to the World that they do it for Health or Reputation and if they have a little respect to God in the heart they refuse to utter that They will declare openly they do such a thing because the King or some Superiour enjoyn them to do it but either through bashfulness or pride on which that is founded will not make it known that they do such things because it is the Commandment and Will of God. They may talk of the fashionable Vertue but not of Grace They will speak in the Words of Seneca but not the Language of Canaan but if they have a serious mind to get the favour of God and be saved let them consider what is Written Joel 2 26. Mark 8. 38. If their actions are not principally because God requires such howsoever specious and upright they may appear before Men he is no more pleased with it then you with the work of your Servant when he doth it of his own head and is ashamed or disdainful to do it upon your commanding him When Courtiers and Servants of Noble Men will own their condition before all and speak of their respective Masters should we not much more do so as to our Master which is in Heaven Is he not greater and better then they Let your light so shine before Men that others may see your good Works and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven Mat. 5. 16. His Servants may praise him for such an ones well doing and glorifie God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel 2 Cor. 9. 13. And strangers may conclude God is in him of a Truth that he hath some real and invisible principle of action which he keeps unto through good report or evil report notwithstanding all profit or inconvenience It tends to the Glory of God here on Earth when things pertaining to him are done openly before all and not in a Corner He that was not heard to cry or to lift up his Voice in the Street who did not love to be taken notice of for his Miracles and doing good neither did for affectation shew â—orth his Extraordinary zeal and service to God yet hath two observable sayings John 3. 21. John 18. 20. If one designs nothing but pure Obedience neither credit nor interest not the least leaven of by-respects the more publickly it is done the better it is If he finds himself ashamed of well doing let him do violence to that sinful humour and make it more visible unto Men if on the other hand he believes he may have praise of Men there let him do it in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly Mat. 6. 4. The reason of things is to be attended unto Our God whom we serve is a Jealous God and his Glory he will not give unto another So is he more pleased with Mens Obedience when it is pure uncorrupt and nothing a sharer with it How doth he resent it VVhen their fear towards me is taught by the precept of Men Isa 29. 13. Which makes directly against compulsion to Religious Duties for that destroys the Nature of true Obedience Doth God want the aid of Man to make others Obedient unto him If it could be done What Glory would it be unto him But they cannot by outward violence they may bring one like a Beast to the Sacrifice but still there is nothing of the subjection of the mind God cares not for Hypocritical Services or a bare outward Submission He may as well be glorified in Beasts the Blood of slain Bullocks of Goats for there is a subjection of those Creatures even unto Death The Brute is knocked down before the Lord but he is better pleased when the Will of a free and reasonable Creature is Obedient unto his Will. When we do not follow our own ways in opposition to the guide of the Lord When self-will is not cringed unto but the Word of God complyed withal He created all things for his own Glory and Man the Principal inhabitant of the Earth cannot shew it forth in a more excellent way Let him offer up every Creature for a Sacrifice do more then Solomon did to set forth the Magnificence of his Temple yet he adds nothing to what God had before for the VVorld is mine and the fulness thereof Psal 50. 12. The merciful God delights not in the blood of dumb Creatures he received them only as some atonement for Mans transgression and as a type of that great Sacrifice which was once offered for all Herein he shewed Mercy that he would accept of the life of a Beast for a more noble offender Sacrifice and burnt Offerings thou wouldst not but the doing of thy will. He is subject to no necessities imperfection or low desires and therefore thousands of Gold and Silver are nothing to him they are his own already He did first create and now disposeth of them but there is something still which I do in no wise say he hath put out of his own power yet he is pleased not to accept of it unless freely bestowed My Son give me thine heart Prov. 23. 26. O that there was such an heart in them that they would fear me and keep all my Commandments that it might be well with them and their Children forever Deut. 5. 29. He seems to long for it and that for their good for he who hath so much already and will be likewise glorified on them if they refuse cannot receive any addition by so small a Mite It is only that another should do all things to obey him Yet wretched and froward Man who knows not nor will be perswaded what is for his good who would fain be reconciled unto God a Being so much above and mightier then he though it be more out of fear and selfishness then love for that he is willing to give any thing rather then the right one with what anguish and earnestness but upon mistaken Grounds doth he expostulate Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of Rams or ten thousand Rivers of Oyl Shall I give my first born for my Transgression or the fruit of my body for the sin of my Soul He hath shewed thee O Man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do Justice and to love Mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Mic. 6. 7 8. Then thou must submit thy Will unto his Will. Many do offer up the Sacrifice of Praise use much Devotion will bestow liberally Alms to the poor frankly part with their Money but not their Lusts make a shew of Subjection unto God yet keep their own Humours and will not cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self
against the Obedience of Christ yet this one thing is more then them all and which God principally insists upon He that Prayes gives Thanks or receives the Sacrament doth he them out of Obedience Then that is to oblige him to other things of Duty Doth he not them to the intent that he may be better enabled to this Or is he determined not to do this and put God of with only begging Pardon When a matter is in Controversie and the adverse party will not give it up unto him who hath Power and Right on his side but think to come of by asking formal Forgiveness for the Omission What would your selves conclude of such dealing God is neither to be mocked nor trifled wiâ—hal he will not accept of Lip-Labour instead of Obedience of the Heart outward Services will not pass with him for inward Transgression of the Will. If I regard iniquity in my Heart the Lord will not hear meâ— Psal 66. 18. It is rather a Voice of babling or whining then of Prayer and Supplication if there is the Spirit of Stubbornness within But however if done in a right manner still he is better pleased when we have a good and honourable Esteem of his awful Majesty then by speaking forth of the same with our Lips. If he did hear only by the hearing of the Ear our Voice how loud soever would not reach unto Heaven and if it did What are a few good Words unto him unless our selves do really assent that it is so What do signifie putting up Petitions unto him unless we endeavour after the things we pray for We do rather dishonour him by asking for Grace and his Holy Spirit if when he gives we receive them in vain by not working together with them In the Sacrament we express our Love to the Lord Jesus we try to exalt him and shew our selves thankful as much as we can but still there is something more he looks after then strains of gratitude and Complemental Expressions Why call ye me Lord Lord and do not the things which I say Luke 6. 46. The end of all the Commandments of all the Duties of Religion of all those Transactions that ever passed between God and Man and whatsoever he hath revealed of himself is Obedience We cannot imagine any other way of approving our selves unto him those who have the best Esteem of us and are willing to do every thing we would have they get our Love and Favour Would we carry our selves after the same manner to the God of all things He is pleased Oh infinite Condescention and Goodness to manifest his Love call us Friends Jam. 2. 23. John 15. 14. and hath promised a Reward We have Kings and Governors of our Flesh which rule over us and we give them reverence shall we not much rather be in Subjection to the Father of Spirits and live For they verily for a few days here on Earth exercise Dominion over us after their own Pleasure and for the publick Good but he for our Profit that we might be Partakers of his Holiness have some little Taste of good things here and be ever Happy with him hereafter There are the Arguments of his Soveraignty Acts 17. 28. Greatness Right and Propriety but there is one more to which the Judgment of an Heathen and the Sense of all mankind besides Witnesseth Saith Aristoâ—le All People obey that which is profitable for them And upon this Reason our God doth deserve Arist Rhet. lâ—b 1. cap. 8. Obedience from all Nations and People of the World for now he hath made them so as they are that he might set before them the good and the evil He hath most excellently consulted for their Being by giving them Statutes so righteous and holy as he hath done which are to make them as Happy as considering their imperfect Condition they can be whilst in this World. O what great Exhortation hath our God given to bring all the Sons and Daughters of Adam over unto him that if they will hearken unto and consider thereof if they would * Psal 22. 27. Remember they must be turned unto the Lord their God. He would be reconciled to the World or he would never make known so many pressing Motives to it that whosoever would attend to them and not suffer the Temptations of Satan or his own Flesh to draw him aside it is impossible he should stand out still in Rebellion against God. There is some mis-apprehension which is one cause of that Enmity and Backwardness in the Heart of Man towards him If it was the Pleasure of our God that the greater part of mankind or that any should perish he would never have done so much as he hath that all should come to Repentance He hath given them Power to 2 Pet. 3. 3. Act freely and of themselves suffering them so to do as is very agreeable to a Life of Tryal God hath done all that lies on his part affording to Man Revelation his Word without his Spirit within and hath Commanded to comply with them But if he will not do this if he continues willingly ignorant if he of set purpose refuses to hear or read Gods Truth If he will not make use of those means of Grace and Salvation which are appointed and he is Commanded to do this is despising knowledge and refusing Subjection unto the Almighty Vpon this Hinge turns the whole of Mans Salvation for by Thought and Reason he Acts none is mad at all times but hath Consideration even of that kind of Life and if he first determines not to be acquainted with the ways of God then that natural Aversation which is too much in us all and would likewise hinder the best if not thus prevented will certainly keep him off and that will increase more by Sin and evil Habits and so Satan will get him at the first Assault Strange that this wilful and stubborn Temper should creep into that Ingenuity which all pretend unto That this way of Destruction should be chosen against that Self-preservation and willingness to be Happy which is in all Men. That reasonable Creatures should obstinately stick to that which is so full of Danger and forsake that wherein is all imaginable Security Is there in the only way of Peace any thing hard and aâ—kward Why should he lie under those Thoughts Consult throughly and they will prove otherwise Incline your Ear and come unto me hear and your Soul shall live Isa 55. 3. Knoweth he not that if he will do this he shall be saved And what is he unwilling or afraid of that If he would weigh the Arguments he must both believe and consider and then let him Act contrary if he can but he doth not care to be perswaded to be a Christian Then O Man thou hast destroyed thy self Who can Pity him that perishes by Hunger and Thirst when Victuals are set by him and he might receive them if he would If People are
forced and it is expected what they do it should be with a willing mind considering which they have Assistances sufficient to work out their own Salvation God hath been pleased to establish all things in an orderly way What pertain to his Kingdom over the Sons of Men have their Rules and their appointed means and his Blessing doth always Accompany them He doth not work Miracles where the thing may be done in a way he hath already shewed To turn the Hearts of the Fathers unto the Children and the Disobedient to the VVisdom of the just to make ready a People prepared for the Lord Luke 1. 17. He gives his Word Spirit and Ministers By the help of them and putting forth the strength God hath given us all this may very well be accomplished As the great Super-intendent in his Works of Nature hath left them to go in their Course so in his Kingdom of Grace which is over the Souls of Men he hath ordained alike Method to spring forth and increase by appointed means The great and only business which hath passed between God and Men is concerning their Obedience in this World and their Salvation in that which is to come And therein may be observed from the very first Creation of them a most wise contrivance of things on Gods part but the utmost folly giving back and rebellion on ours Had we consented and for us performed what we might have done there had been no separation between God and us which our iniquities have now made Wilful ignorance and sloth hath occasioned this evil by not improving the Talent but hiding it in a Napkin Would any one act according to the grace and power given him and according to the way shewed he shall never miscarry Christ hath made up for Adams Transgression so that the Lord being our helper we may do the things well-pleasing in his sight if our selves will sincerely set to do them God is faithful and would not try our Obedience by more then we are able to perform he gives aid and offers more if we would but seek and make use of it Doth any one desire to be saved Who doth not Why then there is no more required but his real working together with the grace of God and according to his means It is astonishing to consider that seeing God hath given all those great and powerful Arguments to stir up Man to his Duty and then all the faculties of his Soul have a tendency towards it yet so few are brought over to a right sence and universal practice of Religion But Satan trys all ways to drive them off and then is their own aversation through corrupt nature to the things of God but here again if they would consult his Word they would not be ignorant of those devices of the Enemy which might be rendred ineffectual and then by striving contrary and giving diligence that averâ—ation would by degrees wear of There is sufficient done that all might come to life It is not the Will of your Father which is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish Mat. 18. 14. Some do needlesly inquire concerning the number of those that shall be saved When the Question was asked our Lord Luke 13. 23 24. he gives no direct answer to it but commands to take care for themselves and if every one did so there would be no need to ask such a Question This is certain every Man or Woman may perform those conditions to which Salvation is promised each single person may obey God keep the sayings of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and patiently continue in Well-doing The Scripture observing the Irreligion and wickedness of Men in Gal. 3. â— those Generations when it was Penned and foreseeing how it would be in following Ages speaketh in that wise as it doth but yet the same word saith All the ends of the World shall remember and turn unto the Lord and all the kindreds of the Nation shall Worship before thee Psal 22. 27. which is to be fulfilled as the others have been and are Every one is called upon to this it is in the power of all to hear or read the Scriptures to Pray to examine further evidences of it and Faith comes by these things and â—e will believe He may again attend to the Word of Exhortation and then he will do For that is to be said for the excellency of our Religion that never any one could see all that may be said for it and then reject it If the wicked Man would suffer himself to know what might be alledged for Obedience unto God himself would not refuse it He is afraid and dares not consider of the Arguments which enforce the same for then he would be converted and healed and therefore it is not without cause the subtle Enemy labours so much to hinder from that Whereas if he is in the most natural state yet if he is endued but with common Wisdom he should not presently set that at naught which in this carries so much of its Divinity and Truth And he should suspect his own course because he doth as it were distrust those excuses and pretences for Reasons he hath none for his Wickedness in that they dare not in the least stand in competition with what may be said for the contrary Way Men could never go on as now they do unless worse then the deaf Adder they stop the Ear and refuse to hear the Voice of the Charmer charm he never so wisely They act commonly by slight apprehension of things as for those of this Worâ—d they suffer to sink deep and lie at the very ground of their Hearts but for heavenly they either shut them quite out or they lie scattered at the top and have no deepness of Earth and no Root Mat. 13. 5 6. It is seldom that things are done altogether in a hurry but generally people act what they think best to be done In the very heart there is an approbation of them they may outwardly commend another kind but then they have within them a secret reserve and give preference to what they do or else hope to escape the danger The great controversie in the World is Whether Men should obey the Law of God or the Law of Sin Whether they shall do according to his Will or be Master of their own Actions None will deny that God is to be obeyed nor can they gain-say against his Law which is Good Just and Reasonable this is allowed of even by the transgressour But then for following his own course he hath some fancies which are kept secret within himself and are at the very bottom of his mind which with him do weigh down those general Considerations The present Pleasure Profit or Conveniencies or thinking to repent and avoid Gods indignation and such kind of thoughts which the Tempter doth suggest and his own heart doth receive and improve to the utmost advantage that they stand in
Title to Heaven For ye know how that afterwards when he would have inherited the Blessing he was rejected for he found no place of Repentance though he sought it carefully with Tears Heb. 12. 17. When all the Wicked shall come to be fully sensible of what they have done as they will when their short time is ended they would be saved and Happy for ever as other People Nay their willingness to be Happy was the Cause of their Transgression and this Remedâ—less mistake which then they might have turned the right way and they will take up doleful Crys and Lamentations that God would receive them unto Mercy when he will not hear for his Words are gone out to the contrary The only Remedy is to be warned of this in time as they were and might have taken warning as all that are now living may If they would have the Blessing they must have it in his way or not at all which is as Peter told the Jews and in them all mankind past present and to come God having raised up his Son Jesâ—â— Christ sent him to Blâ—ss you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities Acts 3. 26. Obedience gives Title to the Promises which are now apprehended by Faith until there be a certain performance of them And though God hath Promised such things already yet still we are to pray for them for the Promises are to them that ask Mat 7. 7 8. Mat. 18. 19 20. Luke 18. Mark 11. 24. John 16. 23. They are to be had upon means and Conditions which are to be done before and Prayer helps as to them and are effectual when they are also used From the Conversion of the Eunuch Acts 8. of Saul Acts 9. of Cornelius Acts 10. and what is said Acts 11. 14. Acts 15. 7. It appears that God works by outward means the Preaching of the Gospel And therefore our Prayers for the Conversion of the Heathen World or of any one else are not likely to be granted unless the like means be used towards the Accomplishment thereof And that may be done by the pure reformed Church all one as it hath been attempted by corrupt and cruel Popish Emissaries If the words of eternal Life be simply and sincerely declared Psal 138. 4. unto them as the Apostles and Primitive Teachers did to us who were in darkness How know we but the time of the Promise draws nigh that the fulness of the Gentiles may come in Acts 7. 17. Let not those whom the Lord shall move by his Spirit to this blessed Work be Rebellious unto it but go forth accordingly I am sought of them that asked not for me I am found of them that sought me not Isa 65. 1. when it is through unavoidable ignorance who never heard so much before But not of those who wilfully put him off or refuse the means of Grace and Salvation God is still Sovereign and a most free Giver he may scatter the Mercies of his left hand or suffer those to come at them who do not seek unto him Yet it is but a small thing to have their portion in this life though it is present and visible and the low Spirited World esteems every thing that is so still it is little for it comes exceeding short of a true Happiness which signifies little when had and nothing when it is over and by being too often abused it tends to the hurt of the owners bringing upon them a greater condemnation If all those in past Generations or who have been with us and are just now departed hence would stand up and tell us what avails all the Worldly prosperity they have had If those who are now in the midst of it would speak their minds sincerely that the days past are vanisht away as nothing if they would freely declare the Irksomeness and Satiety of the present if they would acknowledge that doubtful Expectation how it shall be with them after these things are ended and they haste not knowing how soon if all this were considered there is no such Cause why they should speak loftily against Heaven or say in their Hearts How doth God give them these things They are proud and disobedient against him who in his Providence either ordered or permitted them to have what they make matter and occasion of being so But however because they have these things without Psal 140. 8. or with asking they will seek for no more O that they would know for their Good as otherwise they shall be sensible to their Cost and Disappointment that there are others they now set at naught ten thousand times more valuable then those they now so boast themselves in Even those the Apostle makes mention of and is thankful for Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual Blessings in heavenly places in Christ Eph. 1. 3. Which are reserved to be fully had there and for ever to remain It is the greatest Happiness here below to have those things which are in order to the Attainment and making sure of them Of which we have sometimes a little Glimpse and soretaste and even they exceed all the Pleasures of this World. So it is reasonable to pray earnestly for the common Salvation to pour out our Soul in Supplication and set our hands to do accordingly for Prayer signifies nothing without Endeavour There must be a Begging Compliance yea and working with the Grace of God or otherwise it is received in vain God doth not bestow his spiritual and eternal Mercies his Jewels of real Worth and Excellency to those who do not seek unto him for them Who think them not worth asking for may go without them and make much of their lying Vanities which both deceive and slip away leaving the Possessours in despair and misery When the Gift of God is eternal Life and he alone is Happy who both prays and uses the means to receive it The great prejudice that Flesh and Blood which is dull and unbelieving hath against this Ordinance because it thinks there is no present and visible benefit thereof Did the Exhalation of our Prayers fall down again in a shower of Blessings which might be seen or had then more would be offered up and also with diligence and earnestness But now whether we pray for temporal Mercies or against Evils yet all things happen alike to all and it may be just the very same as if none had been If it is concerning Hab. 1. 2. spiritual and future Good and Evil why these are not seen and they may be all but Fancies and imaginations or God may no more mind as to them then he seems to do the things before us So our Prayer may appear to be vain the sending forth of words and breath into the Air. This mighty Stumbling block doth quite keep off the ungodly Man from making any Prayer at all for he sees it is the same with him
Face whom we now remember but Praise abideth to eternal Ages I will be bold to say When we shall be invested with this exceeding and enduring Happiness our thanks will not be so much now is the only time of Faith and Thanksgiving This is the only day to magnifie our God for giving unto us exceeding great and precious Promises Who is like unto the Lord our God who dwelleth on high who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in Heaven and in the Earth Psal 113. 5 6. He who made doth now preserve govern and dispose of them according to the good Pleasure of his Will. So we are to acknowledge and offer up thanks for all his Mercies and wonderful Works towards us Whether in Relation to Soul or Body this Life or that to come It is an imperfection of ours to judge any Mercies to be small for God gives nothing unworthy of his Majesty but the littleness is in our selves his Mercies are fitted to our mean Capacity Knowledge and Instruction are not imparted to Horse or Mule neither are we to expect the understanding of an Angel for our present Condition could not bear it According as his Divine Power hath given unto us all things that pertain to Life and Godliness 2 Pet. 1. 3. Even what belongs to this dying Life and vile Body yet there is such a necessity and Connexion of them in order to greater that they call for our most humble and hearty thanks That prepares for an immortal Being and we have all our Treasure in this earthen Vessel which also is to be changed and made Glorious and Incorruptible In our Body every Bone Artery and Vein is Subservient to the whole so the manifold Blessings of God are for our present and eternal Good. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father and in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ Eph. 5. 20. This is a most just and reasonable Command notwithstanding it may seem odd and precise in the sight of the World when done as to common things But if it were not thus esteemed the Duty would not be so Excellent for that more appears when one is contented to suffer shame and be accounted strange and ridiculous only for the sake of God. It seems uncouth through Zech. 3. 8. disuse and because it is not generally Practised The want whereof is through Pride and Sullenness disobedience and ungodliness ignorance and unbelief which in these corrupt times bear sway over the greater part of mankind But if these wicked hindrances were removed there would be giving of thanks at all times and in all places from the greatest to the least A Son honoureth his Father and a Servant his Master Mal. 1. 6. Themselves would not like to have a kindness and good turn requited with slight Forgetfulness and Ingratitude But they do not perceive the Goodness and Mercies of God as they do other things which come from one another which they bring take Or get by their own Power Let any one that imagines so stand forth Deut. 8. 18. and answer Who made him to be a Man and gave him Power to do whatsoever he doth What hast thou that thou didst not receive Now if thou didst receive it Why art thou not thankful One cause is what is of all Irreligion and Wickedness that thou hast these things nevertheless God is kind to the unthankful and evil Luke 6. 35. observe who is ranked first and therefore they remain so If God should make known himself and his Works a little more then he hath done already there would be no Tryal of any ones Submission or Thankfulness Because now he would prove whether Men will bless his Holy Name therefore they refuse But let such know they may have their good things and Consolation and hence pass to his Judgment Seat of whom they have been unmindful and sullen Hear ye and give Ear be not Proud for the Lord hath spoken Give Glory to the Lord your God before he cause Darkness and before your Feet stumble upon the dark Mountains Jer. 13. 15 16. If I may use such a familiar Phrase Do but behave your selves Civil towards God in this World that you may meet him with Comfort in the next Let us offer the Sacrifice of Praise to God continually that is the Fruit of our Lips giving thanks to his Name Heb. 13. 15. This is no hard thing It is so small a Duty and under the Majesty and Greatness of God that we need an express Revelation to assure that he accepts thereof If himself had not said Whoso offereth Praise glorifieth me Psal 50. 23. A considering Person could not believe it for he might easily think thus There is more distance in respect of Superiority between God and Man as between Man and Flies Now if they should buz forth in Commendation of us What Glory would it be God is gracious and infinite in Condescention If he doth set his Heart upon Man Job 34. 14. That he doth at all look upon our low and mean Services He is Glorified in all his Works and this with ordering our Conversation aright is the utmost we can do Or who hath first given to him and it shall be recompenced to him again Rom. 11. 35. But he hath first given unto us and expects the return of good words to our Maker Only acknowledge and Confess with the mouth what we have received and have Good-will towards him and speak out of Things truly as they are Lord Who would not Praise and magnifie thee Forasmuch as among all the Beings of the World there is none like unto thee thou art the Maker of all and they from thee Thou art worthy O Lord to receive Glory and Honour and Power for thou hast created all things and for thy Pleasure they are and were created Rev. 4. 11. The larger Potsherds of the Earth lifted up with Pride and Vanity do not value nor mind the good Expressions of a Beggar and a mean Person though they believe it to be sincere 'T is their Sin and Weakness to slight their Brother of the same likeness and as much a Man as themselves with all the Priviledge and Advantages of humane Nature But God is not like unto them He that first made doth not forsake the Work of his hands Psal 138. 8. 1 Sam. 12. 22. Isa 44. 21. He is pleased with and hearkens unto the Voice of his Children He who formed them after that manner and for this purpose doth accept the Fruit of our Lips. They that know God and have such raised thoughts of him as his visible Works do set forth are apt to doubt that he who is so much above and greater then mankind should at all mind them they being little and below his Cognizance But Scripture doth most evidently satisfie to the contrary There is the very Image of the Godhead upon our selves and a Capacity to know and Worship him all which give perfect assurance
we abhor and dread God deals with us as Children he trains us on by little and little by what we do guess and understand he leads us on to know more things then these The Law was our School-Master to bring us to Christ it taught by rudiments and beggarly elements this was necessary to bring towards more Perfection By him we have more knowledge of God and more yet when we shall come to the sight and fruition of him Who did first think of Heaven by outward things may conceive that there they shall have that most compleat and satisfactory Happiness which these are a faint Shadow and Representation of Our Bodies and all Sensible things shall be made spiritual This Heaven and Earth shall be done away and a new one succeed more glorious Then spiritual and invisible things will be as perfectly known as what is carnal and we now see We begin with Sence then comes Reason and after succeeds Faith and further we cannot go whilst here in the Body then to conjecture and be able to act hereby after things unutterable Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither have entered into the Heart of Man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2. 9 10. What was at first esteemed Madness and Strange things will at length appear to him that shall attend and consider throughly the exaltation of our Understanding to be Wonderful indeed but yet most True. There is hardly any thing but hath an extream And though the Soul of Man be of large extent yet she hath her bounds now in the Prison of the Body It is possible she may transgress and go beyond them and so turn into Distraction Knowledge is her proper Work but herein she may exceed that is When she would find out something which neither is to be known from the Book of Creation nor Scripture neither Truth nor Reason neither from without of what shee sees nor from within her self Where is no foundation nor ground from any thing besides Of this sort are those wild Fancies and extravagant Notions unwarranted Revelations those portentous Opinions which like Monsters in nature serve for nothing but make manifest what is Perfect and True. When the strings of a Musical Instrument are scrued too hard they are next to be broken Even the Faculties and Powers of knowing may by the unadvised owners thereof be stretched so far as to lose themselves for if people will go further and besides what God hath revealed they will not be sooner amazed and confounded then at Divine things The smoke and thick cloud at Mount Sinai and the bounds there set Exod. 19. Clouds and darkness are round about him Psal 97. 2. The Habitation of his Throne being in Heaven and his discovering nothing more of his wonderful work of Creation then this Earth the least part thereof all these may instruct in that Lesson of Moses his Servant The secret things belong unto the Lord our God but those things which are revealed belong to us and our Children for ever that we may do all the Words of his Law Deut. 29. 29. Which is well worthy of consideration for this makes the way to Heaven so streight and narrow that it consists in the middle between two extreams which is easie to run out of one into the other and the Ignorant World willingly continue to abuse the aforesaid place for they cry out against vain curiosity as an excuse for their blindness But here may be plainly discerned the limits to confine all Knowledge unto that is in the things revealed The visible works of Creation Isa 42. 20. John 5. 39. are to be observed the Scriptures are to be searched and the Understanding within us to be looked into Whatever is contained in or may be manifestly inferred out of these and which may incline us unto universal Obedience to Almighty God all this ought to be known It is true what God saith by the Prophet My People are destroyed for lack of Knowledge because thou hast rejected Knowledge I will also reject thee that thou shalt be no Priest unto me Hos 4. 6. The Teachers may impart superficial slight Knowledge their own Opinions or enlarge upon and confine unto instruction of what is throughly understood already but wilfully put off the learning and communicating of more For the Priests lips should keep Knowledge but they have been partial in the Law Mal. 2. 7 9. So in the understanding thereof they think of many things which they do not speak out they may just consider of the whole but they do it not throughly If ye know these things happy are ye if ye do them John 13. 17. said our Lord to his Disciples Every one knows the Commandments of God more then he doth observe them but yet that must be before the other And one may have a slight apprehension of good and yet neglect it but if he would suffer himself fully to know and consider throughly all the reasons that perswade to it there he cannot so easily go back but would perform it as we find in things of daily use and experience If a Man would admit of that Knowledge of God and his Ways which he is commanded and required to have he would obey and walk in them Forty years long was I grieved with this Generation and said it is a People that do err in their Hearts and they have not known my Ways Psal 95. 10. so it hath been ever since the World began and the reason is here added That of Titus 3. 3 4. doth shew the very reason of their ceasing to be Foolish Disobedient Deceived serving divers Lusts and Pleasures But after that the Kindness and Love of God our Saviour towards Man appeared When they were informed of that and another Happiness provided they changed their former course There may be a Professing that they know God and in Works they deny him T it 1. 16 and a saying I know him and keepeth not his Commandments 1 John 2. 4. but if it is full and perfect This is life Eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent John 17. 3. Again Destruction is threatned to them Who know not God and what is the consequent thereof Obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Thess 1. 8. so 1 Sam. 2 12. John 16. 3. 1 Cor. 2. 8. Acts 3. 17. and several like places do import that where is a true and full Knowledge there will be Obedience also as again upon the neglect and refusal of the first is Disobedience and every evil Work Indeed it is possible for a Man to act contrary to the best of his Knowledge but then he is a great Fool and Men do not usually thus so he may do a thing upon a little Knowledge and Inducement to it
now for this short time If both cannot stand together there the least must give place to the greater for more concern is to be had for a Year then for a Minute only Said one Who received the Spirit which did lead into all Truth Know ye not that the Vnrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God nor Thieves nor Covetous nor Extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God 1 Cor. 6. 9 10. So what are accounted the ways of thriving in the World are an absolute hindrance to their Title unto that Men are to be judged by the Scriptures and according as they have done or transgressed are to be admitted or shut out Now this Book Condemns all the proposed Schemes of advantage What is a Man profited if he shall gain the whole World and lose his own Soul Or what shall he give in exchange for his Soul Mat. 16. 26. The Word of God is different from â—ain and common received Opinion The Tempter first instils those principles of Dishonesty Have they not read how he was a Liar from the Beginning He insinuated to our Parents that the forbidden Fruit should do them no harm he beguiled them with a promise and appearance of Good but we have found the contrary The Commandments of God have a shew of inconvenience and Transgression may seem expedient at first but examine things throughly and see how it will be then The great Objection against this Duty and therein it hath a shew of Folly that hereby we become liable to be imposed on suffer Loss and are deprived of opportunity of more Gain Our Lord's Counsel and Command is Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves Be cautious that you do not receive any Injury and be sure to do none Every Man may preserve his own and use a lawful redress where it is taken away by Wrong The fault found by the Apostle 1 Cor. 6. 6. is when they go to Law before Unbelievers but in the fore going verse he seems to admit thereof before a Christian Magistrate or rather in the first place they should refer it to an Arbitrator Or if it be for trifles there one may suffer himself to be defrauded and pass it over as not worth a wise Mans regard for that is not extended to little things Christianity and Prudence are not in themselves inconsistent but the Error is that some frame notions of Wisdom according to the Opinion and Practice of the World and by that would state the obligations of Duty whereby they make the Commandments of Christ of none effect or by distinctions would correct them But let nothing be done contrary to the least of them whatâ—ver inconveniences may ensue If we suffer Shame or Loss for the Doctrine of Jesus we may trust him a more enduring substance in Heaven will be a sufficient requital It doth seldom happen that any considerable disadvantage doth fall upon any for keeping stedfastly to his Laws when that only and no other is the Reason or if it should it would be made up another way here or hereafter The Meek shall inherit the Earth Mat. 5. 5. He dwells safely and none cares to molest or disturb him And though the baseness of some little poor Souls may extend so far as to Cheat Defraud and take Advantage over his simple Honesty as they phrase it yet this is done privately and in small instances which either he doth not know or not mind and so lives well and contented for all The Vnjust knoweth no Shame Zeph. 3. 5. He may come at length to be so brazen-faced that he doth not value the judgment of Men but so far only is kept in least humane Law take hold of him yet through restraining Providence he will sooner do Wrong to any one then the universally sincere and good Man. Who did ever want Food and Raiment convenient for him only by keeping Gods Commandments It is somewhat hard to Flesh and Blood but it is safe Blessed is the Man that trusteth in him O Fear the Lord ye his Saints for there is no want to them that fear him The young Lyons do lack and suffer Hunger but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing Psal 34 8 9 10. It is Gods Will that they shall comply with his Ordinance of Labour and not be slothful in Business so they being in some Calling and adding there to Honesty and Diligence do not want what is good or necessary for them The Eyes of the Lord are over the Righteous but then they must not tempt God or expect a Miracle that he should feed them as once he did the Prophet with Ravens but they are to use the means he hath appointed Though we do live by Faith and God is not willing that any thing should be made too evident for that would destroy this noble Principle and take off from the excellency of Obedience yet to establish our Trust and Dependance on him he discovers himself more then in any thing We may as it were see with our Eyes his Watchful and especial Providence over his own Servants Those peculiar ones redeemed from all Iniquity do get a livelyhood Or if they are disabled and hindred from Work or Imployment he provides some other way Still he acts most wisely who lives so in this World that he may live for ever He that walketh Righteously and speaketh uprightly He that despiseth the gain of Oppression that shaketh his hands from holding of Bribes Isa 33. 15. Who useth Lawful and prudent means according to the Trade and Occupation he is in and rejects whatever is of Craft and Evil. It is sometimes seen that he may prosper and increase in the World. His Seed shall be mighty upon Earth the Generation of the Vpright shall be Blessed Wealth and Riches shall be in his House Psa 112. 2 3. This was often fulfilled in old time under the Jewish Dispensation who had great measure of temporal Blessings At this time it may be observed whether for their Worship and Service of God or the favour he retains to the Children of Abraham the Sons of Jacob and Joseph or whatever Reason we may in Humility guess at yet they are generally in good estate and plenty though scattered in the World. But to us Christians are promises of better things of the Life that now is and that which is to come one in order to the other as the divine Wisdom thinks fit Those who are Heirs of Salvation for whom the greater things are reserved do commonly live by his Grace and good Providence here in expectation and pursuit after that More is not desired then sufficient for this They look further then barely to live but do something worthy of Life which is only towards that to come As they get means for the first they press forward to the high and eternal Calling There is much talk of living and living well in the World this is the principal Mark at which most aim to get in
effect He did not therefore make Promises to the Poor or speak against the Rich because he was himself in a low condition for he might as well have been Born of a Queen and in a Sumptuous Palace as of a mean Virgin in Bethlehem the least of the Princes of Judah The Counsels Decrees and Prophesies of old might have been so fixed But the Son of God despises the Pomp and Glory of the World he slighteth them both in Word and Practise Gods Thoughts are contrary to Mans Thoughts for he speaks in Favour and Comfort of the Poor whom the World abhorreth and despiseth On the other hand terribly and to humble those who now are so much flattered and Psal 18. 27. had in admiration the significancy whereof themselves shall feel who do not mind nor take due warning The Scripture runs thus when it mentions that difference of State and Condition And whosoever intends to have good must follow the steps of the Captain of our Salvation taking him both sor a Lord and Example to do and to speak yea and to think as he did That we may have boldness in the day of Judgement because as he is so are we in this World 1 John 4. 17. And then will not be given so great Respect and Adoration to Riches only no fawning upon those who abound therewith For they have not so learned Christ Eph. 4. 20. It comes near to a Contradiction that the Grace of our Jam. 2. Lord Jesus Christ should be had with respect of Persons for that equals and makes us Brethren in Christ It was given to contemn Vanity and is of a different nature from Gold or precious Raiment and therefore in no wise to be more magnified by reason of those worldly Advantages the Person is in The Faith and good Works of those in ordinary State are not taken notice of but who have Riches and Honour of this World what they do towards Religion is applauded even by those who should Know Teach and Practice otherwise Though these do contrary to the Apostolical Canon 1 Tim. 5. 21. Yet God and the Lord Jesus and the Elect Angels will not prefer one before another they will do nothing by Partiality but distribute to every Man according to his work It is thus also in a lower step We find it by Observation and Experience if we never saw it Written The Poor Mans Wisdom is despised and his Words are not heard Eccles 9. 16. The Apology here is Because t is supposed that they who have Worldly Advantages have also better opportunity and means to get Wisdom and those cannot attain it who have them not Great Men are not always Wise Job 32. 9. and further Wisdom doth not depend so much upon outward means as those Endowments and Faculties God hath first implanted in the mind There is much upon the Improvement of them yet this is not necessarily had or hindered by worldly Aâ—â—â—d 〈◊〉 or Want for the first is often made an occasion â—â— Sensuality Negligence and Idleness None judges of a Tree by its bâ—ing planted in a right soil or dunged about or the likelihood to bear but by what Fruit it doth actually bring forth God may and doth raise up some without common Advantages whom he enlightens by his Grace and Spirit He shews his own Glory and Power this way and chiefly in them who had not much of outward abundance The Prophets and Apostles those Worthies of old both in Divine and Humane Learning were rejected and despised by that corrupt and foolish Estimation of judging the Man without the Man neither according to Body nor Soul but Land or Money which he hath no right unto from his own Nature but national Laws and Constitutions hath set out unto him Besides Wisdom and Truth is without the Man and not to be jâ—dged of by him The Blessing is sent unto the World through such water-Pipes which of themselves are dry and meer Engines to convey Who is so sottish to refuse the good because of the meanness of the Instrument that brings it A Man can receive nothing except it be given him from Heaven John 3. 27. God is jealous of his own Glory and sends forth his Treasure by despicable outward means that the Excellency thereof should not be in us and all praise should be returned unto him None doth refuse his daily Sustenance although it comes forth of the dirt of the Earth the Proud person doth not esteem Silk the worse because it is the Excrements of a Worm Yea all Temporal things if we look down to the Pit whence they are digged are mean and filthy which doth not prejudice as to them Every good Gift and every perfect Gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of Lights James 1. 17. They no have Defilements We are naturally unclean but this comes on purpose to cleanse us Sanctifie them through thy Truth thy Word is Truth John 17. 17. It receives no advantage but diminishment from the things of this World. One would think we were all under the Dominion of Mammon he is so much in Mens Thoughts It is a shame that Reasonable Creatures should esteem of one another according to a little Pelf or outward Gaiety but much more that Christians who if they were so indeed their Profession would as much advance them above the common Size of People as they are above Brutes if they preserved their Dignity should yet be carried away with the errour and absurd Partiality of the World. A sign how little they are governed by Faith and Reason but they are led on by Sence and Custom Which would do us most good will be seen when the Lord of all shall demand how we have done according Mat. 25. 14 19. to the Laws and Power he gave unto us Were those false opinions of things taken away as it would be a great help to our Duty so to present Peace and Contentment For the generality of Mankind being Slaves to the opinion of others do more according to what they think then themselves Such a thing could be let alone but the Fashion and Majority is for it and they must do as the rest Again they could be without it but Reputation and Esteem of others make it necessary Who go not according to Conscience towards God yet do upon the very same Principles towards Men for would they do the same to please and get Honour from him who is more then all the many Inhabitants of the World as they do from one another they were in the right Which seems to shew that what God requires is not only easie and may be performed but there is a propension in the Heart of Man to do even the same for he doth it in common Acts though he doth not stretch up this Principle to the high and right end Would he do so in Obedience unto God as to recommend himself unto others take and go according to his Estimation of things For