establish'd here by the Royal â—uccession of One and Twenty Kings descended from â—he Loins of this Royal Prophet Sin whose proper wages is Death brought many Calamities strange Revolutions and in the End a â—â—nal Destruction to Ierusalem The Convulsions and â—roubles of this City were many and violent before 〈◊〉 was utterly Ruin'd as namely by this Hake King â—f Egypt in Rehoboams days at which time the Conâ—ueror carry'd away much Treasure By Ioas King â—f Israel who in the time of Amazias brake down â—00 Cubits of the Wall it was besieg'd by Resin and â—ekek King of Aram and Israel whom God put back 〈◊〉 the Reign of wicked Ahaz By Zenecher King of â—ssur whose Host in Hezekiahs days the Angel of God â—estroyed By the Assyrians who took Manasia Capâ—â—ve By Pharaoh Necho who carried Iehoazar Priâ—oner into Egypt And lastly it was Besieged by â—he Caldeans who both Burnt the Temple and defaâ—ed the City see Kings 23.25 It was after the Captivity Rebuilt by the returned â—ews yet so that in the days of Christ it rather seemed a place of Slaughter and a Den of Thieves than the Royal Seat of a King or the place of Holy Worship for having Slain their Prophets and Persecuted the Saints they lastly filled the measure oâ— their Iniquity by shedding the Blood of that greaâ— One even Jesus the Lord of Life who by sufferinâ— Death in Ierusalem sealed the Redemption of thâ— World fulfilled the Law changed their Sabbath and in a word put an end to the glory of the Place Soon after by the Sedition of the Citizens and thâ— Caesars cruelties it became so desolate that one Stonâ— was not left standing upon another but as in thâ— Destruction of Sodom so was it all Destroy'd 〈◊〉 Walls removed Mount Sion excluded and Calvaâ—â— taken the Name Ierusalem was changed for that oâ— Aelia an unclean Swine set over the chief Gate and the Iews forbid on pain of Death to look back upon the City In this state the Romans held it till the year oâ— Christ 615 from whose Empire the Persians â—ore iâ— and kept it the space of Twenty Two Years Thâ— Sarazens were the next that Conquer'd it in the yeaâ— 637 and possest it 372 years till in the year 100â— the Turks took it and immediately lost it to the Sultan of Egypt who enjoy'd it the space of 90 yearâ— at which time being in the year 1099 the Christianâ— under their General Godfrey Bulloigne Conquer'd 〈◊〉 and under the Government of several Christiaâ— Princes one of which was Richard the first King oâ— England who was King of Ierusalem it continued 〈◊〉 years that is till the year 1187 at which time it waâ— Surpriz'd by Soladine King of Persia and by the Persians held 330 years when in 1517 it was invadâ—â— and won by the Victorious Solimo the Turkish Emperor and in it to this day the abomination of Mahomâ—â— is set up Thus is Sion become a plunged Field and Ierusalem a heap of Stones the Holy Land laid wast under the feet of the Heathen and the place of Divine Prayer made a Den of Dragons so that as it was foretold Neither in the Mountain of Samaria nor in Jerusalem is the place of holy Worship see Isa. 66.1 2. But every Spiritual heart retaining the Ark or Testament of God's Covenant in Christ is the Ierusalem and Temple wherein the Lord will dwell and where â—his Spiâ—it with ours as the two Cherubins on the Mercy Seat looking each towards the other will witness our Reconciliation by Christ our High Priest who is entred before us into the Holy of Holies even the highest Heavens into which Divine Mansion may he whom my Soul loveth say come In the mean while let us consider what the Angel said â—o the Women when he sent them away from looking into the Sepulcre with He is Risen he is not here did he not thereby dehort them and us from Burying ouâ— affections in Christ's Grave and admonish us rather to seek him where he is to be found At this day a gracious heart maketh every place a Ierusalem where God may as well and as acceptably 〈◊〉 Worshipped as upon Mount Olivet or Christ's Mount so Named because it was his Pulpit as the whole Land was his Text when he made that famous Sermon on the Mount This Son of Righteousness had all Palestine for his Zodiack and the Twelve Tribes for his Signs St. Hierom observeth as the Two Tribes which were first carried into Captivity so Redemption was first Preached in their Countries Likewise in former Ages there were the greatest Examples of God's Justice shown upon disobedient Sinners for Example Lots Wife for one farewell glance at Sodom was turned into a Pillar of Salt which may teach us to measure a Sin by the inâ—iniâ—eness of God who forbiddeth it 'T is observed the Land of Iudea became Barrenouâ— afâ—er ouâ— Saviours Passion of bringing â—orth their principle Commodities as Balm c. Whether because the Tipe was to cease when the Truth was come or because that Land was unworthy to have so Soveraign Bodily Physick grow in her where the Phisitian of the Soâ—l was put to Death Another wonderful remarkable thing shown â—pon all the outward formal Jewish Worshippers soon after our Saviours Ascention as he had foretold was the destruction of that City and Land by which we are made sensible that there was never sorrow like the sorrow of that Land who made the Messiah a Man of sorrow If we consider the Siege of Jerusalem began at the time of the Passover when in a manner all Judea was inclosed in Jerusalem all private Synagogues doing their Duties to the Mother Temple so that the City then had more guests than Inhabitants Thus the Passover which was at first Instituted by God in Mercy to save the Israelites from Death was then used by him in Justice to hasten their Destruction and to gather the Nations into a bundle to be cast into the fire of his Anger as our Saviour had foretold them besides those who had bought our Saviour for Thirty Pence were themselves sold Thirty for a Penny whilst this Storm fell among the Unbelieving Jews it was calm among the Believing Jews that is those that were become Christians who forewarn'd by Christs Predictiâ—â—â— fled betimes out of the City to Pella a private place beyond Jordan which serv'd them instead of a little Zore to save them from the eminent Destruction of Sodom And now the chief Head of the scattered unbelieving Jews keep the meaner sort as well as themselves â—rom the use of the New Testament nay they will â—oone Curse it than look into it the which thing is the hindrance of their Conversion and Salvation And thus we leave them in a state most lamentable and much to be pitied Lastly It may justly seem admirable how senseless religions should gain so much ground on Christianity such having neither substance in their Doctrine nor winning Behaviour in their Ceremonies
to allure Professors for what are many Hereâ—ies but the Scum of Judaism and Paganism yet like in growth to the River Nilus which is famous and well known for its overflowing Streams though hidden and obscure as to its Fountain It 's the Justice of God to deliver them over to believe Lies who will not obey the Truth You are here put to understand what diffeâ—ence of days there is betwixt the Christians Jewish and Turkish Sabbaths The Christians keep theirs the first day of the Week call'd Sunday The Jews on Saturday and the Turks on Friday in Scorn of Christ who was on that day Crucified The true Church is an Assembly or such a congregation as Believes things which do not appear neither may be comprehended in the Mind that is â—t depends only on God's Word what the same saith the true Church Believes without any addition giving honour to God and taking that to be true which in the Word is delivered unto them Isa. 5.3 As to the place where this true Church is I answer 'T is wheresoever God's Word is purely taught and the head Shepheard of this Church is Christ Jesus Since nothing more provokes the Wrath of God against us than the breaking and prophaning of his holy Sabbâ—th the observance thereof can never be sufficiently inculcated intâ— Mens minds for said the spirit of the Lord to our Fore-fathers If you will noâ— heaâ—ken unto my words and keep my Sabbath holy then wiâ—l I kiâ—dle a fire which shall devour the Palaces of Jerusalem and none shall quench iâ— Jer. 17. Ezek. 2â— 26.31 God's severity has â—een remarkable on Jerusalem and upon the disobedient and wicked Prophaners of his Sabbath as may appear by many Instances The first Blow given to the German Church was on the â—ord's Day which they carelesly observ'd the day of the Lord will be a dreadful day to them that despise the day which Christ has set apart for the Zealous performancâ— of Religious Duties It is Mark'd with a Memento above all other Commandments Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy On the Lord's Day we should go into God's sanctuary and Reverence the same see Levit. 19.30 We have God's hand and seal for our observing it see Actâ— 20.7.1 Cor. 16. â— 2. Rev. 10. God is pleased to esteem it his Glory to have many Beggers such are all Men in respect of him to meet at his House or Temple to pay their duty of Thanks and holy Worship for their all since they have all things of him Mat. 18.20 Psal. 42.4 Christ himself went often into the Synagogues and Peter and John went up into the Temple at the hour of Praper Acts 3.1 and 13.23 4. The Day which is to be Sanctify'd is not the seventh but the first day of the week for the Jews Sabbath was Buried in Christ's Grave so that the first day of the week is of Divine Institution and honoured with the Name of the Lord's Day in regard of its Author who rose that day in the Morning from finishing the amazing work of our Redemption upon 〈◊〉 day he brought forth his Living Water On this day he gave his Bread of Life his Body On this day hâ— met his two Disciples 'T was on this day that the Saints which slept arose out of their Graves On â—hâ—s day the Holy Ghost descended on the Apoâ—tlâ—â— On this day Christ brought forth the light of his â—â—ew Heavens and Earth by his powerful Resurrection On this day St. Iohn â—â—d his glorious Revelatiâ—n containing the Churches state till the dissolution of the World On this day Christ visited his deaâ— Apostles saying Peace bâ— unto you behold my 〈◊〉 and feet On this day he burst asunder the Bonds of Death and broke the Gates of Hell led captivity Captive trampled upon Principalities suddued Powers triumph'd over the Grave conquer'd Sin absolv'd the curse of the Law and trod down Satan Upon this day he still rides Triumphantly in the Chariot of his Ordinances conquering all Profane â—pposition cutting down high Thoughts and â—â—bduing Sinners to himself Blessed is the Man that â—eeps the Sabbath unpolluted Isa. 56. vers 2. It iâ— likewise thought that his second coming will â—e on this day called The Lords Sabbath Day and blessed is that Sâ—rvant whom he â—inds well doing when he cometh and since we know not in what hour of â—he Watch he will come whether at the dawning of â—he Day at Noon or at Midnight we ought thereâ—â—re with more care keep our selves upon the Watch â—â—st he come upon us unawares and find us sleeping â—â—r neglecting our Duty for which we may be cast â—nto â—nquenchable fire as unprofitable Servants and â—o be for ever shut out of Gods favour and presence â—or if on Earth we do not frequent his Divine preâ—ence by assembling our selves together for the reâ—erent performing the Duty of Prayer he so oft has commanded us to observe 't is in vain to flatter ouâ— sâ—lves with the expectation of being admitted iâ—to his Presence hereafter Therefore lâ—t us here make our Salvation suâ—e that we may of his Goodness gaiâ— admiâ—tancâ—â—ereafter into his glorious Presenâ—e which is only to be obtain'd through Chrisâ— oâ—â— Lord our only Saviour and Râ—deemer by oâ—ten asseâ—â—â—â—ng â—ur selves togetheâ—â—o give Thanks and offer â—ervâ—nt Prayers to the Lord in Christ's Name this I â—aâ— will be the only way to obtain our desire which God grant we may all Enjoy and Live and Râ—igâ—â—or ever with him to give Praise and Gloâ—y to his Holy Namâ— for his gracious Goodness in Redeeming us to himself O! how happy will our statâ—â—hen be we shall only be employed to Sing Praise and Glory and Honour world without End therâ— we shall possess the fullness of Joys and never fading Pleasureâ— resting for ever from our Labours anâ— singing with Sainâ—s and Angels new Praises to hiâ— Holy Name 'T was the charming hopes of thesâ— Contâ—ntmâ—â—ts which mâ—de tâ—e Apostles so oâ—â— conclude With a Come Lord Iesus Câ—me quickly Amen Teâ—tullian was of Opinion that no Souls did enjoy the Beatifical Vision till the Resurrection at whicâ— time he supposed the order of Rising would be according to the degrees of Holiness Men had attainâ—d to in this Life And to make his Opinion thâ— more plausible he affirm'd the Resurrection woulâ— continue the Thousand Years of Christ's Reign upoâ— Earth so that the highest Rank of Christians in hiâ— opinion shall riâ—e in the beginning of the said Term and all others Rise in their turn according to theiâ—â—legâ—â—es of Piety and Wickedness and therefore 〈◊〉 said The most sloathful and negligent would be dâ—fer'â— to the Conclusion being â—o be held in Prison till they pay the utmost Farthing for this Parable he ascribes to the Morae Resurrectionis that is They are not to rise from the Dead till towards the end of the Thousand Yâ—ars 1 Cor. 15. vers 23.24 The whole Chapter gâ—ves a large Account thereof Besides St. Iohn in his Revelations
Practitioners â—prung up to the scandal of Art called Mountebanks cannot but wonder that People will be so dis-ingeâ—uous to their own welfare that they will sooner â—rust themselves with these Catterpillars who stay no â—onger in a place than you feed them with Money â—han with a known experienc'd Phisician or Surgeon â—hat hath liv'd many years by them that is able to â—o them Service when ever they have occasion But â—n the contrary I have observ'd the meanest sort of People who always plead Poverty to a Neighbourâ—ng Phisician will find Money enough to give to a Mountebank who perhaps in other places where he â—s known was not thought Skilful enough to give a Drench to a Horse These ignorant and impudent Pretenders who know nothing of Physick but makâ— the poor unthinking people believe them to be 〈◊〉 fellows but if diligently observ'd by an indifferenâ— Person they will â—ind all their discourse to their Auditors nothing else but a company of egregious Lieâ—â— backt with Noise and Nonsense and have the audâ—cious Impudence to pretend that they have the onlâ— Arcaâ—um or Secret yet known to the Christian Worlâ— when at the same time it is well known to some that those few things they expose to Sale on theâ— Stage or on Horse-back they are wholly ignorant 〈◊〉 the true Vertue of them which any Artist may eaâ—ilâ— discover by asking them a question or two for hoâ— is it possible that Tumblers and Rope-Dancers anâ— other illiterate Fellows who know nothing of Medicine should undertake to Cure people of all Distempers when indeed all their knowledge lies in 〈◊〉 making up five or six things they sell in their Pacqueâ— one of which they are pleased to call an Antâ—doâ—â— which they say if you dare believe them expell Poyson and if Mr. Mountebaâ—k will be pleased to maâ—â— an experiment upon himself first we shall be betteâ— able to judge of his Medicine Another is a Balsaâ— to cure all sorts of Wounds an Oyntment to cuâ—â— all sorts of Burns and Scalds a Dose of Pills whicâ— cures all Distempers also an inâ—omparable Stipticâ— Water which stanches the Blood when Legs and Armâ— are â—ut off but before I give too much credit tâ— this much applauded Medicine I shall beg the samâ— request of him in this as I did of his Antidote that 〈◊〉 would be pleased try the Experiment upon himselâ— and then I doubt not but he will save the Hangmaâ— the Labour He hath likewise another great Secret called an Anâ—â—lâ—â— which is an excellent Remedy as he says against Witchcrafâ— but I think they are Bewich'd that believe him Never was the World more pester'd with these Impostors for they creep now adays into small Villages telling a Thousand Lies to thrust off their Trash and Trumpery making the poor ignorant people believe they are the only Men in the World for curing all Distempers incident to Mankind They commonly take half the Money in hand they agree for which is more many times than an understanding Phisician would really have for performing the Cure nay they often leave the Patient in a worse Condition than when they first undertook them On their Stages they give a large account of their great performances in Remote Parts which if but throughly known would be found for the most part as false as the Narration is loud and vociferous And if at any time they by chance perform a Cure they are so ignorant that they cannot give the Reason for such benigne Effects I cannot but stand in admiration at the Folly and Madness of such who will let such strange Fopperies foolish Pastimes and Iack-Pudding Tricks chouse them out of their Money and of what 's more precious their Health too boot Who would think that Men would hazard their Lives which every one esteems so dear unto them by letting these unskilful and ignorant Pretenders try their skill with unknown Medicines upon their Bodies I will appeÌ„al to any Judicious Person is it not much better to make use of experienced Men you have long been acquaiâ—ted with or else have been credibly inform'd of their great Success in Relieving Mankind I wish I could be so prevalent to perswade you not to â—rust to Improbabilities nor to the Performances of Unskilful Hands whose Avarice is such that they will hazard their own Reputation as well as their Patients Life for a small Sum of Money 'T is their Money they only aim at when they have gotten that they have accomplish'd their desire And thus much for these Mountebanks or rather Vagabonds who are in Religion Atheists in Diet Epicureans in Habitation Vbiquitarians who are of as little Esteem among the best sort of People as the wandring Gipsies are among the greatest Professors of Christianity And now I am come to a Crew of Cheats in Balneo Maria who would fain be accounted Chymical Doctors which is much to be questioned whether they ever made any Process in the Chymical Art yet they have the confidence to talk and boast of their preparing the best Medicines that can be perform'd in that most Noble Art when alass these bragging and bouncing Fellows are in no greater Esteem among Artists than a Mountebank is with an Experienc'd Phisician They make a great noise of a Chymical Water that will cure the Scrubbado commonly called the Itch and a most excellent Chymical Powder that will restore decay'd Nature and make them look Youthful though much stricken in Age also a most admirable Arcanum or Secret which is a long while a Preparing a few drops being taken in a Glass of good Sack will restore a lost Maidenhead of Seven years standing If you will take the pains to go into their Elabaratory you will find there hath been hot doings by the broken Pots and Glasses and other Chymical Vtensils which had long since gone through the Fiery Tryal but hath of late days desisted from such a dangerous Enterprise for fear of setting their houses on Fire From such a crew of Salamander Doctors and Stage-Mounters I admonish all people to be aware of as they tender their own Welfare Now my Advise is that all honest People would avoid the dealing with any of these dangerous Pretenders by adhearing to the Prescriptions of Experienced Phisicians who are the only Men to be confided in Finally I give the Honour of the Success of my Labours unto God Almighty who restores all the Afflicted if it be his blessed Will to perfectness of Health stability of Strength chearfulness of Mind and liveliness of Faith purely out of his free Mercy and Bounty Lastly I heartily wish that when this our precarious Life is ended we may all be Elevated to those higher Orbs and Heavenly Mansions of inviolable Happiness where the Sun shall be no more our Light by Day nor the Moon by Night but the Lord our God remain our everlasting Light and Glory Amen This Reader is the daily Prayer of Your true Friend and Humble Servant D. Irish. David Irish Practitioner
not so to all for Medicines are like a Tool or Instrument of the sharpesâ— Edge which if not wisely guided or handled wiâ—h the knowledge dexterity and judgment thereto belonging they may bring Death instead of Health but iâ— wisely Administred they will either restore or preserve Health therefore Men are not to be admitted to administer Physick who have no lawful Call thereunto no the Phisicians hands should be washed pure â—nd clean in the waters of Understanding and Wisdom before they meddle with the hidden Mysteries of Physick There are too many leud cozening Vaâ—lets which feed upon the simplicity of the ignorant and make the pretence of Physick the cloak of their Idleness these knowing nothing themselves venâ—ure tâ—eir Patients Lives and their own Credit upon unknown and unexperienced Receits which yâ—t they boldly Administer and with them undertake to cure any Disease tho' ignorant of the Nature of the Physick and of the disposition of the Body or Part whereto they apply it yet alass many apply themselves to such before they will take the Advice of able and experienc'd Practitioners which indiscretion often turns to their great Peril many loosing their Limbs Health and Life by such Mens ignorant proceedings when as on the other hand we see by the goodness of God with the discreet applications of knowing and honest Phisicians many reap great benefit being by them wonderfully restor'd to their former health and strength The right Phisician is indeed made of God for the health of Mankind therefore take courage for many have been restored to their former State which lay long languishing under the pressâ—re of such most deplorable Distempers as might be counted incurable therefore you that are any ways by Sickness â—ore afflicted ought noâ— to dispair nor distrust God's ability with means used to râ—store you to Health and Peace of Conscience and when by God's Blessing on Man's endeavours you are Recovered let it be your Care to keep your self void of Offence towards God and Man 'till you put on a glorious Immortality In fâ—ne as for my self I humbly desire of the Lord to help me while I am here in these lower Regioâ—s amidst such boisterous Winds and Weather to endure all with a Patience becoming a Christian Phisician and in all things to obey his Divine Precepts that when my Soul shall be freed from the Prison of my Body she may also be freed from all Sufferings and translated to the happy Mansions of my God to which those Vapours that cause these Storms and Tâ—mpests can never ascend there all Tears shall bè wiped away from my Eyes and my present Sorrows turned into Joy There O Lord thou wilt give me Beauty for Ashes and the Garment of Gladness for the Spirit of Heaviness and put after all my many and grievous conflicts with the World the Flesh and the Wicked One a Crown of Glory on my Head a Song of Triumph in my Mouth a Palm of Victory in â—y Hand and so to Reign with Thee for ever and ever Amen To which happy State that all Men may Arrive to is the daily and fervent Prayer of kind Reader and loving Countrymen Your Faithful Friend and Well-wisher David Irish. David Irish Practitioner in Physick Chirurgery HIS Missellany of Pious Discourses Gloria in â—xcelsis Deo Glory be to God on High I Here purpose to give a short Explanation of the Great Infinite and first Being who Named himself Iehovah and whom we call God he â—old Moses who he was and what he should call him and agreeable to the Stile of Moses we have an account of him Rev. 1. vers 8. He is the only true Eteâ—â—â—l God who was before all things and gave Being to all things he is Everlasting and hath his Being of himself from him all things receive their Beiâ—g and in him they End saith tâ—e Lord Which is and which was â—â—d which is to come the Almighty Had he not â—amed himself Man could not have told what Name to have given so incomprehensible a Being Who made all things by the Power of his Word See Gen. 1. Man as well as all other Beings had his beginniâ—â— from God who is the Divine Author of Heat Lighâ— and Life in all Câ—eatures whatsoever whom he 〈◊〉 preserves and governs in their wonderful Frame anâ— Order he being only Infinite Eternal and all Potent far above all things that Exist or have Being iâ— follows since nothing finite can make it self thaâ— all Finite things are the effect of his Omnipoteâ—â— Power For without him saith the Sacred Pages 〈◊〉 not any thing made that was made Joh. 1. Gen. 1. wheâ—â— we are told That in the beginning of Time 〈◊〉 Holy and undivided Trinity God the Father Son and Holy Ghost made the intire and Beautifâ—â— Machin of the World by which word World is meanâ— both the Heavens Earth and Elements togetheâ— with all their Furniture if I may so speak and Inhâ—bitants He made all Animals by Pares that froâ— them others might derive their Being The Heaveâ—â— as many believe were made incorruptible and are ordain'd for the Throne of the most High for whoâ— the Earth is ordain'd a Foot-stool and all that Goâ— made he approved of as good Gen. 1. yet some paâ—â— of his excellent Handy-works soon degenerated froâ— the perfection of their Original state and became baâ— therefore he prepared Hell for Lucifer the Prince 〈◊〉 rather Ring-leader of the Defection of the wickeâ— Angels and their Successors False Prophets anâ— Evil Doers After this we read our Saviour prepared a place of Honour for his Saints where 〈◊〉 Spirits of the Righteous are made Perfect and Reigâ— with him God created the Angels to wait upoâ— and attend him their Maker but Lucifer's pride madâ— him uneasie even in the happiest of Created conditions to humble whom God commission'd Michaâ—â— the Arch-Angel to expel him from the Sacreâ— Mansions of God's Holy City for his ambitious Rebellion This was quickly done for the Loyal Champion hurry'd the Rebel into the lowest Hell and in a word clear'd the Palace of God from all the unâ—raâ—eful Confederates some of whom it's thought remaiâ— in the Airy Region for which reason perhaps Lucifer is called the Prince thereof Others of the aspiring Legions are debased and Rove to and fro up and down the Earth seeking whom they may Destroy Others were doom'd into the heart of the Earth which in an especial manner is called Hell where they remain Tortur'd and Tormenting all Evil doers that are Eternally lost for their Iniquities Finally as for Lucifer himself he is resâ—rv'd in Chains in the River Vphraâ—es till the day of Judgment and then 〈◊〉 all his wicked Agents will be hurried into the most dreadful Burning Lake God created two great Lights to give light to the Earth and made Stars without Number to adorn as it were the out-works of Heaven all which in pursuance to God's command run the course he at first appointed them In short all
his bringing forth of Man with the help of Woman and withouâ— the help of Man observ'd in the Blessed Virgin Mary bearing our Redeemer Christ Jesus who neveâ— laughâ—d but as we read in the Scripture three times Wâ—pt First when Lazarus was Dead Secondly over Ierusalem And Thirdly upon the Cross where he delivered up his Spirit to his Heavenly Father and these things all prove the said Attributes of God There are four Duties incumbent upon Man which above others he ought diligently to perform that is to say To God Fear To his Country Love To his Parents Honour and to his Neighbours favour If we duly consider these Duties we shall look towards Heaven despise the World and prepare a Mansion for our selves in Heaven There are three especially Miserable First he that knows and teacheth not Secondly he that teacheth and doth not Thirdly he that is ignorant and yet lâ—arneth not Among the several Commands our Saviour hath laid upon us that seems not to be the least where he warns us Not to Iudge lest we be Iudged for 't is said With what measure you meet the same shall be measured to you again Besides nothing iâ— more unreasonable than to impute the fault of one Man to another but let us proceed in all cases with Clemency and Mildness remembring that we all sprang from our Grandfather Adam and consâ—quently are all a Kin to one another which the Minister confirms in his Office for the Burial of the Dead though to the meanest Person in these words Forasmuch as it hatâ— pâ—â—â—sed Almighty God of his greaâ— Mâ—rcy to take unto â—imself the Soul of our dear Brother here departed c. So that it plainly appears that we are related to â—ach other Now some of these Kindred live in the fear of God and by honest and industrious means procure a Livelihood for their Families others take ill Courses and become Reprobates hated both of God and Mâ—n and in this Case why should any thinâ— ill of another for his Brothers misdeeds though he be so nearly Allied I think he ought rather to be pittied by â—very good Christian for that he hath so wicked a Relation And since every one must answer for his own Offences and not those committed by Father Brother or Friend let us abstain from rash Censures and fly from Evil and do the things that are good thaâ— we may live for evâ—r Psal. 37.27 Again remember thâ— last day when only the Just shall be Saved then on thy Right hand shall thy crying Sins be accusing thee and on thy Left hand infinite numbers of Devils expecting thee and under thee the Sulphurous Furnace of Hell burning and above thee an angry Judge giving Sentance within thee thy Conscience tormenting without thee the World flaming whenâ—e to fly is Impossible and to continue Intollerable This will be the sad condition of every one that while Living do not refrain from Sin or having Sin'd do not truly Repent of their Iniquities thereforâ— it is said Agree with thy Adversary while thou art â—n â—he way and while time is prevent that which othâ—rwise in time will be For as one saith If it be noâ— prâ—vented it will be Repented It is thought by some that there was no Writing to instruct the â—eople before the Flood Baptised the Earth to wash away the Curse which God laid upon it for the disobedience of our first Parents yet others subscribe not to this Opinion of the want of Writing but more wisely adhere to St. Iude and to the Learned Iosephus who writ that Enoch Eâ—ected two Pillers the one of Brick and the other of Stone wherein he wrote of the Two-fold destruction of the World the one by Water and the other by Fire Some Notion of this was by Tradition as some Writers relate preserv'd even to the days of the Apostles Iude 14. The next thing I shall speak to is the final end of the World which will be effected by the fiery destruction abovementioned We read in Mat. 24. That the Apostles asked our Lord Christ about this matter the Event was that as for the day and hour he would not have them to be curiously Inquisitive because it is a Secret not disclosed to the very Angels in Hâ—aven but reserv'd in the hidden Councel of God yet Christ gave them some intimation of the condition and circumstances of the time wherein it should be viz. That as it was in the days of Noah before the Universal Deluge swept away Mankind so shall it be in that time wherein Christ shall come to Judge the World in Fire see Ioh. 1.3 and Rev. 1. vers 3.7 But as to the time when it will happeâ— we are altogether in the dark and have nothing to say but the conjectures of the Learned who suppose it may continue 6000 years from the Creation which if true yet would not the time of the World's end or last Confâ—agration be known because we have nothing but uncertainties touching the time of the Worlds beginning The World was at first a formless Chaos till God out of the abundance of his Goodness sent forth his holy Spirit which Dove-like with mighty out-spread Wings sate Brooding on the vast Abyss and made it pregnant of the World then Darkness gave place to Light and all the fulgent Lamps of Heaven appear'd as they truly are Glorious all Creatures receiv'd their Being and every Plant Tree Herb and Flower sprung from the verdant Earth which was raised above the Waters every thing of use had Seed in it self or other means to preserve its kind that a second Creation should never be requisite but as yet Man the Lordly Creature whose Province was to Rule and Govern the other Creatures was wanting He was framed with more Solemnity than all his inferior Creatures being as it were the Product of mature Council and deliberation stamp'd after the Divine Similitude inspir'd with the Breath of Life and Honour'd with many advantages beyond what any other Animal can pretend to the contemplating of which long since made the Royal Prophet break out into this Rapture What is Man that thou art mindful of him and the Son of Man that thou visitest him Thou madest him lower than the Angels to Crown him with Glory and Worship Thou madest him to have Dominion over the works of thy hands and thou hast put all things in Subjection under his Feet Psal. 8.4 Moses sets forth plainly that this glorious Universe bespangled with sparkling Fires every where adorn'd with wonderful objects Proclaming the Wisdom and Omnipotence of its great Workman or Creator was in Six days made out of an Eternal Privation of Matter by the Omnipotent Fiat of God Hence because that in Six days the World and all that therein is was Created and because God rested the Seventh day it is probably Collected that in Six Thousand years which are but as Six days in God's Account the World shall â—gain be Dissolved When as is said God had Created
Blind or both but let such Rich men remember that if they would be partakers with the Poor in Heaven they must let the Poor partake with them of their good things on Earth for to feed the Poor cloath the Naked relieve Prisoners is the same as if such works of Mercy were done to Christ. The safest way of laying up Treasure is thus to make a Store-house of Heaven which at last day will afford no less than a Crown of Glory Make O Lord the way pleasant to me that leads to such an End 't is no matter what Raggs or Colours I wear with Men so I may walk with my Saviour in White and Reign with him in Glory Luk. 13.3 We must Love oâ—e another which is the very distinguishing mark of a Disciple of Christ as Malice Hatred and Revenge are the badges of an Antichristian Mind We must in all things be reform'd from the Evil of our ways especially from our neglecting God's Service and the Duties we owe to him nor must we be remiss in our Duties to our King to our Coâ—ntry and to our Neighbours if we be we may fall short of our glorious Expectations Indeed all Ordinances of God are as it were the very face of God and they who worship him therein do solemnly â—ppear before him therefore at such Seasons all Men are Bound to be holy and recollected especially Ministers when they Read or Preach God's Word God requires an exactness of Deportment of them in his Courts and 't is no wonder for do but observâ— under the Law how choice he was about all thingâ— relating to his Worship The Tabernacle was madâ— of thâ— best Wood purest Gold and finest Linnen In short every part of it was done according to God'â— Prescription and Order Such as offer Sacrifice musâ— be without Blemish God expects to be serv'd bâ— holy Men in the purest and holyest Manner purâ— must be the Person and pure the Performance foâ— Men carry the Temple of God about them and therefore ought to keep their Hearts and Spirits clean foâ— the Reception of God ought they not then to bâ— very watchful over themselves when they are abouâ— Religious Duties espâ—cially those whose duty it is to lead and enlighten others to obtain the Peace of God and Everlasting Rest But I 'le pursue this Subject no farther least I should too much râ—semble a Sheep that leaps out of the Fold to lead the Shedheard I know well every one has his Infirmity the Green-sickness is the Maids and Covetousness the Disease of some Teachers who Preach up hospitality and other virtues to the People but will not go to the cost of putting their own Doctrine in Practice On the other hand every thing has its Virtue the Bee gathers Honey out of every stinking Weed and every Weed is of more value and use than to be thrown on a Dunghill 'T is the Apostles advise That we do all things for the Edification of others hence those that can ought to Read the Scriptâ—res and other good Books while those that cannot ought attentively to give ear and lead their lives according as the Word directs see Dâ—ut 6.11 And to incite the Minds of People to a more strict degree of Piety it would not be amiss for Ministers to Write or if there be enough already Written to buy some Books of Instructions according to Scripture Rules and give away once a year to their Parishoners By this means the Sheep will know the voice of their Shepherd from the howling of devouring Wolves and also to keep them from wandring from Christs Fold and runing astray after Novelties thro' the Wilderness of this World of Errors I know there are many well-meaning People who make a Coâ—science of their doings and are free from the folly of those that run to several places that are not tost with every wind of Doctrine as those commonly are that like any Preacher better than their own whom God by his Providence hath set over them These would willingly Read what was thus given â—hem by their own Shepherd or Pasture nay some of the other fickle headed Men would also Read their Pastors gift purely out of Curiosity this I say would be a ready way to lead them to the house of the true Shepherd I mean not where Christ was Born at Bethlehem to Sing Gloria in excelsis but where Christ now is at God's Right Hand interceeding for all his Servants 'T is chiefly the Ministers Office to take care of Christs Flock who have the Power of the Keys the Power to remit Sins by teaching the Truth of Christs Word and daily Administring the Sacraments left as Conduit-pipes to convey his Grace to our hearts the doing of which being omitted by Preachers is the retaining of Men in their Sins for if Men be so wicked that they will not â—elieve in Christ Crucified after he hath been Preach'd unto them then their Sins are retained and the Truth is not in them Good Ministers have the Keys to open and shut Heaven by Preaching and Administring the Sacraments to their Flock all that truly Believe in Gods Word which is the only Rule we ought to follow shall undoubtedly be Saved It is not every one that can Pray or Preach hath Power to remit Sins no it is the Undefiled Faithful Godly Ministers who lead their lives answerable to the true Doctrine deliver'd in God's Word that can do it they open and shut Heaven as many good Prophets did by pouring out their fervent Prayers to God Almighty do perform great things One by Prayer staid the course of the Sun another by Prayer put it back and when the Clouds withheld from Raining three Years a third offer'd up his Prayers to Heaven for Rain and God was pleased to send dowâ— Rain to refresh the Earth that all things grew and great Plenty of all things made glad the heâ—rt of Man These instances make it appear what I before asserted and that Man has power with God to Theologize Astrology that is to put by or prevent by Prayers offer'd up to God what the Stars foreshew to Ensue by the Phaenomena's whereof Astrologers were wont to deter and frighten People from doing ill Let us fear God obey his Commands and Love one another and believe in his Word who promised that whatsoever his true and faithful Ministers should ask in his Name should if necessary be granted according to that gracious saying in the Holy Writ That â— what time soever a Sinner doth Repent of his Sins he shall have Pardon with this Proviso he become a New Creature by the amendment of his Life such may come in favour with Christ the head Shepherd of Souls who makes intercession with his Father for all those that Believe in him and observe his Commandments And now to comprise all in a little remember our Saviours great Commandment which was Thaâ— you Love one another and whatsoever you would that Men should do unto you that do you
Read 1 Tim. 2.1 where you will find that the chosen Vessel of God St. Paul doth exhort That first of all Deprecations Supplications Intercessions and giving of Thanks be made for all Men for Kings and for all that are in Authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable Life in all Godliness and Honesty Again Phil. 4.6 he says Be careful for nothing but in all things let your Petitions be manifest unto God in Prayer and Supplications with giving of Thanks by which places of Scripture we are not only pricked forward to the holy Exercise of Prayer but taught also that there are four kinds thereof all necessary to be used every day First Deprecation whereby we beg at the hands of Almighty God either altogether to turn away his heavy displeasure conceiv'd against us through our Sins or at least to mittigate the Punishment due for our Offences Secondly Supplications are Prayers whereby we crave such things as are necessary either for the Sustentation of this present Life or for our everlasting Comfort in the World to come Thirdly Intercessions are Prayers made in the behalf of others And lastly Thanksgiving is when we Praise God and celebrate his holy Name for all the Benefits confer'd both upon our Souls and Bodies Some short Ejaculations and Prayers according to Scripture Rules I Give thee most hearty thanks O Eternal God Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for that it hath pleased thee of thy unspeakable Mercy and Goodness in all Ages succesfully to send into the world Men wonderfully endow'd with thy Gifts and adorn'd with the knowledge of thy Will to be Revivers and Preachers of thy Word of Truth Mat. 23.34 Ephes. 4.2.1 2. I likewise render most hearty thanks unto thy most Sacred Majesty for sending thy only Son that great Shepherd of thy Church to make known thy Word to such as thou thinkest fit to teach thy People the Truth of thy Written Word for the gathering together thy Church out of all Mankind to the building up of the Body of Christ. I humbly beseech Thee most gracious God to continue always amongst us thy pure Word and through thy Ministers gather to thy self an infinite and everlasting Congregation and so instruct my heart with thy Spirit of Truth that I may unfeignedly assent to thy wholesome Word whereby I may prove a lively Member of thy Body and be incorporated into that Society which doth in this World sincerely confess thee and in the next World for ever enjoy thee evermore extolling the holiness of thy Name preserve in safety the Ministers and Teachers of thy Word and give them the certain knowledge of thy Blessed will that by thy Word they may from time to time open unto us thine intent concerning the repairing of Mankind to the Saving and Redeeming of our Souls thro' thy free Mercy and also teach us here to live in new obedience and to withstand the violence and allurements of our carnal desires which fight against the Soul 1 Pet. 2.12 Inspire the Preachers of thy Word with the Divine Breathings of thy holy Spirit that they may utter thy Will with the Purity they receive from thy Mouth retaining the form of wholesome Words and sounding none but the Doctrine manifested by thy Son out of thy Bosom 2 Tim. 1.13 Ioh. 1.18 for by departing from the order of the Faith and Rule of thy Word they will greatly obscure the light of thy Doctrine and obtrude upon us the Vanity of their own Inventions for thy holy Inspirations therefore let them speak thy Word not deceitfully but sincerely as from thee and in thy sight 2 Cor. 4.2 Grant also that by transforming thy Divine Ministry into Earthly Policy they Lord it not over thine Elect neither proudly contend about Superiority and Primacy in thy Church 1 Pet. 5 3. But only seek the Glory of thy Name and the Salvation of themselves and us committed by thy Providence to their Charge give them liberty of Speech boldly without fear to blame and rebuke all false Doctrine Blasphemous Superstitions and abuses in thy Church Ephes. 6.19 Open unto them the door of utterance that they may speak the Mysteries of Christ and manifest them as they ought to do so shall their doings be profitable to the Godly Colos. 4.3 Assist them also with thy especial Grace that they disgrace not the Doctrine which they Teach and Preach by impurity of Life 1 Tim. 3.2 4. but especially assist the Shepherd under thee whom I hear for the good of my Soul from whose Mouth I learn thy Blessed Will keep him O Lord I heartily Pray in Religion sincere and pure from enormous Offences in his outward Conversation endow him with a long and healthful Life if it be thy Will that he may live to Convert many by Preaching thy Word of wholesome Doctrine and then we shall be Converted because thou art our God and being Converted we will do Penance shew us our Offences that we may have a true sense and hearty sorrow for our Sins O Son of God who art the Lord and head Shepherd of all thy Flock work thou effectually by thy Preachers and speak thou also within us to our hearts the blessed Will of thy Eternal Father and confirm thy Doctrine in our Minds by thy holy Spirit and grant I beseech thee that we may truly know and discern the same from the howling of Wolves and from the Inchanting Songs of Hirelings Ioh. 10.12 and 17.15 and grant that we may know thee even as thou knowest thy Heavenly Father and walk Religiously and Righteously in thy Sight showing our selves to be that holy Seed which praiseth thy Name for evermore Come Holy Spirit open my Heart and Ears that I may conceive the profit of thy wholesome Doctrine and the sweet Comfort revealed in thy Holy Words by the Preaching of the Gospel I beseech thee pour into us Godly Cogitations that we may never imagine as the Wicked do that the Miseries and Afflictions of this Life fall upon u◠〈◊〉 Chance and against thy Will but that we may 〈◊〉 believe that thy Church is govern'd by thy Pâ—â—vidence and that without thy Permission no Evil 〈◊〉 Punishment cometh for thou Lord sendest the sâ—me Amos 3.6 Then grant I beseech thee that we may suffer all Injuries and Adversities with quiet Minds and never attempt that which is contrary to thy Commandments but by an humble acknowledgment and submission to thy Will bear all sorts of Calamities with calling for thy Assistance Psal. 50.15 Tit. 22. Most Gracious God keep I beseech thee the power of Mans immortal Enemy the Prince of Darkness under that he compel not Consciences loaded with the weight of Sins to fall into fatal Desperation either by heaping up and aggravating their Offences or by extenuating thy Mercy enhance too much their own guilt or lessen thy Power of forgiving but grant that all Sinners that are heavy laden may with a true and lively Faith come unto thee for Ease and
tells us That the last Truâ—pet is the Seventh Trumpet that is a mâ—â—â—â—rious Number in which as by many instances â—â—â—ht be proved God seems peculiarly to delight Sâ— that the Sixth Trumpet as it is expressed in the Revelations soundeth before this shewing that the â—aâ—t end of all will not â—e till the last Trumpet but yet there will be a vast tract of Time within the time of the last Trumpet many things being to be performed within its Compass so that at the first beginning of the last Trumpet the Enemies of God so fall that the Kingdoms of this World becomes the Kingâ—oms of the Lord and of his Christ c. Revel 11. vers 15.16 17 18. which is a Summary Preface or a Prefationary Sum to the Catastrophe or upshot of the Revelations to follow unto the End And in â—evel 20. and the first seven Verses is expressed how lâ—ng this visible Kingdom of Christ on Earth shall continue and consequently so long is the last Trumpet viz. As the Learned conclude a Thousand years but the last end of all and ultìmate Period shall not be till the last end of the last Trumpet Rev. 20.12 c. and thus 't is probable the Resurrection will continue the Thousand Years of Christ's Reign upon Earth touching this see Isa. 16.19 cap. 19.20 and cap. 25 vers 6 7 8. and Daniel 12. vers 5. where it is said Go thy way unto the End and rest and awake in thy lot in the End of Days for the Lord hath spoken it The Lord will then remove the Vail of Ignorance which is now cast over the faces of all people so as they shall clearly see the great and woâ—derful Mistery of Man's Salvation Now touching the place where Christ shall sit in Judgment the Scripturâ—s make it out that it shall be in the Air over the Valley of Iehosaphâ—t by Mount Olivet near unto Ierusalem then wâ—ll Chrisâ— set forâ—h magnificently his holy Spouâ—e the Church Triâ—â—phant First all things will be made New sitting for the Merits of so Beautiful a Bride Secondly there will appear the Glory and Excellency of â—he Lambs Wife Thirdly the earnest desire of the Elect who will say Come Lord Iesus to whom the Fountain of Mercy will answer Behold I come quickly see Revel 3.11 This will be a glorious Spectacle repleat with Rareties far beyond what our weak fancies can imagine it will not be like our transitâ—ry Pageantry for a day but such as will for ever fully employ the most pierâ—ing eyes of oâ—r Souls with ravishing satisfaction Herâ— have we first the Precursor a Iohn Baptist going before and giving Warning Ecce Behold he is coming who hath been oft foretold and long the darling expectation of all Nations even Christ the only begotten Son of the Father Venio I come Thirdly the manner of his Coming will be Wonderful he will not come leasurely as he Rode to Ierusalem upon a slow Beast but Riding upon the Wings of the swiftest Wind born up as it were by a bright Cloud of Angels Venio cito I come saith the Lord quickly Now the many comings of Christ which are dispersedly related in the Holy Bible I will set down in the order following His first Coming was Virtual from the beginning of thâ— World full of the Vigour and Power of Redâ—â—ption as he was a Lamb slain from the begining of the World and thus Abraham saw him as com◠〈◊〉 his day as present His other comings were Actual namely in Carne when he came to Man by assuming his Nature when he came ad suos to the Iews and they received him â—ot this Coming was in Humility and Debasement 〈◊〉 â—orma Servi in the form of a Servant to make us 〈◊〉 by his Sufferings and Bondage His Coming to Ierâ—salem was Local being both a Preparative to his câ—â—el Passion and a Prefiguration of his glorious Exaltation venit â—ex was the Proclamation which was fâ—llowed by the Royal Acclamations Hosanna being Sung to him With a Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord. He also has a spiritual and invisible Coming into â—he secret recesses of our Souls by Grace and â—he power of his Holy Spirit which doth raise us from the Grave of Sin and Spiritual Death This Coâ—ing is in Misericordia in Mercy But his last Coming is in Justice in Majesty and in Glory to Judge the Quick and the Dead and to render to every one according to his Works whether they be Good or Evil and to Transform the Church Militant into the Church Triumphant And this Câ—ming is called by St. Paul the Glorious Appearance of our great God and only Saviour Jesus Christ and himself has foretold that he the Son of Man shall come Cloathed with a Triple Glory that is in his own Glory in his Fathers and in that of the Holy Angels Now of the several Comings I have hitherto spoken some are past some to come and others are daily coming and ever present as his coming â—o his Chosen by moving and changing their Hearts by renewing their Spirits by comforting and instruâ—â—ing their Souls present also in his coming to thâ— Wicked and Reprobate in such mannâ—r as he camâ— to Pharaoh But the last and most Universal Comâ—ng is that which is not yet come and is promised in thâ—se words Behold I come Rev. 5.6 and this is usually call'd his Second Coming which will be visible and proper wherein it is suitâ—ble to his coming by Inâ—arnation and yet it much differs from that first in manner that being in the Depth of Humâ—â—iation this in the Height of Exaltation that in Reâ—roach and Infirmity thiâ— in Glory and pâ—â—fection oâ— Health then he came to Die and bear a Crown of Thoâ—â—s now to wear a Crown of Life in that he came to bâ— dispised and spit on by his Enemies in this to bruise his Adversaries like a Potters Vessel and to make his Foes his Footstool Secondly in Time that being in the fulness of Time yet iâ— Time when the Vail of Mosaical Tipes and Ceremonies was to be pull'd off and yield to the Substance Gal. 4.4 This Future in the very End of Time when the whole frame of the Earth is to be broke in sunder the Curtains of the Heavens to be wâ—thdrawn and all things sublimated and purified by Fiâ—e then shall Men see the Lord Christ coming in the Clouds with omnipotent Power and infinite Glory with Millions of Angels and all Souls whom he knows to be his by Faith and good Works each of which will than move in an Orb of Glory far surpassing the brightness of the Suns Meridian Beâ—â—â—s and yet the Glory of Christs Body will infinitely exceed them all then will the joyful Elect say The â—ime is come of Singing Eternal Halalujahs and the Voice of Christ and his Holy Angels will be â—eard over the whole World in a Diapason of most Revishing Notes which will awaken and raise up all that are in
believe the same We should also truly call upon God successively to send Christian good and godly Governours that they earnestly may stand for the Christian Châ—â—ch and true Religion which God hath caused to be taught among us that the same may continue manfully to resist erroneous and false Doctrine and now in our time God hath raised up certain high and mighty Heads and Princes which have been Nurses and Protectors of the Church God preserve them mercifully for the same and send continually Men able and willing so to do who shine with the Beauty of acquired and natural Parts and arâ— free to impart theâ—r Knowledge by explaining the true Sence and Meaning of God's Word to all Rational People so as thereby they may come to the true Knowledge of God and his only Son our Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ so as all Nations may be led by the Word of tâ—at one Shepherd who gave his Life for a Ransom â—or all those that believe his Word which is the true â—ight that enlightens every Man in the way to Eterâ—al Life So God grant that his Gospel may for â—ver flourish amongst all Nations to the End of the World Let me in the next place exhort all Men to remember to crave a Blessing of God and be thankful to him for whatsoever they eat or drink since it all â—omes from his Bounty which affords us what his Wisdom thinks fit and necessary For such gratis and gracious Gifts as â—e daily confers upon us let us if we would avoid the just Imputation of the greatest Ingratitude give his Divine Majesty thanks How thankful was our Blessed Saviour for two Loaves and a few Fisâ—es when he blessed God his Heavenly Father for them the Issue was a miracuâ—oâ—s Encrease to show us that if we were thankful to God for a little he would give us much yet we daily see how wonderfully forgetful Thousands are when they sit down to plentiful Tables and mind not before nor after they eat to return the Giver Thanks for their nourishing Varieties I fear it will go bad with such one Day through their neglecting â—he Duâ—y of Thankfulness for what they daily receive from Heaven's Liberality 'T is God that gives or at least â—ends us all we have can we then do less than thank him for the same which undoubtedly he expects even from our Hearts as well as in formal verbal 〈◊〉 which are but signs of our inward Gratitude What are such I pray better than Heathens whâ— knowing their Duties herein rise from Meat uâ—sanâ—tified We ought not only to be thanâ—ful but also â—o bestow some part of what we have on the Pooâ— according to the Directions found â—n Sacred Writ Such as fail herein must expect God's Iâ—dignation and Rebuke when he â—alls them to an account for their Stewardship Repentance then will be too late for our now Forgetfulness Now is the acceptable Time to seek the Lord whilst he may be found for in this Life whenever we call upon him he will hear and grant our request Let the Words of my Mouth and the Meditations of all Mens Hearts be now and ever acceptable in thy Sight O Lord God our Redeemer Most Great and Glorious Lord our God thou art and there is no other God besides Thee in Heaven nor in Earth for the Heavens are thy Throne and the Earth is thy Footstool and the Heaven of Heavens is not able to contain Thee the whole Earth is full of the Glory of thy Majesty O what miserable Creatures are we Dust and Ashes not worthy of the least of thy Mercies How dare we then present our selves before Thee who art so pure and holy a God yet still through thy Mercy we have here our Being whereas thou mightest have placed us in the Abyss of Hell for ever where there is nothing but weeping and wailing and gnashing of Teeth where the Fire burns and never goes out and where the Worm namely the lost Soul never dies Let us all then with Humility jointly say We have sinned against Heaven and against Thee Let us honouâ— our Callings with the Practice of good Works and fâ—llow Pâ—acâ— with all Men. Help us O Lord now to press forward to make our Election sure and â—hâ—t we may live every Day as piously as if it were oâ—r last since we know not how soon thou may'st summon us to appear before the Tribunal Seat of Jesus Christ to give an account of all our Works dâ—ne here in the Flesh. Purge us with Hyssop and wâ— shall be clean Wash us in the Blood of the Lâ—mb and then we shall be whiter than Snow Take all our Sins and cast them in a Cloud behinâ— thy Back where they may be remembred no more Crâ—ate in us new Hearts and new Spirits so as we may walk in Newness of Life according to thy Holy Will and Commandments And if it be thy Blessed Will pity all those that sit in Darkness and under the Shadow of Death that they may come at thy appointed time to the miraculous Light of thy Gospel dispenced to all true Christians by thy true and only Son our Blessed Saviour who sitteth at thy right hand making Intercession for all those that put their trust in thee Grant if it be thy Blessed Will that we may all be taught by that Head Shepherd of thy Church who said When you pray say Our Father c. Such as would know more concerning their Duties in Prayer Publick or Private by the way of Form or would attain to pray by the Spirit according to their present Necessities or Wants let such read the incomparable little piece set out by Robert Russell 1700. 't is the Third Edition in it are Seven Sermons Price Bound 1 s. 6 d. In a word I earnestly exhort all my Readers to be piously mindful of their Duties to God and Man if you fail not in this Christian Reader God will remember you and after this Life in Eternal Bliss you will live with him at Rest. Take but a serious prospect by a powerful Imagination of all the several conditions observablâ— amongst worldly Men and you will find that not one of them sits easie upon its Possessor for the natural Man is ever a Repining and a perpetual succession of Doubts and Fears compleat the measure of his Inquietudes sometimes he câ—mplains of the Acâ—â—ons of his Superiors and Governors and if they iâ— the end should prove â—greeable to his Fancy he will yet keep up thâ— height of his Misfortunes by grieving at the unobâ—â—ging deportment of his Inferiors nor will it ever be otherwise with those that seâ—k Contâ—nt below hence those that are circled with the greateâ—t Splendoâ— find not their Perturbations at all lessened by it but think they might be mucâ— more happy and therefore strain themselves afresh in the eagâ—r puâ—suit of other Worldly advantages which if obtain'd bring â—ot the desired Content and the reason is because they look for it in the things of
this World where it is not to be found there iâ— no stâ—te of Life be it what it will but what is attâ—nded with Misery enough in those that live after the Flesh. Nay many times the very Courts of Justice torment Men abroad as mâ—ch as their Families care does at home the Country life is opprest with continual Labours at Sea there is confusion of Dâ—ngers the Merchant teaches his Estate to Swim and he that Travels with Riches gives a great Temptation to Highway-men and exposes his Life and Monâ—y to the mercy of Thieves the Rich are Plagu'd with the desire of Encreasing care of keeping and fear of losing Riches while the Poor are obnoxious to Scorn and Contempt Marriage in general is no more â—han a conjunction of mutual Perplexities and accidental Calamities Children are â—onuments of Care and for the most part very unâ—â—rtain Comforts especially in these days and on 〈◊〉 other side a single Life oft proves a solitary â—ischief or inconvenience the Fruitful bring forth Câ—res and Barrenness is counted a Curse Youth is a tormenting Fury old Age a meer lump of Infirmiâ—ies and an incurable Disease Thus there is something in every life that proves the bane of our Happiness except we entirely give our selves up to the Service of God Mat. 6.24 No Man can serve two Masters God and the World he that is a Vassal to his Wealth can never make a true Servant of God he that is a Rebel to his lawful Prince is no good Subject of Christs tho' Religion be the Pretence The Parable of the Rich Man and many other places of Scripture make out how hard it is for such who trust in uncertain Riches to enter into the Kingdom of God Therefore misâ—rable is the case of all covetous Rich persons Usurers Extortiâ—ners Thieves and Robbers not can we think better of the Envious Murderers Whore-mongers Sorcerers Idolaters Sabbath-breakers Sweaâ—ers Drunkards Gluttons and such as are given to Detraction and Anger without cause calling their Brother Fool to these add lying Reprobates the Proud the Cruel and â—â—ard-hearted Hippocrites the Sloathful and Unbeâ—iever and many prâ—sumptuous Sinners all which aâ—e threatned to be cast into unquenchable Fire as unprofitable Servants They are such as prefer Vice before Virtue Iniquity before Godliness Falshood before Truth and their own dark works before the light of the Gospel Also among the unprofitable Servants may be reckoned the Rebellious who by belying their lawful Governours rob the Peoples hearts of Obedience and so fit them for Rebellion which is a kind of Witchcraft and spiritual Theâ—â— Nay those that corrupt the Minds of others by leud Examples Hippocrites Slanderers teachers of Lies whereby â—he Souls of thâ—ir Hearers are rob'd of Eternal Life aâ—e condemn'd All that foolishly attribute to thâ—msâ—lves the benefit of Health Wealâ—h or Liberty and so deprive God of his Glory are hither refer'd such as purloiâ— from their Masters Parents Husbands Wives Friends or Neighbourâ— suffer them to incur any loss or detriment whiâ—h they might prevent are in the same Class with the former such as Rob their Neighbours either by false Weights Measures bad Wares or subtile Practices all Lawyers that make good Causes bad or Bad Good all Debtors that never design to pay all Creditors that cruâ—lly Triumph over the Bodies oâ— their poor insolvent Debtors by Imprisonment or any other kind of Oppression And lastly Envious Men who when they have done a Man what disgrace they caâ—â—y Words fall to the practice of unjust Deeds to over-throw and ruine those whom they causelesly Hate such sure cannot so much as have the least pretence to be Servants of God but on the contrary Slaves and Vassals of Satan Now to know who are unprofitable Servants I say â—â—rst They are such as are Magistrates abusing their Autâ—ority to the hurt of those they ought to Protect Secondly Such as are no Magistrates but either neglect their calling or deprave it by their wicked Practice Thirdly Rich men who relieve not the wants of the Poor with their Plenty Fourthly Learned and well instructed Christiaâ—s who suffer the Ignorant to go Astray without giving them good Advice or necessary Instructions Touching those that have their Portion in the Sulpâ—urous Lake which burneth with Fire and Brimsâ—one where Men undâ—rgo as 't is call'd the Second Dâ—ath see Revel 21.1 By this Second Death is understood the deplorable separation of the Soul and Body for ever from the Beatifical Vision or Presence oâ— God and this is the Death which the Wiâ—ked must suffâ—r yâ—t the fulness of their Punishment will not be inflicted â—pon them till the day of Judgment when thâ—ir Souls and Bodies are reunited then they will receive their dreadful Doom and condign Punishment for their Evil Deeds for your further instruction herein see Luk. 16.22 23. the 8.28 the 10.23 â—nd the 12.30 Mat. 23.23.31 and 5.24 and 13.14 â—nd 14.31 Thess. 1.10 1 Pet. 3.19 Iudâ— â— â— 7. Acts 7.5 and in many other places the Scripture gâ—ves a large account of Hell and of its Torments of which none can doubt since our Blessed Saviour said That Heaven and Earth should pass away but hiâ— Word should never pass away Therefore unless we be regenerate and renewed in Christ our condition iâ— dâ—sperate hence let us with all speed Repent and streighten the unevenness of our ways according to the Level of God's Word and Commandments let 's Love one another and do as we would be done by â—nd shew the loveliness of our Faith by the uprightness of our Works For it is not every one thaâ— cryeth Lord Lord that shall enter into tâ—e Kingdom of Heaven No It is the doing the Will of God that dwelleth in Heaven that must bring us thither We must be Born again not of the Blood nor of the Will of the Flesh but of God who in Christ is our Father and will renew his own Image in us every day more and more and apply to us the Merits of Christ's Sufferings foâ— the blotting out of all our Sins original and actual together with the guilt and punishment belonging to them Blessed is he therefore to whom the Lord hath not imputed Sin sâ—e Ezek. 18.21.2 Cor. 33.13 for to sâ—ch all the Righteousness of Christ is freely and fully imputed to the Reconciliâ—tion of them unto the Lord who approveth them as Righteous not taking notice of everâ— fault but bearing with their Frailties and Infirmities Exod. 34.67 Rom. 4.8 The godly Man hath an assurance of God's Fatherly care and protection Day and Night which care God manifests in providing all things necessary for his Soul and Body so that the godly Man is sure of having enough â— God gives his holy Angels as Ministers a charge to attend upon the Righteous Psal. 34.7 And to prevent all daâ—gers the Angels pitch their Tents about the lust for their safety where ever thâ—y go yea God will dâ—fend them with a Cloud by day and with a Pillar of Fire by night and his Providence shall hedge them from the Power of the Devil see Iude 1.9 where 't is Recorded that Michaâ—l the Arch-Angel was set to keep the Body of Moses which being secretly hiddâ—n by God was sought for by Satan by which it appears that God's good Angels keep all such as live and die in the faith of Christ and in the fear of the Lord 2 Kings 6.17 The Eyes of the Lord are always opâ—n to see their State and also his Ears to hear tâ—eir Complaint and in his good time will deliver them out of all their troubles and bring them to the glory of the Church in her perpetual Triumph in the World to come when joyned to her Bridegroom Christ Jesus in Joy that shall never have an End a tast of which Joy is in some sort made manifest unto us in the Revelations cap. 2.22 Therefore let us all with St. Stephen say Come Lord Iesus come quickly and in the mean time the Lord gâ—ant that we may be always Purging out by true Faith and Repentance the Malignity of our Spiritual Diseases till we arrive at divine and saving Health that at the End of our Bodily Infirmities the great Physician may administer a Cordial to us of his own Living Water and grant that at the Night of Death when our Sun shall set the Sun of Righteousness may rise upon us with healing under his Wings and make our Souls as the Lame-man's body in the Gospel entirely whole and so elevate us to those Light Orbs and Heavenly Mansions where the Suâ— shall no more be our Light by Day nor the Moon by Night but the Lord our God shall be ouâ— Everlasting Light and Glory Which are the Hearty Prayers of READERS Your True Friend And Faithful Servant David Irish. Advertisement THE Small-Pox being now in many Places I thought it convenient to publish That if I see the Small-Pox break out of any or but newly come out I will tell them at first sight whether there be any Danger of Death by having them or not And I do affirm That I can with God's Blessing give an Antidote against them and of such Vertue to those that are not already infected that tho they eat and drink and be always with those that have them yet shall they not have them So God preserve us all from all manner of Contagious Diseases and fâ—om sudden Death Amen