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 most mighty Lord of all Psal 2. 11. Psal 89. 6 7. things and a poor Worm so it is requisite to preserve a reverence for his awful Majesty and not to think or speak of him as an equal It is the constant stile of the Old Testament and also a Gospel precept Fear God Luke 12. 4. 1 Pet. 2. 7. We are likewise obliged to be somewhat fearful concerning our own Salvation Heb. 4. 1. Rom. 11. 20. Phil. 2. 12. 1 Pet. 1. 17. To do this is not Tormenting but stirs up carefulness and puts upon all things to secure it Happy is the Man that feareth always Prov. 28. 14. From which proceedeth a good Life thence a good Conscience and then is no fear none that is Slavish or hath Torment A third Passion is Joy which word denotes Happiness and is often Of Joy. enjoyned in Scripture for thou commandest all things which may do good O thou Lover of Souls Let the Righteous be glad let them rejoyce before the Lord yea let them exceedingly rejoyce Psal 68. 3. Behold my servants shall rejoyce Behold my servants shall sing for joy of heart Isa 65. 13. Thou shalt rejoyce before the Lord thy God in all that thou puttest thine hand unto Deut. 12. 18. This joy is not taken away but increased under the Gospel The ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with Songs and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads Isa 35. 10. This the Prophet who saw his coming foretold and so it was at the first appearing of Christ our Lord Luke 2. 10 11. He having now accomplished the work for which he was sent into the World there is sufficient matter of gladness Many righteous Men have desired to see these days The whole Gospel by which is established a better Covenant imports what the Apostle doth repeat in his exhortation as if it could never be pressed enough Rejoycing in the Lord always and again say rejoyce Phil. 4. 4. This is the Lord we have waited for we will be glad and rejoyce in his Salvation Isa 25. 9. Which is the happiness of Heaven the clear manifestation thereof to the World and the possibility we are put in to partake of it As then it will be a delight to remember how we came through this dark and troublesome Vale so whilst we are here we should lift up our hearts with expectation thereof Accordingly the good Men of old time did who had but the Glimmering whereof we have the fuller Light If the heir of a Kingdom or a good Estate is so transported with conceits and fancies of future good it cannot be thought absurd that who have the evidence and hope of such an exceeding eternal blessedness which will be one day revealed should be proportionably pleased with the foresight and John 16. 22. Gal. 3. 22. assurance thereof Accordingly that Christian who hath a real interest hath also a sensible rejoycing therein which doth exceed all the pleasures and imaginations here What results from gross and sensual things is not worthy to be compared with pure and spiritual yet God as a most Bountiful Master to his Servants hath given them many things here for recreation and delight He doth deny nothing which is good and convenient for us We are all to admire and comply with the Riches of his Mercy and Love who hath placed into our frame this affection of joy and hath provided things proper for it and hath done as much as lieth on his part to compleat the great end of our being happy How then came Sorrow in God made it not neither hath he pleasure in the grief of the living but it came in through Sin and Of Sorrow Transgression Gen. 3. 15 16. It was the effect of mans own disobedience and was justly inflicted on him as a Punishment so it is continued of every sin besides As such God ordained it but in the beginning when he made Male and Female he did not implant it into our nature we now come into the World crying for we fell and were corrupted with our fore-father Sin is interwoven into our very flesh and as the necessary consequent thereof sorrow also The Conception and Birth of our Lord was different from ours in him was no sin yet when he came into the World to make his Soul an offering for sin He was a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with Grief The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity Isa 53. Mark 14. 34 of us all yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief so great that he poured out his Soul unto Death and bore the sins of many But now since he hath borne our grief and carried our Sorrows O astonishing goodness of the Son of God we are so far from sinking under them that these also I speak Mysteries tend to our Happiness Whilst we look on him whom we have Pierced and Mourn for him as one Mourneth for his only Son Zec. 12. 10 Isa 63. 9. 1 Thes 1. 10. even then considering how in his love and in his pity he hath redeemed us and hath delivered us from the wrath to come an holy joy will arise When we reflect that he who did drink of the Brook in the Way hath now lifted up his head above Angels Principalities and Powers Wherefore God hath highly exalted him and given him Phil. 2. 9. a Name which is above every Name Our Sorrow is turned into Joy for the exceeding and glorious condition Jesus whom our Soul Heb. 12. 1. loveth is in at this time If ye loved me ye would rejoyce because I Cant. 1. 6. said I go unto the Father This he said before his bitter Death John 14. 28. and Passion and now may seem to speak to all the World what he did once to the Daughters of Jerusalem Weep not for me but for your selves Are you troubled at those cruel sufferings I have undergone My Fathers indignation is past they are all over and the remembrance is not in the least grievous now I am crowned with Glory and Honour But weep for your selves who are in the Wilderness for the tribulation in the World and more especially weep for those sins which occasioned what I did suffer forsake them and come to me If ye pretend to be sorry for me and this doth not follow that is to cry out Hail King of the Jews and crucifie him afresh and put him to open Shame He hath instituted an holy Feast for the continual remembrance of his Passion the reasons thereof are to stir up our love towards him and the hatred of our own Sins God hath manifested his displeasure against them by the Death of his own beloved Son who came out of his Bosome yet when he took sin upon him had the full Vials of wrath poured forth as is evident by his Agony and bloody Sweat by the pains he endured on the Cross His sufferings were so exceeding that
hinders the Accommodation that it may be taken away and then the business is done It is not to lead People on in a bare outward Profession or a partial Observation of the Law but to bring them over unto universal Obedience And he who either will not or dare not do this is not fit to be a Labourer in the Vineyard But unto the wicked God saith What hast thou to do to declare my Statutes or that thou shouldst take my Covenant into thy Mouth Psal 50. 16. He had better seek any other way for a Livelihood then to take the oversight of the Flock of God for filthy lucre 1 Pet. 5. 2. and be negligent thereof Why a good Nature cannot endure to disturb but he must when it is to prevent a greater Evil. Who finds fault with a Surgeon that Pricks to let Blood in order to Health which as it is common so most kind and reasonable All the irksomeness that can be to further our everlasting Happiness and hinder alike Misery allowing for the exceeding Greatness thereof will not amount to so much as Men endure and take it patiently in Case of a slight temporal Good or Evil. Aâ—d I beseech you Brethren suffer the VVord of Exhortation for I have written a Letter unto you in few words Heb. 13. 22. There must some haâ—sh sayings now and then drop from the Preachers mouth if he doth according to the Apostolical injunction make full Proof of his Ministery 2 Tim. 4. 4. The Hearers must bear them patiently and do thereafter if they intend to be saved They are to receive as Eli did from the Child Samuel who told him every whit and hid nothing from him and he said It is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good 1 Sam. 3. 18. Or as Hezekiah heard the Prophets sad Message to his Posterity Good is the VVord of the Lord which thou hast spoken Isa 39. 8. There is an unwillingness to speak of Gods threatnings The Prophets of Old would fain excuse themselves yet they would not be disobedient to the Spirit of God and it was with kindness to the People by first exhorting them to Repentance to prevent the approaching Ruin. And I do not believe any good Man doth love to tyrannize over the Hearts of others by putting them into fear and dread but knowing the terror of the Lord we perswade Men 2 Cor. 5. 11. They do not otherwise declare the whole Counsel of God and they must to keep People from falling under the severity thereof for it would be an odd kind of Mercifulness to let them slide down into Hell because we will not before-hand disturb them a little with the Rumour thereof Doth any one who forewarns another such an Evil or Inconvenience will come upon him unless he hinders it such a way therefore meet with unkindness In no wise but on the contrary all thanks and Good-will There is altogether the like Reason it should be the very same as to the things of God and Eternity Besides it is not he but the Word which doth it No Post or Herald can be justly blamed for publishing what we Fancy severe Edicts and Proclamations for they are Servants and must do what their King Commandeth but if any injury is offered them Mark 12. 4 5 9. He takes it as upon himself and will punish accordingly He that is sent a Minister of Christ's Church did never descend into the deep nor hath he seen any of those dreadful things of the invisible World. He is only to make known and proclaim what he finds in the written Word of God. Who considering his infinite Greatness more then the Ocean is to a single drop over those who are but meer Creatures the Work of his hands hath made righteous Ordinances enforced with sutable Rewards and Punishments notwithstanding the latter may seem hard and grievous to us Yet how great soever they are miserable experience sheweth they are necessary to preserve his Government and to keep us in Subjection and Obedience In Truth we cannot well shew it otherwise then by a reverent Regard and Conformity to his Word No Man hath seen God at any time John 1. 18. Nor doth now hear his Voice In what manner then shall he shew himself subject to this infinite Being Let him shew forth never so much will-Worship Humility or neglecting of the Body think to gratifie with something of his own as corrupt Nature is too fond of its own Inventions yet if he hath not regard to the prescribed Pattern all is esteemed as cutting off a Dogs neck the Reason is added Yea they have chosen their own ways If he offers up never so much or seeks to please Isa 66. 2 3. him that signifies nothing For all these things have been saith the Lord But to this Man will I look even to him that is of a poor and contrite Spirit and trembleth at my VVord If God should shake the Heavens and the Earth the most stout Inhabitants here would tremble and they could not do otherwise But now he sanctifies the Lord and makes him his dread who shews himself awful and pliant at hearing or reading of his revealed Will. If he did roar from Mount Zion or utter his Voice from the Battlements of Heaven then the People would presently cry out after their wonted manner All that the Lord hath spoken we will do But when the noise is gone and the fear is over they would forget that and return to their own ways Now it remains written in a Book that it may not be once but for ever and there is the still Voice of the Spirit which would set it home to our Hearts and by this way he is pleased to try our Obedience And indeed how can it be better shewn forth then by sincere doing according to that which we surely believe to be the very mind of God what he would have us to do Yet alas What strugling and contesting is there against this A manifest Token of that disobedience which lies hid in the heart of Man and puts it self forth by Cavil Distinguishing Evasion or setting themselves against those who keep close to it All this proceeds from that Root of Enmity and unwillingness to comply therewith He that is of God heareth Gods words John 8. 47. VVhen ye received the word of God ye received it not as the word of Men but as it is in Truth the word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe 1 Thes 2. 13. All is but vain and deceitful words which have not Relation to this Rule either by necessary Consequence or Connexion God is Truth and his word is Truth John 17. 17. and if we say we love God we must also in the Apostles Phrase receive the love of the Truth that we may be saved 2 Thes 2. 10. That People may not be left at uncertainty to know what it is it may be discerned by the Touch-stone and also it hath a full
the other doth also The Souls that God hath made may be compared to so many Rivers which as they all come from him so are they to run through the Earth and to disembody themselves again into that infinite Ocean of Being and Happiness Now there is one Labours to divert the Stream to make it run another way or stop its course The first is sinful Pleasures the second is Negligence and Sloth The Soul hath some fore-Knowledge which way she is to go and an Inclination towards the right and thence whatsoever doth hinder and seek to turn aside doth also disturb If she would keep to this first Principle carefully observing the Original tendencies of her Nature and suspect every thing that doth in the least thwart that all the Devils in Hell could never deceive her for she might know the Connexion of Sin and Sorrow Indignation and VVrath Tribulation and Anguish upon every Soul of Man that doth Evil Rom. 2. 8 9. This contradicts the Pure and Spiritual part of us which raises those several kinds of Sorrow So the cure for it is by taking heed against Sin which is the Troubler of the Man By Repentance as to the past and watchfulness for the future Sorrow doth arise from other Afflicting Objâ—cts of Body and Estate and is the resentment of them but confine it to the Soul and it is occasioned by Sin only as that is divided in Evil Falshood and Folly all which are contrary to that Good Truth and Wisdom wherewith she is â—ndued and is to improve thâ—se Talents to the glory of our Master who will give a Reward according as every one is found Meet and Faithful There is a Vexation all along which would be sensible if not smothered when we do not Trade to his Use So on the other hand there is Joy and Complacency when we do Great Peace have they which love thy Law and nothing shall offend them Psal 1. â—9 165. And the Raâ—soâ—ed of the Lord shall return and come to Sion with Songs and everlasting Joy shall be upon their Heads They shall obtain Joy and Gladness and Sorrow and Sighing shall flee away Isa 35. 10. That propension and natural tendency which is in Mans nature Of Melancholy to know God and to come into the way of his Commandments the workings of Grace and regrets of Conscience that Dissatissaction and Restlesness of mind for not doing what he ought and all those several things which incline to Repentance and Obedience do pass in the World for pure Melancholy It is an Aspersion cast upon sincere Religion where it hath an influence upon the Life and Actions where is universal carefulness against Sin and who will not comply with the meer outward Divertisment of Evil Lying and Foolish Talking he shall be Obnoxious to the Character of a dull and mâ—serable Soul. All Thoughts of God and the things pertaining to him are by the Ignorant and Ungodly thus esteemed and further are those Having a Form of Godliness but dâ—nying the Power thereof 2 Tim. 3. 5. Whatever is more then their size they would impute to the blackness of Blood an heavy flegmatick Constitution or such like This is one of the Devises of Satan to keep people off from Reliâ—ion in general then fâ—om the Truth and Sinceâ—ity thereof by raising such a Report which is commonly received and whilst he suggests not to give way to Melancholy he turns Men aside from the way of Peace Life and Blessâ—dness All Religion is irksome and tedious to those who are unaâ—quainted therewith and so it is with them who practice it a little but not throughly The Scripture is fulfilled as it speaks of that Enmity against God Rom. 5. 10. Rom. 8. 7. that Root of bitterness Heb. 12. 15. Acts 8. 23. that Aversâ—ess and Alienation Col. 1. 20 21. that Hatred and Opposition of Good the Stubborn and Perverse Spirit the Trouble and Restlesness those Fears and sad Expectations in the Wicked which are the cause of all this They may come to the Ordinances and outward Profession and yet remain the same still not transformed by the renewing of the mind The Word is found true as â—â—â—peaks of the reason of these things and why may it â—ot be believâ—d as it mentions the Love of God being râ—â—â—â—iled to him delighâ—ing in God and that which is Good that Joy Peace and Gladness of Heart those loving and familiar Appellations of Father â—riend Hâ—â—band the expressions of Kindness to us and our Thankfulness and Praise The Lord Reigneth let the Earth Râ—jâ—â—ce Psal 97. 1. Truly God is Goud to â—srael even to such as are of a clean Heart Psal 73. 1. Are all these written in Vain or for our Comfort Do others by sad Experience confirm the Truth of what is aforementioned and have none the happy feeling thereof Surely there are some whom the Scripture calls Blâ—ssâ—d who have the favour of God and are careful to preserve it in all Duty and Obedience It may be observed there are two manner of ways in the World Some in all their Actions have Conscience towards God others not The Scriptures declare the effect of both by Peace and Trouble one part is sensible of the disorder within And why may not others feel know and testifie of the good Promises For themselves might also if they would do the same things It were easie to make things clear if that Prejudice was taken away of judging by Examples and humane Sayings more then from divine Testimony and Truth Hypocrites and many who seem to be Religious but the Apostle by failure in one Christian Duty pronounces their Religion to be Vain Jam. 1. 26. do most oppose what is the Doctrine of Scripture They accuse their Brethren of Melancholy who abound in the Work of the Lord who spend their time in Meditation of his Law. They call Contempt of the World Stupidity the avoiding of sinful Compliances and appearances of Evil a sowre morose Temper not fit to live amongst Men The not running too much after sensual Pleasures is sencelesly stiled an heavy and sluggish Disposition which is not refined enough to receive thâ—m And what is done by the Grace and Fear of God are the effects of meer Melancholy Every avoiding of Sin and good Action to which a Misconstruction can be applied is by them censured It is not so much minded what the prophane Sinner saith but what comes from them who make â— fair shew in the Flesh yea the Teachers of the Law this is entertained by Inquisitive and Considering Men. It is dangerous for Numb 13. 32. any to bring an evil Report upon the good Land but worse for those who pretend to have searched it for though not in express words yet by manifest Conclusion they do the same as We must serve God and that so much which is pleasant but what is more is Melancholy for so are those Calumniated who go further and find more Benefit then themselves It is
OF HAPPINESS WHEREIN It is Fully and Particularly Manifested that the greatest Happiness of this Life consisteth in the Fear of God And keeping His COMMANDMENTS IN Opposition to the Pleasures of Sin or the pretended conveniency of Disobedience By RICHARD STAFFORD There be many that say Who will shew us any Good Lord lift thou up the Light of thy Countenance upon us Psal 4 6. Let thy work appear unto thy Servants and thy Glory unto thy Children And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us and establish thou the work of our hands upon us yea the work of our hands establish thou it Psal 90. 16 17. London Printed and Sold by Andrew Sowle at his Shop at the Sign of the Three Keys in Nags-Head-Court in Grace-Church-street And by Abel Roper at the Bell over against the Middle-Temple-Gate near Temple Bar 1689. THE CONTENTS Chap. I. OF Happiness in General p. 1 Chap. II. Of Man considered in his threefold Condition Original Corrupted and Restored Of his Thoughts Words and Actions Infancy Youth Manhood therein of Company and Marriage Of Old Age Body Senses and Sensual Pleasure Of the Soul Vnderstanding Will Affections as Love Fear Joy Sorrow Anger Hope Of Temptations The Close p. 17 Chap. III. Of Kings The necessity of Government in order to Preservation and outward Peace Of the Person of Kings wherein it is particularly shewed that all their Enjoyments cannot make them Happy but their Happiness is to be had in God only with an Exhortation and Direction thereto p. 136 Chap. IV. Of the Nobility and Gentry An Exhortation for them to serve God A Caution against mistakes in matters of Religion The unreasonableness of some particular Reproaches Of Humility and the way to Greatness The Description of a Good Man p. â—68 Chap. V. Of the Common People It is the Duty of all to be in some Calling An Exhortation to serve God Against Ignorance and Vnbelief Some Considerations of living in the World and further drawn from the four last things Of different Communions Of Deceits A Description of the Wicked and Godly in this World p. 216 Chap. VI A Survey in General of those Sins which hinder the Happiness of Mankind as contrary to Scripture and from the Nature of Things p. 265 Chap. VII Of Gluttony and Drunkenness p. 277 Chap. VIII Of Adultery Fornication Vncleanness Lasciviousness p. 301 Chap. IX Of Covetousness p. 322 Chap. X. Of Anger Wrath Hatred Malice Envy p. 340 Chap. XI Of Fear p. 361 Chap. XII Of Religion Faith Repentance Obedience against Vngodliness Of Preaching Prayer Praise the Sacrament That Religion doth not consist only in the outward Ordinances but a Divine inward Frame and Disposition which if universally complyed withal will give Peace and Rest to the Soul p. 409 Chap. XIII Of Wisdom and Prudence p. 545 Chap. XIV Of Righteousness and Justice p. 567 Chap. XV. Of Temperance in Meat Drink Apparel Recreation Of the passing away of Time p. 582 Chap. XVI Of Courage p. 602 Chap. XVII Of Humility and Pride p. 617 Chap. XVIII Of Afflictions in General A Digression concerning Words Of Sorrow Melancholy Sickness Pain Poverty and other Adversities p. 635 Chap. XIX An Exhortation to Obedience and the Fear of God The Conclusion of the whole p. 690 A DISCOURSE OF Happiness c. CHAP. I. Of Happiness in General HAppiness is the desire and aim of all Men and as the several good things are to be had by labour and right means so this being the comprehension of the whole is to be attained likewise There is no accomplishing of worldly projects and designs without succession of time and endeavour things being asâ—it were hidden that they may be sought afar off so they must go who will have them and commonly future to exercise our diligence and expectation Let the same be done immediately toward the great and principal end as to the lesser and subordinate and none shall labour in vain but the like care and constancy as is used in ordinary matters then any person may be assured of the chiefest good All other things are coveted after in order to Happiness though it be under the name of Pleasure and Conveniency there is an impatient thirst after it from the Beginning for besides those natural cravings after the necessaries of Life Meat Dâ—ink Raiment yet this is not all there must be some delight There is Play and Divertisment and then changing that from one kind to another from Childish to the more Manly though too often mistaken enjoyments There is an eager inclination after sensual Pleasure and outward Mirth As to these the means must be first had Money or Estate which are to be gotten and then to reap the Fruit of his Labours or who hath them already he is not to lye or sit still but must rise and go forth to gather those present and visible good things still this is but the Happiness of half the Man the Body only and yet to be acquired somewhat more requires also a satisfaction The worst part hath its desires and is not fed with Husks or Pebbles but things convenient sufficient here is already found out both for use and delight Now let the nature of the Soul be considered according to her first excellency and just inclination as she came out of God's hand and for what designed whether there be any Objects proper for her that they may be had also Take the whole Man in conjunction his spiritual part if not â—hoaked and 〈…〉 led seeks after Happiness as the other doth Health Nourishment and sensible gratification Whether the Soul is in growth or puts it self forth according to the capacity and increase of the Organs shall not be curiously inquired but it seems to partake of the Imperfection and would come up towards Perfection It hath an ignorance and blindness which should be taken away by degrees A stubbornness and lâ—st through original corruption which is to be subdued and regulated It is certainly capable of bettering and improvement by right means and so may arrive at Happiness all one as the Body doth its conveniency The great Question all along will be what the right means are for we are in a world of intermixture where is Right and Wrong Good and Evil Truth and Falshood Apparent and Real and therefore must narrowly discern the one from the other A right Knowledge carries through all and acting according to that Knowledge There is an established and fixed nature of things pertaining to us Men the visible we know by sence and experience the invisible by certain Reason and the full assurance of Faith. Amongst the various and seemingly perplext they may be reduced unto two general ways That of Gods Commandment according to his prescribed order and use of them shewed forth in his Word or in disobedience and transgression He made them all at first very good Gen. 1. 31. but evil corruption vanity and falâ—hood came in and now hath sent his
thirst after Happiness puts us upon doing those things which intitle unto and make meet for a blessed Eternity so strongly hath God fenced up our way to bring us to himself All the Sons and Daughters of Men do groan within themselves those many and different Actions of the World are to this end none grudges any toil or pain for to have it Who refuses to do any thing to be Happy Let it be what it will he seems contented for this do I Labour and Sweat and run and can never do too much but all in vain Shew us any way and we will follow it Sayest thou this O Man Wilt thou stand to thy word and not go away sorrowful at the saying when thou art told how thou mayst be Happy Wilt thou then Iook up unto God Acquaint thy self with him and be at peace thereby good shall come unto thee Job 22. 21. That word imports a full knowledge of him and his ways Do'st thou think knowledge was given thee in vain Wilt thou exercise that and let it go before thy Actions Upon assurance thou will diligently use and seek to advance it then prove all things hold fast to that which is good thus doing thou must be Happy If thou do'st prove all things thou must prove the things pertaining to Gods Kingdom and not pass slightly over them as the manner of the World is who dwell amongst the Pots run from one Evil to another from this sinful Pleasure or Profit to such an Humour Fancy or vain Opinion and have not to do with what is Good Truth and Reason These finding nothing but Trouble and Discontent Emptiness and Vanity lie down and sink down under the Wretched and as they think remediless Condition of mankind Whereas they walk up and down in the Earth a place of Misery and vexation seek rest and find none but do not lift up their Heart to God in the Heavens from whom alone is to be had all true delight and satisfaction They follow after false disquieting things not minding the true Peace provided for the Soul. One would think those mistakes and deceits every where should drive them sooner to this sure Refuge yet alass such strangers are we naturally to God that we are apt to seek help of every thing before of him and if after all nothing is to be had then we flie unto him as a reserve and last resort hereby intimating if we could be assisted any other way we had never came unto him What base unworthiness is in our nature that should deal so with our Maker who is the Author of all things even of those we seek for succour God knows our ignorance delighteth in Mercy is pleased to admit thereof But here is the failure again that some do not turn to the Lord their God nor are obedient to his voice They take Religion just for a present Dut. 4. 29 30 31. ease which if it doth not give forthwith they become impatient rashly and falsly concluding there is no good to be found in it Every thing before they tryed to the utmost but of this they do not make a full experiment They would be contented in reference to other matters to part with any thing or to wait any time so they may find good but will not turn from every evil way nor tarry the Lords leisure and so they go away without benefit Could we be assured the things of God are for our Happiness we would be for them which they are or nothing in the World is And it may appear they are equally for the good of the inward Man as other things to the outward All besides may be disproved and found insufficient to quiet our restless and craving part The wise Gentiles did come so far as to constitute the chiefest good in the practice of moral vertue then which nothing did conduce more to the Peace and Tranquility of the mind They did grope by the Wall-side of true Religion but were not within They did give attestation to the excellency of God's Ways though they did not know him all one as a reflex beam of light may through a crevis pass into a low Dungeon without ever seeing the Sun. By how much the nearer the approach is to the right end there is somewhat moâ—e rest then what was wholly besides A full draught of water doth quench the thirst when dipping the finger therein will only cool the Tongue however that is better then to thrust earth or what is of a contrary nature into the Mouth The discerning Heathens could know that outward sensible things did not make up the greatest Happiness of this Life That is situate within a Mans breast and the rational part cannot subsist with meer conceits but requires something proportionable to her nature It concerns every one what thoughts he hath within himself Luke 12. 17 19. and if he would act sincerely for his own good he should first strictly debate whether they be true or false for if they should prove wrong he loses all his foregoing labour which might have been spent in obtaining a real good and on the contrary becomes miserable by a disappointment The general course of Mens doings do turn upon one principal point there being but one time of tryal one main good or evil set before them to which all the lesser and single acts do relate There is one God over all one rule of action in his Word one end of everlasting Happiness or Misery And the several deeds done in the Body are as so many steps to one or the other The Law and the Testimony and the Light in them discovers the nature of all how many soever they be and to what they lead So again when one is in any misery or trouble he should take heed how he seeks for ease and recovery for otherwise the last error may be worse then the first and he may become more miserable by what he thought would be a cure and remedy Let him look and find out the cause Have recourse unto the lively Oracles when he is in sorrow and discomposure of mind Whether himself be not of the number of those who are Like the troubled Sea when it cannot rest whose Waters cast up mire and dirt Isa 57. 20. And there his melancholy as they call it is the necessary effect of Sin and Guilt Their Consciences being wounded they run up and down seeking a little Comfort when they carry still that along with them they go from one place to another here and there and yet are not satisfied By this means the deadly thing is not taken away but sticks still fast till it rankles and becomes insensate so more dangerous Some being hardened through the deceitfulness of Sin are not sensible how this occasions present dulness or disquiet but impute it to natural disposition and fasly imagine to have a cure by what was the original cause thereof These acting contrary to Reason meet with the usual
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
and know not what to say else it comes in after and only for want of other talk These act unworthily towards him who is most Great and Glorious So speak ye and so do as they that shall be judged by the Law of Liberty Jam. 2. 12 The rule of Action is the whole Scripture as it relates of Actions towards God our Neighbour all which may be judged of by Mat. 7. 12. and to our selves Gods Glory is to be the end of all 1. Cor. 10. 31. By his word all the Actions of mankind may be determined whether good or evil Where no Law is there is no Transgression Rom. 4. 15. And where there is either going contrary or leaving it undone is Sin. Eschew evil and do good is a comprehensive Command reaching to all our ways The example of our Lord Acts 10. 38. is obligatory to all according to their Capacity and Station to do what good they can whilst in the World to profit whom they are able but to hurt none Whether ye eat or drink or whatever you do Respect is to be had unto God for his Government extends over the whole Man even the thoughts and intents of the Heart All the faculties of Soul and Members of Body are to be made instruments of Righteousness unto Holiness which were before instruments of Sin unto Iniquity This is a blessed change which every one would have if he did throughly understand the true worth thereof but an Enemy doth hinder whom the Captain of our Salvation would enable to resist if he would follow the directions and use the Power given him He prompts and inclines when the other doth beat off The Temptation is near the same with our Lords invitation who promises rest the other makes a proposal and offer of Happiness If the poor Man is overcome by cunning perswasions then he is held Captive he hath leave for a while to intoxicate himself with Pleasures that he may not be sensible of his enslaved condition Outward objects are provided to divert him from looking within by these as Children with Toys the Soul is deluded some time but at length grows weary He finds no real satisfaction in any thing he knows not what to do Conscience will move him towards Repentance Then comes the evil one to affright him from considering of his ways If the evil spirit is in danger to be cast out he doth foam and rage the possest is in as great a combustion as if he were cast into the Fire and therefore some fearful Souls will rather endure the Bondage still then bear the trouble of driving it out like silly Patients die of their Sores rather then suffer them to be searched to the bottom But there are others who dare grapple with this power of darkness Fasting and Prayer are excellent Weapons the Soul being freed from the clog of Meat and Drink is more strong and vigorous so fitter for the Combate by the latter he is called to assistance Who for this purpose was manifest in the Flesh that he might destroy the works of â—â—e Devil 1. John. 3. 8. When the strong holds of Sin are pulled down the Enemies turned out the Conqueror will succeed in the room Christ dwell in him and he in Christ If a Man love me he will keep my Words and my Father will love him and we will come unto him and make our ahode with him John 14. 23. If he know when he is well he will endeavour to continue so not admitting of any Sin least bâ— the â—ilthy smoke thereof he should offend and cause to go away the undefiled one of God who holds his Soul in Peace and Blessedness This condition any one may arrive at through the Grace that came by Jesus Christ A Prize is put into our hands which if we have the heart to use the means we shall certainly obtain It is no great matter only to obey the Gospel which is what a wise Man could choose to do if no recompence of reward was to be revealed hereafter for such true satisfaction which nothing else can give arises to the mind through well doing that this alone is sufficient motive There is more sincere Pleasure in abstaining from evil thoughts then yielding to them the mind is serene and clear and meditation of good things is sutable to its nature hath neither Shame nor Repentance following it What are called common and indifferent things they do equally divert as what are sinful and strange To speak the truth is natural there is no difficulty and trouble to find out evasions or avoid self-contradiction There is no danger for him to be entangled in his talk who speaks nothing but truth for that is consonant to it self Lying is shameful and hated who are addicted to it would not be accounted so it is odious in the opinion of the worst of Men. Slandering Flattery and other Sins of the Tongue are abominated by all that have but common nature and ingenuity As for vain Swearing those who use it will acknowledge there is no Pleasure nor Profit yea but there is â—ashion and Custom 'T is strange that one is not reputed a compleat Gentleman unless he affront his Maker nor a Souldier without bidding defiance to the Lord of Host Doth it souâ—d great and majestick But how improper is it for a Worm of five or six foot long to use it against the express Command of him describâ—d Isa 40. 12 15 17 22. And who hath said which he hath also fulfilled in fore-going Generations I will cause the arrogancy of the Proud to cease and will lay low the Haughtinss of the Terrible Isa 13. 11. Did men really believe and consider his Infinite Greatness Power and Truth who hath affirmed he will not hold them guiltless that take his Name in vain they would not do it so often upon the meerest trifies If they are such Fools to say in their Heart there is no God Why are they yet greater to take that in their Mouths which in their imagiâ—ation is nothing But his Being is as true as that there is a World and any thing in it more certaiâ— then that they live for he was before and so remains notwithstanding all their silly fancies Themselves will find there is a God that judgeth the Earth and when he cometh Every one that Sweareth shall be cut off as on that side Zech. 5. 13. They are the more inexcusable because they have so little Temptation to this Sin the commonness whereof seems to be imputed to that perverse humour of some who will therefore do it because God hath forbidden it Be not Merciful to any wicked Transgressors Psal 59. 5. Perjury is Infamous amongst all Nations some have thought no punishment too severe for it God is highly provoked and dishonoured the forsworn Wretch as far as lieth in his power makes him an Instrument and Partner to his own deceit and malice As if the fountain of Truth were false as himself he calls
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
places from whence he lifts up his Eyes and as he surveys the Creation in the height in the length and breadth all things appeaâ— little and inconsiderable below As he there takes a Prospect he is not ravished with the glittering Pomp of Worldly Grandeâ—r A numerous Army make a goodly shew to By-standers but seems to him as a Company of fabulous Pigmies and the greatest Commander is looked on as a small despicable Creature Populous Cities and all the Inhabitants thereof are as a Bee-hive some going in and some coming out Men walking in a vain Shew and disquieted in vain Ps 39. 6. The best way to despise the World is to behold it from some great exceeding high Mountain By meditation in Retirement and observation in the Streets we may at length have a true apprehension of the very Nature of things freed from that deceitful varnish and appearance But they are discovered to be transient little and unsatisfactory so there is less Temptation to fix up a Rest here but we are moved to seek that which remaineth for the People of God. If we did always run up and down the City we should not be so sensible of this the Heart will not Soar up where true Joys are only to be found when it is pressed down with the fancied Delight of Buying Selling and getting Gain It is necessary to come out from Worldly business and to be alone Which is not so unpleasant as commonly imagined according as the Person is A good Man is satisfied from himself Prov. 14. 14. As he walks out in the Fields to meditate he is as well pleased as others in great and jovial Company A Bird sings sweetly within Thoughts of innocence and the good he hath done and will continue in afford more Complacency then all the Variety of the World. The ungodly are not so Pâ— 1. 4. for what is the others Comfort is Torment to them They run to the Covert of Taverns and Alehouses and intermix with the Herd of fellow-Creatures if they may lose the Sense of their Disturber They keep still in some Company for there is no such security against their supposed Enemy These hate and declaim against Solitariness for thereby the remembrance of Sin and Guilt those accusings and fears would be stirred up which are so afflicting that if they will not obey and come to Repentance they cannot endure what prompts to this good end Yet such pass in the World for happy brisk Men and seem an unansweraâ—le Objection against the intended illustration That great shew of Mirtâ— and Jollity make half thinking People judge them to be in a Blessed condition It is to be known that all the Pleasures of sin are only outwards they are loud and visible when there is no inward and sensible rejoycing Or like a flash of Lightning they may transport for a moment when the mind is more Dark and Cloudy afterwards Take them amidst good Fellowship they are at first heavy till their Spirits are revived by strength of Liquor Hence drinking is so much in Fashion there is a deep Melancholy in its Followers by contracted Guilt that they cannot be really chearful till half Drunk and they cannot Laugh heartily till this hath caused them to stammer and bubble at the Mouth The most jovial Companion out of his Cups is no more then others 'T is an excuse in every Mans mouth they drink only for the sake of Company Each Person will say he had rather not and then it is a frivolous and false Pretence for the whole cannot be desirous of that whereof no part is But this is a Fig-leave to cover the shame of this sin for they will speak against it with their Tongue when they wish in their Heart to be pouring down knowing they cannot be Merry till they have had some quantity thereof Company is nothing worth if they have not some of the good Creature to exercise themselves withal The Lethargy of sin hath brought them into such a Damp that they are scarce â—nlivened till they find this stir in their Bodies The Clamours of Conscience are drowned with the noise of Company chaunting to the Viol and other kinds of Musick They comply with and approve of the ungodly Speeches and Actions of those they converse with They drink with the Drunkard Talk Lasciviously with the unclean Frame their Mouth to common Swearing by reason whereof the Land mourneth Jer. 23. 10. Their chief aim being recommend to themselves to Company they will rather please a parcel of dying Men then the ever-living God and will give Preference to Earth-Worms before him who is over all God blessed for ever They use Flattery invent Lies rather then spoil a pleasant Story take part with the Advocates for sin Either they do it themselves or silently hear the way of Truth evil spoken of thinking by this base obsequiousness to retain Friends Thus they treasure up wrath against the day of wrath Rom 2. 5. And though they seem never so Cheerful in prophane Talk Scoffers and walking after their own ungodly Lusts though they make a shew not to value his displeasure and threatnings Yet The Lord shall laugh at him for he seeth that his day is coming Ps 37. 13. Which will be upon him whether he thinks of it or not When thou criest let thy Companies deliver thee but the wind shall carry them all away Isa 57. 13. Before the last great Evil day cometh he doth commonly fall into some dangerous and doubtful Sickness And then if he looks back upon his Life past and forward to the approaching Judgment he is possest with Horror and strange Amazement Like a wild Bull in a Net full of the fury of the Lord. Then he thinks Had I followed Goodness half so eagerly as my Lusts I should not now be in this miserable Condition What Fruit have 〈◊〉 of all past Jollities and sinful Pleasures What hath Lust profited me or what good hath all pleasant Cups done me All these are passed away like a shadow I see now the Vanity of these things and shall I again pursue them No I will not if God is pleased to grant that I may recover I resolve on an intire Reformation The Lord is not willing any should Perish but that all should come to Repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9. He did defer the Judgment upon Ahab for his temporary Humiliation so it may be observed in the general Order of his good Providence that he doth seldom cut off any in the midst of their Sins without having given them warning by outward affliction or some Sickness before which is not unto Death but the Glory of him in sparing Sinners so long and for the benefit of them if they did make a right use of it And commonly in their first Chastisements they have such thoughts which in some are lasting and sincere spending the Residue of their Life in Gods Service but with others they lye on the surface of the Heart and are taken away
that Happiness he 〈◊〉 provided for Men and therefore do not seek of him should be 〈…〉 ted with the eager pâ—rsuit and much more with a miserable disappointment that their Mouth may be stopped and forced to acknowledge As they cannot live nor move so neither be Happy without him If they were really convinced of this they would not be so often deceived with an Egyptian Reed on which if a Man Lean it will pâ—eâ—ce into his hand nor in this important Concern set up false Ends and Superior to those of his ordaining The Apostle hath a whole Chapter 1 Cor. 7. on this Subject and towards the Close gives instruction to Marry in the Lord. Whoever sincerely Lives according to his Commandment cannot be an ill Wife Christianity endows with that Grace and Perfection a meek Humour and Disposition such an obedient and humble frame of mind that if the Man hath the least Ingenuity or good Nature he must Love and Honour her If these be wanting let her make what Pretence she will by going to Church Devotion or sanctified Talk it is to to be feared for by the Fruits you may know them she is an Hypocrite for she cannot be a good Christian who is not a good Wife for that obliges to all that is commanded in Scripture concerning this Relation Whoso findeth aâ— Wife findeth a good thing and obtainetb favour of the Lord. Let him rejoyce with her let her be as the loving Hind and pleasant Roâ— let her Breasts satisfie him at all times and let him be always râ—visht with her Love Prov. 5. 18 19. Live joyfully with the Wife whom thou lovest all the days of the Life of thy Vanity for that is thy Portion in this Life and in thy Labour which thou takest under the Sun Eccles 9. 9. When a Man hath taken a new Wife he shall not go out to War neither shall he be Charged with any business but he shall be free at home one Year and shall cheer up his Wife which he hath taken Deut. 24. 5. When they live together according to Gods Ordinance there is no tormenting Jealousie no strife nor brawling Discontent Upbraiding Forwardness nor scornful exasperating Language but all kindness and tender Affection is to be seen among them Their Hearts are comforted being knit together in Love. They are one Flesh and Members one of another If one suffers the other doth also and by a pleasant Sympathy joyntly partake of their several Condition He Mourns with her that Mourns and rejoyceth with her that rejoyceth It is thought by some that all difference of Sex will cease when those things shall be laid aside that relate to Mortality and Imperfection for in the Resurrection they neither Marry nor are given in Marriage but are as the Angels of God in Heaven Mat. 22. 30. Who are all of the same kind As to the present time There is neither Male nor Female but ye are all one â—n Christ Jesus Gal. 3. 28. Who was born of a Woman that as the Transgâ—ession came by her so through her was conveyed the greatest Good that ever came to mankind Both are of the same Nature Heirs of the same Promises and it is equally the interest of each sort to endeavour through Gods Grace to be Happy So much of Company and Marriage The other thing Men Of Getting Money are taken up with is Riches and getting of Money Now if any cunning Rules were laid down for the procuring thereof they would be read earnestly and attentively with the utmost Examination But do they not endeavour after it as a means to live happily And as such it is to be treated of It is expedient to obtain the things pertaining to this Life which are Meat Drink Raiment Habitation Honour Pleasure and such like We cannot be ascertained of them without Money this need not to be insisted on but only to put in mind for what end Money is necessary The end is the Principal thing which is or should be morâ— desired then what tends only by the way towards it and therefore if we can attain the end without so much assistance of those Collateral means they signifie nothing The Goodness of Riches consists only that through Custom other things are under the Power of them which may be bought and had and also in using them to this purpose â—ood and Clothing are in their own Nature of more Worth and Excellency but then as they Minister to Pride and Pleasure they are no end but false and mistaken means to Happiness as hereafter may be shewed The absurd Acting of the World lies in making that an end which is a means only nay which are wrong and contrary to the thing desired Happiness is sought for by the ways of Pride Sensuality and Covâ—tâ—â—sâ—ess now there is no need of going round about when there is a direct Path and further they will appear upon the diâ—igent Search to lead an opposite way into Dâ—â—â—ruction and Mâ—â—ery The so much beloved Interest is sought after in order to Satisfaction for otherwise some would not by injustice and wrong endanger the loss of their immortal Souls to obtain Wealth or Estate Some fond Conceits do spur them on as they fancy it for their Honour and Credit to be the Stock and Foundation of a great Family so they shall be talked of through many Generations when it will not extend further then that single House and with them be forgotten in two or three Discents And all is but the Breath of others a weak and transitory thing for his whole Happiness to subsist 〈…〉 on When by Commission of Sin and Omission of Duty they enhance their future Account mis-employ that Diligence which might be spent on a more excellent thing waste their Spirits not enjoy what they have deprive themselves of beloved Sleep in Service of dear Maâ—â—mon If these make Pretences to Religion that which would moderate and rectifie is made a furtherance to worldly Designs This is to give them outward Reputation and Honesty so to get a Trust or Power committed to them by falsifying of which they raise themselves or to carry on close unjust Practises There have been too many Examples of those who lift up their hands in the Sanctuary and seemingly praise the Lord Whose right hand is a right hand of Falsehood Who appear to sanctifie the Lords Day but practise Deceit and Guile all the Week long So universal hath been the Corruption this way that considering People will most suspect them who are Godly But there are more Knaves to be found amongst the wicked and prophane then Hypocrites Indeed those remain longer undiscovered for these have the Eyes of all fastened on them who mark their steps and are glad to find out such a great fault in what hath a resemblance to Goodness and many times it is a false imputation of wrong Charged on such who neither did nor intended any Bâ—t in this corrupt World innumerable are the Tricks and Devices
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
thing befal him It cannot absolutely force but doth all next to that to reclaim from his sinful and vain conversation Good God! What is Man that thou art mindful of him And the Son of Man that thou visitest him Why shouldst thou but only Psal 8. 4. Mic 21. 18. Rom. 10. 21. because thou delightest in Mercy all day long stretch forth thy hands unto a disobedient and gain-saying People God would have him come to repentance and be saved as he manifests by causing his light to shine in Mans heart again notwithstanding he hath before several times laboured to extinguish it that if he still goes on when he shall be plunged into utter Darkness he must lay all the fault on himself for if he had yielded unto what God did and would have done for him and contributed half so much pains as he did in coming to the place of Torment he had escaped that and ascended up above For he had so many Warnings Sollicitations Repulses and Rubs cast in his path towards Hell that he could not travel on in quiet He was hâ—mpered with the cords of a a Man with bands of Love yet he would with the most hard Labour and Pain break through them and follow after the Error of his own ways which he finds to end in Destruction and Misery ' Saith he Have I undergone so much Trouble and Vexation to make my self a Cast-away Is the Lake of Fire and Brimstone the portion of my Cup and all the reward I must have for wearying my self in the Devils Service Have I done violence to mine own Inclinations suffered such Vexation of mind and rejected those good things offered me formerly by the Father of Mercies but now as my deserts require the God to whom Vengeance belongeth Have I refused those eternal Pleasures I might have enjoyed with him and now come to all this Righteous art thou O Lord for thou didst by thy Spirit warn me to flee this wrath thou didst shew how I might have done it and gavest me Power and all that was requisite on thy part but I was foolish despised thy Counsel set at naught thy Reproof and have done despite unto thy Holy Spirit and all without reason just are thy Judgments Such may be supposed to be the thoughts of the Damned and I believe a great part of their Misery is upbraiding themselves with Folly in that they took greater Pains to bring themselves there then others do to go unto Heaven which was by Accusings Fears and disquiet of Mind in their Life-time and though they did endeavour to pacifie yet ever and anon those bitter girds would return The wicked man travelleth with Pain all his days A dreadful sound is in his Ears Job 15. 20 21. The wicked are like the troubled Sea when it cannot rest whose waters cast up Mire and Dirt There is no Peace saith my God to the wicked Isa 51. 20 21. Their Conscience would throw out that Clog of Guilt which they do not yield unto because their Sin must be forsaken so they are full of Contradiction and Torment There is a doubt which lies open to common observation Cic. l. 1. nat Deor. against what hath been said alike unto what Cicero takes notice of Quibus medicores homines non it a valde moventur his Epicurus clamat omnium mortalium mentes essâ— perterritas Tot millia latrocinantur morte proposita alii omnia que possunt fana compilant c. so it is here at this day Who are more ungodly and wicked then the lowest sort of People Beggars Vagabonds and such as just get their living and yet thâ—sâ— are not troubled with Fears and Scruples of mind as they live so they die without them But they do not live absolutely without them for at first these also have them though not in so great a measure as others but at length are hardened and stupiâ—ied by a more fatal device then all the studied invention of others If any one will practise it it is at own Peril and therefore shall be here inserted It is gross ignorance for a man cannot have troublesome thoughts about that whereof he hath none at all Where is a forgetfulness of God over him no knowledge of good and evil otherwise then what is natural which being not exerted nor furthered there is some Sense at first but this vanisheth by wicked Custom hardness of Heart unmindfulness of what shall be after this Life as is the Condition of the poor and foolish That these are not afraid is no more to be wondred at then a blind man going amongst Rocks or upon the brink of a River who is not concerned for his danger till he falls into it So they are just led through the Vale of this Life by him who tryes all he can to deceive the whole World. All his devices may be reduced to this of ignorance for according to the measure thereof every Person hath less regard to the things of God for there is no resisting of them but by not minding of them A full Evidence that they are real and more then talk only because they always prevail and have influence where they are throughly considered of The Understanding and Conscience brings to the knowledge of them this cannot be otherwise avoided then by defacing and sinking them into Bruitishness that is to do just no more then keep the Body in Life eat drink and get Clothes It may be and is pinned down to this by the meanest of the People But those higher are ashamed of this State of Folly and Blockishnesâ— yea that will not mannage the Affairs of this World. And therefore others will let out the Powers of the Soul so far as to do that And then the things of God will also come in for if they can once infer and examine a Consequence by his Works which they cannot look out of Doors but they must see they must come to some apprehension of the Maker And then they must hear and read somewhat of his Book the Holy Scriptures And further they find those Characters in their own Hearts which exactly agree with them So the good Seed is received in and they have no other way to hinder the impression and growth of it but by the deceitfulness of Riches Cares of this World and Lust of other things whereby they become unmindful for the Soul cannot intend upon two contrary things together Thus it is provided as concerning Mans Salvation and Happiness and if when he knows the means he will not use them and the hindrance but will not remove it nor countermine and defeat the Wiles of the Enemy he deservedly misses thereof If our Heart condemn us God is greater then our Heart and knoweth all things Beloved if our Heart condemn us not then have we Confidence towards God 1 John 3. 20 21. Blessed are they that do his Commandments that they may have Right to the Tree of Life Rev. 22. 14. They have assured hope
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
sufficient to do what is required of them Some hence take occasion to live habitually in gross sin and others in all manner of Wickedness but the great judge of all Men will be no more put off with such kind of tricks then themselves will be by such sayings from their servants and it is strange that they should be such Deceivers of themselves as willfully to keep off from what would bring them to Obedience and Happiness the way to which is not to do our own will but the will of him that sent us into this place of Tryal Let none accuse God as an hard Master for though the unprofitable servant will be apt to lay the blame upon him to excuse his own Sluggishness yet he doth not reap where he doth not sow neither will he require the improving of a Talent but according to what he hath given See I have set before thee this day Life and Good Death and Evil Deut. 30. 15. Some may think this last sad thing is but not the other We cannot come nor be perswaded to that why the prophet Moses for further assurance repeats it vers 19. with the most solemn Testimony I call Heaven and Earth to record this day against you that I have set before you Life and Death Blessing and Cursing therefore choose Life The affections have much influence over the will to move it Of the Affections and Passions this or that way these have been likewise tainted with original corruption which hath infected the whole Man. To speak of their irregularity and abuse is referred to some distinct Chapters hereafter the present design is to shew that God hath ingrafted them into our Nature and what is their right end how they are to be ordered towards Happiness as they are governed by the everlasting Gospel The Passions are a Torment to the Wicked and occasion of Evil so unto the Righteous are a comfort and instrument of good The one pervert these manage them aright but considered abstractedly in their own Nature are not only useful but necessary to accomplish the great end To begin with the most noble Affection Love which is the fulfilling of the Law. The first of all the Commandments is Hear Of Love. O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy Strength and with all thy mind This is the first Commandment And the second is like namely this Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self Mark. 12. 30 31. For this thou shalt not commit Adultery thou shalt not Kill thou shalt not Steal thou shalt not bear false Witness thou shalt not Covet it is briefly comprehended in his saying Rom. 13. 9. Love to God and ones Neighbour is the Whole Duty of Man That keeps from offending the Most High and also from doing the least injury to our fellow Creature for self-love cannot endure any should be done to our selves Saith the beloved Disciple who makes good the denomination by inculcating and repeating this word over to the utmost delight This is the Love of God that we keep his Commandments and his Commandments are not grievous 1 John 5. 3. By these two general judge of all that come under them there is no Torment in Love but all Happiness and Satisfaction it receives greater degrees according to its object And then how exceeding must that be which arises from the infinite God The joy of that Soul is unexpressible who perfectly love him That strangers may conceive somewhat thereof and come over to partake of it if they would be fully convinced in the Heart what every one will own with the Mouth it is requisite to lay down particularly there is all the reason in the world that we should love God yea the very same why we love any thing This is either the excellency of the thing it self or the kindness and actual good it doth unto us upon all which God deserves our utmost and whole affection He is the excellent One the Sum of all perfection Speak of him as much as you can and yet you will come short for he doth exceed The Lord is great and greatly to be praised â—sal 96. 4 It is not possible for any flattery and complement that is only for poor imperfect Creatures to be used towards him for we cannot say more then really he is nor attribute more Good Glory and Honour then doth belong and is in him We love a single Man for his Goodness Wisdom Uprightness Beauty now they are but shadows and little in the Creature but he is the Original and Fountain of all much more then all then the Ocean is to a single drop All lovely perfections that can be thought of or named or are any where to us unknown as there are millions yet come from him who is the Author of all with whom all fulness and eminency dwells As for the relation he humbleth himself to have towards us there is a jealousie in the heart of the Natural Man to that And if here should be used fine expressions the greatest Wit and smooth Language to assure Men of Gods goodness towards them they would suspect it more under a flourish of words and therefore cannot be directed any where better then to his revealed Will in Scripture which speaketh plainly John 3. 16. Rom. 5. 6 7 8. 1 John 3. 16. Psal 63. 3. Psal 73. 1. Deut. 7. 9. Psal 145. 20. Jer. 29. 11. Jer. 31. 3. Psal 68. 19. Look upon his whole Book that excellent Law he hath given that Love and Grace manifested by Jesus Christ Examine it altogether consider throughly the design of the whole He will have all Men to be saved 1 Tim. 2. 4. Even Heathens and those without He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to Repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9. This is said as to the Scoffers mentioned vers 3. and the worst of Men Reflect further on those good and comfortable things he hath given us to enjoy He doth good and give us rain from Heaven and fruitful Seasons filling our hearts with food and gladness so much for the use and delight of our outward Man and then it is certain he never designed the misery of that He hath done the same equally extensive Isa 55. 1 John 7. 37. as to our better part which appears by the Frame Powers and Tendency thereof All things are established for the present contentment and Eternal Happiness of us all both Body and Soul and Spirit to bring us to the greatest Glory and Exaltation we are capable of If we would suffer our selves to be throughly made sensible God hath a love to us the enmity in our nature would be taken away and we should be reconciled unto him as will appear more and more by a full knowledge of his ways and our doing according to them Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you Jam.
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
none but he who travelled in the greatness of his strength who was mighty to save and therefore could endure The consideration of which should make us abhor our selves and repent in Dust and Ashes to mourn and be in bitterness for those sins which have slain the Prince of Life This is that sorrow required under the Gospel for Godly sorrow worketh repentance to Salvation not to be repented of for behold this self same thing that ye sorrowed after a godly sort what carefulness it wrought in you yea what clearing of your selves yea what indignation yea what fear yea what vehement desire yea what zeal 2 Cor. 7. 10 11. If it were troublesome yet to obtain these good fruits none should refuse it but our Gracious God hath ordered for the encouragement of all some sweetness therein In the midst of such sorrow the heart is light and cheerful which seems absurd and foolish to carnal Men yet who have had sincere contrition know it to be true even whilst they were pouring forth penitential tears gladness was in the inward Man. Let not this pass off for strange for if in the midst of laughter the heart is sorrowful why may it not be also joyful in the midst of weeping Thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity whose name is holy I dwell in the high and lofty place with him also that is of a contrite and humble Spirit to revive the Spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones Isa 57. 15. When Almighty God doth this who or what can depress and make it sorry There is light and cheerfulness however cloudy and dark it seems without the Sun doth always shine in its full Brightness but somewhat between doth hinder ouâ— perceiving thereof so it is of Gods Favour and the light of his Countenance Our infirmities and imperfection do take away the feeling thereof whereof we have the more as they go off and are endeavoured against God is not far from us but our iniquities separate from him he doth not so much hide his face but our sin and weakness like a curtain before the Soul intercepts the sight thereof None need to be discouraged or think the King of Kings will not regard him because of his small and mean condition there is another gracious promise Isa 66. 1. 2. Some do highly esteem a kind word or pleasant aspect from a great personage and shall so little a thing which doth no real good be so much accounted of when it proceeds from vain Man whose breath is in his Nostrils Is not his favour to be more valued who is Lord of Lords whose loving kindness is better then life Psal 63. 3. For it reaches further Certainly if we had faith we should not care to be rejected and despised of Men as long as we have the assurance of that no more then he who hath the Kings favour doth regard the esteem of a common Beggar God who is not a Man that he should lie hath promised it to godly sorrow and contrition herein are those sayings found true They that sow in tears shall reap in joy Psal 126. 5. Blessed are ye that weep for ye shall laugh Blessed are Luke 6. 21. they that mourn for they shall be comforted Mat. 5. 4. To Sinners and the merry Men of the World the Apostle gives Admonition and Exhortation Be afflicted and mourn and weep let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to heaviness Humble your selves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up Jam. 4. 9 10. But the sorrow of the World worketh Death 2 Cor. 7. 10. Therein is nothing but Vexation and therefore to be taken away Christianity hath shewed an excellent way of doing this which those of old time were ignorant of see Mat. 6. 25. to the end Phil. 4. 6. 1 Pet. 5. 7. 1 Cor. 7. 30 31. Set not the heart and affection for the disquietude arises from that on the World. The more the mind is separated from Sensible things it conceives of Spiritual which is Life and Peace Rom. 8. 6. And to this it is quickened knowing that shortly we are to be quite taken from these and for ever to abide with the other and therefore is greater reason they should be the object of our thoughts and care then the little things that are only for a while present A lively faith sees into the other World and over looks this It gives a transitory glance but not sixes on perishing things and then they are no disturbance Experience assures we must be certainly deprived of them as we daily see others are a little before Our profession teacheth to draw off our desires before we are utterly taken from them to be in not of rather above the World just set the hand to those little concernments here but to have the affection still on things above and then the Man hath not much of Worldly Sorrow for his Portion though he hath some for as he partakes of the corruption so must he of the curse of his Fore-Father which also in a great measure is taken away by Christ yet he is comforted by Gods Grace that he is very well able to bear Many are the afflictions of the Righteous but the Lord delivereth them out of all Psal 34. 19. And in the mean while giving patience and support he is not broken under them Heaviness in the heart of Man makes it stoop but staying upon his God he is not cast down Cast thy burden upon the Lord and he shall sustain thee â—e shall never suffer the Righteous to be moved Psal 55. 22. Many are the places in Scripture which minister Consolation to them in affliction or trouble this precious Balm if applied will heal all their diseases and sores of whatsoever kind they be But many Sorrows shall be to the Wicked Psal 32. 10. For this belongs not unto them neither can they relish it When they are in pain or heaviness they must groan and be in like miserable condition with them which have no understanding their sence render them capable of sufferings but their Spirit being become brutish will not sustain them they may indeed palliate but can have nothing to get a real hope or deliverance ye shall lie down in sorrow Isa 50. 11. Would they be raised up again Then they must cease to do wickedly and hear the word of God which saith When thou art in Tribulation and all these things are come upon thee even in the latter days if thou turn unto the Lord thy God and shalt be obedient unto his voice for the Lord thy God is a merciful God he will not forsake thee neither destroy thee Deut. 4. 30 31. And if thou learnest obedience by sufferings thou mayest kiss the Rod and say it is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy Statutes Psal 119. 11. Anger is often abused to Sin and then is Torment but
may Of Angeâ— and â—eal become instrumental of obedience and productive of good When conversant about holy and divine things it is Zeal the nature whereof may be understood from Mark 3. 5. John 2. 17. Psal 69. 9. 119. 139. Acts 18. 25. Mat. 24. 12. Lev. 20. 4. It doth arise from the love of God causing a vexation of mind and indignation at those who dishonour him He is revealed in those several relations of King Father and Master so his Subjects Children and Servants are bound to stand up for his Glory and Honour when any thing is done that seems contrary thereto If this Duty were not mentioned or required in Scripture as it is Tit. 2. 13 14. Rev. 3. 15 16 17. and by many Examples yet manifest reason teacheth it Where is love Num. 25. 11. 13. of God there must be Zeal Which shakes off Negligence and Sluggisâ—ness of Spirit and raises a Joy in doing his Will this holy Fire warms Devotion and utterly banishes all carelessness and contempt in Spiritual Duties The Man is pleased and doth give thanks when he sees God glorified and although there is a grief to behold the contrary Psal 119. 158. Acts 17. 16. Ezek. 9. 4. that will be abundantly rewarded by the Most High he shall not suffer for what others do yet he cannot cease to pray for them to mourn in secret for their sins Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy brother and not suffer sin upon him Lev. 19. 17. Charity and Love obligeth to admonish him to come out of the paths leading unto Death A reasonable Creature cannot justly take this ill yet sometimes Hatred and Reproaches are returned for this best kind of Civility and Friendship however the one hath done his Duty and what the other will one day wish he had hearkened unto the Satisfaction of a good Conscience requites for all evil intreaty in the mean while If they Curse him who stands up for Gods cause he takes it patiently knowing the time will come when the Lord will arise and maintain it himself Those who are the off-scouring and filth of the World the contemptible ones of the Earth yet when God cometh with his Holy Angels the Scene will change and themselves will be the 1 Cor. 6. 2 3. same who think and would make these so now Indeed Zeal doth draw on Reproach Contempt and Evil Sayings and therefore some would not have it be used because of these inconveniences But surely they do not consider or not believe the Promises as particularly Luke 6. 22. Who have made Conscience to serve God in all Duty were in past Generations esteemed Fools simple and ignorant People despised defamed evil intreated under the Law They had tryal of cruel Mockings and Scourges Heb. 11. 36 37 38. Our Lord himself was despised and rejected of Men he was despised and we esteemed him not Isa 53. 3. The like also happened to the first Christians And now we are fallen into those perillous times Where they receive his Name but do not obey his Doctrine make so much outward Profession as to intitle them unto Having a form of Godliness but denying the Power thereof They do not only rest here but according to the Apostles Prophecy which this day is fulfilled They are despisers of those that are good 2 Tim. 3. 3 5. These say they have hopes of going to Heaven but what should they do in the Holy of Holies the pure and sanctified place above who cannot endure what hath a resemblance to it here It is alledged they do not condemn or speak against the good Actions of others but their way of doing they cannot approve of that forward indiscreet zeal it is their own Phrase and making so great Pretences in the Eye of the World for say they Men may be good Christians and yet not seem so outwardly If it were sufficient to be a Christian only within this would take away the Crown from the Martyrs and accuse them of Folly for according to this supposal they might have believed on Christ and have kept their Faith to themselves and so have escaped cruel Torments and Death But this they did not knowing what was written Mat. 10. 32 33. Rom. 10. 9 10. 'T is replyed the Case now is altered We do not live amongst Heathens but in a Christian Countrey it is taken for granted that every one believes Jesus to be the Son of God what need of so much Profession But are we not amongst Infidels in heart Prophane Ungodly Wicked half Christians Who in heart and mouth set themselves against God and Christ as the Gentile World did What mean those bitter Words and Railings Witty Jests and Drolls against those who are careful to serve God in sincerity but to discourage and make them ashamed of so doing This hath been the usual Practise of the World the Prophet doth arm those of his own and succeeding times Hearken unto me ye that know righteousness the People in whose heart is my Law this is a peculiar manner of expressing Gods Sincere and faithful Servants Fear ye not the reproach of men neither be ye afraid of their revilings Isa 51. 7. Our Lord Christ doth severely threaten his Followers if this device of the wicked should take effect upon them Whosoever shall be ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful Generation of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed when he cometh in the Glory of the Father with the holy Angels Mark 8. 38. It is said Words indefinitely and therefore extends to his Doctrine and Commandments and so it is not called Jewish or Heathen but the same Character which belongs to our present Age. He is ashamed or afraid of his Religion that will not own it If he shrinks back and would not be thought Godly when he is so secretly this proceeds from Pride and sinful Modesty When the Name of God is blasphemed or taken in vain the way of truth evil spoken of Wickedness commended every one that feareth God is obliged to speak out in Reproof Vindication and Contradiction Zeal was typified by the Fire that shall ever burn upon the Altar it shall never go out Lev. 6. 13. Can that be and yet not seen Is any zealous for God hating Corruption wheâ—ever he sees it who yet doth not appear so to others The same Jesus who hath Commanded to take heed of the leaven of the Pharisâ—es which is Hypocrisie Luke 12. 1. that We do not our Alms before men to pray in secret Mat. 6. hath also said Ye are the Light of the World. A City that is set on an Hill cannot be hid Let your Light so shine before men that they may see your good Works and Glorifie your Father which is in Heaven Mat. 5. 14 16. If ye are a peculiar People you will be taken notice of if zealous of good Works they will be known If you do not
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
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
man some would even dare to die Rom. 5. 7. But for preservation of a good King thousands will venture their lives and undergo the greatest extremity He is happy in the good-will and affection of his Subjects they will rejoyce and praise God on his behalf to see him also zealous for his glory that he would suffer all Godly and Faithful Ministers that a stop may be put to that torrent of iniquity which is a vexation to behold In his dayes shall the Righteous flourish and abundance of peace so long as the Moon endureth Prayer also shall be mane continually for him and daily shall he be praised Psal 72. 4 7 15. The Common-wealth will be then happy when Kings are Christians not in name or title but when they live and govern according to the Rules of the Gospel When they are Obedient to God diligent in his Worship and Ordinances exercise all manner of Righteousness and Justice towards their people and themselves observe Temperance and Sobriety and so manage all their Actions as Men that indeed look for a Judgment to come There is an excellent Scheme laid down better then that of Antient or Modern Polititians which stands in no need of them for it hath Providence and Wisdom from above and will make a Prince renowned for all Ages It will give him satisfaction of mind that is in beginning for the utmost happiness here is Light Sowen Psal 97. 11. A laying in of Joy and Peace as Seed to the future Harvest of Extasy and Glory His glory is great in thy Salvation Honour and Majesty hast thou laid upon him Psal 21. 5. I hope none of the Grandees of the Earth think otherwise that Religion doth not thus much but seems to them an undervaluing of Majesty as rather calculated for low sneaking and not for noble Spirits Least any who term themselves brave Souls should say so in the heart for they will not with the tongue for fear of betraying their own infidelity and ignorance let this short question be put to them the first words of the Creed Whether they do believe in God And those descriptions given of him confirmed by his visible works Deut. 10. 17. 1 Kings 8. 27. Psal 18. vers 7. to vers 16. Psal 113. 4. Job 11. 7 8 9. 37. 22. Isa 40. throughout Jer. 10. 6 10. Dan. 4. 35. 7. 10. Rom. 11. 36. 1 Tim. 6 15 16. and many other like places It may not be surmised that the Spirit bearing Witness of it self should over magnify for there seems to be an higher strain then all these Wisd 11. 22. Ecclus 43. 27. 30. Who considers but the least of such an infinite Glorious Being can no more think it a dishonour for the greatest Emperor to prostrate himself with his face to the ground in Dust and Ashes before this High and Lofty one that inhabiteth Eternity then it would be for the most abject fellow to kneel before him This comparison is sufficient proof but comes not near for the distance between Almighty God and the greatest personage on Earth exceeds that between him and the most contemptible fly Now if the vilest inâ—ect should open its Mouth and say it was as Man should we therefore think so Or if the meanest beggar should speak out that it was a disgrace for him to be uncovered before My Lord the King we could not but be moved with indignation at his Pride and Folly. Yet I wish it be not thus among too many who are neither Kings nor Lords but take as much upon them who being purse proud have not only lifted up their hearts above their Brethren it is for the poorer sort to be Religious forsooth they think themselves too good to be in subjection Deut. 8. 13 14. unto the Lord their Maker If Kings and Princes are not much less are they for if the matter be considered aright it must be acknowledged Whatever the World esteems greatness there is none greater then he that feareth the Lord It is meet and right so to do even for Angels and Arch-Angels and all the Host of Heaven much more is it for those that dwell in Houses of Clay for they also are in this little mouldring Tenement who inhabit Palaces and larger Buildings and therefore let them not absurdly conceive that an under-valuing which is their Highest Honour to be Servants of the Lord. An illustrious Example of this we have in David 2 Sam. 6. When the Ark was brought up himself played before the Lord and Danced with the rest of the People And Michal Sauls Daughter looked through a Window and saw King David Leaping and Dancing before the Lord and she despised him and came out to meet him and said How glorious was the King of Isrâ—â—l to day who uncovered himself to day in the Eyes of the Handmaid of his Servants as one of the vain Fellows shamelesly uncovereth himself * To be Noted by the way of the silly proud Women of this and former Ages who have mean thoughts of their Husbands if they serve God as if not so Gentile and Men of Honour as others they will use to them or others privately the like contemptuous Language David here was so far from being discouraged that he is more confirmed in his Duty I will be yet more vile then thus and will be base in mine own sight His resolution was to do as he ought before he examine other consequences I will play before the Lord. His praise was not of Men but of God he had rather be approved of by him and despised of them then to be had in honour by them and despised by him Such must be the mind of those of the more exalted condition who will enter into his service and expect his favour I am the Lord that is my Name and my Glory I will not give to another neither my praise to graven Images Isa 42. 8. Nor yet to living Men he will not allow of that the things which please him shall be dispensed withall for pleasing others Whosoever will not come unto him or afterwards leave undone several Acts of Duty for fear of diminishing his Honour and Reputation in the World he may stay away for he lightly esteems of the Rock of his Salvation He is unworthy of the Favour and Blessing of God who will part with them for a puff of breath from talking Worms of the Earth which neither is so High Universal or Loud as the Wind which passeth away Here will arise another short Gale of Exhortation As for Man his days are as Grass as a Flower of the Field so he flourisheth for the Wind passeth over it and it is gone and the place thereof shall know it no more Psal 103. 15 16. An exact resemblance of our Condition in this World but of a different Reflection to two several sorts of Men. It is matter of Vexation to them who have their Portion in this Life and have none assurance of that which
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
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
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
the chief Rulers believed on Christ but would not confess him for they loved the praise of Men more then the praise of God John 12. 42 43. And even now several Persons of note and quality have a good liking to his Doctrine and Commandments and would live more exactly according to them if it were not for lessening their Reputation and Esteem in the World. But let these consider Mark 8. 34 35 36 37 38. He that loveth Father or Mother more then me is not worthy of me Mat. 10. 37. So neither can he be thought worthy of him who loves his own Honour more then him How can ye believe which receive Honour one of another John 5. 44. And though Honour is such a precious thing through the innate Pride of our Hearts that we can more easily part with dear Life it self yet he requires both when thereby he is to be glorified and obeyed Here is the Faith and Patience of the Saints Here is the difficulty of a Christian to forsake beloved Lusts which are as dear as his right Eye to part with Honour which is more precious then his own Hearts-blood when our Lord requires it This makes it hard for a rich Man to be saved A threefold Temptation doth beset him from the Lust of the Flesh the Lust of the Eyes and the Pride of Life Though all are very apt to seduce him from the obedience and love of God yet the last to some is of greater force then the rest for there be which can contemn their abundance use but not trust in it Who being of a knowing Temper can forsake Pleasures but Honour and Reputation they cannot at least will not give up They do all things to advance it whether sinful or not is no Consideration or no hindrance They refrain from doing that which the Law of God and the dictate of their own minds prompt unto if they once think they shall lose somewhat of their Esteem To make a sincere and honest Profession of Godliness is not Fashionable in this crooked and perverse Generation and therefore though they may well approve of it they will be sure to keep it within and not discover it by a sutable Conversation The Apostolical rule is Whatsoever ye do do all to the Glory of God 1 Cor. 10. 31. but these consult their own to the neglect of that This is a distinct Principle of Action which not only makes it self equal but exalts it self above the Will of God for by that they are guided and if led to any thing contrary to the other they consent unto it and put him off with a Good Lord pardon me They lightly regard the Law of the Most High and think to come off with a Complemental Ejaculation In Honour they prefer themselves before him and yet vainly dream to pacifie him with a few words of Course For which of you would be thus served If your own Servants should refuse to do such Commandments of yours because they thought it an under-valuing and they should lose their Credit among their Fellow-Servants what would you do to such proud Fellows but turn them out of Doors And if they should come from time to time and formally ask your Pardon for not doing your Will and yet still through Pride refuse to do it you would be so much the more incensed against such Rascals The Case is just the same between God and thy Self however great thou art in thine own and the Worlds Opinion thou art more inferiour to Him then the meanest Scullion beneath thy self and it may be said unto thee with the same measure thou measurest it shall be meeted out to thee O thou wicked Servant What canst thou expect but to be rejected by God who in the time of thy Tryal wouldst not do his Will but only in what was agreeable to thy temporal advantage and Honour When the day cometh that shall burn as an Oven and all the proud yea and all that do wickedly shall be as stubble and the day that cometh shall burn them up saith the Lord Mal. 4. 1. Will he accept of Pride as an excuse for Sin and Omission of Duty Because thou wouldst not be less esteemed of by thy Fellow-Servants Whom were you bound to seek Honour of they or him It is better to be despised by all the World then by him alone and if that be so irksome now much more would it be to rise up to everlasting Shame and Contempt and therefore it is reasonable to submit unto the less to avoid the greater Saith the Lord Christ If any Man serve me let him follow me and where I am there shall also my Servant be if any Man serve me him will my Father Honour John 12. 26. Resign them up all unto him thy Body Substance Fame Friends Liberty and Life And it may be he will so dispose of them all that thou mayest keep them and be his Servant or if any be taken away it may be restored double Or whatever is lost with some may be gained with others Yet if not Obedience is more excellent and acceptable with God when it is with full purpose of Heart come what will come Life or Death Shame and Dishonour good Report and evil Report The Service is pure and sincere when all Selfish ends and sinister Considerations are banished When he Labours to approve himself unto God and not as in the sight of Men. When he can be content to walk in obscurity and Contempt all his Life long and make sure of his Approbation which is lasting and carries Reward with it which will make sufficient Compensation for want of a short and empty Applause The more he is despised by Men for Well-doing the more he shall be had in Honour by God. If the Heart be seasoned â—â—h Grace it is easie to despise the Shame which others would cast upon him and then it can neither disturb nor hinder from going on in the good way Too many are beaten off by Reproaches and others are discouraged Of Reproaches 1 Pet. 4 1 4. Rom. 15. 3. under them and therefore it may not be improper forasmuch as of Christ it was written The Reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me so Arm your selves likewise with the same mind The common imputations which at this time of day are cast on them who continue in all Obedience are Preciseness Folly and Singularity But had those who asperse herewith so much Wit and Ingenuity for such Revilings are never the effect Psal 15. 3. of the Grace and Fear of God to consider throughly of that Rule by which all Christians are to walk and they must go exactly according to it if they would have the Peace consequent to so doing and the future Reward thereof then I say that they cannot reasonably condemn him who lives most according to it It is esteemed no fault punctually to observe National Laws Ecclesiastical Canons and Humane Constitutions And then why should they be
is but one way which is Godliness wherefore should he be lessened for walking in it Because others do not that is their fault not his he must look to himself He is to stand upon his own Legs and therefore it must be his business to take heed he doth not fall for if he should and others fall with him he only would feel the Pain of it and they when fallen will not be able to help him up It is commonly said every Man hath Power over himself let him follow his own Humour and though if we are toucht with a feeling of Humane Nature we should endeavour to do another Good and be instrumental to his Happiness yet it must be a strange Savageness when instead of doing this we are Angry and Malign him only for endeavouring after it himself If he doth well who lives according to Gods word why do we not imitate him If ill then O Lord thou hast deceived him and he is deceived Jer. 20. 7. Such an one we neither envy nor hate but Pity But John 17. 17. the Lord who Sanctifies his Chosen through his Truth and gives them his Word which is Truth can in no wise be said to deceive any If then he that come unto him unfeignedly neither doth evil nor yet is in an Errour why should the World be so enraged against him Either this or nothing is to hate without a Cause See John. 7. 7. John 15. 18 19 23 24 25. There is an Enmity in the Seed of the Serpent against God's Children Gen. 3. 15. Rev. 12. 17. they will say all manner of evil of them falsly if they think their lying may be concealed and gain Credit with others How glad are they of an appearance of evil to object against them And to spread abroad a dubious Story aggravated with the most ill Circumstances that malicious Wit can invent If concerning a Religious Person it passes current and uncontradicted but if of another there will be enough to make Excuses for him to Examine throughly and detect it of Falshood in one part and so dash it in the whole but as to him they are ready to add something to render it more odious The wicked plotteth against the just and gnasheth upon him with his Teeth Psal 37. 12. And therefore they cast Reproaches laugh and do any thing to blemish his Fame and Reputation This hath been and is the usage of the World. And who will come to serve the Lord in sincerity must provide accordingly If your Feet be shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace Eph. 6. 15. You will find therein so many Blessings and Promises on this occasion that notwithstanding all hindrances you may run the way of God's Commandments Above all taking the shield of Faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery Darts of the wicked Verse 16. for if you believe the good things God hath prepared for them that love him and on the other hand his Terrours for the disobedient certainly such a light thing as the unsavoury Breath of talking People cannot counterpoise the Love or Displeasure of so Merciful so Just a God. When any turn from sin they must expect Mockings and Reproaches from their old Acquaintance and Partners in iniquity for having done it already They think it strange that you run not with them to the same Excess of riot speaking evil of you 1 Pet. 4. 4 5. But rather Pity then be terrified by them For these speak evil of the things they understand not 2 Pet. 2. 12. There is no Reason why they should deride those who leave their Company and the evil of their doings for they are posting on in the wrong way and unless prevented in like manner their loud and impious Laughter will shortly cease in weeping and gâ—ashing of Teeth Thus hath been viewed the great stumbling Block which hinders Of Humility the Gallants of our Age from coming into the right way They have an inward Approbation and would fain save their Souls but Reproach or lessening of Reputation they cannot submit unto Hear what our Saviour saith Verily I say unto you except ye be converted and become as little Children ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 18. 3. There are no subsequent words of Exemption for Men of Honour and Renown He hath indeed shewed how they may be so there likewise Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little Child the same is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven Verse 4. Let not the mighty Ones of the Earth think here is running out upon strange Doctrine for the end why they take Pride upon themselves is to be great and a way is shewed though it may seem odd yet true how to be so The Gospel runs contrary to things here If any Man among you seemeth to be wise in this World let him become a Fool that he may be wise 1 Cor. 3. 18. And so if he seems great let him become little that he may be great By doing those things which are little and despisable in the Eye of the World but great and highly esteemed by God. To lay in a greater Foundation by good Works to abound in Christian Graces and Vertues is the way to receive a greater Reward in Heaven It is commendable to be ambitious after that so far as to put upon using the means to obtain Accustoming himself to all Godly and Sober living and to have respect unto all the Commandments to lay out himself which way he shall most glorifie God and do good to mankind To improve time and every other Talent to the utmost and such like as may be learnt from Duty and Example in God's word It is worth any Mans pains to aim at the higher Degrees of Glory they being much beyond the greatest trouble that can be endured here To which he may be quickened by considering what Austerities some have suffered to gain the Kingdom of God how they have tumbled themselves naked in the Winter Snow rolled upon Thorns macerated the body with long fastings submitted unto all the inconveniencies of wilfull poverty and other hardships of Popish Superstition But these being additional services to what he hath commanded which many times make them neglected and if that was not perfect or as though the God-head needed any thing Acts 17. 25. They will oblige and give him more ex abundanti And therefore it is to be feared they are not so very pleasing in his sight even thus much we may judge of our selves that if we shew unto those under us the manner how they shall do such things we had rather they keep to that then do it another way out of their own head for as that argues self-conceit in him so a distrust of our Wisdom in that they know better and we cannot tell how we would be served If there be any such thoughts in Mortal Men or Spiritual Pride God knoweth all their performances signifie nothing and are
so far from being acceptable that they are an abomination unto him Ye shall not add unto the Word which I command you neither shall you diminish ought from it that ye may keep the Commandments of the Lord your God which I command you Deut. 4. 2. Let him strive to perform all them to the utmost and if he doth so letting alone those of Humane Invention he will be preferred before those who have been very frank and diligent in doing those things which were never required at their hands 'T is not multitude of outward Acts but deep Isa 1. Humility of Mind which hath more acceptance with God He that shall humble himself shall be exalted Mat. 23. 12. Who is of such a disposition as to be content with all his heart to be least in the Kingdom of Heaven if he may be there and is well pleased with whatsoever God doth If so he cannot grudge at the good Man of the House for doing what he will with his own if he seeth another who was not so long in the Vineyard as himself have an equal reward seeing he hath what was promised He cannot fume or rage to see the beloved Disciple lie in his Saviours Bosome or other favourites of Heaven admitted to a nearer Familiarity with Jesus He is not discontented or envious to behold white Robes given them who were slain for the Word of God and for the Testimony which they held Rev. 6. 9 11. They all receive according to their Works and if he had done the same things he should have had the same honour The different Crowns are set upon their heads according to their deeds and those which were eminent for Sufferings or Christian Graces the chiefest whereof is Humility shall have a proportionable Reward So that wouldst thou be great in the Kingdom of Heaven Learn of the good Patriarch to take up this resolution The Lord shall be my God Gen. 28. 21. and to esteem thy self not worthy of the least of his Mercies Gen. 32. 10. Not to say from the Mouth only but the ground of the Heart Lord I am not worthy to be â—ed with the crumbs that fall from thy Table and yet to be as obedient Children not fashioning himself according to the former lusts in his ignorance but as he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of Conversation 1 Pet 1. 14 15. To be contented for his finall portion with the least mite of Gods bounty and yet heartily labour in the mean while not to offend him in the least point of his Law to fulfil all Righteousness to do all that is commanded him and say he is an unprofitable Servant he hath done that which was his duty to do He will indeed have an eye to the recompence of reward in General for hereby he will better despise the Pleasures of Sin and not be weary of Well-doing but of what sort it shall be whether above or below others that he leaves to the alone disposal of him Such are the thoughts of the sincere and humble Christian his expectation is not so very great but that shall never be an hindrance but further his advancement If he would be contented to be made as one of the hired Servants Luke 15. yet he may have the best Robe put on by his most Bountiful and Gracious Father Before honour is humility Prov. 15. 33. By this way the great example thereof as may astonish Men and Angels came to be highly exalted Phil. 2. 6 7 8 9. And whoso will follow his steps being meek and lowly in heart may in some measure be exalted likewise You shall lose nothing in the end if you would at present lose that just esteem of your selves for that the pride of the World calls so which is but Fancy and Usurpation And whatsoever Station ye are in the command reaches you Be ye of the same mind one towards another Mind not high things but condescend to Men of low Estate Rom. 12. 16. This is the way to be had in Honour by God and preferred even above those who call it a Sordid and base Spirit Lowliness of mind say they is sneaking and doth not become a noble Birth and Extraction But are these Men of a better Parentage then the Son of Goâ— Is their Family better then his who also according to the flesh was descended from the Antient Kings of Judah Are they wiser then he If they would acknowledge they are not they must think the Apostle spoke both Reason and Sence when he enforced this duty from his Example Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus who being in the form of God thought it not Robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a Servant and was made in the likeness of Men. If God be above Man and yet humbled himself to be as the meanest certainly it can be no disgrace for him who doth not differ from another but by an Estate fine Clothes aiery Titles of Honour to shew that civility which is due to a fellow-Creature partaker of the same flesh and blood and heir of the same common Salvation Behold God is Mighty and despiseth not any he is Mighty in Strength and Wisdom Job 36. 5. The Proudest two-footed Creature on Earth must not vie in Glory with him and if he doth not abhor Men of low Estate why should they who are of the same mould and stand in the very same Relation to him who is Lord over all Why should they trample over those of their own kind Love Horses better and look upon them with more scorn then if another sort of Creatures They are incensed perhaps because those which seem so despicable in their Eyes are of the same nature with themselves as if they were angry at themselves because they are but Men or have such an high value of themselves that they would have nothing look like them but what is Glorious and Lovely How far will Pride proceed Wherefore should Earth and Ashes be so lofty in its own conceit Why should he swell so much who when his breath is gone becomes one of the most loathsome Spectacles in the World Why should he shew himself more imperiously and disdainfully over those who are Flesh of his Flesh and Bone of his Bone then the Lord and Maker of them all unto whom all the Nations of the Earth are as the drop of a Bucket It was commanded the King who is as much above Nobles as they above Beggers his heart should not be lifted up above his Brethren Deut. 17. 20. Much less may they who not only presume to be exalted in their own conceits above but account them more inferiour then brute Beasts although they be made in the Image of God and are his workmanship as well as themselves and therefore in no sort should be despised This temper though so frequent in the World it being
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
18. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him anâ— his righteousness upon Childrens Children To such as keep his Covenant and to those that remember his Commandments to do them Psal 103. 17 18. Here you are told how to have Title unto it And why shouldst thou stick or make any doubt to do thereafter If the King or a Great Man should require the same of thee only to do as they bid thee from time to time and would give Riches and Honour for it Wouldst not thou do as much Although that is the utmost they can bestow for they can neither give Health nor preserve thy Breath from going forth And wilt thou not fear the King of Kings the Lord of Lords who hath a much better reward with him Who holds thy Soul in Life and when he sends for it out of this Earthly house if it be rendred meet will receive it unto himself in Glory Thou dost not grudge to do any thing for thy Fellow-Creature if thou canst get a good Livelihood by him wilt thou refuse to serve the Lord thy Maker when by so doing thou shalt live for ever Thou art contented for that to Labour and Care this Points out something more If thou dost willingly so much for present Food and Delight from hence somewhat may be observed of the Equity of God's ways in alluring us to his Service by invisible and future Rewards which are fitred for the invisible part of us So this inference arises that if for the good and Conveniencies of a dying Body we readily Labour we should likewise do the same as to our immortal Soul. We Consent it is reasonable that we should Labour for the Meat which perisheth much more is it to Labour for that which endureth unto everlasting Life We are glad if we can have fading necessities by following our Trade and Employment and are resolved to do it much more should we rejoyce in our Heavenly Calling which is for the Attainment of true perfect and eternal Happiness And we should be determined with full purpose of Heart to give all diligence to make our Calling and Election sure for that will stand us more in stead it being both for Body and Soul in a Glorified and united State. When now all the Labour of Man is for his Mouth Eccles 6. 7. Meats for the Bâ—lly and the Belly for Meats but God shall destroy botâ— it and them 1. Cor. 6. 13. They shall perish when we are taken heâ—ce but the other shall endâ—re Every thing hath Relation to â—â—is end and I humbly conceive God therefore ordained things so that by what Mâ—n doth already in the less he should do the same in the greater to lay hold of the hope set before him That he should be moved with like Inducements to the endless Life as to this Vapour which câ—nâ—iâ—ueth not that he should take the same Care of the whole Man as he doth of the Shell only that he should alike pursue the Substantial Blessâ—dness as he doth some little Circumstances of what the World calls Happiness By what thou dost already thou art encouraged to more what thy self affirmest to be right by this thou art further perswaded It is just and equal that he who would have Food and Raiment should work for them when they are so to be had he who neglects that and famishes is a Fool and unpitied So the things of â—od's Kingdom are to be had by diligent seeking after and he who doth not deservedly perisheth and is miserable But the Generality of mankind do behave themselves wisely enough as for that and why not for this also And â—e will not come unto me that ye might have Life John 5. 40. Which manifestly imports they might if they would Those which do so much immediately in Religion for a short Livelihood should they not do a little more for the saving of the Soul Thou reckonest it a great Happiness to live well at present but consider of them who have whatsoever can be desired for Meat Drink and Raiment all doth but hold up Life for a time and less would serve turn But they do not continue it for Rich Men must die as well as the Poor and Needy We must not live here always and therefore are to live as People that must die and expect to be Happy after Death as it is desired to be so before Now reason with thy self I beseech thee all thy desire is to live handsomely in the World but if herein thou shouldst obtain thy Will thou câ—â—st not long enjoy it Look back to the former Generations What difference is between those who fared sumptuously every day and who had but common provision of Life when a great Candle and a small are both burnt out what odds is betweem them As is the Condition of those who are now gone off from the World so will ours be in a short time He will be in no better Condition who Riots and Sports himself in the Day-time who lives idly and yet enjoys fulness of Bread then he who eats it all along in the sweat of his brow So that a Wise Man should make it his choice rather to live in Obedience then Delicacy for that will bring him to everlasting Life whereas pleasant Meats and Drinks they shall fail and too often proving a Snare do sink down to that place where he is that received his good things in this Life Ho every one that Thirsteth Come ye to the Waters and he that hath no Money Come ye buy and eat yea come buy Wine and Milk without Money and without Price Wherefore do ye spend Money for that which is not Bread And your Labour for that which satisfieth not Hearken diligently unto me and eat ye â—hat which is good and let your Soul delight it self in Fatness Isa 55. 1. 2. If a great Man gives forth that he will keep open House for all Comers and they shall have plenty of good Beef and Ale we should see the Countrey People flock thither in multitudes and what a Love is kindled in their Hearts for him but when God makes this Invitation scarce one moves a step a plain Evidence that they are a very froward Generation Children in whom is no Faith Deut. 32. 20. If another makes a feast for them then they will be sure to set all business aside and come to partake of his good Cheer but if the Son of God invite you to his Supper then your Farm or Oxen or some other little Excuse Are ye not partial in this That is too mild a Word But are ye not Idolaters for having more respect to a little Creature then the great and eternal Creator If you will evade that because you are not led away with a dumb Idol but a living Man yet what the Prophet hath pronounced will be fulfilled Cursed is he that trusteth in Man and maketh Flesh his Arm and whose Heart departeth from the
them If one should tell a poor Country Man how he might get Wealth he would lift up his ears and attend readily to this message there is none can bring him such tidings but let him hear what the Spirit saith I counsel thee to buy of â—me Gold tried in the fire that thou mayest be rich Rev. 3. 18. With what eagerness do others run after Pleasures which are unsatisfactory and sudden And it seems there should be the same diligence used to be abundantly satisfied with the goodness of the Lord to come into his presence where is fullness of joy and at his right hand are pleasures for evermore Psal 16. 11. The Men of this World will expose themselves to hardship and inconvenience to get Praise and Honour though for all their Souls continue restless But Glory Honour and Peace to every Man that worketh good Rom. 2. 10. Are as worthy to be sought after and had Heaven is represented by the so much admired Idols of this lower World and that with greater advantage to give more full and lasting contentment of mind then the best thing on Earth now doth If the good things before us do somewhat refresh these will much more and contrary to the present they shall never be taken from us nor we from them Conceive any thing that is delightful and pleasant it comes very short of the joys above as sounding brass and tinkling Cymbal compared to the best Musick sufficient for a Man to be assured that it is greater then he can expect or imagine if he hears or reads never so much of what words cannot express to the utmost yet when he comes to the enjoyment he will affirm as one did of the Wisdom of Solomon The one half was not told me Some are apt to think It is pity we may not have this great Happiness at present But who in his very thoughts doth murmur at the good will and pleasure of the Almighty None accuses his Bounty who freely gives the reversion of a good Estate every one bestows his gifts in what manner and at what time he pleases And may not the Sovereign Lord of the World do the like Is it not lawful for the good Man of the House to do what he will with his own The Mighty God who is so much above and independent from all his Creatures is pleased Oh the riches of his love and See Isa 40. 10. goodness to deal so with them as one dealeth with another None is payed till the work done and when we likewise have laboured in the Vineyard till the going down of the Sun we are to receive what he hath promised The prize is not given till the race is ended Be thou faithful unto Death and I will give thee a Crown of Life Rev. 2. 10. Behold I come quickly and my reward is with me to give to every man according as his work shall be Rev. 22. 12. Besides present peace all along there is somewhat given in hand the earnest and first fruits of the Spirit those little glimpses of future Glory the delights of the inward Man But these are not to be compared with what shall be revealed hereafter For since the beginning of the World Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear neither hath the eye seen O God besides thee what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him Isa 64. 4. So it is his Ordinance that we should for some time patiently tarry for them It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the Salvation of the Lord Lam. 3. 26. The great Men of the World have many waiting to speak with them who do not grudge if they can get any kindness from them yea they are contented with the promise of a future favour Is not the Lord of Lords as worthy to be waited for as they Are not his Blessings as much to be valued Are not his Promises as sure Nay if I may so speak we have more Civility from the Great God then from exalted Earth-Worms For they are Men of Pride look for Attendance and therefore will be hard to be spoken withal But the Lord will wait that he may be gracious for the Lord is a God of Judgment Blessed are all they that wait for him Isa 30. 18. The things he hath provided are as worthy to be waited for and it is meet we should pay the same and greater respect to Almighty God as is done to Man whose breath is in his Nostrils for wherein is he to accounted of Isa 2. 22. God doth wonderfully condescend to the Children of Men to let his doings be judged of by them Yet saith the House of Israel the way of the Lord is not equal O house of Israel are not my wayes equal Are not your wayes unequal Ezek. 18. 29. Are you not bold with your Maker by finding fault with his dispensations unless you presently know the reason thereof You have a reason but are to be put in mind he is a God of Majesty and Power Known unto him are all his Works Acts 15. 18. And he is not bound to give account of any sufficient for you to understand and refer them all to the good pleasure of his Will. Thus for his Promises and Threatnings he might accomplish them whensoever he would and so they shall be in the appointed time which though to come yet will be most certainly And considering how much every one of us are concerned in them they should more affect us then the things now do before us If it be just that he who builds an House should dwell in it or he that Plants an Orchard eat the Fruit thereof So is it most just and reasonable that who made Man should be served by him Upon this Account alone God might Challenge our Obedience and Homage without doing any thing more â—oâ— us but further as a most gracious and bountiful Lord he Promises a Reward though we deserve none And being most absolute over the work of his hands For hath not the Potter power over the Claâ— of the same Lump to make one Vessel to Honour another to Dishonour Rom. 9. 21. Yet he vouchsafes to give warning before he dashes any to the Ground Noâ— consider this ye that forget God lest I tear you in pieces and there be none to deliver Psal 50. 22. He hath not threatned with eternal Death and Misery unless we are disobedient which is only our own fault so that he is most righteous in his dealings towards the Children of Men. Hear this all ye People give ear all ye Inhabitants of the World. Both Low and High Rich and Poor together Such is the Statute and Decree gone out upon all Flesh Let none think because they are of low Degree therefore they shall not be regarded by the Most High For all Men are the same to God. He hath made of one Blood all Nations of Men Acts 17. 26. Out of the same Lump and according to
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
the Falshood Vanity and Danger thereof But the last is wonderfully cherished and entertained Men according to their several Dispositions are more inclined to one sin then another some dear beloved Lust a sinful Pleasure or Profit They will spare and forsake it not but keep it still Job 20. 13. for this they seek out so many Excuses and Pretences Being resolved to hold fast they fain would have it not be sinful at all or at least not in them for such and such such Resons But if it be so apparently against the word of God which makes no Allowance or Dispensation for Circumstances or Conveniency that they cannot throughly satisfie their Conscience though they have long endeavoured it why then they must grant it to be their failing The subtil Enemy Promises that though they still continue yet they shall never go to Hell for one Sin producing such Arguments from Scripture and common Reason And hence begins to work in them with all deceiveableness He represents several Thoughts to sooth and quiet Conscience That done they at length become secure and make no manner of doubt but it shall go well with them at last Now they are in the Condition wished for and whosoever would disturb them therein is no Friend of theirs They hold him to be their Enemy who tells them the Truth and endeavours to convince them of the damnable Errour they are in They return Hatred for Good-will for they had rather run Blind into the Ditch go Hoodwinkt to Hell then have their Eyes opened and escape it So strangely are they besotted by Sin and Satan But it is reckoned no unkindness to save one from drowning if thereby he plucks a little Hair off from his Head and the Irksomeness in like manner must be endured which is necessary for Interruption of Security and Discovery of Deceits Let Men deceive themselves yet they cannot deceive their Judge The Foolishness of Men shall never Out-wit the All-wise God neither shall he be put off with vain Excuses or Pretences The Lord is a God of knowledge and by him Actions are weighed 1 Sam. 2. 3. He is a God of Power and none can get into his Mansions above without his Will and he can make all the Devices of the wicked to be of none effect He is a God of Truth and therefore what he hath spoken in these last days by his Son shall be fulfilled Who saith He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my words hath one that judgeth him the word that I have spoken the same shall Judge him at the last day John. 12. 48. And those idle Pleas which guilty Persons shall offer for themselves will not be allowed of as appears Mat. 7. 22 23 and Mat. 25. 44. So is the Case at this day for at the Assizes no Prisoner how guilty soever would be Condemned if every little trifle and excuse he makes for himself might be received and save his Life Whereas the Judge doth not regard his idle Sayings and frivolous Pretences but proceeds against him for what he hath done according to the written Law of the Land. If Men flatter themselves in Evil because they think they have a place of Scripture on their side they are further to know that according to the righteous Interpretation of Christ and not their own wicked Wrestings and Mis-applications all must for ever stand or fall As such are all those meanings which may seem to give allowance to any manner of Sin For it is a certain and eternal Rule Whatever Doctrine or Opinion doth Countenance living in any wilful and known Sin cannot be of God neither hath it any right Grounds from his Word For though Men of Prevaricating minds do take Arguments from the Law of the Most High to favour that which his Soâ—l abhors as by endeavouring to make the Holy Spirit a defender of impurity his righteous Statutes to maintain their unjust Actions by palliating a Lye with the word of Truth and proving such a thing to be no Sin by that which is the alone Rule of Good and Evil and which doth plainly forbid it but by Glosses Distinctions Restrictions and Sentiments of their own devising they would have it pass for none This is to pervert the right ways of the Lord to do violence to his Law and also they are partial therein for they take up what seems to make for them and neglect others which are manifestly contrary to what they would have If such a thing is for their Gain or Delight although plainly forbidden as they cannot deny yet they commit it safely without fear from such an Example or Expression they found therein and however far fetcht it shall serve to their purpose Cometh this abuse from the Nature of Scripâ—ure or Difficulty of understanding it In no Wise for it strictly forbids all manner of Sin and Falshood They also do no iniquity they walk in his ways Thy word is very pure Psal 119. 3. and Verse 140 Sanctifie them through thy Truth thy word is Truth John 17. 17 And those places which command and exhort Holy Life are so easie to be understood that none can be mistaken in them The VVay faring Men though Fools shall not err therein Isa 35. 8. One great Reason of Deceits is from what is said Jer. 5. 30 31. A wonderful and horrible thing is Committed in the Land. The Prophets Prophesie falsly and the Priests bear Rule by their means And my People love to have it so and what will ye do in the end thereof Those who have taken upon them the Office of interpreting to serve their own Interest and to please Men have interpreted falsly Being bound to maintain such Doctrines and Opinions tâ—e have wrested the Scriptures in defence of them And have concealed several Truths which would have confuted them Such have turned and winded the good word of God as it seemed â—est to make a Gain thereof Others also have hid their Eyes from my Sabbaths Ezek. 22. 26. By subtil Distinctions have made the Commandments of God of none Effect as the Pharisces of old did concerning the Fifth so some later have done concerning the Fourth And many such like things do ye Who hâ—â—e Slubbered Mark. 7. 13. over that Particular and strict Obligation of the Gospel Commands and out of that have Propheâ—â—â—d sâ—oâ—th things Who can find a faithful Interpreter According to the Church or Party listed in so they have construed Not making known in all things what was the very mind of God but for the Divine meaning have laid down the meer Fancies of their own Brain And putting another Sense then what they thought was true and Genuine at the time of doing it VVho Prophesie out of their own Hearts Ezek. 13. 2. and send forth Imaginations instead of Truth How bold are some in determining what is Sin and what is not How do they Lord it over our Faith and Magisterially lay down their Propositions as if they had known the mind of
the Lord and been his Counsellors yet a certain Contutation to that some have done it otherwise then from his Book as may be observed further of them and others They have healed also the hurt of the Daughter of my People slightly saying Peace Peace when there is no Peace Jer. 6. 14 Who by their Doctrines hinder Exod. 23. 13. Eph. 5. 15. that Degree of Holiness and Circumspection which People should arrive at for they Confidently teach such a thing is no Duty which yet is a Duty and such a thing to be no Sin which yet is a Sin if the Scripture abstracted from corrupt Glosses may be the alone Judge thereof They abuse the Apostles words by calling it an over-liberal Charity to cover a multitude of Sins but it is persidiouâ—ness to make others believe such a thing is no Sin and so more securely go on to Hell because they perceive it not These cry out horribly against Superstition and therefore are willing to allow so much Liberty Which yet Isa 5. 20. makes not so much against as commonly cited for that is intended against those who flourish over and get Reputation for wickedness Discountenaâ—cing Good and confound the Nature of things which he expresseth elsewhere your turning of things upside down Isa 29. 16. And then we know upon whom it most falls However if some should make that a Sin which is no Sin whom the Scripture do not make so much mention of as the Voice of the multitude falsly accuse others should not run over to the worse and more dangerous extream of making that no Sin which in truth is so The Apostle was of another mind when he said Abstain from all appearance of Evil 1 Thes 5. 22. And the great Command of loving God with all the Heart which comprehends all the very Thoughts and Intents thereof dictates other Doctrine for that doth not admit of any thing which comes near displeasing of him In doubtful things to refrain is the safer way for to do without being perswaded or considering the Lawfulness of them argues more of wicked Presumption then Godly discretion The common Decelt is they think it no Evil and therefore it is not so whereas Christ will judge the Secrets of Men by his Gospel and not by their own Thoughts in the mean while by the Law is the knowledge of Good and Evil and not by a private Spirit Thus saith the Lord God Wo unto the foolish Prophets that follow their own Spirit and have seen nothing Because even because they have seduced my People saying Peace and there was no Peace and one built up a Wall and others daubed it with untempered Morter Thus saith the Lord God I will break down the wall that ye have daubed with unâ—empered Morter Ezek. 13. 12. bring it down to the ground so the Foundation thereof shall be discovered and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof and ye shall know that I am the Lord Ezek. 13. 3 10 14. When God ariseth to Judgment What will become of all those fine and acceptable Doctrines Men-pleasers have delivered in their Teachings or personal Conversation What will signifie all their delicate Soothing Men in their Sins For we are not to be judged by them What will it avail if they do wrongfully apply Gods Mercies when there is no Conviction or humbling for Sin for he is the alone Giver thereof and best knows to whom it belongs Whatever others have built up shall be pulled down the Hearts of all shall be laid open Who have prophesied Lyes shall suffer for their iniquity and all the World shall know He alone is to determine of every Mans work of what sort it is and to give the Reward or Punishment accordingly Although the Pastors of all sorts to gratifie their several Hearers do speak smooth things Prophesie Deceits Isa 30. 10. What stead will it stand them in at the last day Such are liked of now for quiet and plausible Instructers but neither will this help them If they be highly esteemed amongst Men and should be an Abomination in the sight of God Luke 16. 15. If they be at present spoken well of by their Hearers so were the false Prophets Luke 6. 26. but what if Cursed by them hereafter Notwithstanding at present the People love to have it so But would they then be consumed in their Errours They cry up those Discourses which give them ground of hope though they still retain their iniquity They would have God to be all Mercy Indeed it is greater then can be expressed but then why will they not in the mean time sincerely endeavour to be so qualified that they may be Partakers thereof His other attributes must be also taken in Wisdom Justice Truth and Holiness What God was in the beginning the same he is now and so continues for evermore With whom is no Variableness neither shadow of turning Jam. 1. 17. Being such as he hath revealed himself in his word and that also endureth for ever It is a vain and absurd Fancy that some flatter themselves withal that things are so because they wish and would have them so If they could reach up and pull down the High and Lofty One lead away Captive as hath been done with dumb Idols the Living and Almighty God then indeed but not before they might Isa 24. 5. reverse and make void the Ordinances of Heaven themselves give Laws to the Soveraign Disposer of all things and make them according to their own Fancy and Desire But still The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth and if some would not have him Reign over them it signifieth not My word that goeth forth out of my mouth shall not return void but it shall accomplish that which I please Isa 55. 11. Should it be according to thy mind he will recompence it whether thou refuse or whether thou choose Job 34. 33. At this rate no Sentence of Condemnation would ever pass if the Guilty might put what Sense they would on the Laws against which they had offended And those eternal Decrees for the â—inal Condition of all mankind would be of as little effect as Letters written in the Sand which they might spoil after they had made them Thus to imagine is more silly then the Fool who saith in his heart there is no God for it is not so absurd as to think there is one but he is to do whatever vile Miscreants would have him Surely among all the Foolishness of Men there is not such to be found yet how common is it for them to get a fine and pleasant Notion concerning their own eternal State and conclude themselves Happy therein as if it must necessarily be so because now they Fancy so and at last it was to depend upon their own idle Conceits but not the infallible Judgment and sure word of God. But for all they cannot fully perswade themselves of their own Deceits a thought will return though endeavoured to be stifled
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
and unjust giveth them all necessary temporal blessings and never intendeth any hurt by whatsoever he doth during the whole day of Salvation but still they will not be intreated by loving kindness nor warned by the Rod that striketh to turn from their evil way and come into Gods wayes If these people become wretched through their own wilfulness and perverseness and if the Holy Almighty God to frighten us the more from it and to keep up his Government hath ordered that Misery should be linked on to iniquity and they commit this with greediness Who Ezek. 14. 22 23. can be moved or find fault if they have that also which is justly the due reward of their deeds Luke 23. 41. The Law is not to be blamed but those only who do not observe or transgress against it Though there would have been joy among Angels and all good Men if they had repented who would likewise have done any thing to bring it to pass and were grieved because they would not suffer it But seeing they continued obstinate and hardned their hearts these shall not pity their Calamity nor be greived when their fear cometh which will be a further aggravation Many sorrows shall be to the Wicked But he that trusteth in the Lord mercy shall compass him about Psal 32. 10. It is a good thing to have an able friend to put confidence on in A Description of a good Man. dangers and distress but he that can stay himself on God the Rock of Ages the Lord Almighty is in a more happy condition then he that hath the favour of all the great Men of the World. Let the Wicked reckon it a Priviledge that they care not for God it hath been shewed to be a miserable one but the Righteous count it their greatest honour that God is not ashamed to be called their God Heb. 11. 16. And they poor Earth-Worms may be stiled his Servants They by Faith seeing him that is invisible who doth not despise these little ones however low in the World are rapt up with admiration Lord what are we that thou shouldst be mindful of us For consider how great he must be who made the World and all things therein how Glorious whose is the Sun and Brightness thereof Others may go and please themselves with their acquaintance with Lords and Gentlemen but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God who humbleth himself to behold the things in Heaven and Earth yet admits us to come boldly to the Throne of Grace to present our Petitions which he will grant if he knoweth what is good for us better then we our selves sees it profitable for us Those of Authority in this World say to those under them go and he goeth come and he cometh to this Man do this and he doth it much more may the Lord and Governour of the whole World unto whom the Nations of the Earth are as the drop of a Bucket command us to do whatsoever pleaseth him But as he is Powerful so he is Merciful he hath shewed what he doth require of us caused it to be noted in a Book that it may be for the time to come for ever and hath testified that no Man add unto these things Rev. 22. 18. So we are not left at an uncertainty how we may or when we have done the will of God if we are in a readiness still to hear all things that are commanded and made known from his Word Herein we are more happy then those little Spirits who endeavour to Acts 10. 33. please Men for their humours are uncertain not easily known and endless There is a delight in approaching to God those rejoycings which the devout Soul hath seem strange to the unexperienced for they make no outward noise yet are as real as sensual pleasures to Worldly Men. He calls the Sabbath a delight not doing his own Ways nor finding his own Pleasure nor speaking his own Words Isa 58. 13. It is the most pleasant day of all the Week rejoycing at this time of Vacation from worldly cares and labour but more especially because he can wait on the Lord in the Sanctuary hear his Word When he comes home he is better pleased with good Conference Prayer Reading and Meditation then others are in vain Talk wretched Idleness or Recreations for to them succced Heaviness in that they have not done what they should But with a good Man the day ends in Satisfaction that he hath done his duty by rightly using the means of Grace he hath laid up in the Treasure of his Heart some good things which may carry him through Temptation and give comfort the week following He hath refreshed himself from bodily labour so he can fall to it again more cheerfully The goodness of God is here to be observed how the Sabbath was made for Man and not Man for the Sabbath Mark 2. 27. For if he were to labour every day it would be intolerable and irksome But now it is not because a day of rest returns so often which also takes off from the tediousness of the Year Since it is thus ordained the time of Mans labour passeth on more comfortably and there is more variety in the weck he is cumbred about getting necessaries for this miserable and transitory life on the Lords day he provides for an Happy and Eternal being How contentedly doth he go to bed that night with the Memory of what he hath thrived in The merchandize of which is better then the Merchandize of Silver Prov. 3. 14. The next Morning he goes forth ively land willingly to the work of his Calling which he follows with honesty and diligence The just Man walketh in his Integrity doth not fear to see any for he hath wronged none hath a good Report and Commendation among his Neighbours and they being assâ—red of his Faithfulness are willing to deal with him so he hath greater Custom and Employment There are opportunities when he might get more if he would Lye Circumvent or take advantage over an ignorant Person but he will not for that lose his present Peace and future Reward He that getteth Riches and not by right shall leave them in the midst of his days and at his end shall be a Fool Jer. 17. 11. He shall now have no true Comfort of them and there will be a worse consequent hereafter But for him That walketh righteously and speaketh uprightly he despiseth the Gains of oppression He shall dwell on high his place of defence shall be the munitions of Rocks bread shall be given him his waters shall be sure Isa 33. 15 16. He shall come to Heaven his Habitation shall be in the place of the Most High and in the mean while shall be sure of a Livelihood God hath ordained The just shall live by Faith Hab. 2. 4. Not serve him for Sinister Respects or present Ends Yet they have sufficient and God sweetens it as much to them as those who
have abundance and Variety of Meat Drink and Raiment Go thy way eat thy bread with joy and drink thy wine with a merry heart for God accepteth thy Works Eccles 9. 7. Whatever thy Fare be take it with a contented mind for he is well-pleased with thy doings feed on with Comfort for he sanctifieth it to thee Is thy Bread course Thou hast an healthy good Stomach and be satisfied for a little while Thou art called unto the Marriage Supper of the Lamb Rev. 19. 9. Is thy Liquor small Yet quench thy thirst therewith at present For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance which the Lord your God giveth you Deut. 12. 9. Thou shalt drink new Wine in his Kingdom Thou shalt eat the labour of thine hand happy shalt thâ—u be and it shall be well with thee Thy wife shall be as a fruitful Vine by the side of thine House thy Children like Olive Branches round about thy Table Psal 128. 2 3. There is unexpressible comfort in conjugal Love when others in unlawful Mixtures meet with nothing Ezek. 16. 45. but Repentance and Loathsomeness and then his Children are more dear to him then the seed of the Adulâ—erer Sons of Whoredom or of those vilest Men who are without natural affection Rom. 1. 31. Who is thus blessed at Home doth not so much resort forth to the Ale-House He doth not wring tears from his Family least he should bring them to a morsel of Bread neither doth he spend that for himself which they want indeed he hath as much liberty and right to good Drink as others which he accordingly receives with Moderation and so hath more enjoyment of it for he hath all the pleasure but none of the sin and inconvenience which attend those who add Drunkenness to Thirst They for the time forget then cares and misery which are either regrets of Conscience or misfortunes of the World but our good Man hath not the first as for the latter he can comfort and remedy himself a better way He can trust in God have recourse to his Word pacifie himself with faith and hope of better things to come look upon the example of Saints heretofore from hence springs up greater and more enduring comfort then from the sparklings of Wine or heaviness of Ale. He hath an excellent end to himself in what he doth for he labours to eat and he eats to live and he lives to know and serve the Lord which tends toward the receiving according to his gracious Promises Eternal Glory and Reward If he doth now find weariness in work it shall not be so always the times of refreshing will come This life was not given to follow after ease and pleasure and though the practice of several seems to the contrary yet they may come to affirm it would have been better for them if they had taken the same honest pains as themselves saw others did God will not forget the labour and care of some who had just food and raiment or not consider the Jollity and Wantonness of others who did neither Sow nor Spin â—et devoured the fatness of the Earth and were arrayed in the best apparel All things will be set aright at the last the very reflection or looking back if nothing more be added when they are both past will set them equal for what difference is between him who had a pleasant or troublesome Voyage when over It will be an addition to the happiness of Heaven the more tribulation one comes out of from the World. Let the mean person be sure to abound in love and zeal for God it shall go as well with him at last as with his rich Neighbours there is not such a vast difference as some would be apt to think between his and their present contentment if any exceeding upon the strict survey it may be found of his side That Man is most happy who is so at the end Every Sun-setting sets him one step further to Day more then Yesterday to Morrow he comes yet more nigh He goes on from Sabbath to Sabbath from one Festival to another towards the place of Eternal Rest and Rejoycing He confesses himself to be a Stranger and Pilgrim upon Earth and declares plainly that he seeks a Country Heb. 11. 13 14. Not that which he is in already for he must not continue herein and therefore desires a more lasting Country let others do what they will for his part he will make it the greatest and only business of his life to get thither The bare hopes whereof do yield him mighty support under the most heavy and wearisome labours these will be ended and the Angels shall carry him into Abraham Bosome a place of sweet repose When he comes upon the Bed of last Sickness he shall rest thereon Being assured he is going into a better State he can lye down in quietness and have rejoycing within when the outward Man is giving up the Ghost That God whom he hath sincerely served throughout his life will deal bountifully with him at last Well done good and faithful Servant thou hast been faithful over a few things enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. What were his past services to be so highly commended by our God His only Son was pleased to say Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear much fruit John 15. 8. Lord thou hast but what is thine own from thee alone did proceed what thou graciously vouchsafest to accept He gives grace to enable us here and rewards with glory hereafter Who can sufficiently admire his love and goodness He might have commanded us to go through Fire and Water to have done some hard thing before we should arrive at his Kingdom but he hath brought us into a wealthy place where we enjoyed inward peace of mind and had all things necessary for our bodies where we did meet with but little evil and hardship not worthy to be accounted so What is become of that light affliction which was for a Moment now we are possest of the exceeding and eternal weight of Glory How slender a matter is the denial of a lust or crossing a corrupt inclination seeing we are entred into life and enjoy as great Happiness as the powers of Soul are capable of receiving Truly God is good to Israel even to such as are of a clean heart Psal 73. 1. He is loving to every Man but the greatest part did reject his goodness What Enemies were they to themselves But blessed are those who did not forsake their God as the wicked do Whither should we have went but unto him who then held forth the Words of Eternal Life and now gives the thing it self When we were in the Wilderness he was our Guide and Comfort in the Waâ— Others catcht at every thing they found there and could not be satisfied whilst we used it as we passed through did thank our God he made it so commodious to sojourn in but
Wrath is kindled but a little They should fully consider whether those things God forbids and they will do can yield them more contentment and satisfaction in proportionable degree and duration then the things he commands and they refuse otherwise their Disobedience will be most unreasonable and foolish for they lose exceeding and eternal happiness and expose themselves to the like misery Certainly all the Enjoyments of this present time cannot make recompence for the torments to be revealed hereafter but what if it should be said further The pleasures of Sin for a season even whilst that season is do deprive of greater happiness then they bring and men are made more miserable by them In the very time they are so eagerly followed and had it would be better if the man had not used them If it can be made evidently to appear that living according to the Gospel renders more happy in this Life then taking the full swinge of Licentiousness and besides there is the consideration of a different futurity then it will be clearly demonstrated that there 's no such Fool as the Sinner And God is most gracious in providing so well for mankind and they without cause are malicious evil imprudent Psal 25. 3. and stubborn in not complying with his Grace and Goodness With the greatest Reason and Equity Judgments are prepared for Scorrers and Stripes for the back of Fools Prov. 19. 29. What more could have been done to bring men unto Heaven then by so ordering the matter that they shall be more happy in going the way to it then they could in the broad way that leads to destruction Here a doubt may arise from being thus differently named Mat. 7 13 14. They are thus called by reason of the difficulty of the one and out of observation and prophetick foresight that it hath and will have so few Travellers until the time of universal Reformation spoken of Isa 60. 15 21 22. And the other because of its easiness at first and those many who walk therein Now it doth not follow because a thing is more easie it is more satisfying for then slothful Persons would be more happy then those who undertake good and noble designs which are attended with difficulty Since our Nature is so much depraved by the fall we should of our selves slide down insensibly into Hell And that saying of our Lord Mat. 7. 13. Luke 13. 24. doth respect us as we are in our natural condition for we must put forth strength to go upwards to the holy Hill. It is said Strive to enter in at the strait Gate the Word imports exerting the utmost might but no mention is made of such exceeding striving when one is in It is indeed called the narrow Way but the way of the Righteous is made plain Prov. 15. 19. And one may better travel in a Road inclosed of both sides then those who stumble in their wayes from the ancient Paths in a way not cast up Jer. 18. 15. Or in those crooked Paths which whosoever goeth in shall not know Peace Isa 59. 8. Or who wander over Mountains Rocks and Deserts where lies no way these meet with greater Hardship Danger and uncertainty at long run The great difficulty and unpleasantness is in coming into the way of the Lord in passing by the other which is crowded with so many Gallants and a great multitude of all sorts which also hath a shew of smoothness and making choice of this which at first seems rugged a dry Ground and nothing of invitation therein The Devil makes big and noble Promises of what he will give to those who serve him All the Pleasure and Contentment in the World this they shall have presently and not tarry for it When the Son of Man comes He hath no Form or Comâ—lâ—nâ—ss and when we shall see him there is no Beauty that we should desire him He is desâ—ised and rejected of Men a Man of Sorrowâ— and acquainted with grief and we hid as it were our Faces from him Isa 53. 2 3. We do not at first discover any Loveliness in him there is no external Pomp or Greatness nor outward shew to ravish our Eyes He is laughed at in the World and we are apt to be ashamed of him Such we should be our selves look pitiful and little not worthy to be accounted of And then he makes no such Proffers of present advantage but Talks of Self-denial cutting of ones right hand hating Father and Mother and abundance of hard sayings so that who would come unto him If we were to confer with Flesh and Blood that is for present ease And will not admit what is in the least harsh and irksome Yet if we would consult with the Spirit of our Minds which can try and foresee things which willingly submits to a less trouble for Attainment of a greater good and avoiding a worse Evil Which doth not judge according to appearance but righteous Judgment which looks upon so much boasting and pretending as the usual Concomitants of Emptiness and Deceit On the other hand spies out a great deal of Excellency under a little outward shew Which is apt to suspect those who make large Promises and gives Credit when no more is promised then will be certainly performed Such an one will go after Christ He speaks in a modest way Come unto me all ye that Labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest Take my yoâ—e upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest to your Souls Mat. 11. 28 29. Only Rest the easiness of a Yoke and Lightness of a burden may seem but small things in Comparison to those offered on the other hand for there is one holds forth a Marvellous Lightsomeness and Cheerfulness of mind to them who are melancholy and sad If they come unto him he will not bring them at all into Subjection or Bondage Nothing shall be laid on their Necks yet their Souls shall enjoy all Happiness his Service is pleasant and easie He is wonderful frank he is for giving at one time all the Kingdoms of the World and Glory of them But stop Do they all make good that Satisfaction which mankind so eagerly desire and the Deceiver so much boasts of Do they set at Liberty or the more bring into Bondage For all the high Talk of him who was a Lyar from the beginning those seeming little and Contemptible offers of our Lord and Saviour do exceed all his That Joy Peace and substantial Blessedness Christ gives unto his Servants may appear more excellent then all those Pleasures and lying Vanities with which Satan beguiles his followers Perhaps he hath the advantage at the beginning but not at long run his Proselites seem jocund and brisk at first but they are not so always And if the Servant of the Most High God is dull and heavy at first setting out neither shall he be so always His joy increases but the
other decreases He daily findâ— more and more Peace the other Confusion and Restlessness The one makes continual approaches to the place of Blessedness and Refreshment the other day by day is nigh unto cursing whose end is to be burned The one makes further discovery of the Beauty of Holiness and perceives more Satisfaction arising from it the other is convinced of the Loathsomeness and Deceitfulness of Sin and waxes miserable by sad disappointments The Prov. 1. 31. more Zealous one is for God and his Commandments he hath full measure of Joy and Comfort but who is greedy after wickedness finds Grief and Vexation The slashes of sinful Delight end in darkness leave Horror and Misery behind The baâ—â—s of the Tempter are exactly fitted to beguil Fools having a fine appearance outwards but within lies Poison and Deceit They afford some Pleasure but it is Paltry sudden and unsatisfying A little Delight doth bereave of a far greater good it doth Tickle but it is in order to catch and destroy Yea that Gratification is so short and inconsiderable that a Wise Man would not esteem of it if without dreadful consequents hereafter How much more should one retrain seeing they are contrary to the Divine Law and for which things sake the wrath of God cometh upon the Children of disobedience Col. 3. 6. As such they are chiefly prejudicial to our Happiness they are likewise so in their very Nature making a shew of Good but do not perform any such thing Of this sort are those Lusts of the Flesh and desires of the the mind Eph. 2. 3. Properly called Deceitful Lusts Eph. 4. 22. which the whole World run gazing after esteeming them as the only excellent things upon Earth They are contrary to the Gospel and expresly forbidden under pain of Damnation yet these are sought after and entertained as if they had all good and no evil in them As if God had been injurious and would deprive them of the things which are for their Happiness and Gen. 31. 6. therefore they will not obey him For why should he with-hold the only good things They will not be kept off by him But O Stubborn and perverse Souls as he is a most Sovereign Lord may he not do what he will to try our Obedience Hath he not provided sufficiently for the welfare of Mankind in the lawful Enjoyment of those good things he hath given us Hath he not prescribed a more excellent way in receiving his Creatures then in running to the full Excess of Riot Doth he Command any thing which is Evil or require you to abstain from any thing really profitable for you He hath prepared for the Sons of Men Glory and Happiness and may he not take what ways his Wisdom thinks fit to bring them thither He hath ordained it may be well with them whilst in the way if they will do according to his Directions which are better then their own imaginations O ye Sons of Men how long will ye turn my Glory into Shame How long will ye love Vanity and sâ—â—k after leasing Psal 4. 2. How long will ye run after those delectable things which do not profit which are empty and do not fill Why will ye gather single straws and poor parcels of delight Whereas if you would go unto God you shall come again rejoycing bringing your sheaves with you Come near and behold they are not altogether so good which you greedily catch after look thoroughly the works of the flesh are not all glorious within so neither the lust of the Eyes or Pride of Life There be many that say Who will shew us any good Psal 4. 6. If their hearts are not covered over with fatness and they have not put out the light of their understanding they may conceive more in the light of the Lords countenance then others do find in the increase and full enjoyment of their Corn and Wine CHAP. VII Of GLUTTONY and DRUNKENNESS BEcause general Discourses are as words spoken into the Air 1 Cor. 14. 9. Which fly over and touch none therefore it is necessary to explain even common things Take heed to your selves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfetting Luke 21. 34. When so much is received in that it doth oppress the Sâ— mach and more then it will conveniently bear that is certaâ—â— Gluttony Or when a Man is rendred indisposed for Business and Action that he cannot so well perform either This sin is not so discernable to others for only the Man himself knows the measure of his own Appetite and one may lawfully eat the same quantity which would be excess in another The â—ature of sin is fixed and unalterable God knoweth it as also it is set down in his Word and Application may be made thereof to every Man by the Spirit of his own Mind Whether ye eat or drink or whatever ye do do all to the Glory of God 1 Cor. 10. 31. What is not for this end is evil We are to eat so far as to refresh and strengthen Nature that we may be more enabled for Gods Service but if on the contrary we become after our Meals more unfit for his Worship as it is with too many on the Lords day or the several duties of our calling then we have sinned and done wickedly If we grow sensual minded and hankering after good Victuals as to place more delight there then in God and the things pertaining to him this is a grievous Evil and abominable Idolatry Of such the Apostle tell us Weeping that they are Enemies to the Cross of Christ whose end is destruction whose God is their Belly Phil. 3. 18 19. They contradict the whole Gospel the end whereof is to make Spiritual and pure in heart So however esteemed or usâ—d in the World it is no light sin Revellings and such like as are excessive Eatings shut cut of the Kingdom of God â—â—l 5. 21. What present good doth it bring in lieu of so great a loss Much is â—aâ—cied from Dainties and Variety but they that abound after this manner are in great Mens Houses and few in comparison to the rest of Mankind If one is resolved not to be betrayed into excess he sits uneasie amidst Temptations but if he gives way to it then the pleasure is soon over for w 〈…〉 n the Table is taken away he is in as bad a condition as before sitting down Both uneasie then he was troubled with the pains of hunger now of fulness which is rather worse for the Meat being in the Belly all the delight is gone and vanished but he feels the â—â—og and pressure thereof Yet his Meat in his Bowels is turned it is the gall of â—spes within him Job 20. 14. There succeed irksome laziness crude eructations which sufficiently allay for the sweet whilst in the Moâ—th when they become empty again they are tormented with hunger and impatiency They are always troubled with the desire of the same things
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
commit the same offence Why will they not be perswaded to come out of such a way To draw off from so great a danger VVhen Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the Sea-shore the People feared the Lord and believed the Lord and his Servant Moses Exod. 14. 30 31. And have you not known some who have been as it were drowned in a Flood of Drink Who have brought themselves into the Dropsy and other Diseases and several ways have came to an untimely fearful end And will you not fear the Lord and believe on the Lord his Son and Apostles who make mention of worse things to come hereafter then what we see commonly happen How oft is the Candle of the wicked put out And how oft cometh their destruction upon them God distributeth Sorrows in his Anger Job 21. 17. How many have we heard to have killed themselves with Brandy who have burnt up their own Vital Spirits with the greater heat of Liquors and by innumerable Accidents have been hastily cut off and all occasioned through Intemperance Job calls it their Destruction for themselves are the Author of it and is not God displeased with Mens doings after this manner Some may be apt to say this is too home But it is too trueby sad and daily experience and fit to be observed that all henceforward may take care to themselves Examples should be taken Notice of and VVritten for our Admonition upon whom the ends of the VVorld are come 1 Cor. 10. 11. In this Generation also where Drunkenness doth abound and the Men are sâ—tled on their lees Zeph. 1. 12. If any hath a real love and compassion for Mankind he is not to be blamed if he doth use the most plain and obvious expressions to prevent those evils which come upon them by their Sin and Folly. Any words are more tolerable then to suffer the thing it self Several will find fault with this way of Writing used in this Chapter especially But they are desired to consider likewise how the stile of Scripture runs exactly according to those Times when it was first Penned and that is to be the Rule of all after Ages If others think that here it Psal 119. 42. hath been varied from when those common sayings and excuses were inserted which are not to be found in the Word yet there it is said Answer a fool according to his fully least he be wise in his Prov. 26. 5 own conceit It hath been endeavoured to convince them in their own way of Arguing for why should Wickedness brave it out and pass uncontradicted We have assurance that one time yet to come All iniquity shall stop her Mouth Psal 107. 42. The means to accomplish which is to take off that Colour and Varnish of Reason to discover that plausible shew of Wit with which Men countenance their Sin. For he flattereth himself in his own sight until his Iniquity shall be found to be hateful Psal 36. 2. Which hath been here somewhat manifested according to the Ability God hath given Let the Mad and Frantick World pause for a while why you may continue Men still and yet go in another way You may still retain the same Affections and Desires and have them at present in a good manner contented however you may refrain for a little while from the full Gratification of them You are now all for good Drink the prescribed Measure is now much better then excess but for further encouragement Our Lord said just before his Passion I will drink no more of the fruit of the Vine until that day that I drink it new in the Kingdom of God Mark 14. 25. And in this Mountain shall the Lord of Hosts make unto all People a Feast of fat Things a Feast of Wines on the lees of fat things full of Marrow of Wines on the lees well refined Isa 25. 6 Indeed such gross and sensual Pleasures are not to be expected in Heaven as result from Eating and Drinking even here it is said well refined But undoubtedly others will be substituted in the Room which shall more refresh then these do now according to what another Prophet saith Their heart shall rejoyce as through Wine their heart shall rejoyce in the Lord Zech. 10. 7. It shall give us alike satisfaction as Wine doth now but as much greater and of longer continuance as the Infinite and everlasting God in whom all fulness dwells doth exceed that little and empty delight which is now to be had from the Creature The Spirit of God condescends to our Infirmity and exhorts to his Obedience by promising the same things which we now eagerly desire after Who is all for pleasant Drink hath the very same invitation to follow after the things of his Kingdom If the Drunkard will leave off his sinful Courses he shall find more content and less inconveniency moreover exceeding great and Eternal Happiness hereafter Perhaps he will say he hath been so long used to it that he cannot Indeed a wicked habit is not quickly or easily shaken off it crept on by degrees and will stick close but there is an absolute necessity Except ye repent ye shall perish twice asserted Luke 13. And that is a through change of mind and reformation of Life if he hath been guilty of Drunkenness let him ask Pardon for it and be so no more Seek for the Grace of God which is sufficient to subdue the power of this or any Sin. The Man must be sure sincerely to labour together therewith and endeavour to be freed from Sottishness the same way he got it let him daily deny himself somewhat and abridge a little of his wonted Measure by this means he may be at length free from it It is commonly pleaded by him who lies under a custom of sin that he cannot forsake it So he flatters and beguiles his own Soul that either God will not require him to do an impossible thing and therefore he shall be excused or he is an hard Master to shut a Man out of Heaven and cast him into Hell for a thing he could not help But O wicked Servant Wherefore dost thou to keep thine own wickedness accuse God foolishly and falsly For he will not lay upon Man more then right that he should enter into Judgment with God Job 34. 23. Repent if peradventure the iniquity of thine heart may be forgiven Consider seriously thou alone hast wilfully brought thy self under the Power and Slavery of Sin. By former hardening thy heart and not hearing Gods Voice when thou hadst more strength and sin less At the first entrance upon the Practice of it thou couldst more easily have not done then done it after thou couldst refrain with a small irksomness till sin at length began to prevail through thine own neglect to resist and willingness to entertain it And because it is more difficult to part with thou concludest impossible No habit however long in contracting is impossible to be removed it may be
World are contrary one to another his thoughts are not as our thoughts his commands are vastly different from the humours and actions of Men. That which is highly esteemed amongst Men is abomination in the sight of God Luke 16. 15. So again that which he commands and will reward is accounted little and despicable among Mâ—n But he hath the Breath of all the Sons of Men in his hand which he can and doth take away in his own order Say unto God how terrible art thâ—u in thy Works Through the greatness of thy Poâ—â—r shall thine Enâ—mies submit themselves unto thee Psal 66. 3. in the Margent it is Yeild feigned obedience They shall be forced to it just like Captives led away by a more potent Enemy for God will set himself in array against wicked Men. He will manifest his Power to their utter Confusion if they still hate him that will provoke him to Plague them yet more These things will certainly be he might even now pour forth his full Displeasure upon them but he hath been pleased to permit their hour and the Power of darkness Luke 22. 53. In which they might rebel against his Will and not be immediately punished It is called their hour a very little time in reâ—erence to Months and Years and the whole Course of sinning ever since Adam unto this Day and what is yet more behind is not so much as that in Comparison of the Ages of Eternity God now Commands and either doth not at all or very seldom here execute the Penalty of disobedience Therefore the Hearts of the Sons of Men is fully set in them to do Evil Eccles 8. 11. But when their short time is ended he will no more wave the Scepter of Justice or Mercy over their Heads but then he will Rule them with a Rod of Iron If they would obey his righteous Laws to take off the smart from themselves yet he will not accept of their counterfeit and slavish Subjection because they would not when they might have performed unto him a Free and reasonable Service Things thus standing it is not Peevish Humour nor Self-conâ—eited singularity but bounden Duty even at the present time to hearken unto and obey our God when he saith Be not conformed to this World but be ye transformed by the renewing of your â—â—nd that ye may prove what is that Good and acceptable and perfect Will of God Rom. 12. 2. When the apprehensive faculty is rightly set in Frame it may judge this to exceed those evil and sinful Customs of People in whatever Vogue and Estimation they are for what are the Follies and Exorbitances of a wanton Age How do they contribute to our real Happiness They may afford a faint and languishing Delight but this like giving a single mouthful of Bread to an hungry Man rather excites then fiâ—ls the Appetite It raises Anguish for it is short and insufficient of a true Satisfaction Man is carried with a natural desire towards the Female Sex and therefore is more inclined to do all things to gratifie them Indeed he doth well herein as long as he keeps within the set bound but as in the beginning the Woman did prevail over the Man in the Transgression so doth she now sooner draw to Sin 1 Kings 11. 4. then the common Temptations But ye Daughters of Sion who are haughty and walk with stretched out Necks and wanton Eyes Whether have you caused your Shame to go What is become of that Isa 3. 6. Modesty which formerly used to adorn the Virgin State You seem to come near a Whores Forehead if you once refuse to be ashamed How can you admit of that loose Language which though wrapâ— up Mic. 7. 3. in the Gentile waâ— is intelligible to those Conversant therewith or those lascivious Actions with young Men which go under the Name of Play and â—port The Virgins of old did fly from the least familiar converse with Men and were never worse esteemed by them but also given in Marriage They did it when there was more invitation to catch at all present Good for there was not so much Manifestation of future Happiness but now more Grace hath appeared to the World. And whosoever would have the Beneâ—iâ—s thereof must both know and also shew it by a sutable Conversation that whilst others give themselves over unto Lasciviousness which is the first and next step To work â—ll Vncleanness with Greediness But ye have not so learned Christ Eph. 4. 19 20. Let Men consider what a meer Cheat the Devil makes use of A general â—xhortâ—tion to defraud them of a Kingdom and drag down to the bottomless Pit. How they â—ell their Souls for naught and delectable things which do not Profit They may seem luâ—cious to a meer Wanton yet saith one How sweet is it to want those Sweetnesses To have Chaâ—â—e reins and thoughts Not to have the Soâ—l defiled or darkened with the filthy smoke of Lust but always continuing clear and bright To be troubled with no Desires or â—nclâ—nations after strange Lusts Either to have the gentle Stream run one way only or to stand smooth and calm The single Life is preferred in Pauls jâ—dgment 1 Cor. 7. who there speaks by Permission and not by Commandment If they continue spotless and innocent they are Happy in so abiding But if all were of this Opinion A Godly Seed Mal. 2. 15. would be wanting And Children would not be born to praise the Lord. It is his good Pleasure one Generation should succeed another and therefore he also doth well who is Instrumental to that Every Man hath his proper Gift of God one after this manner another after that If to one is given Continency He may serâ—e the Lord without Distraction But where is not there is an Expedient for him even to have his own Wife He is to remember the ends of Marriage Procreation of Children and to avoid Fornication the bare quelling of Lust and therefore this is not to be made an occasion of heightening it In the Marriage Bed Temperance is to be observed The great Happiness of this Condition arises from constant Love of one another from the Endearment and Unity of heart and affections not from the sudden and momentary Enjoyments which also cease to be such if repeated as often as strength and outward Provocation would give leave Those Delights perish in the using for they have no Relation or Affinity with the Happiness of Heaven Indeed that is sâ—t forth by Feasts Wine Riches and Honour so the Glutton Drunkâ—â—d Covetous and Proud have an invitation by the Promise of the like things but there is none to the lustful Person The Son of God is not like the Impostâ—r Mâ—hoâ—et who draws principally with this A 〈…〉 ctive for we are told before In the Râ—surrâ—ction they neither Marry nor are given in Marriage but are like the Angels of God in Heaven Mat. 22. 30. And there shall in no wise enter into
doing good by Charity Hospitality dispersing abroad that others also may live by them Many have plentiful Estates already who think as long as they do not covet other Mens Lands or Money nor do wrong it is no harm to keep their own â—o save and hoard up as much as they can If they are willing to live in all good conscience as that will stand them in more stead in the day of their Death and from thence throughout all Eternity then Mannors or Lordships and thousands of Gold or Silver then let them consider what they are to be put in mind of Charge them that are Rich in this World that they do good that they be rich in good VVorks ready to Distribute willing to Communicate 1 Tim. 6. 17 18. None hath more then what he may know to do withal Others who have large Possessions find a way of disbursement through sinful Lusts and Pride And shall not as much be done another way for a better Master for Jesus and his Brethren It ought so to be and much more and time will yet be when they shall be ready to â—sal 45. 12 perform the same Christianity is no Pinching Doctrine for it doth not make the owners of Estates good Husbands as the word is commonly used but good Stewards of the gifts of God. They are not to heap to themselves and starve those round about them but distribute Liberally according to what they have and others need The eighth and ninth Chapter to the Corinthians is full to this purpose God feeds the Fowls of the Air Fishes of the Sea Beasts and all Creeping things Neither hath he left the principal work of his hands out of his care and protection He hath given sufficient to all Men for Food and Raiment and they have a right thereto He Psal 140. â—2 hath provided for them in his Works and in his Word and was there a compliance to his Written Laws none would suffer want But seeing we live in an Age wherein Men are fallen away from God who say they are Christians but they are not for they do not according to what is commanded that is not done of all Yet those his pecular People zealous of good VVorks Tit. 2. 14. are to shew forth more charity then is to be seen among them who think they have a well grounded hope for Heaven and even those Rich Men who will not obey the Gospel may see it there Written That he must reign till he hath put all Enemies under his feet 1 Cor. 15. 25. But if they will be wise as to submit and come in betime let them hearken to what he saith Lay not up for your selves treasures upon Earth where moth and rust do corrupt and where Thieves break through and steal But lay up for your selves Treasures in Heaven where neither moth nor rust do corrupt and where Thieves do not break through nor steal Mat. 6. 19 20. An express command against hoarding for the use of ones self Our Lord in all the precepts he gave hath consulted for the good of Mankind Now it tends to the prosperity and welfare of a People when Money is still in motion and passes from one to other for if this were kept by every one that could half the Nation would be in danger to perish But our Religion hath enjoyned a free Communicative temper it lays the greatest obligation upon Men to Communicate forth according to what they have Some have been prejudiced against it as an Enemy to Trade which is thought to be more maintained by Sin and Vanity but let it be considered The end of Trade is to get a living thereby and that all People may have necessaries and comforts for their being here Now the way God hath appointed doth more contribute to all this then the corrupted course of the World. To instance in Drunkenness which is reputed a beneficial sin to the Nation But if Men after they had kept within the bounds of lawful delight would go no further and disperse some other way the Money thus saved others might refresh themselves likewise and there would be altogether the same vent If that which is Prov. 3 〈…〉 6 7. consumed by some in adding Drunkenness to thirst were given to satisfie the bare thirst of others there would be the like quantity expended as now neither would that abundance of barley God hath in mercy given us be wasted for want of use and receiving It is a hard Case for those which make Oil within their VValls and tread their VVine presses and suffer Thirst Job 24. 11. Honest labourers who take pains in sowing and cutting down the Corn should have more share thereof then squeezing Landlords do now suffer them to have when themselves neither Reap nor Sow but â—at of other Mens labours Thou shalt not muzzle the Mouth of the Ox that treadeth out the Corn doth God take care of Oxen 1 Cor. 9. 9. Much more for those of his own likeness Many are forced to eat and Drink very course Bread and Water or Beer not much differing from it these also deserve help not pity and should come in for a distribution of the good things for the Earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof In the Primitive Church they had a Feast where poor and rich did sit down promiscuously together but there was a fault that in eating every one taketh before another his own Supper and one is hungry another is drunken 1 Cor. 11. 21. It is more Unreasonable and Antichristian that some should live in Rioting and Drunkenness others pine in Hunger and Thirst But the Gospel sets this at right by paring away the Superfluity of the one and giving it to others So it may be said to the Vanity and inordinacy of Apparel Thy People also shall be all righteous Isa 60. 21. And then there will not be such a Catalogue of Womens Bravery Isa 3. and more things added thereto by the Fashion of these times As iniquity hath abounded so the number of those have increased of that Trade which Borders upon it but some of them might have resorted to other Employments and those might sell nothing but what was really useful and decent Were the same spent in Hospitality and Charity as is now in Gluttony and Drunkenness Were the same laid out in Clothing the naked as is in strange Apparel Zeph. 1. 8. Did every one expend to some good use and purpose what others do in Pride and Vain Glory Were every one liberal according to what he hath and Covetousness which is not to be named amongst Saints Eph. 5. 3. but found among Hypocrites and Unbâ—lievers utterly banished from among us There would be better Living then in this World of iniquity Righteousness exalteth a Nation but Sin is a reproach to any People Prov. 14. 34. Covetousness is the Plague-sore of the Commonwealth who is addicted to it will make empty the Soul of the Hungry and he will cause the drink
Labour in the very Fire and the People shall weary themselves for very Vanity Hab. 2. 13. According as his Divine Wisdom hath established things and all to bring back to his Obedience that they may go and return to their first Husband for then was it better with them then now Hos 2. 7. There is an Enemy which lets from this and he whispers to those he withdraws that hence it appears there must lye hid some great Good which they cannot have before they have long wrestled He would fain insinuate of a Satisfaction behind that will not be had unless they take Pains for it and the greatest things are reserved at last If the covetous Man could get so much then he would have Happiness and Contentment That at length is obtained with much Sweat and Drudgery but then his mind is altered he hath need of more and so on he hath not yet laid hold of that Satisfaction he looked after it is further off â—â—ill and so continues to make towards it Thou mistaken Fool There is neither Satisfaction at the end and if there was thou couldst not come to it How much dost thou propose to thy Self Why another hath the same already and he is not satisfied and why shouldst thou in the same Condition Thou hast lower Thoughts but they will Rise with thy Wealth and if thine should come to be equal with his thy Thoughts would be the same also He that loveth Silver shall not be satisfied with Silver nor he that loveth abundance with increase This is also Vanity Eccles 5. 10. Every one crys for what is sufficient but how much is that If it were stated according to the desires of Grace Nature and Conveniency it might be quickly had If People would use only Honest and diligent Endeavours in their Calling and expect Gods blessing let him judge what is the Competency and not we our selves But if it is measured by the covetous Mans Opinion when he shall cease to ask any further then is no hope to obtain it For he may as well think when he goes as far as he can see that he shall touch the Horizon as that he shall be satisfied when he gets what he now proposes within himself If any do desist in going after Wealth and the Promised satisfaction thereof it is not because that it is obtained for the use of Riches as they Subminister all Plenty of Meat Drink and Raiment do content the Body but will not throughly satisfie the mind of Man much less will the bare keeping of them in a Chest What doth it signifie if one hath a rich Neighbour and finds no benefit at all by him And it may be the same if not worse for the Fear and Care of losing Property Torments more then the Priviledge of having it amounts unto with the Man to whom God hath given Riches Wealth and Honour so that he wanteth nothing for his Soul of all that he desireth yet God giveth him not Power to eat thereof but a stranger eateth it this is Vanity and it is an evil Disease Eccles 6. 2. Be exhorted to put an end to thy Covetousness and wearisome Labour Wo to him that increaseth that which is not his how long And to him that ladeth himself with thick Clay Hab. 2. 6. Thy Life draws to an end and then it is not thiâ—e how soon thy years may be run out thou knowest not Consider to what purpose do you consume strength and time Shall you give account to God how careful you have been to the World and in the letteral Sense of the Parable VVhat a good Servant you have been How thou hast put thy Money to the Exchangers and Vsury and hast gotten so much Mat. 25. by other ways of dealing God doth not require any to be Rich but all to be innocent He would have his Servants do that he gives them in Charge viz. Obey his Commandments When he calleth to Account Then it will be demanded whether we have inclined our Hearts to his Testimonies and not to Covetousness Whether we have loved Gold more or it hath divided our Love with God whether we have broken his Commandments for Gain or neglected Duty for present advantage Such things will be required Wherefore let him that been an idâ—later or unrighteous repent and be so no more Do not transgress the least Precept for the greatest Profit The getting of Treasures by a lying Tongue is a Vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek Death Prov. 21. 6. You must ere long part with whatever you have and have a Care you do not lose your self You will be stript naked destitute and forsaken of all and how sad would it be If you should be condemned for what you must leave behind and cannot carry with you VVash ye make ye clean put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes cease to do evil learn to do well seek â—udgment relieve the oppressed plead for the VVidow Isa 1. 16 17. Leave off your former Greediness and unjust Dealing be bountiful and Charitable Act with all good Conscience and Honesty stand up for them you have wronged heretofore And which should be done in the first place for Mercy is before Sacrifice and Justice before Alms giving Be sure to make restitution and satisfaction for all the injury you have done according to Numb 5. 7 8. Do not think to bring the price of a VVhore or a Dog to give Alms of See Deut. 23. 18. Goods unjustly gotten If ye be willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the Land. But if ye refuse and rebel ye shall be devoured with the Sword for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Isa 1. 19 20. Under the shew of temporal Calamity the eternal threatning of God is vailed throughout the Old Testament It is a little more drawn aside Isa 33. 14. but expressed in the most plain words under the Gospel God is truth and hath not frightened People with a Lye He who is as good as his Word in all things as all believe he is in his Promises doth not threaten that which is not or he will not perform It is a sad adventure for any one to run either God must prove a Lyar or himself be turned into Hell he might equally throw himself into the Fire to try if it will not burn For our God is a consuming Fire Heb. 12. 29. And so will at length appear to the miserable experience of the ungodly and disobedient that they may tremble and fear to continue so Will they not be perswaded to make all haste to flee from that Whereof the thoughts only are so very dismal that People are afraid to entertain them but take no due Care to escape the thing it self That which is irksome to the apprehension will be much more to the Senâ—e and what is dreaded afar off will be more terrible when it comes nâ—gh It vexes now the thought for a moment but will
his days though with the utmost Skill and Dexterity He that is very diligent in gathering Straws and leaves none behind him will never pass for a Wise man. Let the bundle be every day bigger yet if never so great it is all to a vain Purpose The result of the whole is that God hath provided for mankind Bags which wax not Old a Treasure in the Heavens that faileth not Luke 12. 33. unto which he now calls and invites them to accept of in the mean while he Commands to abstain from what is an hindrance to this which also is hurtful and disquieting It is better trusting unto him then seeking unto the Creature His Goodness and Wisdom are justified yea to be admired and complyed withal Let your Conversation be without Covetousness and be content with such things as ye have For he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee Heb. 13. 15. CHAP. X. Of Anger Wrath Hatred Malice Envy BEfore hath been considered that inordinate Love and Desire after Meat Drink Women and Money the several Idols of this lower World which draw after them such a multitude of Followers by holding forth the outward shew of Good and Happiness But upon the strict and through inquiry every one must acknowledge it is not in me The Man is cheated all the while he may stumble over among and within them all seeking Rest and finding none God is the chief and only Good Who ever left him and prospered It is as impossible to be Happy without him as that there should be light of Noon-day when the Sun is under this part of the Earth Nothing is more miserable and yet nothing more Proud then Man was the observation of a very Heathen but we know whence to derive this accursed Nature It came down from his Forefather who would be as Gods knowing good and evil Gen. 3. 5. the Author of his own Happiness We are his Children and would be working it out of our selves Let the only Wise God declare unto them it is in the way of his Commandments that he is the Lover of mankind and ordained such for their Good yet they will think otherwise and so despise his Wisdom and Truth Which is such an iniquity as themselves shall find their own Conceit of Happiness to be Folly falshood and disappointment and shall be recompenced with abhorring and Confusion of Face for evermore Isa 66. 24. If that wherein they most trust deceive them much more will those things wherein they do not place so great Expectation If the Principal faculties of Soul when they stand in opposition to God will not afford true and real contentment much less will the inferiour Passions which disjointed from him do nothing but torment and make miserable When neither desire nor love with their several Objects are able to make a wicked Man happy much less will the other parts of his Soul which condemn and vex him His understanding doth reprove his Ways the other Passions do torture or Discompose If it were not to keep him in life he had rather have no Soul at all but would become altogether flesh and sence that he might have all things to relish but nothing to embitter his delights This wish is impossible as it is mean and degenerous for He who fashioned every part of us both of Soul and body hath likewise so ordained that if they be not brought into Obedience Sanctified and made Happy then as they were the instruments of sin so of punishment and to render Miserable Pain and Sickness to the body or if that be not Grief and Indignation to the Soul. As hereafter there is no middle state between Heaven and Hell nor any standing still now between both so it is of Happiness and Misery If that which is given to promote the one is not made use of accordingly it will tend to the other If the Soul is not brought into Obedience unto Happiness then it falls down into Destruction and Misery How we are to be regulated throughout hath been shewed Chap. 2. Where the whole Man was taken in pieces that he might be set in a right frame The Understanding Will and Affections were surveyed In the two first both the good and evil were discovered the affections were treated of as tending to good if Governed by the Law of God. Now it remains according to the proposed method to speak of that evil and misery they occasion by being ruled according to the Law of the Flesh The corruption and abuse of Love as to its several Objects hath been handled in the last foregoing Chapters When the good and evil of a thing is laid open the one may be chosen and the other avoided And hereby it may be a little more particularly manifested unto Men would God it were done by a better instrument but here it is endeavoured according to the ability himself hath been pleased to give Thou art good and dost good teach me thy Statutes Righteous art thou O Lord and Vpright are thy Judgments The Testimonies that thou hast commanded are exceeding Righteous and very Faithful Psal 119. 68 137 138. Though he hath the greatest Sovereignty over Creatures and he might as some earthly Potentates do by their Vasâ—als have exercised his authority over them by enjoyning them such and such things which would not be for their good but only expose them to hardship and inconvenience But God is not as the Son of Man who is Ignorant Proud and Cruel for there is an intrinsick worth and excellency a real goodness in the very nature of all things our gracious Lord requires as on the other hand there is Baseness Deformity and Evil in forbidden things Seek Good and not Evil that ye may live Hate the Evil and love the Good Amos 5. 14 15. Beloved follow not that which is Evil but that which is Good 3 Joh. 11. This is the Law and the Prophets It is the sum of all the Commandments of God. We are required to put off Anger Wrath Malice Col. 3. 8. Hatred Variance Envyings Gal. 5. 20 21 26. So certainly there is Evil in them and they hinder our Happiness All anger is not sinful nor forbidden but when without cause and immoderate Either without Provocation or upon little and trivial things Such a temper is contrary to the Peace and Tranquility of Mind When the Winds blow and Storms arise there succeeds a troubled Sea the Waves roaring Not much unlike is the Soul of Man when Contempt Affront or other cause hath moved him that which before was Calm and Smooth begins to Rise and Swell and violently beats upon the Banks The fierceness of the inward Man may be discerned when the Eyes shall roul up and down like sparks of Fire among the Stubble the form of his Visage changed Multitude of Words do press at the door of Dan. 3. 19. the Mouth that none are able to get forth but stammering and confused noise The Hands are with difficulty
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
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
to be Religious and therefore it is judged of by them Not as though the Word of God hath taken none effect for they are not all Israel which are of Israel Rom. 9. 6. The Scripture in what it asserts is nevertheless true though People will not come up to it There is a difference between outward Professors and who obey from the Heart Rom. 6. 17. And again is to be discerned between them who do with the whole Heart and who do not Who comply with all the Counsel of God and who keep some of the Commandments and neglect others Amongst all those multitudes who in these days flock after Christ hear him Preached and go under his Name there are but few who observe all things whatsoever he hath Commanded Mat. 28. 20. such are his Friends John 15. 14. and will find acceptance with him These are in Truth Religious and Peace shall be upon them for they can apply the Promises to themselves which will be made good to them for As sure as God is he is true These see themselves already acquitted in that Word by which all are to be judged at the last day Herâ—in is our Love made perfect that we may have Boldness in the Day of Judgment because as he is so are we in this World. There is no fear in Love but perfect Love casteth out Fear Because Fear hath torment he that feareth is not made perfect in Love 1 John 4. 17 18. When the Life of Jesus is manifested in us and we love God then we expect nothing but good from him we are certain of it because we have his Word wherein it is impossible for God to lye so here must be strong assurance They are safe as to the things eternal and for temporal Evils they are well provided from Eccles 9. 1. Rom. 8. 28. Psal 34. 4. Psal 46. 1 2. Psal 56. 3. Now those and alike Promises may be applied to any particular Person who is obedient as the Saint was to whom they were first made See Rom. 15. 4. Heb. 13. 6. None have reason to Fear when they know Greater is he that is for us then those who are against us But of all Worldly Dangers that do beset the Sons of Men the greatest are from those of the same kind A Man is worse then a Wolf to another by Reason of his mischievous Nature otherwise he is Contemptible and of small Power he is exceeding dreadful to us Yet the good Christian is secured against him by the Promises of God. Will the Men of this World frown and look sternly upon him Be not afraid of their Faces for I am with thee to deliver thee saith the Lord Jer. 1. 8. Do they threaten The Lord is on my side I will not fear what Man can do unto me Psal 118. 6. Do the greatness of Men terrifie him He need not fear the Wrath of the King seeing him who is invisible Heb. 11. 17. Do they endeavour to vex and torment him as much as they can I even I am â—e that comâ—orâ—â—th you Who arâ— thou that arâ— afraid of a Man that shall die and of the Son of Man which shall be made as Grass And forgâ—ttâ—st thâ— Lord thy Maker that hath sâ—râ—â—â—â—d forth the Heavens and laid the Foundation of the â—arth Isa 51. 12. 13. God is sometimes pleased not to interpose in mediately but suffers the Blood of his Servants to be shed yet still they â—ave no cause to be afraid for he will give strength that they may be able to bear and assuredly reward them plentifully in the other World who have endured so much for him in this In all troubles which do â—ot tend thus far his Grace is sufficient and sutable to them Are they despised by Men Yet they are esteemed by God and have a Sense of that favour and so would be of all good Men if they could alike discern their Sincerity and Uprightness We are troubled on every side yet not distressed We are perplexed but not in despair Persecuted but not for saken cast down but not dâ—sâ—â—oyed 2 Cor. 4. 8 9. All their Evils are outwards and seem grievous to those who judge according to the Flesh but themselves perceive that inward Rejoycing and Comfort which moâ—e then abundantly make up for all Whatever seeming hurt should come upon them God makes amends for it as to the present time so they have no Reason to fear or be troubled before hand at the thoughts thereof As long as they continue in his obedience and put their trust in God for otherwise they are none of his they live contented with the present and do not disquiet themselves for what may be hereafter They are only to look to the things that certainly shall be for they are revealed in his Word and to provide themselves accordingly But it is not for them to know the other particular Dispensations which the Father hath kept in his own Power In general we may think Shall we receive good at the hands of God and shall we not receive evil Job 2. 11. We know what hath been and what is just before us and we are told what shall be after this Life but of the things that may come to pass between this time and the day of our Death We are assured nothing can befall us without the Will of our Heavenly Father and we are contented to submit whatever it be That these things are concealed is one of the doings of the All-wise God. For he remembreth that we are Dust Psal 103. 14. He considers how impatient and fretful our Nature is And if we did certainly fore-know what might happen hereafter we should torment our selves before our time It would take away the Rellish of all mean Enjoyments and bitterness would be the Portion of every Cup by Reason of that we must such a day Drink of Take therefore no thought for to morrow for to morrow shall take thought for the things of it self sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof Mat. 6. 34. All endure Vexation in this place but God is pleased to Comfort his People and shew them a way that it may not be so grievous unto them as to others Fears and Cares have filled the Earth and do fall upon the dwellings of the righteous but they are not so much afflicted under them as other Men. The great Fear is over and they have no constant dread He shall not be afraid of evil tidings His Heart is fixed trusting in the Lord Psal 112. 7. The wicked flee when no Man pursueth but the righteous are as bold as a Lyon. Prov. 28. 1. And the work of Righteousness shall be Peace and the effect of Righteousness quietness and assurance for ever Isa 32. 17. More Texts might be alledged â—ut the great staggering and objection is in that they are so seldom fulfilled in the Persons of Men. They may talk hereof in a general way and seem to apply to themselves yet when it is come
foundation of Faith and good manners How Religion is as it were turned into an endless prate and talk about controverted points They have unsetled well disposed minds by taking them off from the Doctrine according to Goâ—â—â—ness They have turned out of the way of Truth into Errors and Deceits The Infidels Scorners Carnal and indifferent Persons have been confirmed in their ungodliness thinking it as good to be of no Religion at all as to profess one with so much wrangling They make sport with the Absurdities and fallings out of the Religious Also the Hypocrites and Adversaries under the shelter of them do throw out their Reproaches and hereupon the Presumption of them which hate God increaseth yet more Whereas it might be considered that notwithstanding they differ and squabble yet they all agree in this That Obedience and Holiness is the only way to Heaven If they contend about Circumstantial and positive Duties it is about the manner In this they concenter that God is to be Worshipped And they all stand up with one accord for the Moral part the immutable Laws of Good and Evil. There hath been an expedient proposed and only wants to be put in use if what some would Arrogantly have in their Church be it no wise granted to them but what is most reasonable and due that there should be an implicit Belief in Scripture the Word of God. In all plain places believe them as they are but in the hard and difficult so believe in general whatever the Holy Spirit did intend was the very meaning of that place Whosoever believes thus much shall certainly be saved Nor doth this shut out knowledge and industry for that is a necessary Duty but after that used to rest in what we apprehend the meaning and that if any other is so we believe it See 1 Cor. 2. 10 11. Phil. 3. 15. Psal 25. 12 13 14. The way to Truth is by good Life and direction from above God is Gracious and Merciful he threatens none but only those who shall not believe on him and his Son Jesus Christ All Ignorances Errors and Mistakes that are neither wilful nor affected will be pardoned Let no Man lay any other Foundation and every one keep fast to that There is a great stir about an infallible Judge of Controversie and an unerring interpreter of Scripture Whereas the common and ordinary places do no more need any Interpretation then every common expression of this Nature is most part of the Gospel but for the Mysteries and dark Speeches throughout Holy Writ God will unfold and bring them to Light in his due time We ought to pray and through his Grace endeavour to be meet for the Holy Spirit which searcheth all things yea the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. We are to set our Seal that God is true and so is every thing contained in his Word though we do not presently understand it God may reveal many things in Succession of time and what he doth not none shall mis-carry for not knowing them The Promise is annexed to Obedience and not Opinion do this and live Yea Faith it self is in order to Practice Vnto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus Christ sent him to Bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities Acts 3. 26. All that Jesus did and said was to this end And whosoever doth really believe that he was sent from God if he is fully and effectually perswaded that those things are so which our Saviour hath made known that Person can never live ill if he let them sink deep into his Heart The whole Scripture as well as that particular Gospel Luke 1. 1. Is an orderly Declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us Whoso is of this number will order his Conversation accordingly In this faln and corrupt State of mankind Religion begins Of Repentance by aversion from Sin and Conversion unto God which is Repentance We are by Nature the Children of Wrath the Seeds of evil grow up into sinful Acts and Habits As soon as ever we come to years of the least Discretion and Knowledge there is set before us the good and evil way And this last seeming pleasant unto us from our Infancy and Childhood for therein also Sin breaks forth as soon as the outward Powers of sinning appear is most commonly chosen Should our merciful God have given us but one time to make our Choice and thereby eternally abide we must all have perished or not one of a thousand would have been saved of what are now For who is he that to his Original Corruption doth not add actual and continued Sin That to natural Depravation doth not add fresh Perverseness of his own All we like Shâ—ep have gone astray VVe have turned every one to his own way Isa 53 6. We do err and wander of our selves seeking out for green Pasture for those foolish and sinful Delights which we know not would rot and destroy us We would sain be Happy as soon as possible then that luscious and present appearance of good doth draw us away after it Did none take Care of us but our selves we must be consumed in this our Folly for we go away from the Supream and only Good and snatch at those things which are hurtful It pleases the Lord to put before us the good and the evil to prove whither we will be obedient unto him Whether we who were purposely made for him will by any thing be taken off from him Whether we will follow after what he recommends and eschew what he forbids so approving our selves obedient Children but alas We will not believe his Word for we would willingly have some Tryal by experience whether it be so or not We are not contented to trust unto his Goodness and Truth but for knowing of our selves What ingratitude Contempt and dis-belief do we shew unto God who is so infinitely above us What unparralled Condescention and Goodness is in him that he should be pleased to suffer it in this Wise When not only by the Excellencâ— of what he Commands but by the sensible disappointment and deceitfulness of what he forbids we may Taste and see that the Lord is good 1 Pet. 2. 25. We cannot go back of our selves he sends his Son and Bishop of our Souls who is the way John 4. 6. so we may know it he sends his Holy Spirit to stir and push us forward so that we may do it If that when it is fully known what is the utmost good in all the Pleasures of Sin when not withstanding all their vain Promises the Man is fully convinced of the Hunger and Emptiness of them When he is ready to perish Luke 15. 17. for want of true Satisfaction and Content and might have more in the ways of God if then he would return and come over unto him it is accepted Read and consider well the third Chapter of Jeremiah especially Verse 1
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
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
destroyed for lack of Knowledge Hos 4. 6. What can we say to it when it is their own Fault It is at their Peril if they refuse and contemn those means which God hath appointed to bring unto eternal Life without which they must mis-carry For if the Word spoken by Angels was stedfast and every disobedience received a just Recompence of Reward How shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation Heb. 2. 2 3. The Promise in sundry places of Scripture is unto Godliness Of Ungodliness Psal 4. 3. Psal 101. 2. 4. 1 Tim. 4. 8. and the threatning is against ungodliness Psal 9. 17. Rom. 1. 18. 2 Pet. 2. 6. 2 Pet. 3. 7. Jude 15â— Where is a right use of the Ordinances and positive Duties all Obedience will likewise follow On the contrary when they are neglected it is Disobedience and Contempt to that God who enjoyns them Many are Friendly and just towards Man temperate as to themselves but yet are ungodly The World thinks What harm do these Why may they not go to Heaven Not considering what the great Provocation of ungodliness is and they do mistake in not seeing the first Reason of the Commandments of God Which in Truth are for the welfare of mankind but this is not all for the good or inconveniences consequent to the Observation or Violation of them as pertaining to short-lived mankind do not Rise so high as to have or deserve eternal Rewards or Punishments The Act of Sin is small and weak but the strength of Sin is the Law 1. Cor. 15. 56. It receives the Aggravation from going against that High and Divine Authority which hath established things so For it is too much a fond and proud Opinion that all things are for our selves if I do neither harm to my Neighbour nor my Self and I commit Sin What great Evil is in it Is a common Question Whereas they might look up and consider that God in his doings towards the Children of Men designs his own Glory in the first place as well as their Good. Now if there is Disobedience and Contempt towards himself and Transgression of what he hath Enacted here is the exceeding evil of Sin though no prejudice comes thereby to any mortal Creature It is what lieth in them making void Gods Dominion and in plain terms that he shall not Reign over them The great matter is Whether his Creatures are subject unto him they are so indeed But whether themselves think so and will shew themselves to be such as the ungodly Man doth not Thou hast said in thine Heart I am and none else besides me Isa 47. 10. And hereby may be seen the Hainousness of his iniquity for he is an open Rebel who refuses to tread Gods Courts he is one of himself and will not acknowledge depâ—ndance from an higher Power He neglects for his part what all the World thinks due viz. The Worship of God. So that it will fare better with Superstitious Christians unbelieving Jews and Pagan Idolaters for they intended some Homage though a â—iâ—â—aken one to the Great Lord of all things but he doth none at all He says within himself It is vain to serve God and what Profit is it to keep his Ordinances Mal. 3. 14. Whereas it is his own Fault for he might know if he would wait all the days of this short Life for the exceeding and eternal weight of Glory He might in the mean while perceive some good in the Solemn Meetings if he would come with a pure mind and behave himself as he should But he is glad of any excuse when in reality that as other Excuses is a further Aggravation of his Sin and so it will appear When God who now knows shall manifest the secrets of all Hearts for People who are born in the Christian Church entred by Baptism and afterwards wilfully make themselves Strangers from the Covenant of Grace and be without God in the World What is this but as much as they can to exempt themselves from his Government and because it may hereafter Rise up against them they would utterly destroy it if they might Whoever impartially judges of these things may perceive the exceeding Sinfulness of ungodliness It is the greatest degree of Sin that Men can arrive unto How many times is mention made in Scripture of reâ—using to hear the Word of God and not calling upon him There is no Fear of God before their Eyes they forget him and such like Expressions by which the Abomination of iniquity is set forth All these Sins are immediately against God himself If one Man sin against another the Judge shall Judge him but if a Man sin against the Lord who shall intreat for him 1 Sam. 2. 25. When God doth set up his Kingdom for such to endeavour to get from under it must be a great Provocation As now if any Prince should issue forth his Proclamation and Order it to be read and fixt up He would certainly be displeased at those who stop their Ears and take no notice of it and so it will be as to all those Potsherds of the Earth who shew the like Stubbornness or disdain against their Maker In good Manners we are to hear what God will Command us Of Preaching before we put up our Petitions unto him The Master is at Liberty to speak before the Servant utters his Supplication Yea all that the Lord hath said we should do so that is first to be known for the end of Prayer is to ask Forgiveness for former Transgressions to beg Grace and Power to be more obedient for the future When God delivered his Law in that terrible manner on Mount Sinah the People were afraid that they said unto Moses Speak thou with us and we will Hear Exod. 20. 19. and it is promised further We will hear and do it Deut. 5. 27. This way our Fore fathers chose and accordingly he did during his Life-time and left written a Copy of the Law which should be for ever Moses of Old time hath in every City them that Preach him being read in the Synagogues every Sabbath day Acts 15. 21. He was both Preached and Read. The Jews received the Law by the Disposition of Angels and have not kept it Acts 7. 53. But Christians received it from a Greater even the Son of God himself and have not obeyed it Christ hath those who continually Preach him as Moses had by how much he is not only greater then him but the very Angels of God. And receiving it immediately from his Father he came down and made it known upon Earth Who had a Voice out of the Cloud which said This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Hear ye him Mat. 17. 5. The Author to the Hebrews insisteth upon the same Argument and Comparison See that ye refuse not him that speaketh For if they escape not who refused him that spake on Earth much more shall not we escape if we
of the World. Thy Will he done in Earth as it is in Heaven he left for a standing Petition who likewise told us Joy shall be in Heaven over one Sinner that repenteth Luke 15. 7. When a single Person among such a Rebellious and froward Generation as the Inhabitants of the Earth are do begin to do it The whole Happiness of the World and things therein is to obey the Law of their great Creator Every thing in Relation to him is delightful When we beg good things of him we are assured he giveth liberally and upbraideth not Prayeâ— conduces to our present Establishment and Security it begins and helps towards the true Perfect and never ending Happiness For Mercies received the just Consequent is to return thanks Of Praise Now of God are all things From whom every good and perfect Gift proceedeth Jam. 1. 17. there arises up towards him the Duty of Praise and Thanksgiving We at first judge it a most reasonable thing to give the Lord the Honour due unto his Name and our selves have a strong resentment of Benefits But then Corruption begins to work and turn the Stream of our Gratitude unto subordinate and lesser Objects We are very thankful to the Instrument or next hand that doth convey unto us but unmindful of the Author and Fountain from whence they all spring Those Blessings that are become constant and common which should most set forth the bounty of the great Benefactor we wrongfully esteem our due and desert and then whatsoever is more this is looked upon as an Addition to what was our own and is taken kindly Whereas in this we might have seen his Providence that either furthered or could have hindred this good thing from us And at last if we provoke him by unthankfulness he can turn it into a Curse instead of a Blessing When thou hast eaten and art full then shalt thou bless the Lord thy God for the good Land which he hath given thee Deut. 8 10. He first created the Earth with Vertue to bring forth Fruits and hath given unto Men that power and understanding to Till it accordingly Who gave them Life and Being to receive these things and hath allotted to them severally as he will. Yet these being visible and nearest are too often by ignorant unbelievers more thanked then the Author of all things The Conduit which of it self is dry is more had in Admiration then the Fountain which sends forth the Water God expresses himself severely against Idolatry How many Cautions are there least we Worship the Sun Moon and Stars which are useful to mankind but he made them so He is a jealous God and would not that they should draw off the least Glory from their Creator Much less should eartheâ— Vessels come in for sharers of his Glory Especially when his only begotten Son disclaims it John 8. 50. and so do holy Men 1 Thes 2. 6. 1 Pet. 4. 11. Mark 5. 19. Acts 3. 12. Acts 12. 23. Acts 14. 15. Even of temporal and outward Mercies we have an immediate ascribing them unto Almighty God the Patriarch Jacob presently ascends above all second Causes The God which fed me all my Life long unto this day Gen. 48. 15. He doth not say his Estate or fruitful Seasons the Good-will of such Friends Money Food but he refers them all higher In the New Testament he is stiled the Father of Mercies and God of all Comfort 2 Cor. 1. 3. He gives Gifts unto his Children whether immediately as spiritual Blessings which are not in the power of any to give or take away And therefore to him in a more peculiar manner belongs all the Glory But for the temporal good things he sends by the hands of another we are to give our most humble and hearty thanks to the Great Master but in no wise to thank the Servant more then the Master nor to exclude the Sense and acknowledgment of the Great Lord over all O that Men would praise the Lord for his Goodness and for his wonderful Works to the Children of Men which is thrice repeated Psal 107. To speak forth his Goodness is that which God delights Isa 12. 4 5. in This Duty is expressed in a publick and outward manner Make known his Deeds among the People talk ye of all his wondrous Works Psal 105. 1 2. My tongue praiseth thee with joyful Lips Psal 63. 5. Make the Voice of his praise to be heard Psal 66. 8. Examples of this are Luke 1. 64. Luke 17. 15. Rev. 5. 12. The Holy Ghost by this signifying that we should speak out when we praise God and not do it inwardly in a whispering manner or in a Corner as if we were ashamed of what we did It is not said thus concerning Prayer for there the inward reserved way is rather commended Mat. 6. 1 Sam. 1. 13. But the great things God hath done for us they should be shewed forth amongst Men. There is no mention in Scripture of giving thanks only in secret but in the Assembly of the upright and in the Congregation Psal 111. 1. And also among others that they may be brought over to partake of the Goodness of the Lord. Nothing but Praise breaths forth through every Verse of the Book of Psalms or something which may be matter and occasion thereof It is inculcated throughout the Old and New Testament This People have I formed for my self they shall shew forth my praise Isa 43. 21. The Earth hath he given to the Children of Men Grass and Herbs are for Beasts and both for our use And what were we made for but to Confess openly the Glory and Greatness of our Creator to see and consider this vast Fabrick of the World to admire and magnifie that God who made it But ye are a peculiar People that you should shew forth the Praises of him who hath called you out of Darkness into his marvellous Light 1 Pet. 2. 9. Here is yet more matter of Praise and also to encourage free Obedience for to live only for a short time would not be altogether so much though God oweth nothing to his Creatures and as he brought them out of nothing so he could turn them to nothing again But he hath given most full assurance that we shall have and see greater things then these The Bread of God is he which cometh down from Heaven and giveth Life unto the World John 6. 33. That Revelation to mankind by Christ Jesus all those unspeakable Mercies contained in him The means of Grace and hope of Glory do justly require such abundant Exaltation of our God that our Soul and all within us cannot worthily Praise him ' This would take up all our Life-time here as it will the whole length of Eternity As for Preaching Prayer and the Sacrament they shall cease when we shall perfectly know and be obedient unto him when we shall have the full Accomplishment of our desires When we shall see him Face to
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
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
and there spring up the Fruits of the Spirit That the Soul may be renewed according to its first Creation from whence it was fallen But now it is to be restored to the likeness of God and become partaker of the Divine Nature The old corruption may be in a great measure taken away or subdued the seeds of good may be cherished and grow up into acts and habits of doing well Were Men assured the things of God were for their Happiness they would be for them they are indeed called the things that belong to our Peace but that is hereafter they make a promise of safety when no danger is seen but now they seem to trouble and disquiet Much hath been said already as to every part of this surmise And what if the carnal Man should be gratified yet further and it could be made probable unto him yea clearly evidenced if he would try what is here affirmed that they are for our present good also Let him ask those who have had experience of the Way of the Lord who have trodden the Path of Peace If they be thought partial Judges in their own Case let him enquire from himself or others of the way of Sin and Wickedness He can find nothing from those who have been throughly practised therein but outward Smiles for they can give no true Commendation but Silence sad Wishes Hypocritical Looks do betray their inward dislike and sorrow of heart The open Testimony and Acknowledgment of the first concerning the excellency of his the others feigned Laughter deep Silence or vain drol-Drollery would weigh somewhat with a Wise Man concerning the Goodness of the one and Suspicion of the other They have various and different Effects in the Persons of Men but if moreover he would diligently examine the Nature and Reason of things and find them accordingly If they are both the same in Speculation and also in Practise for these go together in things Divine when they are rightly understood and univerversally complyed withal What can be more desired for the full Satisfaction of a prudent and considering Man If he sees others already at Peace who have went the same way and also can be justified from the very thing And further might be seen felt and understood within himself if he would make a through experience and continue it for some time What is for our Good Peace and Benefit hath a shew at first of Evil disturbance and inconvenience this frightens the Foolish Nature of Man who doth not perceive what is hidden under the different disguises of things The meer outside and covering is the least but thought should be had to what is substantial and within In short Good is Happiness and Sin is Misery the more a Man hath of the one and less of the other so he hath the blessed Effects and is freed from Vexation Whosoever is born of God doth not commit Sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot Sin because he is born of God 1 John 3. 9. And then he hath not disturbance nor Restlessness of mind neither is he in danger of the Punishment to come In Truth we do many times disquiet our selves in vain being vexed for and desiring we know not what But this proceeds from the evil of Ignorance a want of understanding the Nature of things which would take away all this Misery A right understanding puts upon diligence and endeavour to provide our selves so as to keep off the Evil and obtain the Good set before us And we are not perplexed with those common things which either do not at all or not much concern us What Solomon saith In much Wisdom is much Grief and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth Sorrow Eccles 1. 8. That is When it is only confined to the things before us and of this Life for then it quickens the Resentment of Miseries here and finds out no Remedy But if extended further as the Excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord doth there it mitigates the Vanity and Vexation of the present by hope of better things hereafter satisfies of our imperfect State in order to being made Perfect and prompts to the doing of all things to make that sure unto our selves A little smattering of knowledge makes more miserable but if throughly improved and stretched out to its due pitch of Gospel Revelation the succeeding Eternity and as it enters within the Vail there it is a necessary help and if throughly complyed withal it will secure us of the blessed End. The first Man is of the Earth Earthly the second Man is the Lord from Heaven As is the Earthly such are they also that are Earthy and as is the Heavenly such are they also that are Heavenly 1 Cor. 15. 47 48. As Man was made in the image of God which was chiefly in Holiness and good upon his Soul from which he by Transgression fell So when he is born again he is transformed into the Likeness of his Creator Whilst on Earth he ascends as it were into Heaven the place of perfect Felicity as this is an intermixture and imperfection of both that below is of deplorable and absolute Misery The utmost Happiness which only arises from the things here makes the Soul cleave unto the Ground and at last sinks into the lowest Hell but the true as it came down ascends again Like Stocks planted by our Heavenly Father which are grafted and shoot forth into Trees of Immortality What is begun here God is pleased to add that it may grow till it reaches above the Clouds and is perfected in the Regions of Bliss The one is Earthly Sensual and Devillish expressed in its three Degrees of sinking till it comes to the lowest But the VVisdom that is from above is first pure then Peaceable Gentle and easie to be intreated full of Mercy and good Fruits without Partiality and without Hypocrisie And the Fruit of Righteousness is sown in Peace of them that make Peace Jam. 3. 15 17 18. In the time of imperfection here we begin to lay a Foundation which will be builded on and made consummate in the Heavens Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect Mat. 5. 48. As he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of Conversation 1 Pet. 1. 15. And every Man that hath his hope in him purifieth himself as he is pure 1 John 3. 3. We are sincerely according to the Grace and Power given us to imitate him in all his Communicable Attributes and Excellencies All our Happiness should tend upwards or otherwise it is a vain shew and deceit for assuredly as we hope that we might be Partakers of his Holiness so we must expect to be Happy as he is Happy It was an excellent Act of the Old Heathens to the shame of Christians who seek for boasting in taking upon them the Name of Philosophers that is Lovers of Wisdom for they said truly none but
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
and taking care for the Body all one as the Soul for they will fare alike and be in the same condition The Garments of Salvation and Robe of Righteousness the fine Linnen clean and white to be all glorious within and adorning the hidden Man of the Heart these will be found altogether as necessary and convenient as now it is thought to deck with Ornaments and adorn with Jewels for 't is evident they must and are deprived of these They must strip and makâ— bare Isa 32. 11. as they do every night till they put on a Shroud or Winding-Sheet and then nothing will stand them in any stead but what is afore-mentioned Then Dust shall be the only Powder and Paint Instead of sweet smell there shall be stink and instead of well set Hair Baldness Isa 3. 24. The holy Spirit speaking of this Excess makes particular application to Women for they are most subject to this Sin and Vanity they are the weaker Vessel and presently taken with a slender appearance of Good. A â—ine outside and gaudy shew though it is not much more then the colour of a Flie do exceedingly transport them whose thoughts are not fixed on the true and substantial Good. Who pursue no certain end may be observed to catch at every phantastick Image that hath the least sign of Happiness though it be a meer shadow varnish and next to nothing Again who have a right sence and belief of spiritual things they do not in the least esteem of Toyes and Triâ—â—es As Women professing Godliness differ from those of this World in manner of Life and Conversation hoping to be unlike them in their Death so they should appear outwardly not to run to the same Extravagancy of Apparel They may be of the same Fashion with others but more modest and less expensive Not setting themselves out in the same manner as the vain Women do of like Rank and Quality What is saved this way and given to the Poor will avail more then Conforming to this World and the empty applause of their Acquaintance Though people are so admired or envied for fine Clothes yet the principal delight arises to the owners from this ignorant miserable nature of lookers on Good God! that the Soul which was designed for great things should ever be brought so narrow and low as to take pleasure in bodily Vestments That she who is brighter then the Sun if she knew her self should at alL mind the glittering of Gold or Embroidery That she whom the whole World cannot satisfie in her due stretching forth should seem the least contented with what is meer outside and colour She must be extreamly fallen from her noble and exalted Nature She must lose much of her original Honour before she can set any estimation on them which are only useful and convenient for the Body but not worthy of her Care and Affection Temperance extends yet further to Recreations The necessity of them appears in that we are Flesh and not Spirit that Of Recreations will tire and grow weary It is as needful to Refresh as to Eat when Hungry We do not read that Christ used Recreations his Meat and Drink was to do the Will of God But we are not as he was without Sin and Corruption We cannot be always conversant about holy things an Intermission and Freedom is allowed as appears by bodily labour God hath Ordained and when tired by that he affords Divertisment Provided that we do not shut out the sence of him from Worldly business or deny our Subjection unto him in those Portions of Good he hath given Be thou in the Fear of the Lord all the day long and then do what thy hands find to do If we acknowledge and preserve our Obedience unto him and then delight our selves as much as we will. Looking unto the end and design of a thing which in Recreation is to fit us the more for his Service and works of our Calling And therefore are not to be made an occasion to turn our Hearts from him or neglect the other It is lent to refresh and not to fill to delight but not to satisfie to use but not to rest in them We are not to be happy before our time Even this may be learnt out of the nature of Recreations for they are hungry and empty and when immoderately pursued they are wearisome and cease to Recreate They please and divert when sparingly used but still are not found an adequate Happiness to Man. That irksomness and not satisfying that constant seeking after variety though little to be had not being contented even when one is tired with them make known all this Can Men feed on still and be nourished with Sauce only These do not gratifie the Soul otherwise then by rendring the Body more fit for her operations which cannot be always working Now what diverts makes them to stand still but when she is somewhat eased and relieved she hath an inclination to return to her proper Employment and hath regret to be hindred Happiness is the end that she drives at which is kept in another World we being only to prepare for it here in that method and way God hath Ordained In our course we are assaulted by many Temptations and proposals of Good which would deceive and turn aside God saw every thing be made and behold it was good Gen. 1. 31. Every thing that is not expresly forbidden may be lawfully used but an intermixture of evil came in afterwards so it may be turned and abused If Recreations are had according to the prescribed limits of Moderation they help to our Comfort there and Happiness hereafter but if excessively dwelt on they tend to Distraction and Misery The great danger of them is that then they hinder the Love of God make to forget him render us earthly-minded and quite estranged from spiritual things they consume precious time which should be spent in working out our Salvation and doing good to others The faculties of Soul are not exercised on those great and sutable Objects to which they were designed but are taken up with little and vain things Had we been only made for them to skip like Lambs or with the Leviathan to take his Pastime in the deep the same and ordinary endowments which they have would have served us also There would have been need of no more then power just to sport and play Reason might have been spared and the other Accomplishments of a Man. We may observe in the lower rank of Creatures after the briskness and festivities of Youth are over they do not leap up and down but serve only to the right end of their Being Because Recreations are commonly used to spend Time the tediousness Of Time and the passing away thereof whereof is so afflicting to some it can be no improper digression at least from the general Argument to say some what thereof If Man did reflect within himself and on the nature of things he
if not then they Perish and are Miserable for ever So much of their Life is already slipt from them Such opportunities have been lost of receiving a greater Reward which are gone irrecoverably in vain and useless things Again he limiteth a certain day saying in David To day after so long a time as it is said To day if ye will hear his Voice harden not your Hearts Heb. 4. 7. Then they are to bring forth Fruits meet for Repentance to grow in Grace and Knowledge to continue in all Obedience and be Watchful that he in no wise offend the iâ—finite God. They may seek out and embrace all occasions of doing Good and be ready to the performance of it Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before Phil. 3. 13 Vnto which Promise our twelve Tribes instantly serving God day and night hope to come Acts 26. 7. The Vanity and Transitoriness of our condition in this World may be somewhat taken of by real and enduring Actions The Sollicitations to Evil may be more easily avoided because they are momentary and sudden Thou O Man art made for greater things Thou art passing towards an Eternal Happiness Have nothing to do with sinful Divertisments Dearly beloved I beseech you as Strangers and Pilgrims abstain from fleshly Lusts which war against the Soul 1 Pet. 2. 11. The Pleasure â—oon after is the same as if never had and iâ— would have hindred in the Good Waâ— Here is the Christian Life this is to make use of the present Time Then you may with Comfort and no Sorrow think how it hasteth away We must unavoidaâ—ly lye down under the Laws of Mortality Whoso doth these things is not troubled about that but though it shall be placed in the Dust still he lifts up his Head that his Redemption draweth nigh Our sâ—lves also which have the first Fruits of the Spirit even we our selves groan within our selves waiting for the Adoption to wit the Râ—demption of our Body Rom. 8. 23. We are not yet come to our Rest nothing here doth truly satisfie but what comes from above the same thing returns over so often that we are even weary of it We are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the Body and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour that whether present or absent we may be accepted of him 2 Cor. 5. 9. Resolving still to do our Duty Whether God hath more for us to do or to make us more desirous of Him and his Kingdom or to prove us longer or to exercise our Patience after we have done his Will we may be assured he hath wise and good Reasons for our tarrying here a little longer We ought to be quiet and thankful not knowing how soon we may be removed hence our Warfare accomplished and our Sin pardoned The particular Season is not for us to know it being Gods Attribute of seeing things to come as he manifests by so many Disappointments of our own fore-casts We are to keep within our bounâ—s of Creatures to see no further then he hath ordained Not to reckon upon a longer Time of stay then we are certain of which is not one Moment longer then we have and do now live Did we throughly consider by how slender Threads Life is tyed which may be broken from Casualty without or Disorder within but One holds our Soul in Life under whose good Providence we live So we are satisfied but not confident Did we again reflect that he can stir up a Disease from within there is no nâ—ed of pouring down Judgments upon us as he did upon the Cities of the Plain he may suffer such an evil Accident to befall us or to be Consumed in our own Folly we would tremble and fear to do Wickedly against him We should not dare lift up our selves against the Lord of Heaven the God in whose hand our Breath is Dan. 5. 33. It is a vain and foolish Presumption to Sin yet more because he counts of so much Time to live being Young Lusty and Healthful or to be puffed up with present Enjoyments for they shall continue so long But admit God should suffer the Light to burn clear out though he can extinguish it in the mean while whensoever he will yet all will be waâ—ted out If they make these outward things an occasion to forget God or behave themselves contemptuously towards him and he should be pleased to permit thereof What he saith by his Prophet is true The things that I have given them shall pass away from them Jer. 8. 13. The fancied good days will be all vanished and gone as the past have been already That can be no Happiness which hatb an end Nor whatever the Sensual Worldly minded think can there be any in departing from the Lord. We may in general judge thus much of our Time to come in this World by remembring what hath been already with us or happens to others of such years Condition and Circumstances it may be somewhat like with us for there is no great variety in the things of this World we have Seen Heard or Read the like fulfilled in our Brethren As the past hath the present doth the future will pass away in the same manner till the last Hour comes and shuts up all as this doth all the past Time of my Life in which I am Writing this An end will come But this I say Brethren The Time is short it remaineth that both they that have Wives be as though they had none and they that Weep as though they Wept not and they that Rejoyce as though they Rejoyced not and they that Buy as though they Possessed not And they that Vse this World as not Abusing it for the Fashion of this VVorld passeth away 1 Cor. 7. 29 30 31. CHAP. XVI Of COURAGE TO bring people out of the wrong and mistaken Apprehension of things to help somewhat towards their Good it will be necessary to explain what Courage is and how it promotes their Happiness Many excellent things have we heard of this Vertue but still as to the particular nature thereof most are ignorant Extolling they know not what they know not wherefore Neither shall the due estimation thereof be lessened so it be justly stated as it is for the security and well-being of Mankind for even this Temptation the Destroyer makes use of to insnare and beguile Souls unto himself They are taken with nothing so much as what looks great To despise Evil and laugh at Fear not to value their own Lives to run on with a certain blindness and hurry towards the land of Darkness Not to regard the worst things that befall the Sons of Men or threaten afar off all this he hath gotten to pass for Courage and Magnanimity in the World. And Thousands deluded with this false Imagination of things come to dye as Fools They did not mind the things that were told them as
thee a Crown of Life It is reserved in the Heavens for us The Inhabitants of the Earth see the outside they die and go away Many of them would God they were more perform the Work he requires of them we all depart hence and shall find whether he will fulfil his Promises for which now we have his Word and his Oath Two immutable things in which it is impossible for God to lie Ceâ—â—â—â—â— it is that those several designs of Pleasure Riches and Honour are little unsatisfactory pass away and come to an utter end When our selves act upon probable yea assured great and rational Principles Others have nothing but the multitude and common Practice to Recommend them How then comes that wide difference of the Actions of Mankind so many are led away by the worse as manifestly appears by the least Reason and Discourse and themselves at length find by sad and too late Experience The Apostle in the forementioned Place after summing up the Christian Graces saith But he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar of 2 Pet. 1. 9. He is wholly taken up with present and sensible things which fasten his Eyes down to the Earth and hinder looking up whereas they were made to look upwards all one as downwards to see afar off as near at Hand His understanding was given to apprehend things to come and make reflections upon the past to conceive and know things proper for her To seek after and work out our true Happiness not only to mind perishing and trivial Conveniencies to propose and follow after an end which is worthy and not still to be deluded with the vain Fancies and Opinions of the People There is nothing which is seen and commonly practiced among Men but may be made an Argument for God and Religion Himself in the wise ordering of things hath been pleased to Establish it so that Men might have greater Motives and Exhortation to come unto him and be left more inexcusable if they do not As for those of a Generous temper who are acted by a sence of Honour who pretend unto Courage and Greatness of Spirit in their proposed ends they rub through Difficulties and go on still If we examine them in their very nature upon what grounds of Probability they are undertaken Theâ—e are long in expectation they do many things for what is a voice and nothing else or a Rattle which they know not how soon may be taken from them or they from that or those delectable things which expire like Lightning or the dim light of a Candle which gives a faint Refreshment but wearisome which only provides against a continual Darkness of Soul and of all these there must be an absolute Deprivation for evermore There cannot be used too â—lighting Comparisons to manifest how short these things come of the true Happiness of Man which also are of his own Invention and going after But if he would do the same for what God hath set before him in complyance with the Divine Will what others do out of their own use the same Constancy and be contented to live by Faith and Hope as they do by Expectation not sink under a little doubting as they go on notwithstanding their many Disappointments then he may accomplish his whole Warfare on Earth In all the steps of his Christian Course let him be fixed and taken up with that of the Psalmist Wait on the Lord be of Good Courage and he shall strengthen â—bine Heart Wait I say on the Lord Psal 27. 14. There is much need of it in performing those several Acts of Duty in resisting the Allurements of sensual Pleasure and the assaults of Evil To choose Labour and what is irksome to Flesh and Blood To take up the Cross suffering Reproach and Persecution to be subject unto hatred and solitariness To incur the Displeasure and Evil intreaties of Men rather then be carried away by them in Sinful Complyances To constantly speak out the Truth and thereby to draw on Hatred ill-will lessening of Reputation all which might be declined by little Acts of Excuse and Disobedience Which he will not admit of who is fully resolved to please God in all things There are many things at this day which will sufficiently exercise Courage to go through with and overcome When his Good shall be evil spoken of his fixed purposes not to offend shall be called Humour what are the effects of Faith and Love shall be reputed Ignorance To Arm our selves against all hard Speeches Not to be afraid of the Faces and Frowns of Men not to be shaken with the Blast of the terrible Ones to adhere universally unto the Will of God rather then do what others would have and further not to love their Lives unto Death entertaining it in the most terrible and afflicting manner and many other instances might be named whereby Holy Men have and do act Valiantly Not to be frightened but willingly sustain Evil and Hardship To do worthily for God and his Glory against all oppositions of the World and powers of Darkness yea the several Acts of the Christian Life are more properly Courage then is to be found in those generous Actions according to the estimation of the World. A wise Man in what he takes in hand proposes what good will come of it If it seems uncouth and contrary to his nature yet the Prospect of Good shall back him on Now he that doth not think the Recompence of Reward from God is as High Excellent and Worthy to be sought after as a little Honour Wordly Pelf or Rest it is because he doth not understand or not believe it There is no good even here to be had without Trouble or Labour so it is in the things of God. There must be a Striving working out our Salvation giving Diligence which is more unpleasant and aukward to the Flesh than secular designs and enterprises Yet this is not esteemed fortitude amongst Men but on the contrary lessened and despised It is no matter what they think but what God will judge at last their Opinion will do none or a very slight Good but his approbation is Life and Happiness Things shall be at length naked and opened they shall be throughly dissected and laid before the view of all and then they will appear contrary to what they do now The secrets of all Hearts shall be made known then private judgments shall be discovered against what they seem now outwardly to commend The close Acts of the mind shall be brought to light That Hatred and Averseness to God shall be manifested which was the cause of their Contempt Sullen Silence or speaking evil of the things pertaining to him That wilfull and affected Ignorance that partial knowledge of considering one side and obstinacy not to go further that self-Conviction which was stifled shall break forth and then will appear another face of things What shall at last be fully disclosed would somewhat even now if
for it passeth away an such is the event thereof if not rightly managed What an horrible Abuse and Prevarication it is That when they should â—e moâ—e Thankâ—â—l and Obedient to him who placed them in a higher Sâ—ation thence to lift up themselves as to contemn God and Sâ—n against him What is lent for a tryal of Humility and moderate Deportment they presently turn into Pride and insolent Carriage to others The nature of Man is extream prone to Pride and hardly restrained no other way but according to what is written Then he opâ—neth the Ears of Men and sealeth their Instruction That he may with draw Man from his purpose and hide Pride from Man Job 33. 16 17. Let them attend to what may be said of the nature of things and their Establishment of his own â—rame and constitution his own Vileness Weakness and Mortality how he is Dust and Ashes walking up and down like a Shadow a little dependant Being and much more there is to humble and keep him off from this Sin. The prevalency thereof arises from those enlarged Faculties wherewith Man is endued as also that Preparation and Tendency God hath put into him for greater things Now this is turned the wrong way and thence proceeds all the Transgression and Irregularity Those powers of Soul were designed to serve the Lord with all the Heart but turning aside they are taken up with vain things which cannot profit 1 Sam. 12 20 21. If Man were to be once made and so still to abide If there was no further Advancement and Exaltation for him If he were not capable of Increase and to be yet more Excellent What mean those aspirings after it that he is still reachâ—â—â—â— yet higher This being equally in good and bad which also prompts to things lawful and commendable as following ones Humour and vain Applause to keeping of the Commandments all one as breaking them which seems to shew this is not so much the voice of Depraved as Imperfect Nature Even before Sin came into the World these desires were so much was not revealed for wiâ—e Reasons yet our Fore-father was to have been Translated as Enoch if he had pleased God and to have a better Body then formed out of the Earth that to be changed into more Glorious His Soul was to have been more enlarged and converse with higher things then those of this Earth God would have led him up from one Degree to another But the fault was his Impatiency and he would not tarry the Lords leisure He did hearken and yield unto the first proposal and appearance of being greater when himself might have had an assurance of being so if he had been contented to have waited for some time Nothing is more reasonable then for a Creature to expect of his Creator That as he was first pleased to make him low until he should be raised and rendred more Excellent so according to his good Pleasure he would fill the Mouth which he hath made capable and commanded to be opened wide Psal 81. 10. That he would satisfie See and Observe Psal 145 16. 19 the desires he hath put in The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me Psal 138. 8. And we are to wait his good time We see how our Fore-father fell how others at this day Transgress after the same manner so we may look on and be afraid using the utmost caution that we do not follow after them Man would be Happy and Great his own way and that presently God hath ordered another which is to be begun here and fully manifested hereafter The question is whose Will shall take place If Man follows his own he shall find nothing sutable to his Faculties but be carried along with Falshood and Deceit till he falls into Destruction and Misery But in Gods way and according to his appointment there let him stretch out as far as he can and he will meet with things proportionable with Reality and Truth according to his Promise and Covenant of our Sojourning here which ends in the greatest Safety and most compleat Happiness Humble your selves therefore under the Mighty Hand of God that he may Exalt you in due time 1 Pet. 5. 6. Those accomplishments of the inward Man are most worthy to be sought after and highly to be valued for they have real Worth and Excellency they give Peace and Blessed Expectation to the Soul and when the Body goes to the Earth remain together till they are perfected in eternal Happiness Indeed he that is discerning cannot have a thing but he knoweth he hath it and also the worth thereof As he sees others value themselves upon the account of such and such things comparing his with theirs he is subject to do the like Thence cometh spiritual Pride to be the greatest of all Pride as those Graces and Gifts are more excellent then any thing whatsoever But that all Glory may be unto God for stirring up Thankfulness unto him and quelling Self-conceit and also to take somewhat off from the Temptation to Hypocrisie it may be requisite to lay open this Proposition with the Reasons thereof viz. If a Man be Religious he deserves not the least Praise nor Reputation from others for it is matter of Duty as he is a Servant If he is only according to the common Standard of the World that is from a mercenary selfish principle out of respect to the promise of Eternal Life and fear of the threatnings of Eternal Death and that prudential security to saving of the Soul as to the uncertainty thereof Now there is no more Commendation in all this then an Hireling that works for his Pay or anothers doing to prevent an Evil that would beâ—all him or to secure ones self in a matter doubtful But for what is more and comes to the practice of things which are Honest Lovely of good Report Vertue Praise Phil. 4. 8. For the several Acts of Universal Obedience pure Faith and Love Free-will Offerings doing Good working with Grace all this is Answered from Rom. 2. 29. Whose Praise is not of Men but of God. 'T is not Man that doth this but the Grace of God in him Acts 18. 5. by strong impulses or quickenings which he must give way unto or he is uneasy And to keep his own Peace being acted he doth act For who maketh thee to differ from another And what hast thou that thou didst not receive 1 Cor. 4. 7. God makes him both to will and to do of his own good Pleasure he is a meer Creature an Instrument only and also God hath made him thus So he alone is to be glorified in the Gifts he giveth unto Men. They are to stir up and comply therewith for which they receive a Reward Glory to God in the highest and on Earth Peace good Will towards Men Luke 2. 13. Those whom he sends forth should not be disturbed they desire only the common thing of good Will and Kind Reception but no
thanks at all for their Master will sufficiently reward them No Flesh must Glory in his Presence or take the least share of that Honour which is due unto God only And what some of forward but not throughly considering minds Acts 12. 23. may give they are to return immediately into the Exchequer of Praises of the Great King. We have Examples of this in Christ and his Apostles See how he is described Zech. 9. 9. And Psal 111. 3. Isa 42. 21. who are commissioned under him though their * Employment is more worthy then that of Kings and the wisest States-Men yet they are to possess and discharge it with lowliness of mind Let nothing be done out of moroseness or frowardness to derogate from that Civility and Respect due unto Men. Yet in this we do exceed as every thing proves a Temptation by Flattery Job 32. 21. 22. and Pride but also as we are fellow Creatures we do too much Idolize one another in giving that Honour that we cannot give greater of the same sort even to our Lord and Master Submitting your selves one to another in the fear of God Ephes 5. 21. Love as Brethren be pittiful be Courteous 1 Pet. 3. 8. Which may as well be preserved without that strain of Complement or those Expressions which are not proper for such low and â—rail Creatures as we are This may be put off as a needless Scruple and Fear but if it were complyed withal it would bring greater good at the last then all the conveniencies of Dissimulation Flattery or Ignorance amount unto at present Those workings of the Soul which aspire upwards may be turned into good and help to order the Conversation aright towards God and towards Man. As the Lord is greater and above all so let Men shew themselves in Subjection unto him in all things and then they may be as great Spiâ—ited as ever they will Mind not high things Rom. 12. 16. Such that are so only in Opinion but they are low in Reality and Truth for it is all but the highest part of the Dust of the World Prov. 8. 26. The most glittering things here are â—carce discernable if you go up yonder Mountain What are they then to the high and lofty place the In-habitation of Eternity Let us lift up our Heart with our Hands to God in the Heavens Lam. 3. 41. Set your Affections on things above Col. 3. 2. There exceed if you can That Christ may dwell in your Hearts by Faith that ye being rooted and grounded in Love. May be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the Breadth and Length and Depth and Height and to know the Love of Christ which passeth Knowledge that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God Ephes 3. 17 18 19. Here the Soul may stretch every way till it burst forth into Immensity and Glory CHAP. XVIII OF AFFLICTIONS In General A Digression concerning Words of Sorrow Melancholy Sickness â—ain Poverty and other Adversities HAving in the foregoing Chapters spoken of the Evil and Good which are set before Mankind how the one is to be chosen and â—he other avoided it remains to insist somewhat on those Evils which are not so much in their power absolutely to escape but if any help can be found out either to Comfort under or that even these may turn into Good. It is the manner of Gods wonderful and gracious dealing towards the Children of Men to lead them from Vanity to a Substantial then a glorious Being to bring them from Imperfection to Perfection from Misery â—â—â— making that tend Rom. 8. 28. unto and at last be changed into a greater Happiness This is the favour he hath unto his own People but for those who are Strangers and Unconverted he uses such means to reduce them When the nature of Man is so impatient of Affliction that he is presently for Ease and Deliverance of whom should he seek but of the Lord most Mighty who for oâ—r Sin is justly displeased And what is more Reasonable then to forsake that which is the cause of so much Vexation Read and consider well Deut. 4. 29 30 31. Never any one that turned from every evil way and manifested this to be sincere by Obedience for the future but found good hereby Indeed Punishment doth sometimes begin on hardened impenitent Sinners which will be sollowed with what is worse hereafter but even they had some Chastisements before which were designed for their Amendment and Repentance What befals the Sons of Men is ordered by wise Providence that they may come to Grace here and Glory hereafter Is Prosperity delightful yet reflect throughly it is unsatisfactory and tiresome however we can go on with it But then is it not desirable to continue thus which puts the Man upon labouring for that compleat Happiness against the time he shall be taken from this Is Adversity grievous Compare it to Hell and what is suffered here is little all present Afflictions will have an end and yet they â—it heavy How insupportable then must those be which are Eternal this sufficiently warns to â—lee from the Wrath to come Consider Men in their different Ranks and Circumstances in the World It is ordered by God that his Promises and Threatnings should have effect upon them If they Obey and Serve him they shall spend their days in Prosperity and their years in Pleasure Job 36. 11. He generally gives that first the flourishing and light someness of Youth when they are capable of knowing him So when they grow up further if they continue in his Obedience he turns the Mirth of that into a more solid Joy and Peace He manifests his goodness because he makes this the first Experiment and doth not Afflict willingly unless Mercy and Justice do require it But he giveth more Grace wherefore he saith God resisteth the Proud but giveth Grace to the Humble James 4. 6. If they are Humble still he will yet increase that for he would give exceeding gifts unto Men if they would not be lifted up but when they are he hinders or takes a way the qualifications wherein they boast or some way defeats them So here as long as their Heart is right and stedfast in his Covenant he continues their Tranquillity but if they turn aside some Adversity is laid on them These two are the same unto the Body and Estate as Love and Fear to the Soul and inward Man the first is more Generous and Noble the other proves commonly more attractive Fear is the beginning of Wisdom but Love is the Accomplishment and Excellency thereof So it may be applyed to Adversity and Prosperity He is not a right Christian who doth every thing out of fear nor yet to whom Affliction is the principal Impulsive for there are in both an unwillingness and no full sincere Intention to please God. And what seems strange Those who are all for their own Safety and Deliverance having that alone in their
Eye yet do not sufficient to obtain it for the Promises and Comfort of God are to those who love him as these do not through Ignorance of his ways They stand at the door of his Sanctuary but do not come in They are arrived at the entrance of Religion but stop there when they should come into the inner Courts of the Lords House from Deut. 4. 29 30 31. It appears that God accepts of such a beginning if it goes on and hath its perfect work as there described but this sort is commonly feigned according to what is written Psal 78. 34 35 36 37. They run unto God as to a Shelter in a Storm from which they go again when that is over He knows the very secrets of the Heart and will not be imposed upon by Hypocrisie and Baseness But they should have considered that as he is then even in their opinion to be sought unto for Stay and Relief so he is worthy to be trusted unto at all times and then fully resolved to have taken him for the God of their Help from that day for evermore this had been well pleasing in his sight Lord What Aversness is in our Nature to come unto thee And yet whither should we go but unto thee We are not sufficient of our selves thou art the Author of all Good and a sure Refuge against Evil Yet we are at a stand and unwilling to come when thou callest Thou hast made us weak and frail that we should seek Help of one that is Mighty and trust in thee Thou sendest the Stormy Wind and Tempest which do near beat us down that we may know The Eternal God is our Refuge and underneath are the Everlasting Arms Deut. 33. 27. Thou hast put a vanity and insufficiency into things that all which is to be had in this World cannot establish a sure Trust whereon Man may certainly depend Our fellow Creatures will not but in the greatest exigencies they cannot help The best things here are unable others are deceitful all of them put together cannot give Aid they may stupifie for a little time but cannot preserve the Breath from going forth What must we lie and sink under these Evils surely we have been told and him we should think of first There is one above who both will and also can deliver to the utmost all that come and seek after him I will lift up mine Eyes to the Hills from whence cometh my Help My Help cometh from the Lord which made Heaven and Earth Psal 121. 1 2. And therefore can dispose every least thing to our Advantage or take away the Evil that oppresseth us and rescue from the Jaws of the Grave and at last in him though we die we shall live again In what a wretched condition is that Man in the day of Distress and Death who hath held fast to the World till it can give no longer Relief when the Arm of Flesh is withered and its poor helps fail They have turned their Back unto me and not their Face but in the time of their Trouble they will say Arise and save us But where are thy Gods that thou hast made thee let them arise if they can save thee in the time of thy Trouble Jer 2. 27 28. Where are thy Riches Pleasure and Company that thou hast relied on let them preserve thee Consider this ye that forget God in your Health and Prosperity He hates your putting away the thoughts of him at that time when you stand off it is then he spoils your Mirth 'T is nothing but your own Sins and Transgressions which occasion that Enmity and slavish Fear of him which would also cease when the cause is taken away In the evil day you might be safe under his Feathers In the time of Wealth there is nothing affrightful or disagreeable to those who would live in Sence of and thankfulness under him for this would make Enjoyments yet more excellent O how great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for them that fear thâ—e which thou hast wrought for them that Trust in thee before the Sons of Men Psal 31. 19. How many ways hath ouâ— Gracious God found out when all we like loâ—t Sheep have gone astray to bring us back agaâ—n Even those which seem â—o the carnal and inconsiderate more harsh and severe Dispensations of Providence are to this blessed end In Mercy thou dost Afflict them out of pure Love and Compassion to their Souls It is a sad Prospect to see the Tents of Cushan in Affliction Hab. 3. 7. to behold the Dwellings of the Sons of Men in so much Sorrow Grief Pain and Sickness as if the Curse of Joâ—b was entailed on all Families throughout the whole Earth And there is not an House but there is one that hath an â—ssue or that is a Leapeâ— or that leaneth upon a Stâ—ff or that falleth on a Sword or that lacketh Bread 2 Sam. 3. 29. or hath some other â—vil of equal kind Surely there is a good God above all his Creatures and how then can these things be If at any time hard thoughts do arise it is our Ignorance and want of a through Consideration out of his Word Besides what is afore mentioned We do not lay to Heart our own Provocation that Deluge of Sin and Ungodliness which hath covered the face of all Nations but his Grace and Revelation would put a stop unto it if effectually used and put forth Some Evils are sent for Punishment to frighten and disswade people from the like things Then the spot and â—allings of his own People are to be chastened here and their Graces exercised see Deut. 8. 15 16. Zâ—ch 13. 9. And further Satan is suffered some Reasons whereof we know others are secret but we judge of the equity of them by what are manifested to walk up and down in an invisible manner being permitted to Afflict the Body and Estate all one as to tempt the Soul. And then from John 9. 3. 1. Sam. 2. 6 7. it may be gathered that God to shew his Glory Power and Sovereignty maâ— do what he will with his own As Lord of Life he taketh away one and leaveth another in his own order but not to us discernable because no respect is had to Age the good or ill of the person that one lives longer then another He sends Sickness to this Man when another is well to some it proves Mortal and not to others Some have more and others less of the Distribution of the good things of the Earth without the better or worse deserving of the Parties Things now seem uneven but in the Sanctuary and out of the Lords Book all may be understood He is Good and Merciful still He is our Maker and our Father from whence we are to be considered as Creatures and then in a nearer Relation of Sons and Daughters 2 Cor. 6. 18. 2 Cor. 7. 1. to which last the great future Promises do relate Righteous art
thou O Lord when I plead with thee Jer. 12. 1. Clouds and Darkness are round about him Righteousness and Judgment are the Habitation of his Throne Psal 97. 2. Though we cannot see through all yet we have sufficient revealed to be most fully assured that he is just and equal Here in the place of Faith and Tryal many things come to pass of which though we may in general be satisfied of the Goodness and Justice of God in ordering and suffering them so to be yet we cannot give so particular account how it is so in a strict sence and superlative degree as most certainly it is This is to be imputed to our blindness and want of understanding which shall be done away when he comes to judge the Earth Judgment will I lay to the Line and Righteousness to the Plummet Isa 28. 7. All things shall be exactly stated at last He is even now Righteous in all his ways and will give a clear account how he is so The things of this World are now loved and feared but then it will appear that there is so little in them that they are not worthy to be spoken of or had in Remembrance However God will not forget any Labour or Pain his Servants endured for him They shall be as a Dream when one awaketh and who is much concerned for the Pleasantness or Dreadfulness thereof after it is over Call to mind the days that are past recollect both the Good and Evil of them or what was done at such a place when you are removed from thence much more will it be so when you are translated from Time to Eternity from Earth to Heaven It is so meer a nothing that if the Creature might be bold to speak with his Maker it will not be insisted on or required from Gods Hands but what he will be pleased to do of his own Promise and Bounty for one would think Justice it self is not obliged to make amends for small Matters when the harm is over and the very same as if it had never been at all This single Consideration if throughly weighed would ease our mind in all Afflictions The Transitoriness of them as also they are vain and little for however we Groan and Murmur yet they are such as can be endured They are not so great as we weak and frail by Nature We further bring a delicacy and tenderness on our selves which makes us yet more unable to bear them Whereas if we would comply universally with his design God would ordain Strength out of our Weakness He would give us that Grace and Knowledge if we were meet to be partakers thereof and make use of them that would carry us through all trouble whatsoever for he suffers none to fall on us but what is common to Men. And how know we but he to manifest his own Glory doth lay the more heavy things on him that so weak a thing may endure them and intend its greater Happiness by a proportionable Reward For I reckon that the Sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the Glory which shall be revealed in us Rom. 8. 18. If we did understand and consider of all things instead of being cast down and disquieted we might Rejoyce in Tribulation We make such a stir about Trouble but there is not so much in it We may rest with the most full assurance that God is good and for all those Adversities he sends on us he is all along accomplishing the Happiness of his Creatures which should stir up and continue our Love and Obedience unto him He would have that foretold which he will certainly do that Isa 42. 9. Luke 2. 25. they should be comforted in the mean time who shall be delivered that they should be joyful with Hope and Expectation where with they shall be Happy at last This hath been the Method of Gods working of old we have heard it with our Ears and it is very acceptable unto us How beautiful upon the Mountains are the Feet of him that bringeth good Tidings that publisheâ—h Peace that bringeth good-Tidings of Good that saith unto Sion Thy God Reigneth Isa 52. 7. How welcome is every one that hath good news of prosperous Accidents and worldly Conveniencies How many Messages of this nature have been delivered from time to time to private Persons and Nations which were thankfully and kindly received What are they all come unto now their Memorial is perished with them They were shadows only of Good which just passed by and are gone this is the utmost of all Temporal Happiness and of this World. But what comes from our God is Great and Enduring which lately was beginning now carrying on till it be consummated to Eternal Ages Great is our Lord and highly to be praised for the least manifestation he ever made thereof and so is by his chosen People Vnto you therefore which belâ—eve he is precious 1 Pet. 2. Psal 89. 15. 7. You both understand and have assured Hope to be Partakers These prize it more then others do great Reversions and Expectancies they so much talk of and please themselves with Who is among you that seareth the Lord that obeycth the Voice of his Servant that walketh in Darkness and hath no Light Let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay upon his God Isa 50. 10. Who gives a glimmering and sendeth Light into the Soul a comfortable Thought or sends him who can speak a Word in Season Comfort ye Comfort ye my People saith your God Isa 40. 1. They are to Preach the Gospel Heal the Sick administer Help and Remedy against all the Maladies of Mankind An hard Task and not to be performed who considers not from whom he cometh and whose means he makes use of Even God and his Word which are sufficient for all this and if they have not the due power and effect it is not from the weakness of them for that is stronger then Men and he that breaks can bind up but from the incapacity of the Subject Who are not turned to the Lord with their whole Heart they have no right to the Promises and therefore receive no true Comfort but where a People formerly Disobedient are turned unto the Wisdom of the Just and made ready for the Lord His Word doth good upon them who walk Vprightly Blessed be God there is Experience of this though not so much as were to be desired for it is but a little Flock and small Remnâ—nt of true Israelites Compared with the whole of Mankind Those who have the form of Godliness will cry out with the wicked World upon Fancy and Imagination but if it is a sensible Comfort against inward Evil then the effect is had and should not be slighted for it is such as the Trouble was and doth it away The matter is easily conceivable unless they absolutely disbelieve or cannot understand for if an Heir of a good Estate can contentedly rub
Stubboinness Had you not a good mind towards God when your Desires were Pure and Sincere After whom were they most sutably inclined To him above and nothing here Then you were whispered by Satan or told by his Instruments to go that way was to be Melancholy and to avoid that you did follow Sin and Vanity Is not this really Sorrow But it may be through the Deceitfulness of Sin thou canst not tell how to get out but thou must Be advised first to forbear the outward Acts VVash and make Clean put away your former Evil Doings the Clouds will go off and the Sun may again appear in its full Might Then resume thy former Thoughts and do accordingly This kind of Melancholy leads up to the Most High from whom cometh every Good thing Observe all the Commandments but there is no need of laying any greater Burden on thy self by performances which are not required The Service God hath instituted is reasonable which may be done with a ready and willing mind Be diligent in thy Calling for this is the Will of God and agreeable to Peace as an Employment of those powers of Body and Mind Keep good Company for there is a strong inclination in our Nature toward this And though now we are often separated from one another by our several Business and Action yet these shall cease when the times of refreshing shall come when there shall be no need of Action because the end is obtained We are not now to be always in Company for we have something else to do and also they do not continually divert through the remainders of Sin and Ignorance though so much the more according as we are purged from these and have less Avocation All Melancholy and Disquiet which is the same thing doth arise from not answering the natural ends and therefore the way to avoid it is to know our own Frame and to carefully comply with the just tendencies thereof All irregularity and disorder in the Flesh is Sickness or Pain Of ness Sick. And the Lord God formed Man out of the Dust of the Ground Gen. 2. 7. Then the Ground was not Accursed nor the Creature brought into the bondage of Corruption so it is conceived he was made Immortal but after his Transgression Thorns and Thistles sprang up the Seed of Diseases and Mortality was received in with the Juice of the forbidden Fruit. Sickness came Gen. 2. 19. into the World upon Man and upon Beast and every living Creature for they were formed out of the Ground before the Fall. They partake of the Punishment of Original Sin but not so Jer. 12. 4. much of Actual and Intermedial Sins for it may be observed that they do not languish under pain or Ilness from within unless by Mans Tampering and Cruelty until what brings on their Death Whence we learn that to avoid Sickness or Pain To Hereditary Guilt let us add as little more as we can Let us comply with Gods Law which he hath revealed for the Benefit of miserable and falen Man. Be Temperate in all things use Labour and Exercise according to the measure God hath ordained it is no unbecoming thing to go to the Herd and consider their ways for Health is a present and sensible good We are alike according to the Body with them The different shape doth not alter much as appears by their several Kinds How is their well Being and sound Constitution preserved Nature goes on with them according to its Course They eat what is wholesome and sutable without superadded Sauces and Mixture Think upon their Rest and Sleep which they leave off before the rising of the Sun. See them in their goings forth and comings in what degrees of Motion they use and they are better for doing so much as designed unto The Horse and Ox performing due Service do better run out their appointed time nor perish sooner unless over wrought by Tyranny or Covetousness A good Man is Merciful unto his Beast Much more should those that are Rich have the like in consideration for Servants and the Poorer part of Mankind Not suffering them to Labour beyond their Strength for that exhausts and consumes the vital Spirits as again others do Destroy themselves before their time by Sloth and Idleness Moderation is excellent and carries through all things of the World. When the Faculties of mind are pure and free in a sound Body they can better exert themselves It is a great Blessing srom God so it is to be sought for and preserved by his established means What Man is he that desireth Life and loveth many days that he may see Good keep thy Tongue from Evil and thy Lips from speaking Guile Depart from Evil and do Good seek Peace and pursue it The Eyes of the Lord are upon the Righteous and his Ears are open unto their Cry Psal 34. 12 13 14 15. This is the way to prevent loss of Liberty or Life from the offended Magistrate Violence and Mischief from a Quarrelling Neighbour so he is safe as to Man And then from within himself Nothing is so good a remedy to keep the Body in its due Temperament as avoiding Sin and doing commanded Duty Gods Providence here stands engaged for outward Accidents and Casualties Sickness or Pain doth happen one of these three ways and so we are taught as to each of them Ye shall serve the Lord your God and he shall Bless thy Bread and thy Water And I will take away Sickness from the midst of thee Exod. 23. 25. He hath put a standing Wholesomeness and Nourishment in those Creatures appointed for our Food and if any Poyson or Hurt should be in them as that is seldom in common things but rather in new Inventions of Luxury he can by a Thought or some other manner divert from receiving thereof or afterwards cause that it shall not hurt them Nature which is made the great Temptation to Unbelief doth plainly manifest his Eternal Power and Godhead for he first erected such a standing Course of things and even now Governs it He over-rules the whole and disposes each part thereof So he is not to be thrust out but should be sought unto as well as the Physitians and outward Help He in the first place 2 Chron. 16. 11 12. and they in Subordination unto him The dull and unthankful World will cry out upon such a Prescription or Plaister and therefore he shall have the thanks who was the Instrument of bringing it unto them Whereas they might remember who made the Body Who was it that gave Skill and Understanding to the Physitian He can also turn his Counsel into Foolishness It was God who first made and gave that Vertue in Physick and Salve to Heal for otherwise a piece of Wood might do the same He hath endued things with their several Efficacies and Uses I taught Ephraim also to go taking them by their Arms But they knew not that I Healed them Hos
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
more strictly enjoyned nor greater Duty laid on the Priest then the People saving what relates to the distinguishing Office and Alms giving is not particularly mentioned under that All are the Creatures and Servants of the same God and ow the like Subjection unto him What if it should be said You likewise live by Religion for He unto whom it all relates holds your Souls in Life he placed you under such Parents from whom your Inheritance descended or gave you power to get Wealth but besides you ow your keeping of abundance to this only for here is founded Meum and Tuum the distinction of Right and Wrong Take away the sence of this all Confusion would come in Those in Distress and deep Poverty might use Rapine and Fraud and they could be no losers if the utmost was to be sent out of this Troublesome and Miserable World But the Wrath of God which is revealed here against all Vngodliness and Vnrighteousness of Men which is to be Executed in another place keeps things in order It is your Interest to be Religious towards God as well as Loyal to the King for he establisheth Kingdoms and property He made Man upright and when those Principles of evil came in afterwards did send forth his Mercy and Truth without which our Souls would be among Lyons The Proud and Scornful Men should have a care how they speak Contemptibly of his Institution What the Apostle saith 1 Cor. 9. 13 14. may silence them and the same God hath ordained that who maintains all the Order and Diversity which is in the World. Whatsoever is more then the Necessity and Conveniencies of each Family belongeth to the Poor and is their due It appears from Eph. 4. 28. that those in ordinary Employments are to dispose of what is more then satisfieth themselves so there is the same reason that those higher should likewise proportionably just keep up the distinction but otherwise come as near equality as may be for those under us would willingly have some Comforts of Life as our selves They are likewise Brethren of the same common stock the very sâ—me in Boâ—y and Soul partakers of the same Grace and Heirs of the same Hope Neither is there so great stress to be laid on this Duty for it is justice and not Merit called Righteousness Psal 37. 25. Psal 112. 9. Dan. 4. 27. a giving that which is due and equal Nor should they be Proud that do something towards it but thank God who enabled them for it is Duty Themselves should acknowledge Gods goodness that they are in such a Condition as to give Alms and not receive them Those rather are to be commended if any praise is due for what is Chedience who are partakers in cheerfully bearing their Condition Indeed unless the Scripture did speak expresly of a future Reward as it doth to this more particularly then any other Duty whether fore-seeing Mens backwardness and to give greater encouragement or to satisfie this doubt One that did examine the reason of things would scarce think thereof because they have the more already in hand to do it and a Steward that hath Money given him to lay out so much for his Masters use the rest for his own expects no more But God to shew his extraordinary Goodness and to make us more ready to supply the want of his poor Creatures hath already committed wherewithal by giving a more plentiful use and also a promise of someth ng more to come Some Primitive Writers have spoken too Hyperbolically concerning Alms Others turn them to merit of forgiveness of Sin. But herein they do exceed for so much is not to be depended thereon Alms do not make Atonement for Sin. Though some may be found who would give as largely as he in Micah for the Sin of his Soul yet it will not do unless it be repented of and forsaken It is not come to that for the Rich to have a Licence to Sin or the Poor to miss of Forgiveness for want of Money Neither is it such an extraordinary good Work above all others for things are to be stated aright It being a Temporal kindness to the worse part for all which they go away and die and it is not much minded so it is not to be compared to the good done to Souls for this ever remains The other is more then what is said To keep Life only to longer Misery for that is a poor Relief The Christian Charity doth or should go further even to have not only bare Necessities but Refreshments of Life also for we could not be so contented and they are likewise desirous of more The great Law Love thy Neighbour as thy self dictates thus much Thus we see how it standeth with our Brethren how God hath provided for them in his Grace and Revelation he doth his part but we do not ours As the Apostle argues Jam. 2. 15 16. It is the same a little higher We pray to God for them that he would Relieve those Afflicted in Mind Body and Estate and perhaps think hardly because they are not when he hath set out the means and left it in our power for if we would do as he hath said and commanded in Scripture all those several Afflictions would be actually Relieved They would be Comforted and supported in the mean time till God gives an happy Issue and Deliverance out of them which he will certainly do if we prepare and become worthy getting the Qualification he there shews This might be known by his Goodness and Truth already let any one fulfil the terms of the Covenant of sincere and universal Conclusion of the Chapter Obedience Turn from every evil way for the want of that is the only hindrance to Loving of God with all the Soul and all the Mind One Sin is the Root that beareth Gall and Wormwood and hinders all these good effects But whoso keeps himself from that let him seek after Knowledge for to that he is Commanded Then come and see how it is Written When the Law of God is in his inward parts when The Kingdom of God both in Word and Power is within him there is a Remedy for all manner of Adversities by comfortable Thoughts to the Soul. What things may be known without there is no need of particular mention in Scripture When that Reason God hath given prompts to outward means this shews the lawfulness of them for Ease and Deliverance may be sought for the Body as Comfort and Freedom to the Soul. And further it is excellently consulted as to the Afflictions of Estate O ye Sons and Daughters of Sorrow be fully assured that God is Good still All the Paths of the Lord are Mercy and Truth unto such as keep his Covenant and Testimonies Psal 25. 10. Think of Almighty God by his Works and his Word and from the good and usefulness of things pertaining to us Let us know our selves remembring we are but Men and imperfect Creatures
Call to mind how Evil came into the World through Sin though it is not taken away yet Help is ordained against it It is Written and found true of the Benefits of the second Adam unto whom all the Scripture hath Relation Surely he hath born our Griefs and carryed our Sorrows Isa 53. 4. It is but reasonable we should have some sence of them also That as he had Compassion on the Afflicted Heb. 2. 10. so we should perceive how great things he endured for us to raise our Love Thankfulness and Obedience unto God through him Take my Brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the Name of the Lord for an Example of suffering Affliction and of Patience Behold we count them Happy which endure Ye have heard of the Patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is very Pitiful and of tender Mercy James 5. 10 11. CHAP. XIX AN EXHORTATION TO OBEDIENCE and FEAR of God The CONCLUSION of the Whole NOw therefore stand still that I may Reason with you before the Lord of all the Righteous Acts of the Lord 1 Sam. 12. 7. It is as certain that God is as any thing is for he made all things Consider how great he must be whose Works are so how Glorious Good and Excellent he is as those Manifestations do set forth And then think further how we the Inhabitants of the Earth who walk up and down as so many Grashoppers should behave our selves towards him If we were not his Offspring and Workmanship we might justly think he would have nothing to do with us but that shews the contrary nay moreover our Rebellion proves the Relation What might be known by Obedience is also shewed by Transgression But how unreasonable doth this last appear for reflect upon God and our selves What are we to despise or be stubborn against him He is great and we little Other things do his Will and why should not we comply therewith Would the vain Swearer walk out and as he beholds the Heaven or Earth he treads which was first Created and now sustained by an Almighty power And is it fit he should be spoken lightly of His Glorious and Fearfuâ— Name be used upon every frivolous and idle account when he hath so expresly Commanded to the contrary So it may be said of every Sin May not the God who formed us preserveth us giving whatever we enjoy give also Laws and Directions to his Creature for him to be governed by To keep the Commandments of the Lord and his Statutes which I Command thee this day for thy Good Deut. 10. 13. Thy Testimonies that thou hast Commanded are Righteous and very Faithful Psal 119. 138. As for God his Way is Perfect the Word of the Lord is tryed Psal 18. 30. Look impartially upon his whole Revelation in Scripture survey every particular Precept and Judge Whether it is not equal Psal 119. 128. for God to enjoyn and for Man to comply therewith As for Worship Praise and Prayer none denies them There is the general Consent that such are to be rendred We are zealous and prone But here Satan the Enemy hath two Wiles the one in some Ungodly people who are frightned with a little Dulness and Iâ—ksomeness at first but even they unless very Ignorant and Stupid cannot satisfie themselves without some Worship That Aukwardness would go off if they would accustom themselves to Duty Another Subtlety The Adversary hath found concerning the manner thereof for the Substance is agreed by the far greater part of Mankind But here they are fierce and hot so angry and displeased at contrary Opinions So stiff for their own an Evidence of what is in our nature to have to do with Religion Here again creeps in another Device of the old Serpent by which he takes advantage for he would confine the whole of Religion to this which is but a part and also raises a Dust about outward Circumstances which are not essential to Worship for seeing that God is to be Worshipped in Spirit and in Truth but hath prescribed no exact Pattern thereof in Scripture away might be found out for Union Love and Peace Neither in the mean while should we be angry with our Brother that doth not go according to the same precise manner for as the Apostle saith 1. Cor. 12. 4 5 6. Why may it not be likewise supposed If there be now some Diversity of Worship yet as long as it is the same God to whom it all relates if each way is Spiritual and True free from Idolatry Jewish and Heathen Superstition God is Glorified every way for all fall down and Worship him and God is in them of a Truth He doth actually manifest his Favour Grace and Acceptation to those of the several Perswasions among us Yea all the Idolatries in the World do some what discover that natural Inclination in Man to Worship God for all Falshood and Fiction doth suppose somewhat true and real But it hath been the Stratagem of the Devil who is permitted to resist either to take away or where he cannot do that to corrupt To move Men to forget God or deceive them in their Duty towards him As reasonable Creatures They can thus conceive That if they should lose the sence of him or harden themselves against his Fear yet still be remaineth The Lord sitteth King for ever Psal 29. 10. He is always above Thou compassest my Path and my lying down and art aquainted with all my ways Psal 139. 3. Though we do not think of him The Scripture in sundry places threatens severely against forgetfulness of him for it casts off his Kingdom which is over the Hearts of Men. Besides it is unnatural to forget God that formed us Every thing we see are his Works which do remind His Word His Servants Every Affliction or Evil and a Thousand things do stir up our Remembrance of him which before was stifled with other things The sence of him is paturally imprinted in our minds and appears forth when Stupefactions and Hindrances are taken away Corrupt Man is willing to lose it for it Occasions aw and dread which he doth not like But God would have it retained and therefore forbids Excess Sensuality and all things which clog and suppress it He doth requires us to walk Humbly with our God Mic. 6. 8. He hath established Love to be mixed with Fear both make up Reverence and Good will So we may be in the Fear of God all the day long without Torment yea with Satisfaction and Complacency Another Reason of our willingness to forget is because a continual Remembrance implies Subjection and we are inclinable to that which was our Fore-fathers Fall. But why should we not think our selves as we are indeed Creatures We are only in subjection to the Most High We are not put under Principalities and Powers The more excellent created Beings do not exercise Dominion over us We are subject to none but God
holy and the Commandment boly just and good and they consent unto the Law that is is good Rom. 7. 12 16. By that let them likewise examine what is here said to be interred from it Luke 2. 35. Mark 4. 22. 2 Cor. 4. 2. God knows I have not intended to upâ—raid or accuse Mankind but was obliged to manifest the Truth Impartially and Universally as every one may judge in his own Conscience There hath been nothing said but what is practicable My self also am a Man compassed about with the same Sins and Infirmities and do readily subicribe to what is written In many things we offend all Jam. 3. 2. Neither have I spared mine own Sin but in several places stand Convicted and Condemned out of the words I have set down hoping to recover by Gods Mercy and my own Repentance But what I desire for my self so for others to have the less Sin for thereby is more Peace and Comfort according to the measure of Innocency and doing good there is a greater Reward What real good doth come of any Disobedience surely none God is Dishonoured and Man is not Benefited it serves the design of an invisible Malicious Enemy and therefore we should all abstain srom Evil as much as we can It is the open Accusation or secret Thought of the World to affix severally on them who come on this Message This Man seeketh not the welfare of this People but the hurt Jer. 38. 4. If one had devised new Pleasure sor the sensual minded or had abundance to bestow Largesses on poor people or gives them Entertainment for a few days with Mirth and Pastime He that conquers Kingdoms and enlarges Territories such are reputed great Instruments of Mens Happiness though the utmost hereof is but as the hasty Fruit before the Summer which when he that looketh upon it seeth it while it is yet in his band he eateth it up Isa 28. 4. which signifies nothing after it is had and is but a faint â—ore-runner of the true Happiness But they are only the unacceptable persons to the World who speak of this which shall just begin here on Earth but never end and be consummated in Heaven There cannot be too much Good-will returned to them who save from every least Injury from Fire Enemies Sickness Poverty all whiâ—h tend only to Temporal Death but they are hated who would keep off from Eternal Death from the Devil and his Legions who would dâ—sswade from vain things that cannot profit and are the Baits he makes use of to beguil Souls unto himself Even here beloved â—â—st and Interest have been touched upon and shewed that they cannot make a Man Happy so that if the Temptation may not be taken away yet is less tempting Why abundance have done thus much already so many Books and Sermons â—o this purpose what need of moreâ— But there should be yet further Admonition for people are not as yet come over unto God. Whilst others have hovered up and down in generals I have ventured by Gods help to pitch When others again have spent many words in Instruction of what was known before or notional unnecessary things here hath attendance been principally given to the word of Exhortation When some have used Moral Perswasions or the less Cogent Arguments here have been brought forth those pressed with the full force and power that I knâ—w of for cursed is that Deceiver who knoweth them and doth not use them And further several things have been spoken out which were concealed from the people If I had came with mine own Inventions and Fancies or the power of Mans Wisdom and Eloquence there would be less ground of Hope but the Truths have been pressed in the Name of God from his Revelation I thought my self accountable for that measure of Grace he hath been pleased to send through me And therefore let it be considered that it is nothing to me let all Men do what they will they have still their Liberty of Action but they are to answer before God how they will shew themselves towards his Word and Truth If that is not found sufficient to reclaim Sinners Isa 55. 10 11. John 12. 48. and Transgressors it is because they will not believe nor consider thereof however it will arise and Condemn them What is here Published will have its due effect on all that are Stubborn or Despisers Let not any one think this new found out for it is the old Scripture-Way illustrating that more particularly what is affirmed in divers places That I may see the good of thy Chosen that I may Rejoyce in the gladness of thy Nation Psal 106. 5. Happy art thou O Israel Deut. 33. 29. Happy is that people whose God is the Lord Psal 144. 15. He thaâ— keepeth the Law Happy is he Prov. 29. 18. The end of all Preaching is to prove and shew that more perfectly what is contained therein and so to manage it according to the design of the whole that all the World may Oâ—ey God and be wise unto Salvation His Word doth not stand in need of Apology but the Abuse and Corruption in handling thereof hath bâ—â—â— so universal that he who would keep free from it is necessitated to Justifie himself least he be thought a setter forth of strange Doctrines To bring all towards Conclusion Man would be Happy even whilst he Lives and doth so that fâ—om the Decree of God and the nature of the thing it is impossible he should be Happy And again he declines those things which are absolutely necessâ—ry to be so All his Actions turn upon this Point If he would rectifie the mistake and suffer himself to be rightly informed herein he can never miss of what all desire the only end the true Happiness If he is put in mind of any thing which may assist or direct him Not unto us O Lord not unto us but unto thy Name give Glory for thy Mercy and for thy Truths sake Psal 115. 1. FINIS ERRATA PAge 4 line 2 for varietation r variation l 40 r Mark 14. p 26 17 r not we our selves P 37 l 35 r to recommend P 47 l 34 f forwardness r frowardness P50 l 19 〈◊〉 speaking r snâ—aking P 70 l 37 f fear r bear P 71 l 21 r equal worth P 75 l20 r John 16. 13. P 79 l 1 omit the word first p 86 l 5 r their own pâ—ril P 180 l 13 r doth not P. 190 l 16 r adapting p 229 l 9. r trust God. p 261 l 6 r lively â—nd P 309 l 8 r enjoyment P 358 l 22 f employments r enjoyments P 417 l 16 r â—rocuring p 467 l 29 r to have been Penned p 152 l 27 r before Men can
Reason may wander in fruitless Speculation and insignificant Thoughts but this Ministers only profitable things its Office is described Rom. 2. 15. Their Conscience also bearing Witness and their Thoughts in the mean while accusing or else excusing one another which is a certain demonstration that Man is in subjection under a Law. He is not troubled for fear of Humane Power or Punishment but for those things only in his own heart whereof that hath no knowledge it hath respect unto the Invisible God over us who hath given a Law to all the World both Jews and Gentiles the first had it Written in Tables of Stone and to the other it was Ingraven in their own Hearts Now something sits as Judge within the Man examining all that is done by him it will not condemn the Innocent See Exod. 23. 20 21 22. nor let the Guilty go free It is Gods Vicegerent and therefore a contempt to one is against the other also making known his Will and Pleasure pressing it to be observed It is an emblem and forerunner of his future judgment for it is neither to be bribed nor deceived but determineth impartially and knoweth all things rendring unto every one according to his deservings If well then is comfort and joyful expectation If ill Sin lieth at the Door there is regret and fear Mention is frequently made hereof in the Writings of the Heathens but we do not find they used so many Tricks and Artifices to stifle it as is the practise at this day Who think themselves wise and happy if they can do thus much and they may but there is great danger herein for if they should suppress Conscience in this life and come to that place where it will be revived again where the Worm shall never die that little time of ease and quiet here would signifie no more then if one in a light sickness should fall a sleep for a Minute only and thence awake in a continual burning Feaver To commit more sin and to hope thereby to be relieved is as foolish as to quench the Fire to cast more fuel on Indeed at first this doth somewhat stop the Flame but after it will blaze more violently So remorse may be a little hindred for the present but returns worse by reason of the fresh guilt that hath been added increasing and driving nearer unto but not removing the future punishment It is now so grievous that some care must be sought out one way or another When by reason of iniquity the whole head is sick and the whole heart is faint there are two kinds of remedy the one is of the Physitians of Souls the Exhortation of turning unto the Lord with Weeping Fasting and Mourning the diet Drink of Penitential Tears the exercise of Repentance these seem severe and harsh but yet Who doth not submit to as much for Bodily Health and Recovery And is not Eternal Life as much as these The Patient doth not like these wholesome Medicines Is there none who can do the business sooner and more easily When old Satan perceives any troubled in mind for their sins he knows the consequent if he doth not administer present comfort they will be renounced which are the cause of so much Disquiet and Vexation And then Gods design that this sorrow should work repentance will take effect this the other fears and therefore will endeavour to hinder He whispers that their present sadness is not occasioned by serving of divers Lusts and Pleasures for they were found sweet in the enjoyment but it is their Natural Constitution against which they must strive Eat Drink and be Merry Do not give way to Heaviness The poor Man thinks this admirable Advice much better then the other sour prescriptions and doth fancy his inward Diseases will be healed more pleasantly and safely but mark the end He knows the vertue of strong Drink for when reason is destroyed there are no reflex thoughts of upbraiding Guilt and approaching Misery all is in a peacable condition This doth not last always the sober intervals return and with them worse heaviness for last nights folly He finds that did not perfectly cure him but then resorts again unto the same esteemed remedy by repeated acts he gets an habit of Sottishness so by little and little he doth still the unpleasing because true suggestions of Conscience continual â—â—pping makes way for the Spirit of slumber and drowsiness a custom of sinning will at length take away all sence of it Habit and Use will make Drunkenness and other Sins become as Natural Actions that they shall be committed without concern or regret afterwards for that doth vanish by small degrees till it is none at all â—o Adultery and Fornication may seem all one as Eating Drinking and Sleeping The qualms following Injustice Theft and Deceit go off and come to be as easily practiâ—ed as the honest works of the calling sin is of an hardening deceitful Nature and those who suffer it to reign for some time in them at last lose the sence of Good and Evil. A thick and insensate skin is drawn over their hearts which is the reason so few though many live wickedly are troubled with terrors of Conscience Harden not your hearts that is their own act but exhort one another while it is called to day least any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin Heb. 3. 18 19. which plainly imports that it may be done All that live in wrong or iniquity either have hardness of heart or inconsideration which is the leading step thereto or their Consciences are accused of sin The first is a sad Symtom of Eternal Death when in Scripture Phrase their Consciences are seared with a hot Iron being past feeling Eph. 4. 9. a reprobate mind Rom. 1. 28. The second is folly and danger the last is irksome and unpleasant which would cease if the cause were taken away He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but who so confesseth and for saketh them shall have mercy Prov. 28. 13. But as long as this admonisheth and stirs within there is life and they are not dead in trespasses or sins If men would not be impatient and grieve at its reproof it would do them no harm only perswades to return and come into the way of Salvation then it will be quiet and satisfied Wretched is that Person who doth slight and refuse its motions who grieves the Holy Spirit God hath put in to reclaim from the evil of our ways and to bring back unto his Commandments by this may be seen how desirous he is of the happiness of his Creatures if they do any thing contrary they are judged of themselves they are condemned of themselves That self Indignation secret Whispers Twitches Desires Intreaties Solicitation watching of Opportunity Importunity Laâ—hes Threatnings both fair and severe means they are all to make them follow the thing that good is and to affrighten them from evil The Spirit of Man is the
Candle of the Lord searching all the inward parts of the Belly Prov. 20. 27. If it find any thing amiss it will not let him rest till it be amended This doth not torment Men but only moves to take away that which is the cause of all Sorrow and Misery This is repeated again because it may be throughly attended unto Satan labours mightily that it may not be so thought for if it should his principal design of deceiving Mankind would be spoiled for though by yielding to his Temptations they become Miserable yet still he is not wanting to intimate how that is not the cause but some other accident As he is full of all Subtilty so Men are exceeding ingenuous to deceive themselves and so their own wit conspiring with his they easily believe what he would have them And though none could ever find it at long running yet still they think the way of Wickedness a way of Pleasantness and it is good to walk therein But let such foolish reasoners consider this one thing at present for more hath been and is further to be offered to this point Whoever lives sinfully either his Conscience is seared or not If it be then he is become stupid dull and heavy so whatever he takes cannot long and thoroughly enliven him and he is no more happy then a Stock or Stone Nay worse for he feels and cannot be rid of the manifold Misery and Afflictions of Life for which he dares not call up reason for comfort because it will Subminister further thoughts and plague him yet more He doth not at any time enjoy true and real peace the utmost is stupidity If he is not yet arrived to this wretched condition but hath some feeling within then that bitter regret behind and horrible dread of Eternal Vengeance further on are more troublesome then the empty pleasure of a darling Sin or Momentary ease of gratifying a lust When he considers he finds more Anguish and Vexation of Mind in one hour then the Joviality of many days amount unto and therefore he must be inconsiderate or he can take no comfort in his life so the utmost of a wicked Mans happiness is studied Acts of Inadvertency Let him move where he will a Companion goes along with him and when he is free from Company or Business and even amidst them drops in a silent thought which vexes him that will not comply therewith There are who laugh at this word Conscience turning it into sport and ridicule but who seem to scoff at it in others perhaps at the very time find its turbulent motions in themselves and if with scrued countenances they make a shew of much Mirth yet the contrary is within and whilst they wittily deride the Rod themselves are smarting under it If their senses are then in a fermentation through Wine so they feel it not nevertheless when that is over and they remember what is past they are conconvinced from within how they inveighed against those things as idle Fancies the reality whereof they must acknowledge in themselves There is no Man â—â—ving who hath understanding but that doth recoyl upon him condemning for what he hath done and also alarm with fear of more then temporal inconveniencies something he sees not and beyond this life Some would impute it to custom for in matters indifferent there is an aukwardness and regret to leave of things which one hath been used unto but herein is to be observed a great diversity for there is a slight vexation in the imagination only but when Conscience accuses there is indignation and anguish in the very Soul which doth as much exceed the other as the piercings of a Sword doth the scratch of a Pin. The first goes off and is remembred no more but this rises up in Sickness or Affliction None is much displeased with himself for not doing of things which he never did before especially if they have a shew of inconvenience but Conscience prompts to the first act of duty though never done heretofore and exposes to hardship and danger It pricks on our Sluggish Nature to do such things God requires in his Word by sincere Application thereof to our selves though we would be glad of an excuse not to do the same Another particular is to be observed which doth evidence the real distinction between Good and Evil as declared in Scripture for when the mind is in suspence and even between them both as with young Persons if they do that which is good they have no Condemnation for the same but only when they leave it so in Evil there is present regret which continues till forsaken and how long soever one hath been accustomed to this there may be a little wishing to the contrary at first but joy and gladness spring up when one hath perfectly recovered from it There is no such care used to choak the sence of common Affliction or that small displacency for Omission of â—usâ—omary things as those accusings and suggestions of mind these are endeavou 〈…〉 ed to be suppressed all the life long but in time of dangerous Sickness or Death-bed they will appear again Conscience would do the very same in the midst of Health and Life as then but stupeâ—actions and hindrances are sought for which fail at this last time and also they approach nearer to God so they dare not quench his Spirit as heretofore They know not but Death may be at hand to arrest and bring them before his Judgment Seat. When Company Business Pleasure cannot be had but they must think whether they will or not then is unexpressible torturâ— of mind and sad fear such is the condition of the Wicked on a Death-bed unless hardened or like dumb Beasts become inconsiderate Most are ashamed and therefore conceal their condition as much as they can but there are some few such Monsters of Iniquity who were Malicious Transgressors in their life time and will be sullen now If these are never so troubled in mind these will not confess nor give Glory unto God nor would have By-standers converted and Edified but will to the last make a shew they are no otherwise dejected then for Pains and Diseases they suffer in the Body And thus some being hardened some ashamed other spiteful let none wonder that those horrors of Conscience which are real yet are not so often visible in wicked profane persons even in their last Visitation Conscience being the Minister of God to bring Mankind to his Obedience will make use of the Authority given being a terrour to the Rebellious a praise and encouragement to them that do Well The first are not given over When they are in great Adversity or Trouble this will try what can be done then for now People must consider especially what hath brought this evil upon them The good Spirit is glad to find them in this temper forthwith informs the true reason thereof and thence takes occasion to perswade to sin no more least a worst