life by ranging the whole world into certaine sections and seuerall rankes and orders All that euer were or now are in the world may be generally deuided into two sorts called or vncalled Now compare these together and we shall find that the number of the vncalled the Apostles times only excepted hath alwaies exceeded the number of the called those I meane that were called by an outward calling through the ministery and preaching of the word To begin from the beginning and so to proceed and descend lower From the beginning of the world to the departuâ—e into Aegypt which was aboue two thousand yeeres the Church was shut vp in the families eyther of the holy fathers before the flood or of the Patriarchs onely they of their housholds called vpon the name of the Lord only they made profession of religion in the true worship of the true God the rest were Idolatrous and profane people that cast off the Lords yoke Afterwards the Church beganne to be inlarged and the bounds thereof extended the whole people of Israel were called and accounted the people of God according vnto the promise made vnto Abraham and all the rest of the world Gen. 17.7.8 Rom. 9.4 Isay 55.5 Hosea 1.10 Ephes 2.12 Luk. 1.79 a people that were no people vnto whom God did not so much as afford the outward ordinarie meanes of saluation but suffered them to sit in darknesse and in the shadow of death though we denie not but that some few might be extraordinarily called euen as many as ioyned themselues vnto him Now what was Israel to the multitude and ouerflowing of the Gentiles which were scattered ouer the face of the earth euen as a plant among many people Exod. 19.5 Deut. 7.6.7 14.2 a pearle amongst many pebles one grape of a cluster or as the gleaning after the haruest Well to goe on to succeeding ages after many generations the Lord vpon iust cause Acts 13.46 Rom. 11.20 1 Thes 2.16 forsaking the Iewes for a long time as wee see and casting them off from being his people as they were in former times the Gentiles of whom wee are according to the promise succeeded them Rom. 11.17 and were planted in in their roome And yet how small is the number euen of them that are called in comparison of those that remaine vncalled to this present day This will be easily perceiued if it bee dulie considered how many thousands yea thousand thousands of Infidels Pagans barbarous Turkes and mis-beleeuing Iewes there be which sit in darkenesse and in the valley of death without God vvithout Christ so without the meanes of Saluation not hauing so much as the knowledge and outward profession of true Christianitie and godlinesse For one Christian euen in outward profession there are many who eyther neuer heard of the name of a Christian or else hate it and are profest enemies vnto it Turcisme Iudaisme Paganisme hauing ouerspread most nations like a winter floud these things then being rightly obserued wee see clearly that the greatest part of the world in times past hath beene and yet now is vncalled and therefore out of the way of saluation To passeouer therefore those numberlâ—sse multitudes of such as neuer had any calling and to leaue them to tâ—e s cret counsell of the Lord for as farre aâ— God hath made knowne vnto vs in his reuealed VVill there is no meanes of saluation for them or any of them continuing in that estate Let vs come vnto that other sort those I meane that are outwardly called by the preaching of the Word which soundeth amongst them and make an outward profession of Christ and his Gospell within how narrow a roome are they confined vvithin the borders of Europe the skirts of Asia vnder Turkish bondage and tyranny and that remote and almost vnknowne part of Africa vnder that Aethiopian gouernour Prester-Iohn and not else-where except it bee a sprinkling here there of some fewe that are scattered in the Indies or in some other Countries They are euen shut vp as it were in this Angle and corner of the world as is apparent to those that are of knowledge and cast their eie vpon this larger frame And yet how few euen of them that haue receiued this outward calling are and shall bee saued Let that saying of our Sauiour himselfe testifie Mat. 20.16 Many are called by an outward calling and externall profession but few euen of those that are so called are chosen to vvhich also that holy Apostle of his Rom. 9.27 out of the kingly Prophet doth well accord Isa 10.22 Though the number of the children of Israel were as the sand of the Sea yet shall but a remnant be saued All are not Israel which are of Israel neither shall all that are of the Church militant be of the Church triumphant Euen of those that are called the fewest are saued And this will be better conceiued of vs if wee consider what a multitude there are First * Bellarm. pref in lib. de Pont. Nisi per Petrum non peruenitur ad Christum among the Papists that Antichristian Synagogue who make indeed a profession of Christ and Christian religion haue glorious shewes to the eyes of the world faire titles without truth boasting strangely that they and none but they are of the true Catholike Apostolike Church * Bellar. lib. 4. de Not. Eccl. cap. 4. Constat nostram solam esse veram EcclesiaÌ„ vid. cap. 5.6 that they haue the keyes of Heauen in their keeping onely and shall haue Heauen-gates hereafter set open vnto them all other being excluded and shut * Coster Enchir. Conclusio Absque dubio in aeternum peribunt Gal. 5.4 Iohn 16 2. Gal. 4.29 2 The. 2.11 out and yet indeed are cleane out of the way of saluation yea persecute them that walke in it thinking that therein they doe God good seruice and walke blinde-folded in those crooked pathes of their owne inuentions and idolatrous worship and superstitious obseruances which tend vnto euerlasting perdition and condemnation Reuel 14.9.10.11 18.4 2 Thes 2.12 Yea euen amongst vs where the name of Christ is truely called vpon For thousands there bee in the bosome of this our Church vvho are called indeed Christians being baptized into the name of Christ and wearing the outward badge and cognisance of a Christian vvho notwithstanding are as farre from saluation as hell is from heauen as their vvicked courses and vaine conuersations doe euidently vvitnesse to their faces Isa 3.9 and euen proclaime with loud voice to the vvhole world For some although they haue the name of Christians are in truth no better then plaine Atheists vvanting euen the outward profession of that vvhich they beare the name of making their pleasures their profits their honours and preferments yea their bellies their Gods Phil. 3.19 altogether deuoting themselues to their seruice neuer thinking of God nor regarding to walke
preparation yea scarce once thinking or considering with themselues vvhat they are before whom it is that they are to stand and what businesse they haue in hand which if they did sure it would make them to stirre vp their lumpish and drowsie affections and to settle themselues vnto it in another manner then they doe yea with farre more reuerence and preparation then if they were to appeare before the greatest Monarch on earth and that when he were in his greatest State and Royaltie attended with all his Nobles and Peeres in the most maiesticall manner that could be O most mightie and most glorious God let me be alwayes affected vvith the consideration of thy glorious and diuine presence as I ought to be especially when I approach nearer vnto thee eyther to offer vp my humble suites and supplications by prayer vnto thee for the obtayning of grace and mercy at thy hands or to attend vpon thee in that holy ordinance of thine to heare thee out of thy word teaching me what thy will and pleasure is towards mee or to be couersant in reading meditation or any other holy and religious exercise whereby I may be furthered in the wayes of grace and saluation Farre be it from me to thrust my selfe into thy holy and sacred presence as the manner of the prophane and vngodly ones is without a carefull and conscionable endeuour to haue my heart rightly prepared and my affections truely sanctified O Lord this is not in my power more then in any other it is thy grace onely let it please thee therefore to giue it vnto me Purge my heart I beseech thee from all things which cause mee to offend free my minde from euery thing which might be a cause of any distraction vnto me lift vp my soule farre aboue all earthly cogitations and desires and possesse mee with such an entire loue and such a holy reuerence of thy Maiestie that thou maiest alwayes be truely glorified of mee Leuit. 10.3 whensoeuer I draw neare vnto thee and enter into thy presence to performe any duetie which thou requirest of mee Heare mee O Lord and that onely for the merits and mediation of thy Sonne and my blessed Sauiour and Redeemer Christ Iesus in whose Name alone I poure out all my suites and supplications vnto thee and looke to obtaine grace and mercy from thee Humilitie the way to true knowledge and spirituall vnderstanding MAny there be that haue taken great paines and beene very industrious in searching after many things the knowledge and vnderstanding whereof although excellent in it selfe and worthy the labouring for yet they could neuer attaine vnto because they sought not for it with a meeke and humble heart and with a purpose to vse it to the right end and for the greatest benefit both of themselues and others but for sinister and by-respects They that are most humble shall be best learned and receiue the greatest blessing in the vse of the meanes which God hath appointed The Lord reuealeth his secrets vnto them Psal 25.9 which are hid from the proud Mat. 11.25 1 Cor. 2.11 12. and such as are wise in their owne eyes They shall vnderstand the wonderfull things of God the great things of his Law those deepe Mysteries contayned in his word euen those things which the vvisest of this world and the learnedst Scribes amongst men cannot reach vnto shall they comprehend and vnderstand because the Lord hath promised to giue them the teaching of his Spirit that holy annoynting 1 Ioh. 2.27 and will send downe that light from aboue vvhich will so illuminate and inlighten their mindes Ephe. 1.17 18 Ioh. 7.17 that they shall see clearely into those things which are darke and obscure vnto others Good Lord I humbly bowe the knee of my heart and soule before thy glorious Maiestie suing vnto thee earnestly and instantly in the mediation of thy Son for a further increase a greater measure of that heauenly grace for this I will pray yea cry vnto thee daily and vncessantly Doe thou therefore vouchsafe to grant it vnto mee and more and more to increase it in me Giue mee a meeke spirit a lowly minde and an humble heart a heart which may be set not for the seeking of my selfe for that were wickednesse but for the aduancement of thy glory referring all my studyes and endeuours to the end which thou hast appoynted that vvee should ayme at continually and then I know that thou wilt reueale thy will vnto mee and giue mee vnderstanding of thy word as farre as is requisite and necessary for mee yea that thou wilt cause me to conceiue and comprehend those things which are wonderfull and which none can search into or finde out but those alone that haue thy Spirit to be their teacher which thou hast promised vnto them onely that are of a meeke spirit and of an humble minde which is a thing exceeding pleasing vnto thee Iames 4.6 and wherein thou much delightest but abhorrest all those that are of a proud heart and deniest thy grace vnto them Humilitie the fruit of true sauing knowledge HE that knoweth things aright as hee ought to know them especially if he hath attained vnto the knowledge of himselfe and of his maker the better he knoweth and vnderstandeth these things the more lowly the more base and vile will hee bee in his owne eyes and the more will hee magnifie and extoll his God the Creator and the Lord of all things They are but smatterers 1 Cor. 8.2 1 Tim. 6.20 and nouices of true knowledge and vnderstanding whatsoeuer they may seeme to themselues or others who haue not as yet learned to esteeme meanly of themselues Gen. 18.27 Isai 40.17 and verie highly of the God of glorie the aduancement of whom is the chiefe end vnto which all knowledge should tend and aime most directly Grant O Lord that I may vse all meanes whereby I may come vnto that knowledge which is necessarie and conuenient for me especially that I may know my selfe aright euen what I am in my self and of my selfe a worme of the earth a wretched and sinfull man dust ashes and thee the mightie Creator and glorious God of heauen and earth the possessour of all things infinite in power and maiestie the brightnesse of whose glorie the Angels themselues cannot fully comprehend that hereby I may learne alwaies to humble and abase my selfe and to glorifie and extoll thy name for euer and euer The right vse and end of all knowledge IT is an ordinary thing amongst men to studie rather to know much then to liue well from whence it commeth as euerie one that is of any discerning may easily see and obserue that many whiles they haue their heads stuffed with multiplicitie and varietie of learning yet haue their liues barren and altogether fruitlesse and vnprofitable How doe such deceiue themselues whiles they professe themselues to be wise Rom. 1.22 yet herein they
pleasures profits riches and reuenues of the whole world Behold the base estate and condition which he tooke vpon him for thy sake Behold the shame and reproach which he sustained for thee and for thy sinnes Behold his face whom the Angels Heb. 1.6 those celestiall creatures doe reuerence and adore spitted vpon for thy cause Behold him who is the Authour of blessednesse become accursed for thee that he might free thee from that curse which was due vnto thee Behold him Isa 66.1 whose Throne is in the highest Heauens the Lord of Glory and Maiestie descended downe into the earth and abased to the lowest degree of humiliation becomming as one of no reputation Phil. 2.6.7 Psal 22.6 a worme not a man that so he might exalt thee and raise thee from shame to glory from Hell to Heauen from the depth of miserie and wretchednes to the height of endlesse and euerlasting blessednesse What should I say Behold the Lord of life dying vpon the Crosse that hee might bring thee from death to life and make thee of a childe of wrath and perdition an Heire of glory and Saluation See his Head crowned with thornes his body sweating drops of blood for the anguish that he was in for thy sinnes See the bloud streaming forth out of his side to vvash and cleanse thee from thy wickednesse See the fountaine of his loue his grace and mercie set vvide open vnto thee Zach. 13.1 All these cry loud vnto thee and are as a shrill voyce in thine eares to call thee from thy sinnes and to cause thee vtterly to abandon all thy former vvickednesse euen that vaine conuersation vvherein heeretofore thou delightedst And wilt thou yet continue therin God forbid O heart more harder then the Adamant or flintie Rocke if these things doe not moue thee and cause thee to relent if nothing else will neither remembrance of the vilenesse and loathsomnes of sinne the fearefull and wofull miserie and bondage vvhereunto it bringeth thee the stingings of conscience wherewith it vvoundeth the soule and maketh it to smart grieuously oftentimes vvhen none perceiueth it nor the many iudgements which it exposeth thee vnto both here in this life and much more in the life to come in hel fire for euer If none of these will yet let this this I say euen the due and serious consideration of the great and vvonderfull things that Christ hath done for thee to redeeme thee from thy sinnes and to loose the bonds of thine iniquities 1 Ioh. 3.8 O let this draw thee from the same in a forcible maner yea let his infinite and boundlesse loue and mercie towards thee herein euen breake thy stonie and steely heart and cause it to melt into teares for thy sinnes past to grieue to sorrow to mourne and lament for the same and to purpose and resolue vvith thy selfe neuer willingly to offend him hereafter though thou mightst gaine thereby a thousand worlds Let thy heart be sooner plucked out of thy body then thou drawne from this godly purpose and Christian resolution vvhich vvell becommeth all that are Christs redeemed 2 Tim. 2.19 1 Ioh. 3.9 and vvill bee in thee if thou beest a true Christian indeed and not in vvord and shew onely O blessed Lord and Sauiour when I looke vp vnto thee and consider thy marueilous Loue and Bountie in that great and gracious vvorke of thine in redeeming mee from that miserable estate into vvhich I vvas plunged as vvell as others vnto that glorious condition of thy redeemed ones how thou abasedst thy selfe to become man for my sake to be accursed that thou mightest free me from the curse which I had brought vpon my selfe to dye that so shamefull a death and to be buryed in the earth that thou mightest raise me out of the graue of my sinnes and bring me from sinne death hell and damnation vnto grace life and euerlasting saluation in that blessed and glorious kingdome of thine vvhich thou reseruest for mee in the heauens when I looke vp vnto thee and call to minde how wonderfully thou hast dealt with me in these things and on the other side cast mine eyes vpon the vvhole course of my life past how vile how sinfull it hath beene and view my estate present how many and grieuous the sinnes are vvhereby I haue prouoked thee daily euen since thou calledst mee to the knowledge of that sauing grace of thine my heart faileth vvithin mee I am ashamed and confounded in my selfe that I should haue beene found so vnkinde vnto thee who hast beene so exceeding kinde and gracious vnto me O doe thou cause mee daily more and more to see and bevvaile the greatnesse of my sinne herein and heale my soule in whatsoeuer I haue offended thee O let thy loue thy goodnesse thy grace and bountie in redeeming mee so wretched so vnworthy a Creature by thine owne bloud from so fearefull and vvofull a condition into so blessed and glorious an estate O let it constraine mee to loue thee vnfainedly let it dissolue me into the teares of true and vnfained repentance for all my sinnes and transgressions vvhereby I haue displeased thee my God and Sauiour and let it vvorke in mee a perfect hatred and loathing of all kinde of vngodlines and a continuall desire and endeuour to please thee and to shew forth my thankfulnes vnto thee by walking carefully before thee in all the duties which thou commandest me that so I may be euery day more assured that I am one of that small flocke which thou hast redeemed with thy precious bloud for whom thou hast prouided that glorious Kingdome in the heauens Drawing others vnto any wickednesse a bloudy and fearefull sinne MVrther is abhorred of all men and that most iustly for it is a fearefull and a crying sinne committed Gen. 4.10 nor approued of any but such as haue lost in a manner the very nature of man and become as it were bruite and sauage creatures yea monsters such as are to be driuen out from the company and societie of men and to be depriued of this light which they doe enioy and are no wayes worthy of Deu. 19.13 But yet behold a strange thing and much to be vvondered at to murther the soules of men by drawing them to wickednesse by ill counsell Pro. 18.21 or by corrupt example of life or otherwise is slightly accounted of not had in that detestation among men that the other although as it is more common so it may well be sorted and rancked with it Is not the soule more pretious then the body Mat. 16.26 the life of the soule more vvorthy and farre more to be regarded then the life of the body Why then is not the murthering of this accounted as wicked as haynous as the other why is it not as much abhorred of all men vvhy are not such esteemed rather monsters then men and how is it that their owne consciences doe not accuse
and vvound them for so bloudy a crime yea that they reioyce and glory in it many of them and make a sport and pastime of it O horrible impietie Pro. 10.23 and 14.9 How are the consciences of such seared and their hearts hardened yea how like are they vnto Sathan their father who was a murtherer from the beginning Ioh. 8.44 and delights in nothing more then in hunting after the precious life of man and wounding his soule vnto death by entising and drawing him vnto wickednesse O blessed Lord farre be it from me at any time to commit so great a sinne against thee against my neighbour against the life and soule of any vvhich ought alwayes to be most deare vnto me Let me not be a meanes to wound the conscience of my brother by giuing him any iust offence by walking before him in any scandalous course let me neuer be an occasion of death vnto the soule of any by seeking to draw him to the commission of any sinne or to the practise of any kinde of vngodlinesse by any meanes whatsoeuer O farre be this from mee yea O Lord let me be as much afraid of this as much abhorre it as the murthering and destroying of the body of any which is so horrible a sinne that euen the Heathen themselues by the light of nature haue seene and iudged it to be worthy of the sharpest and most cruell death And let me seeke by all meanes rather to saue and preserue the liues and soules of men yea Iam. 5.20 of mine enemies by keeping them as farre as in mee lyeth from sin which is the cause of destruction and by turning their feete out of the waies of death and shewing them the path which leadeth vnto euerlasting life and happinesse and walking therin before them that so we may at length reioyce together Luke 15.9 10. and be made partakers of that glory of thy Saints in the highest heauens Amen What ought to be the maine care of euery one in this life THe Heathen Orator could say that none is so foolish Demosth so sloathfull as to neglect his owne safetie This is true indeed of the safetie of the body He is a monster in nature that doth not seeke by all good meanes the preseruation of it there be but few that may be complained of in this regard But the eternall saluation of the soule who seeth not how little it is regarded of the most how strangely neglected how faintly sought after yea of many scarce thought vpon O folly of follies and desperate sloathfulnesse yea extreame madnesse of men vvho are so sottishly carelesse of that which of all things most nearely concernes them For what would it aduantage them to game the vvhole vvorld Mat. 16.26 and to hazard the losse of their owne soules yea of soule and body for euer O blessed Lord let the counsell of the vvicked seeme foolishnes vnto mee and preserue me and all thine from the same both now and euer Let mee euer be most carefull of that vvhich is most necessary Luk. 10.42 more solicitous of the eternall saluation of my soule then of the safetie and preseruation of this mortall and corruptible body vvhich is shortly to be turned into the dust and made foode for the crawling wormes or baser vermine Aboue all cares let mee be carefull of this to seeke by all means and to vse all diligence to make my Calling and Election sure 2 Pet. 1.10 that so I may haue comfort in this that I am ordayned to life and shall be preserued by thy mighty power 2 Tim. 4.18 1 Pet. 1.5 vnto that glorious saluation vvhich is prepared to be shewed in the last time vvhen thou shalt be glorified in thy Saints 2 Thes 1.10 and made marueilous in them that beleeue yea that so soone as the earthy house of this tabernacle is dissolued 2 Cor. 5.1 and this vveake and fraile body turned into the earth out of vvhich it vvas taken I shall be receiued into those heauenly habitations those celestiall mansions and be made partaker of that rich that immortall vndefiled and neuer-fading inheritance purchased vnto mee by the bloud of thy Son and reserued for mee in the highest heauens vvhere thou raignest in endlesse and vnspeakable glory blessed for euermore Amen Christians often ill Iudges of themselues and their owne estates THe Children of God who are marked out by GOD himselfe vnto life and saluation are oft-times ill Iudges of themselues they discerne not aright of their owne estate because they measure themselues by an vncertaine and deceiueable rule viz. not by the Word of GOD which is of infallible trueth but by sense and feeling and by present apprehension of things offered vnto their thoughts vvithout due consideration of the wise and gracious dispensation of the Lord in his dealings with his children Sometimes hee filleth their hearts with ioy Psal 30.5.11 Isai 66.11 2 Cor. 1.3.4 1 Pet. 1.6.8 and causeth them to feele the sweetnesse of his diuine and heauenly consolations that so they may haue a taste of his goodnesse yea of the exceeding riches of his grace and mercy wherewith he imbraceth them in Christ Iesus Psal 10.1 13.1 2. 22.1.42.5 119.82.143 1 Pet. 1.6 2 Cor. 6.10 Sometimes againe he seemeth to hide his countenance from them for a while and vvithdraweth those comfortable and glorious feelings vvherewith they vvere before vvonderfully refreshed and wherein their soules reioyced in vnspeakable manner that thus they may be the more humbled in themselues knowing that all is from him and not from themselues and become the more earnest suiters vnto him for the enioying of that Psal 34.4 wherein they see their blessednesse consisteth as also that he might vveyne them the more from this wretched vvorld and cause them to aspire vnto that heauenly life where these comforts shall be alwaies present with them in more excellent manner Psal 16.11 6.8.9 without any intermission or alteration O blessed Lord teach me alwaies to iudge rightly of my estate not according to feeling or the present disposition of my vnsetled minde but according to the rule which thou hast giuen vs in thy vvord which neuer fayleth Though thou dost not alwaies cause me to taste of that heauenly Manna Reuel 2.17 vvherewith sometimes thou dost refresh me though thou dost not alwaies looke vvith a cheerefull face and vvith a smiling countenance vpon me causing thy light to shine in my heart but makest as though thou vvert angrie and much displeased vvith me and gauest no eare to my humble supplications which I powre out in silence before thee yea Psal 22.2 sufferest me to be exercised with many and grieuous temptations and to indure many a hard and doubtful conflict with that deadly enemy and aduersary of mine who thereby seeketh to make a prey of me yet let me alwaies lift vp my heart vnto thee Psal 27.14 Iames 1.2 and
my selfe to be a sinfull man d Rom. 7.24 laden with many sins and iniquities full of frailte and infirmities The good which I would d Rom 7.19 I cannot doe and the euill which I would not that do I. Many waies doe I continually sinne against thee both in omission of the good which thou hast commaunded and in commission of the contrarie euill sinne cleaueth e Heb. 12.1 Rom. 7.17 24 vnto me in my best actions and performances wherein I desire most to please thee and to approue my selfe vnto thee yea it compasseth me about on euery side and holdeth me in a kinde of bondage and thraldome vnder it so that my soule mourneth many times secretly vvithin me and panteth f Psal 119.131 after thee desiring to bee loosed from this bodie of sinne and to inioy that perfect libertie and freedome and that full enlargement from this misery vvhich thou hast promised vnto thy Saints and seruants Haue mercy vpon me O most mercifull Lord haue mercy vpon me and according vnto thy free and gracious promise looke downe vpon me with the eye of thy fatherly compassion accept my vveake and inperfect desires as if I vvere able to performe that perfect obedience vnto thee vvhich thy law requireth Deale vvith mee as thou vsest to deale with thy children Behold I desire thy commaundements g Psal 119 40 accept me according to that which I haue and not according to that vvhich I haue not Let the truth of my inward affection be as the perfection of action before thee my desire to serue thee as if I did teÌ„der much better seruice to thee then I do or can doe Heale my infirmities I humbly pray thee and quicken me euery day more and more vvith thy grace and spirit that so I may vvalke before thee in all thy vvaies with more cheerefulnesse and sinceritie and howsoeuer I haue cause to be discouraged in regard of my selfe and my manifold imâ—erfections vvhen I enter into thy presence yet hauing respect to those sweet and gracious promises vvhich thou hast made vnto me in thy Christ in vvhom thou lookest alwaies vpon me and in vvhose righteousnesse thou wilt now and euer accapt mee couering all my infirmities vvith that perfect obedience of his Let me alwaies approach vnto the throne of thy grace with comfor and boldnesse being assured that I shall find grace mercie of thee vvho neuer faylest in any thing vvhich thou hast promised but shewest thy selfe to bee abundant in goodnesse and truth aboue that vvee are able to aske or thinke To thee be prayse for euer Amen True loue of God how it may be discerned from that which is counterfeit and hypocriticall MAny there be that in word professe they loue God but few that loue him indeed and in truth Wilt thou know therefore vvhether his loue be in thee or no whether thy heart be rightly affected towards him Consider then what I shall say vnto thee yea vvhat God himselfe vvho is the truth it selfe speakes vnto thee vnto mee vnto all of vs. They that loue him doe first finde that they are loued of him a 1 Ioh. 4.19 And this loue of his shed into their hearts causeth them to loue him againe and their loue towards him manifesteth it selfe First by a care and delight to keepe his commaundements So he sayth If ye loue mee keepe my commandements b Ioh. 14.15.21.23.24 15.14 And againe c 1 Ioh. 5.3 This is the loue of God that we keepe his commandements They are not grieuous or burdensome vnto them but they delight in them concerning the inner man d Rom. 7.22 yea they are an easie yoke and a light burden vnto them e Math. 11 30 Although they oft faile and cannot but faile in the performance of them in regard of the reliques and remainders of sinne and corruption vvhich are in them and vvill be in them vnto death f Heb. 12.1 cleauing as fast vnto them as their skinne doth vnto their flesh yet as farre as they are regenerate and renued by grace their hearts are set vpon them g Psal 119 40. Hebr. 13.18 they finde much sweetnesse in them they desire and indeuour with all their soules to keepe and obserue them not one but all of them h Psal 119.6 yea it is their full resolution and their constant endeuour to yeeld themselues flexible and pliable thereunto in all things They make holy vowes and enter into couenant vvith themselues yea they bind themselues as it vvere by a solemne i Psal 119.106 oath and promise to performe them to the vttermost of their strength and power Their heart k Psal 119 vers 20. breaketh in a manner for the earnest desire and feruent affâ—ction they haue thereunto yea like the chased and vvearied Hinde they l Vers 131 pant after them Thus they that loue the Lord delight in all his Commandements both in knowing them and in keeping and obseruing them and therefore they are carefull in vsing the meanes whereby they may be furthered herein as reading the Word hearing the same preached godly conference receiuing the Sacraments Prayer c. they ioy herein and make much account of these and all other blessed ordinances of the Lord they are pretious in their eyes they esteeme more of them then of their appointed food m Iob 23.12 And hereby it doth appeare indeed that their hearts are toward the Lord that they doe loue him truly and sincerely Againe their loue to him sheweth it selfe by a hatred n Psal 97.10 of all euill which they know to be hatefull and displeasing vnto him aboue all things Hauing a sense and feeling of his loue and fauour towards them yea of the exceeding riches of his grace and kindnesse towards them in CHRIST IESVS they burne in loue againe towards him and this loue of theirs towards him in a speciall manner restraineth them from all sinne and draweth yea forceth and constraineth them to the contrary vertues For they iudge it a meet o 2 Cor. 5.14.15 1 Pet. 4.1.2 and most equall thing that seeing Christ in loue to them hath died for their sinnes that therefore they euen in loue towards him should be dead vnto sinne for which hee died and that as hee rose againe to manifest his victory and triumph ouer sinne and Sathan and to raise them out of the graue of sinne to the life of righteousnesse and holinesse so that they also should liue no more vnto themselues and to their sinnes but to him who so loued them that he died for them and gaue his pretious bloud to wash and cleanse p Tit. 2.14 them from all sinne and iniquitie and to make them a righteous seed q 1 Pet. 2.9 a holy nation a peculiar people that they should shew forth the vertues of him that hath called them out of the darkenesse of sinne death into that maruailous light both of his
of it and waite and expect continually for the comming of those vnto whom it is promised that so being e Heb. 11.40 consummate the number of them fully accomplished they may reioyce together in most glorious manner for euermore O blessed Lord thou seest what a heauie yoke is now vpon me vnto how many miseries and grieuances both of body and minde I am continually subiect by reason of my sinnes f Psal 38. I am in a strange land g Exo. 2.22 Hebr. 11.13.14 where I haue many enemies alwayes warring against mee and euen seeking to oppresse mee with that bondage and seruitude which they vvould bring vpon mee My dayes are h Gen. 47.9 few and euill full of trouble and affliction full of griefe and sorrowes many feares and dangers many distracting cares earthly vanities doe breed me continuall annoyance and great encumbrance and vvould make this life of mine yrkesome and burdensome vnto mee if I had not hope of a better i 1 Cor. 15 19. O doe thou giue me patience to vvait vpon thee and in expectation of the accomplishment of thy free and gracious promise to passe on the rest of my appointed time in this vale of miserie cheerefully comfortably and contentedly Graunt that I may set my face alwayes towards heauen the place which thou hast prouided for me and that I may continually lift vp mine eies vnto that crown of endlesse vnspeakeable glory vvhich all the afflictions of this present time are in no sort to be accounted worthy of k Rom. 8.18 and which thou that art the righteous God infinite in mercy and truth and vnsearchable in thy loue and kindnesse towards thy elect and chosen ones vvilt in due time l 2 The. 1 6.7 1 Pet. 5.10 euen after that I haue suffered here a while on earth freely vouchsafe to bestow vpon me to the praise of the glory of thy grace through the merits of thy Sonne and my onely Sauiour who with thee and thy Spirit is blessed now and euer Amen III. From the benefit that comes thereby it being Phisicke to the Soule VVEE vvill take downe bitter pilles sowre and loathsome potions for the good of our sicke and diseased bodies and for the procuring of our decayed health Is not the soule of more vvorth then the body Is not the health and good estate thereof more to be respected more regarded and sought after then of the other Surely I thinke there is none so voyd of sense and reason but will freely acknowledge it O mercifull LORD thou seest what a sicke and diseased Soule I haue how exceedingly it is distempered euen in all the powers and faculties thereof O then let no affliction though neuer so bitter in it selfe when I first taste of it seeme grieuous vnto me since thou sendest it for the health of my Soule which is so corrupted with sinne yea let mee willingly cheerefully and thankefully drinke downe the bitterest cup which thou shalt offer vnto me knowing that for the present tartnes I shall finde much sweetnesse in the end a Heb. 12.11 yea being assured that it vvith all things else shall worke together for my good b Rom. 8.28 euen for the increase of thy grace in me and for the furtherance of my Saluation hereafter Another IF thy Phisition cures thee of some dangerous disease thogh he vse many sharpe medicines and puts thee to much paine for the while yet thou both thankest and rewardest him Wee are all of vs by nature sicke most dangerously a Isa 1.6 euery one of vs is diseased with a most grieuous malady the issue whereof will be death b Rom. 6.21.23 if it be not looked to in time If the Lord then the sole and soueraigne Phisition of our sicke and diseased Soules take the cure of thee vpon him if hee apply many sharpe and bitter medicines which although they be grieuous smarting for the present yet heale thee at length when as thou art in so desperate an estate that there had beene no helpe if this remedie had not beene vsed vvilt thou complaine saying that hee deales hardly vvith thee and so become impatient and discontented vvhiles thou art vnder so gracious and mercifull a hand Is this the thankefulnesse which is due vnto the LORD for so great a benefit vvhich he vouchsafeth vnto thee for so great a cure vvhich he intendeth hereby to vvorke vpon thee Is this the recompence is this the reward that thou giuest vnto that good Physition who tendred thy wretched and miserable estate and sought to heale thee of that grieuous disease which were deadly if he should not cure it O my God who seest how I am sore diseased how many and how dangerous maladies I am continually subiect vnto haue mercy vpon me worke thine owne worke vpon me Loe b 2 Sam. 15.26 here I am Cut me launce me giue me the bitter potions of many troubles and afflictions and let me drinke daily of them rather then that I should not be healed and cured rather then that my disease should proue mortal and deadly O Lord correct me but in mercie c Iere. 10.24 not in wrath and indignation deale graciously with me as thou art wont to doe with thy children whom thou louest and whatsoeuer it shall please thee to doe vnto me since I know it is and shall be for my good let me with patience subiect and submit my selfe wholly therein vnto thy gracious and fatherly care and prouidence yea seeing that I cannot make any other recompence vnto thee for this mercie and goodnesse of thine towards me grant that I may now and alwaies returne vnto thee true praise and thankfulnesse with faithfull and constant obedience which are the things thou only requirest and which I vnfainedly desire to performe vnto thee Lord helpe me in my weakenesse and strengthen me with thy grace whereby I may be inabled for the performance of them for euen this is thy gift also who art the author and giuer of euery good thing all is from thee to thee be glory for euermore Amen A further inlargement of the benefit thereof THE benefit which Winter brings is not perceiued till it be past and ouer and the Spring approching and drawing on but then when we see the hearbs flowers fruits and trees begin to reuiue and to recouer their decayed life to waxe greene and to flourish in most pleasant and delightfull manner then we can easily say as the truth is that without Winter this had neuer beene thus that if there had not beene such hard weather such cold and nipping frosts we should not haue had such a goodly spring nor that hope of a plentifull haruest which now the earth promiseth and we with ioy expect All see this in naturall things few see or acknowledge it in those things which are spirituall and yet thus it is in them yea much more in them then in these Whiles affliction
of thy blessed Spirit whereby I may be fitted and inabled in some sort to walke worthy of thee to whom I desire wholly to deuote my selfe and whatsoeuer is in me How to ouercome the World HE that vvould ouercome this World must first ouercome himselfe bringing his sensuall appetite and desire in subiection vnto his reason and his reason vnto the will and word of God If hee can doe this once the victory and conquest will be easie otherwise impossible Herein lies the valour and fortitude of a Christian O most mightie Lord GOD the GOD of my strength without whom I can do nothing in whom and through whom all things strengthen me with thy grace and effectuall power that I may be able to subdue the corruption of my sinfull and rebellious nature whensoeuer it riseth vp against me that I may lay the axe close vnto the root and cut downe and plucke vp euery secret sinne that hath gotten any place in me that so I may mortefie euery inordinate affection of my heart which might be any hinderance to the worke of thy grace in me that thus hauing power ouer my selfe and that inbred enemie which lieth secretly lurking in my bosome and in the inmost parts of my soule I may with lesse difficulty vanquish and ouercome this present euill world and all those outward enmities vvhich at any time shall oppose themselues against mee and the powerfull operation of thy holy blessed spirit within me which I humbly and earnestly desire thee that it may be renued daily more and more and brought vnto further perfection Ruling the affections how necessary THE affections of mans heart are endlesse and vnsatiable they can neuer be satisfied a Eccl. 1.8 yea the more that they are yeelded vnto the more doth the inordinatenesse and distemper thereof increase VVhat a vanitie therefore is it for any one to giue libertie vnto his rouing and disordered minde and by seeking to quench that thirst to make it the more vehement as it is vvith those that are falne into the dropsie LORD giue mee vvisedome vvhereby I may learne rightly to moderate all my affections and not to follow the sway of them nor to suffer my selfe at any time to bee carried or drawne away vvhether the inordinate motion and desire of them shall lead mee but so to restraine and rule them that I may liue a quiet and contented life free from those manifolde distractions b Pro. 25.28 vnto vvhich they are continually subiect vvho haue not learned to keepe themselues vvithin those limits vvhich thou hast prescribed and appointed to them Affections must bee made Seruants and not Masters AS the Schoole-master is to his Scholler or a Master vnto his Seruant so ought reason to be vnto the affections of euery one It must alwayes beare rule ouer them and haue them at commaund or else they vvill quickly bee disordered and quite out of frame yea they vvill carry away a man headlong vvith violence into much mischiefe and miserie as vvee see wilde and fierce horses oft times runne away vvith an vnguided Coach or Wagon to the ouerthrow of them that are carried in it O LORD thou seest vnto how many vnruly passions and distempered affections I am continually subiect vvhich make mee oftentimes lesse fit for the performance of good duties and holy exercises then otherwise through thy grace I should be Let it please thee to giue me the masterie and power ouer them yea graunt that I may alwayes subiect them to the rule of right reason and to the direction vvhich thy Word giueth that so being well ordered and disposed they may not bee as they haue beene le ts and hinderances but as they should be seruiceable and conuenient helpes and furtherances vnto vertue piety and godlinesse euen to all Christian duties which thou requirest of mee How dangerous it is to be giuen vnto the World HE cannot be a good Seruant that is addicted to his pleasures and delights or that is giuen to follow his owne businesse ouermuch and doth not principally intend his Masters affaires Hee can neuer be a good Disciple of Christ nor a faithfull Seruant of God whose minde is set vpon earthly things a Mat. 6.24 vvho is carried away with the pleasures and delights of sinne or much addicted to the profits and commodities of this vaine and transitory world or otherwise wedded vnto his owne rouing and vnstayed affections and doth not wholly consecrate b Rom. 12.1 and dedicate himselfe vnto the Lord and to his worship and seruice vvith restraint from all those things vvhich might be any hinderance or encumbrance vnto him in the same O my God how vnworthy am I to be called thy Seruant to call thee my Lord how vnable am I to performe that dutie and seruice which thou requirest of me O be thou mercifull vnto mee notwithstanding my vnworthinesse pardon my great vnprofitablenesse heretofore Inable mee daily more and more for the discharge of the duties of thy seruice which thou hast commaunded and vvhereunto thou hast called me Let neither the sinfull pleasures nor the deceiueable profits fruitles commodities of this fading c 1 Cor. 7.31 1 Ioh. 2.17 and decaying vvorld cause me at any time to be slacke slothfull or any wayes vnfaithfull in thy businesse in my calling but giue mee grace euer to renounce these things euen whatsoeuer may at any time in any sort vvithdraw mee from my dutie or be any hinderance vnto mee in the ready vvilling and cheerfull performance of that seruice vvhich I owe vnto thy Maiestie yea let mee alwayes deny d Luke 9.23 Mat. 10.37 Luke 14.26 my selfe and euen hate e my deerest friends and neerest acquaintance if the matter standeth so betweene thee and them yea euen my life it selfe rather then bee found vvillingly defectiue in my dutie or vnfaithfull in thy seruice vvho hast euery way beene so good and gracious vnto mee and freely promised to reward mee so f liberally Psal 19.11 1 Cor. 15.58 Rom. 2.7 Ioh. 12.26 so plentifully euen vvith the riches of glory honour immortalitie and euerlasting life and happinesse in thy kingdome yet not for the worthinesse of my workes but for the merits of my Sauiour for vvhose sake thou crownest what good thing soeuer it pleaseth thee g Heb. 13.21 to worke in me To him together with thee and thy blessed Spirit be all praise and glory now and for euer This world a Prison THis World is the godly mans Prison hee is continually laden with the chaines a Heb. 12.1 of sinne and misery which lye heauy vpon his soule and cause him like a distressed captiue b Rom. 7.23 to sit mourning c Psal 120.5 Rom. 7.24 all the day long and with great earnestnes and vehemencie to call and cry d Rom. 8.21 2 Cor. 5.2.4.8 for reliefe Yea hee is as it were in a darke dungeon e 2 Cor. 5.7 Col. 3.3.4 so that hee cannot see
the ioyfull light of that glorious Kingdome nor enioy so fully the desired presence of his Creator and his blessed Sauiour f Iohn 12.26 and Redeemer after whom his soule longeth g Can. 1.14 Phil. 3.23 Lord when it pleaseth thee ease mee of these bonds deliuer mee out of this Prison and set mee at libertie among thy Saints in glory that I may behold the brightnesse of thy face and enioy that promised saluation the very hope and expectation vvhereof is the stay and comfort of my life in this bondage of sinne and misery vnto vvhich I am daily subiect Come Lord h Reuel 22 17 Iesus come quickly Amen Christians in this world are vnknowne men THe life of the Children of God whiles they liue in this world is hid a Col. 3.3 with Christ in God They are not knowne b 1 Iohn 3. to the world being masked and shrowded vnder the vayle of c Rom. 8.3 weake sinful flesh Their naturall life and outward estate is not different from others All things come alike to all d Eccles 9. Their Persons are exposed to contempt disgrace e Iob 30.8.9.10 reproach and many iniuries which the proud and disdainfull world who are not worthy of them f 1 Cor. 4.9.10.11 Heb. 11.38 doe continually most vniustly offer vnto them delighting euen to sport themselues of them Their bodies are subiect to much miserie g 2 Cor. 4.7.8.9 10. and 11.6 to ignominie and basenesse and for the most part to more sicknesses weakenesses and infirmities then others and in the end to death h Gen. 3.19 Heb. 9.27 as vvell as others They dye like other men and are couered with the same mould taking vp their lodgings vvith the rest of the sonnes of Adam in the dust and in the chambers of darkenesse i Iob 10.21.22 17.13.14 hauing Corruption for their Father and the Worme for their Mother and Sister The spirituall life also of their Soules wherein all their glory k Psal 45.13 in this life consisteth the redemption of their bodies l Rom. 8.23 Phil. 3.21 being wholly reserued for the estate after this life euen the day of the generall and glorious resurrection as it is not discerned of the world so many times of themselues neyther but very dimmely and when it is in best estate it is but weake m 2 Cor. 12 9. Psal 119.4 and needes the quickning grace of Gods Spirit for the increasing and confirming of it Blessed Lord hasten that glorious appearance of thine that so this vayle being remoued I may be fully restored vnto that promised light and liberty which my soule longeth after and liue in thy sight for euer receiuing from thee continually that accomplishment of grace and glory which thou hast reserued for me in thy Kingdome Sabbath day the religious obseruation of it how necessary IT is not the Law of Man but the vnchangeable decree and ordinance of GOD himselfe the chiefe Law-giuer that the Sabbath-day which in the Apostles dayes * Acts 20.4.5.6.7 1 Cor. 16.1.2 and of the Apostles themselues a Olim certè priscis illis hominibus in summo precio Sabbathum fuit quam quidem solennitatem Dominus in Diem Dominicum transtulit Athan. Hom. de Semente Sabbathum est signum vt sciatur dies Creationis Idem in Mat. 11. Aug. Epist ad Ianuar. 119. cap. 13. Idem lib. 22. de Ciuitate Dei cap. 30. Chrisost in Genes 2. Homil. 18. Hieron contra Pelag. lib. 3. Beza in Apocalyps 1.10 Spiritu sancto procul dubio illud Apostolis dictante pro prioris seculi Sabbatho siue die septimo assumptus suit dies huius mundi primus in quo c. Vide Fulke Rhem. Test in eund loc Sect. 6. Iun. praelect in Gen. 2.3 P. Mart. in Gen. 2. Bulling in Rom. 4.5 Zanch. de operibus Dei lib. 1. cap. 1. no doubt by authoritie from CHRIST and by the direction of his Spirit b Iohn 14.26 Acts 1.3 1 Cor. 11.23 guiding them therein as in all other truth was changed and called the Lords-day should be religiously obserued of all euen to the comming of Christ Hee giues vs a speciall watch-word of remembrance to stirre vp all to the greater care and diligence hereof c Exod. 8.20 Remember the Sabbath-day to keepe it holy as if in no vvise hee would haue this forgotten at any time or slightly regarded as it is of the most This alone hath a Preface prefixed and both the affirmatiue and negatiue part expressed the like to be found in no other Commandement as if fore-seeing what libertie men vvould take vnto themselues herein he would of purpose set bounds on euery side to fence and to keepe vs continually within compasse of this Law Hee doth not onely command vs but also perswade and yeelds a reason yea many and forcible reasons and motiues whereby as with so many cords wee might bee drawne vnto this dutie from his owne example and practise from his hallowing of it to a holy vse from the equitie of the obseruation of it since that hee hath giuen vs the other sixe dayes to our selues and taken this one onely to himselfe as his owne due which by no meanes hee vvould haue vvith-held from him They therefore that make little or no conscience of the due and diligent obseruation of this day by absenting themselues from the publique assemblies or by neglecting priuate duties prayer reading conference meditation examination of things heard in the publique Ministerie d Acts 17.11 much more they that openly prophane it by spending it eyther idly or wickedly in excessiue drinking gaming or other vnlawfull courses whatsoeuer outwardly they professe in word yet assuredly they are such as haue forgotten the Lord they refuse to follow him they transgresse his law and violate his holy ordinance which he hath appointed for their owne welfare if they could see it They remoue the ancient bounds within which he hath inclosed them vvhich who so doth shall be accursed e Deut. 27.17 yea though they were but the bounds and limits which men had established They cast away his yoke a note of the sonnes of Belial f Deut. 13.13 They sinne grieuously very dangerously They are enemies to their owne good friends to Sathan yea they are falne into the very snare of the Deuill who both in the infancie and prime-age of the Church and euer since when he could not roote out the whole Christian faith which spread it selfe into so many nations laboured mightily the subuersion and ouerthrow of this maine prop and pillar thereof by raising vp men of hereticall mindes who some through the pretended colour of Christian libertie others by the aspersion and false imputation of Iewish superstition and bondage and I know not what haue by this meanes gone about to open a wide dore to Atheisme licentiousnesse prophanenesse and so by little and little in an insensible manner
to ouerturne all Religion and Pietie * Tantum abest quin decorum ordo nisi ista politia moderatione obseruari possit vt praesentissima impendeat Ecclesiae perturbatio ruina si dissoluatur j. In briefe The neglect of the Sabbath day is the ruine of the Church Caluin Instit lib. 2. cap. 8. sect 32. A notable politie of that wilie serpent And a marueilous eyther blindnes or presumption in them who are so bewitched by him For what God hath hallowed how should man once dare to prophane or to accoūt common vnhallowed But those vvhom God who is the light of our eyes hath caused the light of his sauing grace to shine more clearly vnto are otherwise minded otherwise affected They acknowledge it not only a iust equal thing that the Lord should haue one day of many dedicated wholy deuoted to his seruice a shame it were that any should deale sparingly with him herin who hath bin so prodigal to them but also they accoūt it a great argument and euidence of Gods speciall care ouer them and singular goodnesse towards them vvho in this estate of their frailetie and weakenesse hath in mercy appointed so excellent a helpe and so necessary a meanes for them to gather spirituall strength and increase of grace vvhereby to stand out against Sathan their deadly foe and to walke on cheerefully comfortably and constantly through the wildernesse of this troublesome vvorld to that promised rest that heauenly Canaan yea they reioyce greatly in it g Isai 58.13 finde much sweetnesse and delight in it long for it before it comes and when it is come solace themselues in it exceedingly And no marueile for they see and finde that it is the market-day of their soules vvherein according to Gods appointment they gather that heauenly Manna that bread of life vvhereby they are nourished and strengthened all the vveeke after and increase daily in that spirituall life of grace and godlinesse till they come vnto that measure vvhich GOD hath allotted vnto them They see how hereby they recouer themselues from sinnes past arme themselues against sinne to come grow in knowledge increase in faith hope patience and all other Christian vertues haue the inward man repaired and in a word vvhereas on other daies their mindes are troubled and distracted vvith worldly businesse this day they haue libertie to recall themselues as it were to draw neere vnto the Lord and sweetly to repose themselues in him who is their peace rest and happinesse and therefore they ioy reioyce herein Againe their Sabbath-day heere on earth as it doth expresse * Ambros in Psa 119. calleth aeternam vitam magnū Sabbathum August lib. 22. de ciuit Dei ca. 30. Sabbathum maximum where he saith it prefigureth the rest of the bodie and soule so it doth put them in minde of that eternal Sabbath which they shall celebrate for euer in the heauens that peace that ioy and that perfect rest and happinesse vvhich they shall shortly bee made partakers of for euer in those glorious mansions those celestiall habitations It is as it were a mappe or an Embleme to them of that Angelicall life which their soules longeth after and the very remembrance vvhereof doth vvonderfully refresh their grieued minds and languishing spirits vvhiles they vvander in this wearisome vvildernesse where they haue so many enemies continually assayling them so many difficulties with vvhich they are continually incumbred The sanctifying of this day doth bring them as it were from Aegypt to Canaan and from Babell vnto Sion i Heb. 11.10.16 It cals them home to their owne countrey giues them a view of it though a farre off and affords them a tast of that spirituall and heauenly life vvhich afterwards they shall liue for euer in glorious manner How therefore can it bee but that they should reioyce in it and in no vvise thinke it burdensome vnto them as carnall and worldly men doe O my God forgiue me that I haue had no more care of this dutie heretofore and teach me to be more mindfull of it hereafter As thou hast appointed this day to be wholly bestowed vpon thee and thy seruice so I humbly pray thee to guide me therein vvith thy grace and spirit that it may be my delight to consecrate it as * Isa 58.13 glorious vnto thee O let me not by any meanes pollute it by doing mine owne waies nor seeking mine owne will no not so much as speaking a vaine word but let me giue my selfe therein wholly to the duties k Act. 16.13 Psal 122. Nehe. 8.8 Act. 17.11 Psal 92.1 145.5 Mal. 3.16 1 Cor. 16.1.2 vvhich thou requirest of me both publique and priuate as hearing thy word preached with all reuerence and carefull attention reading the same prayer meditation and godly conference whatsoeuer else whereby I may be furthered or a means to further or helpe forward others in the wayes of grace and godlinesse that thus being obedient vnto thy commandement vnto which I am tied by so many bonds thy blessing may be vpon me thy spirit may dwell with me I may daily more and more be built vp in sauing knowledge and true holinesse I may grow strong in thy feare finding the powers of sinne and Sathan euery day more and more weakened in me and after that I haue at thy appointed times indeuoured to keepe a holy and religious Sabbath heere on earth I may hereafter keepe an eternall Sabbath with thee in the heauens praysing and magnifying thee vncessantly and enioying that perfect rest and happinesse which thou hast promised and I daily expect and hope for that only through the merits of thy deare Son my blessed Sauiour to whom with thee thy spirit be all praise now for euer Prophanenesse how fearefull the end of it will be THe Fig-tree a Math. 21 19 was accursed because it had leaues onely but brought forth no fruit how much more they then that haue cast away the leaues also hauing not so much as the shew and outward profession of religion and godlinesse It 's a heauie and dreadfull sentence which is to be pronounced against the vnprofitable seruant that hath not improued the Lords talent which he gaue vnto him and made the best vse of it for his masters aduantage so as might be most for his glory and the good and benefit of others amongst whom he liued b Math. 25 30 Cast that vnprofitable seruant into vtter darkenesse there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth O then what shall become of those that are not onely fruitelesse and vnprofitable in their course but prophane and openly euill so as the world doth point at them and cri◠shame vpon them though they are so hardened many of them that they neuer blush for it c Ier. 5.3 6.15 nor will be ashamed but d Hose 7.10 glory in it that doe not onely omit that which is good setting themselues
in no good way but also giue themselues wholly to the practise of wickednesse d Isai 3.8.9 Phil. 3.19 Hose 4.1.2 Psal 55.9.10.11 and vngodlinesse lying e swearing drunkennesse vncleanenesse contempt of the word and blessed ordinances of the Lord prophanation of the Sabbath and many execrable impieties making euen a trade of these Iewde and vvretched courses sporting f Pro. 10.23 themselues therein and hating g Psal 50 17. them that go about to reclaime them from them What shall become of them My heart trembleth to thinke of the fearefull doome vvhich shall passe against them in that great and terrible day of the LORD vvhen hee shall come in flaming fire h 2 Thes 1.8 to giue iudgement i Iud. 14.15 against them and to render vengeance vnto them as they haue deserued My heart trembleth to thinke how vvofull their estate and condition shall then be and me thinkes they should be amazed and astonished vvhen they heare of it or enter into consideration of it For if the vnprofitable seruant shall bee cast into vtter darknesse then doubtlesse they that haue not beene onely vnprofitable and barren of the vvorkes of pietie and charitie but also openly malicious full of vvickednesse i Rom. 1.29.30 enuie deceit backebiting raylers haters of GOD doers of wrong proud inuenters of euill things and practisers of all kinde of mischiefe in a prophane manner they shall bee cast into the outmost part of that vtter darkenesse into the verie depth thereof they shall haue the lowest part in hell the deepe dungeon of Gods wrath Their punishment shal be most fearefull and dreadfull and their end most wretched and miserable As it was said of Iudas k Mat. 26.24 so it may be likewise of them l Isai 3.9.11 5. It had beene good for such that they had neuer beene borne VVoe bee vnto their soules or they bring euill vpon themselues VVoe bee vnto them for they shall eate the fruit of their wayes and of their workes vvherin now they reioyce themselues Let them know assuredly that it shall bee gall and bitternesse to m Ier. 2.19 them in the end Their sinne is n Ier. 2.22 marked out before the LORD and their vengeance sleepeth not vvhen their wickednesse is come to the full growth and ripenesse as the Ammorites was o Gen. 15.16 then the Lord in his iustice will put to his sharpe sickle and cut them downe vvith a dreadfull iudgement and cast them into the VVine-presse of the fiercenesse of his vvrath yea into the very bottome of that bottomlesse pit of endlesse perdition and confusion vvhere they shall be tormented in fiery flames for euermore without all hope of recouery This shall be their lot and portion * Iob. 5.27 if they continue in that estate into vvhich they haue made so fearefull an entrance Heare it p Psal 50.22 Mat. 4.7 Heb. 3.8 all yee that forget GOD tremble at it and seeke in time to escape the vengeance to come q Mat. 24.50 1 Thes 5.3 Harden not your hearts neyther presume to goe on yet further lest it be too late for you to returne and to auoide this vvofull miserie vvhich vvill seize vpon you sooner then you are aware of O mercifull Lord keepe me and all thine from the wickednesse of the vvicked Let vs neuer delight to vvalke in the vvay that pleaseth them seeing the end and issue thereof is so fearefull r Pro. 14.12 how soeuer it seeme vnto them yea let vs bee afraid once to set one foote in it and alwayes most carefully auoyde the occasions vvhich might draw vs vnto it Let not there bee one prophane person s Heb. 12.16 amongest vs that haue taken the profession of thy glorious truth vpon vs But teach vs now and euer to abound in the fruits of righteousnesse and holinesse that so vve may not be found vnprofitable but increase daily more and more seeking to please thee that so vvhen that day of our accounts shall come vvhiles the wicked shall stand trembling at the Barre wee may lift vp our heades vvith confidence and heare that ioyfull sentence from thee t Mat. 25.23 It is well done good seruants and faithfull you haue beene faithfull in a little your glory shall be vnspeakeable Enter into your masters ioy inherite the kingdome prepared for you before the foundation of the world vnto vvhich bring vs in thy good time O mercifull LORD not for any merits or vvorthinesse of ours but onely for thy Sonnes sake our blessed Sauiour and Redeemer to whom with thee and thy Spirit be all praise and glory now and for euer The securitie of the wicked THou seest how it is with people that lye sleeping in a Boat whiles they are caried down the streame they make way apace and come to their appointed place before they are aware thereof So it is with the wicked and vngodly they lye sleeping in carnall securitie whiles Sathan wherries them downe amaine till hee brings them scarce thinking of any such matter to the bottomlesse gulfe of endlesse perdition and confusion Euery houre euery minute they are hastening forward to their destruction in an vnsensible manner and at length they fall sodainly into the depth of it without all recouery and being awakened out of that dead sleepe into which they were cast beginne to wonder at their former carelesnesse yea cry out and send forth many fearefull shrikings and grieuous a Luke 16.24 clamours being as men amazed and euen at their wits end to see the woe and miserie which they haue brought vpon themselues and from which they can neuer be freed neuer released though they had a thousand vvorlds to giue for a ransome Lord suffer me not to sleepe as others doe b 1 Thes 5.6 lest I perish with them A soft and tender heart A Soft and tender heart as it is the gift a Ezek. 11.19 36.26 of God so it is a singular blessing and such as the Lord bestoweth vpon those whom he loueth best and to whom he hath a speciall fauour and purpose to doe them most good both here and hereafter Oh it is his delight to b Isa 57.15 Psa 51.17 Isa 66.1.2 dwell with them and in them by the abundance of his graces and by the presence of his holy and blessed Spirit Hee will reuiue them and giue life vnto them and will neuer depart from them Their sighes and sobs and teares issuing from a heart contrite * Mat. 12.20 and broken for sinne are deare and precious vnto him they are as sweet waters which he keepeth as it vvere in his glasse * Psa 56.8 in his owne closet Happy c Mat. 5.4 is the man that findeth this in him He hath it vnder the Lords hand and seale that he will graciously respect him and cause his soule to liue before him But alas how rare a thing is this How fewe be there