beholding the seedes to spring and budds to â—ut outin the seueral plants especially considering our Lord Iesus delightes to come into the gardens to walke there to delight himselfe in beholding the sweete blessed growth in graces holy duties and hence ariseth joy euen in afflictions for the name in the honor of Christ as in al the Martyrs the Saints Heb. 10.34 who suffered with ioy the spoyling of their goods As also to see the weedes of sin to be ouer-mastred and rooted out thereby 6. In the testimony of a good conscience which is as Salomon sayth a continuall feast o Cor. 1.12 hauing witnes that in simplicity and godly purenes and not in fleshly wisedome he hath conuersed That a man hath not moyled al be smeared and durtied himselfe the conscience in lusts and pleasures but hath maintained a blessed combate and cherished the pantings breathings and longing desires of the Spirit against the cursed lusts and corruption of the flesh As also in the fauour of God reconciled by Christ the conscience testifying this atonement Rom. 5.11 the soulâ— is at quiet peace and repose in his loue as the childe in the mothers lap or fathers armes 7. In Iesus Christ who is in g 2 Cor. 5.17 vs by faith h Gal. 2.20 liueth i Eph. 3.17 dwels in vs so as Paul say the we worship God in the Spirit k Phil. 3.3 and reioyce in Iesus Christ The wise Merchant takes more pleasure in the pearle then in all his estate besides Phil. 3.8 And the Apostle accounts al but losse dung in comparison of Christ Zaccheus receiued Christ joyfully not into his house onely but into his heart especially And it is not possible to be otherwise for the faithfull soule being the sweete and beloued Spouse of Iesus Christ should estimate or delight in any thing in the world aboue or comparable to her amiable beloued Head and louing husband 2. 〈◊〉 Rom 12.12 For time to come they find much joy in the hope expectatioÌ„ of that ioy glory which they shal inioy in Heauen in the mercy and saluation of God as Dauid saith Psal 13.5 I trust in thy mercy mine heart shall reioyce in thy saluation In that presence of glory where the Lord shal be more then a Sun to refresh reviue them Ps 84.11 and more then a shield to defend them Thus of the internall meanes or well springs of heauenly ioyes 2. Externall or from without and that in three particulars 1. In the Word blessed ordinances of Godâ— for the Word Ps 11â— Dauid esteemed and delighted in it more then in his appointed food pathetically cryes out O how loue I thy Law it is my meditation continually It is a character true vndoubted marke of such as feare God that they haue great delight in his commaundements Ps 11â— â— In the Word are described delineated the wayes of wisedome the invaluable pleasures treasures thereof which make a man possessing her truly happy Pro. 3.13.18 Blessed is the man that findeth wisedome and getteth vnderstanding for the merchandise thereof are better then the merchandise of siluer the gaine thereof better then golde length of dayes are in her right hand in her left hand riches glory her wayes are wayes of pleasure all her paths prosperity she is a tree of life to them that lay hold on her and blessed is hee that retaineth her The Gospel is a deep sweete fountaine of precious promises Rom. 15.4 the Spirit worketh consolation by the Scriptures There is the ioyful tydings of saluation the blessed doctrine and assurance of free remission of sinnes our full iustification by the redemption of Iesus Christ published and proclaimed there are the pleasures of Gods House there is foode for the children of the most High and great King to nourish them vp to eternal life this they desire 1 Pet. 2.2 as infants clothe them with tissue or cloath of gold bespangle them with the most Orient pearles that the East or West Indies can afford set most curiously in the finest gold of Ophir or crusado trundle before theÌ„ apples of gold bring them instruments make the most melodious harmony musicke that Art can deuise make them heires of this great Vniuerse yet nothing pleaseth them but the brest so assuredly not any thing can satisfie the true childe adopted heire of God but the sweete sincere milke of the Word that is their proper element they will trauail from sea to sea to finde the word of the Lord they can no more liue without it then the fish without water the mole without earth the camelion without aire the Salamander without fire and when they finde it they feed vpon it and uourish vp their soules with ioy to eternal life And for the ordinances of God they are as k Is 12 3. wels and fountaines out of which they draw with ioy waters of life and comfort as the ministery of the word they long after it with earnest most affectionate desires as the l Psal 42.1 chased Hart panteth after the coole chrystaline streames when they are absent from it and depriued of it they cry out m Ps 84.2.5 Oh how amiable are thy Tabernacles O Lord God of hostes My soule longeth and fainteth for the Courtes of the Lord pronouncing the Sparrow and Swallow happy that may build their nests neere the Altar concluding that they are blessed which dwell in his house for they feede vpon the words of Christ vnto eternal life and so haue their hearts lifted vp to ioyfulnesse and the prayses of God The Sacraments are other blessed fountaines and wels of ioy wherein Christ is before them crucified to the eye to the increasing strengthning of faith all other sauing graces of the spirit which faith is the roote mother of In like manner is spirituall ioy conueyed to the soule in the vse of the rest of the ordinances of God as confession of sinnes godly sorrow prayer reading conference and such like wherof euery true beleeuer hath experience in the secret consolations rauishments of the heart which the spirit of God doth exhibite in the due serious vse of these sacred ordinances 2. In the sweete fellowship communion of Saints they finde secret ioy Psal 16.2 Dauid professeth that all his delight is in them that excell in vertue In respect of this Paul longed to be with the Romanes that he might be comforted by their mutuall saith Rom. 1. to haue fellowship with them publikely in the vse of the Ministry of the word Sacran ents prayer and priuately in the vse of the more prinate duties of godlynesse as exhortation they as Salomon saith The face of a friend sharpens his friend as the Apostle saith whet one another to loue and good workes Psal 122.
of the afflicted for crosses losses and outward troubles afflictions are common and ordinary such as Iob speakes of u Iob 6.2 Oh that my griefes were well weighed and my miseries layde together in the ballance for it would hee now heauier then the sand of the sea and such was that sorrow w Mat. 2 1â— in x Ier. 31.51 Ramah where a voyee was heard Rachel weeping for her children would not be comforted because they were not but this must not be it being too vniversall I were better preach vniversall grace then this doctrine which will fetch within the compasse thereof vniversally all the sonnes of Adam for there is no man but at one time or other laments the losse of wife children lands possession goods good name woundes sicknesses diseases and such like and yet millions of these perish and that eternally there is no man except he bee a Stoike ouer-whelmed with stupidity blockishnes but hath natural passions affections the world skip and leape at this as the fish at the baite but poore soules they deceiue themselues latet anguis in herba and there is a hooke within this baite when they heare of the promises made to mourners the deuill their deceitful hearts make theÌ„ beleeue they fondly speake they hope they haue their hell heere and their heauen heereafter whenas they are but the beginnings and first-fruits of the wrath of the eternall God and fore-runners of that full haruest of vengeance which the Iust will inflict vpon them for euer in hell for the Lord as not so prodigal of his best mercies as to diffuse scatter them thus vniversally vpon all but as aversly deale they with themselues and with the bounty of God for if he turne the wheele of prosperity and giue them abundance of peace plenty and outward blessings they turne their songs and say if God loued them not hee would neuer bestow and cumulate those variety of fauours vpon them as the children of Ephraim when God menaced them with wrath for their sins answered y Hosea 12.8 Notwithstanding I am rich and increased in all my labours And the Church of Laodicea sayd z Apoc. 3 16 17 she was rich c. Thus which way soeuer the Lord turne himselfe towardes them they put poyson into the cup which God filâ— out to them and drinke it to the ruine of their soules neuer inquiring for assurance whether God giues these conditions to them in his Loue or Wrath nor considering that which the Wiseman speakes a Eccles 9.23 All things that is in these outward things a Eccl 9.1.2.3 God promiscuously bestowes all things alike to the good and bad to him that sacrificeth to him that sacrificeth not to him that sweareth and feareth an oath as is the good so is the sinner So that by any of these outward things no man knowes Ioue or hatred Hos 13.11 There are many rich men wicked God gaue Saul to Israel in his wrath the prosperity of the wicked Prov. 12.32 is their ruine There are also many poore men abominably wicked carrying about them many blacke characters and plague tokens of reprobation It is also as certaine that GOD chooseth though not many rich noble learned and wise to be vessels of grace mercy and glory as Abraham Iob Salomon others and many poore as S. Iames sayth b Iam. 2.5 Hearken my beloued hath not God chosen the poore of this world that they may be rich in him and heires of the promises Quest. But may not Gods children grieue and mourne for outward afflictions losses and troubles in this world Answ They may but with these two cautions or rules 1. That their heauinesse bee rather for finne in themselues which might cause that crosse then for the affliction it selfe 2. That their heauinesse and sorrow be moderate as Paul adviseth c 1 Cor. 7.30 Let them that weepe be as if they wept not and for the losse of friends d 1 Thess 4.13 not to weepe as men without hope for them that sleepe c. Quest But when is sorrow for afflictions moderate 1. When it exceedes not the measure of sorrow for fin that is libertie enough if not too much for a large measure and degree of sorrow for sinne is required and necessary 2. When it with-drawes not the heart from God the holy vse or all his ordinaÌ„ces through passionate and incredulous perturbations for that is not according to the Apostles Canon weepe as if ye wept not fye vpon that sorrow for outward losses that driues from God and the duties either of generall or perticular callings as of husband wife father childe or our outward profession and calling in this world 3. Is 54.7.8 It must be but for a season because the troubles and afflictions of Gods children are but for a moment e Psal 30.5 God hides his face but for a little while and the reason is because afflictions are vsed of God as plasters medicines or as a furnace Now in as much as the Godly will speedily judge themselues and make their peace therefore the Lord will soone draw off the affliction Sweetly speakes our Sauiour to this purpose f Iob 36.7.15 Iohn 16.20 23 Phil. 4.6 Luke 18.7.8 Verily I say vnto you that yee shall weepe lament and the world shall reioyce and yee shall sorrow but your sorrow shall be turned into ioy The plaster shall lye no longer then till the sore bee whole the goldesmith will let his mettall lye no longer in the fire then till the drosse be melted off or fit for his worke For whether the Lord remoues the crosse or puls out the sting thereof or sweetens it with speciall mercies and fauours ouer-valuing the affliction How should this checke the vnquietnesse of our hearts as David sayth g Ps 42.11 Why art thou cast downe my soule and vnquiet within me c. and to bee ashamed of the failings of our hearts h Psal 73.26 My flesh faileth and my heart also but GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion for euer And to turne the current of sorrow against our selues that wee should make so much of our crosses and so little of Gods mercies Quest What motiues can you giue me to mourne lesse for outward afflictions Sol. First they as you see are but for a season and therefore learne to i Heb. 10.23.38 hold fast the confidence of our hope and liue by faith 2. If the Lord be angry k Psal 73.26.28 Hab. 2.4 to hide our selues for a little season till the indignation â—s past by vnfaigned and godly sorrow confession of sinne prayer for pardon of sin renewing our covenants dayly to liue better in time to come and such like as these 3. Seriously to consider if greater losses haue not befalne vs then these terrene and outward things as houses lands revenues goods and credite Quest But may
speaketh to you as to sons 3. Some true beleeuers are in their soules as many a poore man or woman in their bodies who are alwayes diseased and crasie so haue little ioy in all their riches state life c. So is it with many a soule alwayes diseased with spirituall maladies and that sometimes till death as with pride passion or strange effectes of melancholly and these how euer they pant and breath after the sence of Gods presence yet it is possible for them to liue and die without any euident sence feeling of Gods presence and ioy 4. Some so fall after effectual calling into somegrosse sin for a time that they may so lose the ioy of their saluation and presence of God as they may neuer recouer it to their very end though they mourne for the want of it as Dauid did who sometimes recouered the comfort againe as in Psal 30.7.11 But after his grosse sins of Adulterie and Murther it is doubtfull whether euer hee attained the former sweete sence of Gods presence or at least in the same degree Yet to all these there is cause of comfort when there is a sence of the absence and want thereof it s a true signe of life when there is complayning of weaknesse of the spirits in wearinesse or sicknesse or agitation of them by violent exercise of the internall or vitall partes Now if this godly sorrow be in the heart it will expresse it selfe by mourning for the want of consolation and Christs absence as Dauid in many Psalmes w Psalm 77 7.8.9 Hast thou shut vp thy tender mercies in displeasure And hast thou forgotten to be mercifull wilt thou absent thy selfe for euer x Psal 51.8 Make me to heare ioy and gladnesse that the bones which thou hast broken may reioyce And Verse 11. Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy holy spirit from me Restore me to the ioy of thy saluation and stablish me with thy free spirit c. O Dauld where is all the state riches strength fortitude the comfort of thy wife children friendes c. that thou art thus off the hinges Where is the glory of a Crowne Diademe or Kingdome that none of all these will comfort thy heart but to bee thus complayning mourning and full of heauinesse and sorrow In this case nothing will consolate the soule but the inioying of his presence wherein is life and his absence worse then death it selfe Yet in some this sence of Gods presence after assurance is habituall and constant expressed with admirable ioy gladnesse of heart and truely not with much interruption but then they are such as obserue these fiue rules 1. They voluntarily seeke godly sorrow for their sinnes for this y Ps 126.2.6 Isa 61.3 Math. 5.5 presence and ioy is promised too and most felt by such as mourne for sinne but for all the rest of the world I say Maisters hands off as Salomon sayth z Pro. 14.10 The heart knoweth the bitternesse of his soule and the stranger shall not meddle with his ioy 2. Lose not Gods presence but keepe him in thine eye still and walke before him in sinceritie for a Psal 16.11 at his right hand is fulnesse of ioy and pleasures for euermore 3. Be fruitefull in well doing euen in all kindes of duties for sterilitie and barrennesse in god-Iynesse is comfortlesse and grieues the Spirit of God but fertility and aboundance of fruitefulnesse b 1. Cor. 15. vlâ—im Col. 1.9.10.11 glads the Spirit and makes our ioy abound 4. Nourish the loue of no sinne for then it is as impossible to keepe the sence of Gods presence and ioy of the spirit as to keepe fire and water in a pot mixed together as the wise man sayth b Prou. 12.13 Prou. 12. â—0 In the transgression of an euill man is his snare but the righteous doth sing amd reioyce And deceite is in the heart of them that imagine euill but to the counsellors of peace shall be ioy 5. Vpon the first feelings of Christs absence complaine betimes if possible let not the Sun goe downe vpon it doe as in the Canticles c Câ—nt 5.6 I opened to my welbeloued and my welbeloued was gone and past I called but he answered me not Delay no time spare no labour nor cost to seek him goe to the watchmen enquire and search with all diligence d Can. 3.1.2 lye not in thy bed of securitie seeke him in the vse of all his Ordinances Ministery Sacraments Prayer examine the cause why hee absents himselfe humble thy soule with godly sorrow confesse thine vnworthinesse renew thy couenants vowes and promises neuer to be so sleepy fruitelesse carelesse vnthankfull for his sweete presence for time to come Search the Records of Gods promises againe and againe giue him no rest day nor night be importunate for that pleaseth him Adde fasting as a wing to thy prayers obserue the least motions of the Spirit and the beginnings of comfort and bee thankefull for it and bee constant neuer to giue ouer thy search till thou finde him whom thy soule loveth and he will at the last be intreated as he was of the Spouse shee found him e Cant. 3.4 tooke hold of him and would not let him goe c. 5. Point 5 Godly sorrow sets the heart on worke to mourne for the want of the meanes especially the ministery of the word and Sacraments O blessed David thou hadst a great degree and measure of this grace intimating it selfe in thy panting and longings after the bread of life euen the heauenly Manna and ministery of the word f Ps 42.2.4 My soule thirsteth for God the liuing God when shall I come and appeare before the presence of God When I remembred these things I powred out my very heart because I had gone with the multitude and led them into the house of God with singing c. The people of God euen when they sate by the pleasant Riuers of Bebell which was an outward comfort to them yet there g Ps 137.2.4 they sate downe and wept when they remembered Sion they hanged their Harpes vpon the Willowes c. and said when the Babilonians in scorne called for a song a song an Hebrew song How shall wee sing a song of the Lord in a strange land Admirable were the affections of the Church to the Ministers in the dayes of the Fathers vnder these Heathenish persecuting Emperours who when their Ministers guides and leaders were taken from them came out as if distracted and crying to them to take all they had so they would leaue them their guides and of Hierome they saide it had beene better the Sunne had beene pull'd out of the firmament then that his mouth should haue beene stopped and Lord vouchsafe this mercy to vs thy poore Ministers that our eyes might but see such happy dayes that the people might haue Dauids spirit who when he was exiled
calamitie that the Church was and had beene in a long time he mourned three vvhole vveeks together o Dan. 10.2.3 in in which space he eate no pleasant meate neyther came flesh or vvine in his mouth nor any oyntment which was vsuall amongst the lewes in times of reioycing vpon his body 2. It is an Apostolicall Canon which Paul giues to all the members of the Church to bee affected with the afflictions of their brethren to sympatize with them in their welfare p Rom. 12.15.16 Reioyce vvith those that reioyce and vveepe vvith them that vveepe and be like affectioned one tovvards another And those that feast and are frolicke in the miscries of Sion the Lord threatens with a most heauie woe c. q Amos 6.5.6.7 They lye and siretch themselues vpon beds of Ivory and eate the Lambes of the flocke and the calues out of the stall they sing to the sound of the viole they inuent to themselues instruments of musicke like Dauid They drinke vvine in bovvels and anoynt themselues vvith svveete oyntments but they are not grieued for the affliction of Ioseph Therefore non shall they goe captiue with the first that goe captiue and the sorrovv of theÌ„ that stretched themselues is at hand Oh that all such as sit at ease and sleepe snugge in the miseries of the Church would but consider and lay to heart this dreadfull threatning of the immortall God and wee of these Ilands of Great Britaine and Ireland that stand and gaze onely vpon the ruines of other Churches and like Athenians loue to heare and tell newes but make no vse to returne into our owne bowels to cause them lament and turne within vs and to expresse our inward affections to Sion by our sorrowes and earnest supplications prayers teares with fasting without ceasing vntill the Lord returne and haue mercie vpon his poore desolate Spouse Little consider wee that our turne may be next 3. The eternall Sonne of God euen our Head Christ is afflicted with the calamities of his Church As saith the Prophet r Ps 63.5 In all their troubles he was troubled and the Angel of his presence went before them He sympathizeth in all the welfare and woe of his Church obserue his speech to Saul Å¿ Act. 9.15 Saul Saul why persecutest thou me and I am Iesus whoÌ„ thou persecutest Our Sauiour hee suffers in his members t Mat. 25 2â— I was hungry thirstie naked sicke harborlesse and in prison that is hee hath his share in all the wants necessities streights miseries that all his members in all parts of the world sustaine and endure for he is not in want saith August t August in Ps 75. in regard of any misery yet he wanteth in regard of mercy hee suffers not in his deitie of himself and yet he suffers out of commiseration to his the Apostle Paul saith he fulfilled u Col. 1.24 the rest of the afflictions of Christ in his flesh for his bedies sake which is the Church I am not ignorant that there is great adoe amongst Diuines about those words The Iesuites Rhemists in their marginall notes vpon this place affirme that Christ did not suffer all that was necessarie for mans freedome for sinne but left much to be suffered by his members especially men of principall note and hence grew their Diabelicall Supererogation Satisfactory paines and Indulgences kept in the Churches Treasures a Cow that giues as good and store of milke as any in the Popes deiery except Confession and Purgatorie which are his mints But that this glosse corrupts the text and cannot be the intention of the Apostle is apparent 1. Because that doctrine of Popery is contrary to the analogie of faith and opposeth these expresse texts of Scripture w Is 53.4.6.10.12 Surely he hath home our infirmities and carried our sorrowes he was wouÌ„ded for our transgressions he was broken for our iniquities and the chastisement of iâ— peace was layde vpon him and by 〈◊〉 stripes we are healed c. And thâ— Evangelist sayth that when oâ—â— blessed Sauiour x Ioh. 19.30 had tasted the vineger he said It is finished what better testimony then of the Son of God himselfe and if finished y Heb. 10.1 to 15. â— 14.2.26 2 Cor. 15.14 1 Iohn 2.1 Ps 49.7.8 Ezech. 18.20 Gal. 6.5 what need any more propitiatorie sacrifices Many other texts of Scripture might be alleadged some whereof I annexe in the margent for brevities sake to be read at mens leasures 2. Augustine is flat against this sense wheÌ„ he saith z August tract 44. in Iohau Leâ— when brethren dye for brethren yet no bloud of Martyrs is shed for remission of sins this Christ onely hath done Doctor Fulke in his answer to the Rhemists alleadgeth Chrysostome vpon this text homil 4. Ambrose and Theodoret yea their owne Writers are against them a Pope could say The iust receiue not giue crownes And their owne Schoole Diuines are flat against them the Glosse hath it for you for the confirmation of you in the doctrine of the Gospell others affirme that to say Aquinat Caietan that the passions of the Saints are added to make vp or fulfill the passion of Christ is hereticall 3. The next verse declares this for he did thus suffer according to the dispensation giuen him of God and it is euident hee was giuen to edifie not to redeeme the Church 4. This Rhemistical sence brings in a strange and grosse absurdity for if the words be vnderstood of the sufferings of Christ left to his people to indure for propitiation for sinne then the consequent must of necessitie bee that Paul suffered all that was wanting so there should remaine nothing to suffer For he saith he suffered the rest of the sufferings of Christ therefore this text is nothing to their purpose Now they may bee saide to be the sufferings of Christ either as Christ is taken for the whole mysticall body as Paul a 1 Cor. 12.12 by Christ there meaneth the body of Christ or as he is the Head of the Church and so the afflictions of his people may bee said 〈◊〉 be his sufferings or else because they were imposed vpon him by Christ for the Churches good or because they were for Christ and the profession of his doctrine or because of the vnion and sympathie betwixt Christ and the Christian who accounts them as his sufferings and this is principally intended by the Apostle for it is questionlesse that Christ doth so feele the calamities of his people that he esteems them in that respect to bee his owne miseries as hath been proued by variety of Scriptures before 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and vndoubtedly from hence came that witty distinction of Christs sufferings into the sufferings he endured in his own Person and the sufferings he felt in his members Thus of the necessity of sorrow for the Churches afflictions in generall 2.
It is as true that euery member of the Chusch wherof Christ is the Head must of necessity or else no true member of the Head Christ sympathize with their particular fellow members in all their wealth and woe euen the meanest of them so sayth that worthy Apostle Paul b 2 Cor. 11.29 who is weake and I not weake with him who is scandalized but I burne with it and so elsewhere c 1 Cor. 12.26 If any one member he honoured all the rest reioyce with it if any one suffer all the rest suffer with it Thus is it in the naturall body if any tread vpon or kicke the least toe or foot will no the head feele will not the tongue say why do you tread vpon or kicke me and thus it cannot but be in the mysticall body of Christ O Lord if this be true where are there any true members of Christ to be found in this age let mee but finde such a man or woman that when they see Christs members I meane his beleeuing neighbours hungry thirsty naked sicke imprisoned scandalized and he or shee humbly careth for them for care and ioy are the two fairest daughters of Loue and out of his care is affected with his miserie prayeth to God for his reliefe and indeauors to furnish his necessities So on the contrary if God turne the wheele of prosperity then to rejoyce with them especially in spirituall prosperitie after desertion and then I will beleeue that such a man or woman is the child of God hath attained to this blessed godly sorrow as a mostnecessary true symptome character thereof and if it be otherwise it plainly proueth is a black marke of reprobation as will appeare if wee consider these reasons 1. It plainely intimates d 1 Ioh. 5.14 we are but dead men and not translated from death to life e 1 Ioh. 2.10 that wee are still in darknes and without the true light it testifies to our selues Angels and men that we are not onely benummed or paraliticke members but rotten putrified mortified members which must be cut off these are like wooden legges that feele nothing of the bodies or members maladie how canst thou thinke thy selfe a true member of Christ and cryest not out vnder the afflictions of the poorest true beleeuer and expressest not thy sorrow by thine earnest indeauour to ease the crosse affliction what liuing members and feele nothing It is impossible that a true beleeuer member of Christ should bee thus blockish and sencelesse 2. It plainely manifests want of zeale to GOD and his glory when either the cause of the Churches calamitie or the particular afflictions of Gods people strike vs not at the very heart which should be more deare vnto vs shall I say then our owne wealth safetie life yea I may truely say then our owne saluation where is the zeale of Moses blot me out of the booke of life f Exo. 32 32. rather then destroying this people the heathen should insult and say because God was not able to bring his people into Canaan therefore hee destroyde them in wildernesse it was Gods Name that stroke Moses at the heart and this is oft eclipsed by the afflictions of Gods people Oh the miseries woes of infinite millions of men and women with whom it is all one what conditioÌ„ befals the Church or any particular member thereof Were old f 1 Sam. 4.18 19. Eli his daughter the wife of Phineas now aliue would not the captivity of the Arke be their deaths to heare of the desolations that are made in that famous and most auncient Church of Bohemia and her sister the Palatine with other partes thus wasted and depopulated the Name of the Lord of hostes to be dishonoured by that relation which our adversaries make of the victories triumphs and successes had by that Popish and Iherian faction and that vnnaturally by the Natiues and Popish English which should bee his Maiesties loyall subiects in this Iland But alas what doe I insist vpon these reasons to incite vs to commiserate the afflictions of the Churches of Christ abroad great is the dishonour of God at home euen in this Kingdome the state of both Sion and Ierusalem is so miserable that it giues vs just cause oh that wee had their affections to cry out g Laâ— 1.2.16 Laâ— 2.18 Ier. 13.27 mine eye droppeth c. Oh that we had not onely cause to say with the Prophet Ieremie Because of eathes the land mourneth but we haue just occasion to say with the Lord by the Prophet Hosea that h Hos 4.1.2 c. God hath a controuersie with vs because there is no mercy truth nor knowledge of God in the Land by swearing lying killing stealing whoring they breake out and bloud toucheth bloud therefore shall the Land mourne and all that are therein shall be cut off with the beasts of the field c. I may adde the abominable drunkennesse oppression idolatry with swarmes of those Locusts the Friers Priests and that Ignatian brood the Iesuites swarming in euery corner by scores seducing and beguiling vnstable soules robbing and impouerishing not only the poore Natiues but the whole Kingdome by their intollerable exactions it is almost incredible the masse and summes of money that they daily rake together I could not beleeue it vntill I saw it by probable demonstrations that at the least 500000 pound sterling and vpward of treasure is exhausted out of this poore Kingdome yearely to maintaine that woful generation at home and corroborate and animate the enemies abroad that the Kingdome of necessity must grow full of penurie their insolencie increaseth so fast and our sinnes provoking the Highest in such degree that except l Amâ—s 4.12 wee prepare to meet the Lord by speedy repentance as the Eternal himselfe adviseth his people what may we looke for but some bloudy massacres as in Paris and Vastie in the dayes of Charles the ninth in France or at Antvverpe in the Netherlands or else some other grieuous judgments another way Oh that we which are k Is 62.6 â— the Lords remembrancers vvould giue him no rest till he repaire his Ierusalem and Zion Oh yee Reuerend Fathers let these silent lines speake in your cares and be not incensed against them why doe you not imploy rhe Churches weapons which are praeces lachrymae to implore his Maiestie and the State for reformation of these horrible and detestable abominations GOD perswade your hearts to this I know it is the desire of sundry of your soules to see the prosperitie of Bethell and Zion the ruine and desolation of Bethauen and Babell and you Right Honorable the Nobility State of this Kingdome pardon the importunity of these rude lines and let them incite your noble spirits to intreat our God by vnfeigned and carnest supplications prayers l Heb. 5.7 with strong cryes and teares as our
goes not away without the sence of his loue and the consolation of the spirit and ioy of saluation as in the example of b Psal 32. Dauid Iosiah and others of Gods scruants which is true ioy comfort indeede as Dauid speakes to the Courtiers of Saul wherein hee professeth if it pleased God but to lift vp the light of his countenance vpon him hee should haue more delight then the world when their c Ps 4.6.7 Corne and vvine and oyle did abound This was the lose and farewell of the sorrow of that worthy d 1. Sam. 1.7 Hanna when shee was vexed by Peninah she fasted and wept but faith perswading her heart that God would grant her request she weat her vvay saith the text eate and dranke and looked no more sad And this is the ordinary end of the sorrow of the godly if right But when sorrow departs with the ceasing of paine or increase of outward things or if men driue out sorrow with feasting merry company and such like it hath an ill end and is not from God but from the Deuill and corrupted and depraued nature 6. Finally the Apostle Paul to the Corinthes hath seauen seuerall signes or notes of this godly sorrow the first whereof in our ordinary translation is care others haue it study Montanus addeth in the margent solicitudo a restlesse care or diligence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or study in the minde how to walk so as wee may bee pleasing and acceptable vnto God and that in these two things especially 1. In that which is our maine errand for which we were borne and came into this world and wherein the chiefe and principall honour wee possibly can giue vnto our Creator consists as Peter speaketh f 2. Pet. 1.10 Giue diligence to make your calling and election sure that is study with all diligence to make your calling sure and then yee make your election sure Armilla aurea for these graces are like a golden chaine that one linke depends vpon another are neuer segregated or diuided he that hath one hath all and to this purpose speakes the Author to the Hebrewes g Hebr. 4.11 Let vs therefore study 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or rather study with all hast and importunitie to enter into that rest c. So that this grace of godly sorrow or remorse for sinne quickeneth vp the heart to a wonderfull serious sedulous diligent care about the assurance and euidence of Gods fauour in the remission forgiuenesse of sinnes and all other graces of the Spirit and assuredly I haue in my poore obseruation seene this seldome or neuer fayle or such a person seldome or neuer to fall backe againe whereas such as haue been industrious about speculations chronoligies genealogies such like but not intended that speciall maine point haue seldome continued and therefore let euery childe of God lay vp this as a speciall remarkable note 2. Our study and solicitous care must be so to liue as beseems such mercies and fauours as our gracious Father hath vouchsased to bestow vpon vs in giuing vs so much and forgiuing so infinite a debt h Ps 119.15 vvee must ayme at Gods Commaundements as aâ—a marke and as the Apostle saith to vvalke vvorthy of the Lord and please him in all things being fruitfull in all good workes especially shew it in these particulars 1. Study to walke with God in the sence of his blessed presence so knowing and being affected with his loue as we forget not his sacred presence as the Lord commaunds Abraham i Gene. 17.1 vvalke before me be vpright Obiect I but may the poore humbled sinner say I haue such a corrupt wandring vnmortified heart as I cannot bring it to this passe Answ Micha 6 8. Learne and practise that aduise which the Lord adviseth by the Prophet Hamble thy selfe before him to get a better abilitie and power to vvalke vvith thy God for godly sorrow with fasting and prayer will get it or nothing will 2. Set the law of God alwayes before thee as the onely perfect rule of all thy actions as Dauid this is to be vpright in our vvay to vvalke in the Lavv of the Lord which makes a man a blessed man Psal 119.1 as for those that vvalke by crooked and by pathes will the Lord lead with the workers of iniquitie but peace shall be vpon Israel 3. Obserue the motions and stirrings of Gods spirit within thy soule to any good else the spirit will bee grieued within thee which by no meanes thou mayst doe for that is against the Apostles charge Ephes 4.30 Grieue not the holy Spirit of God by vvhich yee are sealed vp to the day of redeÌ„ption But in any case and by all meanes bee carefull to obey the motions thereof and that without reasonings against it or delayes which are dangerous but with all readinesse speede and cheerefulnesse this is to walke after the spirit Gal. 5.25 and not after the flesh to reuine the spirit and not to quench it Rom. 8.1 4. To excell all ciuill and honest men and hypocrites in this that we carry a carefull eye and respect to all Gods Commaundements 1. Thes 5.19 which will assure vs of safetie then shall I not be confounded when I haue respect to all thy Commaundements and wee shall liue according to the wish and desire of GOD himselfe Oh that there were such an heart in this people that they might feare me and keepe all my Commaundements alwayes that it might goe well with them and with their children after them Psal 119. Deut. 5.29 So that to make coÌ„scieuce of euery sinne by prayer and the practise of all the duties of mortification to avoyd it and also to obey God both in our soules and bodies that in euery part and faculitie of both and that all our dayes so would it go well with vs and we should lay vp a good inheritance for our children after vs. 5. We should so admire Gods loue Ps 1 16.8.9.12 in deliuering our soules from death our eyes from teares and our feete from falling that we seeke the face of God in the light of the liuing and neuer to come emptie handed but to study with the kingly Prophet Dauid Ps 56.12.13 vvhat to render to the Lord for all his mercies so let Gods vowes be vpon vs and wee should euer be rendring prayse which is our best sacrifice yea all wee can retribute to him againe 6. And the second of the seaven which the Apostle hath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is defence or apologie euen the stipulation of a quiet good conscience vvhich maketh request to God 1. Pet. 3.21 for it is the proper worke of a quiet good conscience to make Apologie or excuse vs before GOD whence ariseth tranquilitie of minde which the Apostle calleth the peace of God vvhich passeth all vnderstanding Phil. 4.7
shall come in the morning after two dayes he wil remoue vs and the third we shall liue in his sight and as the Prophet Hosea Hos 6.2 I know this hand which is heauy vpon me is vnder my head to bring me light out of this darknes life out of that which for the present is more bitter then death it selfe 2. It reproues the most part of men first multitudes thinke it an easie matter to be saued that there needes not so much adoe that a few light sighes and Lord haue mercy vpon vs a little before or at the last gaspe is sufficient some say also they thank God their sinnes neuer troubled them whereas it is certaine that neuer man went to Heauen but with great difficultie and therefore our Sauiour being asked if many should bee saued answered Striue to enter in at the streight gate for many shall striue shall not be able to enter Neuer yet man went to Heauen but sayled by hell nor euer shall they that neuer felt yet the smart of sinne shall one day finde and that to their cost and miserie that there is the more behinde 3. Many weepe howle for their sinnes yet poore soules are easelesse and remedilesse because they are not directed to the right sorrow so spend weekes moneths and yeares but neuer the better the smart remaines the gashes and wounds made by the Deuill and corruption not cured but the heart left comfortlesse still for such this Treatise is vseful to lead them to the sweet fountaines of Elim Numb 33. that they drinking of them may satisfie their thirstie soules and liue for euer 4. This reproues all flesh whose hearts are set vpon foolish mad laughter merriment drinking carowsing banqueting iesting and such like and thinke all the world fooles but themselues and such as they are which cast firebrandes poll-axes swords and speares at the eies faces of each other saying am I not in iest as Salomon speakes Deut 32.29 Oh that they would be wise then would they vnderstaÌ„d then would they consider their latter end Oh that these men would but take the aduice which God gaue to his own beloued people euen to consider what will become of all this foolish wicked abominable sinful mirth whether it will hold out and comfort them vpon their sick beds or before the Almighties Tribunal as also our blessed Sauiour the wisedome of the Father cals them from this mirth and jollity curseth them if they continue in it wâ—e be to you which now laugh Luke 6. for you shall howle cry and seeing it is a sealed truth ratified in Heauen like the Lawes of the Medes and Persians neuer to bee repealed that either men must mourne heere or be damned perish and howle etenally hereafter Let me exhort yea beseech you in the Name of the Lord Iesus to set on worke about this grace speedily and seriously and the rather because no time is properly ours but the present for time past is irrecouerable not to bee recalled by Angels or men for time to come that is not ours but the Almighties who knowes the cotinuance of his life are we not al tenants at will and therefore delay not nor procrastinate if the Lord doe length out thy daies thou art not sure of the continuance of the meanes God now offereth thee in the ministry of the word the Candlesticke may bee remoued Apoc. 2.1.4 as GOD threatned the Church of Ephesus And the Kingdome of Heauen may be taken from thee or thy heart may grow obdurate hard as Pharaohs did or thou mayst ouer slip the time of the Lords gracious visitation so giuen vp to a reprobate minde haue that curse set vpon thy soule which Salomon speakes of Pron 1. because I haue called yee haue refused you shall call and cry I will not heare you but I will laugh at your destruction and mocke when your feare commeth that which the Prophet Isay speakes of from the Lord 〈◊〉 6.9 10. Goe say vnto this people ye shall heare indeed but yâ—â— shall not vnderstand ye shall see and not perceiue make the heart of this people fat make their eares heauy and shut their eyes lest they should see with their eyes heare with their eares vnderstand with their hearts and conuert I should heale them To this purpose speaks the Author to the Hebrewes Heb. 8.6 7. comparing the heart of man to the earth the ministry of the word vnto the raine dew from Heauen if it fall vpon a soyle that is not onely obnoxious to sterility but brings forth briars thorns it is neere vnto cursing whose end is to be burned So that it is necessary that euery man should take the opportunity of the grace of God so the Scriptures call vpon vs to doe seeke the Lord while he may be found call vpon him while hee is neere intimating to all flesh that a man may let slip and passe ouer the season of mercy and fauour againe to day if ye will heare his voyce harden not your hearts as in Meribab c. Al men obserue their times the Mariner obserues the winde compasse thâ— husbandman his seasons for seede-time haruest al meÌ„ their Marts faires markets the seasoÌ„ of Gods grace the tender offer of Christ the promises of the Gospel in the ministry of the word is not alwayes obvious the winde is not alwayes seasonable seed-time haruest is not euery season euery day is not the Mart Faire market day there is a time for the comming of the Bridegroome if men sleep and be carelesse not looking to get oyle in their lamps that is sauing graces and fruits of faith their time may be past Mat. 25. and they lose their soules there was a time when Esau seeking the birth-right with teares yet could not obtaine it it is possible that men liuing vnder a powerful ministry of the word and shut their eares against it resist the motions of the blessed Spirit and cryes of their consciences that that curse may bee set vpon that mans soule and I verily beleeue it is vpon the soules of many liuing vnder the Gospel which our Sauiour set vpon the fig tree Neuer fruit grow on thee hereafter because when he looked for fruit he found nothing but leaues so when God lookes vpon congregations particular persons liuing vnder speciall effectuall powerful ministry to find good fruit findes nothing but leaues of formall profession if that it is just with his Maiesty to curse that congregatioÌ„ heare neuer fruit grow on thee Neuer SermoÌ„ do thee good but hardeÌ„ thy heart to thy deeper mote fearefull condemnation neuer mercie doe thee good or chastisment but brawne vp thy heart vnto further vengeance and wrath this is the dregs and bottome of the vials of the wrath of