Tempter at a Distance and quickly clear themselves of that Pollution which resteth upon Others till they wake And though Sleep in the Letter is Refreshing yet in a Spiritual sence those are most Cheary who are most Awake Yea such are also in the best Capacity of being helpfull unto Others 3. Such will be Forwardest to See and Know and Open unto Christ when he shall be revealed Those had the first Tydings of Christs Birth who were then keeping Watch over their Flock by Night Luke 2. 8 9. as if Christ had been onely born for them v. 11. The VVatchmen upon Mount Ephraim are First heard to crie Arise and let us goe up to Sion Jer. 31. 6 and Sion's Watchmen shall lift up the Voice with Singing for they shall see Eye to Eye Isa 52. 8. If Mary had not been up before Day-break Luke 24. 1. she had not seen her Lord so soon Joh. 20. 1. 8 and Early Sights of such a Nature will countervail the want of Sleep sufficiently Such also will Immediately Open to him Luke 12. 36. since Readiness consists in Watching and if it be a Priviledge to be In Christ First Rom. 16. 7. by way of Trusting Eph. 1. 13. then to be First with him which is reserved for the watchfull Ones 4. Such will be less Affrighted as in the Letter with that Noyse wherewith the Old Heavens must pass away when Christ doth come 2 Pet. 3. 10. How did that Jaylour Tremble when he was Frighted out of his Sleep with that tremendous Earthquake and its Consequents Act. 16. 26 27 29 who else would not have been so much Amazed nor Others Now at such a like Earthquake in the Mystery but for their having been Asleep Sleep makes secure Security preventeth Expectation and unexpected Troubles are Transporting thence are the Sinners in Sion so Afraid at such a time because surprized Isa 33. 14 and that surprizal is the Fruit of slumbring Whereas Awakened ones are in the constant Exercise both of their Sense and Reason or like on Army Training in the Field who therefore are not so Affrightingly alarmed as when Asleep in their respective Quarters The Holiest ones in former times have been least Terrified with those Revolutions which have betrayed Others into Ensnaring Fears by reason of their unwatchfulness 5. Such are most likely to Escape since Watchers are counted worthy in that regard Luke 21. 36. The Cenâ—inâ—l with Men is in the Front of Danger from an Enemy but Christ bids save the Watchman as having delivered his own soul at least Ezek. 33. 9. Yea Christ will not Come as an Adversary upon Watchers who onely threatens his Coming as a Thief in case men do not watch Rev. 3. 3 nor could the Devil much infest us if we did Fire at him when he first appeareth Jam. 4. 7. However watchers are best able to defend themselves whilest sleeping Crocodiles are apt to be destroyed by an Egyptian Rat. Next unto Death Sleep is the greatest Leteller or that which maketh All to be Alike Yea waking Infants are more self relieving than a slumbring Giant If some had not been fast Asleep the Enemy had not sown his Tares Mat. 13. 25 nor had she lost her Living Child 1 King 3. 20. nor Sisera his Life Judg. 4. 21 nor Sampson both his Hair and Eyes Judg. 16. 19. 21 nor would the good man's House be Broken through if he had watched Luke 12. 39. 6. Such will be in the best Capacity to entertain whatever may befall in way of Tryal Sleep maketh Tender but Watchers are more Hardy and Holiest ones have alway been the bravest sufferers A waiting servant well Employ'd cares not how soon his Master cometh but Ecchoeth presently unto his Knock. Such are Aware of what is coming and being Provided for Tribulations that sort of Guests are not so troublesome as if they had been unexpected Christ dreaded not the Devils coming because he could find Nothing in him for he had been Obedient Joh. 14. 30 31 and he whose Course is finished in such a way need not be frighted with the News of his Depaiture 2 Tim. 4. 6 7. None know's how soon that Day may come Zech. 14. 2. and Then wo be to spiritual sleepers who possibly may be Awakened with a Sword or Pistoll and be run through before they can Repent However we daily hear of some or other struck with suddain Death whose Case may be our Own and Blessed then is he that watcheth and is Ready I shall conclude this Exhortation to be Watchfull with some few Helps which are as followeth Helps 1. Let us be throughly Wakened out of a Present Sleep 't is but a folly else to talk of future Watching Sleep in a Moral sence is called Death Eph. 5. 14. and Watching is an Act of one Alive till Men be therefore Quickned by Awaking they cannot mind this work of Watching Such also must be throughly wakened else will they quickly sleep again when once the startling Rouzer is withdrawn Mat. 26. 13. Now all will readily confess their having been Asleep of Later Times But if they be more sleightily Awakened they will soon Nod again Overly Convictions and Gentle self-reprovingâ— are wont to end in sad Relapses nor is he to be Trusted for the Future who is not deeply sensible of former Failings Men un-convinced cannot watch because they are Asleep And Men not duly Humbled for their sin will sleep again because They are not Throughly wakened Make your awakening sure one way or other as you would not be over-taken with a Second Sleep 2. Take heed of being Alone in way of sinful Choice which is a wosul Disadvantage Eccl. 4. 10. but get into some kind of Body and which is Competible unto scattered ones Dispersed ones cannot be in an Instituted Body strictly taken but such may be Together as those Disciples were before the Spirits pouring out Luke 24. 33. and which is an Awakening Help Such may Pray each with other as They did Acts 1. 14. if Prayer be not some way hindred 1 Pet. 3. 7. and Prayer is an Awakening Exercise which therefore is oft joyned with VVatching 1 Pet. 4. 7. Luke 21. 36. Col. 4. 2. Eph. 6. 18. Such also may speak oft one to another as Mal. 3. 16. and by that means may keep each other waking Yea where that Body is there will the Eagles be in way of Feeding Luke 17. 37. and seldom do Men sleep whilst they are Eating Nay Fellow-Captives may watch over one another as Ezekiel did though in a Larger sence Ezek. 33. 7. and Exercise some kind of Common Censures which needs must be Awakening 3. Make Choice of your Companions though else had one better be Alone since sleep is as Infectious as the Plague and in a Spiritual sence more Dangerous In case Two lie Together they have Heat Eccl. 4. 11. supposing them both to be Alive but else a dead Log in Bed is not so Cold as a Dead Body is I am perswaded some
because this self-conceited man must first become a Fool before he can be wise 1 Cor. 3. 18. A Soul that 's full loatheth an Hony-comb Prov. 27. 7. And such will never seek for Grace who do but â—â—â—nk they have no need thereof Rev. 3. 17. Let the fore-going Châ—racters be faithfully improved whose Light will not Crâ—ate but onely manifest mens hidden Folly before it be too late to purchase Wisdom The Ruine of these Foolish Virgins arose from hence because they did not make a timely search into their empty Vessels through sleightiness or self-conceit 2. Make sure of Christ who is the Head Col. 2. 19. and therefore wisdom cannot be had without him Grace is by Christ John 1. 17. In whom are hid all wisdom's Treasures Col. 2. 3. From whom we therefore must receive and as in point of Imputation 1 Cor. 1. 30. So also of Inhesion John 1. 16. And what he hath is to be had yea by the silliest Souls that are List how Essential wisdom Cryeth Prov. 9. 3. Who so is simple let him turn in hither v. 4. How long will ye love simplicity Prov. 1. 22. When will ye be Wise Psal 94. 8. Forsake the Foolish and Live Prov. 9. 6. Vnto you O Men I call and my Voyce is unto the Sons of Men Prov. 8. 4. with whom are my Delights v. 31. and those that seek me early shall find me v. 17. 3. Next unto Christ Converse much with his Law or Scriptures whose use is to make wise the simple Psal 19. 7. Yea which are able to make men wise unto Salvation 2 Tim. 3. 15. Could men but be Admonished by these instead of their unprofitable Studies Eccl. 12. 12. How might those Conduit-pipes convey this water of Life into their Thirsty Souls But yet the Scriptures are but the Mines of wisdom which do require deep digging into as for Silver Prov. 2. 4. or being In them as the Greek word hath it 1 Tim. 4. 15. Else one may have the Field and yet not be the better for those Treasures which lye hid therein and are not sought for One may both Hear and Read and yet not rightly Understand and so not be the wiser Acts 8. 28. 30. 4. If any man lack Wisdom let him ask of God who giveth Liberally and upbraideth not James 1. 5. But Offer not the Sacrifice of Fools Eccl. 5. 1. whilst you pretend to be at Prayer for Wisdom Seek for it with all your Heart else is there no Promise of Success Jer. 29. 13. And be importunate since Knowledge must be cryed after Prov. 2. 3. And Persevere therein since he alone is Blessed who watcheth daily at Wisdom's Gates Prov. 8. 34. But ask in Faith believing that God is able and willing to bestow this Grace Jam. 1. 5 6. And alway bear in mind that early seekers are the surest finders Prov. 8. 17. Which when it is thus asked and obtained hath other Blessings added to it 1 Kings 3. 11 12 13. 5. Have a care with whom you walk since though the Company of Wise Virgins cannot insure the Foolish Virgins Change yet such Companions are a special Help and he that walketh with Wise men is likeliest to be wise but the Companion of Fools shall be destroyed Prov. 13. 20. Communion is a Conduit-pipe through which both Sweet and Bitter Water is conveyed and such a derivation oft-times doth much assimulate The Foolish Galatians were bewâ—tched with the Eye as the Greek word signifieth Gal. 3. 1. And the beholding of Gospel-Glory in another is of a Changing Nature 2 Cor. 3. 18. Yea such as are not altered by their Company may yet be very much restrained as David was from good whilst in the presence of the wicked Psal 39. 1 2. And as these Foolish Virgins were from Evil whilst with the Wise 6. Compare not your selves with your selves or with such as you are which was the cause why those poor Creatures were not Wise 2 Cor. 10. 12. Some eminent Professors are seen to be Voluptuous Dissembling Proud Passionate or Vain and therefore others make light of such Distempers in themselves Had there been but one Foolish Virgin amongst these Ten that One might have been sooner wrought upon but if there be any Saint for a Foolish man to turn unto he will not easily be convinced as seemeth to be hinted Job 5. 1 2. Yea therefore a Scorner will not go unto the Wise because he loveth not to be Reproved by them as being better than himself Prov. 15. 12. Whereas we ought to walk according to the choicest Pattern Phil. 3. 17. and onely to follow the Faith of such but not their failings Heb. 13. 7. Or rather to look at Jesus Heb. 12. 1 2. and to be perfect as God is perfect Mat. 5. 48. 7. Labour to keep up the Price of Wisdom in your esteem since none will Buy that which he doth think is naught whatever he may say Prov. 20. 14. Eve was not tempted by the Tree of Knowledge untill she saw its being to be Desired Gen. 3. 6. Nor will this Tree of Life or Spiritual Wisdom be otherwise regarded or prove Tempting in an Holy way Stand in the viewing of those fore-going Motives untill you be in Love with Wisdom remembring also that all other things to be Desired are not to be compared to it Prov. 8. 11. Wisdom Excelleth Folly as far as Light Excelleth Darkness Eccl. 2. 13. Yea Death and Destruction say We have heard the Fame thereof Job 28. 22. which will not be Exchanged by its wise Possessors for Jewels of finest Gold v. 17. 8. Be careful to Improve that Measure which you have received since unto him that hath or well improveth it shall be given Mat. 25. 29. Which Promise appertaineth to the truly Gracious who might have more did they but Labour as David did who by that means was wiser than his Enemies or Teachers or than the Ancients Psal 119. 98 99 100. Nor can it be denyed but that a Natural man might do more than he doth in Order to his Spiritual good and though I find no Promise of special Grace annext unto the best improvement of Nature's strength yet who doth know what God might do in way of Arbitrary goodness if such did carefully improve their single Talent And if they turn at his Reproof he then will pour out his Spirit unto them Prov. 1. 23. 9. Refuse not any good Instruction but Hear it and be wise Prov. 8. 33. or that thou mayest be wise at least-wise in thy Latter end Prov. 19. 20. Whereas a Scorner seeketh wisdom but doth not find it Prov. 14. 6. But he is wise who hearkeneth unto Counsel Prov. 12. 15. Faith comes by Hearing Rom. 10. 17. As Sin first entred by the Ear 2 Cor. 11. 3. which when it is not opened to the wise man's Charming that Poyson of sin cannot be changed Psal 58. 4 5. Nor will the Serpent's subtilty be turned into Heavenly wisdom Most Men are therefore
to Dye v. 20. Yea after the fourth Beast's being slain in the little Horn the rest of the Beasts or a grosser interest will in some sence survive though they have no Dominion or proper settlement in Scripture-phrase Dan. 7. 11 12. And when the Witnesses are Risen and Ascended or have Received their Kingdom as Christ did upon his Ascention Luke 19. 12. then comes that dreadful Earthquake Rev. 11. 12 13. which Termâ—â—ateth upon their Enemies but will Begin with others as seemeth to be hinted by that Harvest Rev. 14. 15. before the Vintage v. 18. just as God's Israel met with that check in the Valley of Achor after their being Actually possess'd of Canaan Josh 7. 5 6 7 8 9. And as poor David had long War with the House of Saul 2 Sam. 3. 1. after being made King in Hebron 2 Sam. 2. 4. And as the Jews were troubled Ezra 4. 4. after the return of their Captivity v. 1. All which with reference unto the latter days is clearly signified by that Prophetical praying for a Turn Psal 85. 4. After the Captivity is brought back v. 1. and by the Assyrian's inrode into Imanuel's Land Isa 8. 7 8. Or that of Gog and Magog into a Land that is brought forth out of the Nations Ezek 38. 18. and by the Nations coming against Jerusalem when Re-Inhabited Zech. 12 9. or after the bringing again of their Captivity Jâ—el 3. 1 2. Then will be the Time of Jacob's greatest Trouble Jâ—r 3â— 3. 7. of Siâ—n 's Second Travail Mic 4. 10. and of Satan's resisting Joshua after his having been a Brand pluckt out of the Babylonish Fire Zech. 3. 1 2. These things the Scriptures have fore-told but they have not been generally understood and therefore Christ hath been conceiv'd to tarry or prolong his Time meerly through our mis-apprehension Quest 2. Why doth Christ Tarry beyond the Expected Time Answ Not from his being forgetful or asleep as Baal was tauntingly said to be 1 Kings 18. 27. Since Christ is alway mindful of his Covenant Psal 111. 5. and doth not sleep or slumber Psal 121. 4 however wrongfully he may be Judged of Psal 44. 23 24. Not from any want of Power whence Amasa's tarrying beyond his time might possibly arise 2 Sam. 20. 5. Since Christ is Almighty Rev. 1. 5. who therefore is improperly said to have been hindred or withstood by the Prince of Persia Dan. 10. 13. Much less from wnat of Will or good Affection from whence Lot's lingring in Sodom did proceed Gen. 19. 16. but not Christ's Tarrying here no more than in that casâ— of Lazarus John 11. 6. whom he yet Loved v. 3. and whose saâ— Death v. 14. together with his own v. 34. and his beloved Sisterâ— Weeping v. 33. had been prevented by his coming sooner v. 32. especially since Christ now cometh as a Bridegroom whose stay can not be therefore thought to be from want of Love or any good Affection But he now Tarrieth for other Reasons such as these are 1. To proclaim his Sovereignty as when he would not Gratifie his Mother just at her Time to let her know his God-head was not iâ— Subjection to her John 2. 3 4. God sometimes bids his People to Command him Isa 45. 11. but lest they should abuse his Condescention he therefore would not heal Miriam now as Moses did too boldly move Numb 12. 13 14. Must he needs therefore come at such a Time for fear of frustrating his Creatures Expectation Or lest their Labour should be lost in going out to meet him Christ may set Maâ— his Time the Disputing whereof was their great sin Hag. 1. 2. But it becomes a Spouse not to awake her Love or stir him up untill he pleaseth Cant. 8. 4. The Temple-work will be revived but so as that it shall appear to be an Act of Grace and not of proper Debt Zech. 4. 7. 2. To make his Coming the more desired which is a chief part of his Design and thus Accomplished Christ will not come as King of Nations untill he be Desired by them Hag. 27. no more than David would be King of Israel 2 Sam. 2. 7. till such a Time 2 Sam. 5. 1. He will be enquired of Ezek. 36. 37. and they shall seek him Hos 3. 5. with all their Heart Jer. 29. 13. resolving to make mention of his Name alone Isa 26. 13. And thus when both the Bride and he that Heareth shall say Come Rev. 22. 17. then I come quickly saith the Bridegroom v. 20. Now though an Hypocrite will not pray alway Job 27. 10. yet tarrying is an Incentive to a Cordial seeker who is not silent in the Night although his Cry the Day before hath not been heard Psal 22. 2. Yea therefore such will pray more earnestly Luke 22. 44. And as Christ's Satisfaction is thus consulted for so is his People 's also since a Return of Prayer is then most Acceptable Psal 69. 13. when Eyes are apt to fail with waiting or when one's Throat is dryed through weary Crying v. 3. 3. Christ therefore Tarrieth at such a Time because his own set Time is not Then come Which Time in such a Case is not for us to know Acts 1. 7. Our Time is in such Cases always ready so is not his John 7. 6. who will not come untill the fulness of his Time be come Gal. 4. 4. till when a Thousand Years with him are as one Day but when that Time is come one Day is as a Thousand Years 2 Pet. 3. 8. That is he will not Tarry Heb. 10. 37. Nor is it any just matter of Grief to us that Christ thus tarryeth since Fruits are sweetest when fully Ripe However it is no cause of Wonder since Mercy must give place to Truth Psal 138. 2. and therefore those Days of Tribulation are no whit shorter than as was fore-determined Mat. 24. 21 22. 4. That so his Coming might be with greater State after the manner of Earthly Kings whose Motion therefore is not too quick and who are therefore wont to have an Harbinger as Christ hath also which cannot but Occasion some kind of tarrying Christ's Spiritual Kingdom was thus Ushered in Mat. 3. 3. much more then must his Temporal Kingdom be so Attended because the Glory of this latter will be more Visible And though Christ's Coming in this Parable will be but such an Harbinger compared with his Personal Coming yet this fore-runner compared with it self will also have its Messenger when Christ shall come into his Temple Mal. 3. 1. which Temple is not in being at his Personal Coming Rev. 21. 22. And thus Elias must first come Mark 9. 12. untill the ending of whose Ministration the Bridegroom tarrieth Poor Virgins would fain have had him come forthwith but that would not so well have suited his designed Kingly State 5. That so the Foolish Virgins might be Discovered Christ alway cometh with his Fan Mat. 3. 12. and Fullers Soap and Fire Mal. 3. 2.
have sometimes been as sinners are exceeding Vigilant in a sinful way whose Change by Grace doth not Diminish but rather add unto their Circumspection although with reference unto a Changed Object In which regard Believing Paul did Persecute still as in the Greek or follow after that Truth in Love unto it Phil. 3. 12. which he had formerly Persecuted Others for in way of Hatred v. 6. 4. Others are watching for our Halting and therefore we have need to take heed to our ways How was Christ watched by the Pharisees Mark 3. 2. and Jeremy by his Familiars Jer. 20. 10. and David by his Observers which made him Pray for being Led in a plain Path Psal 27. 11 Which being so Narrowly Observed by others may prove our great Advantage it being so Natural to be Remiss if winked at by Fellow-Creatures Yea some must look to be Enticed as Jeremy was Jer. 20. 10. on purpose to make a Breach upon our Principles whereby to be Revenged of us for a Differing Practice or Profession In which regard Christ biddeth his Disciples to be wise as Serpents and to Beware of Men who watch for something by which to Colour over their Designed Mischief Mat. 10. 16 17. Those of the Separation have been alway Censured for their over-strictness but if the least Moâ—e be to be seen upon them it will be put into their Eye who therefore have need to Watch and Keep their Garments 5. Be therefore Vigilant because your Adversary the Devil as a Roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may Devour 1 Pet. 5. 8. And as this was his Practice alway so more especially must Josbua look to be Resisted by him at This Day which Answereth unto that of Old Zech. 3. 1. He can apply Temptations suitable to our Tempers yea he can shrewdly Ghess at our Inclining thereunto and so Pursue them in their fittest Season And what would not he give to have his Will next unto Christ Mat. 4. 9. upon some Christians 2 Cor. 12. 7 He knoweth who is likeliest to be his Greatest Adversary whom he would therefore win or weaken by some Fall Yea were it onely to prevent their Near approaching Crown whom he doth therefore strongliest Tempt at such a Time as in that Case of Joshua Zech. 3. 1 5. He also hath Devices on both hands or under a most sair Pretence 2 Cor. 2. 11. by which he will get an Advantage in case we be not very Vigilant wherein it is a shame to be out-stripped by him 6. Christ also is called a Watcher Dan. 4. 13. which is there plainly meant of Him as by his being singularly there spoken of so by that Work it self v. 14. which Primarily belongeth unto Him although his People share with him both in that Work and Name v. 17. who is so called partly because he Watcheth or Keepeth his Vineyard Day and Night Isa 27. 3. for he that Keepeth Israel doth not slumber Psal 121. 3. and if he watcheth them shall not They watch Themselves Yea he as Man did sometimes watch in such an Hour of Temptation to set us an Example Mat. 26. 38. And could ye not Watch with Me said he to his Disciples v. 40. He also as Mediator watcheth still and Prayeth for his Peters Luke 22. 32. which should provoke Their joyning with him in that Work v. 46. as Joshua was to Fight whilst Moses was at Prayer Exod. 17. 9. though Israel Prevailed upon Moses his Account v. 11. as if Christ doth not Keep the Watch-man waketh but in vain Psal 127. 1. yet should we therefore work because God worketh in us Phil. 2. 12 13. 7. As watching is incumbent upon All Mark 13. 37. and in All Things 2 Tim. 4. 5. so at All Times Luke 21. 36. which therefore ought not to be wondred at if Now required but should be more attended to on that Account In which regard it may be said of watchfulness as it is said of Holiness 1 John 2. 6. and Brotherly Love v. 9 10. which is not any New Command v. 7. save with Respect unto a Circumstantial Variation v. 8. as Legal Duty is Now turned into Evangelical and as our watching in the General is Now Commanded in Relation to the Duties and Temptations of such a Particular Time Now when Christ putteth upon his none other Burden save what they have already he signifieth it as a Motive to Hold fast that which they have untill his Coming Rev. 2. 24 25. And if Obedience be our Centre as we draw Nearer to its End so will our Motion be the quicker as is to be Observed in a falling Arrow And if Men very Aged or drawing nigh unto their Dissolution are also most Awake or apt to Rise up at the voice of an Early Bird Eccl. 12. 4. it will be to Their shame who are most Heavy Headed in a Spiritual sence a little before their dropping into the Grave 8. Sleep is so Natural as in the Letter and pleasing to the Flesh especially unto some which is another Motive to be Watchful In Meral cases to be sure we may conclude that to be Excellent which Nature at least Corrupted Nature is averse unto And such is Spiritual Vigilancy The Old Man is so called partly because of Drousiness and if the first Adam's sinless Nature was apt to sleep Gen. 2. 21. as being of an Earthly Make v. 7. much more doth sin dispose thereunto and more especially in this Moral sence And though some cannot sleep as others do or sin to such an Height yet do All Love to slumber or Dally with Temptations of a sinful Nature And as Men of a more Feeble Spirit and Cold Complexion and Grosser Bodies are most Heavy-headed in the Letter so let those look about them in the Mystery whose strength is gone whose Love is Cold and who are most encompassed with this World's Fatness Nor ever had the Tempter such Advantages as Now in point of Watchlessness it being Now so Universal which yet should stir up others to be Singular 9. Some at this Day have need to watch because they are so much Alone as did the Psalmist upon that Account Psal 102. 7. He that will be as Sparrows are upon the House-top must look in Times of Danger to be Alone And wo be unto him whose solitariness at such a Time and sleepiness are in Conjunction These are Dividing Times wherein we therefore should be gathered up so much the more into our selves and into self-defending Circumspection Those are poor Creatures and have Nought to Lose who can sleep in a solitary Cottage which is the case of several Now who have been wont to Live in Families Let scattered ones improve this Consideration in a self-rouzing way whom Providence hath Now constrained to be Watchful and which may prove a great Advantage Now is the Watchmens Day of Visitation Mic. 7. 4. wherein Old Shepherds shall be made to cease from Feeding the Flock of God Ezek. 34. 10. onely Lambs Feeding alone
every one consider there may be much of God in such a Portion and in a way of Mercy to mine heavy-headed Soul I could sing Requiem's as well as others or smoother things and thereby gain poor Children's Love But let me rather Rouze them with a Faithful Testimony than Rock and Flatter them into a Sleep 10. Offer some kind of Holy Violence unto your selves as in such cases in the Letter Men are wont to do not onely by standing up but shaking off an Heavy Disposition True Godly Sorrow worketh Indignation 2 Cor. 7. 11. and when a Man is vexed with his sin unto a self-abhorring Job 42. 6. his Eye is Opened v. 5. and will not readily shut again Chafe in upon your Hearts some Rouzing Terrors as well as Comforts so will you keep your selves Awake and Others too 2 Cor. 5. 8 9 10 11. I have Observed where some lye Napping Now in whom the Old Man hath prevailed to a self-indulging or who have been afraid of giving him one Angry word Did we first alway speak unto our selves and Labour to make Convictions Powerful upon our Consciences it would Awaken them which else will sleep the more securely because of sleightiness in serious Matters This some can Recommend as Eliphas did his Counsel unto Job Loe we have searched it and so it is hear it and know Thou it for thy Good Job 5. 27. 11. Busie your selves with something of a Curious and stirring Nature Else Ordinary work may not prevent a Spiritual Nodding Persons Engaged in some Deep Discourse which calls for study and stirreth up Affections are not so apt to Talk themselves asleep as others are Coldness in Arguing for the Truth proceeding from Indifferency is very prejudicial unto Zeal in Practice whereas a Lively Advocate doth Heat himself and thereby is the more Inflamed with Love unto his Cause 1 Cor. 9. 26 27. There are deep things of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. and Mysteries of the Kingdom Mat. 13. 11. which he who rightly studieth is not so likely to come short in Lesser Matters Paul Laboured to attain the Resurrection of the Dead Phil. 3. 11. that kept him waking whilst he that Fancieth his being laid in sufficiently will say Soul take thine Ease Luke 12. 18 19. They who care not for Going on Heb. 6. 1. may fall Asleep yea quite away v. 6. because of Resting in Old Received things v. 1 2. or that which is short of Perfection which Therefore Paul Resolved to take heed of if God permitted v. 3 4. 12. Take heed of Worldly sorrow which made the Disciples sleep Luke 22. 45. Now let the Cause be what it will immoderate sorrow becometh Worldly and that works Death 2 Cor. 7. 10. which sinful sleep is oft-times called Job's Grief was very Great Job 2. 13. and that betray'd him into a sinful Passion Job 3. 1. and Baruch Fainted in his sighing Jer. 45. 3. that made him seek great things at such a Time v. 4 5. And they who in the Creatures presence can Rejoyce as if they had Rejoyced not will also in its Absence Weep accordingly and by that means be kept awake Jonah was therefore Angry Jonah 4. 9. with reference unto his withering Gourd because he had been so Exceeding Glad whilst it continued v. 6. who thereupon did sinfully wish for Death v. 8. and Justified it before the Lord himself v. 9. Yea they who do inordinately Delight in Choiser Priviledges such as Christ's Bodily Presence was with his Disciples may soon Ditt up their Eyes with such a kind of dirty Tears as some do Now because he Tarrieth which also holdeth True with reference to any Priviledges whatsoever 13. Labour to be more Spiritual since in Relation to this work of VVatching the Spirit is willing but the Flesh is weak Mat. 26. 41. Angels are Spirits Heb. 1. 7. who therefore do not sleep but alway Behold the Face of God Mat. 18. 10. so will it be with Saints both in a Natural and Moral sence as they grow more like unto Heavenly Angels The first Adam's utmost is called Flesh Mat. 16. 17. and Legal things are termed Carnal Heb. 9. 10. Yea so are also Babes in Christ 1 Cor. 3. 1. and these are weak or likeliest to fall in Spiritual Watching Nature skills not of Instituted Duty nor yet a Legal Spirit of what is Evangelical both which are therefore apt to fall in those Respective cases And Babes in Christ are very prone to sleep and fall as Children in the Letter are The Cry is Now All Flesh is withering Grass and all the Goodliness thereof is as a fading Flower but the Word of our God shall stand for ever Isa 40. 6 7 8. and by which Word is meant what is of a Proper Gospel-Nature 1 Pet. 1. 24 25. and therefore as Men would stand in such a day or as they would not fall asleep so let them Labour to be Spiritual and Evangelical 14. Get well Acquainted with the Time which being known is much awakening Rom. 13. 11. and inability to Discern its signs is that by which an Hypocrite is to be known Mat. 16. 3. And though we should be sober in point of Peremptory setting such a time yet let us take heed of saying the Lord Delays his Coming Mat. 24. 48. considering what sinful Temptations that will Expose unto v. 49. Most talk of some great Revolution near at hand which if they seriously did believe it would awaken them into a suitable watching VVould some Men Beautifie their Old defiled Temples with such goodly stones did they fore-see their being soon to be demolished Mark 13. 1 2 Or did they look e're long for New Created Heavens Isa 65. 17 VVould others fill their Houses with such dear-bought gain did they believe their being Rifled now within a while Zech. 14. 2 VVould others dally with their gross Temptations were they aware how soon all sinners now may perish by the Sword Amos 9. 10 I am not positive as to the very Time but such a study might keep men waking and though Grace turneth upon Golden hinges or Nobler Motives than Mercenary Hope or slavish Fear yet may these help to prick us out of sleeping And this indeed is Christ's own Motive here to make us watch because we know not how soon he may Thus come in these our Days 15. Let us be much in Prayer which Duty we are bid to watch unto 1 Pet. 4. 7. and to be Conversant about together with our watching as we would not be led into Temptation Mark 14. 28. Prayer carrieth a Soul into Christ's Presence and whilst he was with his Disciples he would not suffer them to sleep at least not long And if He doth not keep the VVatchman waketh but in vain Psal 127. 1. therefore let us engage him by our Prayer to watch over us as he Obligeth us by his Command to watch our selves But let us also watch unto Prayer in this regard not Tempting him by our neglect who will take no Man's work out of his hand and who will not Relieve an Idle Beggar Thus let us VVatch and Pray and Pray and VVatch this is to be at work with Both our Hands which is the likeliest way to Overcome Thus have I now done with this whole Parable which hath Occasioned my walking in untrodden paths and wherein some may possibly have stumbled whom I would onely wish to Weigh the Premises before they do reject them And having now born my Testimony I shall endeavour to stand upon my Watch and see what I shall Answer when I am Reproved Submitting all my Sober Apprehensions unto Clearer Light and Providential Determinations in God's Valley of Decision THE END