the tribes of Israel we see a [2] Revel 7.4 hundred forty four thousand sealed In the beginning of the world [3] Jude 14 ten thousand of the Saints were heard of If you will allow the seed of Abraham to be [4] Gen. 22.17 like that father of the faithful [5] Gal. 3.7 8 true believers you will as soon number the stars of heaven as them For although unto the great God neither [6] Psalm 139.16 they nor the [7] Psalm 147.4 stars are innumerable yet unto us finite creatures they are a [8] Revel 7.9 great multitude which no man can number Answ 4. A multitude of the heavenly host [1] Luke 2.13 seconded one Angel how great that multitude was God alone knoweth Every legion of Angels is computed six thousand six hundred sixty and six in number of these you may observe twelve legions mentioned [2] Matth. 26.53 like one single troop We read of [3] Dan. 7.10 thousand thousands spirits who ministred unto God and of ten thousand times ten thousand who stood before him and again [4] Revel 5.21 ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands Beloved in my Fathers house none of all these want their mansions Answ 5. Many viz. for the [1] Hos 4.16 greater solace of these Disciples Some conclude that one of hell-torments shall be an oppressing and [2] Esay 22.5 over-crowding one another thorough the narrow scantnesse of that bottomlesse pit If so One of the pleasures of Heaven shall be a [3] Mark 14.15 Psalm 31.8 118.5 Matth. 13.30 spaciousnesse of room God will [4] Esay 54.2 enlarge our Tent. The Saints shall not complain that the place is [5] Esay 49.19 20 too strait for them Answ 6. Many viz. to set forth the [1] Pauperis est aumâ—rare greatnesse of God their Maker and Builder Great is the House and therefore many are the mansions which he buildeth for [2] Dar. 4.30 1 Chron 29.1 the honour of his Majesty Saith Solomon [3] 2 Chron. 29 What house I build shall be wonderful great Answ 7. Many because of [1] Noâ— malè veteres intelligunt cum graduum differentiis G â—ot in locum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Clem. Serom. 6. Quonodo multae mansiones â—pâ—d Patrem si non pro varietate mer'torum Tertul. Scorp Plures sunt mansiones jam paratae secundum electionem aeternam sed parandae adhuc secundum merita Gorran in locum many degrees At Jerusalem one [2] Consulas Maymon in biath Mik lash Abah R. Nathan per. 34. Rambam in Kelim per. 1. sim Josephum de bell Jud. lib. 5. cap. 14. R. Solom in Kelim per. 1. c. part in and about the Temple was holier then another A stranger might not approach the Ally before the Temple A Priest might enter the Courts which an Israelite might not Between the porch and the Altar no Priest might come unlesse his head were covered The inwarder part of the Temple was more holy then the Priests Courts and within the Vail was the Holy of holies So in heaven there be mansions one of a higher degree of glory then another Hereunto the person speaking in my Text principally alludeth Saith he This is the victory which overcometh your troubles even your faith wherefore believe in God believe also in me and take this for your encouragement The greater your faith is the greater your victory and the greater your victory is the greater shall be your Reward for I will reward every one of you according unto his work of Faith and that I may reward every one of you according unto your work of Faith In my Fathers house are many Mansions _____ are It is not said they shall be but they already are Thiâ— is yet one more incitement unto a thankful glorifying of God as God viz. the [1] Beatitudo haec duo requirit frutionem incommutabilis boni certitudmem aeternae sruitionis See Ephes 2.6 Phil. 3.20 c. full assurance the lively hope which is set before us There [2] 2 Pet. 3.13 Revel 21.1 shall be new heavens nay there [3] Esay 66.5 17.18 are There are mansions many mansions many mansions of many degrees of degrees already prepared to recompence the highest degree of faith and love which any Disciple can possibly reach wherefore my beloved Brethren be ye [1] 1 Cor. 15.58 stedfast unmoveable alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord for so much as you know your labour is not in vain in the Lord There are many mansion in my Fathers house Quest Why is the kingdome of glory compared to a house Answ For the same reason that you here see many mansions not only mansions but many mansions as I told you The glory of the invisible (1) See Bishop Reynolds on Hos 14. Serm. 5. Sect. 2. in The beauty of Lillies infinitely transcendeth the glory of the visible world Hence as we are forced to use many letters to spell one long word or many words to compose one eloquent speech so by reason of our imperfect understanding we are constrained to borrow many worldly excellencies to represent any (2) 1 Chron. 29.1 Revel 21.2 one glory in heaven Be Jerusalem the (1) Psalm 48.2 137.6 joy of the whole earth yet Jerusalem which is (2) Gal. 4 26 above if she would make her self known unto us below she will (3) Esay 54.11 12 Revel 21.19 take up Jewels and Riches and Gold upon trust So immoveable is heaven that name (4) Psalm 46.5 Mount Zion and you say nothing Be a Throne glorious and heaven is (5) Psalm 113.4 Flay 66.1 exalted above that glory The Crown there is a Crown which (6) 1 Pet. 5.4 fadeth not away The inheritance there is (7) 1 Pet. 1.4 undefiled incorruptible The substance there is (8) Heb. 10.34 an enduring substance The peace there (9) Phil. 4.7 passeth mans understanding Life is there life immortal life (10) Rom. 2.7 1 Cor. 15.54 eternal There pleasures swim in (11) Psalm 16.11 whole Rivers they (12) Esay 48.18 roll in upon us like waves of the Sea Call heaven a house and the builder and maker must be (13) Heb. 11.10 a God Call heaven a House and that house must be as wide as heaven The windows must be (14) Esay 54.12 Agates the gates Carbuncle the battlements pleasantnesse and whatsoever else is precious the pavement love joy and glory The azured firmawent which our eyes behold is but as the rough rags the made-earth the unhewen the lowest the buried part of the foundations of this House The stars of the firmament are but as so many sandy dusts everywhere scattered within that azured that clayie rubbish The Moon and Sun which seem so bright unto us unto the inhabitants of this House in my Text do indeed a little glizzen but no otherwise then two shells of
accordingly as it is (12) Quo semel est imbuta recens servabit odorem Prov. 22.6 Optimum elige suave farile illud faciet consuetudo consuetudo enim altera est natura ill or well ordered of all customes the first customes are a second nature and the soul so worketh as it is at first directed My little Children A neglect in your Nurses is your infelicity a neglect in your selves is (1) Pro. 23.15 19 your blame The more carelesse others are of you the more mindfull must you be of your selves It lyeth much in your power to prevent your hearts of many a trouble which afflict elder years Even a child (2) Pro. 20.11 is known by his doing whether his work be pure or sinfull Oh lose not the benefit of your Infancy I had almost said of your Innocency Your best * The Jewes fear to mention a Swine but call it that other thing and all because they would not have children enquire after it Knowledge is to continue ignorant of evil and your best Wisdom is to chuse the fear of the Lord. Ah my dear little Ones although neither of your mortal Parents do eye you your Maker your Father doth Naturally (3) Pro. 22.15 1 Cor. 13.1 wickednesse is bound up in your heart be troubled for this and let your self-correction burn the Rod. One childishnesse is not to come unlesse ye are called therefore (4) Psal 34.11 Come ye children Another is not to hearken therefore not only come but (5) Ibid. hearken A third is not to observe what ye hear therefore (6) Prov. 8.10 receive instruction A fourth is not to practise what ye understand therefore as ever ye prize a Mothers (7) See the Book so called blessing forsake not the law of (8) Prov 1.8 your Mother and that ye may obtain the (9) Eph. 6.2 promise obey the (10) See The Advice to a Son by Fran. Osborn advice of your Father Mine advice is learn obedience The more you be (11) Lam. 3.27 accustomed to the yoke the more easie will the yoke be unto you Let it be your pastime to please God by pleasing your Superiours make Duty your delight Next if idle ones (12) Pro. 1.10 entice you consent you not in all (13) Pro. 14.23 labour there is profit and in all idlenesse guilt Wherefore be ever in doing I mean in well-doing Nothing is more painfull then is idlenesse I abhorre it in any one in a child (14) Psalm 103.5 most of all I would have Children be as lively as they will and as gracious as they can Little ones I would not have you give me cause to say let not your heart be troubled Thee particulars I lay down Why while all is yet well with you ye should give give all diligence to keep your hearts clean viz. free from troubles First the opportunity of your Child-hood ye were therefore admitted to receive the (1) Rom. 4.11 2 Tim. 2.19 Seal of your adoption and to be by baptism received into the Houshold of faith because Christ himself hath (2) Mark 10.14 witnessed that unto such as ye are O little Children belongeth the Kingdom of God Dub. Why unto such Dub. Answ 1. First Answ 1. Who so would receive the Gospel must (1) Consulas Rodolphum Gualterum in Marci caput decimum Homiliâ LXXXII be estranged from iniquity Now your happinesse it is O little Children that although there be in your hearts a root of unbelief yet that root is hitherto little sprouted it beginneth to bud but hitherto spread it doth not spread it doth but it hardly brancheth branch it doth but not over the whole man it brancheth over the whole man but those branches do as yet bear but little fruits at least their fruit tasteth not quite so bitter as hereafter it will taste I say the evil which aboundeth in your hearts breaketh forth into evil actions but into evil actions not so many not so great not so grosse as accompany persons of elder years Do but break off (2) The first blow is as good as two and one blow at the root is as good as five at the branches the evil of your doings so often as they begin to bud forth and you shall never be irrecoverably troubled ye shall never be utterly over-grown with that wickednesse which hath already taken root in your hearts Answ 2. 2 Answ A little Child hath a heart which is (1) Tabula rasa free from worldly businesses free from cares free from sorrowes free from strong temptations a heart quite empty of all outward troubles and therefore of a hopefull capacity a heart docile and in its kind apprehensive Oh how easily may the Kingdom of Heaven be commended unto this heart How is this heart (2) He that is first up is first dressed prepared to obtain that faith which overcometh all troubles Answ 3. Answ 3. A Childes heart is credulous Children and (1) 1 Cor. 13 7 Charity believe all things nor can they believe enough in the truthes of God The words of the Rabbins (2) Eliae Levitae Thisbites 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 much more may the words of our God be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so strangely do they allure and Take us Answ 4. Answ 4. The heart of a Child is a heart (1) Psalm 131.2 easily weaned from any evil It is quickly said can soon deny it self Full easily then may it begin with Christs Crosse and run over the whole (2) Psalm 119 Alphabet of Duties Answ 5. Answ 5. You Children much affect to be at Church to be a part of that Congregation wherein the Ordinances are exhibited And truly where (1) Ezra 8.21 God scattereth blessings it is good being one of the number unto whom they are poured forth Answ 6. Answ 6. A long while it is before a Schollar is (1) For these two Reasons Sir Francis Bacon used to be sorry for any Schollars death saith Mr. Herbert in his Apothegms made and many Schollars are marred in the making But much a longer space it is before a Gospel-Professor is made a Christian yea and many Christians are marred in the making None are more likely to become sound Believers then they that lay hold of eternal life in their infancy The Race is set before us all but not one among many of us receiveth the prize nor are any more likely so to run (2) 1 Cor. 9.24 that they may obtain an are you Children Could I return again into my Mothers womb might I again begin my few dayes what hours (3) Eph. 5.16 Eccles 9.10 He cannot be vertuous that is not rigorous would I not redeem my thoughts words endeavours how would I husband them How would I as well begin as lead my life unto my God! But now Dearest Children my complaint (4) Ezek. 18.14 is
saith Hosea Answ 5. I have seen indeed a cool Discourse [1] Printed 1662. but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of or rather against the Imposition of Liturgies but while it seemeth to plead for the glory of the Spirit in Gospel-times unto me it seemeth to [2] Rom. 16.17 18 14.19 undermine the glory of the Gospel and of the Spirit too for First Lamentable and [1] So late as our last civil Wars late experience evinceth that in Gospel-worship a [2] 1 Cor. 14. v. 26. compared with v. 1. with c. 13.1 want of Vniformity disturbeth Gospel-peace and we must needs know that a want of peace with the Gospel eclipseth the [3] 1 Cor. 12. v. 25. compared with v. 31. See Hammond upon Revel 19 6 7 8 9 glory of the Gospel Secondly That in these last dayes God poureth out more of his Spirit then he did then when taking them by their armes he [1] Hos 11.3 taught Ephraim to go is a truth [2] Acts 2.17 unquestionable Neverthelesse a lesser measure of Gods Spirit in the dayes of Temple-worship was [3] 2 Chion 6 41 compared with Psalm 132.8 and with Num. 10.35 36 c. 6.24 25 26 27. and with both the Psalms of degrees and the Titles of divers other Psalmes no reason at all of the set forms therein used For under the Law if not [4] Psa 106.30 1 Sam. 2.27 2 Kings 4.22 their Priests sure I am their Prophets were endued with the holy Spirit in a greater measure then since the Apostles dayes ordinarily any of us Christians are Wherefore if the duty and ability of Gospel-Ministers be a sufficient bar against set forms under the Gospel then had the duty and ability of [5] Gen. 20.2 compared with 1 Sam. 12 23 and with 1 Chron 25.1 all their Prophets and of some of their Priests been a greater bar against the imposition of Psalmes and of [6] See Mr. John Gregory upon 2 Sam. 1.13 other set forms in their Temple-worship Thirdly Whether Primitive Churches did or did not make use of Liturgies we of this Age and Kingdome have seen what will again quickly befall us if we do not all of us persist to [1] Phil. 3.16 walk by the same Rule to mind the same things yea and [2] 1 Cor. 1.10 to speak the same things too I conclude While those [1] 1 Cor. 12.28 compare 1 Tim. 3.1 with Eph. 4.8 11 12 helps and governments which the good hand of [2] Matth. 28.20 Rom. 13.1 our God placeth [3] Compare Rom. 13.1 2 5 and Heb. 13.17 with Deut. 17 8-12 over us have in a forme of wholsome words taught us how to pray in so doing they have imitated no worse an example then that of Saint John the Baptist yea [4] Luke 11.1 2 and John Gregory upon Matth. 6.13 then that of Jesus Christ himself and Christ ye know is as the Head of his Church so the Mouth and Wisdome of his Father Hitherto of glorifying God more remotely with our words properly and more immediately we glorify our God with our words when we sacrifice unto him the calves of our lips and then we (1) Hos 14.2 sacrifice unto him the calves of our lips 1. When we render thanks for the [1] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 est gratum se declarare accepto beneficio illad agnoscendo authorem ejus praedicaudo Nam in hoc differt gratulatio religiosa à gratutatiobus civilibus In bisce solemus fortaam vel industriam vel prudentiam illorum belebrare quibus bonum aliquod magaum obtisse laetamar at gratulat â—â—a 〈…〉 aliud sunt quam simplices gratiarum actiones quibus celebrant benigaitatem Dei Patris qui doaavit hominibus bona spiritualia Davenantius in Coloss 1.3 great benefits which we have received at his hands 2. When we set forth his most worthy praise for praise is the reflection of that which is praise-worthy 3. When we tell of the Honour due unto his Name for honour is more then praise praise commendeth what is good honour esteemeth what we commend 4. When we blesse him as exalted above all blessings for blessing is more then honour Honour admireth that God whom we praise blessing adoreth that God whom we admire Men blesse men by their mutual prayers God blesseth man imperatively he blesseth when he maketh blessed Man blesseth God optatively then man blesseth God when he rejoyceth to know and make known how blessed a God God is Thanksgiving may be a forced act of meer justice Praise verbal complement Honour the result of a generous mind but blessing includeth these and more Blessing includeth an unfeigned thankfulnesse a serious praising a respectiful honouring and a reverend acknowledgement Praise may be matter of complement Blessing is matter of devotion ye that fear the Lord blesse ye the Lord. But secondly not ye who fear not the Lord. In works He that is one of [1] Psalm 15.1 2 this Quire must be cloathed in white for Thanksgiving consisteth more in good works then in good words Betwixt works and words the [2] Gen. 18.14 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 holy language putteth no difference at all Thou until thou depart from iniquity hast [3] 2 Tim 2.19 no right at all to name the Name of Jesus Christ So long as thou hatest instruction what hast thou to do to [4] Psalm 50.16 17 take his Covenant in thy mouth Though thou sayest [5] Jer. 5.2 the Lord liveth surely thou swearest falsly Quest Wherein Answ It is a disparagement to be well spoken of by an unworthy person if thou livest not unto him little will the world believe that thy God is a living God As praise is [6] Psalm 33.1 comely for the upright so [7] Pro. 17.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nullus fatuus timet peccatum excellent speech becometh not a fool The wicked mans gift hath [8] Job 14.4 Psalm 5.9 Heb. 11.6 Gen 27.22 a touch of his Master and if the Lungs be corrupt the breath will certainly displease If thou wouldest have thy voyce the voyce of Jacob let not thy hands be the hands of Esau before thou lift them up unto Gods glorious Majesty lift them up unto [9] Psal 63.4 119.48 his Commandements first The pure God hath an [10] Jer. 8.6 ear for thy works and an eye for thy [11] Esay 59.15 16 words Awake up my glory awake [12] Psal 57.8 Psaltery and Harp Beloved then when David maketh good Musique he moveth his hands as well as his lips Ah with what [13] James 3.10 face can an unrighteous wretch speak good of the most righteous Lord or a cursed unbeliever of the blessed God Know that man whom the Lord setteth apart for himself is [14] Psalm 4.3 the godly man Wouldest thou that salvation should be shewed unto thee see that thou orderest thy conversation aright He and only be who offereth this
they take sanctuary in heaven Answ 4. Mansions as they import protection so they imply [1] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi Stabiles mansiones continuance of that protection Tents may be soon taken down soon removed Mansion-houses [2] Esay 33.20 not so Christians Upon earth we are all of us [3] Jer. 35.7 Rechabites we have here [4] Hâ—b 13.14 no continuing City the City of God that endureth for ever Answ 5. Mansions serve as well for convenience as for continuance The Jewish Temple which was so [1] Psalm 15.1 Revel 11.19 absolute a Type of the Temple of God in new Jerusalem was if [2] Ezek. 40.44 45 46 duly considered as well a Colledge as a Temple About it were [3] Jer. 35.4 store of Chambers built for those Priests and Levites which ministred before the Lord Friends so many of us as wait upon the Lord [4] Psalm 23.4 need fear no night no servant of this Lord shall want for lodging so professedly are the mansions in my fathers house allotted unto the followers of Jesus Christ that death shall only [5] Esay 26.20 bring us unto our chambers Answ 6. Mansions comprehend not only convenience but delight and that first in regard of the building next in regard of the furniture First Our out-houses are meanly built of hay stubble mud or such like Our outward buildings are ordinarily neglected as are those vessels of dishonour which lumber them or the cattle which we house in them may they be warm for the cattle necessary for businesse or serviceable for out-uses all is passing well not so with (1) See Revel cap. 21. our mansion-house that if any is of stone-work if not of Marble curiously hewen and carved Next as of the two the faebrique is more excellent so the furniture We will hardly be at the charge of plaistering our barns or hovils much lesse do we either wainscot or hang them But if we have any Bed Table Stool Candlestick c. let them be (1) 2 Kings 4.10 furniture for the Prophets lodging-room if the world hath any Purple Needlework Gold or Pearl let them be (2) see Exod. cap. 36. cap. 37. cap. 38. cap. 39. set apart for the dwelling place of the most High Unto our Mansion-houses we bring our houshold-stuffe our substance our riches our treasures our plate our furniture our tapestry c. Our Mansion-houses we make and keep as neat as pleasant as delightful as the condition of our private estates will permit Beloved these mansions in my Text are all of them (3) Domum apud patrem habâ—o cam â—ae vobis paratam to lodgè â—oculentissim â—n amplissimam bo t is omnibus instructâ—ssiâ—un Jac. Capellus in Joan 14.2 furnished not according unto the lownesse of our mean condition but according unto the majesty and honour of the high and mighty Lord of all things The royal Treasures the Princely Ornaments of every mansion within this Palace speak their owner a great king even a (3) Psalm 24.7 king of glory Therefore as you will finde them glorious mansions so you do finde them Many Mansions Jesus Christ had (1) John 13.36 newly informed Cephas whither I go thou canst not follow me now but thou shalt follow me hereafter This the other Disciples who then stood by (2) John 13.33 over-heard over-hearing this their hearts were troubled Thought they (3) Vide in Joan. 14.1 Tâ—rinum Molâ—â—â—â—tâ—m Jaâ—teni concord Evenâ— cap. 134 what shall become of us Peter he shall follow Christ but poor we may be left (4) John 14.18 comfortlesse behind No saith Jesus I (5) John 14.2 deal plainly with you Were it so I would have told you but in my Fathers house are many mansions mansions enough for Peter enough for my self enough for you and for thousands more besides you Object Many are called but (1) Matth. 20.16 few are chosen Strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life and (2) Matth. 7.14 few there be who finde it Answ 1. Verily this is one reason why I have openly endeavoured to roll every stone from your heart Alas the unbelief of many among us did never yet trouble their thoughts They accept an (1) Qui Christiani nominis opus non agit Christianus non esse videtur Salvian de Dei Gub. lib. 4.2 Tim. 2.19 3.5 Revel 3.1 James 2.20 idle fruitlesse opinionative knowledge instead of a firm belief in God and his Christ They promise unto themselves these mansions in my Fathers house whereas except they repent they shall never (2) Heb. 12.14 step toward them They have a name that they live but are dead By their (3) Matth. 7.20 fruits you may know it God will not put that into their heads which they cast at their heels if they (4) Acts 13.46 judge themselves unworthy of everlasting life it is just with God not to (5) See Dr. Selater upon 2 Thes 1.5 â—1 accompt them worthy of his calling But mine APOLOGIE in behalf of my God is that although few there be who work out (6) Phil. 2.12 their Salvation Christ (7) 2 Cor. 5.15 dyed for all Though few there be who finde that Jesus Christ is the (8) John 14.6 only way which leadeth unto life in Jesus Christ is everywhere (9) John 10.10 offered Life more abundant Answ 2. Although in comparison of all them for whom [1] 1 John 2.2 Rom. 5.18 Jesus Christ dyed they that perish [2] Matth 7.13 are many yet in comparison of them whom Jesus Christ might justly [3] Rom. 3.9 23 1 Sam. 2.30 have rejected they who belive unto salvation have need of many mansions for they are many Compare the [4] John 10.16 flock of sheep with the [5] Matth. 25.38 herd of goats and a [6] Luke 12.32 little flock it is but recollect how many of these sheep the [7] 1 Pet. 5.8 wolfe would have devoured and you will then grant that over what it might have been this little flock abideth a [8] John 10.16 Psalm 84.7 Revel 7.9 great flock There were in numerably more fishes left in the Sea then [9] Luke 5.6 taken yet the [10] ibid. Text saith They enclosed a great multitude of fishes Although more are without the pale of the Church then within it yea although more are in the Church then of it yet multi udes of Believers there are whom these Fishers of men convert True many are those unthankful wretches which will torment themselves in hell-flames but blessed be our Saviour many although not so many are the Saints glorified in Heaven Answ 3. No marvail it is if the mansions in my Fathers house be many since the elect of God cannot be few We finde from the East and from the west [1] Matth. 8.11 many coming to sit down with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the kingdome of heaven Among