if it be throughly considered all these put together do not make good that Happiness and Peace which mankind so eagerly desires And they are to be had in Gods ways so the first and great Temptation Vanisheth If the Enemy cannot draw Men off from God and Religion he trys to corrupt and deceive them therein by Lies and false Suggestions but all this may be prevented by the written Word without and the understanding within he hath given us The Foundation of the whole is which way to atone please and find acceptance with Almighty God this cannot be better known then by what himself hath shewed by Angels his Son and Holy Men inspired by him Who have done it faithfully and truly and laid down a reasonable way to this purpose As we have received so ought we to walk that we may please God by complying with all his Mind and Will which he hath revealed unto us by them Now this could never be done unless it was known And this neither by seeing it in a Book nor hearing with the Ear for a Child doth this unless it be understoâ—d Thy hands have made me and fashioned me give me understanding that I may learn thy Commandments Psal 119. 73. The inspiration of the Almighty giveth men understanding Job 32. 8. He did not to Horse and Mule for these are carried by blind instinct of Desire and Aversation but we with Knowledge and Choice as to Good and Evil. Thy word is a Lamp unto my Feet And a Light unto my Path Ps 119. 105. Without that our own Understanding is altogether insufficient as may be seen by the wandrings of those of old time who were carried away with dumb Idols the strange Follies of Idolatry and Superstition that ignorance and uncertainty of the chiefest Good and Immortality Something may be observed at this day which confirms that The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are Foolishness unto him neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2. 14. It is an amazing thing to consider those who are prudent as to the Affairs of the World who have all Knowledge and Skill of the best way to get Riches and Honour who foresee and carefully avoid temporal Evils yet commonly these of all Men are most ignorant as to the things of God and their Salvation They think it beneath their parts to condescend to such things it is an undervaluing of their worldly Wisdom to practise Simplicity and Godly Sincerity This they esteem as fit for none but Ignorant and Foolish people One would admire hereat if he did not call to mind Mat. 11. 25 26. 1 Cor. 1. 18 19 20 26. The greatest Schollars are not always holy and obedient for Knowledge puffeth up and they Fancy it a Disparagement to come to the things that are base in the Esteem of the World and the things which are despised The Blindness received by Adams Transgression is not taken away for they disdain as they foolishly and ignorantly think the meanness of the Remedy There are some still Vain in their Imaginations and their foolish heart are darkened Professing themselves to be Wise they Deut. 8. 17. Isa 10. 13. in the end will become Fools that all may know who come into the Promised Land it was not their own Power or Wisdom brought them thither For through proud Nature we are apt to rob God of the Honour due to his Name to say we made our selves Happy Such boasting is false and hateful to our great Master who even this way teacheth us to acknowledge if we will speak but the truth that all our sufficiency is of him 2 Cor. 3. 5. If we are left to our selves all our Wisdom is Earthly Sensual and Devilish and serves for no other end but wisely to descend into Hell. Natural Reason alone is not able to Conduct unto Heaven for it knows not the way unless it had been for the revealed Will of God we had been also Grovelling in the Dark as our Ancestors or the Indians and Pagans at this time Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved let us have Grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with Reverence and Godly fear Heb. 12. 28. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit which is promised to every one that Asks and that gives Life to the dead Letter making it understood and leads into truth sufficient to render us Happy That of guiding into all truth was a particular Promise to the Disciples as appears by the Words following He shall not speak of himself and he will shew you things to come John 13. 16 Now if he who boasts of thiâ— will do the other also have the Spirit of Prophecy as well as the pretended one of infallibility then this Scripture extends to him but seeing he hath not that neither the other for what Christ hath joyned together he is Antichrist that puts asunder Shew the things to come bereafter that we may know that ye are Gods Isa 41. 23. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is Worshipped So that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God 1 Thes 2. 4. That same Jesus from whom he pretends to derive his Commission and Truth foretelleth that many false Christ's and false Prophets shall arise of whom we are to take heed and Commandeth Search the Scriptures John 5. 39. For that only Objection from 2 Pet. 3. 16. which the Man of Sin doth so mightily insist on to beat off the People from that word wherein his own ways and Corruptions are so Condemned The Argument doth not amount to so much as that we ought to abstain from Meat and Drink because possibly we may meet with Poison For the wresting of Scriptures to their own Destruction is a wilful known Act as the word Imports Poâ—son may be conveyed in unknown to us but it would be more ridiculous to say I will not Eat any thing because I know what is Poiâ—on and can Eat that also whereas this should encourage him the more to necessary Food because he knows the other and can avoid it The word of God is as necessary to nourish unto eternal Life as the other to preserve the present and none need to be afraid For this is certain however People are frightned and perplexed about Doctrines and Opinions necessary to â—alvation As in the ways of wickedness none Perishes without a Malâ—cious Sinful Stubborn and continued Trangression of the Will So it is of the understanding unless there is some Malignity and ill deserving therein God will never be eternally angry with Men for it Things are so ordered that every one may be saved by Labour and sincere Use of means and none mis-carries or is damned but through his own Fault and known Wilfulness God would have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth 1 Tim. 2. 4. The end is here
2. 12. Eph. 4. 3 4 5. Col. 3. 12 13 15. 1 Thes 5. 13. Religion should of all things most endear one to another but it is only the corruption and abuse thereof which turns it into matter of Quarrel Hatred and Animosity Many of us differ in little Opinions not necessary to Salvation and therefore should in no wise for them endanger that by not observing the weightier matters of the Law Mercy and Love of one another After what manner did our Fathers serve God who are in Peace They continued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and Fellowship all that believed were together continuing daily with one accord in the Temple Acts 2. 42 44 46. And the Multitude of them that believed were of one Heart and of one Soul Acts 4. 32. It was prophesied of the Gospel times that many Nations shall Come and say Come and let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord and to the House of the God of Jacob Mic. 4. 2. Who are these that flie like Doves to a Window Isa 60. 8. So harmless and peaceably should they move together Then would cease all jealousie and bitter envying There would be no more heard the voice of the Slanderer Blasphemer and Censorious Person then Malice Hatred and the Destructiveness of exorbitant zeal would not be seen among us but we should all love as Brethren be Pitiful and Courteous one to another How happy would it be if Christians were of the same mind I do not mean in every Question for seeing we know but in part and all have not the same measure of understanding that is not a yet but in the mean while we might all agree to the same manner and meet at the same place of Worship The proâ—â—es of God are that it shall be so as Jer. 32. 39. Zeph. 3. 8 9. Isa 30. 21 26. Eph. 4. 13. Which was fulfilled in the Primitive Times but in a lesser degree as one sheaf to the whole Harvest and will be again more universally when so restored as it was then Christ did break down the Partition-wall between Jews and Genâ—ilâ— and those dividing impositions are to be taken away before all Christians can come and meet in the same Room However in the mean while it is one and the same House though there be several apartments They are one Fold and one Shetherd John 10. 16. Though at present there be several dividing hurdles intermixt of Mans settiâ—g up which at length will be removed And so what is said of the Unity of the Church Joh. 17. 11 21 22 23. Eph. 4 5 6. Cant. 6. 9. It comprehends all Gods faithful People in the whole World God setteth the solitary in Families Psal 68. 6. Or in the new Translation maketh Men to be of one mind in an house so in his good time wiâ—l grant to themall However distinguished or named to be like minded one towards another according to Christ Jesus that they may with one Mind and one Mouth glorifie God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Rom. 15. 5 6. In the beginning of time Satan beguiled Eve through his Subtlety so doth he even now continue to deceive all her Children Of deceits this design of the Wicked one doth prove destructive to thousands and millions both of learned and unlearned wise and foolish for the things of God are hid from the wise and prudent being by them accounted as foolishness And then Satan gets an advantage over them also for they are not endued with the Wisdom of God which alone discovers his devices He exercises his whole craft and skill with these But where ignorance abounds there he abominably thrives in the trade of deceiving and he strangely leads away captive silly people laden with sins It is wonderful and sad to consider how miserably poor mankind is deluded about their everlasting Happiness or Misery then which nothing can be of greater concern and therefore we should take all imaginable heed and circumspection least we be mistaken herein Yet of this we use the least care so strongly hath the evil one possest us and lulled to peace that we are willing to be deceived by him we would fain have those things he suggests to be true and therefore presently believe them without Examination as if we could be saved by a lie or excused by what draws Gods further displeasure the not desiring the knowledge of his ways Satan transforms himself into an Angel of Light he did once tempt our Lord with Scripture so doth he those who believe on his name and confirmeth his deceivings over again with the written Word The Wisdom of the Father was not imposed upon by a false application his Doctrine is left to succour us and other assistances are given so it is our own fault if seduced or overcome by him Innumerable are the Whims and Fancies Men have to allow themselves in some Sin or other â—or which they will presently cite a Text of Scripture and then they conclude they are right because that in their thinking tells them so They reckon themselves sure because we are to search the Scriptures whether these things are so and there they find it so what can they desire more This is a dangerous and common Deceit when that which should lead them into Truth through wrong â—uterpretation or Application is the cause of Error Nothing is so frequent and orâ—inary to be heard as naming a place of Holy Writ in Vindication or mitigation of such a Sin or Wickedness Almost every single Person hath some particular mistaken Opinions of his own which he tells unto others who again acquaint him with theirs so they are full of deceitful Falshoods The Reason of all is We being by Nature the Children of Wrath through Corruption Prone to Evil as the Sparks fly upwards and strongly inclined to break Gods Commandments But he having threatned The Soul that sinneth shall die the fear of this makes us look about and stop in the Course we design to go in Then cometh the Evil one and Whispers that we may transgress and if we repent at such a time in Sickness Old Age Death-bed all is well enough Or if we have not a mind to commit all iniquity yet we may break this or that Divine Law now live in one Sin and then another as our inclinations lead us for which Psal 103. 14. is alledged which is commonly quoted otherwise That of Psal 103. 14. doth not extend to wilful continued Transgressions for it is before said such are removed from us and then the Lord pitieth them that fear him so as not to impute their Sins of Inadvertâ—ncy unavoidable Ignorance or natural Weakness then it is in the Bible God knoweth we are Flesh and therefore it is falsly inferred such Works of the Flesh as Gal. 5. 19 20 21. are excusable enough and for further Satisfaction they are mis-called Infirmities The former deceit is not so universally received most considering People spie out
destroyed for lack of Knowledge Hos 4. 6. What can we say to it when it is their own Fault It is at their Peril if they refuse and contemn those means which God hath appointed to bring unto eternal Life without which they must mis-carry For if the Word spoken by Angels was stedfast and every disobedience received a just Recompence of Reward How shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation Heb. 2. 2 3. The Promise in sundry places of Scripture is unto Godliness Of Ungodliness Psal 4. 3. Psal 101. 2. 4. 1 Tim. 4. 8. and the threatning is against ungodliness Psal 9. 17. Rom. 1. 18. 2 Pet. 2. 6. 2 Pet. 3. 7. Jude 15â— Where is a right use of the Ordinances and positive Duties all Obedience will likewise follow On the contrary when they are neglected it is Disobedience and Contempt to that God who enjoyns them Many are Friendly and just towards Man temperate as to themselves but yet are ungodly The World thinks What harm do these Why may they not go to Heaven Not considering what the great Provocation of ungodliness is and they do mistake in not seeing the first Reason of the Commandments of God Which in Truth are for the welfare of mankind but this is not all for the good or inconveniences consequent to the Observation or Violation of them as pertaining to short-lived mankind do not Rise so high as to have or deserve eternal Rewards or Punishments The Act of Sin is small and weak but the strength of Sin is the Law 1. Cor. 15. 56. It receives the Aggravation from going against that High and Divine Authority which hath established things so For it is too much a fond and proud Opinion that all things are for our selves if I do neither harm to my Neighbour nor my Self and I commit Sin What great Evil is in it Is a common Question Whereas they might look up and consider that God in his doings towards the Children of Men designs his own Glory in the first place as well as their Good. Now if there is Disobedience and Contempt towards himself and Transgression of what he hath Enacted here is the exceeding evil of Sin though no prejudice comes thereby to any mortal Creature It is what lieth in them making void Gods Dominion and in plain terms that he shall not Reign over them The great matter is Whether his Creatures are subject unto him they are so indeed But whether themselves think so and will shew themselves to be such as the ungodly Man doth not Thou hast said in thine Heart I am and none else besides me Isa 47. 10. And hereby may be seen the Hainousness of his iniquity for he is an open Rebel who refuses to tread Gods Courts he is one of himself and will not acknowledge depâ—ndance from an higher Power He neglects for his part what all the World thinks due viz. The Worship of God. So that it will fare better with Superstitious Christians unbelieving Jews and Pagan Idolaters for they intended some Homage though a â—iâ—â—aken one to the Great Lord of all things but he doth none at all He says within himself It is vain to serve God and what Profit is it to keep his Ordinances Mal. 3. 14. Whereas it is his own Fault for he might know if he would wait all the days of this short Life for the exceeding and eternal weight of Glory He might in the mean while perceive some good in the Solemn Meetings if he would come with a pure mind and behave himself as he should But he is glad of any excuse when in reality that as other Excuses is a further Aggravation of his Sin and so it will appear When God who now knows shall manifest the secrets of all Hearts for People who are born in the Christian Church entred by Baptism and afterwards wilfully make themselves Strangers from the Covenant of Grace and be without God in the World What is this but as much as they can to exempt themselves from his Government and because it may hereafter Rise up against them they would utterly destroy it if they might Whoever impartially judges of these things may perceive the exceeding Sinfulness of ungodliness It is the greatest degree of Sin that Men can arrive unto How many times is mention made in Scripture of reâ—using to hear the Word of God and not calling upon him There is no Fear of God before their Eyes they forget him and such like Expressions by which the Abomination of iniquity is set forth All these Sins are immediately against God himself If one Man sin against another the Judge shall Judge him but if a Man sin against the Lord who shall intreat for him 1 Sam. 2. 25. When God doth set up his Kingdom for such to endeavour to get from under it must be a great Provocation As now if any Prince should issue forth his Proclamation and Order it to be read and fixt up He would certainly be displeased at those who stop their Ears and take no notice of it and so it will be as to all those Potsherds of the Earth who shew the like Stubbornness or disdain against their Maker In good Manners we are to hear what God will Command us Of Preaching before we put up our Petitions unto him The Master is at Liberty to speak before the Servant utters his Supplication Yea all that the Lord hath said we should do so that is first to be known for the end of Prayer is to ask Forgiveness for former Transgressions to beg Grace and Power to be more obedient for the future When God delivered his Law in that terrible manner on Mount Sinah the People were afraid that they said unto Moses Speak thou with us and we will Hear Exod. 20. 19. and it is promised further We will hear and do it Deut. 5. 27. This way our Fore fathers chose and accordingly he did during his Life-time and left written a Copy of the Law which should be for ever Moses of Old time hath in every City them that Preach him being read in the Synagogues every Sabbath day Acts 15. 21. He was both Preached and Read. The Jews received the Law by the Disposition of Angels and have not kept it Acts 7. 53. But Christians received it from a Greater even the Son of God himself and have not obeyed it Christ hath those who continually Preach him as Moses had by how much he is not only greater then him but the very Angels of God. And receiving it immediately from his Father he came down and made it known upon Earth Who had a Voice out of the Cloud which said This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Hear ye him Mat. 17. 5. The Author to the Hebrews insisteth upon the same Argument and Comparison See that ye refuse not him that speaketh For if they escape not who refused him that spake on Earth much more shall not we escape if we
turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven Heb. 12. 25. Who though he is long since ascended on High and sits at the right hand of the Father yet speaks to us even now by his Word He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my Words hath one that judgeth him the VVord that I have spoken the same shall judge him at the last day John 12. 48. And if we will not hear them neither would we be perswaded if Christ should come once again into the World after the same manner as he did He hath sent forth Labourers into his Harvest with full Power and Commission He that heareth you heareth me And he that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me Luke 10. 16. These are to do the Work of their Great Master to seek them that are lost and endeavour according to their utmost Power to bring many unto Life And he shewed me Joshua the High Priest standing before the Lord and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him Zech. 3. 1. When any thing is designed for the good of mankind he will be sure to hinder it as much as he can And it is observable among all the parts of Religion None hath been so much stifled refused or corrupted as the Ordinance of Preaching Nothing is more muttered against or endeavoured to be put off as the Faithful handling and Application of the Word The great prejudice against it is Lust and Consequent to that an affected ignorance Seeing Men will not do accordingly they think it the better the less they know or hear of the things of God whereas this being wilful and out of a wicked mind makes their Disobedience yet worse because they add this as the beginning and cause of all They desire not the knowledge of Gods ways Job 21. 14. Thou hatest instruction and casteth my words behind thee Psal 50. 17. This is the principal Device Satan makes use of to deceive the whole World by false and sly Suggestions he keeps them off from being acquainted with the Way and Truth of God and thence springs up a secret Enmity in the first place against the Word and those who divide it aright giving to every one his Portion There is none grown up to that height of wickedness as to belch out Blasphemies against Heaven or speak openly against Scripture yet in the Heart of the natural Man doth lie hid an Hatred and this shews it self by opposing them who are set in defence of the Gospel The real cause is concealed but then he Picks some little Exceptions or seeks out for occasion as that may easily be done by an evil mind to Speak or Act against them Miserable infatuation That Men should set themselves against those who in good Conscience and the greatest Earnestness endeavour to lead them up to the Holy Hill. It can be no harm to rescue any from the place of Torment to pull him though never so much against his Will like a Brand out of the Fire Now go write it before them in a Table and note it in a Book that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever That this is a Rebellious People Lying Children Children that will not hear the Law of the Lord Which say to the Seers see not And to the Prophets Prophesie not unto us right things speak unto us smooth things Prophesie Deceits Isa 30. 8 9 10. for they can hear and approve of such and too many are carried away with this Temptation The Prophets Prophesie falsly and my People Love to have it so Jer. 5. 31. It is not so much taken notice of because it sutes with their Humours and Inclinations For want of Love they think his Commandments grievous when delivered aright and pressed home to the Conscience It is observable the Spirit of God speaks very much of the above-mentioned Corruption but little or nothing against those severe and rigid Men against whom the World crys out so much See Isa 9. 16. Isa 58. 1. Jer. 14. 14. Jer. 23. throughout Ezek. 13. 34. Chap. Lam. 2. 14. Jer. 48. 10. Mal. 2. 8 9. Mal. 3. 3 4. Luke 20. 21. 2 Cor. 4. 1 2. Gal. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 4. 1 2. 2 Tim. 2. 14 15 16. Tit. 2. 1 6 7. 1 Pet. 4. 11. Mat. 15. 14. There are more Texts concerning this horrible abuse and for the Remedy thereof all which are fulfilled in these days and should be amended That which moved Pilate to deliver our Saviour doth move these to betray his Heritage They are willing to content the People Mark 15. 15. and therefore suffer them to lie still in their Ignorance and Disobedience Her Prophets are light and treacherous Persons Zeph. 3. 4. they betray the Cause of God for they do not enforce it with that Power they might Some as if they were ashamed of his Office do not deliver his Message do not use the Arguments he hath given but are Foolish Prophets that follow their own Spirit Ezek. 13. 3. as if their Whims and Notions were better and more perswasive then the Oracles of God. He would be reconciled unto the World as they would willingly be at Peace with him And what hinders this blessed Accommodation I have not sent these Prophets yet they ran I have not spoken to them yet they Prophesied But if they had stood in my Counsâ—l and had caused my People to hear my VVords Mark that Then they should have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings Jer. 23. 21 22. If they would insist on those Motives which flow from the Word of Truth and let them run with their due Cogency we see here what would have been the Effect of it The foregoing words are In the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly In the end of time many will reflect that if those set over them had done as they should and their own Conscience did stir them to do such Evils might have been escaped Thy Prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee and they have not discovered thine iniquity to turn away thy Captivity Lam. 2. 14. They have not used their utmost diligence to keep off from that threatning which is now manifested under the Gospel What could God have done more for his Vineyard then he hath done His Decrees and Dispensations concerning mankind are righteous He hath done things sufficient for them to be Happy and avoid Misery Only he hath permitted them as free and reasonable Creatures to Act of themselves He doth move and stir up their Wills to that which is good Those whom his Providence suffers to be Pastors He prompts by his Spirit to be faithful in that Trust reposed in them To the hearers are committed the lively Oracles their own Conscience there is the opportunity of good Books and Conversation with other helps and advantages which might be improved for the benefit of mankind But the only thing is they are not
forced and it is expected what they do it should be with a willing mind considering which they have Assistances sufficient to work out their own Salvation God hath been pleased to establish all things in an orderly way What pertain to his Kingdom over the Sons of Men have their Rules and their appointed means and his Blessing doth always Accompany them He doth not work Miracles where the thing may be done in a way he hath already shewed To turn the Hearts of the Fathers unto the Children and the Disobedient to the VVisdom of the just to make ready a People prepared for the Lord Luke 1. 17. He gives his Word Spirit and Ministers By the help of them and putting forth the strength God hath given us all this may very well be accomplished As the great Super-intendent in his Works of Nature hath left them to go in their Course so in his Kingdom of Grace which is over the Souls of Men he hath ordained alike Method to spring forth and increase by appointed means The great and only business which hath passed between God and Men is concerning their Obedience in this World and their Salvation in that which is to come And therein may be observed from the very first Creation of them a most wise contrivance of things on Gods part but the utmost folly giving back and rebellion on ours Had we consented and for us performed what we might have done there had been no separation between God and us which our iniquities have now made Wilful ignorance and sloth hath occasioned this evil by not improving the Talent but hiding it in a Napkin Would any one act according to the grace and power given him and according to the way shewed he shall never miscarry Christ hath made up for Adams Transgression so that the Lord being our helper we may do the things well-pleasing in his sight if our selves will sincerely set to do them God is faithful and would not try our Obedience by more then we are able to perform he gives aid and offers more if we would but seek and make use of it Doth any one desire to be saved Who doth not Why then there is no more required but his real working together with the grace of God and according to his means It is astonishing to consider that seeing God hath given all those great and powerful Arguments to stir up Man to his Duty and then all the faculties of his Soul have a tendency towards it yet so few are brought over to a right sence and universal practice of Religion But Satan trys all ways to drive them off and then is their own aversation through corrupt nature to the things of God but here again if they would consult his Word they would not be ignorant of those devices of the Enemy which might be rendred ineffectual and then by striving contrary and giving diligence that averâ—ation would by degrees wear of There is sufficient done that all might come to life It is not the Will of your Father which is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish Mat. 18. 14. Some do needlesly inquire concerning the number of those that shall be saved When the Question was asked our Lord Luke 13. 23 24. he gives no direct answer to it but commands to take care for themselves and if every one did so there would be no need to ask such a Question This is certain every Man or Woman may perform those conditions to which Salvation is promised each single person may obey God keep the sayings of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and patiently continue in Well-doing The Scripture observing the Irreligion and wickedness of Men in Gal. 3. â— those Generations when it was Penned and foreseeing how it would be in following Ages speaketh in that wise as it doth but yet the same word saith All the ends of the World shall remember and turn unto the Lord and all the kindreds of the Nation shall Worship before thee Psal 22. 27. which is to be fulfilled as the others have been and are Every one is called upon to this it is in the power of all to hear or read the Scriptures to Pray to examine further evidences of it and Faith comes by these things and â—e will believe He may again attend to the Word of Exhortation and then he will do For that is to be said for the excellency of our Religion that never any one could see all that may be said for it and then reject it If the wicked Man would suffer himself to know what might be alledged for Obedience unto God himself would not refuse it He is afraid and dares not consider of the Arguments which enforce the same for then he would be converted and healed and therefore it is not without cause the subtle Enemy labours so much to hinder from that Whereas if he is in the most natural state yet if he is endued but with common Wisdom he should not presently set that at naught which in this carries so much of its Divinity and Truth And he should suspect his own course because he doth as it were distrust those excuses and pretences for Reasons he hath none for his Wickedness in that they dare not in the least stand in competition with what may be said for the contrary Way Men could never go on as now they do unless worse then the deaf Adder they stop the Ear and refuse to hear the Voice of the Charmer charm he never so wisely They act commonly by slight apprehension of things as for those of this Worâ—d they suffer to sink deep and lie at the very ground of their Hearts but for heavenly they either shut them quite out or they lie scattered at the top and have no deepness of Earth and no Root Mat. 13. 5 6. It is seldom that things are done altogether in a hurry but generally people act what they think best to be done In the very heart there is an approbation of them they may outwardly commend another kind but then they have within them a secret reserve and give preference to what they do or else hope to escape the danger The great controversie in the World is Whether Men should obey the Law of God or the Law of Sin Whether they shall do according to his Will or be Master of their own Actions None will deny that God is to be obeyed nor can they gain-say against his Law which is Good Just and Reasonable this is allowed of even by the transgressour But then for following his own course he hath some fancies which are kept secret within himself and are at the very bottom of his mind which with him do weigh down those general Considerations The present Pleasure Profit or Conveniencies or thinking to repent and avoid Gods indignation and such kind of thoughts which the Tempter doth suggest and his own heart doth receive and improve to the utmost advantage that they stand in
is endâ—ed with real Wisdom cannot take pleasure in Fools Mirth or an idle Jest Who are passed over the festivities of Childhood and Youth cannot still shew themselves transported with Vanities Who have seen and fully observed the same heretofore are not to be admired if not lifted up with little Novelties Whose Conversation is in Heaven and their Affections on things above shall they be blamed if knowing the difference and they do not shew forth the like rejoycing at the common Accidents and little things here below Who do not resort to Drink and Company to cheer up their Spirits or still the Disorder within for they are in a right frame already The Sea within is smooth and like a molten Looking Glass where they can reflect and be satisfied with their inward likeness It is Impertinent if not Sinful to disswade them from Holy things who delight therein As long as they can go on in such a course all their days let them do as much as Gods Grace shall direct rhem Another knoweth not what Comfort they find therein how they have their Body in subjection and to what a measure of Love and Spirituality they are arrived So they may do those Acts without tiring which others cannot now that are not yet so far attained but may attain The Scripture makes frequent mention of those who do not enough for Heaven but nothing against them who do too much for there is no danger of exceeding That particularly lays down all things necessary and relating to Mans Salvation and also speaks of his temporal Happiness in Subordination to that yet there is not one word mentioned concerning Religious Melancholy or Mopishness Without question there were some in the days of the inspired Writers whose Conversation was obnoxious to that Character as now What the World calls Melancholy in Scripture Phrase is Sorrow and to that somewhat is said by way of Comfort but it was to be in God not to take people off nor to have recourse to those Arts as Sinners do The best way of solving Fears Scruples and Disquiet is to give a people a right understanding of them but let none resort to the Pleasures of Sin and idle Company which increase but not cure them We read of the Temptations and Devices of Satan Spiritual Desertions Ignorance intervening Sins and Infirmities which cause Vexation and Trouble but nothing of illness of Blood or Bodily Constitution there is no intimation of this in Holy Writ But it is the Opinion of late Physitians which hath been received so far by Divines that to improve this notion of Melancholy a little further and the other of Enthusiasm would be the ready and effectual way to cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us Isa 30. 11. For let all regrets of Conscience pass for Melancholy and the workings of Gods Spirit for Enthusiasum or â—aâ—cy inward Religion is in danger to be destroyed which is the most sensible Evidence of the Truth and certainty thereof That can never fail but the Knowledge thereof may be lost as several times already it hath near been but will not be so again because of the Promises of God which are near at hand even at the very door to be accomplished Is there then nothing in bodily Constitution Not so much as is pretended and that again may be altered The corruptible Body presseth down the Soul which is common to all and that difference of temper in particular persons which yet is not so much as commonly talked of serves for an Exercise and Tryal of the greater Vertue That the Soul may yet ascend and lift up it self And then the Power of Gods Grace and their complying with it can and doth actually change the natures of Men. That natural tendency and Seriousness was therefore put in them to move towards their right end And also finding no true Happiness here they are prompted to look out for one to come It is so ordered by the good God that all Mankind might be saved and come to the Knowledge of the Truth some more this way some another according to their Inclinations of Soul Body and Condition of Life One hath the Advantage in this thing another in that but some Degree of what is understood by the Word Melancholy is communicated to all Froâ—lick and Mirth are more incidental to Youth But there it is a striving against nature for if not supported by outward Helps and Objects it doth fall down into Seriousness so it is of riper Age. The great mistake is we observe many things without the reason of them All things tend to their Center and what is in Man moves towards his proper end which is doing the things for which God hath made him As the Fish on dry Land beats it self to Death because not in his own Element As the Turâ—le mourns away for want of her Companion there is an uneasiness even from very Childhood if not in some Action So if Man were kept away from God debarred from Company and always to be idle he would pine away in Sorrow which worketh Death before the time because there is such a strong Inclination in his nature to the first principally Ezek. 24. 23. and the others in subordination to him Although Wicked and Ungodly Men do pursue the two lesser ends yef forsaking the great Principal upon which the others should depend they are tormented for want of true Happiness all their Life long so that by reason of the weariness even they are willing to die The Righteous desire a more full Enjoyment of him whom they have known only by Faith and seen darkly Their Soul is athirst for God. When shall I come to appear before God they are more induced to long after it because of the Vain and imperfect state they are in here they do indee desire Immortality aâ—d shall have it The Wicked being conscious whom they have despised and forgotten they wish to Sleep for ever for they had rather so continue then awake and rise up to Punishment What a sad thing it is to be deceived and willingly ignorant of their proper End To be restless all the way and disappointed at last To live in a perpetual Violence and Contradiction to themselves to turn aside the Soul from its natural bent To keep her though in Pain and Displeasure from her Center and Rest and at length when she would have ascended upwards to sink into the Bottom as a Stone To have notrue Comfort and Satisfaction in the Light of the Living nor whilâ—t the days of Darkness draw on Now Consider this ye that forgeâ— God Whose Souls are yet in the Body Take away the weights of Sin that do clog and press down Remember the days past before habitual Sin and evil Habits came on to what did the Motions within aspire and prompt unto Before the Spirit was made unclean did it not soar up towards the Father of Spirits When it was not corrupted with Malice and
our Hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience and our Bodies washed with pure water Heb. 10. 22. Sanctifie the Lord God in your Hearts 1 Pet. 3. 15. Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God and bringing into Captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ 2 Cor. 10. 5. Excellent Subject matter is laid down for them Phil. 4. 8. There is God and his Law to be meditated on Creation Redemption Providence the knowledge of our selves There is a large Field for thoughts to range in and the Soul is continually sending some forth We are to cherish the good and cast the bad away It hath been said Thoughts are free every Man may have what he will to himself in the deep of his Heart not throughly considering with whom we have to do a God who searches the Heart and tryeth the Reins who hath commanded Wash thine Heart from wickedness that thou mayst be saved how long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee Jer. 4. 14. And in these latter days hath spoken by his Son Blessed are the pure in Heart for they stall see God Mat. 5. 8. The principal use of Speech is that We may offer the Sacrifice of Praise to God continually that is the fruit of our Lips giving Of Speech thanks to his Name Heb. 13. 15. and then it is necessary to maintain Society to Communicate our thoughts to each other that we may be helpful and beneficial for none is sufficient of himself either in spiritual or temporal things God hath ordained that we should stand in need that we may be kind and serviceable to one another This is the end of Conversation and Neighbourhood so of Speech without which we should not differ from the Flock or Herd We are to do all the good we can by mutual Admonition and Counsel both to give and receive and Practice it severally Put them in mind to speak evil of no Man to be no Brawlers but gentle shewing all meekness unto all Men Tit. 3. 2. Wherefore putting away Lying speak every Man truth with his Neighbour for we are Members one of anoother Eph. 4. 25. Nothing is so contrary to the design of Speech as that for this pretends to discover our thoughts when we do not and thus deceive them Truth is the image of God stampt upon the Soul which lying is a direct Violation of and severely threatned Rev. 21. 8. The caution our Saviour and his Apostle gives Mat. 5. 37. Jam. 5. 12. is to hinder that wicked Prevarication of the first use of Speech aforementioned it is contrary to praising of God which makes his great and dreadful Name vile and cheap by vainly using it upon little and trivial Matters These are the slips of the Tongue we are obliged to beware of The positive Duties thereof are to speak out for Gods Glory and the benefit of others To talk of his Statutes and not to be ashamed Though in our Age it is stiled canting yet not to be afraid of the reproach However let those be acquainted who cast it upon others for speaking of Gods Law I say let such have a Care how they put an opprobrious and slighting term upon the Language of the holy Ghost Thâ—se who are not openly prophane will reply they do not intend Scripture in so speaking but are against the unseasonable Citation thereof by such a one There are some who would have us be Christians only at Church or Prayers and think it unbecoming to hear or Discourse of the Word but at those times whom Moses hath long since answered and undoubtedly he knew what was most acceptable and well pleasing unto God. These words which I command thee this day shall be in thine Heart And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy Children And thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine House and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up Deut. 6. 6 7. It was not only to be in the Synagogue but at home not only in their Family worship but when they walked abroad Was this Commandment to the Jews and not to Christians also Have we not as great Promises and strict Obligations to Duty as they had Are we not to glorifie God in our words as well as they Or shall they be all confined to Worldly business idle Tales and Impertinencies and not be allotted to the one thing needful our eternal Welfare This would be more right and seemly if the things of the next Life were little and perishing and those here great and enduring for if it were so some could not be more busie in the Affairs of this and negligent to the other When it is just contrary for in a little while and these shall not be day by day single Persons are taken from them when the other ever remain It is not absolutely necessary for Men in all times and in all places to talk of nothing but good things though indeed the more the better for there are other innocent Topicks of Discourse As the Changes and Chances of this World which serve to magnifie Providence and divert the mind and all those things wherein is no harm or evil for use may be made of what go under the Name of indifferent things Then concerning business and the way of management how to direct our Actions As for Mat. 12. 36. it is supposed our Saviour intended against false words as may be gathered from Vâ—r. 31 32 33 34. and the reason added ver 37. But if it were so understood by which no real profit accrues to the hearer then by our words all of us would be in danger to be condemned There is no parrallel place of Scripture which confirms that strict acceptation Indeed a good Man doth not willingly give way to that discourse for which none is better afterwards yet if the company be delighted with it and it is not evil directly or indirectly the Pleasure thereof arises from mutual conference so if this diverts the end is answered Our Master is not austere but willing that his Servants should take some delight in Conversation But it is to be remembred whom we serve the God of Knowledge and Wisdom and not Belzebub the God of flies so it is to be desired that all our discourse were substantial and grave and we were come up to that degree of understanding to find more joy and satisfaction therein then others do in vain and useless things It is in no wise irksome or unpleasant to those who have the Love of God in them There are some whose Religion consist in talk who say and do not Mat. 23. 2. Who think and would put off the Commandments of God by using their Mouth to Holy and Divine things which themselves do not mind in the Heart nor obey in their Life and Actions these are foolish and deceived Others take up Religion for a supplement of Discourse when they are at a stand
and know not what to say else it comes in after and only for want of other talk These act unworthily towards him who is most Great and Glorious So speak ye and so do as they that shall be judged by the Law of Liberty Jam. 2. 12 The rule of Action is the whole Scripture as it relates of Actions towards God our Neighbour all which may be judged of by Mat. 7. 12. and to our selves Gods Glory is to be the end of all 1. Cor. 10. 31. By his word all the Actions of mankind may be determined whether good or evil Where no Law is there is no Transgression Rom. 4. 15. And where there is either going contrary or leaving it undone is Sin. Eschew evil and do good is a comprehensive Command reaching to all our ways The example of our Lord Acts 10. 38. is obligatory to all according to their Capacity and Station to do what good they can whilst in the World to profit whom they are able but to hurt none Whether ye eat or drink or whatever you do Respect is to be had unto God for his Government extends over the whole Man even the thoughts and intents of the Heart All the faculties of Soul and Members of Body are to be made instruments of Righteousness unto Holiness which were before instruments of Sin unto Iniquity This is a blessed change which every one would have if he did throughly understand the true worth thereof but an Enemy doth hinder whom the Captain of our Salvation would enable to resist if he would follow the directions and use the Power given him He prompts and inclines when the other doth beat off The Temptation is near the same with our Lords invitation who promises rest the other makes a proposal and offer of Happiness If the poor Man is overcome by cunning perswasions then he is held Captive he hath leave for a while to intoxicate himself with Pleasures that he may not be sensible of his enslaved condition Outward objects are provided to divert him from looking within by these as Children with Toys the Soul is deluded some time but at length grows weary He finds no real satisfaction in any thing he knows not what to do Conscience will move him towards Repentance Then comes the evil one to affright him from considering of his ways If the evil spirit is in danger to be cast out he doth foam and rage the possest is in as great a combustion as if he were cast into the Fire and therefore some fearful Souls will rather endure the Bondage still then bear the trouble of driving it out like silly Patients die of their Sores rather then suffer them to be searched to the bottom But there are others who dare grapple with this power of darkness Fasting and Prayer are excellent Weapons the Soul being freed from the clog of Meat and Drink is more strong and vigorous so fitter for the Combate by the latter he is called to assistance Who for this purpose was manifest in the Flesh that he might destroy the works of â—â—e Devil 1. John. 3. 8. When the strong holds of Sin are pulled down the Enemies turned out the Conqueror will succeed in the room Christ dwell in him and he in Christ If a Man love me he will keep my Words and my Father will love him and we will come unto him and make our ahode with him John 14. 23. If he know when he is well he will endeavour to continue so not admitting of any Sin least bâ— the â—ilthy smoke thereof he should offend and cause to go away the undefiled one of God who holds his Soul in Peace and Blessedness This condition any one may arrive at through the Grace that came by Jesus Christ A Prize is put into our hands which if we have the heart to use the means we shall certainly obtain It is no great matter only to obey the Gospel which is what a wise Man could choose to do if no recompence of reward was to be revealed hereafter for such true satisfaction which nothing else can give arises to the mind through well doing that this alone is sufficient motive There is more sincere Pleasure in abstaining from evil thoughts then yielding to them the mind is serene and clear and meditation of good things is sutable to its nature hath neither Shame nor Repentance following it What are called common and indifferent things they do equally divert as what are sinful and strange To speak the truth is natural there is no difficulty and trouble to find out evasions or avoid self-contradiction There is no danger for him to be entangled in his talk who speaks nothing but truth for that is consonant to it self Lying is shameful and hated who are addicted to it would not be accounted so it is odious in the opinion of the worst of Men. Slandering Flattery and other Sins of the Tongue are abominated by all that have but common nature and ingenuity As for vain Swearing those who use it will acknowledge there is no Pleasure nor Profit yea but there is â—ashion and Custom 'T is strange that one is not reputed a compleat Gentleman unless he affront his Maker nor a Souldier without bidding defiance to the Lord of Host Doth it souâ—d great and majestick But how improper is it for a Worm of five or six foot long to use it against the express Command of him describâ—d Isa 40. 12 15 17 22. And who hath said which he hath also fulfilled in fore-going Generations I will cause the arrogancy of the Proud to cease and will lay low the Haughtinss of the Terrible Isa 13. 11. Did men really believe and consider his Infinite Greatness Power and Truth who hath affirmed he will not hold them guiltless that take his Name in vain they would not do it so often upon the meerest trifies If they are such Fools to say in their Heart there is no God Why are they yet greater to take that in their Mouths which in their imagiâ—ation is nothing But his Being is as true as that there is a World and any thing in it more certaiâ— then that they live for he was before and so remains notwithstanding all their silly fancies Themselves will find there is a God that judgeth the Earth and when he cometh Every one that Sweareth shall be cut off as on that side Zech. 5. 13. They are the more inexcusable because they have so little Temptation to this Sin the commonness whereof seems to be imputed to that perverse humour of some who will therefore do it because God hath forbidden it Be not Merciful to any wicked Transgressors Psal 59. 5. Perjury is Infamous amongst all Nations some have thought no punishment too severe for it God is highly provoked and dishonoured the forsworn Wretch as far as lieth in his power makes him an Instrument and Partner to his own deceit and malice As if the fountain of Truth were false as himself he calls
against he would not be after their liking Then they would not have this Man reign over them they will outwardly conclude him to be an Enemy to Jesus and pronounce it as lawful to destroy him as Bears and Wolves Whether he is so or not an uncharitable Opinion or false Accusation is sufficient ground with them to kill the Lords Anointed against whom none could lift up his hand and be guiltless This hath been the Divinity of some and mischievous in its effects but let it be examined by that word which is to try the Doctrines whether they be of Men or no. Christ delivered that command of Obedience to Magistrates at that very time when an Heathen Emperor was in the Throne when Herod and Pontius Pilate were subordinate Governours when he was Sentenced to Death by unjust judgment Peter would have hindred the execution but was commanded to put up his Sword in the Sheaf His Apostles Preached the same Doctrine after the Kings of the Earth stood up and the Rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ which doth manifest that some have interpreted the Gospel contrary to what the first Founders of it intended and have put that restriction which they never designed O ye perveâ—ters of the meaning of the Holy Ghost What authority have ye to do these things By your expositions and glosses you have diminished from the universal obligation of the commands Wherefore do you make distinctions where the Law maketh none To come to the Old Testament wherein ye so much trust what do ye think of Saul from whom God had rent the Kingdom and gave it to one better then he and though Saul did seek after his life yet Davids faithfulness and duty to him may be seen 1 Sam. 24. 5 6. 2 Sam. 1. There were many wicked Kings in Israel yet to none did the people hence take occasion to rebel or refuse their lawful injunctions neither is the least intimation from Gods Word so to do It was not because they were Jews and so the anointed of the Lord but even Cyrus a Gentile is thus called Isa 45. 1. And unto Nebuchadnezzar God gave the Kingdom Dan. 2. 37. So they are indefinitely called Gods Ministers Rom. 13. 6. It is not said of that single one but all in general The Kings rule several Countrys but over them all is the Great King or the whole Earth the Lord and Governour of the World. Thou shalt not speak evil of the Ruler of thy People Acts 23. 5. Upon no account although he doth what he should not In the original place Exod. 22. 28. It is doubtly forbid to lay on greater enforcement How can Men over-look such plain places when they are quick enough to spie out any thing that may be wrested to serve their wrong designs When they meet with such they have set their brains on work for a pâ—â—â—sible interpretation to delude the hearts of the simple They neglected to put them in mind to be subject to Principalities and Powers to obey Magistrates Tit. 3. 1. Whereas if they could bring any thing out of the Old Testament of zeal for the Lord of Hosts and â—ighting his Battles this was managed with all their skill and dexteritâ— to stir up Sedition and Rebellion but for those against them they did either omit or fasten their own sence quite turning that of the Holy Spirit To apply Maâ— 2. 7 8. The Priests lips should keep knowledge and they should seek the Law at his Mouth for hâ— is the Messenger of the Lord of Hosts But thâ—se departed out of the way they have caused many to stumble at the Gospel by Preaching contrary thereunto they have corrupted the covenant of race and been partial in the Law otherwise they could not turn Religion into Rebellion for this doth not allow the least Wickedness so neither that which is the greatest sin that is ordinarily committed against Man. It is against the immediate Oâ—dinance of God which he doth commonly punish and defeat in this life One would think Men might have taken warning by them that perished at the gain-saying Jude 11. of Core how the Earth opened and swallowed them up as if not â—it to live above ground who would have disturbed that order and government there Though this was set forth for an Example for all that hereafter should act rebelliously yet the Spirit of disobedience hath so worked in the minds of Men that they have not refrained from doing the same things Every Age since hath produced instances of those who â—ave not dâ—ed a death common to Men It would be endless to Number all the Traytors that have been in our own Nation I am unwilling to accuse mine own Country Men but I am afraid we are a reproach to Ezza 4. 15. our Neighbours that we are a rebellious Country and Enemies to Kings as by our Records and Histories it doth appear If we consult them we find that several have came to a miserable and untimely end If the business of Dathan and Abiram was afar of and long since these are later and come home What if in our our Memory some have been destroyed in a rebellious War others dyed like Dogs and had their Carcases hanged up for a Spectacle The Apostle 1 Cor. 10. mentioneth the punishment which fell upon the Jews to dehort others from those sins which were the occasion thereof so that may be here represented according to Truth which fell upon them that we may not commit Rebellion as some of them committed and fell and became as the dung of the Earth All these things happened for ensamples and are written for the admonition of those that come hereafter One must be moved with indignation to hear the Enemies of the Lord Blâ—spheme and the way of Truth evil spoken of to which nothing hath given greater occasion then the carriage of the pretended Religious especially in two things Disloyalty to the State and knavery between Man and Man. Then which nothing is more forbidden in Scripture which if rightly understood and obeyed would make the best Men and the best Subjects in the World he who lives accordingly is an Enemy to none much less to him whom God hath placed over his people Government is as necessary to the well being of the body politick as health to the Natural The ligatures and strings do hold together the several parts so that doth joyn the Members of the Common-wealth dependant and subordinate one to the other and prevents that confusion which would otherwise ensue Every Man enjoys his own his Person Fame and Estate are preserved from wrong and injury he hath all the outward good which can be desired in this World. God hath in a wonderful manner from time to time been pouring forth his benefits upon the undeserving Sons of Men he hath given all his Law to make us happy and excellently contrived that part which relaâ—es to keepâ—ng up that order which he did first
establish among us The whole course of nature is a Lecture on this Subject of Government so those which would have none must turn the World up-side down Who dâ—â—es such a strange attempt But as there have been unusual and prodigious Comets which have blazed for a while and threatned destruction so there have not been wanting incendiaries here below who endeavoured to set the Earth on a Combustion but themselves at last were consumed in flame they kindled There have been some Enemies to all Government but very few All Mankind of every Country Nation and Language who have not extinguished their reason nor been transformed into the Satyrs of the Wilderness have alwaâ—s had among them some kind or other when they have pulled down one Form they have set up another There is no living amongst Men without any But this sort of alteration is commonly long before accomplished and there are in the mean while violent contentions among the people some crying for this and another for that and perhaps none know wherefore Then the word is drawn against our own Country Men One is dashed against another even the Jer. 13. 14. Fathers and the Sons together Neighbours and Kinsfoâ—ks pursuing one another to death for every battle of the Warriour is with confused noise and garments rolled in blood We may see goodly personages wallowing in their own gore trodden under foot and no Isa 9. 5. Man to regard them we may hear the cruel instruments of death bellowing forth wo and destruction the skreeks and groans of dying Men. There is a multitude of slain and a great number of carcases they stumble upon their coâ—psâ—s a real landskip of misery occaâ—oned by their own sin and folly They thought it at first a Nahum 3. 3. fine and gainful thing to be disturbers of a quiet state and it is to be feared further on for seditions exclude Men out of the Kingdom of God Gal. 5. 20 21. So they hinder future happiness and also the present both as to others and themselves such have an inward â—ret and are tormented at as they think the ill administration of publick affairs Like sick stomachs which turn sweet into bitter so their fancy doth misrepresent even the good and just actions of those in Authority They have a strange art of interpretâ—â—â— all things to the worse so when they come to consider and chew the cud they relish nothing but biâ—terness they spend their days in Sorrow which is wholly their own fault and their life becomes uneasie to them If they have some natural courage which in proper acceptation is not for they cannot bear the present evil and run blindly into the other they conclude death is rather to be chosen When this principle is once taken up then through instigation of the Devil who is never wanting when he hath opportunity of suggesting mischief they form desperate designs not caring for their own they will attempt anothers life and him they lay in wait for whom they vainly and falsly think the Author of all their misery reasoning within themselves If their wicked imaginations should take effect then they shall be eased of all their grief but if they should miscarry they would be freed from a wretched life which before was so grievous that they can as willingly endure it to be taken away by the hands of an Executioner as their own And indeed if it was not for the succeeding Eternity these Sons of Belial these accursed Traytors were wise in their undertaking but they are blinded or holden up by Wine and Pride as not to consider of this or otherwise they would never by such steps ascend up to this high crime The Law is good if a Man use it lawfully knowing this that the 1 Tim. 8. 9 10 11. Law is not made for a righteous Man but for the lawless and disobedient for those that despise dominion speak evil of dignities and do those things which are contrary to sound Doctrine the peace of their Country and themselves Who will be neither convinced by Scripture nor Reason nor Self-love must be concluded under the number of those obstinate Souls with whom nothing prevails The Spirit that lusts to Rebellion is too far ingrafted in them but surely none is come to such a degree of evil Principles for then it would be as vain to say any thing more to such as to wash the Ethiopian White And it would be equally absurd to compare these with the Loyal and Obedient who are more happy in this life as to confer bitter with sweet for these have that acquiescence of mind which was once in the Israelites who were so for a Novelty which they were always obliged to be in duty Whatsoever the King did pleased all the People 2 Sam. 3. 36. But it may be surmised What if our Rights and Liberties should be invaded and those in Authority should take too much upon them as to become Arbitrary Unjust and Tyrannical This is the reasoning of flesh and blood against the Commandments of the Gospel and in like manner against forgiving Injuries We are not to go according to the dictates of Fleshly Wisdom or of natural and present preservation to inherit the Kingdom of God To submit to a light inconvenience for that is very consistent with true prudence But this is an Argument from an abuse which may happen and if that were sufficient to condemn or surcease a thing we might do so as to all for nothing is so excellent in its own Nature but may be corrupted Not one obligation or duty to God or Man but a seeming mischief may ensue upon it He hath been pleased to try our obedience in such kinds of relation if we do our parts we may expect the good and recompence thereof others are to perform theirs at their peril or encouragement Against a King there is no rising up Prov. 30. 31. Where the Word of a King is there is Power and who may say unto him what dost thou Eccles 8. 4. Against thee thee only have I sinned Psal 51. 4. Said David in his confession to God for the Murther of Vriah which shews he was accountable to him only for that wicked Action In the New Testament is a positive command of Christ Mat. 5. 39. But I say unto you that ye resist not evil which extends to what is done by those who have dominion over us and an injury offered by a private person Yet I will not be afraid to speak out if either should take advantage over Passive Obedience or the forgiving temper as to domineer or affront the more it is baseness in the mean while and it will be determined who acts best they who go according to the dictates of corrupted nature which is Proud and Cruel or who have it corrected by the Wisdom from above which makes it pure peaceable gentle and easy to be intreated Jam. 3. 17. Let them be never so great in their own Opinion
find out some new thing or draw out that satiating Nature in the old Dress it several ways it is but the same Dish in substance still and fresh invented Sauces will not cure the loathing of a full Stomach The Pleasure of eating is when one is hungry otherwise the Taste of Dainties is no more then of the white of an Egg. The being accustomed makes them favour as common Meat if never so sweet it continues only in the mouth which is so short that it must be a mean and Paltry Happiness that depends upon so Transitory a thing The Taste of pleasant Liquors perishes in the draught and afterwards seems as if not received in but if the immoderate use makes an Alteration in the Man it is a drunken fit and the utmost good which arises from that is to be examined in another place As Chap. 7. for that of fair Women is no advantage Conjugal love except unless he gives himself over to sinful unbounden Lust the Consideration of which is referred to Chap. 8. This is one of the Pleasures of sin for a Season which destroyeth Kings Prov. 31. 3. as well as other Men. No unlawful delights can render a Man truly Happy but contrariwise miserable in reference to his future State. Even now they do not yield a sincere Satisfaction Company is one of the most noble Pleasures of a reasonable Creature yet if one is continually therein as such is the Condition of Princes it doth not always refresh but is tiresome There must be some intermission from Worldly delights or they will not Relish It is more Eligible to be sometimes alone then in a Croud he cannot esteem the sweetness of Conversation who never knows the want thereof If there be an intermixture and Succession both contraries are pleasant but otherwise neither is Let the Men you converse withal be of great Endowments of Wisdom and Eloquence if skilled in all the Arts of rendring themselves good Company and acceptable to others yet by continuance with them the Admiraâ—â—on will diminish till it comes to nothing In all visible things under the Sun there is a satiety and weariness Even the continual hearing of News is no Novelty and though several things do happen yet they are but the same under little differing Circumstances acted by Persons of other Names but in substance the same which hath been already so this Variety doth not still recreate Fine Buildings Plantations and other magnificient Works please a little at first but in Process of time not at all Lastly what is reckoned worth all abundance of Gold and Silver This doth serve only for the procurement of the things spoken of and if they do not afford a true Happiness much less will the other The reason hereof may be learned from Hab. 2. 13. Jer. 17. 13. and other places of Scripture which discover the vast Capaciousness of the Soul its proper End and the Vanity of the Creature We are designed for more noble things then what are here before us We are built up and to be prepared for the Mansions above And least we should be stopped in the way thither as we pass through this wilderness God hath suffered it to be barren and dry of the Water of true Comfort Such as is to be had here may a little refresh us in our Pilgrimage but cannot throughly satisfie our Thirst for that is only to be done there where he bids us come Isa 55. 1 2. John 7. 37. That we may be the more quickened to come when he calleth us he hath so ordered the matter that if we set at naught his Gracious invitation and going through this vale of Misery use it for a Well sit down and John 4. 11. 13. tarry here yet most have not to draw with that is such means but who have yet the Well is deep it is trouble to draw up and when we have drunk of it we shall Thirst again Do what we will if we only seek herein we shall never satisfie our Desires nothing here can do it they must cease after Earthly things and be turned unto the Heavenly But if we coâ—â—ne them here though we do pour in upon them we are therefore no more Happy then one in a continual Thirst because he hath drink as often as he calls for it The things of this Life may for the present a little stop our Desires but do not take off the * Which too many know not for what that is but it is not in vain neither was it designed for â—â—r torment craving somewhat more We still coveâ— after drink and yet are weary of drinking We use the things of this World and that not giving us content we try whether the abuse of them will but then we are deceived in our Expectations and the sooner wax weary of them They are insufficient For the Creature was made subject to Vanity not willingly for any fault of her own rather our Transgression but by reason of him who subjected the same in Hope Because the Creature it self also shall be delivered from the Bondage of Corruption Rom. 8. 202 1. God willing to retrieve poor lost Men sent his Son to dye for us and make known those better things and least we should be detained by the present hath rendred them hungry and empty We have here no Satisfaction but seek one to come Alas For all things are so we are too apt to rest on the Creature and expect Contentment from it but if we could once find that we should go no further fix here and never come to the place God hath appointed for us He is pleased Oh infinite Condescention to let us seek abroad if we can find better Entertainment and if after a vexatious and dangerous Pursuit we Luke 15. meet with nothing but Husks which may stuff but cannot satisfie which are meat for Swine but not fit and commensurate for reasonable Creatures we would return unto our Fathers House where is bread enough and to spare not such as the World giveth but which he giveth from Heaven that bread of Life unto which who so Joh. 6. 34. 34 35. cometh shall never hunger Here he feedeth us with the Bread of Tears we eat in the sweat of our brow having Labour and Sorrow intermingled and afterwards we hunger again But if we would pray unto him evermore to give us that know and accept it when offered for want wherâ—of those in John 6. 34 35. missed it and others at this day that is unleavened not sowred with Worldly Care a spiritual Manna sutable to our Taste fills our Souls with Gladness and endureth unto everlasting Life That we should come and partake is the design of our Heavenly Father Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things Psal 103. 5. Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it Psal 81. 10. Stretch out thy Desires to their due extent a little Earnest and Relish is given they are now quieted with Faith and
all former things are gone as a shadow that departeth nothing remains but a faint remembrance which doth not yield the least Pleasure but rather Anguish We press nearer to the things which are not seen but eternal Refreshment or Misery If one Man was to suffer all that could be laid on him in this World and to come to Heaven at last he is no more to be pitied then that common Labourer who doth but his ordinary Days-work and hath an hundred Pounds for his Reward So again if another did enjoy all the Honours and Pleasures that were to be had spent forty or sixty Years in the greatest Mirth without intermixture of trouble or weariness as none ever did all would not be a Compensation for the first hour in Hell. We cannot reasonably grudge to pass through this present Life which is not so much in reference to the other as a minute to a Year if the greatest Affliction and Hardship were to be laid on us as long as hereby we shall come to receive an infinite good through the Gift of God and avoid a like inconvenience If instead of a Barren and dry Wilderness we were to march through a fiery Furnace to the Heavenly Canaan if instead of having Prosperity mingled with Adversity all the days of our Pilgrimage were to be continually evil If instead of denying Lusts we were absolutely Commanded to cut off our right Hand and pluck out the right Eye and to do violence to the least natural Inclination yet considering the Greatness of the Joy and Sorrow set before us these would have been most equal Terms if it had pleased the Great Law-giver who is able both to save and destroy to have given them He might have done so and still be most just and bountiful But so gracious hath been our God Break forth into singing all ye Inhabitants of the Earth and Praise his Name which you can never do so much as this Love deserves to lay no more upon us then what is summed up Deut. 10. 12 13. And now Israel what doth the Lord thy God require of thee but to fear the Lord thy God to walk in all his ways and to love him and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul To keep the Commandments of the Lord and his Statutes which I command thee this day for thy good Which are contrived to make us as Happy in this Life as is possible for us to be And though this had been sufficient requital of it self yet further throughout his Holy Word is manifested eternal Life Do this and live under which was more comprehended then barely living here for Transgressors did so This hath been more clearly made known by him who came since who hath brought Grace and Truth along with him Who came not to destroy the Law but to fulfil it and make it yet more for our Good for albeit the Jews by reason of the Carnality of their Hearts were allowed a more free Enjoyment of the things of this Life then we are now under the Gospel which is upon better Promises The intent whereof is to Cleanse our selves from all Filthiness of Flesh and Spirit and to perfect Holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 7. 1. So that Sensual Enjoyments are contrary to the Nature of our Holy Calling They are not absolutely forbidden but to be used with the greatest Moderation and so they do not in the least diminish from our real Happiness Christianity doth refine the Delights of Sence and make them more excellent We are to remember how we are way-faring Men and may receive them so far only as to refresh But in no sort to run after or when obtained to dwell so long on them as hinder our Journey And therefore to make Pleasure the business of Life or the greater part thereof as the manner of some is both contrary to Duty and Happiness For thouâ—h it be imagined such do take great Delight in them or otherwise would not follow them yet there are other Reasons as they know nothing better or not how to spend the time and idleness is so wearisome that any thing is to be done rather then endure that the Humour and Mode of the Age which they must comply with or they shall not be reputed Gentile and such like for they could forsake those esteemed Divertisements which if they reflect on in the very midst are tiring empty and unsatisfying The Pleasures of this Life choke the good Sâ—ed in the Heart which should spring up and bring forth Fruit unto everlasting Life They do alienate the Heart from God. If any man love the World the love of the Father is not in him for all that is in the World the Lust of the Flesh the Lust of the Eyes and the Pride of Life is not of the Father but is of the World 1 John 2. 15 16. No Man will say he loves these more then God himself would then affirm his own Damnation to be just Who is so wicked as this amounts unto But what are Words to be minded when Deeds manifest the contrary When one who saith he loves God yet wiâ—â— rather break his Laws then deny his own Will who to follow a sinful Pleasure will omit a necessary Duty it may be determineâ— of him for those we love we will do what they will have us He that will not part with a Paltry Lust for the sake of God when he requires it if he doth with his mouth make a shew of much Love his Heart runs after that Ezek. 33. 31. God who knoweth all things and from whom Dissimulation cannot be hid will judge accordingly for if any loves sincerely he will also forsake whatever offends his Beloved If the Pleasures are not simply unlawful in themselves yet all Excess is evil and to be avoided and that is â—o when the end for which they are used is sufficiently answered Or if they be attended with ill Circumstances and prove needlâ—ss occasions why others and our selves sin they are to be abstained from for if we love God we must have a care of the least thing that doth disp ease him Only let your Conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ Phil. 1. 27. There are several mistakes which hinder this for People take Of mistakes in Religion up with less of Religion then they ought And least I speaking as to them should be thought to run upon a mistake my self therefore let it be considered all along and not only here but throughout the whole whether I speak these things as one willing to find fault or whether the Scripture nay the gracious Gospel in which they so much trust do not say the very same It is that common deciet of outward Profession and resting in the Ordinances This is reputed Religion but it is shut out from governing their Thoughts Words and Actions Let them be any how at Mens own Power and Command following their own
poor of this World rich in Faith and heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Jam. 2. 5. Why therefore will you not also choose him to be your God Some have done so but why will you not all Indeed one would imagine every single Soul should do so unless he did cast his eyes out into the World and then he might see Satan hath a Kingdom among these equally as the great ones of the Earth Wickedness is not confined to high Places nor inhabiteth only in fine Houses but hath spread among those of low Estate and crept into the smallest Cottages Oppression Bribery and Injustice are in great Employments Cousenage Lying and all manner of deceit do accompany every inferior Trade there is a knavish part a Mystery of iniquity interwoven into it and is peculiar to each profession There is a general failure of Truth and Justice from among us I have seen violence and strife in the City mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it deceit and guile depart not from her streets Psal 55. 9 10. In the Country is over-reaching one another each Man trys to impose upon his Neighbour the hireling loyters and is negligent in his Masters business The poor in time of leasing will break the Commandment for a morsel of bread and handful of barley if they have opportunity of taking it from the heap and not be discovered They are every where corrupt in their dealings there is hardly one that doth justly They will exclaim against the Debauchery of the Rich and perhaps out of an ill humour because themselves are restrained from sinning after the same manner through want but they will equal them in another kind by Dishonesty Falshood and Murmuring and the same Spirit of disobedience would lead them to commit the same sins they now speak against if they had where-withal The Word of God is gone forth against all manner of Sin and Iniquity and it will signifie nothing at his Judgment to say you did not commit such and such if you did of another sort Ignorance contempt of and repining against God Slandering Lying and Theft are as damnable as Whoredom Drunkenness or Gluttony As the rich are more liable to the enticement of these so are you of the others They are more easily beset by the pleasures you by the profits of this World. Both are in Temptation that the trial of your Faith and Obedience may be had there is no necessity for either of you to fall the one may be temperate even in the midst of all his abundance the other may be honest and yet have sufficient for Life and Godliness God hath given the rich great advantages to work out his own Salvation so he is in alike danger of miscarrying the poor hath not quite so great furtherances but is in less danger This comes to be through knowledge and ignorance the former know more the other not having such means are commonly poor and foolish for they know not the way of the Lord nor the Judgment of their God. Jer. 5. 4. Ignorance hath and doth yet too much abound in our Land Of Ignorance especially amongst the lower sort The causes whereof hath been the covetousness or poverty of Parents who either would not or were not able to put them to School and then it should be supplyed by the charity of others Or else their own perverse will who hated knowledge and despised instruction out of a wicked mind because they think that if once they knew the will of God they are to do it which they care not for and therefore will not seek to understand it vainly hoping hereby to be excused from obeying Or thirdly the fault and negligence of Pastors and Teachers who were for doing no more then just to entitle them to their Tythes They are all ignorant they are all dumb Dogs they cannot Bark sleeping lying down loving to slumber they all look to their own way every one for his gain from his quarter Isa 56. 10 11. And because this might have been had with less they have not been diligent and earnest to make people throughly understand which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God. If such hindrances were removed all the inhabitants of this Nation miâ—ht know the Lord from the least unto the greatest What could God do more then to give us the Law and the Testimony and the Light that is in them To command that his Gospel be Preached to every Creature wherein is so plain a discovery of Himself and his Son Jesus Christ that none who either hears or reads can be ignorant let him have never so mean a Capacity unless he is a meer natural Ideot of whom more is not required then is given There is an appointed Order of Men who are to be Guides of the Blind a Light of them which are in Darkness an Instructer of the Foolish a Teacher of Babes Rom. 2. 19 20. But if they instead of speaking to Edification and sound Doctrine will utter dark Speeches or useless Notions if the people will come into the Assembly but not hearken to what is said or willingly forget if those will not search the Scriptures when they are commanded so to do God doth move and incline but forces none They know not neither will they understand they walk on in Darkness Psal 82. 5. Come to die like brute Beasts and then be reserved Hear ye all this and tremble until the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God 2 Thes 1. 7 8. You think to go Heaven because you live a poor laborious life but how can you expect that when Truth it self hath said This is life Life Eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Joh. 17. 3 Think not this knowledge too excellent for you to attain unto it What should hinder If you can read you will understand and then you hear the Word Preached every Lords day you may enquire of Christian Brethren and Friends so having these advantages if thou canst not read thou mayest believe and do thy duty if thou hast in sincerity a mind to do it Many people talk of ignorance by which they will defend their ungodly manner of living which in truth is a further degree of Provocation because they began that first with not â—esiring the knowledge of Gods ways Those times are long â—â—nce passed when he winked at Ignorance Acts 17 30. And it cannot be now pretended under the Gospel especially where blessed be God every one hath or may have the Book of saving Knowledge The most unlearned Soul who can neither write nor read hath other helps to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth for God hath appointed means to make it known unto Men. In this Place and Generation none can be ignorant but he who is willingly ignorant if rightly
that follows What can be more unreasonable then not to endeavour to avoid that which every one may and is called upon to do Cast away from you all your Transgressions whereby ye have transgressed and make you a new Heart and a new Spirit For why will ye die O House of Israel Ezek. 18 31. The purpose of God is fully Ratified and Confirmed whether Men believe or not Revelation and Reason do make it the more known and manifest unto us Life and immortality are brought to Light through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1. 10. and also there is an assured Testimony within us Witnessing the same Both which are sufficient to leave us without excuse to clear Gods Justice and aggravate our own Folly and Condemnation if we do not take notice and provide accordingly There have already came Messengers from God to make the Careless Ethiopians afraid Ezek. 30. 9. to make the negligent World look about themselves Christ hath those which declare the same every Lords-day So there is none living in this Countrey but either hath or might have heard of these things And yet can they shew themselves unconcerned When immortality and endless Life are discoursed of are they so stupid to care for none of these things Who are so busied with the little Affairs of this present time which shortly shall end and to be unmindful of that long Tract of Eternity which will quickly begin but never end Whether you shall take up your everlasting Habitation in Heaven or Hell doth as nearly concern you as now what you shall eat or drink how to obtain such a Profit or such a Pleasure and avoid a loss or inconvenience If you will not have to do with these things have to do with nothing at all for nothing comes more near or is more worthy of your serious regard If you are Wise you will take heed to your selves in Worldly Matters for some mâ—schief may otherwise fall upon you which by Caution might have been prevented And suffer your selves to be forewarned that only the Breath in your Nostrils holds you as yet from being plunged into the greatest Evil and deprived of the greatest Good. You will be liable to this as long as you remain inconsiderate and that you cannot long neither for you must die that is certain as you now live and the time thereof will be as surely here as the present Day is and after that you will be mindful of the things we are speaking of do what you can All negligence will instantly vanish in the other World. When you are once shut under Hatches by Death you will sufficiently lament for your former Carelessness and Stupidity and will be infinitely more vext that you did give way to that with which you now please your selves In the place of Darkness it will be no small Addition of Misery to remember that Light which you despised and was offered you that you might noâ— come there What can be said more to that universal destroyer of Souls Stubbornness and Negligence There hath been too much said already for it hath a present Answer to all which may be alledged to the contrary I will not read I will not mind it all that can be written may signifie no more then blank Paper But yet others may know and themselves will find that whatsoever is delivered by necessary Consequence from Scripture will be fulfilled Truth is Gods and bears his Image and Superscription And who despises the one will be as much despised by him If People will stamp the Kings Coyn under foot or are wilfully resolved not to receive it he will resent and punish the Affront The Lord and Governour of the World will not suffer without Punishment himself to be dis-regarded by Earth-Worms who are as nothing in Comparison of him Judge your selves whether it is equal When he acquaints Men of Heaven and Happiness shewing them the way to it that they should scorn the pleasant Land and give no Credence unto his Word When he would set up his Kingdom in the Hearts of Men that they should thrust him out and will not have to do with him Consider he is God and you are but Men what vast difference these two import Is it not meet to pay as much respect to him as we do to our Superiors on Earth The King who rules over us hath the Subjection of the outward Man in things pertaining to the Welfare and Peace of his Kingdom and it is freely given him though there is no other benefit but to live for a while safely under his Protection and that we think as it is indeed sufficient The Government of God reaches further to the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart all one as Words and Actions even the whole Man But then it is for his present Peace and he will reward him with eternal Happiness hereafter which none of our Masters upon Earth would or can do As much as God is greater then Man so it is just his Command should extend further and yet if the Monarchs of several Nations were so despised by their respective Subjects as God is by us to our shame be it spoken but more especially by the ungodly part of mankind how would they take it And God is pleased to declare that he will deal so with us as we do with one another The abomination of iniquity is set forth in Scripture by those who say unto God Depart from us for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways Job 21. 14. By not regarding his Work and despising his Word Isa 5. 12 24. so Psal 50. 17. and such like which plainly declares that he resents it all to the utmost If we did not conceive of Sin this way by Mens behaving themselves Contemptuously and stubbornly against an infinite and Glorious God we should think hardly of his Justice in preparing such exceeding Punishments for what are called light offences but as great as despising of him who doth so much excel the Stout Inhabitants of the Earth If there was but a Probability Mal. 3. 13. as we have full Evidence and Demonstration of his Reigning over us yet we should not carry our selves in a slighting manner towards him I tremble to think seriously of our demeanour and Arrogancy towards him whom we call the Lord our God. Such usage might be befitting a Baal and Ashtaroth Heathen idols and the work of our own hands but in no Wise to the Living Lord The Great King upon all the Earth the HOLY Psal 130. 3 4. WISE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY If thou O Lord shouldst mark iniquities O Lord who shall stand Lord help our unbelief help our ignorance help our infirmities We are in a World of sensible things which betray us too often to forget thee but we will not always do thus wickedly or put thee off with Scorn and Neglect â—or a willing and continued Transgression after this manner there is no excuse When God sends a Message to take no notice of
Christians Faith we may thus manifestly conclude if the first fruits are true then is the lump also If the earnest and pledge is certain so are the greater things to come If the Scriptures are fulfilled in the Way as that is known by experience they will be so in the end By what God hath already given and done for us he is faithfull that hath promised he makes good his word in this life and will do so in that which is to come this supports in the time of faith and waiting As the Patriarchs received the promises of the Heb. 11. 13. Messias and did desire his days but did not see them So our Fore-fathers saw him in the flesh we do now in his Grace and Revelation and have known and heard all those things to be exactly fulfilled of him written in the Book of Moses Prophets and Psalms It remains that we who have received of his Grace expect but a little longer till we shall be fully partakers of his Glory when we shall ever be with the Lord 1 Thes 4. 17. We now read hear believe and have earnest expectation of these things but they shall at length be openly revealed and for ever remain present to us 1 Kings 8. 56. All the mean acts are already done and fulfilled as they were foretold and promised and therefore we may well believe and be assured that what God hath begun brought on so far he will perform to the utmost For yet a little while and he that shall come will come and will not tarry Heb. 10. 37. All things happen just as they are spoken of in Scripture in this life of Tryal Faith and absence from the Lord and then certainly here is sufficient demonstâ—ation Blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed John 20. 29. As to the things heretofore so further on Blessed are they that believe for there shall be a certain performance of those things which are told concerning the day of recompence of seeing God and for ever being with him Your life is hid with Christ in God when Christ who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in Glory Col. 3. 3 4. The phrase of being hid is remarkable for it cannot be made so evident to others However it is as sensible to those who have the life of Jesus manifested in them as any inward act of Religion is to those who have the least apprehension of it Indeed all the other is but the Shell for the substance of Religion is inward and invisible which is as certain and apparent to the mind as outward things are to the Sâ—nses If that may be deceived by fancies and imaginations so may they by delusions But whatever is truth approving it self to the understanding and rational part of Man for this is a distinct thing from the fancy of this there is as much assurance as what we either see or hear And still if the Soul is deluded in its proper objects so the outward and sensitive faculties are in theirs and then we may as well say our selves are but shadows and apparitions the World and all things therein are but a dream and painted shew there is not the least substance in it which would be a monstrous absurdity and impossibility If there is any thing real Religion is so likewise As God is who made all things and by whom they subsist so he made us also to know glorifie and obey him hath given us power to do many things in relation to him which is our proper and only end If that which gives life can give assurance If that is satisfied of things of lesser moment and grounds a full perswasion as to them much more may we give heed to that full acquiescence of Spirit it hath as to things divine As sure as God hath revealed himself to mankind in Scripture and they have a through acknowledgement and abundant conviction within them that it is so if they would not wickedly struggle against or seek to stifle it which is to do violence and act contrary to the best of their knowledge and understanding witnessing for the certainty of these things which deservedly renders liable to Gods Wrath and Indignation But if they deal sincerely and seek after God with the best powers they have which they are required to do and then they shall find what will demonstrate to them beyond all contradiction that all things indeed are so which are spoken of in the Word And then to prove that sincere and devout Prayers are beneficial would be all one as to labour by argument to evince that the Sun shines at mid-day They perceive those returns which Strangers and Hypocrites may call folly and Enthusiasm Indeed there are some who in a storm of Affliction take shelter in the Sanctuary or out of a sudden heat and willingness to be saved run to the House of Prayer And if they do not presently find ease or lasting inclinations to good afterwards they are still disquieted and continue in the same mind making an hasty conclusion that it is the same thing whether they make Prayers or not Perhaps the first sort enquire unto God to be rid of the trouble that lies upon them after they have used pleasures Company worldly Means and tryed every thing besides for help and when they will not do God is the last resort whom before they put of in their prosperity of such it it is Written Jer. 2. 27 28. Judge 10. 13 14 15 16. Let others examine themselves whether there be not remaining iniquities which seperate between their God and them Do they turn from every evil way and come with a firm resolution to be his Servants Then they must patiently expect his time It is a common error and proceeds from being unacquainted with the ways of God to think that things are done on a sudden the Graces of Faith Trust Resignation and waiting are to be exercised There are to be found examples in Scripture of those who did many things who rejoyced and brought forth fruit for a season but miscarried at last for the promise is to patient continuance in well doing and perseverance unto the end Those sudden fits towards good proceed from a selfish Principle and want of due consideration They would do all things for themselves and nothing for God they are willing to be happy but not upon his terms and he discerning the secrets of their heart it being not right towards him suffers them to go on in their own was and so they either grow weary or turn aside Their purposes not being built upon the sure and lasting foundation of Faith and Love sink and fall upon every Wind of temptation and having not throughly considered how much they must do to be saved and when they find it to be more then they first thought they start back and go no further They would have the time of labour short but the reward be given quickly God