Oppression Ezek. 28. 16. 18. Pride Ezek. 28. 2. 6. Policy Ezek. 28. 3 4 5. Zech. 9 2. and falling in with Israel in their Prosperity 1 Kings 5. 1. for a self end 2 Chron. 2. 15. but else a pricking Briar Ezek. 28. 22. 24. Confederating with Ashur against them Psal 83. 7. and Selling them unto the Grecians Joel 3. 4 5 6. Which Grecians here do seem to be the last of Israel's grosser Adversaries Zech. 9. 13. chiefly so called because of their Resembling the Ancient Grecian Monarch in point of Speedy Conquest Dan. 8. 5. or filling the breadth of Immanuel's Land Isa 8. 8. 12. When the Angel out of the Temple Rev. 14. 17. or Saints of an Higher Rank such as the Priests were of Old who onely might enter into the Temple when such are loudly cryed unto by another Angel from the Altar who had Power over Fire v. 18. or Saints of a Lower Rank such as the Ancient Levites were who Ministred at the Altar although not in the Temple Then will the Vintage of the Earth be Reaped v. 19. by the space of two hundred Miles v. 20. And then the Viols are poured out Rev. 15. 1. And when the Watch-men upon Mount Ephraim or Persons of a Lower Spirit shall Cry Arise ye and let us go up to Sion Jer. 31. 6. The Lord will then bring them from the North v. 8. and they shall Tremble from the West Hos 11. 9 10. Uniting with Judah against the Philistines Isa 11. 13 14. and against the Sons of Greece Zech. 9. 13. seeking the Lord and David their Kings Hos 3. 5. and being encouraged thereunto by Abner or some chief Leader who sometimes was for Ishbosheth 2 Sam. 3. 17 18. Thus when the Elect shall cry or they whose Actual Saint-ship is not so clear Christ will avenge them speedily Luke 18. 7 8. 13. When the Priests or choisest Saints do weep between the Porch and Altar as not being in the Temple which yet they had a Right to enter into but now are come out from thence Joel 2. 17. then will the Lord be Jealous for his Land v. 18. and remove far off from them his Northern Army v. 20. when the Old Heavens or Present state of visible Churches shall seem departed as a scrowl when it is Rolled together Rev. 6. 14. or when their Beauty is defaced in Order unto a Change then will the Great Day of Christ's wrath come v. 17. And when the four Beasts or former Church-Officers are not mentioned as before but onely Twenty four Elders or Saints at large Rev. 11. 16. The Temple of God is Heaven will soon be Opened v. 19. Nor will that smoak Offend mine Eyes wherewith the Temple will be so filled as that no Man will be able to enter into it that being one Sign immediately fore-going the seven last Plagues Rev. 15. 8. or Seventh Trumpet 's Sounding When such as fear the Lord in a way of Distinction from Ordinary Church-members at such a time speak oft each to other Mal. 3. 16. God's Day is near Mal. 4. 1 2. 14. When Israel's Adversaries shall Divide each one being set against his fellow then is Salvation near at hand Thus David's Kingdom over all Israel was Ushered in by Abner's falling out with Ishbosheth Thus Ammon and Moab having joyntly slain the Edomites did help to Destroy each other in that Valley of Jehoshaphat 2 Chron. 20. 3. who were distinguished by their respective Idols viz. Chemosh and Milcom or Molech 1 Kings 11. 7. which latter signifies a King and the former is supposed to be Bacchus Thus shall Lot's Children whom Ashur helpeth be done unto as were the Midianites Psal 83. 8 9. when every Man's Sword was set against his fellow Judg. 7. 22. Thus shall it be with Gog and Magog Ezek. 38. 21. or with the People that fight against Jerusalem Zech. 14. 12 13. which is the cleaving of Mount Olivet in the midst v. 4. and then the Lord shall come and all the Saints with him v. 5. This will conclude that Earthquake Rev. 11. 13. which Ushereth in the Third Woe or last Trumpet of seven quickly v. 14. 15. When Tidings out of the East and Noâ—â—h shall Trouble the last Northern King Dan. 11. 44. then will be the time of the End v. 40. both of that Northern King v. 45. and Israel's Trouble Dan. 12. 1. by reason of their Prince's interposing on their behalf Which King is there Described Partly by his being from the North as the Assyrian was Isa 14. 31. or at a further Distance from the Sun viz. a grosser Interest than his Confederates were Partly by his entring into the Glorious Land Dan. 11. 41. which fairly hints his being the same with that Assyrian Isa 7 8. Partly by his Uniting with the King of the South against the former King there Dan. 11. 40. which King of the South may be a more Refined Interest or somewhat nearer to the Sun and possibly may be Ezekiel's Gog whose Name in Hebrew signifieth Covered or Disguised and with whom Magog is United whose Name doth signifie Vncovered Ezek. 38. 2. both which are Threatned v. 21. as is the Assyrian and his Confederates Isa 10. 26. Partly by Edom's escaping out of his hand together with Moab and the chief of the Children of Ammon Dan. 11. 41. or not being dealt so Rigorously with by him as others may And Partly by his having Power over the Treasures of Gold and Silver Dan. 11. 43. just as the Assyrian boasteth Isa 10. 14. But tidings out of the East and North will Trouble him and make him Furious Dan. 11. 44. and soon after that comes Israel's full Redemption Dan. 12. 1. All which I grant doth ultimately relate unto the Literal Jews in their own Land as Zech. 12. 9. but do believe we Gentiles first shall meet with Their Temptations and Deliverances These are the more immediate Providential Antecedents of Christ's Coming in the Latter days To which I will but add one more as followeth 16. When there shall be a General warning given not to Comply with the Beast at such a time for fear of being thereby brought into a present state of visible Reprobation Rev. 14. 9 10 11. then comes that dreadful Judgment which first beginneth at God's House or with the Harvest v. 14 15 16. and Ends with others viz. the Vintage v. 19. This seemeth chiefly to be the Cry here made VVhich warning is thus Described there 'T is after the Return of Babylon's Captivity Rev 14. 1. and singing thereupon v 2 3. as the beginning of Babylon's Judgment v. 7 8. 'T is also after the Revival of that Bestial interest once more else would there be no need of such a present warning 'T is a little before the Harvest or Christ's Visitation of his own House Rev. 14. 15. It doth not thus sadly threaten such who onely have the Number of that Beasts Name upon them or his Name viz. some more Remote
it but onely Give us Of your Oyl as if some Lesser quantity would serve their turn An Hypocrite may crave some Part of Grace or just so much as Conscience and Occasion doth require who yet is loath to bear the whole for fear of being too much burthened Thus some would have Restraining Grace Numb 22. 34. and Saving Grace at last Numb 23. 10. Others are for the Highest Notions of Spiritual Knowledge Prov. 18. 1. A third is for that Good by which Eternal Life may be Obtained Mat. 19. 16. together with the saving of his Earthly Interest but not otherwise v. 21 22. This Argueth that Water is not Elementary save unto Fishes since other Creatures when most athirst are yet afraid of being Drown'd in its Abundance 2. It is not a Desire of Oyl at all in Vessels but onely to supply their Fading Lamps as the subjoyned Reason of their Desiring it doth Evidence An Hypocrite is most sollicitous about his Lamps or good Affections which if he can but competently keep from Going out the Deadness or Extinction of his Principle and Judgment is not the Matter of his Lamentation Such mostly are Delighted in that kind of Preaching which worketh most upon Affections how ever dark the Mind is left yea possibly Mis-guided by Reason of a Zeal for God but not according unto Knowledge Rom. 10. 2. This is too Natural unto the Best so far as Folly is remaining in them but is Predominant in Foolish Virgins who altogether are deprived of Heavenly Wisdom But yet these wiser Virgins took Oyl in their Vessels nor are such satisfied with others Oyl in that Respect as these poor Foolish Virgins would have been but are for being taught by their Anoynting and not by any Man whatever 1 John 2. 27. 3. It is a Desire of Oyl from Man or from the Wiser Virgins but not from Jesus Christ Means are not to be Dis-regarded but yet if any Man lack Oyl or Wisdom he is first bid to Ask of God James 1. 5. as Solomon did 2 Chron. 1. 10. but so did not these Foolish Virgins An Hypocrite will not Delight himself in God Job 27. 10. A Common Jew will first spend all upon Physitians Luke 8. 43. and Carnal Hearts content themselves with Applications made to Instruments How few add Prayer unto their Hearing save in a Formal way of doing both and thence it is they are no more Advantaged by either Whereas a Gracious Heart doth know Christ onely hath the Key of David Rev. 3. 7. both as to the Speakers Utterance Col. 4. 3. and Hearers Entrance Acts 16. 14. therefore such chiefly sue to him And if a Man may Hypocritically Desire Light of God Numb 22. 19. much more of Man who is less Dreaded and who cannot detect his close Dissimulation 4. It is not Properly a Desire but rather a Demand made up of much appearing Pride and Discontent as those words Give us do import Abraham's Servant could Humbly say unto a Virgin Give me I pray thee a little Water Gen. 24. 43. But Israel in a way of Chiding said to Moses Give us Water that we may Drink Exod. 17. 2. So do these Foolish Virgins speak unto the Wise as Jacob bad Laban to Give him his Wife not in a way of Supplication but Demand Gen. 29. 21. Give me thy Son said he unto that Woman in a way of Courtesie not to himself but her 1 Kings 17. 19. So say these to the Wise else they must Part as if Continuance with them were a kindness to the Wise Yea these bid Give us of your Oyl as Israel Atheistically said to Moses Give us Flesh Numb 11. 13. which was not in his Power to do no More than Man can give Light to another Thus is an Hypocrite's Desire made up of Pride and Passion instead of Vertue Grace or Common Reason 5. It is a Lazy Desire this of having Light freely Given without any store of Cost or Pains We may not Sell the Truth but yet are bid to Buy it Prov. 23. 23. And as with our Laborious Searching for it Prov. 2. 4. so by our Chearful Suffering the Loss of all for that Excelling Knowledge Phil. 3. 8. But Man as Man knows not the Price of Oyl or Spiritual Wisdom Job 28. 13. Nor will an Hypocrite Give ought for Truth at least not hazard the Loss of All as doth an Heavenly Merchant for this Pearl Mat. 13. 45 46. An Hypocrite is free to Hear what may be understood by one that 's half asleep and could do something if he might not Suffer but otherwise he pleadeth Poverty and Weakness of Capacity in this Case though not in other Matters of Equal Difficulty and Expence If Light be darted in upon them or if they might but save their Money some would accept of Given Oyl who else will neither Buy nor Walk till forced to it and not then neither save onely in a way of outward shew 6. It is a cold Desire this not uttered with any sign of Earnestness as Acts 2. 37. nor Seconded with Importunity as Mat. 15. 23. although the other did not plainly say Not so which words are added by our Translators nor do they Absolutely gain-say the Motion made but onely bid them rather go to them that Sell Mat. 25. 9. Paul Thrice besought the Lord for Grace untill he had it 2 Cor. 12. 8 9. and Jacob said unto the Angel I will not let thee Go except thou Bless me Gen. 32. 26. Nor is the Cordialness much less the Grace or Spirit of Supplication evidenced but by an Holy Violence and Perseverance Eph. 6. 18. One might have thought in such a Weighty Case the Foolish Virgins would have Repeated their Desire and then have Prosecuted it with cogent Arguments at least have bitterly lamented their Repulse instead of silent Acquiescing in a first Denyal But Hypocrites do either Counterfeit a good Desire or at the best are onely pressed thereunto by that which is too Weak to bear them out untill it be obtained Quest 5. How came the Foolish Virgins Lamps or good Affections to go out before their Work was done Answ 1. Because they were not fed with Oyl out of their Vessels or from a well-informed Judgment 'T is said they took No Oyl at first and then Not in their Vessels to be sure Therefore their Lamps could not be Lasting Life in Affections onely is but like unto Sap residing in a Branch which being severed from its Root may sprout a little especially if thrust into some Moister Ground but in a short time will come to nothing Indeed there is a Gradual Difference in point of Lastingness between some Natural Mens Affections compared with others as is between their Bodily Constitutions but though some may Live longer yet all are Mortal save as they are Preserved and Animated by an Immortal Soul or Judgment and Violence of Exercise doth onely shorten their continuance As we would therefore have our Lamps not to go out so
concluded so will the sixth Trumpet We Now are in the Expectation of those New Heavens Isa 65. 17. and then the former shall not be Remembred Upon the Reviving of Temple-work the Temple is said to be then Founded Hag. 2. 18. therefore we then must have New modelling Therefore we Read of no Beasts or Pastors just when the Seventh Trumpet soundeth Rev. 11. 15 16. as having lately Disappeared since Rev. 14. 3. untill Rev. 15. 7. Now Officers and Churches are wont to go together Which is more plainly hinted by Christ's Resolving to spew those Laodiceans out Rev. 3. 16. who were the Last of those Typical Asian Churches under the Dragon 's or Satan's Dispensation Rev. 2. 10. 13. who must be laid aside a little before the setting up of Christ's own Throne Rev. 3. 21. 5. They are to Go Out of Lower Good attainments into an Higher state of Evangelical Perfection Their Childish things must now be put away as 1 Cor. 13. 11. their Wheat must out-grow its Blade and empty Ear â—â—â—k 4. 28. they should endeavour to be more than Babes in Christ else will they want that Wedding Garment of an Healthful Appetite for Christ's strong Meat Heb. 5. 14. when he shall make his Marriage-Supper Mat. 22. 4. 12. They must be Accurate as to the Matter of Duty all which must diligently be added unto Faith 2 Pet. 1. 5. Yea both Obedience and Believing must be compleated by having Respect unto the Scripture as their Rule God's Glory as their Highest Aim and the Second Adam's Spirit as their Root and Principle And thus as Natural Beauty consists of Integrality Symmetry and Complexion so is a Gospel-Saint made up of Body Soul and Spirit or Nature Animality and Spirituality as Salem Sion and Millo were all United into one Jerusalem in David's Time 2 Sam. 5. 6 7. 9. which therefore was called a City Compact Psal 122. 3. and the Perfection of Beauty Psal 50. 2. as Sion was a Type of Gospel-Saints especially in David's Time and when he Ruleth over all Israel which fully Answereth unto the Seventh Trumpet 's founding Rev. 11. 15. 6. In Order unto all which before mentioned They are to Go Out of Themselves at such a time and every of their self-concernments into a self-denying frame of Spirit else will they neither follow Christ Mat. 16. 24. nor yet Prepare to Meet him Amos 4. 12. They must go out of sinful self else will they not say to their Defilements Get you hence Isa 30. 22. They must go out of Worldly self else will they not leave their Babylonish Accommodations or self-securing Privacy in times of Danger Yea they must go out of Spiritual self in some Respects else will it irk them to leave their Old Heavens and to count all things loss for that which is more Excellent Phil. 3. 8. Such must not then talk of Ceiled Houses Hag. 1. 4. nor yet receive Honour oâ—e of another John 5. 44. nor value Man's Judgment 1 Cor. 4. 3. nor Judge of Things or Persons according to Appearance John 7. 24. nor yet call ought a Priviledge save as it is of Christ's Appointment and no way interfering with our Duty Quest 7. Why will Christ have the Virgins thus to Meet him by Going Out Answ 1. That so they might be Throughly thus Awakened which is one Branch of Going Out and by their Going is Effected Since if the Sleeper's Rising and standing up doth tend to his Awakening Eph. 5. 14. Isa 51. 17. much more his Going also in this Moral sence as in the Letter Mat. 26. 45 46. By which awakening here is meant the Actuating of that Light and Grace which formerly had been asleep and which their Walking doth Accomplish The Powerful Repetition of former Duties must needs awaken more and more especially when there are fresh Additions of a Rouzing Nature such as this Second Going Out affordeth He that Walks out at Midnight wâ—â—â—ub his Eyes especially when going in untrodden paths and lying open unto utmost Danger He also must needs be Throughly wakened whose way is up-hill and full of stumbling stones such as that eminently is if rightly Walked in which leadeth out of these Old Heavens and Lower Good attainments 2. That so his Coming Now might herein as in other things Resemble his Personal Coming at the last when those Alive shall be caught up into the Air to Meet him 1 Thes 4. 17. and in the Clouds together with those Newly Raised from the sleep of Death v. 16. being strangely Changed 1 Cor. 15. 52. There must be a Meeting Now as will be Then which Meeting is Now at Midnight as it will Then be in Clouds and Darkness Sleepers will Then awake so will they Now some unto shame and some to Everlasting Life Dan. 12. 2. Christ will Then Come in Person and with the Last Trump of All 1 Cor. 15. 52. as Now in his Returning Witnesses and with the Last Trump of Seven Rev. 11. 15. There must be Now a Going Out of Lower things as will be Then a being caught up into the Air out of what is Designed to the Flames and into an Higher Clearer Purer State and more immediate Communion with the Lord till these Old Heavens and Earth be done away 3. That so his Coming might be with greater State which ever was and will be Glorious from first John 1. 14. to last Titus 2. 13. and which is partly thus evinced Eglon put Honour upon Ehud's Message from the Lord when he arosâ— in Order to his Receiving of it Judg. 3. 20. And on the same Account those Stately Pharisees demanded the Blind Man's Repetition of what he had said before John 9. 26. Christ also had Honour put upon him when Peter at his word did Re-assume that Work which had been laid aside through former Disappointments Luke 5. 5. Yea bare Going out to Meet another doth Evidence Respect and Longing to behold him both which are Signs of Honour Especially when such Go out not onely from Satan and the Man of Sin but also from dearest self-concernments both Natural and Spiritual or when that is Accounted Loss for Christ which formerly hath been Accounted Gain Phil. 3. 7. such as our Outward Interest is much more some Higher Priviledges 4. That so his Harbinger might not out-shine himself in that Regard The People went Out of Old Jerusalem into the Wilderness to Meet John Baptist Mat. 3. 3. 5. So did these Virgins at their first going out supposing John to have been Christ himself John 1. 25. Yea Israel went out of some Accommodations when they went out of Egypt Numb 11. 5. who yet fell short of Canaan Numb 14. 29 30. Now shall the Servant be above his Lord Or shall the Morning-star seem brighter than the Sun Shall we Go Out to see a shaken Reed Mat. 11. 7. and not much more to Meet this Rock of Ages who never failed Isa 42. 4 Shall we go out of Egypt to Moun Sinai and not from
who yet are first in point of Outward Priviledges Rom. 3. 1 2. But as the Assyrian's Fall was signified as some conceive within the Compass of a Year 2 Kings 19. 29. and which fell out that very Night v. 35. So Time will shew the Meaning of those Ten Prophetical Days allotted unto Satan Rev. 2. 10. whose Name is never mentioned in a Revelation sence but either before the Babylonish Beast came up Rev. 12. 9. or after the Return of that Captivity Zech. 3. 1 2. 2. Yet will I also grant that no Man knoweth Certainly as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 here used signifies the Moneth or Year nor possibly a longer time with reference unto This Coming of the Bridegroom here King David's Dispensation was a Type of Christ's Amos 9. 11. and though he Knew or did Believe that he should see the Goodness of the Lod in that Respect before his Death Psal 27. 13. yet did he not certainly know the very Year of his Advancement else would he not have fled to Achish 1 Sam. 27. 2. When Saul's Destruction was to come in little more than one Year after v. 7. compared with Chap. 29. 1. 11. and Chap. 31. 1. And thus not any Man doth know how long that is to say not as a Prophet Psal 74. 9. or in a way of certain and Infallible Knowledge Quest 4. How cometh This to be so great a Secret Answ 1. Because none certainly doth know where to Begin the Man of Sin 's first Rise Else might we certainly know the Ending of his Forty two Moneths or those One Thousand two hundred and sixty Days Rev. 11. 2 3. and consequently might give a better Ghess as to Christ's Coming with the Seventh Trumpet But the Captivity of Mystical Babylon therein Anwereth unto that of Old which was to continue Seventy Years for certain yet no Man certainly knew where to begin else would not Daniel have been to seek so Near its End Dan. 9. 1 2 3. I am perswaded the Man of Sin was up when Marriage was first Prohibited 1 Tim. 4. 1. 3. with 2 Thes 2. 3. which was about the Year Three Hundred and Ninety and so his Forty two Moneths must be Expired some Years ago And after which the Earthquake cometh which ushereth in the Seventh Trumpet Rev. 11. 13 14 15. But few may yet be of my Perswasion nor do I pretend unto Infallibility 2. Because few can Agree who are the Witnesses and what their Ascending intimateth much less do any know for Certain how long the following Earthquake may continue I do Believe the Witnesses are a very small Number among Professors who have been Faithful unto THE Truth of such a Time But most suppose them to be Magistrates and Ministers though I conceive not how Magistrates as such are capable of having Prophesied in a Sack cloath-state I do believe the Witnesses Ascending doth import their being Taken out of â—ight and their Receiving of a Kingdom which yet is not immediately to appear as in Relation to Christ's Ascending Luke 19. 11 12. But most suppose it to intend their visible Advancement in the World the failing whereof at such a late Expected time hath cast them back again into the Wilderness However I dare not pretend to any certain knowledge as to the Duration of the Earthquake nor do I know any Man that Doth or May. 3. Because the Dispensation of the Man of Sin is full of Darkness which therefore is fitly Measured by the Moon or Moneths Rev. 11. 2. with reference unto its Moon-like Light at best And though Christ's VVitnesses have alway had sufficient Light as to the Testimony of their Day yet as Professors have Relapsed into such a Spirit again so have they been therewith Benighted as to their former seeming Light This is our Case at present How Evident of late Years was our being Near to Sion But being overtaken with a Babylonish Mist we know not Generally where we are And they who daâ—ly with their Light in point of Duty as the most of Professors have lately done are justly Blinded or Benighted as to the Matter of their Peace and Priviledges John 7. 28. Luke 19. 42. 4. Because the Generality have no mind to search the Scriptures nor yet to Ponder what is thence Offered for their Help in some more difficult cases Daniel understood by Books the Number of the Years of his Captivity Dan. 9. 2. and Prophets of Old were wont to search what manner of Time the Spirit of Christ in them did signifie 1 Pet. 1. 10 11. and thus is Knowledge to be gained Prov. 2. 3 4 5. But as there is no fore-telling Prophet toward the End Psal 74. 9. so neither are there many searching ones Yea Ancient Priests at such a time before their being laid aside Reject that Knowledge for lack of which the People are Destroyed Hos 4. 6. And as an Hotter Climate disposeth People to be slothful as in Sodom Ezek. 16. 49. so Israel in Egypt cannot Hearken to Redemption signified untill they see it Exod. 6. 9. 5. Because the state of things a little before the End will be so likely in an Eye of Reason to Continue still Thus was it with David in his Time 1 Sam. 27. 1. and so with Israel in their Captivity Ezek. 37. 11. as well as Babylon both in the Letter Isa 47. 8. and Mystery Rev. 18. 7 8. Faith sees that Promise Best in Darkest Times because Christ Cometh with the Clouds Mat. 24. 30. but Faith will not be found on Earth at such a time and upon that Account Luke 18. 7 8. This will Occasion some to scoff in these last days at such a Promise for since the Fathers fell asleep all things say they continue as they were 2 Pet. 3. 3 4. and they who grant the Promise in the General will therefore yet say to the Last the Time is not yet come as those of Old Hag. 1. 2. 6. Because the Lord hath Purposed this very Time shall not be certainly known by any Man as is here signified which leadeth to the Next Question Quest 5. Why hath the Lord so Ordered it as that No Man shall Know that Day Answ 1. To shew his Sovereignty by keeping somewhat Secret to Himself His Secret in the General is with the Righteous Prov. 3. 32. who are All of them Privy Counsellors Compared with the World John 15. 15. and some of his Saints have more Peculiar Secrets hinted to them Dan. 2. 19. these are his private Cabal But as all unrevealed Secrets belong unto the Lord alone Deut. 29. 29. and as some of his Judgments are unsearchable Rom. 11. 33. so are some other things kept secret by him till such a Time Rom. 16. 25 26. Thus Manoah might not Know that Angels Name Judg. 13. 18. and good Elisha had something Hid from him 2 Kings 4. 27. nor was it for those Apostles to Know the Time and Season which the Father hath put in his own Power viz. this
9. 28. So few if any of John's Disciples followed Christ though by that means they entred not into his Heavenly Kingdom Mat. 11. 11. Nature would fain be cloath'd upon but not uncloath'd 2 Cor. 5. 4. but none save Fools do look that what is sown should ever quicken except it Die 1 Cor. 15. 36. Most think Conversion to be done at once which yet is a continued Act as Peter found Luke 22. 32. and without which being born again professing Nicodemus might not see the Kingdom of God John 3. 3. it being with Grace as with the Growing Wheat which first appeareth like unto Grass but doth Exchange in Time that Lower Blade for something Higher viz. the Ear and without which it is concluded to be Grass indeed or little better Thus are some Accessary to their Spiritual Leanness by their not following Christ into his Greener Pastures And as Men would facilitate their Removal with him so let them take heed of Rooting deeper into other things than into him which is a Vanity more common than Discerned 5. A proneness to be too much in Love with out-side fairness so as to Marry others in the Mystery on that Account as did the Sons of God with those Fair Daughters of Men Gen. 6. 2. a little before the Flood which Answereth unto this Coming of the Son of Man Mat. 24. 38 39. Which out-side Fairness doth import what is the first Adam's Lustre which is to have its due but not to be a Rival with the Second in point of Conjugal or Higheâ—â— Love Yet thus did the Disciples Gaze upon those Goodly Buildings which in a while were laid aside Mat. 24. 1 2. Such kind of Beauty must be expected then as in the Face of some Consumptive Persons a little before their Change and wherewith many will be Ensnared But let the Admirers of Parts and Moral Vertues know and bear in mind what brought the Deluge 6. Aptness to be secure and not to know till Sufferings come This will be the World's Temptation to be sure yea Christ saw need to bid his own take heed of promising too quick a Period to their Tribulation Mark 13. 8 9. I should be glad if Sion might be Delivered without any further pain but since she hath not yet brought forth we may conclude her Last Pangs will be sharpest 'T is true indeed when Vermin once begin to Run as some do at this Day already that is one sign the House is Falling but on the other side when Eaves are seen to drop long after a shower it is an usual Symptom of more Rain behind because it Argueth the Air to be still very moist and some particular Droppings of a Persecuting Spirit are still continued However National Distresses must come at Last Luke 21. 25. or after-Persecutions v. 12. therefore let us Prepare for further Sufferings 7. Depending too much in ways of Duty upon Encouragements Satan did sometimes put the Question Doth Job fear God for Nought Job 1. 9 but with Respect to Satan's Dispensation in these Latter Days the Lord himself doth Ask Who is there even among you Professors that would shut the Doors for Nought Mal. 1. 10 Yea when the Proud are Happy and wicked workers are set up the un-rewarded keepers of Gods Ordinances count his Service vain Mal. 3. 14 15. Old Labourers are apt to Murmure in case they have not more than Ordinary Pay Mat. 20. 11. much more when these are made to work and others onely seem to have the Wages But as a Mercenary Spirit is not Filial Phil. 2. 20 21 22. So Discontent on that Account is the Companion of most worthless Duty Isa 58. 3 4 5. wherein God hath no Pleasure Mal. 1. 10. and the Fore-runner of such Men's being laid aside v. 11. 8. Humane Traditions in Matters of Religious Worship We Read of Old Wives Fables 1 Tim. 4. 7. and Jewish Fables and Commandments of Men Titus 1. 14. to signifie what Old Professors in their declining state are subject to And when Christ was about to Change that present Dispensation the Pharisees are chiefly Noted for their own Traditions by which the Commands of God were made of none effect Mat. 15. 6. And which Traditions were their understanding the Scripture according to the Judgment of their Ancients right or wrong Mat. 5. 43. their pressing outward washing or Baptisms as in the Greck as Necessary to go Before Communion Mark 7. 4. And self-imposed Fastings wherein the Disciples of John agreed with them Mark 2. 18. such like Traditions of a more Refined Nature for which there also is some Colour from the Scripture as then was are to be watch'd against 9. Mis-understanding the Manner of Christs Coming in his Kingdom as if it would be with Observation or of a stinted Nature or without Interruption all which Mistakes Christ cleareth up at large Luke 17. 20 21 22 23 24. It will not be with Observation as many will be apt to Fansie Luke 17. 20. That is to say it will not be with any Ignoble kind of secret lying in wait or Plotting in an unworthy way as the same Greek word is oft-times used Luke 6. 7. and 14. 1. and 20. 20. Acts 9. 24. therefore let no Men of a Private Passionate or Revengeful Spirit look to Prosper in their pretending to Advance that Kingly Dispensation no more than did the Jewâ—sh or Religious Robbers Dan. 11. 14. Since Sion must be Redeemed with Rigâ—teousness Isa 1. 27. which is not wrought by the wrath of Man Jâ—mes 1. 20. and as an Humorous Personal Reformation is nothing like unto a True Conversion Nor will this Kingdom Come with any kind of Heathenish or Superstitious Observation such as the Jews or Gentiles used with Respect unto their Days and Moneths and Times and Years Gal. 4. 10. where the same Greek word is also rendred Ye Observe That is to say this Kingdom will not Come with outward shew or Childish Pomp so as to Occasion saying Lo Here Lo There this Kingdom being of an Inward Nature or within us Luke 17. 21. as is Christ's Spiritual Kingdom also Rom. 10. 8. to shew the Inwardness of its Nature and Not its being then in those Pharisees Luke 17. 21. no more than was that word of Faith at such a time in Israel Deut. 30. 14. In such a Manner will Christ's Kingdom Come not in a way of Worldly state but of true Holiness and Righteousness or Inward Glory more than of Outward Greatness Psal 45. 13. wherein his Spiritual and Temporal Kingdom will Agree at first especially It s Coming also will be self-diffusive not Limited unto although beginning in some little Corner but will be a the Lightning out of the one part under Heaven unto the otâ—er Luke 17. 24. Such was the speedy self-extending Nature of his Spiritual Kingdom in the World Rom. 10. 18. Such is its Nature in a particular Soul Extending to the whole Man Body Soul and Spirit 1 Thes 5. 23. such
every one consider there may be much of God in such a Portion and in a way of Mercy to mine heavy-headed Soul I could sing Requiem's as well as others or smoother things and thereby gain poor Children's Love But let me rather Rouze them with a Faithful Testimony than Rock and Flatter them into a Sleep 10. Offer some kind of Holy Violence unto your selves as in such cases in the Letter Men are wont to do not onely by standing up but shaking off an Heavy Disposition True Godly Sorrow worketh Indignation 2 Cor. 7. 11. and when a Man is vexed with his sin unto a self-abhorring Job 42. 6. his Eye is Opened v. 5. and will not readily shut again Chafe in upon your Hearts some Rouzing Terrors as well as Comforts so will you keep your selves Awake and Others too 2 Cor. 5. 8 9 10 11. I have Observed where some lye Napping Now in whom the Old Man hath prevailed to a self-indulging or who have been afraid of giving him one Angry word Did we first alway speak unto our selves and Labour to make Convictions Powerful upon our Consciences it would Awaken them which else will sleep the more securely because of sleightiness in serious Matters This some can Recommend as Eliphas did his Counsel unto Job Loe we have searched it and so it is hear it and know Thou it for thy Good Job 5. 27. 11. Busie your selves with something of a Curious and stirring Nature Else Ordinary work may not prevent a Spiritual Nodding Persons Engaged in some Deep Discourse which calls for study and stirreth up Affections are not so apt to Talk themselves asleep as others are Coldness in Arguing for the Truth proceeding from Indifferency is very prejudicial unto Zeal in Practice whereas a Lively Advocate doth Heat himself and thereby is the more Inflamed with Love unto his Cause 1 Cor. 9. 26 27. There are deep things of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. and Mysteries of the Kingdom Mat. 13. 11. which he who rightly studieth is not so likely to come short in Lesser Matters Paul Laboured to attain the Resurrection of the Dead Phil. 3. 11. that kept him waking whilst he that Fancieth his being laid in sufficiently will say Soul take thine Ease Luke 12. 18 19. They who care not for Going on Heb. 6. 1. may fall Asleep yea quite away v. 6. because of Resting in Old Received things v. 1 2. or that which is short of Perfection which Therefore Paul Resolved to take heed of if God permitted v. 3 4. 12. Take heed of Worldly sorrow which made the Disciples sleep Luke 22. 45. Now let the Cause be what it will immoderate sorrow becometh Worldly and that works Death 2 Cor. 7. 10. which sinful sleep is oft-times called Job's Grief was very Great Job 2. 13. and that betray'd him into a sinful Passion Job 3. 1. and Baruch Fainted in his sighing Jer. 45. 3. that made him seek great things at such a Time v. 4 5. And they who in the Creatures presence can Rejoyce as if they had Rejoyced not will also in its Absence Weep accordingly and by that means be kept awake Jonah was therefore Angry Jonah 4. 9. with reference unto his withering Gourd because he had been so Exceeding Glad whilst it continued v. 6. who thereupon did sinfully wish for Death v. 8. and Justified it before the Lord himself v. 9. Yea they who do inordinately Delight in Choiser Priviledges such as Christ's Bodily Presence was with his Disciples may soon Ditt up their Eyes with such a kind of dirty Tears as some do Now because he Tarrieth which also holdeth True with reference to any Priviledges whatsoever 13. Labour to be more Spiritual since in Relation to this work of VVatching the Spirit is willing but the Flesh is weak Mat. 26. 41. Angels are Spirits Heb. 1. 7. who therefore do not sleep but alway Behold the Face of God Mat. 18. 10. so will it be with Saints both in a Natural and Moral sence as they grow more like unto Heavenly Angels The first Adam's utmost is called Flesh Mat. 16. 17. and Legal things are termed Carnal Heb. 9. 10. Yea so are also Babes in Christ 1 Cor. 3. 1. and these are weak or likeliest to fall in Spiritual Watching Nature skills not of Instituted Duty nor yet a Legal Spirit of what is Evangelical both which are therefore apt to fall in those Respective cases And Babes in Christ are very prone to sleep and fall as Children in the Letter are The Cry is Now All Flesh is withering Grass and all the Goodliness thereof is as a fading Flower but the Word of our God shall stand for ever Isa 40. 6 7 8. and by which Word is meant what is of a Proper Gospel-Nature 1 Pet. 1. 24 25. and therefore as Men would stand in such a day or as they would not fall asleep so let them Labour to be Spiritual and Evangelical 14. Get well Acquainted with the Time which being known is much awakening Rom. 13. 11. and inability to Discern its signs is that by which an Hypocrite is to be known Mat. 16. 3. And though we should be sober in point of Peremptory setting such a time yet let us take heed of saying the Lord Delays his Coming Mat. 24. 48. considering what sinful Temptations that will Expose unto v. 49. Most talk of some great Revolution near at hand which if they seriously did believe it would awaken them into a suitable watching VVould some Men Beautifie their Old defiled Temples with such goodly stones did they fore-see their being soon to be demolished Mark 13. 1 2 Or did they look e're long for New Created Heavens Isa 65. 17 VVould others fill their Houses with such dear-bought gain did they believe their being Rifled now within a while Zech. 14. 2 VVould others dally with their gross Temptations were they aware how soon all sinners now may perish by the Sword Amos 9. 10 I am not positive as to the very Time but such a study might keep men waking and though Grace turneth upon Golden hinges or Nobler Motives than Mercenary Hope or slavish Fear yet may these help to prick us out of sleeping And this indeed is Christ's own Motive here to make us watch because we know not how soon he may Thus come in these our Days 15. Let us be much in Prayer which Duty we are bid to watch unto 1 Pet. 4. 7. and to be Conversant about together with our watching as we would not be led into Temptation Mark 14. 28. Prayer carrieth a Soul into Christ's Presence and whilst he was with his Disciples he would not suffer them to sleep at least not long And if He doth not keep the VVatchman waketh but in vain Psal 127. 1. therefore let us engage him by our Prayer to watch over us as he Obligeth us by his Command to watch our selves But let us also watch unto Prayer in this regard not Tempting him by our neglect who will take no Man's work out of his hand and who will not Relieve an Idle Beggar Thus let us VVatch and Pray and Pray and VVatch this is to be at work with Both our Hands which is the likeliest way to Overcome Thus have I now done with this whole Parable which hath Occasioned my walking in untrodden paths and wherein some may possibly have stumbled whom I would onely wish to Weigh the Premises before they do reject them And having now born my Testimony I shall endeavour to stand upon my Watch and see what I shall Answer when I am Reproved Submitting all my Sober Apprehensions unto Clearer Light and Providential Determinations in God's Valley of Decision THE END