goes not away without the sence of his loue and the consolation of the spirit and ioy of saluation as in the example of b Psal 32. Dauid Iosiah and others of Gods scruants which is true ioy comfort indeede as Dauid speakes to the Courtiers of Saul wherein hee professeth if it pleased God but to lift vp the light of his countenance vpon him hee should haue more delight then the world when their c Ps 4.6.7 Corne and vvine and oyle did abound This was the lose and farewell of the sorrow of that worthy d 1. Sam. 1.7 Hanna when shee was vexed by Peninah she fasted and wept but faith perswading her heart that God would grant her request she weat her vvay saith the text eate and dranke and looked no more sad And this is the ordinary end of the sorrow of the godly if right But when sorrow departs with the ceasing of paine or increase of outward things or if men driue out sorrow with feasting merry company and such like it hath an ill end and is not from God but from the Deuill and corrupted and depraued nature 6. Finally the Apostle Paul to the Corinthes hath seauen seuerall signes or notes of this godly sorrow the first whereof in our ordinary translation is care others haue it study Montanus addeth in the margent solicitudo a restlesse care or diligence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or study in the minde how to walk so as wee may bee pleasing and acceptable vnto God and that in these two things especially 1. In that which is our maine errand for which we were borne and came into this world and wherein the chiefe and principall honour wee possibly can giue vnto our Creator consists as Peter speaketh f 2. Pet. 1.10 Giue diligence to make your calling and election sure that is study with all diligence to make your calling sure and then yee make your election sure Armilla aurea for these graces are like a golden chaine that one linke depends vpon another are neuer segregated or diuided he that hath one hath all and to this purpose speakes the Author to the Hebrewes g Hebr. 4.11 Let vs therefore study 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or rather study with all hast and importunitie to enter into that rest c. So that this grace of godly sorrow or remorse for sinne quickeneth vp the heart to a wonderfull serious sedulous diligent care about the assurance and euidence of Gods fauour in the remission forgiuenesse of sinnes and all other graces of the Spirit and assuredly I haue in my poore obseruation seene this seldome or neuer fayle or such a person seldome or neuer to fall backe againe whereas such as haue been industrious about speculations chronoligies genealogies such like but not intended that speciall maine point haue seldome continued and therefore let euery childe of God lay vp this as a speciall remarkable note 2. Our study and solicitous care must be so to liue as beseems such mercies and fauours as our gracious Father hath vouchsased to bestow vpon vs in giuing vs so much and forgiuing so infinite a debt h Ps 119.15 vvee must ayme at Gods Commaundements as aâ—a marke and as the Apostle saith to vvalke vvorthy of the Lord and please him in all things being fruitfull in all good workes especially shew it in these particulars 1. Study to walke with God in the sence of his blessed presence so knowing and being affected with his loue as we forget not his sacred presence as the Lord commaunds Abraham i Gene. 17.1 vvalke before me be vpright Obiect I but may the poore humbled sinner say I haue such a corrupt wandring vnmortified heart as I cannot bring it to this passe Answ Micha 6 8. Learne and practise that aduise which the Lord adviseth by the Prophet Hamble thy selfe before him to get a better abilitie and power to vvalke vvith thy God for godly sorrow with fasting and prayer will get it or nothing will 2. Set the law of God alwayes before thee as the onely perfect rule of all thy actions as Dauid this is to be vpright in our vvay to vvalke in the Lavv of the Lord which makes a man a blessed man Psal 119.1 as for those that vvalke by crooked and by pathes will the Lord lead with the workers of iniquitie but peace shall be vpon Israel 3. Obserue the motions and stirrings of Gods spirit within thy soule to any good else the spirit will bee grieued within thee which by no meanes thou mayst doe for that is against the Apostles charge Ephes 4.30 Grieue not the holy Spirit of God by vvhich yee are sealed vp to the day of redeÌ„ption But in any case and by all meanes bee carefull to obey the motions thereof and that without reasonings against it or delayes which are dangerous but with all readinesse speede and cheerefulnesse this is to walke after the spirit Gal. 5.25 and not after the flesh to reuine the spirit and not to quench it Rom. 8.1 4. To excell all ciuill and honest men and hypocrites in this that we carry a carefull eye and respect to all Gods Commaundements 1. Thes 5.19 which will assure vs of safetie then shall I not be confounded when I haue respect to all thy Commaundements and wee shall liue according to the wish and desire of GOD himselfe Oh that there were such an heart in this people that they might feare me and keepe all my Commaundements alwayes that it might goe well with them and with their children after them Psal 119. Deut. 5.29 So that to make coÌ„scieuce of euery sinne by prayer and the practise of all the duties of mortification to avoyd it and also to obey God both in our soules and bodies that in euery part and faculitie of both and that all our dayes so would it go well with vs and we should lay vp a good inheritance for our children after vs. 5. We should so admire Gods loue Ps 1 16.8.9.12 in deliuering our soules from death our eyes from teares and our feete from falling that we seeke the face of God in the light of the liuing and neuer to come emptie handed but to study with the kingly Prophet Dauid Ps 56.12.13 vvhat to render to the Lord for all his mercies so let Gods vowes be vpon vs and wee should euer be rendring prayse which is our best sacrifice yea all wee can retribute to him againe 6. And the second of the seaven which the Apostle hath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is defence or apologie euen the stipulation of a quiet good conscience vvhich maketh request to God 1. Pet. 3.21 for it is the proper worke of a quiet good conscience to make Apologie or excuse vs before GOD whence ariseth tranquilitie of minde which the Apostle calleth the peace of God vvhich passeth all vnderstanding Phil. 4.7
rest of the sauing graces of Gods Spirit and so are in doubts and feares and the Spirit of bondâ—ge as the Apostle cals it 2. Some are ignorant of the causes of true ioy as that their names are written in the Booke of Life Iohn 1. that they are borne not of the will or blouds of men but of God sonnes of the most high heires yea coheires with Christ the naturall Sonne to an eternall Kingdome by adoption grace members of Christ estated into a blessed interest and right to al the creatures blessings and ordinances guarded by Angels kept by the Almighty himselfe and his power vnto saluation 3. They obserue not or conceiue how the Spirit of God doth exhibite and giue this ioy and comfort in the due vse of his ordinances as the ministry of the Word Sacraments and Prayer or else in the due vse of the priuate as meditation conference prayer reading singing of Psalmes c Ioh. 16.24 so grieue the holy Spirit 4. Ier. 33.3.8 They doe not seriously seeke the pardon of sinnes as condemned prisoners at the barre importune the Iudge for their liues or if they pray sometimes it is but seldome 4. They are not conscionable in the practice of all the duties of godlines they sowe not good seed a Iob. 4.36 Gal. 6.8.9.10 that be which soweth and he that reapeth may reioyce together Could men bee more fruitfull in wel-doing they should haue b Mat. 25.21 Is 35.8.10 more joy sterility barrennesse brings anguish and sorrow and fruitfulnes in obedience brings consolation and abundance of peace and heauenly delight and joy 5. Many are incumbred and intangled with some grosse sin as the sin of their nature or of their particular calling which hinders this consolation and joy of the soule Pro. 25.6 The transgress on of the wicked is his snare but the righteous doth reiâ— yâ—e and sing 6. They receiue not the Law of God into their hearts which if they did beholde the promise verse 11 Is 51.7.11 The redeemed of the Lord shall returne come with ioy to Siâ—n and euerlasting ioy shall bee vpon their beads c they only haue an idaea or superficies in the brain but it comes not into the heart 7. Many liue not in peace but are passionate and contentious and so breake off all their ioy or at least hinder and weaken it much for passion contention and pride do strangely though secretly disturbe and hinder the consolations of God therefore doth the Apostle exhort the Corinthes Be of good comfort bee of one minde 2 Cor. 13. â— liue in peace and the God of loue peace shal be with you 8. They sorrow not for their sins or not with godly sorrow for if they did Ps 126.5.6 Is 61.1.2.3 they should reape in ioy Thus it manifestly appeares that true Religion the profession thereof is not the cause of the vncheerefulnes heauines and sorrow that is in the world but the cleane contrary and that the fault is the corruptioÌ„ which is in men and therefore let vs lay the imputatioÌ„ blame where it is in mans owne corruption and defects Againe such professors are to be blamed as leade a melancholick he any vncheerefull life because thereby they obscure the lustre and glory of their Christian profession and are a dishonour to their Lord and Master for the world that know not the priuiledges and libertie of the sonnes of God easily thinke they serue a hard and rigide master or father who is not willing to haue his children and seruants inioy any sweet mirth or liue sweetly and comfortably They doe besides al this hinder wrong themselues by detaining themselues from thankfulnes it is also an obstacle to their faith pravers layes them open exposeth them to temptations or apostacy generally vnfits them to all the duties of piety and righteousnes And for the most part this deapnes of spirit and sadnes ariseth from passion pride worldly sorrowes and griefes or some of the causes before specified Quest But seeing so many sortes of false joyes may be are oft in the soule by what characters and symptomes may the true ioy bee discerned from the counterfeit especially the illusions of the deuill and temporary joyes of the hypocrite because an hypocrite goes farre especially in ioy yet lose his soule bee damned in the end for hee may receiue the word with ioy taste the heauenly gift haue some apprehension of Christs excellencie some sight of Gods fauour some worthy though but generall gift of the Holy Ghost and an hope of euerlasting life as appeares by the text of Scripture in the margent all which concurre together to lift him vp with false ioy yet lose all and his soule too Answ I consider the examination of this grace three wayes 1. In the causes thereof it ariseth from the apprehension of celestiall and heauenly things It is kindled vpon the sence of Godâ— fauour and is a blessed handmaid of faith and therefore the Apostle Peter annexeth it to beleeuing 1 Pet. 1.8 Psal 4.6 Lord life thou vp the light of thy countenance vpom mee thou hast giuen me more ioy of heart c. 2. That our names are written in the Booke of Life a greater cause of reioycing by the restimonie of our Sauiour Christ himselfe â—â—â—e 10.20 then to worke miracles and cast out deuils and greater cause of ioy then wisedome strength riches c. to know God that he is mercifull in the assurance of Gods election and blessed resurrection and eternall life that our soules shall liue immortally happie 3. It is exhibited and giuen by the holy Spirit of God and ordinarily the soule as it were retyring it selfe into the sweete presence of God to haue some spirituall Soliloquie or priuate conference with him but especially principally in meditation primate prayer are these sweet ioyes selt though not onely but the soule doth draw the wine of ioy out of all the wels of saluation Is 12.3 but euery Christian soule who vsually trades with God can experimenlally iustifie this truth that it is felt most frequently and liuely in meditation priuat prayer Is 32.3 4. The Spirit neuer speakes coÌ„fort to the soule but from the written word and promises of God and therefore the Apostle saith to the Ephesians After they beleeued Eph. 1.13 they were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise If it witnes seale and comforts not from the sacred promises it is a delusion of Sathan and not true ioy 5. It vsually followes humiliation and godly sorrow for sinne which is that true right branch that beares it our blessed Sauiour was sent to comfort those that mourne in Zion Is 61.2.3 to giue them beautie for ashes the oyle of ioy for mourning the garment of gladnes for the spirit of beauiues c. Ioh. 16.20 23. Verily I say vnto you ye shall weape
and lament and the world shall reioyce but your sorrow shall be turned into ioy Woe be to that ioy that hath not humiliation anteceding it it is hypocriticall and vnsound 2. This true ioy is knowne by the degree for it carrieth a man into an extasie for as the obiect therof excels all terrene earthly things as the obiect of true ioy being God himselfe Christ Iesus the assurance of the graces of the Spirit the word increase and spirituall growth in grace c. so doth the Christians joy in them exceed all other ioyes Thy Law is better to me then thousands of siluer and gold Ps 119 7â— Ps 137.6 Againe If I preferre not Ierusalem to my chiefe ioy The hypocrites ioy neuer exceedes the ioy in the world the profites and pleasures of this world doe more affect their hearts then the ioy of these supernaturall superexcellent heauenly things The truely wise marchant sels all for the blessed Pearle of the Gospel Mâ—â— 13.46 and goeth away reioycing also And if this be so how few found beleeuers doth this world afford that for the measure degree of their ioy can free themselues froÌ„ being hypocrites and who if this be a truth shal be saued 3. It may bee discerned and knowne by the blessed effects thereof 1 This ioy stands by a man when all other ioyes fade relinquish forsake him euen in adversity as wel as prosperity and this the Prophâ— Hab. 3.17 â—â— Habakack liuely expresseth For the sigge tree shall not flourish neither shal fruit be on the vines the labour of the oliue shall faile and the fields shall yeeld no meate the sheepe shall be cut off from the fold and there shall be no bullocke in the staules What more miserable condition can befall the sonnes of men yet behold this sweet ioy comforts them But I will reioyce in the Lord I will ioy in the God of my saluation So that no condition of the true childe of God can bee so miscrable in this world but that the ioy of God will comfort and sustaine them The same doth Paul testifie we reioyce in tribulation Rom. 5 3. Phil. 2.17 and of himselfe and the rest of the Apostles he saith And though I be offered vpon the sacrifice and seruice of your faith I am glad and reioyce with you all 2. This ioy marres distastes all carnal ioyes whatsoeuer it makes a man sind little or no relish or taste in earthly delights they will be to him as the white of an egge wherein saith Salomon what sauour is there If men had receiued this true ioy once wee should soon see a change in their conuersation there would not be such wide gaping and laughter in vaine and foolish jestes apparel and a thousand things of this sort as now there is 3. Iaâ—â—â— It will keep a man from masterlines and censoriousnes of others as also to be compassionate and tender hearted to sympaâ—hize in the wants and sorrowes of others especially such as are vnder spiritual afflictions 4. And last effect of true ioy is as it springs from true humilitie and godly sorrow so it ends in it and destroyes not but preserues that blessed grace it keepes the soule in a preparednesse and apeâ—esse to acknowledge his owne vilenesse vuworthinesse of so great a portion and mercy from God as this ioy is Thus haue I according to my vnderstanding and gift receiued from God expressed my thoghts and meditations touching this sacred point and the true tryall thereof whereas the joyes which are temporarie or from the illusisions or methods of Sathan comfort no man in adversity finde sweetnes in carnal ioyes are masterly and censorious and make men proud and aduaunce themselues and are in all things contrary vnto the holy true ioyes which the Spirit of GOD doth exhibite and giue vnto those which seek true ioy in vnfeigned and godly sorrow 1. Quest. But may some humbled beleeuer say I can finde little comfort or ioy what aduite will you giue me or what shall I doe to get this sweete grace of happy ioy into my heart Answ 1. Take heede of such things as grieue the fountaine of true ioy which is the blessed spirit of God as the Apostle sayth And grieue not the holy spirit of God by which yee are sealed vp to the day of redemption of which I will giue you a taste 1. Beware thou neglect not the renewing of thy holy faith dayly nor the duties of mortification as examination of thy slippes and faylings which will bring thee to vnfeigned confession and acknowledgement of thy sin to God that prouokes the soule to godly sorrow and so to prayer opens a doore to consolation for the heart gathers soyle euery day and if it be not washed and kept cleane by these mundifying waters the vncleanenesse of the soule will grieue the blessed guest the spirit and so keepe out these blessed ioyes 2. Beware of a barren and vnfruitefull heart for vnprofitablenesse is the cause of much disrest to the soule 3. Beware of neglecting the meanes by which the spirit exhibites this true consolation which are both publike and prinate a Christian must not looke for miracles but if he would haue it he must diligently attend the meanes which are the ministrie of the word Sacraments and prayer and for the priuate especially neglect not priuate prayer from whence the spirit of God doth most frequently administer this ioy 4. Take heede thou bee not oner borne and ouer ruled by euill affections as passion enuie pride immoderate cares and the loue of the world all which and many more doe exceedingly quench and dead the consolations of the spirit of God 5. Lastly beware of the loue of any one sinne though neuer so secret for it betraies the euidence of thine vprightnesse and how eanst thou expect any other then blasted ioy and comfort when thou hast lost or forfeyted the euidence of thy assurance 2. Be exceedingly carefull to do such duties as bring true comfort as 1. Be diligent to know the difference betwixt counterfe it graces and true sauing graces for the Deuill mans corruption hath framed a counterfeit shaddow of euery vertue so that if thou be ignorant of the methodes deceites bee not able to get good cuidences and signes of the truth and soundnesse of them the heart will be distracted with feares and doubts and be a meanes of vnrest and vnquietnesse Is 55.15 and so depriue thee of this ioy to bee Gods seruant which otherwise thou mightest inioy be sure 2. Voluntarily seeke godly sorrow and try it according to the former rules be importunate with God by prayer and the vse of all the rest of Gods ordinances and neuer giue ouer drinking euery day a draught of humiliation vntill thou feele in thy selfe some good degree of softnesse of heart that it may oft bleed inwardly in the sence and feeling especially of thy beloued sins committed not
onely against a God of infinite Maiestie Psaim 126.23.5.6 Isay 61.3 Maith 5. â— power c. but especially of infinite sweetnesse goodnesse mercie graciousnesse bounty and loue who hath giuen thee so much and forgiuen thee so great a debt and against CHRIST pierced him through with so infinite sorrowes for these blessed ioyes are promised to most felt of those that mourne most for their sinnes 3. If yet thou findest not comfort these spirituall ioyes adde fasting to put wing and feruency to thy prayers performe with through humiliation of thy soule seeke in all the records of God if euer any Church in generall or any particular and priuate man euer went away without some speciall sweet answere from God in his greatest disrest vnquietnesse thinke thy case shall not be singular but the Lord will be the same to thee that hee hath beene to other of his seruants in former times 4. If yet thou findest not answere to thy desires vnfolde thy griefe to some mercifull experienced Christian who may administer true consolation and especially some faithfull experienced man of God who though as Elihu speakes hee bee but one of a thousand to declare vnto man his righteousnesse Iob. 33.23.26 yet he will haue mercy vpon him and will say deliuer him that he goe not downe into the pit for I haue receiued a reconciliation Then shall his flesh be as fresh us a childes and shall returne as in the dayes of his youth He shall pray vnto God and he will be fauourable to him he shall see his face with ioy c. Thus did the Spouse find her welbeloued Cant. 3. she went and inquired of the watchmen and vvhen shee was a little past shee found him whom her soule loued Many a poore soule is kept in heauinesse a long time by Sathans policie labouring with them to keepe secret his subtilties their own wants which by wholesome counsell might easily and speedily be relieued and comforted 5. If yet thou getest not comfort trauaile with thine owne heart to delight in the Lord and then the promise is hee will giue thee thine hearts desire thou shalt neuer get these sweet refreshings and spirituall ioyes except thou loue to be Gods seruant delighting in him and all his holy ordinances obserue how liuely and plainly the Lord expresseth this Also the strangers that cleaue vnto the Lord to serue him and to loue the 〈◊〉 of the Lord Isay 56.6.7 and to be his seruants euery one that keepeth my sabaoth and polluteth it not and imbraceth my Couenant Them will I bring also to mine holy mountaine make them ioyfull in my house of prayer Quest Sometimes I feele spirituall ioyes bue soone loose the sence of them againe what may I doe to preserue both the grace the sence thereof in my soule that it may be habituall in me Answ Trade seriously and oft in all the holy duties of mortification to which the promises are frequently made I instance in three particulars 1. Confession of sinnes vpon which God hath pledged his fidelity to forgiue and to cleanse vs from all vnrighteousnesse 1 Ioh. 1.9 confession if true hath assurance of remission of sinnes iustification out of which springs true and solide ioy 2. Godly sorrow which as you haue seene already ends in ioy 3. Prayer as our Sauiour adviseth Aske and yee shall receiue that your ioy may be ful these sweeten the soule Psal 126.5.6 Mat. 5.5 Iohn 16.23 are the ordinarie conduites of coÌ„solation the heart gathering soyle and corruption daily must of necessitie be cleansed by these or else the spirit will be grieued neyther take away the vnquietnesse or administer those sweete refreshings which otherwise it might inioy 4. Beware of much carnal ioy or external reioycing for the immoderate delighting in outward things is like Opium to the bodie which stupifies the braine and makes it senselesse so doe these earthly ioyes stupifie the soule make it insensible of the consolations of the spirit of God bringing therevpon hardnesse of heart in the things of God and most people hereby are gulled by Sathans stratagemes hindering theÌ„selues from this blessed comfort neuer discerne the cause thereof when they giue to these earthly ioyes eyther prioritie or superioritie 5. Be plentifull in well doing labour that the heart may be like the Tree of life which brought forth fruite not only some kind but all manner of fruite and at al times euery Moneth take vp all oportunitie to doe good for a man can neuer haue assurance of the sinceritie truth of his obedience Psalm 119. vnlesse it be vniuersall to all Gods commaundements as Dauid saith then shall I not bee confounded when I haue respect to all thy commandements This the Lord wisheth in his people when they gaue Moses those faire speeches All that thou commaundest vs from the Lord we will doe Deut. 5.29 and 6.2 The Lord answers Oh that there were such an heart in this people that they might feare me and keepe all my commaundements alwayes that it might goe well with them and with their children for euer Doe any thinke it shall goe well with them or that they can possibly preserue the ioyes of God in the heart that are eyther partiall in their obedience or that performe it but by sits and starts there must therefore care be vsed to preserue vprightnesse for such shall haue an haruest of ioy but if a man nourish but the loue of one sinne its impossible to retaine the ioyes of God Prou. 29.6 In the transgression of an euill man is a snare but the righteous doth sing reioyce especially be carefull to preserue vnitie and peace and procure it in others Pâ—ou 12.20 for to the counsellers of peace shall be ioy 4. Get an humble and meeke spirit for as passion doth disrest and vnquiet the heart so doth pride wonderfully quench and hinder the refreshings of God Isay 29.19 The meeke also shall increase their ioy in the Lord and the poore among men shall reioyce in the holy one of Israel 5. Haue an eye as to the Law which is the rule of life so to the promises which are the legacies of thy father wherein is bequeathed that to thee which wil continually refocilate refresh thy soule hang vpon these as the brests of thy consolation as the Prophet sayth Isay 66.1 That yee may sucke and be satisfied with the brests of her â—onsolation that yee may milke out be delighted with the abundance of her glory And in this two things are to be heeded 1. A faithfull remembrance of the promises for that which is not remeÌ„bred is as if not known the memory therefore must bee carefull to keepe in this office and open the records and rowles of God to the soule to put it in minde of the priuiledges to beâ— reioyced in or else looke to finde little or none of these
judgment of GOD who as they haue finned vndivided so are they not divided in the smart thereof but are corrected and afflicted together the body hath beene a servant to ehe lusts of the soule receiueth the guerdon wages of sinne with it Dauid abused the vigour of his body in the sinnes of adultery and murther and the Lord chastneth him in both-Thus of natural sorrowes 2. Vnnatural or diabolical diuelish sorrowes 1. Of the desperate 2. Of the disappointed 1. The sorrow of the desperate as Iob sayth z 〈◊〉 Iob 3.20 they desire to see the graue they seeke death and cannot finde it that is they feele such a racke torment and vexation in their conscience being without hope of the consolations of God are not able to endure this insupportable burthen of a wounded spirit and therefore are driven to one of those woful shifts either which come to driue it away by calling in other distractions helplesse alas comfortlesse as marrying wiues building citties inventing muficke such like bables fit for fooles and childreÌ„ buc neuer turne their thoughts to GOD to seeke for fauour much like the vile world now that drinke away the thought of their latter end but alas what good is in this nothing but to still the out cry and clamour of conscience for a time that they may haue a greater freedome to sinne and not bee disquieted or else desperately to seeke death as a 2 Sam. 17 25. Aâ—hitopbel and b Math. 27.5 Iudas by laying violent handes vpon themselues a medicine as euil or worse then the disease or else sinke vnder the burthen as those Priers and Papists who lay like fooles vnder stockes crying out bitterly in the sence of their tormented consciences Francis Spire wishing that their plagues and torments in Hell might be but as many yeares as there are droppes of water in the Sea or as many yeares as a little bird would be in carrying away a huge mountaine in her mouth for then there would be an end but now it will bee eternall What shall I speake of Latonius who died roaring as if hee had beene possessed body and soule with the Deuill or of Hosfminster Eccius and other whom stories make mention of 2. The sorrow of the disappointed as of Haman when his wicked deuise hee had against Mordecai and the Iewes was preuented c Hest 6.12 hasted home mourning and his head couered When Ahab could not obtaine Nabaoth veineyard d 1. King 21.4 went home to his house heauie lay vpon his bed would not eat So Amron Dauids sonne when hee had missed his lust with his sister Thamar e 2. Sam. 13.24 he fell sicke for her the world is filled with these cursed deuillish sorrowes when they cannot atchieue their wicked plots stratagems and hellish deuises but this is a diabolicall and wicked sorrow and neyther of these yet is that true sorrow which brings true peace and ioy and therefore we must seeke for another Thirdly supernaturall or religious sorrowes which are of two sortes Legall Euangelical This legall sorrow goes before faith being a griefe wrought by the preaching of the Law inlightning and wounding the soule in the sence and feeling of sinne racking tormenting and disquieting the conscience and making it speake and crie out with inutterable clamors and following him with hew and crie so as wheresoeuer hee becomes hee carries his accuser Iudge tormentor and executioner about with him and this hath and must be the condition of euery one whom God purposeth to saue at one time or other and in some degree or other for the Lord heales none but the wounded with the wine and oyle of the sweete promises of the Gospell and indeede they feele no want thereof f Matt. 9.12.13 The whole neede nut the Physitian saith our Sauiour but those that are sicke these he came to call to repentance not the righteous that is such as are righteous in their owne account and howsoeuer this bee no sauing grace but as the Schools speake a generall grace or a grace of preparation not of composition such as hee promiscuously bestowes vpon the world aswell as his people though hee giues them more Yet let all men know for certaintie that till legall sorrow hath though serious fence of sin made a man tremble and sorrow euen in respect of the vengeance and wrath of God and brought him to despayre in regarde of himselfe he is not moued to consider seriously which is the first wheele of all like the spring in a watch which moues all the rest much lesse to desire mercie which is the opening of the doore of the heart to let in the Lord Iesus into the soule Therefore hath the Lord set vp a Ministerie in his Church that partly by the laws preached driues men to their wits-end as those three thousand Conuertes that at Peters Sermon cryed out b Act. 2.37 What shall we doe and partly by his works as the Iayler when the earthquake and opening of the prison-dores made him tremble crie out c Act. 16.29 30. What shall I doe And Manasseh God bindes him in chaines and sends him to Babell c 2. Chro. 33.12.13 and then hee humbled himselfe greatly before the God of his Fathers and God was intreated of him brought him backe into his owne land Many are the gashes wounds Sathan and sinne hath made in our soules wee must and shall feele the smart of them before we be throughly healed To this purpose hath God set vp and placed his monitor conscience in mans foule to crie aloud and tell him what hee hath done amisse to apprehend him and set vp a Gibbet in his soule to which it adiudgeth him and all to bring him to himselfe to sue for pardon Yet is not this the sorrow which hath the promise of ioy and comfort annexed to it though this bee not altogether separated from it yet is this legall sorrow in reprobaâ—es and diuels d Act. 24 25 when Felix heard Paul dispute of temperance and the iudgment to come he trembleth c. And S. Iames saith e Iam. 2.19 That the Diuels beleeue and tremble which is more then many a wicked man doth Heare this yee Profane obdurate and hard hearted monsters and bee ashamed at your condition that in this respect are worse then the Deuils and infernall damned spirits fiends if you will not learne and be taught by your eternall soueraigne Lord King learne thus much of the Diuels least they rise vp in iudgment against you and condemne you as our Sauiour said of Sodome and Gâ—morrah that they should rise vp in iudgement against the Iewes 2. Now are wee come to the true sorrow which will appeare g 1. Sa. 16.11 as Dauid the last least and youngest of all the sonnes of Ishai faire ruddy and of a comely countenance so is this a blessed sweete amiable grace peculiar and
he neuer speakes of a point but once or he preacheth nought but the Law and damnation or else he speakes of nothing but the promises and the Gospell or he is too earnest or too soft or in his conversation he is ouer familiar or too austere rigide and strange right like those sullen boyes our Sauiour speakes of that would not be drawne out of their sullennesse neither by g Math. 11.16.17 piping nor mourning and then to hatred envying back-biting and slandering or if his conversation be so apparantly gracious as they thinke it bootes them not to traduce him openly yet they cease not to follow him with secret whisperings in corners where the Deuill hath prepared sit eares to attend that hee may further his own stratagems to keepe their soules vnder his vassalage till the hand of the Ciuill or Ecclesiastical Magistrate drawes foorth the sword of Iustice to dissipate such hypocrites and then they either fall away or get to some other new Preacher if possible a soft spirit that will suffer them or if they be deceiued and meete with a man of courage then beginnes a new broyle after tryal for their spirits cannot keepe in vnlesse they be Lords and Rulers ouer all I speake this by lamentable experience and could point out such as these Againe some when a strange matter neuer heard of before is taught it drawes multitudes to heare because say they we neuer heare but there is somthing which we neuer heard before like the b Act. 17.20 Athenians which would heare Paul and inquire the meaning of his doctrine because say they he brings strange things to our eares it was their delight and life to heart and tell newes but Athenians grow weary both of that matter and man when he ceaseth to be new Like the ingrateful h Numb 1.6.7 Israelites when Manna first comes commend it admire it rejoyce in it feed vpon it grow strong by it wherefore I praye It is a new and strange meat But after they murmure and loathe it because of the stalenes notwithstanding their good GOD gaue it them euery day new But Lord where are these mourners for the want of this spirituall Manna For the most part it may bee saide as those to the Prophet i 2 King 2.19 the Land is pleasant as thou my Lord seest but the waters are bitter so men when they come into this Kingdome choose pleasant situations and fertile soyles but their waters if any are bitter all their care is for a body a body but the immortal soule is neuer regarded but pynes and starues and yet they are sencelesse of it Lord awaken their hearts to consider their miserie and bewaile it that it may appeare to their soules that this grace hath possessed their hearts to their eternal consolation Thus of the fiue first that concerne a mans owne particular The second such as generally respect others 1. This godly sorrow affecteth the heart to mourne for the dishonour of God in publique abominations so was Dauid affected with the sinnes of his time k Psal 119. ver 136.139 158. Mine eyes gush out with riuers of water because men keep not thy law And Ieremiah wisheth Iereâ—â— 9.1 Oh that mine head were a fountaine of teares and mine eyes riuers of water that I might weep day and night for the slaine of the daughter of my people c. Thus the good seruants of God called vp their hearts to the performance of this duty it is necessary for true Christians so to doe 1. Because it is an indelible marke of a childe of the Highest and by which the destroying Angel knowes to reserue them 〈◊〉 the vengeance and l Deut. 4.24 32.22 wrath of God which burnes like a consuming fire to the bottome of hell and cannot be quenched and shall consume the earth with her increase c. but hauing this marke and character vpon their fore-heads that mourne and cry for all the abominatious that be done in the middest of Ierusalem when these were thus marked m Ezech. 9.4.5.6 the other Angels had charge to goe after him through the citty let your eye spare none nor haue pitty Destroy vtterly the old the yong the maides the children and the women but touch no man vpon whom is the marke and beginne at my Sanctuary c. If this be so how few then are rhere which in this Iland may not feare the direfull vengeance and wrath of the Almightie euery day how few I say are there which take things to heart as they ought or as the occasion requires what cause hath each particular person giuen him of griefe by our owne sinnes and the sinnes of the land we liue in by Gods judgements abroad and at home And yet how little griefe any-where except carnal and worldly sorrow of which the land is full such as that of the n Ho. 7.14 Israelites when they howled vpon their beddes for corne and wine because they are abridged and disappointed of their wonted profites and pleasures if onely these are stamped with the character of the Spirit of Adoption that mourne for the abominations of these times O Lord where are any almost of the visible Church professing thy truth whose case is not wofull and mâ—serable 2. It is a grieuous sinne not to mourne yea not to be sicke with sorrow for the sins of the times we siue in Paul sayth o 〈◊〉 5.1 It is heard certainely that there is fornication amongst you and such fornication as is not once named amongst the Gentiles that one should haue his Fathers wife And yee are puffed vp and haue not rather sorrowed c. as if he should haue said it is your sinne that you haue not applyed it to your hearts to mourne that God is so dishonored amongst you It is then a wofull sinful world which we now liue in where is there a man of a thousand that mournes for the abomination of this sinnefull Iland and those which doe are as signes and wonders in Israel the Lord giue vs the grace of repentance for this hardnesse of our hearts 3. It is certaine in these sinnefull dayes the Lord calls vpon vs to practise this duty and pronounceth a woe vpon vs if wee doe it not and threatneth vengeance to all such as in these times sit vpon their merry pinnes giuing themselues to feasting drinking and jollityâ— cleane contrary to Gods Commaundement and charge which he expresseth by the prophet Isay p Is 22.12.14 In that day did the Lord of Hosts call to weeping and mourning cutting of bayre and guirding with sackcloth But beholde slaying of Oxen killing of sheepe eating of flesh and drinking of wine Let vs eate and drinke say they to day for to morrow the Prophets say we shall die q Hebrals reuelabitur in auribus meis Domini exercitunm Montanus And it was reuealed by the Lord of hostes in my hearing r Iunlus Let
such thing that the sword shall not deuour c. It s a signe of Gods wrath 2. When God doth send varietie of faithfull Ministers and preachers and they comparing times with times sinnes with sinnes and the Lords dealing formerly with his owne people and the menaces of his most righteous law against such sins as are frequent ordinary howsoeuer they haue no propheticall and immediate spirit of reuelation to foretell things to come as extraordinarie Prophets in former times yet if they with one consent with instance and earnestnesse doe foretell that in diuers places vpon obseruation of Gods former dealing who is immutable it is time for the world to awake consider for as Ames saith d Dan. 7.7 The Lord will doe nothing but he will reueale his secrets to his seruants the Prophets and God will ratifie their righteous menaces howsoeuer this sinfull age esteeme of them 3. Publike afflictions are signes both of Gods wrath begun and of greater vengeance to come as pestilence famine of bread e Amoâ— 8.21 famine of the word warres f Is 57.1 the frequent death of the best men and such like especially when there is a sting and curse of hardnesse of heart not to make a good vse of them when the heart is not bent towards the Almightie nor yeelds to him in this godly sorrow as the Prophet Ieremie saith g Ier. 5.1 Thou hast smitten them but they haue not forrovved thou hast consumed them but they refused to receiue correction they haue made their faces harder then a stone and haue refused to returne what think you of this Iland Hath not the immortall God smitten it with warres consumed them with famine and may not we say as Ieremie sed non deluerunt but they haue not sorrovved But it may be said of vs as the drunkarde saith of himselfe h Prou. 23.35 They haue smitten me but I was not sicke they haue beaten me but I felt it not neuer the worse and therefore in truth neuer the better Quest But why is this a signe of future wrath Ansvv Because when the iust and most almightie God begins to correct a Nation and they stoope not nor bend vnder his correcting hand hee will neuer desist til he bend or breake themâ— as himselfe saith to the Iewes i Louis 26.21 If yee vvalke stubbornely against me I vvill vvalke stubbornely against you and plague you yet seuen times more for your sinnes c. Most liuely doth the Prophet Aâ—â—â— expresse this k Amos 4.6.12 I haue sent you cleanenesse of teeth mill-devves yet haue yee not returned vnto me saith the Lord therefore this vvill I doe vnto thee and because I vvill doe this prepare to meete thy God O Israel Seing therfore these symptomes and characters of Gods fearefull indignation are vpon vs euen vpon this miserable Iland what cause haue wee to cry out with the Prophet l Psal 77.7.8.9 will thine anger neuer cease hast thou forgotten to be mercifull hast thou shut vp thy mercies in displeasure And to pray convert vs vnto thee and shevv to vs thy ioyfull face and then vvee shal be safe to obserue that which the Lord calls vpon vs for by Ioel if we would haue n â—oel 2.13.14 the Lord returne and leaue a blessing behinde him to sanctifle a fast and humble our selues before our God as also you that are Magistrates to labour to stay this wrath of God by the seuere execution of justice vpon malefactours that keepe and maintain Faires and Markets vpon the Sabaoth vpon drunkards swearers adulterers as o Num. 25.7 Phineas did vpon Zimri and Cosbi which stayd the plague Lastly let all of vs after the example of the King of p Ionvh 3.5 Ninive to turne from our euill vvayes yee natiues from your Idolatry superstition theft ignorance and oathes and yee English from your prophanesse drunkennesse luke-warmnesse and all other sinnes and let all cry mightily to God that he will be pleased to accept the bloud of his Sonne to pacific his indignation towards vs that we may be deliuered q â—ach 1.11 Command 3. as Ierusaleâ—â— out of the captiuity 2. Signes of Gods anger to particular persons are 1. Spirituall plagues vpon his soule the bottome and dregs of the vials of the indignation and wrath of the Almighty and the fore-runners of his eternal vengeance as blindnesse of minde deadnesse of spirit hardnesse of heart a benummed conscience a punishing of sin with sin a reprobate minde and such like 2. If a man finde himselfe directly vnder the menaces and threats of Gods eternal truth as swearing Command 3. commandement the third and that which the Lord speakes dreadfully r Deut. 2â— 5â— If thou vvilt not feare this glorious Name the Lord thy God I vvill make thy plagues vvondeâ—full and the plagueâ— of thy seede c. Lukewarmnesse in profession Å¿ Apoc. 3 15. vvhich the Lord vvill vomit as a loathsome thing out of his mouth as hee speakes to Laodicea Againe t Mâ—l 1.8 to offer to God the hault blinde and lame in his seruice to performe the holy duties of his blessed worship as prayer c. perfunctarily without all life and affection sinally all that liue in such sins contained in any of those catalogues which the Scriptures denounce vengeance vpon as u 1 Cor. 6.9 be not deceiued neither fornicators nor â—dulterers murtherers nor drunkards c. shall inherite the Kingdome of God 3. If a man feele not himselfe bettered by his afflictions and crosses so as there is in them a curse and God fighting against him in them either in the disquieting and vexing his soule or else in the hardnes of his heart that as Elihu speakes he w Iob 36.13 calls not when the Lord bindeth him it is a fearefull signe of wrath that increased inlarged vpon him 4. If a man blesse himself when God curseth him in the threatnings of his Law and say as the Lord speakes x I shall doe weâ— enough though I walke after the stubburnesse of mine owne heart thus adding drunkennesse to thirst hee meetes with the worlds common plea God is mercifull c. the Lord answers he mill not be mercifull to that man but his wrath and iealousie shall smoke against him and that hee will heape vpon him euery curse and euery plague written in the booke of the Law till he bee destroyed 5. If a man haue not the characters markes and symptomes of an Adopted childe of God vpon his soule for whom God loues hee doth indelibly y Ezech. 9.3.4 marke with certain graces as faith loue godly sorrow repentance and such like which if vpon examinatioÌ„ and through tryall hee cannot finde he hath cause to feare and tremble and in the want of them to mourne with godly sorrow neuer giue ouer vntill the Lord answer his soule by the witnesse of the spirit of Adoption Oh brethren
ponder and consider these things and God giue you vnderstanding grace to find all these branches of holy sorrow in your soules that so you may be assured of a plentifull crop and haruest of joy heere and glory afterward and so I proceede to the third signe of this sacred and holy grace 3. Remarkable signe symptome of this sound godly sorrow is when it passeth not the limits extent and bounds which God in his eternall truth hath set it which if it doe it becomes sinful and euil for it is with this grace as with the morall vertues which must not exceed their medium the Eternall hath bounded it as the sea by the little sandes as the Prophet speakes and giuen commandement as to the Israelites at the giuing of the Law vpon mount Sinai beyond which if they presumed it a Exo. 19.12 was death Now it exceedes and passeth limits two wayes 1. When it exceedes in time that men lye vnder it not onely night and dayes but monethes and yeares yea tenne twentie yeares as I haue knowne some it is a plaine signe that howsoeuer GOD offended is the obiect of their sorrow yet it is his justice which their eyes behold and legall sorrow at the fairest selfe-loue is the maine wheele which sets this sorrow on worke the sence of his feareful wrath like the roaring of the Lion makes them tremble if they could make their part good against him they would neuer shed a teare or bee perplexed in their spirits Or if not so yet in some it is want of instruction or knowledge of this grace and how to carry themselues which if they did their comfort would be both speciall and speedy as the Psalmist speaks b Psal 30.5 Sorrow ouer night but ioy comnâ—â—â—h in the morning and they should feare if they finde it not And no matuaile though some of Gods seruants misse of this right sorrow when as such an â—â—perienced souldier as Dauid missed of it and was filled with roarings and perplexitie with a roaring sorrow which was not joyned with so much as particular confession of that speciall sin that perplexed and troubled his poore soule but when hee had recalled his thoughts plucked vp his spirits resoluing vpon the rightsorrow be confessed his sinne to the c Psal 32.5 Lord and presently found consolatioÌ„ for your sakes therefore that trauaile vnder the burthen of your sinnes and finde no rest nor know how to set your soules in a way to true comfort I haue vndertaken the labour to lay before your sight this open way to turne you froÌ„ all those waters of d Num. 35.9 Marah into Elim from bitternes to sweete fountaines of water to satisfie your thirstie soules me thinkes I see in that sacred Embleme of the Lord comparing the sorrow of the godly to the sorrow of a e Iâ—r 6.24 womaÌ„ in trauail aliuely description of this grace Tribulation apprehends vs as of a woman bringing forth And to the same purpose speakes the Lord by the Prophet Isaiah As a woman with childe neeâ—e her trauaile is vexed and cryeth so haue f Is 26.17 we beene before thy face Iehouah and the sorrow of the godly if the right sorrow is like it 1. Nor onely in the extremitie and bitternesse of it for the time but 2. that as the one and the other tend to a birth 3. There is in both hope of deliuerance and therefore euen in that extremitie there is some joy miâ—â—t with the sharpnesse of the sorrowâ— faith sets the heart on work to expect better nay there is in both an expectation of fruit and therefore of necessity there must be joy in the middest of the sorrow 4. It is but short in either which ouâ— blessed Sauiour confirmes A g Ioh. 16.21 woman when sheâ— brings forth hath sorrow because her houre is come but when shee is deliuered she remembers not the sorrow for ioy that a man childe is bornâ— our Lord applyes this so are you now in sorrow but your heart shall rejoyâ—e obserue then thy sorrow for the time and continuance if it be long suspect it 2. It passeth the limites when it exceedes in measure now it passeth measure 1. When it vnfits the body or soule for the duties either of our generall or particular callings or from the cheereful liuely performance of them both which the Eternall God requires at the hands of his people he required in the Law not dead but liuing sacrifices the dead were abomination to him and hee blamed hiâ— people for their vncheerefulnes in his seruice and threatens them for it h Deut. 28.47.48 Because thou didst not serue the Lord thy God with cheerefulnes and a glad heart in the abundance of all things thou shalt serue thine enemies in hunger and thirst and in want of all things and I will put an iron yoke vpon thy necke c. Let men obserue their sorrowes doe they deterre and keepe them backe either from hearing the Word Sacraments Prayer c. or from a cheerefull performance of them they are then from the Deuill and not from GOD yea if they doe not further them in all these draw them neerer vnto GOD beware of such sorrowes and auoyde them so also may I say of duties to our brethren GOD loues a cheereful giuer as of almes so all other duties of charity to our neighbour visiting the afflicted comforting the dejected spirit and such like But alas what will become theÌ„ of worlds of sorrows which are vpon men that refuse the House of GOD and doe as it were excommunicate theÌ„selues not onely from the power of Gods ordinances but euen from the vse of the ministry of the Word Sacraments and Prayer though it may be they vse some priuate helpes which yet it is to be feared few doe It is also dangerous when sorrow vnfits men from family duties as reading the Word instruction of children and seruants and prayer or the more priuate duties as secret examination confession of sinnes secret supplications thankesgiuing meditation conference or renewing of covenants with GOD and lastly if it hinder and keepe men or women from conjugal duties or to abhorre or sequester vs from the vse of meates drinkes necessarie to the sustentation of nature by which the body is vnfitted to performe his necessarie seruice to GOD our neighbour and the soule Lastly when iâ— keepes men from the duties of their speciall callings to the detriment and hurt of the wife children and family which is an ordinary fault of young professours in mine owne obseruation any of these are ill signes of a bastard sorrow and not of the true spiritual gracious sorrow which hath the sacred promise of the Immortal GOD to end in f Ps 126 5.â— ioy and therefore beware of it 2. It passeth his limits measure whâ—n it makes men forget consolation and driues all ioy out of the heart euen for the time for these being
to punish and plague in his owne people a Deut. 28.47 Because thou diddest not serue the Lord thy God with cheerefulnesse and a glad heart in the abundance of all things therefore thou shalt serue thine enemies in hunger and thirst and nakednesse want of all things c. This dutie is requisite necessary in each particular seruice or worship which any man performes to God or duty of righteousnesse or loue and charitie eyther to the good or euill and I doubt not but this also springs from and is much furthered by Euangelicall and godly sorrow but yet it is not that which is my purpose to speake of and insist vpon 2. Is a grace which God giues to man as a testimonie and symptome of his acceptance of our humiliation and godly sorrow and the Lord not only commandeth his seruants to reioyce b Phil. 4.4 Reioyce in the Lord alwayes againe I say reioyce c Zeph. 3.1 Reioyce O daughter Sion be yee ioyfull O Israel be glad reioyce with all thine heart O daughter of Ierusalem So doth Dauid inioyne spirituall reioycing to all vpright hearted d Psal 32.11 riseth by three degrees as appeares in the Originall 1. Shimon of Shamac Be glad signifying inward and hearty ioy conceiued by the presence or hope of some beloved and defirable good 2. Gilae of Gil. Hormina of Râ—â—â—n Reioyce oâ— expresse the ioy by some outward gesture sometimes vsed for dauncing 3. Be ioyfull or showte for ioy thus I say not onely God commaunds his people to reioyce commaunds his Embassadors to comfort them e Is 40.1.2 Speake comfortably to Ierusalem c. but also the gracious mighty Lord is obliged bound by promise to giue them speciall ioy and gladnesse as a speciall prerogatiue and priuiledge For besides that the Gospell in generall is the doctrine of glad tydings there are particular and speciall promises for ioy f Isay 51.3 Surely the Lord shall comfort Sion he shall comfort all her desolations shall make her desert like Eden and her wildernesse like the garden of the Lord ioy and gladnesse shall he found therein â—â— Isay 65.14 prayse and the voyce of singing Againe g Iere. 31.12 My seruants shall sing for ioy of heart and yee shall cry for sorrow of heart c. And as the Lord binds himselfe in generall to exhibite giue ioy to all his seruants so more specially to those that mourne doth hee not onely promise ioy but also to perpetuate their ioy h Ioh. 6.22 And yet now therefore are in sorrow but I will see you againe and your hearts shall reioyce and your ioy shall no man take from you i Math. 5.4 Blessed art they that mourne for they shall be comforted k Psal 36.5 They that sowe in teares shall reape in ioy Againe sorrow ouer night but ioy in the morning Quest Wherein doth this promised ioy of these mourners consist And this question is necessary both to bee propounded and answered 1. In respect of the world who object and say they can see neither such joy or cause of joy in these Professors 2. In respect of many poore weake beleeuers themselues who are either in the bud and nonage of their conuersion or in some fit of temptation and desertion and so are not sensible thereof Answ Their joy ariseth two waies 1. Internally 2. Externally 1. Internall is twofold 1. in things present 2. In things to come 1. In things present and that in seuen particulars 1. They haue the presence of God like the Sun to refresh them The Lord a Eâ—ph 3.15 Ps 84.11 hath taken away thy iudgments he hath cast out thine enemy the King of Israel euen the Lord is in the middest of thee thou shalt see no more euill To this purpose speakes Dauid that God shall giue them drinke out of the riuers of his pleasures God is in the midst of his people by his special presence b Ps 36.7.8 not of his essence but of his grace is the same to them is more excellent then the Sun is to the creatures or the riuers pleasane streames to the thirfly the vision of God is the greatest felicity of the Saints in Heauen albeit their great excellency and glory and the presence vision of God by faith in the state of grace is the beleeuers speciall happines felicity euen Heauen vpon earth this the miserable mole-eyed world vnderstands nor sees not 2. â—h 14.16 They haue in theÌ„ the Spirit of God euen him that is called the Comforte whom our Sauiour prayeth may abide with them for euer which no vnregeneratâ— man hath or euer had this Spirit of God is an euerlasting spring of spirituall and heauenly joy sweetning refreshing the soule two wayes 1. In the testimony of the Spirit Iuke 10.20 that our names are written in the Booke of life wherein our blessed Sauiour hath bidden vs rejoyce rather then that the Deuils are subiected to vs and this joy by the testimony of the Apostle Peter is e vnspeakable and glorious he is the great Comforter of his Church 2. The graces of the Spirit are full of heauenly delight to bee assured that a man hath receiued them effectually and sauingly Faith hath a speciall sweetnes pleasant joy and therefore called the ioy of faith Phil. 1.25 yea the Apostle sayth it hath a power that reacheth to the consolation each of other I long to see you Rom 1.12 that I may bee comforted by our mutuall saith And if temporary faith hath such joy much more justifying sauing faith So hath hope also his pleasure delight in the expectation of the promises of this life Rom. 12.12 and the pleasures at Gods right hand for euermore 3. They haue joy in the conteÌ„plation meditation of the miseries they are freed and deliuered from as the wrath of God the power of death hell sinne the graue the deuil that the sting of a 1 Pet. 1.8 all their enemies is taken out and that they can beholde them as vanquished foes and adversaries haue they not much more cause to leape and showte for joy â—â—od 15. then Moses Aaron and Miriam the people to take the timbrell and to daunce at their deliuerance froÌ„ Pharaoh his hoste no wonder then though there is heard in all their Tabernacles and houses the voyce of melodie Psalmes and thankesgiuing 4. They haue assured knowledge of a right to all Gods promises to comfort them 2 Pet. 1.3.4 by which they are made partakers of the diuine nature This is a sweet fountaine out of which they draw waters of refreshings and joy 5. As there is great joy in the assurance and first euidence of the sauing graces of Gods Spirit planted settled in the heart so to see them bud sprout spring as men in the spring-time delight solace themselues in
Hos 6 2. they surre vp inkindle the graces of God I may say of such as Dauid I reioyced when they said let vs goe vp to the house of the Lord pull brandes in sunder and you extinguish them lay them together and they flame and as the ioy felicitie of Gods people is inlarged by their mutuall presence so also is it great ioy to heare of their welfare being absent eyther the prosperitie of any priuate particular beleeuer or the welfare of the Church in generall When Iethro heard of all the good the Lord had done for Israel reioyced great is the ioy of euery true beleeuer to see the word to bee magnified Exod. 18.9 and the Gospell to haue free passage pulling men out of the fire of sinne and snares of the Deuill by the mighty power of it in which the very angels ioy much more man but most of all faithfull Ministers account it the chiefe and principall part of their happynesse in the world to beget bring home soules of wandring sheepe to the fold of their Lord yea they preferre Ierusalem and Sion to their chiefe ioy And if this be a great portion of the ioy of the Saints in heauen it is vndoubtedly a special part of the true beleeuers ioy on earth 3. They reioyce in the fruites of their faith that two wayes 1. In their Euangelicall obedience or action because they know it is both pleasing and acceptable to God to Christ and to the spirit within them Coa 15.58 as also because they are sure of a blessed recompence of reward as Paul saith Bee stedfast vnmoueable alwayes abounding in the worke of the Lord knowing that your labour is not in vaine in the Lord. They know that their sweete husband Christ comes into the garden among the beds of spices and to gather Lillies when the garden of their hearts bring forth abundance of sweet flowers and fruites of holinesse and righteousnesse it is delectable ioyfull vnto Christ whom they loue it must needes bee ioyfull vnto themselues They well vnderstand that if they feast Christ with their obedience he supping and feasting with them as he promiseth will feast them and with the blessed influence of his grace and consolations of his spirit Apoc. 3.20 they herein are like to their blessed head Christ whose meate drinke was to doe the will of his Father Assuredly the experience of euery childe of God knowes this in his soule that that day wherein hee is most fâ—uitefull in well doing his heart is most satiate with spirituall ioy and heavenly contentment 2. As they reioyce in their holy actions and obedience so in their passions and afflictions for the Gospell and name of Christ Iaâ—es 1. they count it all ioy when they fall into manifold tribulations they know it is a gift of God not onely to beleeue but also to suffer for his name that the Sonne of God is a copartner with them in their sufferings Thus it is euident how the Lord in his eternal wisedome and loue to his poore seruants to prouide all these holy meanes to conuey sacred and secret holy ioy into the hearts of his yeâ— are they not exempted or barred from their portion of ioy in outward thinges which is all the ioy wicked men haue and in these the worse and weakest beleeueâ— hath more right and cause of reioycing then the best richest and most potent carnall man in the world Before I passe this point I suppose it meete to answer some obiections 1. Oblect The prophane scorners say that none reioyce in the word but such as haue nothing else to reioyce in onely a company of poore people Ans This is an impudent falsehood by which the Deuill beguiles them was not Dauid rich yet he said The law of thy mouth is better to me then thousands of gold and siluer That kingly Prophet by the spirit of prophecie foresaw foretels of all the Gentile kings when they should come taâ—â—e the sweetenesse of the Gospell Psal 119 7â— Psal 13.4 â— should sing the prayses of the Lord because the glory of the Lord is great 2. Obiect The ciuill man saith he seeth no such mirth and ioy in such as professe Nay it is a reâ—â—â—ued axiome and maxime amongst them that those who indeede and good carnest resigne themselues to liue the Christian life are lumpish heauie and vncomfortable and that they alwayes bid farewell to all mirth Answ This is a grosse imputation and an impious scandal put vpon religion by their father the Deuill their wretched hearts tongues to bring religion into disgrace disregard in the eyes of men but 1. It is to bee obserued that Moles Owles and Battes cannot see the light nor the blinde iudge of colours they haue no vnderstanding of these things The natural man saith the Apostle perceiueth not the things that bee of God neither can he because they art spiritually discerned they must be Iewellers that value pearles of price â—ro 14.10 and of Gods Family for the stranger shall not meddle with theâ— ioy It is true indeede that thiâ— sweet ioy is an immediate brancâ— issuing springing out of godly sorrow no man euer was or â—â—er shal be truely cheereful that neuer was soundly humbled at the sight of his sinnes and this pusseleth the squint eyed world who either cannot see or haue not faith to beleue Gods almighty power who out of this darknes bringeth light and ioy to the righteous 2. They are deceiued in the people of God who after inlightning conuersion hauing tasted of these celestial ioyes cannot now reioyce carnally as before but thinke esteeme al that ioy madnes and folly like fooles to throw axes hammers firebrands and deadly weapons at the faces each of other but now fixes his eyes vpon better obiects causes which the world not able to discerne thinke they haue no ioy at all because earthly ioy is vnsavory to him at least in coÌ„parison of these but I may answere with our Sauior I haue meat that ye know not of so they haue ioy and mirth which they conceiue not 3. The world themselues are the cause to disquiet and vnsettle the ioy of Gods people by those wrongs iniuries scandals and afflictions that they cast vpon and bring them into not willing that they should inioy any gladnes peace or content and then they lay the blame vpon their profession 3. Obi. The last obiection is of such as professe Religion who oft complaine of their want of consolation and are ready to murmure and discouraged Answ I confesse there are many who want the comfort and sence of the ioy and consolations of God as some in their nonage and cradle of godlines some other in fits of tentation or times of desertion and many through their own ignorance negligence and carelesnes 1. In some it is through ignorance of the markes and signes of faith and the
beholding the seedes to spring and budds to â—ut outin the seueral plants especially considering our Lord Iesus delightes to come into the gardens to walke there to delight himselfe in beholding the sweete blessed growth in graces holy duties and hence ariseth joy euen in afflictions for the name in the honor of Christ as in al the Martyrs the Saints Heb. 10.34 who suffered with ioy the spoyling of their goods As also to see the weedes of sin to be ouer-mastred and rooted out thereby 6. In the testimony of a good conscience which is as Salomon sayth a continuall feast o Cor. 1.12 hauing witnes that in simplicity and godly purenes and not in fleshly wisedome he hath conuersed That a man hath not moyled al be smeared and durtied himselfe the conscience in lusts and pleasures but hath maintained a blessed combate and cherished the pantings breathings and longing desires of the Spirit against the cursed lusts and corruption of the flesh As also in the fauour of God reconciled by Christ the conscience testifying this atonement Rom. 5.11 the soulâ— is at quiet peace and repose in his loue as the childe in the mothers lap or fathers armes 7. In Iesus Christ who is in g 2 Cor. 5.17 vs by faith h Gal. 2.20 liueth i Eph. 3.17 dwels in vs so as Paul say the we worship God in the Spirit k Phil. 3.3 and reioyce in Iesus Christ The wise Merchant takes more pleasure in the pearle then in all his estate besides Phil. 3.8 And the Apostle accounts al but losse dung in comparison of Christ Zaccheus receiued Christ joyfully not into his house onely but into his heart especially And it is not possible to be otherwise for the faithfull soule being the sweete and beloued Spouse of Iesus Christ should estimate or delight in any thing in the world aboue or comparable to her amiable beloued Head and louing husband 2. 〈◊〉 Rom 12.12 For time to come they find much joy in the hope expectatioÌ„ of that ioy glory which they shal inioy in Heauen in the mercy and saluation of God as Dauid saith Psal 13.5 I trust in thy mercy mine heart shall reioyce in thy saluation In that presence of glory where the Lord shal be more then a Sun to refresh reviue them Ps 84.11 and more then a shield to defend them Thus of the internall meanes or well springs of heauenly ioyes 2. Externall or from without and that in three particulars 1. In the Word blessed ordinances of Godâ— for the Word Ps 11â— Dauid esteemed and delighted in it more then in his appointed food pathetically cryes out O how loue I thy Law it is my meditation continually It is a character true vndoubted marke of such as feare God that they haue great delight in his commaundements Ps 11â— â— In the Word are described delineated the wayes of wisedome the invaluable pleasures treasures thereof which make a man possessing her truly happy Pro. 3.13.18 Blessed is the man that findeth wisedome and getteth vnderstanding for the merchandise thereof are better then the merchandise of siluer the gaine thereof better then golde length of dayes are in her right hand in her left hand riches glory her wayes are wayes of pleasure all her paths prosperity she is a tree of life to them that lay hold on her and blessed is hee that retaineth her The Gospel is a deep sweete fountaine of precious promises Rom. 15.4 the Spirit worketh consolation by the Scriptures There is the ioyful tydings of saluation the blessed doctrine and assurance of free remission of sinnes our full iustification by the redemption of Iesus Christ published and proclaimed there are the pleasures of Gods House there is foode for the children of the most High and great King to nourish them vp to eternal life this they desire 1 Pet. 2.2 as infants clothe them with tissue or cloath of gold bespangle them with the most Orient pearles that the East or West Indies can afford set most curiously in the finest gold of Ophir or crusado trundle before theÌ„ apples of gold bring them instruments make the most melodious harmony musicke that Art can deuise make them heires of this great Vniuerse yet nothing pleaseth them but the brest so assuredly not any thing can satisfie the true childe adopted heire of God but the sweete sincere milke of the Word that is their proper element they will trauail from sea to sea to finde the word of the Lord they can no more liue without it then the fish without water the mole without earth the camelion without aire the Salamander without fire and when they finde it they feed vpon it and uourish vp their soules with ioy to eternal life And for the ordinances of God they are as k Is 12 3. wels and fountaines out of which they draw with ioy waters of life and comfort as the ministery of the word they long after it with earnest most affectionate desires as the l Psal 42.1 chased Hart panteth after the coole chrystaline streames when they are absent from it and depriued of it they cry out m Ps 84.2.5 Oh how amiable are thy Tabernacles O Lord God of hostes My soule longeth and fainteth for the Courtes of the Lord pronouncing the Sparrow and Swallow happy that may build their nests neere the Altar concluding that they are blessed which dwell in his house for they feede vpon the words of Christ vnto eternal life and so haue their hearts lifted vp to ioyfulnesse and the prayses of God The Sacraments are other blessed fountaines and wels of ioy wherein Christ is before them crucified to the eye to the increasing strengthning of faith all other sauing graces of the spirit which faith is the roote mother of In like manner is spirituall ioy conueyed to the soule in the vse of the rest of the ordinances of God as confession of sinnes godly sorrow prayer reading conference and such like wherof euery true beleeuer hath experience in the secret consolations rauishments of the heart which the spirit of God doth exhibite in the due serious vse of these sacred ordinances 2. In the sweete fellowship communion of Saints they finde secret ioy Psal 16.2 Dauid professeth that all his delight is in them that excell in vertue In respect of this Paul longed to be with the Romanes that he might be comforted by their mutuall saith Rom. 1. to haue fellowship with them publikely in the vse of the Ministry of the word Sacran ents prayer and priuately in the vse of the more prinate duties of godlynesse as exhortation they as Salomon saith The face of a friend sharpens his friend as the Apostle saith whet one another to loue and good workes Psal 122.