the same Mould he fashioned them all The poorest acknowledge that they are as much minded by God as the rich and so far they are right but then they go further Exod. 30. 15. and make themselves his only Favourites The ground of this Error is through Mis-application of those Promises in Scripture concerning this Condition But let them not be deceived for where is any mention made of spiritual good things it is to those Poor only who walk in their Integrity Hath not God chosen the Poor of this World the Apostle doth not say all of them but those who are rich in Faith and Heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Jam. 5. 2. So they must believe and love God and then they must avoid sinning against him otherwise they have no place in Heaven Indeed many of them do so and more would if they did apply themselves to God and the Word of his Grace which is able both to bring in and build up Those whom the Proud ones call the ordinary sort of People will make the greater number in Heaven We see more of them allowing for their multitude that Practice Simplicity and Godly Sincerity then we can amongst those of higher rank for these have altogether broken the Yoke and burst the bands Jer. 5. 5. Being governed by Self-will and their own humour more then the Laws of God but the others are not altogether so forgetful and refractory And have a good will towards God in General but the Prophet remarks truly how Jer. 5. 4. they have not that knowledge which is to be desired for They understand not the things of Religion so well as they should but follow their own Opinions and Fancies Satan which deceiveth the whole World Rev. 12. 9. Hath taken advantage thereof instilling into them errors and deceits If you would indeed be in the right way to Heaven and not miss thereof at last give attendance to that Word which is to shew unto all the Path of Life When some have well resolved then they are distracted about Of different Communious the way one saith it is this another that It is agreed by all that the Scriptures do shew what is right so what they point out it is good to â—oâ—â—ow They give the Character of some who Taught the way of God in Truth Mat. 22. 16. Acts 16. 17. And therefore according to what is Written those both said and did it may be most surely trusted unto There have been Questions and different Opinions in past Ages but little is said of them in Holy Writ The Prophets make no mention of them speaking against Idolatry but say nothing as to Modes of Worship Our Saviour Speaks little concerning those Separate Meetings in his time and doth not express much zeal one waâ— or another His Apostles followed the same steps One witnesseth In every Nation he that feareth God and worketh Righteousness is accepted with him Acts. 10. 35. Being applyed to Cornelius a Gentile as may be gathered from Acts 11. 18 The diversity here was greater then amongst several Communions of Christians aâ— this day and therefore much more will they be saved in each Another Apoâ—â—le saith Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing b 〈…〉 thâ— kâ—â—p 〈…〉 of the Commandments of God 1 Cor. 7. 19. In Christ Jesus neither Circumcision availeth any thing noâ— uncircumcision but Faith which worketh by love Gal. 5. 6. A new Creature Gal. 6. 15. That was as important a Question as those in controversie now bâ—t there is not so much in them as Obedience and Holiness To which aâ—â—â—e the promises of God are and nothing at all to those distinguishing terms of Perswasion among us It is evident from Psal 25. 12 14. John 7. 17. 1 Cor. 2. 10. Phil. 3. 15. That whosoever sincerely fears God with his whole heart shall be directed into all necessary and saving Truth and then he must lay aside all Prepossessions and Prejudice Pride Humour Wordly Reasons coming in simplicity of Soul only out of a desire to be right and receive the love of the Truth that he may be saved 2 Thes 2. 10. For this is evident Continuance in a willful and known error is as dangerous as a willful and known sin and therefore to be equally avoided The Word doth discover Good and Evil Truth and Falshood so the Duty of every one is to set his Conscience as in the light of God with a readiness to think and do what is most according to his revealed Will and then he shall never perish through errour or falshood All Worship is designed to please and obtain acceptance with Almighty God. The hour cometh and now is when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him John 4. 23. But this doth in no wise excuse from an humble bodily gesture and reverence of the outward Man the Subjection of both is to be shewed Therefore glorifie God in your Body and in your Spirit which are Gods 1 Cor. 6. 20. Certainly this Apostle knew what was a Gospel and Spiritual Worship yet He kneeled down and Prayed Acts 20. 36. The like did our Saviour Luke 22. 41. And Stephen and Peter Acts 7. 60 Acts 9. 40. It is to be observed in Publick Worship for so did Paul that being more Solemn and whereby God is Glorified Though the Lolling sort of behaviour is so much in use among the Country People when they come into the presence of God let them use it before their Governour or Great Men How will they be pleased with it And if they will not neither will he who even now remains a Great King and his Name is dreadful among the Heathen Mal. 1. 8 14. And though some may think that no more then another place yet they may consider what our Lord did John 2. 16 17. Mark 11. 15 16 17. Signifying plainly that more regard is to be had to the House of Prayer so called of all Nations and People extending to the Gospel Isa 56. 7. times when they come in The Apostle finds fault with the Corinthians abusing of the Sacrament making a Common Meal of it Have ye not Houses to eat or drink in or despise ye the Church Psal 29. 9. of God 1 Cor. 11. 22. The subject of that Chapter is about a comely behaviour in the Holy Assemblies What can be said to these plain Scriptures or how can they excuse themselves from Sin in not observing them Let Men put what meaning they will God is judge himself and they may at the last day be severely reproved for not obeying that command the reason whereof is eternally Obligatory Ye shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my Sanctuary I am the Lord Lev. 19. 30. The design of the whole Gospel is Peace Unity and Love see Rom. 12. 18. Rom. 16 17. 1 Cor. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 10. 17. 2 Cor. 13. 11. Phil.
was real now he discovers it to be empty and vain and therefore concludes the like of what is more told him Not throughly considering this is a strong evidence of the truth of God's Word which before acquainted as he did hear somewhat of the Vanity Deceitfulness Unfruitfulness of those things And then he would not believe but now that is found true by his own experience Why then may it not be supposed to be true when it speaks further of the continuance greatness and substance of things hoped for If it is fulfilled in the less why shall it not also be in the greater If in things present why not in things to come If I have told you Earthly things and ye believe not how shall ye believe if I tell you of Heavenly things John 3. 12. But it is experienced by all what the Word speaks of the fiction and falshood of some things so it is reasonable to give regard when it declares the truth and reality of others It is to be feared and he is in time to be forewarned thereof least he be found a Fool in this as in former things to know them only by after wit and experience As he discerns not the Vanity and Delusion of Youth till that is over so not to learn the things proper for a Man till that is past nor the things of eternity till he is let into it which is sad for an error here is without remedy It is foolishness in an old Man to say O that I had done thus and thus in times of Youth or Manhood when he might have done them then and now they are past and irrecoverable It is just the very same as to those things also unto which through the Grace of God we endeavour to perswade Men. And therefore suffer your selves to be put in mind you are come to perfect understanding judge of what is said It is a deceivable and lying consequence with which the Devil doth tempt people to unbelief towards their declining years that all things whatever are Vanity because they find it so of the things before them Every temptation if throughly considered makes against him for this confirms that all things indeed are so as affirmed in Scripture So they are not to be taken up as a reserve but to be surely believed they are not to be looked upon as conjectural notions of happiness but to be most faithful and true worthy to be trusted unto if we had ten thousand lives to be ventured upon them or so much hope and desire proportionable to them The inspiration of God makes known the deceitfulness of all fansied good here That speaks of every thing according to its very nature either in express words or just consequence which belong to mankind from the greatest to the least except what may be known from our selves and the most common observation The more we know of the things of this World we less esteem them and thence it is that we every day more disrelish sensusual pleasures for they tiâ—e and the same hath been had before life grow tedious and irksome for the same returns over and over again and it is not satisfactory Even good fellowship is every day less admired and people grow more seâ—fish and shut up within themselves As for Money the Heathen Cicerâ— did reckon Covetousness in old Men an unaccountable thing to get the more provision the less journey they have to go but he did not so fully think of that this was cleaved unto as in the Prophets phrase the refuge of lies Isa 28. 17. the last of all Vanities Mens affections must be carried after something and where they apprehend all to be so they fix upon that which is only more substantial because they suppose less subject to Vanity but even here after they have laboured for it they are not satisfied When in any pain or troubled or towards the close of their days to reflect upon their Gold and Silver will not yield the least comfort it will rather enhance present misery because that cannot case them in time of need which they have faithfully served all their life before It would be sad if amidst so much Evil and Vanity such lies and delusion there was nothing to be found good and real truth and certainty But there is The Grass withereth the Flower fadeth but the Word of God shall stand for â—ver Isa 40. 8. That as aforementioned speaketh exactly of all things as they are which is a demonstration that what it saith further is true And then the work of righteousness is real and eternal To you of full Age the Word of Exhortation comes Exhortation Be not afraid to be happy here and hereafter Do not with regret flee from the wrath to come you are now warned And that knowing the time that now it is high time to awake out of sleep for Rom. 13. now is our Salvation nearer then when we believed You are nearer to Death and Immortality then ever you were yet The night is far spent the day is at hand A great deal of your life is gone and your dying day approacheth You are called upon to leave of your sins and disobedience least they deliver you over to the damnation of Hell. Will you not endeavour to avoid that who will do any thing to shun a temporal calamity You are not but God knows how soon you may if you continue in an hard impenitent heart cast down into the everlasting Dungeon the place of utter Darkness Is it irksome to read these lines It will be much more intolerable to suffer the truth of them and they are only laid before you that you may be put in mind and so escape The Father of Spirits calls upon you Turn and live for why will you die God would have you all to be saved you are adjured in his name to leave of walking in the way to destruction despise not his loving invitation O that my people had hearkened unto me and Israel had walked in my ways Ps 81. 13. When they are râ—bellious and disobedient it goes against him to punish them How shall I give thee up Ephraim How shall I deliver thee Israel How shall I make thee as Admah my heart is turned within me my repentings are kindled together Hos 11. 8. This same God who is here described as if he did earn with bowels of Compassion yet if People set at naught his Counsel and will have none of his Reproof he speaks to them in another manner When your fear cometh as desolation when Destruction and Anguish cometh upon you Then shall they call upon me but I will not answer they sball seek me early but they shall not find me Prov. 1. 27 28. Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith To day if ye will hear his voice harden not your Hearts Hâ—b 3. 7 8. Is he not worthy of a present Answer All People must grant that but the Thoughts of some in the depth of their
years Knowledge and Reason should go before Action or else it will be blind and signifie nothing Some having constantly used a course of Devotion confine themselves barely to that which is but a means to somewhat more unto which they should still press toward Prayer is properly * Mark 11. 24. desire which argues a necessity of attention for we cannot desire those things which we do not mind and all forms are that we may live an Obedient and Holy Life Now it would be strange if we should pretend to desire that which we neither do nor endeavour after To imagine God is pleased with the bare saying of Words when they are neither minded nor understood it may be more truly thought that he likes better the Chirping of Birds then such Service from reasonable Creatures There hath been a deal of Chaunting forth of Mass and Toning out of Prayers But how well they have been sung or spoken forth we must have unworthy Thoughts of the Godhead if we suppose him to be delighted with the meer outward noise or reciting only such Words before him Which of our selves considering throughly can approve of it They must be Fools who offer such Sacrifice or think he will accept of it for he that gave to Man knowledge shall not he know When that can find and offer a better Worship will he not expect it Those who have been blind Worshippers of this sort go hastily in their way For they consider not that they do evil Be not rash with thy Mouth and let not thy Heart be hasty to utter any thing before God For God is in Heaven and thou upon Earth Therefore let thy Words be few Eccles 5. 1 2. In those private Books of Devotion which were designed for help of the ignorant they too often shew themselves more ignorantly for many say over the very Words not considering the Sense and say unto God It is so with them when it is not or Confessing what they have not been Guilty of or making Purposes and Resolutions which they never intend afterwards or saying several things which do not belong to them in Truth But so far hath ignorance and blind Custom proceeded that they think it enough if the Work is done so much read over the meaning is the least they consider of I will pray with the Spirit I will pray with the Vnderstanding also 1 Cor. 14. 15. Saith the Apostle but they pray only with the Lips or the Ear. This People draw near me with their Mouth and with their Lips do honour me but have removed their Heart far from me Isa 29. 13. This is not so much intended against that infirmity of wandring thoughts in Prayer but when of set purpose they keep their Heart to themselves not giving it to God but imagine to put him off with such outward Service What prodigious Folly is this to think to deceive God whom every one that believes must also conclude that all things are naked and open in his sight Heb. 4. 13. And every one that spies out a deceit intended to be offered unto him doth reject it with Abomination Neither the Calves of the Lips nor the various inclinations of the Body will serve without Confent and Subjection of the Soul. It is not bowing before the most High God nor falling prostrate with our Face to the ground for such a Submission may be â—eigned and the Body may be bending and creeping when the Heart in the mean while is lifted up and exalted our selves are not pleased with a Crawling posture where we think it is not sincere But He above knoweth all things The true Worship of God doth not consist in turning the Face such a way or being very nice in all Punctilios of outward posture though these are decent if they express the very Sense of the mind of intire Submission unto the whole Will of God a through perswasion Thou hast beset me behind and before Psal 139. 5. Not to think him more in one place then another But if those externals should be separated from that Worship in Spirit and in Truth John 4. 23 24. which the High Priest of our Profession hath said should be in these days they do much more displease then are acceptable unto God. Such Men worship they know not what or they will not know for had they right apprehensions they could never imagine that the bare outward performances will be received by that God with whom we have to do If any one of these should look here they will still go on in their own way and so let them but take heed that at last they be not deceived of their Expectation and Reward let them see Hag. 1. 5 7 8 9. They are only put in mind how their Service may be so ordered that God may accept it and be glorified therein In things pertaining to God we know but little without he had revealed himself and what he doth require So they must take Counsel or his Word how to please him if they wouâ—d partake of his Goodness and not be disappointed at last Which if they had done in Sincerity and Truth they would never have been so abominably mistaken as a great part of the Christian World hath been and is to this day in Matters pertaining to his Worship and Service The Scripture in many places doth shew the true Nature of Prayer Psal 10. 17. Psal 73. 28. Deut. 4. 29. Psal 119. 145. Jer. 29. 12 13. 1 Sam. 1. 13 15. Mat. 7. 7. Rom. 8. 26. Mat. 18. 19. 21 22. Luke 11. 18. Eph. 6. 18. Phil. 4. 6. Jam. 11. 5 6 7. Jam. 5. 16. 17. 1 Pet. 4. 7. Heb. 10. 21 22. Which set it forth as the earnest desire of the Soul. When we do ask and praise God for his benefits this is a reasonable Service being agreeable to what he requires and the utmost next to obeying his Will which we can render unto him The Sacrifice of the wicked is an Abomination unto the Lord But the Prayer of the upright is his delight Prov. 15. 8. It is stiled by another Name for such do not really Pray Can he beg Grace to forsake Sin which he doth not dislike Or for the Holy Spirit and good things when he hath not the least desire but aversion to them He may pray for a general Admission into the Heavenly Kingdom and to be preserved from that of darkness but in vain for the things cannot be separated which God hath joyned together Those Ordinances Mat. 13. 42 43. Mat. 25 46. John 5. 29. are ratified and unalterable Though besides their own Prayers Noah Job and Daniel and all the righteous Men that ever were should pour out their Supplications before the Throne of Almighty God for the Salvation of wicked and unregenerate Men yet it would not be granted The Case of Esau is lamentable and stands for a warning to all Generations of those who now for the Pleasures of Sin â—ell their Birth-right and
the Divine Nature take more delight in the things of God then others do in the things of the World. Who by continuance in well-doing have a Blessed Habit thereof so it is become familiar and pleasing as any other Course of Life Their love preserves them from committing of evil and though this being hot at first did cool again yet they have used all means to renew it To keep the Fire upon the Altar always burning Lev. 6. 3. If the flame do not continue so brisk as at first kindling yet they have taken all imaginable Care that it shall never go out It cannot be expected one should be continually ravisht with a pleasant Countrey as at first sight thereof the longer we live and only behold the Works of Creation it takes away that just Wonder and Astonishment And so it is of the invisible things of God we are not always so transported as at first hearing of them when they were New and exceeding Great they are the very same still but the defect is in our selves our Ears are dull of hearing and remain unconcerned There may be a Gracious and Wise disposal in this that ye should shew forth the Praises of him who hath called you out of Darkness into his marvellous Light 1 Pet. 2. 9. These youthly fervourâ— of Spirit that joy because of the sudden Alteration that taste of precious things that lively Faith in what is unutterable how much did they exceed the little Vanities of the natural State And when all these do flag and become less affecting even to the end of our Lives it may be a short Emblem given us to signifie that when we shall be let into the Enjoyment and Possession they will be infinitely more surprising And we shall be amazed within our selves how it came to pass we should have the less Sense the nearer we did approach to them They will be found to be so much beyond then was possible to enter into the Heart to conceive of them I have heard of thee by the hearing of the Ear but now mine Eye seeth thee Wherefore I abhor my self and repent in Dust and Ashes Job 42. 5 6. Which then was so great that there wants a word to set it forth and this should be fully assented to as true yet to lessen the inward Estimation thereof the nearer we draw to be more unmindful careless and negligent must be a condemning thought to the Souls in Heaven that ever they should come tâ—ither with Faintness and Weariness of mind that their steps should well nigh slip or think of going backwards By which perhaps they have lost such Degrees of Glory and a greater reward They will be vexed that they did not more whilst here in the World. But it will be inexpressible Anguish to all Apostates who forsake their first love A Lesson of instruction to us now in the way things are so ordered to see if we will do what the Prophet complains for want of There is none that stirreth up himself to take hold of God Isa 64. 7. Which is to be done by constant frequenting the Ordinances hearing the Word Prayer and Sacrament Holy Meditation edifying Discourse Watchful avoiding the occasions of evil and other hindrances And also doing good Works In all things put forth the utmost Strength and Vigour get that Chain of Graces 2 Pet. 1. 5 6 7. And if these things be in you and abound there is great Emphasis in that word full measure and running over they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their Strength They shall mount up with Wings as Eagles they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint Isa 40. 31. They must continue in all means of Grace and Duty even from the Child to the Ancient of days as long as they are in this Earth for this is the place of Faith and Waiting otherwise this blessed Promise doth not belong to them All that you have hitherto done signifieth nothing unless you still press forward to the mark of the High Calling in Christ Jesus And ye have hitherto run well what should hinder but that you should obtain You have past over the Corruption through the Giddiness and unruliness of Youth have escaped the Dangers of that shallow violent Age in which so many have split and been carried away with the swift Streams of Lust running down into the dead Sea before ever they considered well where they were going But you are safely arrived into the Mediterranean of this Life and your Voyage now is safe pleasant and easie You will quickly be at the desired Countrey if you do take diligent Care. Behold now is your Salvation nearer then when we dreamed and in a little while it will be before you Wherefore lift up your feeble knees and your hands that hang down use still your utmost endeavours and the great Pilot above will not leave you nor forsake you If you be not wanting to your selves he will not be behind in making good his Promises Go on still as you have begun Watch ye stand fast in the Faith quit you like men be strong 1 Cor. 16. 13. Exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the day approaching Heb. 10. 25. The day when the Keepers of the House shall tremble and the strong men shall bow themselves and the Grinders cease because they Of Old Age. are few and those that look out of the Windows be darkned Eccles 12. 3. This is the fourth and last Period of Mans Life Old Age is Gods Blessing which he bestowed on his Servants before and under the Law as the Fathers before the Flood Abraham Isaac and Jacob. The Spirit of God saith by Solomon My Son forget not my Law but let thine Heart keep my Commandments for length of Daâ—s and long Life and Peace shall they add unto thee Prov. 3. 1 2. But we who are under the Gospel and not Carnal Ordinances must not so much relie on Temporal Promises as the Jews did Yet the Apostle seems to intimate Eph. 6. 2 3. that of long Life exâ—ends to Christians also We are enjoyned Temperance moderate Labour and Action which naturally conduce towards it and on the contrary several come short by the Sins of uncleanness Gluttony Drunkenness Revenge Sloth and such like God doth indeed take away at several Times and Seasons out of the good Pleasure of his Will but still many hasten Dâ—ath unto themselves through their own Sin and Folly. He that taketh heed of those things prolongeth his Life and if it be cut off through any other Sickness or Accident this is his comfort and assurance that it was not through his own Fault The humble Christian never thinks himself sufficiently prepared and therefore desires a long space of Repentance and making ready Nor will he presume to rush forward and boldly meet his God
thing befal him It cannot absolutely force but doth all next to that to reclaim from his sinful and vain conversation Good God! What is Man that thou art mindful of him And the Son of Man that thou visitest him Why shouldst thou but only Psal 8. 4. Mic 21. 18. Rom. 10. 21. because thou delightest in Mercy all day long stretch forth thy hands unto a disobedient and gain-saying People God would have him come to repentance and be saved as he manifests by causing his light to shine in Mans heart again notwithstanding he hath before several times laboured to extinguish it that if he still goes on when he shall be plunged into utter Darkness he must lay all the fault on himself for if he had yielded unto what God did and would have done for him and contributed half so much pains as he did in coming to the place of Torment he had escaped that and ascended up above For he had so many Warnings Sollicitations Repulses and Rubs cast in his path towards Hell that he could not travel on in quiet He was hâ—mpered with the cords of a a Man with bands of Love yet he would with the most hard Labour and Pain break through them and follow after the Error of his own ways which he finds to end in Destruction and Misery ' Saith he Have I undergone so much Trouble and Vexation to make my self a Cast-away Is the Lake of Fire and Brimstone the portion of my Cup and all the reward I must have for wearying my self in the Devils Service Have I done violence to mine own Inclinations suffered such Vexation of mind and rejected those good things offered me formerly by the Father of Mercies but now as my deserts require the God to whom Vengeance belongeth Have I refused those eternal Pleasures I might have enjoyed with him and now come to all this Righteous art thou O Lord for thou didst by thy Spirit warn me to flee this wrath thou didst shew how I might have done it and gavest me Power and all that was requisite on thy part but I was foolish despised thy Counsel set at naught thy Reproof and have done despite unto thy Holy Spirit and all without reason just are thy Judgments Such may be supposed to be the thoughts of the Damned and I believe a great part of their Misery is upbraiding themselves with Folly in that they took greater Pains to bring themselves there then others do to go unto Heaven which was by Accusings Fears and disquiet of Mind in their Life-time and though they did endeavour to pacifie yet ever and anon those bitter girds would return The wicked man travelleth with Pain all his days A dreadful sound is in his Ears Job 15. 20 21. The wicked are like the troubled Sea when it cannot rest whose waters cast up Mire and Dirt There is no Peace saith my God to the wicked Isa 51. 20 21. Their Conscience would throw out that Clog of Guilt which they do not yield unto because their Sin must be forsaken so they are full of Contradiction and Torment There is a doubt which lies open to common observation Cic. l. 1. nat Deor. against what hath been said alike unto what Cicero takes notice of Quibus medicores homines non it a valde moventur his Epicurus clamat omnium mortalium mentes essâ— perterritas Tot millia latrocinantur morte proposita alii omnia que possunt fana compilant c. so it is here at this day Who are more ungodly and wicked then the lowest sort of People Beggars Vagabonds and such as just get their living and yet thâ—sâ— are not troubled with Fears and Scruples of mind as they live so they die without them But they do not live absolutely without them for at first these also have them though not in so great a measure as others but at length are hardened and stupiâ—ied by a more fatal device then all the studied invention of others If any one will practise it it is at own Peril and therefore shall be here inserted It is gross ignorance for a man cannot have troublesome thoughts about that whereof he hath none at all Where is a forgetfulness of God over him no knowledge of good and evil otherwise then what is natural which being not exerted nor furthered there is some Sense at first but this vanisheth by wicked Custom hardness of Heart unmindfulness of what shall be after this Life as is the Condition of the poor and foolish That these are not afraid is no more to be wondred at then a blind man going amongst Rocks or upon the brink of a River who is not concerned for his danger till he falls into it So they are just led through the Vale of this Life by him who tryes all he can to deceive the whole World. All his devices may be reduced to this of ignorance for according to the measure thereof every Person hath less regard to the things of God for there is no resisting of them but by not minding of them A full Evidence that they are real and more then talk only because they always prevail and have influence where they are throughly considered of The Understanding and Conscience brings to the knowledge of them this cannot be otherwise avoided then by defacing and sinking them into Bruitishness that is to do just no more then keep the Body in Life eat drink and get Clothes It may be and is pinned down to this by the meanest of the People But those higher are ashamed of this State of Folly and Blockishnesâ— yea that will not mannage the Affairs of this World. And therefore others will let out the Powers of the Soul so far as to do that And then the things of God will also come in for if they can once infer and examine a Consequence by his Works which they cannot look out of Doors but they must see they must come to some apprehension of the Maker And then they must hear and read somewhat of his Book the Holy Scriptures And further they find those Characters in their own Hearts which exactly agree with them So the good Seed is received in and they have no other way to hinder the impression and growth of it but by the deceitfulness of Riches Cares of this World and Lust of other things whereby they become unmindful for the Soul cannot intend upon two contrary things together Thus it is provided as concerning Mans Salvation and Happiness and if when he knows the means he will not use them and the hindrance but will not remove it nor countermine and defeat the Wiles of the Enemy he deservedly misses thereof If our Heart condemn us God is greater then our Heart and knoweth all things Beloved if our Heart condemn us not then have we Confidence towards God 1 John 3. 20 21. Blessed are they that do his Commandments that they may have Right to the Tree of Life Rev. 22. 14. They have assured hope
Wrath is kindled but a little They should fully consider whether those things God forbids and they will do can yield them more contentment and satisfaction in proportionable degree and duration then the things he commands and they refuse otherwise their Disobedience will be most unreasonable and foolish for they lose exceeding and eternal happiness and expose themselves to the like misery Certainly all the Enjoyments of this present time cannot make recompence for the torments to be revealed hereafter but what if it should be said further The pleasures of Sin for a season even whilst that season is do deprive of greater happiness then they bring and men are made more miserable by them In the very time they are so eagerly followed and had it would be better if the man had not used them If it can be made evidently to appear that living according to the Gospel renders more happy in this Life then taking the full swinge of Licentiousness and besides there is the consideration of a different futurity then it will be clearly demonstrated that there 's no such Fool as the Sinner And God is most gracious in providing so well for mankind and they without cause are malicious evil imprudent Psal 25. 3. and stubborn in not complying with his Grace and Goodness With the greatest Reason and Equity Judgments are prepared for Scorrers and Stripes for the back of Fools Prov. 19. 29. What more could have been done to bring men unto Heaven then by so ordering the matter that they shall be more happy in going the way to it then they could in the broad way that leads to destruction Here a doubt may arise from being thus differently named Mat. 7 13 14. They are thus called by reason of the difficulty of the one and out of observation and prophetick foresight that it hath and will have so few Travellers until the time of universal Reformation spoken of Isa 60. 15 21 22. And the other because of its easiness at first and those many who walk therein Now it doth not follow because a thing is more easie it is more satisfying for then slothful Persons would be more happy then those who undertake good and noble designs which are attended with difficulty Since our Nature is so much depraved by the fall we should of our selves slide down insensibly into Hell And that saying of our Lord Mat. 7. 13. Luke 13. 24. doth respect us as we are in our natural condition for we must put forth strength to go upwards to the holy Hill. It is said Strive to enter in at the strait Gate the Word imports exerting the utmost might but no mention is made of such exceeding striving when one is in It is indeed called the narrow Way but the way of the Righteous is made plain Prov. 15. 19. And one may better travel in a Road inclosed of both sides then those who stumble in their wayes from the ancient Paths in a way not cast up Jer. 18. 15. Or in those crooked Paths which whosoever goeth in shall not know Peace Isa 59. 8. Or who wander over Mountains Rocks and Deserts where lies no way these meet with greater Hardship Danger and uncertainty at long run The great difficulty and unpleasantness is in coming into the way of the Lord in passing by the other which is crowded with so many Gallants and a great multitude of all sorts which also hath a shew of smoothness and making choice of this which at first seems rugged a dry Ground and nothing of invitation therein The Devil makes big and noble Promises of what he will give to those who serve him All the Pleasure and Contentment in the World this they shall have presently and not tarry for it When the Son of Man comes He hath no Form or Comâ—lâ—nâ—ss and when we shall see him there is no Beauty that we should desire him He is desâ—ised and rejected of Men a Man of Sorrowâ— and acquainted with grief and we hid as it were our Faces from him Isa 53. 2 3. We do not at first discover any Loveliness in him there is no external Pomp or Greatness nor outward shew to ravish our Eyes He is laughed at in the World and we are apt to be ashamed of him Such we should be our selves look pitiful and little not worthy to be accounted of And then he makes no such Proffers of present advantage but Talks of Self-denial cutting of ones right hand hating Father and Mother and abundance of hard sayings so that who would come unto him If we were to confer with Flesh and Blood that is for present ease And will not admit what is in the least harsh and irksome Yet if we would consult with the Spirit of our Minds which can try and foresee things which willingly submits to a less trouble for Attainment of a greater good and avoiding a worse Evil Which doth not judge according to appearance but righteous Judgment which looks upon so much boasting and pretending as the usual Concomitants of Emptiness and Deceit On the other hand spies out a great deal of Excellency under a little outward shew Which is apt to suspect those who make large Promises and gives Credit when no more is promised then will be certainly performed Such an one will go after Christ He speaks in a modest way Come unto me all ye that Labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest Take my yoâ—e upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest to your Souls Mat. 11. 28 29. Only Rest the easiness of a Yoke and Lightness of a burden may seem but small things in Comparison to those offered on the other hand for there is one holds forth a Marvellous Lightsomeness and Cheerfulness of mind to them who are melancholy and sad If they come unto him he will not bring them at all into Subjection or Bondage Nothing shall be laid on their Necks yet their Souls shall enjoy all Happiness his Service is pleasant and easie He is wonderful frank he is for giving at one time all the Kingdoms of the World and Glory of them But stop Do they all make good that Satisfaction which mankind so eagerly desire and the Deceiver so much boasts of Do they set at Liberty or the more bring into Bondage For all the high Talk of him who was a Lyar from the beginning those seeming little and Contemptible offers of our Lord and Saviour do exceed all his That Joy Peace and substantial Blessedness Christ gives unto his Servants may appear more excellent then all those Pleasures and lying Vanities with which Satan beguiles his followers Perhaps he hath the advantage at the beginning but not at long run his Proselites seem jocund and brisk at first but they are not so always And if the Servant of the Most High God is dull and heavy at first setting out neither shall he be so always His joy increases but the
was for enjoying the Pleasures of Sin as long as he could and when they leave him to come in just soon enough as he imagines will save his Soul all for himself and nothing for God shall find how it will be accepted If we had right knowledge of the Godhead it would prevent abundance of mistakes and deceits in Masters of Religion Consisider him as All wise All-knowing with whom is Majesty and Honour Goodness and Power It is the wickedness of the wicked to Think that God was altogether such an one as himself Psal 50. 21. But whatever is of good report amongst Men there seeing himself is pleased to make such resemblances we may conclude that he will deal so with us as one Superiour dealeth with his Inferiour for which he is not blamed but commended in the sight of the World. The Prophet Mal. 1. argues after this manner very much to the present purpose and concludes the Chapter for I am a great King saith the Lord of Hosts and my Name is dreadful among the Heathen Conceive him therefore so and we are obliged to do as much to please him and make way for his Acceptance as any Earthly Monarch whatsoever Is it irksome It would indeed have been better not to have sinned but seeing thou hast thou must suffer the difficulty of Repentance or that which is worse Put on a good resolution and the irksomness will wear of Be encouraged by what the Lord Jesus saith I am not come to call the Righteous but Sinners to repentance Mat. 9. 13. Joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth more then over ninety nine persons which need no repentance Luke 15. 7. When any increase is mace to Christs fold besides those they had before Our nature is something aukward and averse to repent What to undo and recant to accuse our selves of fault folly and shame seems hard in our natural proud state Yet it is not unreasonable to confess what we cannot deny our imperfection and want of foresight It is an act of prudence to return from an errour and of such an one who is able to discern what is really good and profitable It is an advancement to a better state Was it not more unreasonable to do those things at first then it is now to leave them when they are discovered to be false and evil But chiefly which should have been mentioned in the first place seeing we have offended against a Great and Good God we are required Only acknowledge thine iniquity that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God Jer. 3. 13. What is more just and equal What hath God deserved at our hands that we should be so Rebellious against him Whatever pride may suggest it is no undervaluing for us poor Worms to fall low on our Faces before his Foot-stool to lie down in confusion and our shame hath covered us to make our Sabmission unto him He is worthy of the greatest prostration from far more excellent Creatures and they pay it accordingly Whatever the prophane foolish and scornful Men think of Religious Sneakes yet the God whom we serve is of such Greatness and Glory that ten times greater reverence is most due unto him then either we do or can give but the day will come when they shall more creep before the Holy One of Israel When God shall tread down his Enemies Let them inwardly laugh or smile at our crying peccavi they do the same unto their Superiours who are but Earth Worms and they shall further take up the very same voice when it will be disinal and fruitless When they shall be rejected and find no place for repentance though they seek for it carefully with Tears Heb. 12. 17. We do buâ—â— now what through the goodness and Mercy of God may avail to his forgiveness and reward what they shall be forced to in vain to turn from themselves Gnilt and Condemnation We have no reason to upbraid or look little upon one another for so doing for it is the case of us all we have sinned and are worthy of punishment he alone is Happy and Wise who useth this means to prevent it It is just that the Soul should be in the utmost subjection to the Father of Spirits that it should both pray and endeavour to be turned at the command of him who fashioned it to comply with the will of him who did both create and also would renew it The first was done without our consent and power the second will not seeing God is to be glorified by our free obedience and himself hath enabled us to give it without our working together with him who transforms the hearts of Men. Because we can just refuse must we necessarily do so He hath ordered the heart so that it may turn either way and should not it go towards its first mover turn unto the Lord our God Turn thou me and I shall be turned for thou art the Lord my God Jer. 31 8. Turn unto me and I will turn unto you saith the Lord of Hosts Zech. 1. 3. There must be some work of our own to concur with Gods Act and be partaker of his gracious Promise The heart is re â—less and dissatisfied until fixed on its proper Object which is God alone It covers after this or that thing but still doth not find content wandring up and down in its pursuit after Happiness but never meets with it Every least appearance and shadow is catched at but the only true and chiefest good is not minded nor sought after My people hath been lost sheep they have gone from Mountain to Hill they have forgot their resting place Jer. 50. 6. As the Soul hath a natural desire to know God not in those who have defaced it with sensuality and brutishness but who exert the operations thereof as they should so when it comes to be acâ—uainted with him is in peace It can be contented for the present and wait some time for the full enjoyment of him When it is once sensible God is willing of his Creatures Happiness hath placed them here only to try them and all his dealings are Wisdom Truth and Righteousness When it comes throughly to know the order of divine affairs then it both admires and is satisfied with the whole will and good pleasure of our God sits down contented and patiently bears with the things of this present time and hopes for nay is assured of good things to come But however hath not the least doubt or fear of future Evils which is a very considerable difference between the Righteous and the Wicked Repentance first brings into this happy state frees from the Spirit of errour and giddiness makes him to leave off those unsatisfactory Vanities suffers him not to be still deluded with false Imaginations tedious travel and after all Vexatious disappointment When by reason of the pain and insufficiency that is in all things of this World there is an utter despair of Happiness
against the Obedience of Christ yet this one thing is more then them all and which God principally insists upon He that Prayes gives Thanks or receives the Sacrament doth he them out of Obedience Then that is to oblige him to other things of Duty Doth he not them to the intent that he may be better enabled to this Or is he determined not to do this and put God of with only begging Pardon When a matter is in Controversie and the adverse party will not give it up unto him who hath Power and Right on his side but think to come of by asking formal Forgiveness for the Omission What would your selves conclude of such dealing God is neither to be mocked nor trifled wiâ—hal he will not accept of Lip-Labour instead of Obedience of the Heart outward Services will not pass with him for inward Transgression of the Will. If I regard iniquity in my Heart the Lord will not hear meâ— Psal 66. 18. It is rather a Voice of babling or whining then of Prayer and Supplication if there is the Spirit of Stubbornness within But however if done in a right manner still he is better pleased when we have a good and honourable Esteem of his awful Majesty then by speaking forth of the same with our Lips. If he did hear only by the hearing of the Ear our Voice how loud soever would not reach unto Heaven and if it did What are a few good Words unto him unless our selves do really assent that it is so What do signifie putting up Petitions unto him unless we endeavour after the things we pray for We do rather dishonour him by asking for Grace and his Holy Spirit if when he gives we receive them in vain by not working together with them In the Sacrament we express our Love to the Lord Jesus we try to exalt him and shew our selves thankful as much as we can but still there is something more he looks after then strains of gratitude and Complemental Expressions Why call ye me Lord Lord and do not the things which I say Luke 6. 46. The end of all the Commandments of all the Duties of Religion of all those Transactions that ever passed between God and Man and whatsoever he hath revealed of himself is Obedience We cannot imagine any other way of approving our selves unto him those who have the best Esteem of us and are willing to do every thing we would have they get our Love and Favour Would we carry our selves after the same manner to the God of all things He is pleased Oh infinite Condescention and Goodness to manifest his Love call us Friends Jam. 2. 23. John 15. 14. and hath promised a Reward We have Kings and Governors of our Flesh which rule over us and we give them reverence shall we not much rather be in Subjection to the Father of Spirits and live For they verily for a few days here on Earth exercise Dominion over us after their own Pleasure and for the publick Good but he for our Profit that we might be Partakers of his Holiness have some little Taste of good things here and be ever Happy with him hereafter There are the Arguments of his Soveraignty Acts 17. 28. Greatness Right and Propriety but there is one more to which the Judgment of an Heathen and the Sense of all mankind besides Witnesseth Saith Aristoâ—le All People obey that which is profitable for them And upon this Reason our God doth deserve Arist Rhet. lâ—b 1. cap. 8. Obedience from all Nations and People of the World for now he hath made them so as they are that he might set before them the good and the evil He hath most excellently consulted for their Being by giving them Statutes so righteous and holy as he hath done which are to make them as Happy as considering their imperfect Condition they can be whilst in this World. O what great Exhortation hath our God given to bring all the Sons and Daughters of Adam over unto him that if they will hearken unto and consider thereof if they would * Psal 22. 27. Remember they must be turned unto the Lord their God. He would be reconciled to the World or he would never make known so many pressing Motives to it that whosoever would attend to them and not suffer the Temptations of Satan or his own Flesh to draw him aside it is impossible he should stand out still in Rebellion against God. There is some mis-apprehension which is one cause of that Enmity and Backwardness in the Heart of Man towards him If it was the Pleasure of our God that the greater part of mankind or that any should perish he would never have done so much as he hath that all should come to Repentance He hath given them Power to 2 Pet. 3. 3. Act freely and of themselves suffering them so to do as is very agreeable to a Life of Tryal God hath done all that lies on his part affording to Man Revelation his Word without his Spirit within and hath Commanded to comply with them But if he will not do this if he continues willingly ignorant if he of set purpose refuses to hear or read Gods Truth If he will not make use of those means of Grace and Salvation which are appointed and he is Commanded to do this is despising knowledge and refusing Subjection unto the Almighty Vpon this Hinge turns the whole of Mans Salvation for by Thought and Reason he Acts none is mad at all times but hath Consideration even of that kind of Life and if he first determines not to be acquainted with the ways of God then that natural Aversation which is too much in us all and would likewise hinder the best if not thus prevented will certainly keep him off and that will increase more by Sin and evil Habits and so Satan will get him at the first Assault Strange that this wilful and stubborn Temper should creep into that Ingenuity which all pretend unto That this way of Destruction should be chosen against that Self-preservation and willingness to be Happy which is in all Men. That reasonable Creatures should obstinately stick to that which is so full of Danger and forsake that wherein is all imaginable Security Is there in the only way of Peace any thing hard and aâ—kward Why should he lie under those Thoughts Consult throughly and they will prove otherwise Incline your Ear and come unto me hear and your Soul shall live Isa 55. 3. Knoweth he not that if he will do this he shall be saved And what is he unwilling or afraid of that If he would weigh the Arguments he must both believe and consider and then let him Act contrary if he can but he doth not care to be perswaded to be a Christian Then O Man thou hast destroyed thy self Who can Pity him that perishes by Hunger and Thirst when Victuals are set by him and he might receive them if he would If People are
forced and it is expected what they do it should be with a willing mind considering which they have Assistances sufficient to work out their own Salvation God hath been pleased to establish all things in an orderly way What pertain to his Kingdom over the Sons of Men have their Rules and their appointed means and his Blessing doth always Accompany them He doth not work Miracles where the thing may be done in a way he hath already shewed To turn the Hearts of the Fathers unto the Children and the Disobedient to the VVisdom of the just to make ready a People prepared for the Lord Luke 1. 17. He gives his Word Spirit and Ministers By the help of them and putting forth the strength God hath given us all this may very well be accomplished As the great Super-intendent in his Works of Nature hath left them to go in their Course so in his Kingdom of Grace which is over the Souls of Men he hath ordained alike Method to spring forth and increase by appointed means The great and only business which hath passed between God and Men is concerning their Obedience in this World and their Salvation in that which is to come And therein may be observed from the very first Creation of them a most wise contrivance of things on Gods part but the utmost folly giving back and rebellion on ours Had we consented and for us performed what we might have done there had been no separation between God and us which our iniquities have now made Wilful ignorance and sloth hath occasioned this evil by not improving the Talent but hiding it in a Napkin Would any one act according to the grace and power given him and according to the way shewed he shall never miscarry Christ hath made up for Adams Transgression so that the Lord being our helper we may do the things well-pleasing in his sight if our selves will sincerely set to do them God is faithful and would not try our Obedience by more then we are able to perform he gives aid and offers more if we would but seek and make use of it Doth any one desire to be saved Who doth not Why then there is no more required but his real working together with the grace of God and according to his means It is astonishing to consider that seeing God hath given all those great and powerful Arguments to stir up Man to his Duty and then all the faculties of his Soul have a tendency towards it yet so few are brought over to a right sence and universal practice of Religion But Satan trys all ways to drive them off and then is their own aversation through corrupt nature to the things of God but here again if they would consult his Word they would not be ignorant of those devices of the Enemy which might be rendred ineffectual and then by striving contrary and giving diligence that averâ—ation would by degrees wear of There is sufficient done that all might come to life It is not the Will of your Father which is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish Mat. 18. 14. Some do needlesly inquire concerning the number of those that shall be saved When the Question was asked our Lord Luke 13. 23 24. he gives no direct answer to it but commands to take care for themselves and if every one did so there would be no need to ask such a Question This is certain every Man or Woman may perform those conditions to which Salvation is promised each single person may obey God keep the sayings of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and patiently continue in Well-doing The Scripture observing the Irreligion and wickedness of Men in Gal. 3. â— those Generations when it was Penned and foreseeing how it would be in following Ages speaketh in that wise as it doth but yet the same word saith All the ends of the World shall remember and turn unto the Lord and all the kindreds of the Nation shall Worship before thee Psal 22. 27. which is to be fulfilled as the others have been and are Every one is called upon to this it is in the power of all to hear or read the Scriptures to Pray to examine further evidences of it and Faith comes by these things and â—e will believe He may again attend to the Word of Exhortation and then he will do For that is to be said for the excellency of our Religion that never any one could see all that may be said for it and then reject it If the wicked Man would suffer himself to know what might be alledged for Obedience unto God himself would not refuse it He is afraid and dares not consider of the Arguments which enforce the same for then he would be converted and healed and therefore it is not without cause the subtle Enemy labours so much to hinder from that Whereas if he is in the most natural state yet if he is endued but with common Wisdom he should not presently set that at naught which in this carries so much of its Divinity and Truth And he should suspect his own course because he doth as it were distrust those excuses and pretences for Reasons he hath none for his Wickedness in that they dare not in the least stand in competition with what may be said for the contrary Way Men could never go on as now they do unless worse then the deaf Adder they stop the Ear and refuse to hear the Voice of the Charmer charm he never so wisely They act commonly by slight apprehension of things as for those of this Worâ—d they suffer to sink deep and lie at the very ground of their Hearts but for heavenly they either shut them quite out or they lie scattered at the top and have no deepness of Earth and no Root Mat. 13. 5 6. It is seldom that things are done altogether in a hurry but generally people act what they think best to be done In the very heart there is an approbation of them they may outwardly commend another kind but then they have within them a secret reserve and give preference to what they do or else hope to escape the danger The great controversie in the World is Whether Men should obey the Law of God or the Law of Sin Whether they shall do according to his Will or be Master of their own Actions None will deny that God is to be obeyed nor can they gain-say against his Law which is Good Just and Reasonable this is allowed of even by the transgressour But then for following his own course he hath some fancies which are kept secret within himself and are at the very bottom of his mind which with him do weigh down those general Considerations The present Pleasure Profit or Conveniencies or thinking to repent and avoid Gods indignation and such kind of thoughts which the Tempter doth suggest and his own heart doth receive and improve to the utmost advantage that they stand in
satisfaction concerning that great doubt of Futurity There is a way shewed by patient continuance in well doing which any one may that will comply with and put forth the Principles of Good in him to partake of the blessed Immortality Rom. 4. 20. If it were not to derogate from Faith by which God is Glorified I could lay down how our Religion relies upon the greatest certainty that possibly can be for the Happiness and Safety of Mankind So where Philosophy was at a loss this helps and gives firm establishment to the Man as it shews unto him how his Condition shall be after Death according as he orders his Conversaâ—ion now It may be said he need not trouble himself with things afar of yet they may be nearer then he is aware even to Morrow The time after he is gone out of the World is manifestly Ionger then whilst he is in and will as certainly be so he is equally obliged to be concerned about it It is a sad case when one must be forced to borrow Comfort from the other World for then commonly none is to be had in this whereof we are most assured because we are herein but the other is to come and of doubtful Expectation Shew us some Relief here Such are the suggestions of Unbelief which yet may be answered by Sence and by Reason for our Fyes behold other parts of the World then what we are in now â—â—e Spirit from within testifies that we are not here in our prâ—per place Experience assures we must depart hence in a very little time The natural Understanding leads up to the Knowledge of God who made and governs all things We can well suppose that he who gave a Being and so many Conveniencies for one part of us can also provide for the other As he is the Father of Mcrcies so the God of all Consolation we taste and see them so we may perceive this also The nourishment of the Body according to his appointed means springs from the Earth whence it was taken so likewise doth the true Comfort of the Soul according to its Original come from above the Father the Word and the Spirit There is nothing below sutable to this Spiritual and Restless part of us lf we had Comfort only in the things of this World we were of all Creatures must Miserable for they Psal 145. 16 19. have what satiâ—fies from what is before them but not we being designed to Thirst and Labour after greater things A Voice was heard in Rama Lamentation and bitter Weeping Rachel Weeping for her Children refused to be Comforted for her Children because they were not Jer. 31. 15. So it is all the World over people are irrecoverably deprived of persons and things Nothing can countervail the loss of them but hope of having and meeting them again for which we are beholden unto a Resurrection and another State. It is manifest they are not had here again and we are tormented with earnest longings after them and have real thoughts of seeing them yet again which were never put in our nature in Vain Thus Man dieth not as a Beast dieth for there are no such affections from the Dam or others of the Herd as we have concerning Relations Friends and Acquaintance Saith the Messias our Lord These things have I spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace in the World ye shall have Tribulation but be of good cheer I have overcome the World John 16. 33. If the Heavens were not sometimes opened and a little dew did descend from above If we had not sometimes little sprinklings of the Divine Favour If we had not recourse to that Book where the words are pleasant as an Honey-Comb Sweet to the Soul and Health to the Bones Prov. 16. 24. We should have a weary and tiresome Journey through this place for here is no rest and nothing proper for us How prophetically do Men speak of Fnturity before it was plainly revealed I Gen. 49. 18. have waited sor thy Salvation O Lord saith dying Jacob. The Words seem to come in without Connexion on the former as Light immediately sprung into the Soul a full assurance then of what he had faintly hoped and fore-thought of his few and evil days and now it was beginning to be accomplished I had fainted unless I had believed to see the Goodness of the Lord in the Land of the Living Psal 27. 13. This is not for all here are dead or dying so we are as soon as we begin to draw Breath Even the Inhabitants of the earthly Canaan do not boast of the Happiness which aâ—ises from the Ground of their Health and Plenty but of the Goodness and loving Kindness of the Lord of their Trust in him Much more should those under the Gospel Who are kept by the power of God through Faith unto Salvation ready to be revealed in the last time 1 Pet. 4. 5. Let not your Hearts be troubled Believe in God Believe in me John 14. 1. The Sence of him above under whose good Providence we live all our days those many Mansions in his House verse 2. So there is room for us if we use his Grace to become meet these are greater Comforts then the World can give which are not to be despised nor cast off as a resâ—rve for compare them a little with yours ye worldly Minded and Unbelievers The reason why you set them at naught is from Want and Ignorance But wo unto you that are Rich sor yet have received your Consolation VVo unto you that are Full for ye shall Hunger VVo unto you that Laugh now for ye shall Mourn and Weep Luke 6. 24 25. Being puffed up with Sensnality and your Souls become as it were of the same nature with the Body they begin to rellish the same Enjoyments also and to approve of them You now care for nothing more but you shall be taken from these things You who rejectthe good things of Gods Kingdom now offered unto you shall then lament the refusal of them Will you lightly esteem of that which doth ever remain when those things are done away which you highly value now Only be Wise in time consider of that before hand which you must at length be sensible of whither you will or not Tâ—y and be acquainte and your selves will affirm not withstanding all Pleasures Enjoyment Company and Recreations the two first make Brutish not Happy the others make unmindful for a little while but do not prevent Misery yet in the midst of Health Life and Vigour much more in the time of Tribulation There is no such true Happiness and sincere Comfort as what arises from God and the things of another World. Evil doth beset and fall upon us in the threeâ—old capacity of Mind Body and Estate which doth Afflict as it disturbs and is contrary Of Sorrow to the regular Order of each Indeed they especially the two first are connected that if the one suffers
is endâ—ed with real Wisdom cannot take pleasure in Fools Mirth or an idle Jest Who are passed over the festivities of Childhood and Youth cannot still shew themselves transported with Vanities Who have seen and fully observed the same heretofore are not to be admired if not lifted up with little Novelties Whose Conversation is in Heaven and their Affections on things above shall they be blamed if knowing the difference and they do not shew forth the like rejoycing at the common Accidents and little things here below Who do not resort to Drink and Company to cheer up their Spirits or still the Disorder within for they are in a right frame already The Sea within is smooth and like a molten Looking Glass where they can reflect and be satisfied with their inward likeness It is Impertinent if not Sinful to disswade them from Holy things who delight therein As long as they can go on in such a course all their days let them do as much as Gods Grace shall direct rhem Another knoweth not what Comfort they find therein how they have their Body in subjection and to what a measure of Love and Spirituality they are arrived So they may do those Acts without tiring which others cannot now that are not yet so far attained but may attain The Scripture makes frequent mention of those who do not enough for Heaven but nothing against them who do too much for there is no danger of exceeding That particularly lays down all things necessary and relating to Mans Salvation and also speaks of his temporal Happiness in Subordination to that yet there is not one word mentioned concerning Religious Melancholy or Mopishness Without question there were some in the days of the inspired Writers whose Conversation was obnoxious to that Character as now What the World calls Melancholy in Scripture Phrase is Sorrow and to that somewhat is said by way of Comfort but it was to be in God not to take people off nor to have recourse to those Arts as Sinners do The best way of solving Fears Scruples and Disquiet is to give a people a right understanding of them but let none resort to the Pleasures of Sin and idle Company which increase but not cure them We read of the Temptations and Devices of Satan Spiritual Desertions Ignorance intervening Sins and Infirmities which cause Vexation and Trouble but nothing of illness of Blood or Bodily Constitution there is no intimation of this in Holy Writ But it is the Opinion of late Physitians which hath been received so far by Divines that to improve this notion of Melancholy a little further and the other of Enthusiasm would be the ready and effectual way to cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us Isa 30. 11. For let all regrets of Conscience pass for Melancholy and the workings of Gods Spirit for Enthusiasum or â—aâ—cy inward Religion is in danger to be destroyed which is the most sensible Evidence of the Truth and certainty thereof That can never fail but the Knowledge thereof may be lost as several times already it hath near been but will not be so again because of the Promises of God which are near at hand even at the very door to be accomplished Is there then nothing in bodily Constitution Not so much as is pretended and that again may be altered The corruptible Body presseth down the Soul which is common to all and that difference of temper in particular persons which yet is not so much as commonly talked of serves for an Exercise and Tryal of the greater Vertue That the Soul may yet ascend and lift up it self And then the Power of Gods Grace and their complying with it can and doth actually change the natures of Men. That natural tendency and Seriousness was therefore put in them to move towards their right end And also finding no true Happiness here they are prompted to look out for one to come It is so ordered by the good God that all Mankind might be saved and come to the Knowledge of the Truth some more this way some another according to their Inclinations of Soul Body and Condition of Life One hath the Advantage in this thing another in that but some Degree of what is understood by the Word Melancholy is communicated to all Froâ—lick and Mirth are more incidental to Youth But there it is a striving against nature for if not supported by outward Helps and Objects it doth fall down into Seriousness so it is of riper Age. The great mistake is we observe many things without the reason of them All things tend to their Center and what is in Man moves towards his proper end which is doing the things for which God hath made him As the Fish on dry Land beats it self to Death because not in his own Element As the Turâ—le mourns away for want of her Companion there is an uneasiness even from very Childhood if not in some Action So if Man were kept away from God debarred from Company and always to be idle he would pine away in Sorrow which worketh Death before the time because there is such a strong Inclination in his nature to the first principally Ezek. 24. 23. and the others in subordination to him Although Wicked and Ungodly Men do pursue the two lesser ends yef forsaking the great Principal upon which the others should depend they are tormented for want of true Happiness all their Life long so that by reason of the weariness even they are willing to die The Righteous desire a more full Enjoyment of him whom they have known only by Faith and seen darkly Their Soul is athirst for God. When shall I come to appear before God they are more induced to long after it because of the Vain and imperfect state they are in here they do indee desire Immortality aâ—d shall have it The Wicked being conscious whom they have despised and forgotten they wish to Sleep for ever for they had rather so continue then awake and rise up to Punishment What a sad thing it is to be deceived and willingly ignorant of their proper End To be restless all the way and disappointed at last To live in a perpetual Violence and Contradiction to themselves to turn aside the Soul from its natural bent To keep her though in Pain and Displeasure from her Center and Rest and at length when she would have ascended upwards to sink into the Bottom as a Stone To have notrue Comfort and Satisfaction in the Light of the Living nor whilâ—t the days of Darkness draw on Now Consider this ye that forgeâ— God Whose Souls are yet in the Body Take away the weights of Sin that do clog and press down Remember the days past before habitual Sin and evil Habits came on to what did the Motions within aspire and prompt unto Before the Spirit was made unclean did it not soar up towards the Father of Spirits When it was not corrupted with Malice and