satisfaction God comes in with his Grace turnes the soule to himselfe and so robbes those Aegyptian lusts and so consecrates that to the use of the Tabernacle which was provided for Idols Men may be thus entangled in better things than learning even in the profession of piety in their labour in the ministry and the like Some mens profession is a snare to them they are in reputation and are much honoured on the account of their profession and strict walking This often fals out in the daies wherein we live wherein all things are carried by parties some find themselves on the accounts mentioned perhaps to be the darlings and ingentia decora or glory of their party if thoughts hereof secretly insinuate themselves into their hearts and influence them into more then ordinary diligence and activity in their way and profession they are entangled and instead of ayming at more glory had need lye in the dust in a sense of their owne vilenesse and so close with this temptation that oftentimes it requires no food to feed upon but that he who is intangled with it do avoid all meanes and waies of honour and reputation so that it can but whisper in the heart that that avoidance is honorable The same may be the condition with men as was said in preaching the Gospell in the work of the Ministry many things in that work may yeeld them esteeme their Ability their plainesse their frequency their successe and all in this sense may be fuell unto temptations Let then a man know that when he likes that which feeds his lust and keeps it up by waies either good in themselves or not downe right sinfull he is entred into Temptation 4. When by a mans state or condition of life or any meanes whatever it comes to passe that his Lust and any Temptation meet with Occasions and Opportunities for its provocation and stirring up Let that man know whether he perceive it or not that he is certainly entred into Temptation I told you before that to enter into temptation is not meerly to be tempted but so to be under the power of it as to be intangled by it Now it is impossible almost for a man to have Opportunities Occasions Advantages suited to his Lust and corruption but he will be intangled If Ambassadors come from the King of Babilon Hezekiahs pride will cast him into temptation If Hazael be King of Syria his cruelty and Ambition will make him to rage savagely against Israel if the Priests come with their peices of silver Judas his covetousnesse will instantly be at work to sell his Master and many instances of the like kind may in the daies wherein we live be given Some men think to play on the hole of the aspe and not be stung to touch pitch and not be defiled to take fire in their cloaths and not be burnt but they will be mistaken If thy businesse course of life societies or what ever else it be of the like kind do cast thee on such Things Waies Persons as suit thy Lust or corruption know that thou art entred into Temptation how thou wilt come out God only knowes let us suppose a man that hath any seeds of filthinesse in his heart engaged in the course of his life in society light vaine and foolish what notice soever litle great or none at all it be that he takes of it he is undoubtedly entred into temptation so is it with ambition in high places passion in a multitude of perplexing affaires polluted corrupt fancy in vaine societies and the perusall of idle books or Treatises of vanity and folly fire and things combustible may more easily be induced to lye together without affecting each other then peculiar lusts and suitable objects or occasions for their exercise 5. When a man is weakened made negligent or formall in duty when he can omit duties or content himselfe with a carelesse lifelesse performance of them without delight joy or satisfaction to his soule who had another frame formerly let him know that though he may not be acquainted with the particular distemper wherein it consists yet in something or other he is entred into Temptation which at the length he will find evident to his trouble and perill How many have we seene and knowne in our daies who from a warme profession have fallen to be negligent carelesse indifferent in Praying Reading Hearing and the like give an instance of one who hath come off without a wound and I dare say you may find out an hundred for him that have manifested themselves to have been a sleepe on the top of the mast that they were in the jaws of some vile Temptation or other that afterwards brought forth bitter fruit in their lives and waies from some few Returnes from folly we have every day these dolefull complaints made Oh I neglected private prayer I did not meditate on the Word nor attend to hearing but rather despised these things yet said I was rich and wanted nothing litle did I consider that this uncleane lust was ripening in my heart this Atheisme these Abominations were fomenting there This is a certaine rule if his heart grow cold negligent or formall in duties of the worship of God and that either as to the matter or manner of them who hath had another frame one Temptation or other hath laid hold upon him World or pride or uncleanesse or selfe seeking or malice and envy or one thing or other hath possessed his spirit gray haires are here and there upon him though he perceive it not And this is to be observed as to the manner of duties as well as to the matter Men may upon many sinister accounts especially for the satisfaction of their consciences keep up and frequent duties of Religion as to the substance and matter of them when they have no heart to them no life in them as to the spirituality required in their performance Sardis kept up the performance of duties and had therefore a name to live but it wanted spirituall life in their performance and was therefore dead Rev. 3. 1. As it is in distempers of the body if a man find his spirits faint his Heart oppressed his Head heavy the whole person indisposed though he do not yet actually burne nor rave yet he will cry I feare I am entering into a feaver I am so out of order and indisposed A man may do so in this sicknesse of the soule If he find his pulse not beat aright and evenly towards duties of worship and communion with God if his spirit be low and his heart faint in them let him conclude though his lust doth not yet burne nor rage that he is entered into Temptation and it is high time for him to consider the particular Causes of his distemper If the head be heavy and slumber in the things of Grace if the heart be cold in duties evill lies at the doore And if such a soule do escape a great
Temptation unto sinne yet it shall not escape a great temptation by desertion The spouse cries I sleepe Cant. 5. 2. and that she had put off her coat and could not put it on had an indisposition to duties and Communion with Christ What is the next newes you have of her vers 6. her beloved had withdrawne himselfe Christ was gone and shee seeks him long and finds him not There is such a suitablenesse between the new nature that is wrought and created in believers and the duties of the worship of God that they will not be parted nor kept asunder unlesse it be by the interposition of some disturbing distēper The new creature feeds upon them is strengthened and increased by them finds sweetnesse in them yea meets in them with its God and Father so that it cannot but of its selfe unlesse made sick by some temptation but delight in them and desire to be in the exercise of them This frame is described in the 119th Psalme throughout It is not I say cast out of this frame and temper unlesse it be oppressed and disorder'd by one secret Temptation or other Sundry other evidences there are of a soules entring into temptation which upon enquiry it may discover I propose this to take off the security that we are apt to fall into and to manifest what is the peculiar duty that we are to apply our selves unto in the speciall seasons of Temptation For he that is already entred into temptation is to apply himselfe unto meanes for disintanglement not to labour to prevent his entering in How this may be done I shall afterwards declare CHAP. V. The second case proposed or enquiries resolved What are the best directions to prevent entering into temptation Those directions laid downe The directions given by our Saviour Watch and Pray What is included therein 1. Sense of the danger of Temptation 2. That it is not in our power to keep our selves 3. faith in promises of preservation Of Prayer in particular Of Watching HAving seene the danger of entring into temptation and also discovered the waies and seasons whereby and wherein men usually do so Our second enquiry is what generall directions may be given to preserve a soule from that condition that hath been spoken of And we see our Saviours direction in the place spoken of before Matth. 26. 41. He sums up all in these two words Watch and Pray I shall a little labour to unfold them and shew what is enwrapped and contained in them and that both jointly and severally 1. There is included in them a cleare abiding Apprehension of the great evill that there is in entering into Temptation That which a man watches and prayes against He looks upon as evill to him and by all meanes to be avoided This then is the first direction Alwaies beare in mind the great danger that it is for any soule to enter into Temptation It is a woefull thing to consider what slight thoughts the most have of this thing so men can keep themselves from sinne it selfe in open action they are content they scarce aime at more on any Temptation in the world all sorts of men will venture at any time How will young men put themselves on any company any society at first being delighted with evill company then with the evill of the company How vaine are all Admonitions and Exhortations to them to take heed of such or such persons debauched in themselves corrupters of others destroyers of soules at first they will venture on the company abhorring the thoughts of practising their lewdnesse but what is the issue unlesse it be here or there one whom God snatches with a mighty hand from the jawes of destruction they are all lost and become after a while in love with the evill which at first they abhorred This open doore to the ruine of soules is too evident and woefull experience makes it no lesse evident that it is almost impossible to fasten upon many poore creatures any feare or dread of Temptation who yet will professe a feare and abhorrency of sin Would it were only thus with young men such as are unaccustomed to the yoke of the Lord What sort of man is free from this folly in one thing or other How many professors have I known that would plead for their Liberty as they called it They could heare any thing all things all sorts of men all men they would try all things whither they come to them in the way of God or no and on that account would runne to heare and to attend to every broacher of false and abominable opinions every seducer though stigmatized by the generality of the Saints for such a one they had their liberty they could do it but the opinions they hated as much as any what hath been the issue I scarce ever knew any come off without a wound the most have had their faith overthrowne Let no man then pretend to feare sinne that doth not feare temptation to it They are too nearely ally'd to be seperated Satan hath put them so together that it is very hard for any man to put them asunder He hates not the fruit who delights in the root When men see that such waies such companies such courses such businesses such studdies and aymes do entangle them make them cold carelesse are quenchcoles to them indispose them to even universall and constant obedience if they adventure on them sinne lies at the doore It is a tender frame of spirit sensible of its owne weaknesse and corruption of the craft of Satan of the evill of sin of the efficacy of Temptation that can performe this duty And yet untill we bring our hearts to this frame upon the considerations before mentioned or the like that may be proposed we shall never free our selves from sinnefull intanglements Boldnesse upon temptation springing from severall pretences hath as is knowne ruined innumerable professors in those daies and still continues to cast many downe from their Excellency nor have I the least hope of a more fruitfull profession amongst us untill I see more feare of Temptation Sin will not long seeme great or heavy unto any to whom temptations seeme light or small This is the first thing enwrapped in this Generall direction The daily exercise of our thoughts with an apprehension of the great danger that lyes in entring into Temptation is required of us Griefe of the spirit of God disquietment of our owne soules losse of peace Hazard of eternall welfare lyes at the doore If the soule be not prevailed withall to the observation of this direction all that ensues will be of no value Temptation despised will conquer and if the heart be made tender and watchfull here halfe the work of securing a Good Conversation is over And let not him go any farther who resolves not to improve this direction in a daily Conscientious observation of it 2. There is this in it also That it is not a thing in our owne
power to keep and preserve our selves from entring into temptation Therefore are we to pray that we may be preserved from it because we cannot save our selves This is another meanes of preservation As we have no strength to resist a Temptation when it doth come when we are entred into it but shall fall under it without a supply of sufficiency of Grace from God so to reckon that we have no power or wisdome to keep our selves from entring into temptation but must be kept by the power and wisdome of God is a preserving principle 1 Pet. 1. 5. We are in all things kept by the power of God This our Saviour instructs us in not only by directing us to pray that we be not lead into temptation but also by his owne praying for us that we may be kept from it Joh. 17. 15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world but that thou shouldest keep them from the evill That is the Temptations of the world unto evill unto sinne {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} out of the evill that is in the world that is Temptation which is all that is evill in the world or from the evill one who in the world makes use of the world unto Temptation Christ prays his Father to keep us and instructs us to pray that we be so kept it is not then a thing in our owne power The waies of our entring into temptation are so many various and imperceptible the meanes of it so efficacious and powerfull the entrances of it so deceitfull subtile insensible and plausible our weaknesse our unwatchfulnesse so unspeakable that we cannot in the least keep or preserve our selves from it we faile both in wisdome and power for this work Let the heart then commune with its selfe and say I am poore and weake Satan is subtile cunning powerfull watching constantly for Advantages against my soule the world earnest pressing and full of specious pleas innumerable pretences and waies of deceit my owne corruption violent and tumultuating enticing entangling conceiving sinne and warring in me against me Occasions and advantages of Temptation innumerable in all things I have done or suffer in all businesses and persons with whom I converse The first beginnings of Temptation insensible and plausible so that left unto my selfe I shall not know that I am ensnared untill my bonds be made strong and sinne hath got ground in my heart therefore on God alone will I rely for preservation and continually will I look up to him on that account This will make the soule be alwaies committing its selfe to the care of God resting its selfe on him and to do nothing undertake nothing c without asking counsell of him So that a double Advantage will arise from the Observation of this direction both of singular use for the soules preservation from the evill feared First The engagement of the grace and compassion of God who hath called the Fatherlesse and helplesse to rest upon him nor did ever soule faile of supplys who in a sense of want rolled its selfe on him on the account of his gratious invitation Secondly the keeping of it in such a frame as on various accounts is usefull for its preservation He that looks to God for assistance in a due manner is both sensible of his danger and conscientiously carefull in the use of meanes to preserve himselfe which tvvo of vvhat importance they are in this case may easily be apprehended by them vvho have their hearts exercised in these things 3. This also is in it Act Faith on the promise of God for preservation To believe that he vvill preserve us is a meanes of preservation For this God vvill certainly doe or make avvay for us to escape out of Temptation if vve fall into it under such a believing frame We are to pray for vvhat God hath promised Our requests are to be regulated by his promises and commands vvhich are of the same extent faith closes vvith the promises and so finds reliefe in this case This James instructs us in Ch. 1. 5 7. What we vvant vve must aske of God but vve must aske it in faith for othervvise vve must not think that we shall receive any thing of the Lord This then also is in this direction of our Saviour that vve act Faith on the promises of God for our preservation out of Temptation He hath promised that he will keep us in all our wayes that we shall be directed in a way that though we are fooles we shall not erre in it Isa. 55. 8. that he will lead us guide us and deliver us from the evill one Set faith on worke on these promises of God and expect a good and comfortable issue It is not easily conceived what a traine of Graces faith is attended withall when it goes forth to meet Christ in the promises nor what a power for the preservation of the soul lyes in this thing But I have spoken to this elsevvhere 4. Weigh these things severally and 1. take prayer into consideration to pray that we enter not into Temptation is a meanes to preserve us from it Glorious things are by all men that know ought of those things spoken of this duty yet the truth is not one halfe of its Excellency power and efficacy is knowne It is not my businesse to speake of it in Generall but this I say as to my present purpose he that would be little in temptation let him be much in prayer This calls in the sutable help succour that is laid up in Christ for us Heb. 4. 16. This casteth our soules into a frame of opposition to every Temptation When Paul had given instruction for the taking to our selves the whole armour of God that we may resist and stand in a time of Temptation he addes this generall close of the whole Ep. 6. 18. praying alwaies with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication Without this all the rest will be of no efficacy for the end proposed And therefore consider what weight he layes on it praying alwaies that is at all times and seasons or be alwaies ready and prepared for the discharge of that duty Luk. 18. 1. 1 Thes. 5. 14. with all prayer and supplications in the spirit putting forth all kindes of desires unto God that are suited to our condition according to his will and which we are assisted in by the Spirit and watching thereunto lest we be diverted by any thing what ever and that not for a little while but with all perseverance continuance lengthned out to the utmost so shall we stand The soule so framed is in a sure posture and this is one of the meanes without which this worke will not be done If we doe not abide in prayer we shall abide in cursed Temptations Let this then be another direction Abide in prayer and that expressly to this purpose that we enter
2. the things that remained were ready to dye be watchfull sayes our Saviour and strengthen them or a worse thing will befall thee if any that reads the word of this direction be in this condition if he hath any regard of his poore soule let him now awake before he be entangled beyond recovery Take this warning from God despise it not 3. A season of great spirituall enjoyments is often by the malice of Satan and the weaknesse of our hearts turned into a season of danger as to this businesse of Temptation We know how the case stood with Paul 2 Cor. 12. 7. he had glorious spirituall Revelations of God Jesus Christ instantly Satan fals upon him a messenger from him buffets him so that he earnestly begges its departure but yet is left to struggle with it God is pleased sometimes to give us especiall discoveries of himselfe and his love to fill the heart with his kindnesse Christ takes us into the banqueting house and gives our hearts their fills of love and this by some signall worke of his spirit overpowering us with a sense of Love in the unspeakable priviledge of Adoption and so fills our soules with joy unspeakable and glorious A man would thinke this was the securest condition in the world what soule does not cry with Peter in the mount it is Good for me to be here to abide here for ever But yet very frequently some bitter temptation is now at hand Satan sees that being possest by the Joy before us we quickly neglect many wayes of approach to our soules wherein he seeks and finds advantages against us Is this then our state and condition does God at any time give us to drinke of the rivers of pleasure that are at his right hand and satisfy our soules with his kindnesse as with marrow and fatnesse Let us not say we shall never be moved we know not how soone God may hide his face or a messenger from Satan may buffet us Besides there lyes oftentimes a greater and worse deceit in this businesse men cheat their soules with their own fancies in stead of a sense of Gods love by the Holy Ghost and when they are lifted up with their imaginations it is not expressible how fearfully they are exposed to all manner of Temptations and how they are able to find reliefe against their consciences from their own foolish fancies and deceivings wherewith they sport themselves may we not see such every day persons walking in the vanities and wayes of this world yet boasting of their sense of the love of God shall we believe them vve must not then believe truth its selfe and hovv vvofull then must their condition needs be 4. A 4th season is a season of selfe confidence then usually Temptation is at hand The case of Peter is cleare unto this I will not deny thee though all men should deny thee I will not though I vvere to dye for it I vvould not doe it This said the poore man vvhen he stood on the very brinke of that temptation that cost him in the issue such bitter teares And this taught him so far to knovv himselfe all his dayes and gave him such acquaintance with the state of all Believers that when he had received more of the spirit and of power yet he had lesse of confidence and saw it was fit that others should have so also And therefore perswades all men to passe the time of their sojurning here in feare 1 Pet. 1. 17. Not to be confident and high as he was lest as he did they fall At the first triall he compares himselfe with others vaunts himselfe above them though all men should forsake thee yet I will not he feares every man more than himselfe But when our Saviour afterwards comes to him puts him directly upon the comparison Simon Peter lovest thou me more than these Joh. 21. 15. he hath done comparing himselfe with others and only cryeth Lord thou knowest that I love thee He will lift up himselfe above others no more Such a season oftentimes falls out Temptations are abroad in the world false doctrines with innumerable other allurements provocations we are ready every one to be very confident that we shall not be surprized with them though all men should fall into these follies yet we would not surely we shall never goe off from our walking with God it is impossible our hearts should be so sottish But sayes the Apostle be not high minded but feare let him that standeth take heed lest he fall Wouldest thou thinke that Peter who had walked on the sea with Christ confessed him to be the Sonne of God been with him on the mount when he heard the voice from the excellent Glory should at the word of a servant girle when there was no legall inquisition after him no processe against him nor any one in his condition instantly fall a cursing and sweareing that he knew him not let them take heed of selfe-confidence who have any mind to take heed of sinne And this is the first thing in our watching to consider well the seasons wherein temptation usually makes its approaches to the soule and be armed against them And these are some of the seasons wherein Temptations are nigh at hand CHAP. VII Severall acts of Watchfulnesse against Temptation proposed Watch the heart What it is to be watched in and about Of the snares lying in mans naturall tempers Of peculiar lusts Of occasions suited to them Watching to lay in provision against Temptation Directions for watchfulnesse in the first approaches of Temptation Directions after entering into Temptation THat part of watchfulnesse against Temptation which we have considered regards the outward meanes occasions and advantages of Temptation proceed we now to that which respects the heart its selfe which is wrought upon and entangled by Temptation watching or keeping of the heart which above all keepings we are obliged unto comes within the compasse of this duty also for the right performance whereof take these ensuing directions 1. Let him that would not enter into Temptation labour to know his owne heart to be acquainted with his owne spirit his naturall frame and temper his Lusts and Corruptions his naturall sinfull or spirituall weaknesses that finding where his weaknesse lyes he may be carefull to keep at a distance from all occasions of sinne Our Saviour tells the disciples that they knew not what Spirit they were of which under a pretence of zeale betraid them into ambition and desire of Revenge Had they knowne it they would have watched over themselves David tells us Psal. 18. 23. that he considered his waies and kept himselfe from his iniquity which he was particularly prone unto There are Advantages for temptations lying oftentimes in mens naturall tempers and constitution some are naturally gentle facile easy to be intreated pliable which though it be the noblest temper of nature and the best and choysest ground when well broken up and fallowed for
poore rebellious soules 3. To the perishing world Hence the time of his Kingdome in this world is called the time of his patience Revel. 1. 9. he endures the vessels of wrath with much long suffering Rom. 9. 22. Whilest the Gospell is administred in the vvorld He is patient tovvards the men thereof untill the Saints in heaven and earth are astonished and cry out how long Psal. 13. 1 2. Psal. 35. 17. Revel. 6. 10 and themselves doe mocke at him as if he vvere an Idol 2. Pet. 3. 4. He endures from them bitter things in his name wayes worship saints promises threats all his interest of honour and love and yet passeth by them le ts them alone does them Good nor will he cut this way of proceeding short untill the Gospell shall be preached no more patience must accompany the Gospell Now this is the Word that is to be kept that we may be kept from the houre of Temptation Three things are implyed in the keeping of this Word 1. Knowledge 2. Valuation 3. Obedience 1. Knowledge He that will keep this Word must know it be acquainted with it under a foure fold Notion 1. As a word of Grace and Mercy to save him 2. As a word of Holinesse and Purity to sancitfy him 3. As a word of Liberty and Power to enoble him and set him free 4. As a word of Consolation to support him in every Condition 1. As a word of Grace and Mercy able to save us It is the power of God unto salvation Rom. 1. 16. The Grace of God that bringeth salvation Titus 2. 11. The word of Grace that is able to build us up and to give us an inheritance among all them that are sanctified Act. 20. 32. The word that is able to save our soules Jam. 1. 21. When the word of the Gospell is knowne as a word of mercy Grace and pardon as the sole evidence for life as the conveyance of an eternall inheritance when the soule finds it such to it selfe it will strive to keep it 2. As a word of Holinesse and Purity able to sanctify him Ye are cleane through the word I have spoken unto you saith our Saviour Joh. 15. 3. To that purpose is his prayer Joh. 17. 17. He that knowes not the word of Christs patience as a sanctifying cleansing word in the power of it upon his owne soule neither knowes it nor keeps it The empty profession of our daies knowes not one step towards this duty and thence it is that the most are so overborne under the power of Temptations men full of selfe of the world of Fury Ambition and almost all unclean lusts do yet talk of keeping the word of Christ See 1. Pet. 1. 22. 2. Tim. 2. 19. 3. As a word of Liberty and Power to enoble him and set him free and this not only from the guilt of sinne and wrath for that it doth as it is a word of Grace and mercy nor only from the power of sinne for that it doth as it is a word of Holinesse but also from all outward respects of men or the world that might entangle him or enslave him that declares us to be Christs freemen and in bondage unto none Joh. 8. 32. 1. Cor. 7. 23. we are not by it freed from due subjection unto superiours not from any duty not unto any sinne 1. Pet. 2. 16. but in two respects it is a word of freedome liberty largenesse of mind power and deliverance from Bondage 1. In respect of Conscience as to the worship of God Gal. 5. 1. 2. In respect of ignoble slavish respects unto the men or things of the world in the Course of our pilgrimage The Gospell gives a free large and noble Spirit in subjection to God and none else There is administred in it a spirit not of feare but of power and of love and of a sound mind 2 Tim. 1. 7. A mind in nothing terrified Phil. 1. 28. not swayed with any by respect whatever There is nothing more unworthy of the Gospell then a mind in bondage to persons or things prostituting its selfe to the lusts of men or affrightments of the world And he that thus knowes the word of Christs patience really and in power is even thereby freed from innumerable from unspeakable Temptations 4. As a word of Consolation to support him in every condition and to be a full portion in the want of all that is a word attended with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory it gives supportment reliefe refreshment satisfaction peace consolation joy boasting Glory in every Condition whatever Thus to know the word of Christs patience thus to know the Gospell is the first part and it is a great part of this condition of our preservation from the houre and power of Temptation 2. Valuation of what is thus knowne belongs to the keeping of this word that is to be kept as a Treasure 2 Tim. 1. 14. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} that excellent depositum that is the word of the Gospell keep it saith the Apostle by the Holy Ghost And hold fast the faithfull word Tit. 1. 9. It is a Good Treasure a faithfull word hold it fast It is a word that comprizes the whole interest of Christ in the world To value that as our chiefest treasure is to keep the word of Christs patience They that will have a regard from Christ in the time of Temptation are not to be regardlesse of his Concernments 3. Obedience personall Obedience in the Universall observation of all the commands of Christ is the keeping of his Word Joh. 14. 15. Close adherence unto Christ in Holinesse and universall Obedience then when the opposition that the Gospell of Christ doth meet withall in the world doth render it signally the word of his patience is the life and soule of the Duty required Now all these are to be so managed with that intention of mind and spirit that care of heart and diligence of the whole person as to make up a keeping of this word which evidently includes all those Considerations We are arrived then to the summe of this safeguarding Duty of this Condition of freedome from the power of Temptation He that having a due acquaintance with the Gospell in its Excellencies as to him a word of Mercy Holinesse Liberty and Consolation values it in all its Concernments as his choisest and only Treasure makes it his businesse and the work of his life to give himselfe up unto it in universall obedience then especially when Opposition and Apostacy put the patience of Christ to the utmost he shall be preserved from the houre of Temptation This is that which is comprehensive of all that went before and is exclusive of all other waies for the obtaining of the End proposed nor let any man think without this to be kept one houre from entring into Temptation where ever he failes there Temptation enters That this will be a sure preservative may appeare from the ensuing
Considerations 1. It hath the Promise of Preservation and this alone hath so It is solemnly promised in the place mentioned to the Church of Philadelphia on this account When a great triall and Temptation was to come on the world at the opening of the seventh seale Rev. 7. 3. a caution is given for the preservation of Gods sealed ones which are described to be those who keep the word of Christ for the promise is that it should be so Now in every promise there are three things to be considered 1. The faithfulnesse of the Father who gives it 2. The Grace of the Son which is the matter of it 3. The power and efficacy of the Holy Ghost which puts the promise in Execution And all these are ingaged for the preservation of such persons from the houre of Temptation 1. The faithfulnesse of God accompanyeth the promise On this account is our deliverance laid 1 Cor. 10. 13. Though we be tempted yet we shall be kept from the houre of Temptation it shall not grow too strong for us What comes on us we shall be able to beare and what would be too hard for us we shall escape But what security have we hereof even the faithfulnesse of God God is faithfull who will not suffer you c. And wherein is God's faithfulnesse seen and exercised He is faithfull that promised Heb. 10. 23. His faithfulnesse consists in his discharge of his promises He abideth faithfull he cannot deny himselfe 2 Tim. 2. 13. so that by being under the promise we have the faithfulnesse of God ingaged for our preservation 2. There is in every promise of the Covenant the Grace of the Son that is the subject matter of all promises I will keep thee how by my Grace with thee so that what Assistance the Grace of Christ can give to a soule that hath a right in this promise in the houre of Temptation it shall enjoy it Pauls Temptation grew very high it was likely to have come to its prevalent houre He beseeches the Lord that is the Lord Jesus Christ for help 2 Cor. 12. 8. and receives that answer from him my Grace is sufficient for thee vers. 9 That it was the Lord Christ and his Grace with whom he had peculiarly to do is evident from the close of that verse I will glory in my infirmity that the power of Christ may rest upon me or the efficacy of the Grace of Christ in my preservation be made evident So Heb. 2. 18. 3. The Efficacy of the spirit accompanyeth the promises He is called the Holy Spirit of promise not only because he is promised by Christ but also because he effectually makes Good the promise and gives it accomplishment in our soules He also then is ingaged to preserve the soule walking according to the rule laid downe See Isai. 59. the last Thus where the promise is there is all this assistance the faithfulnesse of the father the Grace of the Son the power of the Spirit all are ingaged in our preservation 2. This constant universall keeping of Christs word of Patience will keep the heart and soule in such a frame as wherein no prevalent Temptation by virtue of any advantages whatever can seize upon it so as totally to prevaile against it So David prayes Ps. 25. 21. Let integrity preserve me This integrity and uprightnesse is the old-Testament-keeping the word of Christ universall close walking with God Now how can they preserve a man why by keeping his heart in such a frame so defended on every side that no evill can approach or take hold on him Faile a man in his integrity he hath an open place for temptation to enter Isa. 57. 21. To keep the word of Christ is to do it universally as hath been shewed This exercises Grace in all the faculties of the soule compasses it with the whole armour of God The understanding is full of light the Affections of Love and holinesse let the Wind blow from what quarter it will the soule is fenced and fortified Let the enemy assault when or by what meanes he pleaseth all things in the soule of such an one are upon the guard How can I do this thing and sinne against God is at hand Especially upon a twofold account doth deliverance and security arise from this hand 1. By the Mortification of the heart unto the matter of Temptations The prevalency of any Temptation arises from hence that the heart is ready to close with the matter of it There are Lusts within suited to the proposalls of the world or Satan without Hence James resolves all Temptations into our owne lusts Ch. 1. 14. because either they proceed from or are made effectuall by them as hath been declared Why doth terror or threates turne us aside from a due constancy in the performance of our duty is it not because there is unmortified carnall feare abiding in us that tumultuates in such a season why is it that the Allurements of the world and compliances with men entangle us is it not because our affections are entangled with the things and considerations proposed unto us Now keeping the word of Christs patience in the manner declared keeps the heart mortified to these things and so it is not easily entangled by them Saith the Apostle Gal. 2. 20. I am crucified with Christ he that keeps close to Christ is crucified with him and is dead to all the desires of the flesh and the world as more fully Chap. 6. 14. Here the match is broken and all love entangling love dissolved 1. The heart is crucified to the world and all things in it Now the matter of all temptations almost is taken out of the world the men of it or the things of it make them up As to these things saies the Apostle I am crucified to them And it is so with every one that keeps the word of Christ my heart is mortified unto them I have no desire after them nor affection to them nor delight in them and they are crucified unto me The Crownes Glories Thrones pleasures profits of the world I see nothing desirable in them the lusts sensuall pleasures Love respects honours of men name and reputation among them they are all as a thing of nought I have no value nor estimation of them This soule is safeguarded from assaults of manifold Temptations When Achan saw the Goodly Babilonish garment and two hundred shekells of silver and a wedge of Gold first he coveted them then he took them Joh. 7. 21. Temptation subtilly spreads the Babilonish garment of favour praise peace the silver of pleasure or profit with the golden Contentmens of the flesh before the eyes of men if now there be that in them alive unmortified that will presently fall a coveting let what feare of punishment will ensue the heart or hand will be put forth unto iniquity Herein then lyes the security of such a frame as that described it is alwaies accompanied with a mortified
shall cast him downe First he shall be entangled and then cast downe and all by his own counsell untill he come to be ashamed of it as Ephraim was Hos. 10. 6. When ever in our trials we consult our own understandings hearken to selfe reasonings though they seeme to be good and tending to our preservation yet the principle of living by faith is stifled and we shall in the issue be cast down by our own counsels Now nothing can empty the heart of this selfefullnesse but Faith but living by it but not living our selves but having Christ live in us by our living by Faith on him 2. Faith making the soule poore empty helplesse destitute in its selfe ingages the heart will and power of Jesus Christ for Assistance of which I have spoken more at large elsewhere 2. Love to the Saints with care that they suffer not upon our account is a great preserving principle in a time of Temptations and trialls How powerfull this was in David he declares in that earnest prayer Psal. 69. 6. Let not them that wait on thee O Lord God of Hosts be ashamed for my sake let not those that seeke thee be confounded for my sake O God of Israel O let not me so miscarry that those for whom I would lay downe my life should be put to shame be evill spoken of dishonoured reviled contemned on my account for my failings A selfish soule whose love is turned wholly inwards will never abide in a time of triall Many other Considerations and Principles that those who keep the word of Christ's patience in the way and manner before described are attended withall might be enumerated but I shall content my selfe to have pointed at these mentioned And will it now be easy to determine whence it is that so many in our dayes are prevailed on in the time of trial that the houre of temptation comes upon them and beares them downe more or lesse before it is it not because amongst the great multitude of Professors that we have there are few that keep the word of the patience of Christ if we wilfully neglect or cast away our interest in the promise of preservation is it any wonder if we be not preserved There is an houre of Temptation come upon the world to try them that dwell therein it variously exerts its power and efficacy there is not any way nor Thing wherein it may not be seene acting and putting forth it selfe in worldlinesse in sensuality in loosenesse of conversation in neglect of spirituall duties private publicke in foolish loose diabolicall opinions in haughtinesse and ambition in envy and wrath in strife and debate revenge selfishnesse in Atheisme and contempt of God doth it appeare They are but branches of the same root bitter streames of the same fountaine cherished by peace prosperity security apostasies of Professors the like alasse how many do dayly fall under the power of this Temptation in generall how few keep their garments girt about them and undefiled and if any urging particular Temptation befall any what instances almost have we of any that escape may we not describe our condition as the Apostle that of the Corinthians in respect of an outward visitation some are sick and some are weake and many sleep some are wounded some defiled many utterly lost What is the spring and fountaine of this sad condition of things is it not as hath been said we doe not keep the word of Christ's patience in universall close walking with him and so lose the benefit of the promise given annexed thereunto Should I goe about to give instances of this thing of Professors coming short of keeping the word of Christ it would be a long worke These 4 heads would comprise the most of them 1. Conformity to the world which Christ hath redeemed us from almost in all things with joy and delight in promiscuous compliances with the men of the world 2. Neglect of duties which Christ hath enjoined from close meditation to publick ordinances 3. Strife variance and debate among our selves woefull judging and despising one another upon account of things forraigne to the bond of Communion that is between the Saints 4. Selfe-fulnesse as to principles and selfishness as to ends Now where these things are are not men carnall is the word of Christs patience effectuall in them shall they be preserved they shall not Would you then be preserved and kept from the hour of temptation would you watch against entring into it as deductions from what hath been delivered in this Chapter take the ensuing Cautions 1 Take heed of leaning on deceitfull assistances as 1 your owne Counsells understandings reasonings though you argue in them never so plausibly in your own defence they will leave you betray you when the temptation comes to any height they will all turne about and take part with your enemy and plead as much for the matter of the temptation whatever it be as they pleaded against the end and issue of it before 2 The most vigorous actings by prayer fasting other such meanes against that particular lust corruptiō temptation wherewith you are exercised have to do This will not avail you if in the mean time there be neglects on other accounts To hear a man wrestle cry contend as to any particular of Temptation and immediatly fall into wordly waies worldly compliances loosenesse and negligence in other things it is righteous with Jesus Christ to leave such an one to the hour of temptation 3 The generall security of Saints perseverance and preservation from totall Apostasy Every security that God gives us is good in its kind and for the purpose for which it is given to us but when it is given for one end to use it for another that is not good or profitable To make use of the generall assurance of preservation from totall Apostasy to support the spirit in respect of a particular temptation will not in the issue advantage the soule because notwithstanding that this or that temptation may prevaile Many releive themselves with this untill they find themselves in the depth of perplexities 1 Apply your selves to this great preservation of faithfull keeping the word of Christs patience in the middest of all trialls and temptations 2 In particular wisely cōsider wherein the word of Christs patiēce is most likely to suffer in the daies wherein we live and the seasons that passe over us so vigorously set your selves to keep it in that particular peculiarly You will say how shall we know wherein the word of Christs patience in any season is like to suffer I answer consider what workes he peculiarly performes in any season and neglect of his word in reference to them is that wherein his word is like to suffer For instance the workes of Christ wherein he hath been peculiarly ingaged in our daies and seasons seeme to be these 1 The powring of contempt upon the great men and great things of the world