burning by a meer perswasion only then also men might escape the damnation of Hell by only thinking there is no such thing To argue there is no God because the Foâ—l hath said so in his heart Psal 14. 1. is as ridiculous as it would be for one to pretend to extinguish the light of the Sun by shutting his eyes Let them think he is not or he sleepeth doth not concern himself with the affairs of Mankind yet himself hath said I AM THAT I AM Exod. 3. 14. and declares himself in that Magnificent manner Deut. 32. 40 41 42 43. So let all the world say to the contrary it signifieth not The word he hath spoken shall stand and he will do according to it let all mankind dispute or think what they will. If they will not believe they must perish in their unbelief if they do that but will not give heed to obey the truth thereof they also shall be punished from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Both these are follies so great that there wants a name to express them yet this last seems to be greatest for there are in Scripture such forcible arguments to obedience that who believes must be as absolute a fool or madman if they do not work upon him as he who refuses a great Estate when offered or run himself into a fire when he may pass by and avoid it Go ye into all the World and Preach the Gospel to every Creature He that believeth and is Baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned Mark 16. 15 16. said our Lord to his Disciples Which may prevent the Whispering of Court-Chaplains that Christ gave no command to Kings if they are not Creatures they have an immunity from Gods Law otherwise not When only in Judah God was known he expected Obedience from the King thereof all one as from the People yea rather more for the spirit of God takes particular notice who served him and who did not with account of those Mercies and Judgments they received accordingly as every one knows who doth read the Old Testament But now the fulness of time is come to which belongs that â—rophesie Kings shall be her nursing Fathers and Queens her nuâ—sing Mothers It was some considerable time after Christ and his Apostles were upon the Earth before any King or Emperour was converted to the Faith and even now it is only so of one part of the World defaced with much Corruption Wickedness and Ignorance So we are to expect a further and universal fulfilling of Isa 60 3. 11. Psal 72 11. Psal 102. 15 22. Rev. 11. 15. and chap. 21. vers 24 26. Themselves are subject to the only Potentate the King immortal invisible and only Wise God if they are so â—reely he accepts thereof but if they will reign wholly themselves and not let him reign over them if they do not glorify the God in whâ—sâ— hand their breath is Dan. 5. 23. he will account with them when that is taken away and manifest that he is stronger They are Potsherds of the Earth though of the largest size yet between them and their Maker is but alike difference being infinite in both as between the High and Lofty one and the meanest Man. They came here to the same end and purpose as others they also were designed to set forth the glory of God though in a more eminent manner they are made to act according to his Laws both as they relate to their private capacity as Men and to the publick of Kings as they must answer for themselves to the Lord who is high above all the Earth who is exalted far above all Gods Psal 97. 9. Happy is he who doth comply with this will of the Almighty That hath learnt to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of his Law and his Statutes to do them whose heart is not lifted up above his Brethren and doth not turn aside from the Commandment to the right hand or to left to the end he may prolong his days in his Kingdom he and his Children in the midst of Israel Deut. 17. 19 20. In his own Country and Dominion that ended he may be received up into Gods Kingdom above for this promise is come in under the Gospel Neither is the other taken away but rather obscured that is not so much mentioned under the Manifestation of the Greater the like promise remains still annexed to the first Commandment Ephes 6. 2 3. And here is the alike reason The observation of the conditions of the promise do according to Gods establishment of things tend towards the obtaining of it and so on the contrary it is of the threatnings which come on by sin and ignorance But further Gods special providence is over his own People and more particularly over his Anointed It is he that giveth Salvation unto Kings Psal 144. 10. Not that all good Kings have always temporal deliverances for there is the example of Josiah who had that excellent Character 2 Kings 23. 25. The reason of whose untimely Death seems to be given in the verse following If God doth sometimes let the Righteous fall his wayes are justice and goodness it is not for ever for it will be abundantly made up in the day of recompence But Jehosaphat sought to the Lord God of his Father and walked in his Commandments and not after the doings of Israel therefore the Lord established the Kingdom in his hand and all Judah brought to Jehosaphat presents and he had riches and honour in abundance 2 Chron. 17. 4 5. Something may be hence gathered for God is the same still No accepter of Persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh Righteousness is accepted with him Acts 10. 34 35. Let the King be assured that if he cleaves unto God with his whole heart and puts away Idolatry and false Worship he shall have Temporal or Eternal Salvation that most commonly this most certainly but rather both It is so well pleasing unto God when those obey him whom he hath placed in the highest Room on Earth that he rewards them here and hereafter To rule according to Gods Commandments is the most safe way to preserve them in the Royal Seat of their Ancestors In mercy shall the Throne be established and he shall sit upon it in Truth in the Tabernacle of David judging and seeking judgment and hasting Righteousness Isa 16. 5. Did not thy Father Eat and Drink and do Judgment and Justice and then it was well with him be judged the cause of the Poor and Needy then it was well with him was not this to know me saith the Lord Jer. 22. 16. Every one that hath but the common sence of humanity must love honour and obey him and these will be such a safe-guard to his person that those his implacable Enemies whom no goodness can overcome will be forced to lick the dust for a Good
against he would not be after their liking Then they would not have this Man reign over them they will outwardly conclude him to be an Enemy to Jesus and pronounce it as lawful to destroy him as Bears and Wolves Whether he is so or not an uncharitable Opinion or false Accusation is sufficient ground with them to kill the Lords Anointed against whom none could lift up his hand and be guiltless This hath been the Divinity of some and mischievous in its effects but let it be examined by that word which is to try the Doctrines whether they be of Men or no. Christ delivered that command of Obedience to Magistrates at that very time when an Heathen Emperor was in the Throne when Herod and Pontius Pilate were subordinate Governours when he was Sentenced to Death by unjust judgment Peter would have hindred the execution but was commanded to put up his Sword in the Sheaf His Apostles Preached the same Doctrine after the Kings of the Earth stood up and the Rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ which doth manifest that some have interpreted the Gospel contrary to what the first Founders of it intended and have put that restriction which they never designed O ye perveâ—ters of the meaning of the Holy Ghost What authority have ye to do these things By your expositions and glosses you have diminished from the universal obligation of the commands Wherefore do you make distinctions where the Law maketh none To come to the Old Testament wherein ye so much trust what do ye think of Saul from whom God had rent the Kingdom and gave it to one better then he and though Saul did seek after his life yet Davids faithfulness and duty to him may be seen 1 Sam. 24. 5 6. 2 Sam. 1. There were many wicked Kings in Israel yet to none did the people hence take occasion to rebel or refuse their lawful injunctions neither is the least intimation from Gods Word so to do It was not because they were Jews and so the anointed of the Lord but even Cyrus a Gentile is thus called Isa 45. 1. And unto Nebuchadnezzar God gave the Kingdom Dan. 2. 37. So they are indefinitely called Gods Ministers Rom. 13. 6. It is not said of that single one but all in general The Kings rule several Countrys but over them all is the Great King or the whole Earth the Lord and Governour of the World. Thou shalt not speak evil of the Ruler of thy People Acts 23. 5. Upon no account although he doth what he should not In the original place Exod. 22. 28. It is doubtly forbid to lay on greater enforcement How can Men over-look such plain places when they are quick enough to spie out any thing that may be wrested to serve their wrong designs When they meet with such they have set their brains on work for a pâ—â—â—sible interpretation to delude the hearts of the simple They neglected to put them in mind to be subject to Principalities and Powers to obey Magistrates Tit. 3. 1. Whereas if they could bring any thing out of the Old Testament of zeal for the Lord of Hosts and â—ighting his Battles this was managed with all their skill and dexteritâ— to stir up Sedition and Rebellion but for those against them they did either omit or fasten their own sence quite turning that of the Holy Spirit To apply Maâ— 2. 7 8. The Priests lips should keep knowledge and they should seek the Law at his Mouth for hâ— is the Messenger of the Lord of Hosts But thâ—se departed out of the way they have caused many to stumble at the Gospel by Preaching contrary thereunto they have corrupted the covenant of race and been partial in the Law otherwise they could not turn Religion into Rebellion for this doth not allow the least Wickedness so neither that which is the greatest sin that is ordinarily committed against Man. It is against the immediate Oâ—dinance of God which he doth commonly punish and defeat in this life One would think Men might have taken warning by them that perished at the gain-saying Jude 11. of Core how the Earth opened and swallowed them up as if not â—it to live above ground who would have disturbed that order and government there Though this was set forth for an Example for all that hereafter should act rebelliously yet the Spirit of disobedience hath so worked in the minds of Men that they have not refrained from doing the same things Every Age since hath produced instances of those who â—ave not dâ—ed a death common to Men It would be endless to Number all the Traytors that have been in our own Nation I am unwilling to accuse mine own Country Men but I am afraid we are a reproach to Ezza 4. 15. our Neighbours that we are a rebellious Country and Enemies to Kings as by our Records and Histories it doth appear If we consult them we find that several have came to a miserable and untimely end If the business of Dathan and Abiram was afar of and long since these are later and come home What if in our our Memory some have been destroyed in a rebellious War others dyed like Dogs and had their Carcases hanged up for a Spectacle The Apostle 1 Cor. 10. mentioneth the punishment which fell upon the Jews to dehort others from those sins which were the occasion thereof so that may be here represented according to Truth which fell upon them that we may not commit Rebellion as some of them committed and fell and became as the dung of the Earth All these things happened for ensamples and are written for the admonition of those that come hereafter One must be moved with indignation to hear the Enemies of the Lord Blâ—spheme and the way of Truth evil spoken of to which nothing hath given greater occasion then the carriage of the pretended Religious especially in two things Disloyalty to the State and knavery between Man and Man. Then which nothing is more forbidden in Scripture which if rightly understood and obeyed would make the best Men and the best Subjects in the World he who lives accordingly is an Enemy to none much less to him whom God hath placed over his people Government is as necessary to the well being of the body politick as health to the Natural The ligatures and strings do hold together the several parts so that doth joyn the Members of the Common-wealth dependant and subordinate one to the other and prevents that confusion which would otherwise ensue Every Man enjoys his own his Person Fame and Estate are preserved from wrong and injury he hath all the outward good which can be desired in this World. God hath in a wonderful manner from time to time been pouring forth his benefits upon the undeserving Sons of Men he hath given all his Law to make us happy and excellently contrived that part which relaâ—es to keepâ—ng up that order which he did first
deliberation all Men are Lyars With him my Soul is contented to embarque for the Land of Eternity upon this perswasion and confidence God must be good and true He hath made known his Will concerning us Men by him that is the true and Faithful Witness who hath done it accordingly God hath appointed a day in the which he will Judge the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all Men in that he hath raised him from the Dead Acts 17. 31. By Christs Resurrection the Apostle spends a whole Chapter 1 Cor 15. To prove the necessity of ours And in other places of Scripture are such convincing Arguments which are able to beget in us a lively Faith as is equal to knowledge and demonstration in other matters which we cannot so properly have of any thing that is unseen and future as this Article of Faith is Now my days are swifter then a Post they flee away they see no good Job 9. 25. It is evident they do roul over our heads we have no true and lasting Happiness but what is in expectation of that to come nothing we do signifies but which tends to that We cannot well think that God who made this lower part of the World for our use hath pâ—t all things under our feet Psal 8. 6. Whose works are manifold and in Wisdom hath made them all Should make us to serve to no purpose that we should not have also our proper end and we have no end at all unless it is to glorifie our Maker We have no work to do unless it is that he hath revealed for us here to do Is it to shine in Pomp or wear fine Clothes In all our Glory we are not arrayed as the Lilies of the Field Is it to shew our care by provision before hand for Earthly things The Ants and Bees do the same only we are found more unreasonable they lay up only for the Winter time but we who know our selves Mortal covet as if we were to abide here for ever Is it meerly to sport and play The Leviathan takes his Pastime in the deep Is it only to keep company There are some sorts of Birds and Beasts that continually flock and herd together still this is not all God made Man for himself hath endued him with Powers which rise higher then any of these ends To know and serve him here in order to more fully praise and enjoy him hereafter He hath provided other kind of things for us then we now see or have Every one that is not Brutish in his Imagination doth find in himself Expectations after that which this World cannot give something that points out beyond the compass of the Earth and the Deep saith it is not in me The good and allwiseCreator will not couzen or beguile him with that which is not will not always feed him with bare longings or false hopes No doubt but if Man will believe and have patience for a little while he shall have his full satisfaction These things are superfluous to Mention buâ— there are many unbelievers in these latter days who by sayings and caâ—eâ—ess actions cause the Faith of some to stumble Others have taken up Christianity as a thing of course and outward custom of the World they know nothing more in it I have heard it Talked and Whispered as if dead and gone there is an end and no more It was needful to say somewhat that these might in due time have perfect knowledge of another World before they are actually entred into it for otherwise it is sad and lamentable And also that those who have some belief and not bare profession might be under a more lively sence thereof for this very much helps to ordering the conversation aright Nay who have all faith and come to the greatest degree that usually Men arrive unto yet these have need still to seek out further establishment and confirmation thereof God having reserved that in Heaven and it being not so agreeable to a state of Tryal is pleased not to give unto any of us absolute perfection in Spiritual Graces or natural accomplishments Who hath received a faith which cannot be shaken at least in some of its Branches It doth lie upon us all to make it as sure as ever we can by the means given that it may help in time of need When we come near to Death that is such a time the greatest Temptation with whichSatan doth at last assail us is commonly to unbelief taking advantage over bodily weakness and drooping So that he who is wise will endeavour to lay up in store against that time and also it is necessary in the midst of life then indeed it may be accompanied with little doubts but at last with desperate plangings It is requiâ—te to do all things to believe yea and stedfastly to believe No Man can be too well assured of the Truth of Scripture and which is included in them a life to come Let him endeavour still to be more and more for then he may securely triumph over the last Enemy Death look it in the face and yet not be dismayed His business is when he believes the Scriptures to be most certainly true to act accordingly and then he is safe When he can apply those promises to himself in Truth and without deceit he is as sure as iâ—possible for any to be on this side of Heaven Saith Christ Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doth them I will liken him unto a wise Man which built his House upon a Rock and the rain descended and the flood came and the Winds blew and beat upon that House and it fell not for it was founded upon a Rock Mat. 7. 24 25. This he applyed to his whole Sermon on the Mount Who doth observe that particularly what is said Mat. 5. 19 20 29 Mat. 7. 21. Shall have this commendation in the mean while and shall at last find it to be true to his endless comfort But there is a deceit amongst Christians who think if they can apply one single Beatitude to themselves they are well enough Indeed if they are so not because natural disposition is more inclined to such a Grace but purely out of obedience to Christ and no other reason the blessing may be theirs And if they were so alone out of that Principle the very same would oblige them to other things also He that is careful to approve his Obedience sincerely unto God will do it in all things he requires as well as such a particular instance If he is acted by love and subjection unto him he will do a thing at his command contrary to natural inclination or fleshly interest In all the Law given us there is no exception left to the natural humours and desires of Men those are to be contradicted and brought into Obedience If some are more prone to this sin and again some to another kind their forbearance and
power that we may do the things he doth require of us they are made known in Scripture which is given by inspiration of God 2 Tim. 3. 16. We are to believe him to be true and then all must be so which is contained in that Book God doth encourage to his service with a Reward so that he who labours to please him acts after the very same manner tho in a much more eminent and greater degree as another who studies to recommend himself to the â—avour of the Kâ—ng or any Superiour The utmost visible greatness is Low and but a shadow of Majesty in comparison of this High and Lofty One dark as to his Brightness and soon passeth away when He inhabiteth Eternity However Religion which is our whole Duty towards God is looked upon as a little contemptible thing laughed at by the Ignorant Scornful and Proud Men yet is as much greater then any Temporal Design or Business as God is greater then Man Heaven then Earth Eternity beyond time a most perfect and everlasting Happiness above the fading imperfect trivial conveniencies here We may as well trust God for the great things to come and labour after them as we do for our daily Food and those little things that are present And though he now gives common Mercies to the unthankful yet they must use some means after them but for the better hope the exceeding great and precious promises of unseen and future things those are only for them who glorifie him here and seek after them Faith makes these things as absolutely true and certain as those now before us Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed Rom. 10. 11. Faith towards God is reckoned among the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ Heb. 6. It being that upon which not only those there recited but whatsoever is said throughout the whole Book of God doth depend Which whosoever believeth stedfastly must necessarily be a Christian not in Name and Profession but in manner of Life or otherwise he will act more unreasonably and foolishly then ever any one yet did as to the things of this World. The Scripture doth contain things to be believed and things to be done The first are comprized in a brief form of sound Words commonly called the Apostles Creed which is believed as it stands upon certain and eviâ—ent places of Scripture and the outward confession of them is necessary to Salvation according to what may be gathered from John 5. 24. Rom. 10. 9. Mat. 16. 16. John 3. 15 16 17 18 36. Luke 6. 47. The great danger in not believing any Scripture is what the Apostle Speaks He that believeth not God hath made him a Lyar 1 John 5. 10. Which is more provoking then living in known Sin and Wickedness But this none that believes other things will dare to do the General Question and debate is what God intended in such a place It is agreed on both sides of the Truth of some sence and meaning but what that is is the rise of controversie and dispute In Paul's Epistles are things hard to be understood which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest as they do also the other Scriptures unto their own destruction 2 Pet. 3. 16. But since we have had those who were learned and resolute in their way who have done the same to carry on an interest to maintain the grandeur and infallibility of such a Church to espouse and propagate all the errours of such and such parties There hath been horrible pervâ—â—ting and seeking out Evasions not to the establishment but ovâ—rthrow of the Truth The pure and true Word of God hath beâ—â— made use of to defend corruptions and mâ—iâ—tain errour abâ—â—dance of this kind of iniquity will be disclosed at the revelation of all things It is sad to reflect that the only thing necessary in Religion is the only thing neglected how people fly about the skirts and borders not coming into the substance thereof The Church is pulled asunder into this or that parcel of Christians every little difference in Opinion must forthwith make a distinct party they cursing and damning one another It is the greatest part of the Christianity of some to be exclaiming against such a Sâ—ct or Communion so that if our merciful God should proceed according to the Anathemas Excommunications Wishes and Impretions of one against another No flesh would be saved What is the cause of all this stir and madness The VVisdom from above is fiâ—st Pure then Peaceable Gentle and Easie to be intreated full of Mercy and good Fruits without Partiality and without Hypocrisie Jam. 3. 17. The Gospel is good and plain made up of simplicity and purity so that is not the occâ—sion thereof But an enemy hath sown these tares of division who works mightily in the hearts of Men to deceive and hath taken this course to hinder the good seed to stiâ—le those practical truths which would bring forth fruit unto everlasting life Men rightly think they must have something to do with the things of God and some falsly think these vain disputations will serve the turn These are speculative not falling upon lust and they hope a zeal for this one way or another it is something for God and therefore shall come in for atonement of other sins And in conclusion tends to that he fain would save himself by condemning others What else makes him so extraordinary zealous for such a way and against such an opinion when himself in the mean while lives in Habitual sin and unrighteousness which is more dangerous to Souls then errours of the understanding if they were really such Here some drive on an interest of their own but who do not are led by such an impulsive cause In those that have set up for Guides and Teachers there hath been Doting about Questions and Strifes of words whereof cometh Envy Strife Railing evil Surmisings perverse disputings of Men of corrupt minds and destitute of the Truth supposing that gain is Godliness 1 Tim. 6. 4 5. This was their end but the silly people were by them told that was most for Salvation which made for their own profit and thus they have came to that height of zeal and giddiness Do they not place more in their petty differences then in the weightier matters of Law Judgment Mercy and love of one another That all this is a meer delusion may be further seen because it quite vanishes when the Man approaches near to Death and apprehends things according to sincerity and Truth How earnestly doth the Apostle express himself against these disputes even at their first beginning Rom. 14. 1. Phil. 2. 14. 1 Tim. 1. 6 7 6. 20 21. 2 Tim. 2. 14 23. But what would he say if he had lived at this day to see so many volumes of controversie to have heard of so many go about as have troubled Christians with words subverting their Souls Acts 15. 24. Shattering if not making to fall the
11. 3. He gives preserves and continues our Health But yet what is corruptible and weak will wax old and decay Health consists in such an exact disposition of Humours which is easily disturbed by Violence from without Defect or Excess from within The Goodness and Wisdom above doth ordain Strength out of Weakness and continuance from tottering things otherwise it were to be admired that we are not Sick always instead of being so sometimes A Sparrow doth not fall to the ground without the Will of our heavenly Father Nor any Chastisment light upon the Sons and Daughters of Men without his Permission or Order He suffers such an one to fall under the harm of a second Cause or adverse Accident If we would search and examine to the utmost then confess and give Glory unto God we might many times find our Disease to be the natural effect of some Sin or Provocation We became at first subject unto Sickness by Sin only So if we reflect upon Gen. 2. 17. all our foregoing Actions and Circumstances There is some evil which insensibly alters and breaks the sound Constitution or brings it on Speedily and Violently The next thing is to be humbled for the same to accept the Punishment of our Iniquity Lev. 26. 43. I will bear the Indignation of the Lord for I have Sinned against him Mic. 7. 9. We must sincerely resolve if God should spare us this time to watch more carefully against the same for the future now to be unfeignedly sorry for it and to cry mightily unto God. The King of Israel is a Merciful King he will be Appeased and Reconciled Behold Happy is the Man whom God Correcteth Therefore despise not thou the Cbastening of the Almighty Job 5. 17. Then he fully perceives that false shew of Happiness with which Fools and Blind are deluded all along Which they might know in the mean while if they would consider it throughly as they do ever and anon slightly Outward things cannot give so much aid as they vainly promise They are all passed away as a Dream and cannot help in the greatest time of need My Flesh and my Heart faileth but God is the strength of my Heart and my Portion for ever Psal 73. 26. If the Conscience is accused by sin let the Sick Man cast it forth by Confession and Prayer and the Sea will cease from raging The mind will become more quiet Whether the Body dies or lives he is safe when he hath done all things to obtain the Mercy and acceptance of Almighty God. It is a sad Story of those who in time of Dangerous Sickness have made great shews of Reformation and Amendment and after Recovery have returned again unto Folly. And they have not cryed unto me with their Heart when they howled upon their Beds Hos 7. 14. Which word imports no true in ward Sorrow but an outward noise upon apprehension of Danger which goes off with it However God cannot be imposed upon he knows the Thoughts long before searches the Heart and tries the Reins discovers the bottom and inward reserves according to which he will judge So it is not what they pretend but what they will really be Those who have been for a superficial and slight Repentance which they did hope might avail if they should Die but if they Recover then to return to their former evil ways I say these should have done well to have considered What moved them to any Repentance at all the same should engage them to continue and perfect it For admit you should certainly live it is but a Reprieve only You will be Sick again or what is worse cut off suddenly And then things will appear exactly at the same manner again yea worse for the former Hypocrisie and Dissembling As also for that more Sin and Guilt is increased How many years may be added unto your Life is not known but it will be a sad thing to have lived Ionger to have committed more Iniquity and so Die hardened Impenitent or feigned at last At first recovery is uncertain for many have lulled themselves with hope thereof till Death hath been upon them Many things might be urged to disswade people from doing Foolishly and Presumptuously Their own Eternal Happiness or Misery lies at stake It is not a matter to trifle or deal deceitful with Be prevailed upon as you tender the good of Soul and Body to have your Repentance true and sincere By the Trouble or Pain of them think of the Worm which shall never die and the Fire which shall not be quenched and which are to be escaped from only this way Believe in God and Jesus Christ that all things contained in the old and new Testament are certainly true Faith and Repentance are necessary for all Men both in time of Health and Sickness which whoso hath according to Truth is sure for these intitle unto the Promises of him with whom we have to do Health doth consist in a regular Disposition and due Motion of each part of the Body None can see into himself or tell the exact manner how as to every particular I was made in secret and curiously VVrought in the lowest parts of the Earth Thine Eyes did see my Substance yet being imperfect and in thy Book were all my Members written which in continuance were Fashioned when as yet there was none of them Psal 139 15 16. None of us can look into the Womb or whilst in Life can see how all the Members and Parts within do work and move yet after the Body is dead we may perceive somewhat by Dissections which is guess and uncertain for if a number of Men should come into the Shop of an excellent Artist seeing his Tools and Instruments only One may think this another that and so may be divided but can never find out the exact manner of his Art. He that sees a dead Carkase unless he were put in mind by himself carrying about one of the same likeness would be at a stand to answer the Question Was this lump ever in Life He could never by his own Wit and Invention find out the way how it was He would also admire how each part both within and without did move and actuate So wonderful and fearful are Gods Works which puzzle the Understanding of Man. Whether it were to keep of Boasting or other causes yet God doth hold our Souls in Life by hidden and invisible Bands that whatever others pretend unto they cannot perfectly find out and see them The Lord Killeth and maketh Alive He bringeth down to the Grave and bringeth up 1 Sam. 2. 6. He hath kept this in his own Power All the ways he hath set out for Nature to go according unto are not yet known Indeed many of them have been searched after and some found but not all for then those Diseases would be Cured which were not first Mortal and Irrecoverable The prevention of and recovery out of Sickness doth depend upon
him for witness to a mischievous Lie. He prays God would help him according to the Truth he speaks but prevaricates that and his prayer shall turn into his own Bosom and so be destitute of his aid without which he shall perish If God did not keep silence none would presume to do after this manner and then could be no Tryal but in the other World shall be found true what is written Ps 50. 21. The Atheistical Disputer whom after-Ages will hardly believe to have ever been is more plagued with fears of eternal Vengeance then all the affectations of wit and applause amongst his monstrous Herd amount unto And this disadvantage lieth against him that those things are true even before Men were or could argue against them and so remain notwithstanding all absurd and foolish Imaginations It is better and more happy not to offend with the Tongue then to let it loose to its several kinds of Sin and Irregularity As for Actions What doth yield more real content then to do justly The rules whereof none violates without Regret and Condemnation There is an inward and sensible grief when any thing is done contrary to the Law written in the Heart It is vexation to reflect upon an injury done and they cannot endure to look the person in the face against whom it was and which is yet worse will add hatred and evil speaking to excuse themselves from the Wrong But the upright keeping a Conscience void of offence toward God and Man is not afraid nor ashamed to see any one Though he iâ— profitable to himself as the end of things will manâ—fest yet he wâ—ll now rather receâ—ve then do Wrong and hath for eaâ—nest of reward a free undesturbed mind So much in general of Thoughts Words and Actions Come we to Mans bodily Frame and Constitution with the growth and several Periods thereof It is composed of Flesh and Blood Bones and Sinews curious in its Contrivance each Member â—itted for the respective Office no part useless and the whole so knit together that the Work denotes God to be the only Author thereof Psal 119. 13 14 15 16. He made us and not we selves Psal 100. 3. This is here inserted because some ungodly natural People attribute too much to themselves as their Parents were causes of them and they of their Children This Temper ariseth from unbelief and ignorance and is much different from that of the Patriarch when his Wife said Give me Children or else I die his Anger was kindled greatly against her and he said Am I in Gods stead who hath with-held from thee the Fruit of thy Womb Gen. 30. 1 2. Psal 127. 4. But those would rob God of his Honour and who cannot make one hair White or Black nor add one Cubit to their Stature think that they give being to their Posterity and if they had not been neither should the others As if the Almighty could not have brought themselves into the World otherwise then by means of the Parents they had This is to limit the holy one of Israel Psal 78. 41. to confine his Power who hath made Heaven and Earth and there is nothing too hard for thee Jer. 32. 17. Who might have ordered us of this Generation and of this or that Family to have been born of Heathen Parents placed us in another Nation brought us into being a thousand years since if he had so pleased God hath established a Course of Nature and Acts according See Isa 24. 16. to it but therein Parents are only the instrumental cause of our Being And call no Man your Father upon the Earth For one is your Father which is in Heaven Mat. 23 9. Have we not all one Father Hath not one God â—reated us Mal. 2. 10. Thou O Lord art our Father we are the Clay and thou our Potter and we are all the Work of thy hand Isa 64. 8. Without an Almighty power that ordereth it cannot be imagined so excellent a Creature should proceed from such a mean beginning The Fathers according to the Flesh do nothing towards the infusion of the Soul and for the viler part no more then the Husband-man to make the Corn grow only scattering the Grain in the Earth Hast not thou poured me out as Milk and Crudled me like Cheese Job 10. 10. They are but instruments in the hand of God and by the meanness of them if the blinded World did see as much he doth the more magnifie his own Power It should teach us to abase our selves and the more to exalt our Maker Who might have created all mankind as he did the first immediately out of the Earth in fulness of Stature or to grow as Trees and Vegetables but by the same Wisdom he made the Heavens hath ordained this only way of coming into the World His Son was born of a Woman not by way of common Generation the blessed Virgin did not know Man The Holy Gbost came upon her the Power of the Highest over-shadowed her and therefore that holy thing was born of her which was called the Son of God Luk. 1. 35. All we that are conceived in the heat of Concupiscence are defiled but Christ sanctified the Womb. He submitted to the meanness of our Birth that he might take our whole Nature upon him Sin only excepted The Prophet Ezek. 16. 4 5. describes our Birth the poor Infant Of Infancy and Childhood comes forth in Pain and being exposed to unusual Light and Cold shews its dislike by Crying It is more destitute weak and ignorant then other Creatures at first are they never sinned but our most merciful God hath provided for this by implanting a Care and Affection in the Mother By degrees the Child is brought up and howsoever despicable it seemeth in our Eyes O Lord out of the Mouth of Babes and Sucklâ—ngs hast thou ordained Strength Psal 8. 2. Our Saviour hath testified his Love and regard for them Mat. 18 19. 19. 14. Even Men of perfect Stature must be born again or they cannot see the Kingdom of God Joh. 3. 3. Luk. 18. 18. In malice be Children but in understanding be Men 1 Cor. 14. 20. The tender Infant hath not so much of this as forefooted Beasts and Creeping things every toy and tâ—iâ—â—e pleases him for the present then he is weary of the same thing an Emblem that we are in pursuit after Happiness but do not find it He affects Variety of Foolâ—riâ—s which delight because he knows nothing better but as he grows up he puts away these things for more manly There is a Series of Play-games those that come to be the bâ—st and wisest Men when in this Age spake as a Child understood as a Child and thought as a Child 1 Cor. 13. 11. At this time of Life God winks and as the Follies thereof are not remembred by us so nâ—ither will they be imputed by our merciful Father Though it passeth away pleasantly we then taking as
Lineaments do somewhat please but nothing else Excellent sensible Objects do by Constancy tire and we at length become unaffected Whether this doth hold true between married Persons they know who have the experience But further it renders liable unto Temptations so was Joseph of old and change the Sex many are at this day he did beat back the Sollicitations of his wanton Mistress with this single Thought How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God Gen. 39. 9. Those who now are alike tempted may keep themselves unspotted by the same means The fear of God is a sure Preservative against all Assaults of the wicked If according to sincerity and truth it constantly withstands the Temptation natural Conscience and inward Modesty is another Band whereby God hath tyed us up to the observance of his Commands But if these Cords are broken none will hold The fear of shame and disgrace before the World is no restraint if the Deed of darkness may be hid from the Husband and others It is too well known and Practised that this may be done Who dare sin when God sees them will likewise when Men do not see them for such a place may be found out but the eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the Evil and the Good Prov. 15. 3. The abomination of wickedness in our days is described Ezek. 16. 32 33 34. Some maintain their indigent Gallants and steal from their Husband to gratifie them Thus and other kind of ways they make their Beauty to be abhorred Another inconvenience commonly attends it Which is Folly Not that I believe God makes any one Foolish All Souls are his and there is no greater Diversity between them at first then the Stature Similitude or strength of the Body Natural Ideots are found to be so from defect or irregularity of the Organs within as Blindness or Deformity without But what goes commonly under the Name of Folly is through our own fault and negligence The mind is not improved for want of receiving in the words of knowledge and instruction which are necessary to the growth and continuance in understanding as Meat and Drink to the Flesh And then by not exerting the faculties become dull and useless as the slothful are unapt to work This is the cause why Women in general are not so Wise and Learned as Men. Could we now see as God sees into the parts of the Soul or as we shall when let slip out of this Flesh the Leanness and Blindness of ignorance the Deformity and Crookedness of Folly that drowsie unactive Disposition would be as much despised and we should equally endeavour to strive against them as now we do such defects of the Body But the World is only for visible and present things and if they are well enough do not so much care for the invisible and future when Faith and Reason do assure these will be visible and present also of longer continuance and greater Concern Whose chief aim is to recommend themselves before others one excellent thing to set them of is thought sufficient they mind no more So in the present instance it comes to pass that Beauty is without Wisdom All the Care and Education is concerning that but not to accomplish the inward parts for all Pride Boasting and Self-conceit yet a King and one Skilled in the Female Sex hath left this Character As a jewel of Gold in a Swines Snout so is a fair Woman without Discretion Prov. 11. 22. But suppose better One who is Chast and Wise Yet she is subject to Accidents and decay The Fruit of the Womb makes an Alteration in her Face a fit of Sickness â—â—ssens her ruddy Complexion Sorrow and Discontent do impair it If none of these should be still the Glorious beauty is a fading Flower Isa 28. 1. It declines in Summer by little Perishes in Autumn and is quite withered in the Winter of Age. Then the furrows are cast up When once it is laid down it riseth not till â—he Heavens be no more and then that Love sinks which was only built on this rotten Foundation To repair the ruins of time by Supplements of Art to fill up the Wrinkles with Paint and Vermilion is to strive against Gods appointment And this is a presage which they should take as such of falling down lower into the Pit where is an utter end of this esteemed Perfection In the place of Skulls they seem all alike there is no discerning which in the time of its Flesh was clothed with a fair Skin or not When we behold these grim Spectacles there is nothing to be seen of flourishing Age. The use of all may be not to set the Affection on what is a meer idol of Happiness God hath purposely ordained our Excellency should not liâ— in the Body as appears not only from the matter thereof but even from what seems lovely There is very little in it and few not above one in an hundred have that exact accomplished Beauty And for those who either have already or desire it let them be exhorted to serve God and continue in all Obedience not making it an occasion of sin Pride Vanity Murmuring or Discontent but Practice that of Phil. 3. 20 21. then we have all Encouragement and assurance that our vile Body shall be changed that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious Body which will as much exceed the fairest Complexion on Earth as that doth the Face of a Toad But whoso will not do thus now we see with our Eyes all that is above spoken of fulfilled and further They shall be an abhorring unto all Flesh Isa 66. 25. If they make the utmost of their Beauty it is a vain and empty thing which cannot profit nor satisfie and such is the danger thereof For the other inducement to Marriage Riches it hath been the just and good Practice of all Countries and Times to give somewhat in Dowry but the Error is when the less is made the chief and sole Consideration Who are resolved to enrich themselves and love the Wealth more then the Person these are often deceived in their Proposals and Expectation of Contentment as common observation and experience do manifest There are several inconveniences which over ballance the seeming Good which need not be recited here because the end of Riches and their subserviency to Happiness is to be stated further on When Marriages are entred into upon indirect Considerations the Misery is sensible all the Life long And indeed how can it be reasonably expected it should be otherwise When it is first grounded upon evil Principles Those which make Beauty the only end are acted by Lust who affect Riches by Covetousness and another sort by Pride All which are contrary to Gods Law And therefore who forsake the Living Waters expecting satisfaction in broken Cisterns it is no wonder they greedily hunt after but never find it It is just that those Who despise Gods directions and
the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the Flesh and these are contrary the one to another They that are Christs have crucified the Flesh with the affections and lusts Gal. 5. 16 17 24. To be carnally minded is Death but to be Spiritually minded is Life and Peace For if ye live after the Flesh ye shall die But if ye through the Spirit do mortifie the deeds of the body ye shall live Rom. 8. 6 13. And then can be no greedy desires after sensual Delights An affection or hankering after them is the principal thing forbidden for there is large Commission given Gen. 1. 29. 9. 3. 1 Tim. 4. 4. A sweetness is put into the Creatures and sence given us to perceive it but they are to be used according to the bounds God hath set in his Word and our Nature To be temperate in all things and not the least sensual minded is what doth become Men and also Christians Neither let Vngodly Men walking after their own lusts think them less happy because these have not an unlimited enjoyment as they wrongfully usurp to themselves for the great God who gives us all things richly to enjoy may well prescribe after what manner they shall be received especially seeing it is for our further good Sobriety gives a better relish to every lawful delight then all the studied Sauce and Contrivances to those who are full and Surfeitted But then we do err not knowing our selves for Nature doth not so much require Pleasure as now and then a little Divertisement but is for a middle and even State between Pleasure and Pain There may be observed a weariness of the former if too long dwelt on and the desire of intermission Take Reason into Advice with Enjoyments and then they will not be troublesome or occasision of inconvenience but this is banished because it is thought to lessen only for that it conceives of them according to truth Indeed the Act is little and mean common to us with Beasts unsatisfying mixt and vain When sought after they are full of trouble and impatiency and afterwards is Disappointment and Vexation All which perish in the using and are determined in this Life which signifie no more taken all together then the single interrupted Acts all which go of as a Dream when one awaketh So it is not possible for the true and real Happiness to consist in them all this may Learnt as a Man. But then the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ teacheth more That there is a real good set before the Sons of Men that we are to press forward to it and take heed least these things hinder There is great Talk in the World about following Pleasure and too much Practising of it not minding how consistent it is with Christianity and the Attainment of true Happiness Abstain always from unlawful things and sometimes from lawful may seem a rigid and severe Rule but yet is necessary for the Boundaries between good and evil are so small and indiscernable that he which will venture to go to the utmost of one will before he is aware transgress and pass into the other To prevent all Danger of this Nature it is commanded Abstain from all appearance of Evil 1 Thes 5. 22. All Excess is Evil even what are esteemed the more innocent Divertisements if followed too much do turn aside the Heart from God and good things The Apostle Prophecies of these last Days That Men shall be lovers of Pleasures more then lovers of God 2 Tim. 3. 4. But it is strange that any should be so who really believe in him for can they imagine he hath Communicated more Goodness to things then is in himself That there is more Satisfaction in earthly Vanities then the things above May they not more certainly conclude that he purposely made things here so small and empty least they should take off our esteem from him that fulness of Joy and the Pleasures for evermore at his right hand By these sweet things he gives an earnest if we seek after it and shall be found worthy Luke 16. 11 12. That He will commit unto us the true Happiness And therefore let the Christian be put in mind not to be Liquorish nor Desirous after present things but turn the whole Stream of his affection to God and the things of his Kingdom Look diligently to himself that he forsake all to come unto them Let him who hath this hope purifie himself from all dregs and defilements of Sensuality And let those follow after it who are strangers to Godliness without Hope and who have nothing eâ—â—e to trust unto Who if they are bereaved of this they are bereaved of all these are Sensual and earthly the other man is spiritual and Divine He hath the Body subdued to the Spirit Whereas some willingly suffer their noble and free born Souls to be inslaved unto a lump of Flesh And become the worst of Gods Creatures for they are not Vassals to themselves nor Act contrary to their own Nature All the Excellency of a meer Sensualist lieth in his outside A gallant Horse exceeds him in Beauty and Strength the Lyon in Courage a Fox in craft and subtilty but indeed he hath the Pre-eminence in that which should be his Shame for all things unseemly and abominable meet in him together which are single and not to be found but in the worst of Bruits Man would be a contemptible Being if it were not for that Divine thing within which preserves his Soveraignty over the lower Ps 8. 5 6. Creation but when this is defiled by the filthiness of sin he sinks below himsâ—lf He forfeits his Honour by disobedience unto his God and his Soul creeps and cleaves unto the ground which was given to raise him up unto Heaven As to the Body none hath much reason to Glory for the Beasts excel us in every Sense and are equal in every Member Wherefore the Almighty sent us into such Flesh we are not to enquire but rest satisfied with the good Pleasure of his Will. Nay but O man who art thou that repliest against God shall the thing formed say to him that formed it Why hast thou made me thus Rom. 9. 20. God made us immortal but we made our selves vile and corruptible Foâ— he did not suffer his holy one in whom was no Sin to see corrâ—uption Psal 16. 10. Whatever our Condition is now in this Tabernaâ—le it was not grievous before the fall and we deserve worse then what is laid on us The Children of God contentedly fear with all the Weakness and Pain belonging to the Flesh having for support 2 Cor. 5. 1 2 3 4. Happiness rises unto them out of what by Nature is miserable All things work together for good But it is time to enter within this vail of flesh The Soul is the Of the Soul. Man himself Compare Mat. 16. 26. with Luâ—e 9. 25. The Body is enlivened and
made sensible but is as it were a meer Trunk or Engine for the Soul to Act in We know less of the way of the Spirit then of other things but since what was written Eccles 11. 5. there hath morâ— Revelation come forth What appears from thence and manifest reason is to be laid open that we may know how to Labour after our proper Happiness We should have been very much in the dark if not for the Law and Testimony and the light in them yet still we are shut in a narrow Room closely coâ—fined within the Walls of thick Clay so we must not expect a perfect knowledge thereof till this shall be made glorious and transparent For now we see through a Glass darkly but then face to face Now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known 1 Cor. 13. 12. It is no small inconsiderable thing for observe with what it is ranked The Lord stretcheth forth the Heavens and layeth the Foundation of the Earth and formeth the Spirit of Man within him Zech. 12. 1. It being the manner of his wonderful working to comprize a great matter in a small place And this argues the Excellency of spiritual things that they are of equal with material though these seem as much greater as the Ocean is to a single drop and therefore are as worthy to be sought after as what may be seen or handled now with the outward Senses Such is the Wisdom and Contrivance of God that those things are declared unto us whilst in the Flesh and in a World of sensible Carnal things That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked upon and our hands have handled of the word of life for the life was manifested 1 John 1. 1 2. Now these cannot be Eat nor Drunk nor keep Warm but yet are recâ—ived in and as sensible to the Soul as they are to the Body And also have the aid of Sense to convey them in And tend equally â—o her bettering growth and Establishment The Soul may be known by its Operations which may be distinguished as we give Names to the several parts of the Body by the Understanding Will and Affections By the first we have the knowledge of Good and Evil Truth Of the Understanding and Falshood to follow the one and â—schew the other which we naturally and readily do For though the Practise of the World discovers that Men are Wise to do evil and to do good have no knowledge Jer. 4. 22. they forsake the Truth and greedily run after Errour yet not apprehending them such but through counterfeit and disguise appear to them as good and true Their understanding being darkened doth not see throughly in things and they looking through a false Glass judge according to the outside and mistake appearances for good and delusions for truth Men are deceived by false Notions for they follow after what is seemingly best and convenient If the mind did see clearly into the things separate from the deceitful Varnish they have put on if the Fogs were dispelled within and without they would not miss of the good and right way If any man walk in the day he stumbleth not because he seeth the the light of this World But if a man walketh in the night he stumbleth because there is no light in him John 11. 9. And this is the Condition of People at first though it is hard to let so much light into some Men that they may just discern their own state It is certain mankind did as little know what they most ought the things of God and another World their own future Happiness and how to secure it as those now in the dark night see of the things of this World. That Revelation which he hath made in Scripture doth discover it all as plainly as the Sun shineth in the Firmament to see the things before us And if those be made appear to concern us as much as these do then a like understanding of them will be found altogether necessary Every one knoweth that barely to see signifieth not much without Reason or Sense within manifesting their Nature whether good or evil unto us for otherwise Poison might be received in as wholsome Food He is reckoned a Fool who cannot put a difference in things of common Life between what is for his Welfare and Harm He is thought a heedless Fellow and next to madness who hath no regard to what may preserve or what may destroy He is reputed stubborn and wilful and unpitied when he falls into Misery who would not suffer himself to be forewarned thereof nor would use means when he might to prevent it All this is exactly so as to the World to come The Holy Ghost doth often use the similitude of light and darkness by the former signifying that manifestation of the Will of God to us Men what he would have us to know and more particularly for that which came by the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is in order to recovering of sight to the blind Luke 4. 18. see Isa 9. 12. 60. 1 2 3. Mal. 4. 2. Luke 1. 78 79. John 1. 4 5. The Condition of those before and the refusal of it is darkness They know not neither will they understand they walk on in darkness Ps 82. 5. Even at this very day This is the Condemnation that light is come into the World and Men love darkness rather then light because their Deeds are evil for every one that doth evil hateth the light neither cometh Eph. 5. 13. to the light least his Deeds should be reproved John 3. 19 20 But alas What siguifieth this pitiful shift For no Mans sins are to another but to God only and he knoweth them as well with their utmost Sinfulness and Aggravation as if committed openly before all the World. The darkness hideth not from thee Ps 139. 12. The light is not manifested to make our Sins known for they are before but for the Prevention and avoiding of them Gods Will would be done on Earth as it is in Heaven if his ways were as much known For they who know him will not offend against him Our Souls would escape out of the Snare of the Fowler if we did see it laid for us We should not yield to Satans Temptation if we did know the utmost in it no more then a Wise man Acts against his Reason and Interest for the alone Promise of a Rattle or Childish Toy If he had not to do with Fools and Blind he could not drill them on with such Toys and Vanities The Lust of the Flesh the Lust of the Eyes and the Pride of Life Pleasures Riches and Honour are the baits he uses which make a Glorious shew and pretence to be the good things allotted to the Sons of Men. At first sight they dazzle our Eyes we perceive nothing but Beauty and Loveliness in them yet
if it be throughly considered all these put together do not make good that Happiness and Peace which mankind so eagerly desires And they are to be had in Gods ways so the first and great Temptation Vanisheth If the Enemy cannot draw Men off from God and Religion he trys to corrupt and deceive them therein by Lies and false Suggestions but all this may be prevented by the written Word without and the understanding within he hath given us The Foundation of the whole is which way to atone please and find acceptance with Almighty God this cannot be better known then by what himself hath shewed by Angels his Son and Holy Men inspired by him Who have done it faithfully and truly and laid down a reasonable way to this purpose As we have received so ought we to walk that we may please God by complying with all his Mind and Will which he hath revealed unto us by them Now this could never be done unless it was known And this neither by seeing it in a Book nor hearing with the Ear for a Child doth this unless it be understoâ—d Thy hands have made me and fashioned me give me understanding that I may learn thy Commandments Psal 119. 73. The inspiration of the Almighty giveth men understanding Job 32. 8. He did not to Horse and Mule for these are carried by blind instinct of Desire and Aversation but we with Knowledge and Choice as to Good and Evil. Thy word is a Lamp unto my Feet And a Light unto my Path Ps 119. 105. Without that our own Understanding is altogether insufficient as may be seen by the wandrings of those of old time who were carried away with dumb Idols the strange Follies of Idolatry and Superstition that ignorance and uncertainty of the chiefest Good and Immortality Something may be observed at this day which confirms that The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are Foolishness unto him neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2. 14. It is an amazing thing to consider those who are prudent as to the Affairs of the World who have all Knowledge and Skill of the best way to get Riches and Honour who foresee and carefully avoid temporal Evils yet commonly these of all Men are most ignorant as to the things of God and their Salvation They think it beneath their parts to condescend to such things it is an undervaluing of their worldly Wisdom to practise Simplicity and Godly Sincerity This they esteem as fit for none but Ignorant and Foolish people One would admire hereat if he did not call to mind Mat. 11. 25 26. 1 Cor. 1. 18 19 20 26. The greatest Schollars are not always holy and obedient for Knowledge puffeth up and they Fancy it a Disparagement to come to the things that are base in the Esteem of the World and the things which are despised The Blindness received by Adams Transgression is not taken away for they disdain as they foolishly and ignorantly think the meanness of the Remedy There are some still Vain in their Imaginations and their foolish heart are darkened Professing themselves to be Wise they Deut. 8. 17. Isa 10. 13. in the end will become Fools that all may know who come into the Promised Land it was not their own Power or Wisdom brought them thither For through proud Nature we are apt to rob God of the Honour due to his Name to say we made our selves Happy Such boasting is false and hateful to our great Master who even this way teacheth us to acknowledge if we will speak but the truth that all our sufficiency is of him 2 Cor. 3. 5. If we are left to our selves all our Wisdom is Earthly Sensual and Devilish and serves for no other end but wisely to descend into Hell. Natural Reason alone is not able to Conduct unto Heaven for it knows not the way unless it had been for the revealed Will of God we had been also Grovelling in the Dark as our Ancestors or the Indians and Pagans at this time Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved let us have Grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with Reverence and Godly fear Heb. 12. 28. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit which is promised to every one that Asks and that gives Life to the dead Letter making it understood and leads into truth sufficient to render us Happy That of guiding into all truth was a particular Promise to the Disciples as appears by the Words following He shall not speak of himself and he will shew you things to come John 13. 16 Now if he who boasts of thiâ— will do the other also have the Spirit of Prophecy as well as the pretended one of infallibility then this Scripture extends to him but seeing he hath not that neither the other for what Christ hath joyned together he is Antichrist that puts asunder Shew the things to come bereafter that we may know that ye are Gods Isa 41. 23. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is Worshipped So that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God 1 Thes 2. 4. That same Jesus from whom he pretends to derive his Commission and Truth foretelleth that many false Christ's and false Prophets shall arise of whom we are to take heed and Commandeth Search the Scriptures John 5. 39. For that only Objection from 2 Pet. 3. 16. which the Man of Sin doth so mightily insist on to beat off the People from that word wherein his own ways and Corruptions are so Condemned The Argument doth not amount to so much as that we ought to abstain from Meat and Drink because possibly we may meet with Poison For the wresting of Scriptures to their own Destruction is a wilful known Act as the word Imports Poâ—son may be conveyed in unknown to us but it would be more ridiculous to say I will not Eat any thing because I know what is Poiâ—on and can Eat that also whereas this should encourage him the more to necessary Food because he knows the other and can avoid it The word of God is as necessary to nourish unto eternal Life as the other to preserve the present and none need to be afraid For this is certain however People are frightned and perplexed about Doctrines and Opinions necessary to â—alvation As in the ways of wickedness none Perishes without a Malâ—cious Sinful Stubborn and continued Trangression of the Will So it is of the understanding unless there is some Malignity and ill deserving therein God will never be eternally angry with Men for it Things are so ordered that every one may be saved by Labour and sincere Use of means and none mis-carries or is damned but through his own Fault and known Wilfulness God would have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth 1 Tim. 2. 4. The end is here
rather wilful perverting some places of the Old Testament have cryed up Zeal for the Lord of Hosts have rebelled against and even killed the Lords anointed on this wicked Pretence He re again the Teachers of the People did cause them to err But suppose the utmost should be granted they did counted for which yet is not That Rebellion was lawful to the Jeâ—s it can be no more inferred that it is lawful to us Christians then Revenge of private Injuries which was allowed to them We live under another Law and Dispensation Ye have heard that it hath been said an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth but I say unto you that ye resist not evil but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right Cheek turn to him the other also Mat. 5. 38 39. there the Doctrine of Non-resistance is set down and further enforced Rom. 13. 1 2. No Zeal is according to the Gospel which stirs up to Sedition and Rebellion If we would have it approved by God it must be ordered according to the Rules laid down there otherwise it is Sin and Madness There is another mistake concerning Zeal of those who punctually observe their own Traditions and are very exact in paying Tythe of Mint Anise and Cummin but omitted the weightier Matters of the Law Judgment Mercy and Faith Mat. 23. 23. Thus did the Pharisees of old And whether some of late have not been more zealous for a Ceremony then Holiness and the Love of God their own Conscience knows and their Actions have discovered We should be zealous for every thing according to its Proportion for the Commandments of God in the first place then for the things which Minister unto Decency and Order for seeing they may both stand together those are necessâ—ry and must be done the other if Authority had not established them might have been left undone however they are to be preferred which are of Divine Institution and Substantials of Religion before those which are Humane and Circumstantials only Hope is a right Application of the Promises in Scripture unto Of Hope our selves Those were many in the Old Testament But by Jesus our Lord are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises 2 Pet. 1. 2 4. This is the Promise that he hath Promised even eternal Life 1 John 2. 25. In hope of eternal Life which God that cannot lye promised before the World began But hath in due times manifested his word through Preaching Tit. 1. 2 3. for Discovery hath been made thereof by little and little It was contained in those general Expressions The Lord the hope of their Fathers Jer. 50. 7. Hope in God Psal 146. 5. and so Heb. 11. 13 16. He was not ashamed to be called their God for he hath prepared for them a City They had Confidence God would do something more for his Servants then temporal and present Mercies for they were also common to others But as he is just and good so he would make some requital for obedience that Hardship and Inconvenience they met with from the World for his sake Which they did expect hereafter in another place God was the same then and his Decrees alike sure though they were not so clearly made known unto Men. And therefore now it is called Hope which entreth into that within the Vail Heb. 6. 19. a better Hope Heb. 7. 19. a lively Hope 1 Pet. 1. 3. all in opposition to those faint Guesses and imperfect Knowledge they had thereof under the Law. They had but a dull and glimmering Prospect beyond tâ—e Earthly Canaan but now Christ hath brought Life and immortality to Light through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1. 10. Herein is comprised greater and more durable Happiness then is possible to conceive That may serve to stir us up but otherwise it doth not signifie to expect or talk of great things if we did not know how to come at or should be disappointed of them But blessed be God we are both taught the way and if we use the means as they are put in our Power we shall certainly obtain for he is faithful that promised Heb. 10. 23. The way and means are shewed in Scripture and may be briefly comprehended in these Texts Lord I have hoped for thy Salvation and done thy Commandments Psal 119. 166. And every man that hath this hope purifieth himself even as he is pure 1 John 3. 3. Hope puts upon Obedience and Action otherwise it is vain and false It is an idle and dangerous Delusion to flatter our selves with the good things God hath prepared for them that love him if we do not or if we say we do and yet not keep his Commandments If hope alone will bring a Man to Heaven Why will it not get him Money 1 John 5. 3. or Estate here on Earth Why will it not provide him necessaries for Life Every one Laughs at him who doth neither Plow nor Sow and yet saith He hopes for a good Crop at Harvest It is alike foolish and deceiving in him who expects to be an Inhabitant of the New Jerusalem and yet walks not in the way which leads thither He may now â—ooth himself with what fancies he will but in the end will find his thoughts shall be as a Dream of a Night Vision as when an hungry Man dreameth and behold he eateth but he awaketh and his Soul is empty His idle imagination may suggest unto him that he is just ready to receive the Crown of Glory but when he comes to appear before God in Judgment and is throughly rouzed out of Carnal security he may be sent another way If only thinking would secure a Man none would go to Hell for the wicked and ungodly hope to escape that Which makes them go on still in their Course for did they really believe themselves should be cast into a Furnace of Fire for having done iniquity Mat. 13. 42. they would no more do so then one now will drink a Glass of seeming pleasant Liquor in which he knew was rank Poison Either men do not believe that place or Fancy they shall some way avoid or they must be the veriest Fools to go the direct way to it They dare not think God to be a Lyar for fear he should manifest the contrary on themselves And then they must not deny the immutability and truth of his Word which is confirmed so often Isa 40. 8. Isa 55. 10 11. Mat. 24. 35. John 12. 48. 1 Pet. 1. 25. And then how can thou hope O Man when that saith The unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. Be not deceived neither Fornicators nor Idolaters nor Thieves nor Coveâ—ous nor Drunkards shall inherit the Kingdom of God 1 Cor. 6. 9 10. And yet thou shalt when some of them thou Art and dost continue We are sure the Judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things And then how canst thou hope to escape it See Rom. 2. v.
he shall be Hanged if it be proceeded against him according to the strict rules of Justice And so it is of the sinner Except ye repent ye shall perish Luke 13. 3. In common Opinions and Sayings the sence of Good and Evil Truth and Falshood is confounded that passes for despair which is but the right pronouncing of ones condition out of that word by which all are to be judged at the last day 'T is neither that nor the inferences which necessarily flow from it which bring this sad effect on any but Mens committing and holding fast those sins to which the threatning part is just and due but they might cease to do so and avoid it The design whereof is to turn many away from iniquity Mal. 2. 6. Not lull them in the continuance of it Neither would they make lies their refuge and under falshood hide themselves Isa 28. 15. only for a little outward quiet if they did throughly consider the great good and satisfaction of a true and well grounded hope It was said of Old Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for Psal 146. 5. his help whose hope is in the Lord but now he is much more who looks for that Blessed hope and the Glorious appearing of the great Tit. 2. 13. God and our Saviour Jesus Christ and so shall be ever with the Lord. 1 Thes 4. 17. With the thoughts of this he can contentedly bear all the present miseries and infirmities of life that God will give an end unto them and receive him to himself where shall be no Sorrow nor Rev. 21. 4 Pain nor Crying Those which have the sure expectation of a Kingdom or good Estate do not grudge at some small inconveniencies in the mean while the thing waited for will make abundant compensation so likewise who doth really hope for the Kingdom God hath prepared can easily go through with that Tribulation he meets with in the World Looking unto Jesus the Author and Heb. 12. 2. Finisher of our Faith who for the joy that was sâ—t before him endured the Cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God. Consider what he saith John 14. 1 2 3. How can their hearts he troubled who stedfastly believe this but yet O happy Souls Ye have need of Patience that after ye have done the Will of God ye might inherit the promise for yet a little while and he that shall come will come and will not tarry Heb. 10. 36 37. Be patient therefore Brethren unto the coming of the Lord behold the Husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the Earth and hath long patience for it until he receive the early and latter rain Jam. 5. 7. He may be deceived of his crop by several accidents which he cannot help but it is not so with you Do but what is required on your part for all the promises of God in him are Yea and in him Amen unto the Glory of God by us 2 Cor. 1. 20. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end that ye be not Sloathful but followers of them who thorough Faith and Patience inherit the promises Heb. 6. 11 12. But if we hope for that we see not then do we with patience wait for it Rom. 8. 25. The Wisdom of God hath excellently contrived for our Happiness by joyning these two precepts together for the mind is restless till it obtains the desired good unless quieted by divine command and pleasure the contemplation of those joys above would vex and torture unless we could patiently tarry for them The Israelites were distressed forty years in the Wilderness before they came unto Canaan Jacob served seven years for Raâ—hel in every temporal end there is fore-going labour and expectation which none doth so much repine at all which do instruct what is like reasonable we should do but the same for Heaven as others for the things of this World. The excellency and greatness whereof will be a more sufficient recompence for the pains and time of waiting The Gospel doth not promise freedom from hardship but compares our life to a Warfare Race Pilgrimage which have trouble intermingled but there is sweetness at the very time by consideration of the victory the incorruptible Crown the pleasant Country we shall at length possess our selves of The thoughts of this doth make us fight couragiously putting on for a helmet the hope of Salvation run cheerfully and pass through this barren and dry Wilderness where no Water of true comfort is Having a mind whither we are going and though they may seem aâ—ar off yet even now Joy springs up out of the Wells of Salvation We have example in a worthy Saint who speaking before of bonds and afflictions yet still reckons that Acts 20. 23 24. no hindrance to finish his course with Joy. None can refuse to suffer any thing that hath in him the true and certain hopes of Eternal Life Ye took joyfully the spoiling of your goods knowing in your selves that ye have in Heaven a better and enduring substance Heb. 10. 34. Rejoycing in Hope patient in Tribulation Rom. 12. 12. That looks oâ—t to the end what we shall come to enjoy not minding little difficulties in the mean while Men do not fear the roughness of the Ocean Tempests or Thunder when they make a Voyage to get Money they have no assurance before hand that they shall not be Ship-wrackt if they once set a shore it matters not what they have undergone but rather it is more pleasant the more dangers they have run through And shall they be discouraged at being tossed up and down in the troublesome Sea of this life who are assured that if they guide their course according to the rules given them they shall at length arrive at the most fair Haven that ever was Come fine weather or foul gentle gales or Euroclydon fears and perils they are contented all things are possible and sweet to them who have this expectaon But the last and greatest is behind as they are just going into harbour It shall bring him to the King of terrours Job 18. 14. How shall this be looked in the face Yet he who hath a sure interest in the promises may hear one speaking unto him Fear not I am the first and the last I am he that liveth and was dead and behold I am alive for evermore Amen and have the Keys of Hell and of Death Rev. 1. 17 18. There is no doubt of getting admittance seeing he keepeth the Door who therefore died and rose again that where he is there his servant shall be John 12. 26. What if the body lie some while in the Grave this dear flesh inherit creeping things and worms yet when there it is void of sence and misery in the mean while this is our comfort that it will not be long there Indeed
which is according to Deut. 16. 18. and hath been the continued usage of all Nations As these discharge their Trust committed by their Sovereign he doth commonly annex Honour and Profits Thus Numb 27. 20. they and their Posterity become Noble according to the Titles he hath given them David a King equal in Power and Majesty to the rest of the Earth freely and according to truth acknowledges 1 Chron. 29. 11 12. what some Monarchs will not speak out God giveth Honour unto the King who conveyeth it down so all is to be derived from him This way of advancement in it self is good and lawful for the King is to give Praise to them that do well 1 Pet. 2. 14. but especially to those who with Wisdom uprightness and diligence manage that Authority intrusted with them Neither was it only allowable in the time of Carnal Ordinances but remains now under the more spiritual Dispensation The Eunuch of great Authority under Candace Queen of the Ethiopians was converted to the Faith and after instruction therein Philip told him If thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest be baptized Acts 8. 37. but did not at all require him to part with his high place The time would fail me to speak of Nicodemus the Centurion Rich Zacheus those honourable Women Sergius Paulus the Deputy the Saints in Cesars Houshold which believed on the Lord Jesus and of all those Persons of higher Rank who embraced Christianity after the Apostles times It did not only spread into Villages and common Cities but that of the imperial Residence and was received by the chief Officers of his Army and those next in Dignity under the Emperour The Grain of Mustard Seed was the least of all when first sown but did shoot it self more and more by Degrees And though at the first Preaching of the Gospel Not many mighty not many noble are called 1 Cor. 1. 26. yet we see according to Gods gracious method more were afterwards and according to his good promises we are to expect yet a further addition and increase When the people are gathered together and the Kingdoms to serve the Lord Psal 102. 22. Of every Rank and Degree of every Calling and Occupation of every Generation since the World began of every Countrey Nation and Language and from every Corner of the Earth there will come from the East and West and sit down with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of God. None is excluded from thence only upon the Account of what when and where he was in the World. Some indeed do stand in more slippery places then others they are in greater Danger to fall but yet they may stand if they take heed The Rich are in a Temptation and a Sâ—are enticing and deceiving them into foolish and hurtful Lusts which drown Men in Destruction and Perdition but this Temptation may be overcome the Snare seen and avoided as the Apostle sheweth them how 1 Tim. 6. But yet they are a strong Allurement to Vanity and Sensuality they can Administer a present Gratification to the Flesh and this makes a goodly appearance oâ— Happiness Which hath been represented in its utmost advantage and found false Chap. 3. and empty God doth equally intend the Happiness of all mankind and therefore that cannot be the proper one which is not given to all For they are all of the same Frame and natural Desires Body and Soul alike which would appear if they had the same Education and Circumstances That those of upper Condition be not exalted above measure let them know There is not so much in Riches and Honour as is commonly imagined Gold Pearls and costly Array are nothing of the Man himself they neither came into the World with him nor shall go out with him and our selves would think it ridiculous if we saw an Horse insult and push his Fellow as if not worthy to come near because the other hath a rich Saddle and fine Entrappings Bare Honour is but Breath depending upon the Speaker and when received in may bloat up or burst the Owner but can never fill or make him more Healthy And though these Men are puffed up upon Account of other Priviledges it might be manifested particularly what they are sensible of by Experience that the trouble and discontent arising from them will abundantly Counterpoise the seeming Good and Complacency Besides that they are in no wise adequate to the Divine Soul of Man for Sensual and Visible things can never satisfie her which is of a different Nature they are narrow and finite unable to fill her large Room and boundless Desires They may be just taken in but do not throughly replenish the least part thereof And further they come from without which may be stopped by several Accidents and hindred from within If the Body is sick or there be Pain in the least Member all those put together will not make Compensation nor can it be driven away when the Patient will by all his Riches and Greatness They cannot cure Grief and Vexation of mind for common occasions much less the fears and thoughts of the World to come for these are only to be allayed as hereafter shewed But other kinds of Remedy are more dangerous and in the end will prove longer tormenting then present irksomeness and disquiet Indeed unless those are ordered aright it will spoyl the Enjoyment of all for do what he can this thought will ever and anon recur That he who is Lord of so many Acres must be confined to such a Compass of ground which is six Foot in length and two in breadth for Nobles shall dwell in the Dust Nahum 3. 18. It will not stay there but go further for who hath not heard of the Rich Man that died and was buried there is somewhat worse succeeds And in Hell he lift up his eyes being in torments Luke 16. 22 23. If this which was spoken by Truth it self were duly considered of it would make Great Men tremble and live otherwise then they do for we can see no Example of their manner of Life throughout the Gospel but in him who went to Hell and there is no other Reason assigned thereof but his voluptuous Living and what may be gathered of uncharitableness Too many now adays resemble him in both giving not much more out of their great Possessions then a few Crumbs which fall down of Course and according to Custom They had best take heed that their end be not the same also Who will go on in his way and not think thereof now yet then He will lift up his eyes and consider from whence he is fallen It will be most afflicting to remember that who had all things to please Flesh and Blood should be tormented there who swilled down delicious Wine in abundance should want a drop of Water to cool his Tongue Be not frightned with this Severity of Words for it is better to be fore-warned though in the most
of all Hearts are to be judged by the Gospel of Jesus Who will put his own Interpretation on his own Laws and we are to receive from his month the Sentence of Life or Condemnation Let none therefore be the more Confident or presume to go on in his Course because one whom he hath chosen for a guide tells him he is right enough and he is willing to believe him for such can know no otherwise then by the Gospel and it is agreed on all hands that those Texts which are given to make wise unto Salvation are so plain and easie to be understood that they need no Interpretation at all and it cannot be that any who come in sincerity to be informed should be deceived in them But thus it is Men are strangely given to their own Lusts they cannot endure to resist the Allurement of sensual Pleasures and are not willing to bring down their haughty minds and yet would partake of the Promises of the Gospel and avoid its Threatnings so there must be an expedient found out to do all this How ready are they to hearken unto and embrace every proposal made to this end Either by their own deceitful Hearts or by him who works with all deceivableness in them that Perish Or some others have been found who instead of shewing People Mic. 3. 5 8. their Transgression and the House of Jacob their sins have soothed them up and concealed Who have strengthened the hands of the wicked that he should not return from his wicked way by promising him Life Ezek. 13. 22. Who being willing to please their great Benefactors do according as they would have Speak smooth things and Prophesie deceits Isa 30. 10. Who know no sooner way to oblige them then by dictating Doctrines sutable to their ungodly Lusts and Inclinations that they may live the Life of the wicked and die the Death of the righteous follow all iniquity here and receive the Crown for Well-doing hereafter And this is done by divulging some pleasing but wrong and mis-applyed Notions of Gods wonderful Mercy of Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and relying wholly on him for Salvation of a formal daily Repentance which is well enough if more sincere and perfect on the Death-bed the Doctrine of partial Obedience of Desires and Resolutions which are for the most part Mockery or Non-sense the mistakes of Sins of infirmity for the works of the Flesh and unrighteousness come under these of distinguishing between the Counsels and Precepts of the Gospel stretching it further then they have Warrant from 1 Cor. 7. 25. What they have a mind to follow those are the Commands and what they have not is of the other sort and then they sin not in neglecting it And such like Out of which may be patched up a fine sort of Divinity to please the Great Ones here by giving them Encouragement that after they have gratified to the utmost all their wicked Lusts and bid defiance to the Almighty in their Life-time yet they can appease him again slightly and when they will But certainly this is quite to leave the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ to go on to imperfection not laying again but utterly over-throwing the Foundation of Repentance from dead Works and of Faith towards God which if such as pleases him must consist in Obedience as well as to believe that he is But one would think some did not so much or what is worse Think that the God-head was like unto Gold or Silver or stone graven by Art and Mans device Acts 17. 29. for they would stamp their own Impressions and more derogate from his Glory and despise him in their own imaginations then they did Rom. 1. 23. for these would make God such an one as they would have him render him a Lyar alter and change his very Nature beseech him to determine his everlasting Gospel rather then he shall not save them Or else how can they ever dream of thrusting themselves into his Holy City above any other way then by which God hath appointed nay going contrary to what he hath Chalkt out Our Saviour Jesus Christ gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and puriâ—ie unto himself a peculiar People zealous of good Works Tit. 2. 14. Now these defeat the very end of his Coming for according to their supposal Men may still live in all iniquity and instead of being zealous for good Works they need do none at all but cast themselves intirely on Christs satisfaction and Merits The foregoing Verse is The grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared unto all Men Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly Lusts we should live soberly and righteously and Godly in this present World but according to the daubing of some if we do the contrary all our Life-long and we do that is impossible but say or wish as much before the last Gasp of Breath is gone we may lay hold of it But hold there Salvation is not Mens to give they cannot so much as redeem their own Souls much less barter with Almighty God for others We are to have the Reward from his hands only and he hath said already on what terms he will give it Christ became the Author of eternal Salvation unto all that obey him Heb. 5. 9. and to none else The Priests may not prescribe unto him who is a God of infinite Sovereignty and Power Laws of their own Head nor parcel out the Objects of his Bounty they may never partake of it themselves much less be so impudent as to set it out for others Themselve◠〈…〉 e to stand among the number of the Criminals for since they have corrupted the Word of God 2 Cor. 2. 17. Instead of warning the Wicked from his way such have been occasion why he sinned yet more they shall receive greater Condemnation Nevertheless those shall not escape who being led away with their own lusts and enticed do gladly receive their plausible Opinions and Sayings but shall perish for all Mat. 15. 14. Ezek. 33. 8. Isa 9. 16. Though the Serpent Gen. 3. beguiled the Woman and the Woman beguiled the Man yet the curse was pronunced on all And it will be no excuse in the last day Lord the Teachers who came in thy name told us we might do such things and live for Christ had foretold that false ones should arise and commanded to take heed least any Man deceive you He left his Word behind to try the Doctrines whether they be of Men or no by which he will judge the World and not by this or that Doctors Opinion Let others now put what meaning they will upon the commands of Christ yet if he should interpret them otherwise every one knoweth whose must be taken and by which we are to abide His judgment and exposition will be according to Righteousness and Truth whatever others make now If they turn the Word up Isa 24. 5. and down to make
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.
the way of Truth Do ye not therefore err because ye know not the Scriptures said our Lord to the Sadducees Mark 12. 24. But who call themselves his followers of the Roman Church fallaciously conclude therefore Men err because they know the Scriptures But this happens only through the abomination of the wicked which stumble at the word being disobedient 1 Pet. 2. 8. Whereas no truly honest minded Soul was ever deceived by it I do not mean in every little Question which Ministers unto strife rather then Godly Edifying or in matters of doubtful disputation but what is necessary to build up in our holy Faith and make for good Life As long as we keep our heart whole with God and continue stedfast in his Covenant we are safe but if we once let in a sinful gain or lust then foolish imaginations come in and we are in danger to miscarry in the errour of our own ways If our Selves will take heed both pray and endeavour to hold up our goings in Gods paths this is to keep from the paths of the destroyer If there be no wicked way in us we shall be in the way everlasting Those which turn aside are Sin and Satan but this is the Covenant performed in these dayes That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our Enemies might serve him without fear in Holiness and Righteousness before him all the dayes of our Life Luke 1. 73 74. It can be no little satisfaction to be freed from danger and then if it be any comfort to have true quietness of Spirit Joy in the Holy Ghost firm hopes of Eternal Life such have all these When those who cherish themselves with deceits may be like the rest of Sleep whereof nothing is perceived but interruptions They have no delights in the inward Man no rejoycings in God but feed upon groundless expectations which shall perish with them If any man think himself to be something when he is nothing he deceiveth himself He may indeed with slight cursory thoughts conclude his condition to be well enough this a self deceiver may do Whereas the true servant of God can descend into the bottom of his heart can prove his own work and find rejoycing in himself alone which the other cannot Be not deceived God is not mocked for whatsoever a man soweth that he shall also reap He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting Gal. 6. 3 6 7 8. Many people intend well but the Enemy doth try all means to hinder His first attempt is to keep off from coming into the way of Righteousness at all but if he doth not succeed there he will try to turn them aside into the By-paths of errour or wickedness Is God to be Worshipped He represents such an Idolatry or Heathen Superstition which he hath got to be retained by one half of those who are called Christians Is the truth to be sought after There is such a false light go after that Hath the Lord commanded to do all his Statutes Deut. 6. 24. He knoweth such a thing to be for your Happiness and why should he restrain you from that Beloved do not give credit to him who after this manner beguiled our first Parents in whose loyns we fell and became subject to all those evils and dangers that now beset us Submit your selves therefore to God resist the Devil and he will flee from you Jam. 4. 7. Ignorant people are apt to be frightened at him but he is a meer Coward he cannot conquer any one unless he will himself Though he is full of mischief and maliciously set against us yet he can do no harm unless our selves give way unto him Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh unto you Jam. 4. 8. What a stir do men make before they give up themselves to his Obedience How many arguments and beseechings must they have Though he is the God of their being and well-being yet what a work is it to bring them unto his service It is their greatest Happiness and Security yet with what difficulty are they perswaded unto it They do not think so then let them consider throughly the different state of the Wicked and Godly in this World as they are both in the same low degree The former cares not for God neither hath he any regard to Psal 10. keep his Commandments and perhaps may think himself happy Of the different state of wicked and Godly because he is his own Man and doth follow his own humour Who can controul him He is not troubled with the fears of Religion He doth not stand in dread of an Oath but loves and dares to talk big When he can spare time from his work he is for any diversion or Merriment whether sinful or not is no matter unto him he lives as comfortably as he can dies when his time is come and there is an end of him But now the Lord saith they that despise me shall be Lightly esteemed 1 Sam. 2. 30. Whatever such say in their heart concerning the holy one of Israel they dare not talk after this rate to the Governour of their Country and they will find that they had better curse the King to his face then conceive such iniquity but in thought against the Great King of all the Earth Foresooth they will not keep his Commandments then they shall lose Eternal Life and for Disobedience be cast into a Furnace of Fire Who think it such an advantage to have full liberty and follow their own humour in all things how will they like to be tied down in Chains of Darkness and to pine a whole Eternity in desires which shall not be granted God will not force them or any else tho' he might to his obedience but will compel transgressors to undergo the severity of his just judgment In the midst of sinning they have a secret dread and horrour thereof which unless they did endeavour to stifle would be intolerable to them let them pretend or talk what they will or conceal it still none fear so much as those who do not fear God. They being kept in from the World to come wherein he will suffer their evil deeds no longer only by this vail of flesh they are afraid of every least Evil or Sickness which may endanger that and yet by prophaning his Name they increase their own sad expectation They imagaine they talk big but do not consider he is a Great God. It is a sad thing to consider that an Ostler Porter or other common Person who dare not give a Saucy Word to their Superiours on Earth for fear of having his bones broke yet should be so bold with the most High God who can tear him in pieces and there is none to deliver him If it can be no sport or pleasure to teaze a Lion of the Forrest much less
is heavy so he may frollick it a little in his younger days then become dull and spend the greatest part of his life void of true cheerfulness and that ended a worâ—e thing may befall him For Psal 104. 15. John 2. 10. Which are commonly alledged in vindication of this sin when it rather argues of more Ingratitude and Disobedience Our Gracious God hath given this good creature for necessary refreshment and honest cheerfulness so there is no waste or disturbance to reason But if Men will not be content with this Liberty and when God hath ordered they shall drink no more after these ends are answered if they will go further to add Drunkenness to Thirst Deut. 29. 19. To force down more after they have well drunk already and have not the least Appetite there is the provocation of this sin Nothing exasperates so much as abused favour and because God hath been good therefore for Men to be more wicked this makes sin to be exceeding sinful He is most displeased with those which are committed against his loving-kindness and therefore because he hath given great liberty to transgress that and to presume upon his being merciful to forgive is a perverse way of reasoning and makes the sin seven times greater To hope that God will forgive give such Malicious and Presumptuous Offenders or Despisers is in effect that he will prove a Liar But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings saith the Lord Jer. 21. 14. Every Mans sin would be pardoned if hopes or wishes alone would induce the Lord to pardon them In truth he is what he hath proclaimed himself The Lord the Lord God Merciful and gracious long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth iâ— so he is to be believed what he saith further keeping Mercy for thousands forgiving Iniquity Transgression and sin and that will by no means clear the Guilty Exod 34. 6 7. His mercy is confirmed more then ten times before this of Judgment comes Think not this last hard O ye Transgressors Luke 21. 22. Rom. 3. 5. for whether is meet you should turn away from your â—ins or God should devest himself of justice and Truth rather then punish you for the same Which can he most reasonably expected either your selves must go into Hell or that the Words he hath spoken shall come to naught God hath spoken once twice have I heard this that power belongeth unto God Psal 62. 11. Though hand joyn in hand the wicked shall not be unpunished Prov. 11. 21. Do not think to trifle with him for he is a Righteouâ— Judge and a Father only to those who perform unto him the Obedience of Children As for the other vain Imaginations the Drunkard hath they Antep 288 are grounded upon unbelief or desperate folly He cannot be so senceless to conclude it shall happen to him according to his unbelief that there is no future State only because he thinks so or would have it so and thus make void the fixed decrees of Almighty God with his own weak fancy or fruitless desire If he is unbelieving now and so resolves to continue the first thing that shall convince of the mistake will be his own woful experience but when this shall teach him his condition will be without hope or remedy It would be a more wise way to believe and so avoid then to go with an evil heart of unbelief till death delivers him over where he shall be forced to believe and tremble and afterwards see and suffer But if he hath not quite lost his Faith he must be convinced of a more foolish manner of Acting He abhors and cannot endure his present Life because it is miserable there is the same Reason he should not thrust himself forward into the other for if the Punishment of Sin is now so grievous that Men would do any thing to be rid of it what will it be hereafter when Jer. 12. 5. God shall stretch forth his Arm to take full Vengeance on the Workers of iniquity These had better take warning God hath given them a space to repent of their Drunkenness Be sure to comply with his gracious purpose make their Peace with him lengthen out their time by all lawful means to prepare the more for the Bridegroom 's coming But if they will go on in their own former way they shall Taste and Feel this to be true Their Grapes are Grapes of Gall their Clusters are bitter Their wine is the Poison of Dragons and the cruel Venom of Asps Deut. 32. 32 33. What hath possessed the minds of Men to be so in love with this Evil All are not for Turks and Iâ—fidels are not so guilty thereof as the Christian World. A Company of People who profess to believe the Scriptures in which are contained severe Threatnings against this Sin yet they most of all do commit it The Laws and Prescriptions of Heathen Deities and false Prophets throughout the World are observed but here in Christendom Men do not obey the Commandments of the Lord and his Christ The words of Jonadab the Son of Rechab that he commanded his Sons not to drink Wine are performed Jer. 35. 14. But our bountiful Lord hath permitted the good use thereof with this charge Be ye not drunk with Wine wherein is excess Eph. 5. 18. Yet Men have transgressed his Voice wherefore the Râ—chabites may be their Judges and it will be more tolerable in the day of Judgment for Mahometans and Idolaters then for this sottish Generation â—O foolish People who hath bewitched you that you should not obey the Truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently-set forth crucâ—fied among you Gal. 3. 1. All of you hear him Preached and some have drunk of the Cup of the Lord yet you resort again to the Cup of Devils by Drinking after such an excessive manner as they of old did in Sacrificing to Evil Spirits which also now chiefly gratifies them who prompt to sin and disobedience If we did allow for the Temptations of Drink and Company yet the loss of Gods Favour Peace of Mind and health of Body will not be sufficiently recompenced with that pretended converiency Look not only upon the good colour of the Liquor nor hearken to the Merriment of Companions when they are at it but consider the enâ— Think upon the whole life and way of those jolly Persons and then tell me whether drunkâ—â—â—ess is not pâ—â—judicial to Mans Happâ—ness But couldst thou â—eep into the Chambers of Death as that may be done by Faith and see those poor Souls who were once Drinking and making Merry on the Earth the Pit hath shut her Mouth upon them and now they are full of Anguish and Indignation for their former Folly There remains still the like Threatning to the Drunkards of England the Drunkards of England shall be troden under Feet Isa 28. 3. For the Judgment of God is the same against all Nations Times and People who
Companion and VVife of thy Covenant Mal. 2. 14. When a Man proves unfaithful his Heart is alienated from her who is the constant Companion of his Bed for going after Strangers makes affection cease towards his own Perhaps at first it was not so much unkindness as to gratifie an extravagant Desire but the Seeds of hatred are sown which spring up and embitter their other Delights Who have sufficient of outward Blessings yet all is spoiled by this one accâ—rsed thing Those mutual Heart-burnings Discontent sad Wishes and Imprecations take away the Rellish of other Enjoyments It is very hard on the Womans side that she must be wretched for no fault of her own but meerly the iniquity and baseness of her Husband who according to the usual Methods of injustice commits a double Transgression First becomes perfidious and then conceives Hatred which last is thought an excuse of the Sin when in Truth it is a worse Aggravation thereof If he hath the least Sense of God above those severe girds and twitches of Conscience do more then abundantly take off from the Sweetness of stolen Waters If he hath any degree of common Nature he cannot but be moved with his own injury and falshood towards whom he is bound to give that which is equal and observe the solemn Oath and Promise between them Many particulars do sufficiently shew that he who violates conjugal Chastity procures continued Vexation unto himself and for a few hours running after unlawful Love he renders the whole Course of his Life miserable This Truth is so discernable that more need not to be said thereof It is not altogether so pleasant for married Men to follow these Lusts of the Flesh but the single Person who hath none to controul him who is tyed to none but at Liberty for all he finds the pretended good of them But it would be better for him if he let them alone or have the lawful Remedy No no Crys the young Man. Variety is pleasant one time for this then for another wherever Beauty or Change invite him At first this kind of Life may seem delightful those Preparatives do somewhat please That obscene and filthy Talk lascivious Songs wanton Dalliances and rude Gestures for thus the Devils Souldier is trained up and Disciplined are a little diverting till abundant and repeated use doth also take that away If the stripling hath not cast off all regard to God and his Worship as that is seldom for the impressions are then more strong and sensible and it may be preserved by good Education of Parents then his thoughts will be apt to accuse him It is not meet the same Tongue wherewith Prayers and Praises are offered up unto the Most High God should be defiled with corrupt Communications or singing forth the Encomium of sin and iniquity Therewith to Bless God the Father and therewith to dishonour him Out of the same Mouth proceedeth Good and Evil My Brethren these things ought not so to be Doth a Fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter Jam. 3. 10 11. Conscience wiâ—l make such Reflections which turn outward Laughter into an inward Sigh This bitter allay is mingled with the jocular and merry Discourse as it is called And if he will not think of these things but go on making â—much noise yet there is a sad sting behind that of the Lord Jesus shall be fulfilled I say unto you that every idle word that Men shall speak they shall give an Account thereof in the Day of Judgment for by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be Condemned Mat. 12. 36 37. Even at present a Man discovereth himself by the Talk of his Mouth Where proceeds forth Filthiness and Folly it is a strong Presumption that such is he himself A noble Subject to converse upon whereof a Man cannot think without abhorrence A sign of an exalted and raised Spirit to depress the Mind into a Beast Whatever delight arises hereby it is like that of Children or Fools The great Talkers of this kind do not pretend to such a mighty degree of Pleasure from the meer Discourse that is said to be when Words are reduced into Actions Here lies a rub in the young Mans way and this helps for removal thereof That shame and modesty of Nature is an hindrance to him from doing thus wickedly He gives back and had rather let it alone And therefore this must be laid aside which is not done without time and difficulty before the expected Satisfaction can be had The mind is spoiled of its most lovely Ornament before he comes to the doing of those things in secret whereof it is a shame to speak That Virgin blush then which nothing is more beautiful must be gone Accordingly the modern way of breeding is to drive that away as soon as possible It is more eminent in the Female Sex and was formerly an excellency but now esteemed the effect of Countrey Education laughed at and by keeping Company with the Town Ladies and frequenting the Play house it is at length utterly â—ost In the other it goes away by associating with Lascivious Persons and complying with unsavoury Discourse Is this to bring up Children in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord Certainly this way doth sooner lead them to commit all iniquity with Greediness and makes them the Children of Hell. Corruption moves quick enough of it self there is no need of taking away the Clog that he may run more hastily in the broad way However it is irksome to do that but then he may fall to committing of Folly for so the Holy Ghost in a peculiar manner calls this Sin. The foregoing disturbance is removed there succeeds another afterwards Those qualms of Conscience immediately after the Fact are more bitter then the sweet of the beloved Sin. They are equal in Degree but longer in Duration That Horrour and Distraction of mind for what is done those frightful Suggestions of having offended God the Blackness of Guilt which comes forth and sits heavy upon the Soul Indignation and Anguish all thâ—se stand in opposition to the delight he had The lustful Person is sensible of thus much at first which render the Sin uneasie and disquieting He thinks to follow it no longer But then the Devil or his Instruments wicked Companions or his own deceitful Heart may dictate That at first he will meet with such kind of Bugbears The Dog within will at length cease to bite he may grumble a little but that is nothing Go resolutely on and he will not find such severe resistance His own experience assures him every time he Practises it there is less Reluctancy The raw and unexperienced Souldier is frightned at the smoke of Guns his Heart pants at every Push or Charge but the old Marches on undountedly and is not troubled with Fears Never be discouraged if a thick Cloud should arise in thy mind do not value every Dart that sTrikes
means for their own Preservation God is to be glorified in their good Confessions they are to acquaint the wicked World of their iniquity and unreasonableness in doing so against them and to take off from all manner of false Accusation that the generality of Men may be throughly convinced that these do not suffer as evil doers And if after all this they suffer it is according to the Will of God for holding fast to his Ways and Truth and so as he would have them behave themselves They may commit the keeping of their Souls to him in well-doing as unto a faithful Creator Neither are those who inflict it to be excused for their intentions are Malice and Evil they did as much mischief as they could they did kill the Body and would have killed the Soul if that were in their Power Those who beâ—eaved of Life would hinder them of the Crown of Glory if they could and so that is given the utmost thanks are due only to our most Wise and bountiful Lord and not in the least to horrid Miscreants Such Considerations may be of use to prevent their own wickedness to hinder that Misery which will come upon all those who hereafter shall presume to do thus ungodly that they may fear and refrain What is prejudicial to the Happiness of mankind is to be taken notice of that it may be avoided this hath been shewed to spring from that mingled Seed of Malice and Envy and so it aptly fâ—ll in our way The Heart is the principle of Action for the hands execute that which the Man thinks fit to be done and therefore it is necessary to prevent evil and irregular Actings to look unto the first Rise and rectifie that If those destructive and poysonous Seeds had never been sown or picked out or the growth of them hindred then all this mischief had not been If we could take away all Malice evil Surmisings and Envy there would be no Persecution in the World for though it may See Isa 26. 11. also arise from blind and sinful Zeal yet where this is those things are also intermingled against their Persons If there was Love and common Humanity they would search and have the Cause known but when they either hate or grudge to gratifie these wicked Humours they may think they do God Service When they have private Peak of their own they will play the Hypocrites pretend to be like God and be clad with zeal as a Cloak to hide that not considering the All-seeing Eye Ambition and Covetousness may have some hand but Hatred Malice and Envy do still creep in among them It is the very constitution of the Prince of the Power of the Aâ—â— the Spirit which worketh in the Children of Disobedience 'T is that which sets him walking about seeking whom he may devour which he privily conveys into the hearts of Men and works mightily to resist the servants of God and for advancing his Kingdom of Darkness Pride and Envy are the great setters of it up the first is the Capital sin the other doth truckle under it Though it seems sneaking and low yet it is founded on the Proud aspiring Humour of Man Every one hath too good an Opinion of himself and thinks he deserves as well yea better then others and therefore if they are above him in other advantages he is discontented with himself and secretly envies them Why should they be in a better condition then himself What reason is it they should be more Happy Are their Merits so transcending his own or his Provocations more then theirs And thence he begins to murmur at the good Man of the House That God whose Wise Providence governs the World. But hear what he saith Is it not Lawful for me to do what I will with mine own Is thine Eye evil because I am Good Mat. 20. 15. Why should he be quarrelling and repining at the Gifts of God who is Sovereign and obliged to none but disperses to his Creatures according to his own good Pleasure We cannot comprehend the reason of his doings but he hath said to whom he hath given much of them he will require more at last it wiâ—l appear that God is no respecter of Persons and he gave to all sufficient means to work out their own Salvation We may judge that there must be inequality to make Order and Government there must be strings of a different size towards Harmony and Musick If one Star is greater then another yet the less is as full of light according to its Proportion Zacheus who was little of Statute was as much a Man as the Giants of Old We think it hard when we look with the Carnal Eye on the meer outside but how know we that God therefore purposely ordered it to be differently with Men for a greater Exhortation to lay hold of the Hope set before us We cannot endure another should be more happy then our selves Why then should not we endeavour to be Happy likewise And in the mean while take away these unpleasant thoughts rise up and be doing Cease from Anger and forsake Wrath fret not thy self in any wise to do Evil Psal 37. 8. There is but one true Happiness set before all the Sons of Men of which every one may be partaker That is Heaven and the way to it If others either not come in or straggle out to gather a few â—ading delights do you keep close in and you will be more Happy even now and also at the end then they It is thought by some that all have an equal share and degree of Wordly Happiness those who have greatest enjoyments have allaies answerable to them and who have a less quantity of outward Blessings have less of tormenting desires and more contentment there are Divertisements to all sorts of People the meanest rub out their time all on as those of more exalted condition Upon a strict and through enquiry allowing for the necessaries and some few recreations of life whatever is more is so little that it doth not deserve any strife or contention Every Night shuts up not only the delights of the Day but of a Mans whole life past and in respect of that there is no difference of Happiness or Misery And there is so little in them that it is the same thing whether Pleasures be had or not they are not worthy to be sought after for the future If we reflect upon things according to common Observation and Experience there is no room left for Envy for that is remedied by having a true estimate of the Nature of things But if we should go into the Saâ—ctuary and consider the end of those Men who turn their Employments into the pleasures of Sin for a Season Who disobey God and draw his displeasure upon them losing the recompence of reward for that which satisfies not and come to the place of Torment for those Delights which did perish whilst theâ— were had Can any one envy
and what doth the short respite avail them if not employed to the foresaid use Those who are so over careful of their Health if not of their Salvation also as these things have been too often put asunder do notwithstanding go away at last as to the first they were cumbred in vain but the other Labour would not have been so 1 Cor. 15. 58. for perhapâ— they might prevent Death a little time but yet still it comes and will be more terrible if the only thing needful be not as much minded Let the wicked World search after all the Policies that can be had do all things to pacifie for satisfie they cannot their minds yet they have no Preservation against the Fear and Danger of Death There is more help to be had in Faith and Obedience then all their Stratagems However they Brave it out in time of Health and Vigour yet the wickedness of the wicked will come to an Numb 32. 13 14. end The Generations of them have been and are in Rebellion but the single Persons fall away day by day Now goeth one and then another An Evil as only Evil behold is come an end is come it watcheth for thee behold it is come The morning is come upon thee O thou that dwellest in the Land the time is come the day of trouble is neer and not the sounding again of the Mountains Ezek. 7. 5 6 7. The time of last Sickness and Death hath already came upon many Millions of wicked Men several at this instant lie strugling and those who now walk so disdainfully and do not value any sort of Sin in a short time themselves will come to be in the same Condition And then if they are the least sensible or apprehensive What Fear and Horror are they in What dreadful Thoughts do arise in their minds They having not given Glory unto God but on the contrary dishonoured him must be horribly surprized about their Feet stumbling upon the dark Mountains as their Souls do look over into the other World they shrink back and would fain stay where they are Now a flashing of Thunder makes them startle Hell opens a little as ready to receive them and they leap back then a sad presage doth discompose and trouble them If they would but at the last give Glory to God discover the utmost they suffer to warn By-standers to acknowledge Gods Justice and their own Sinfulness Who knows how kindâ—y he may take it from them see Jer. 3. 12 13. But some as they were disobedient in their life time are sullen in their Death or ashamed and not willing to take discredit upon themselves for Pride goes out last with the body of sin Otherwise they might own as much as indeed some have done and it was never the worse for them And who have strove to conceal yet sudden words drop forth and other signs manifest their sad Condition All their sinful Pleasures are vanished away like smoke and leave this blackness behind If never so much hath been done to please Men that signifies nothing for they cannot support him they are under the same Law and shall not be able to deliver themselves The World and all things therein are passed away what he hath done as to them stands in no stead that was the Enemy which beguiled now shrinks away and leaves him in this foreâ—orn Condition His body is to descend into the Bars of the Pit which till the Resurrection will be no more then a Stone or any other lump of Clay under the Earth but where the Soul shall be received is the Anguish and Vexation If sin was a thing of naught as we are apt to Imagine God who is good and his Judgments are Righteous altogether would never inflict such â—â—nishments for the same as we see he doth when his Wrath is kindled but a little when he begins to execute Sin receives its aggravation from the Person of him against whom it is committed The end is come it watcheth for thee Ezek. 7. 6. It is strange that the living will not take warning by what they see hath happened to others Hast thou known or heard of any one that hath died in his sins All the pleasure of them is gone and the same thing with him as if it had not been at all as to the delightful Nature Was he in an Agony or Stupid at the last Dost not thou think it would have been better for that same person if he had lived in Holiness and Righteousness instead of Sin and Iniquity For the fancied trouble but the real delight of the former would have been past and gone as the clamorous and outward Pleasures but the silent and inward Vexation of the latter now is Then he would have had something to trust unto but now he hath not If thou continuest in sin which God forbid just the same will be thy Case Whether thou mindest it or not the day will come when thou shalt be like him The Scripture testifies sufficiently unto all that they do not those things the end of which is Death Rom. 6. 21. To be wretched in this life and afterwards also is a sad thing What can be done too much to prevent either but especially the last The first may be somewhat eased the latter may be wholly taken away And the only means to do it is by Submission and Obedience unto Almighty God That in this time which he hath given to prove us we may be such as he would have us be All reasonable Creatures are either obedient Subjects or Enemies He holds all our breath in for a space he takes it away and we die The Wicked is driven away in his wickedness but the Righteous hath hope in his Death Prov. 14. 32. Now that relies upon the promises of God which are as sure The condition of good Men in their Death as the Foundations of the Earth He upholdeth all things by the word of his power Heb. 1. 3. And also he doth support the Faith of his Servants by the Word of his Truth Innumerable are the places of Holy Scripture to give them the most perfect assurance that it shall be well with them after Death as Mat. 25. 34 40 46. John 8. 51. John 3. 16. John 6. 33. John 12. 26. John 14. 2 3 19. John 20. 17. Rev. 14. 13. Phil. 1. 21 22. Col. 3. 4. 2 Cor. 5. 1 2 3 4. Rom. 8. 1 15 16 17. 2 Cor. 1. 20. Eph. 1. 13 14. 2 Tim. 4. 7 8. Rom. 2. 7. Tit. 1. 2. I might transcribe the whole Gospel for it hath relation to this purpose to promote a conversation according to it whilst we live and the Happiness we shall be partakers of after we die as sure as God hath spoken to us by his Son all this shall be fulfilled The Lord Christ must be a deceiver if these things be not so rather then which in the least to think I would say in good earnest and upon
foundation of Faith and good manners How Religion is as it were turned into an endless prate and talk about controverted points They have unsetled well disposed minds by taking them off from the Doctrine according to Goâ—â—â—ness They have turned out of the way of Truth into Errors and Deceits The Infidels Scorners Carnal and indifferent Persons have been confirmed in their ungodliness thinking it as good to be of no Religion at all as to profess one with so much wrangling They make sport with the Absurdities and fallings out of the Religious Also the Hypocrites and Adversaries under the shelter of them do throw out their Reproaches and hereupon the Presumption of them which hate God increaseth yet more Whereas it might be considered that notwithstanding they differ and squabble yet they all agree in this That Obedience and Holiness is the only way to Heaven If they contend about Circumstantial and positive Duties it is about the manner In this they concenter that God is to be Worshipped And they all stand up with one accord for the Moral part the immutable Laws of Good and Evil. There hath been an expedient proposed and only wants to be put in use if what some would Arrogantly have in their Church be it no wise granted to them but what is most reasonable and due that there should be an implicit Belief in Scripture the Word of God. In all plain places believe them as they are but in the hard and difficult so believe in general whatever the Holy Spirit did intend was the very meaning of that place Whosoever believes thus much shall certainly be saved Nor doth this shut out knowledge and industry for that is a necessary Duty but after that used to rest in what we apprehend the meaning and that if any other is so we believe it See 1 Cor. 2. 10 11. Phil. 3. 15. Psal 25. 12 13 14. The way to Truth is by good Life and direction from above God is Gracious and Merciful he threatens none but only those who shall not believe on him and his Son Jesus Christ All Ignorances Errors and Mistakes that are neither wilful nor affected will be pardoned Let no Man lay any other Foundation and every one keep fast to that There is a great stir about an infallible Judge of Controversie and an unerring interpreter of Scripture Whereas the common and ordinary places do no more need any Interpretation then every common expression of this Nature is most part of the Gospel but for the Mysteries and dark Speeches throughout Holy Writ God will unfold and bring them to Light in his due time We ought to pray and through his Grace endeavour to be meet for the Holy Spirit which searcheth all things yea the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. We are to set our Seal that God is true and so is every thing contained in his Word though we do not presently understand it God may reveal many things in Succession of time and what he doth not none shall mis-carry for not knowing them The Promise is annexed to Obedience and not Opinion do this and live Yea Faith it self is in order to Practice Vnto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus Christ sent him to Bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities Acts 3. 26. All that Jesus did and said was to this end And whosoever doth really believe that he was sent from God if he is fully and effectually perswaded that those things are so which our Saviour hath made known that Person can never live ill if he let them sink deep into his Heart The whole Scripture as well as that particular Gospel Luke 1. 1. Is an orderly Declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us Whoso is of this number will order his Conversation accordingly In this faln and corrupt State of mankind Religion begins Of Repentance by aversion from Sin and Conversion unto God which is Repentance We are by Nature the Children of Wrath the Seeds of evil grow up into sinful Acts and Habits As soon as ever we come to years of the least Discretion and Knowledge there is set before us the good and evil way And this last seeming pleasant unto us from our Infancy and Childhood for therein also Sin breaks forth as soon as the outward Powers of sinning appear is most commonly chosen Should our merciful God have given us but one time to make our Choice and thereby eternally abide we must all have perished or not one of a thousand would have been saved of what are now For who is he that to his Original Corruption doth not add actual and continued Sin That to natural Depravation doth not add fresh Perverseness of his own All we like Shâ—ep have gone astray VVe have turned every one to his own way Isa 53 6. We do err and wander of our selves seeking out for green Pasture for those foolish and sinful Delights which we know not would rot and destroy us We would sain be Happy as soon as possible then that luscious and present appearance of good doth draw us away after it Did none take Care of us but our selves we must be consumed in this our Folly for we go away from the Supream and only Good and snatch at those things which are hurtful It pleases the Lord to put before us the good and the evil to prove whither we will be obedient unto him Whether we who were purposely made for him will by any thing be taken off from him Whether we will follow after what he recommends and eschew what he forbids so approving our selves obedient Children but alas We will not believe his Word for we would willingly have some Tryal by experience whether it be so or not We are not contented to trust unto his Goodness and Truth but for knowing of our selves What ingratitude Contempt and dis-belief do we shew unto God who is so infinitely above us What unparralled Condescention and Goodness is in him that he should be pleased to suffer it in this Wise When not only by the Excellencâ— of what he Commands but by the sensible disappointment and deceitfulness of what he forbids we may Taste and see that the Lord is good 1 Pet. 2. 25. We cannot go back of our selves he sends his Son and Bishop of our Souls who is the way John 4. 6. so we may know it he sends his Holy Spirit to stir and push us forward so that we may do it If that when it is fully known what is the utmost good in all the Pleasures of Sin when not withstanding all their vain Promises the Man is fully convinced of the Hunger and Emptiness of them When he is ready to perish Luke 15. 17. for want of true Satisfaction and Content and might have more in the ways of God if then he would return and come over unto him it is accepted Read and consider well the third Chapter of Jeremiah especially Verse 1
turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven Heb. 12. 25. Who though he is long since ascended on High and sits at the right hand of the Father yet speaks to us even now by his Word He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my Words hath one that judgeth him the VVord that I have spoken the same shall judge him at the last day John 12. 48. And if we will not hear them neither would we be perswaded if Christ should come once again into the World after the same manner as he did He hath sent forth Labourers into his Harvest with full Power and Commission He that heareth you heareth me And he that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me Luke 10. 16. These are to do the Work of their Great Master to seek them that are lost and endeavour according to their utmost Power to bring many unto Life And he shewed me Joshua the High Priest standing before the Lord and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him Zech. 3. 1. When any thing is designed for the good of mankind he will be sure to hinder it as much as he can And it is observable among all the parts of Religion None hath been so much stifled refused or corrupted as the Ordinance of Preaching Nothing is more muttered against or endeavoured to be put off as the Faithful handling and Application of the Word The great prejudice against it is Lust and Consequent to that an affected ignorance Seeing Men will not do accordingly they think it the better the less they know or hear of the things of God whereas this being wilful and out of a wicked mind makes their Disobedience yet worse because they add this as the beginning and cause of all They desire not the knowledge of Gods ways Job 21. 14. Thou hatest instruction and casteth my words behind thee Psal 50. 17. This is the principal Device Satan makes use of to deceive the whole World by false and sly Suggestions he keeps them off from being acquainted with the Way and Truth of God and thence springs up a secret Enmity in the first place against the Word and those who divide it aright giving to every one his Portion There is none grown up to that height of wickedness as to belch out Blasphemies against Heaven or speak openly against Scripture yet in the Heart of the natural Man doth lie hid an Hatred and this shews it self by opposing them who are set in defence of the Gospel The real cause is concealed but then he Picks some little Exceptions or seeks out for occasion as that may easily be done by an evil mind to Speak or Act against them Miserable infatuation That Men should set themselves against those who in good Conscience and the greatest Earnestness endeavour to lead them up to the Holy Hill. It can be no harm to rescue any from the place of Torment to pull him though never so much against his Will like a Brand out of the Fire Now go write it before them in a Table and note it in a Book that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever That this is a Rebellious People Lying Children Children that will not hear the Law of the Lord Which say to the Seers see not And to the Prophets Prophesie not unto us right things speak unto us smooth things Prophesie Deceits Isa 30. 8 9 10. for they can hear and approve of such and too many are carried away with this Temptation The Prophets Prophesie falsly and my People Love to have it so Jer. 5. 31. It is not so much taken notice of because it sutes with their Humours and Inclinations For want of Love they think his Commandments grievous when delivered aright and pressed home to the Conscience It is observable the Spirit of God speaks very much of the above-mentioned Corruption but little or nothing against those severe and rigid Men against whom the World crys out so much See Isa 9. 16. Isa 58. 1. Jer. 14. 14. Jer. 23. throughout Ezek. 13. 34. Chap. Lam. 2. 14. Jer. 48. 10. Mal. 2. 8 9. Mal. 3. 3 4. Luke 20. 21. 2 Cor. 4. 1 2. Gal. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 4. 1 2. 2 Tim. 2. 14 15 16. Tit. 2. 1 6 7. 1 Pet. 4. 11. Mat. 15. 14. There are more Texts concerning this horrible abuse and for the Remedy thereof all which are fulfilled in these days and should be amended That which moved Pilate to deliver our Saviour doth move these to betray his Heritage They are willing to content the People Mark 15. 15. and therefore suffer them to lie still in their Ignorance and Disobedience Her Prophets are light and treacherous Persons Zeph. 3. 4. they betray the Cause of God for they do not enforce it with that Power they might Some as if they were ashamed of his Office do not deliver his Message do not use the Arguments he hath given but are Foolish Prophets that follow their own Spirit Ezek. 13. 3. as if their Whims and Notions were better and more perswasive then the Oracles of God. He would be reconciled unto the World as they would willingly be at Peace with him And what hinders this blessed Accommodation I have not sent these Prophets yet they ran I have not spoken to them yet they Prophesied But if they had stood in my Counsâ—l and had caused my People to hear my VVords Mark that Then they should have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings Jer. 23. 21 22. If they would insist on those Motives which flow from the Word of Truth and let them run with their due Cogency we see here what would have been the Effect of it The foregoing words are In the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly In the end of time many will reflect that if those set over them had done as they should and their own Conscience did stir them to do such Evils might have been escaped Thy Prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee and they have not discovered thine iniquity to turn away thy Captivity Lam. 2. 14. They have not used their utmost diligence to keep off from that threatning which is now manifested under the Gospel What could God have done more for his Vineyard then he hath done His Decrees and Dispensations concerning mankind are righteous He hath done things sufficient for them to be Happy and avoid Misery Only he hath permitted them as free and reasonable Creatures to Act of themselves He doth move and stir up their Wills to that which is good Those whom his Providence suffers to be Pastors He prompts by his Spirit to be faithful in that Trust reposed in them To the hearers are committed the lively Oracles their own Conscience there is the opportunity of good Books and Conversation with other helps and advantages which might be improved for the benefit of mankind But the only thing is they are not
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
ye may consume it upon your Lusts Jam. 4 3. Even what may be occasion of Sin Pride Vanity Dis-esteem or Forgetfulness of God And therefore he in Goodness denies it And this is the Confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his Will he heareth us 1 John 5. 14. Whatsoever we ask we receive of him because we keep his Commandments and do those things that are pleasing in his sight 1 John 3. 22. This Qualification is too often wanting for some make many Prayers and give no Obedience or an half one with reserves and so their Petitions are not granted as is implyed from Deut. 4. 29. Isa 59. 2. Jer. 29. 13. Again The effectual fervent Prayer of the righteous Man availeth much Jam. 5. 16. but that doth not which is Lazy and Negligent And then want of importunity Luke 18. Such Causes may be assigned out of the Word why there is not so great return to our Prayers as may be expected And whatever People think the fault is only in themselves they have not those necessary Qualifications or do not order their Prayers according to the Rule Gods word is Truth but Men do not obey and are not guided by it The Promise is certain Mat. 7. 7. Rom. 10. 13. but they do not perform the Conditions and to excuse themselves would imagine there might be falshood in that which came by Inspiration from him If mankind would remember where they are that is they are going in the way and therefore should be contented with the Patriarchs request of Bread to eat and Raiment to put on Gen. 28. 20. Let none fear he that doth Gods Will and useth the appointed means shall be assured of this That Petition Give us our daily Bread Christ never put in vain neither is his Promise Mat. 6. 33. come to an utter end More then this we have no where License to ask neither hath God passed his word to bestow We are apt to grudge at such a small Pittance as we would think it But do we not believe what is to come Do we consider wherefore this is desired 〈◊〉 contentment and delight Now God can and also doth add as much of this into a moderate competency as in all plenty and 〈◊〉 In truth happiness doth not consist in these things which serve only for the body the worse part of us and then it passeth away instantly and the pleasure is the same whether had or not had The desire of the obedient Soul is if he hath sufficient for Life and Godliness not that God would give him more but bleâ—s and sanctifie that which he hath and then he will perceive as good a relish as others do from their abundance To the truth of this many thousands in a lower condition can bear Witness God puts joy and gladness into their hearts with what he affords them as others have in their full increase of Corn and Wine As for Praying against Temporal Evils or Judgments whether National or Private there is little said in the Gospel the Motto whereof may be For we walk by Faith and not by sight Here again is a tryal of it for they seem to happen at all peradventure and are the effect of natural causes some have been hereupon tempted to deny immediate Judgments sent by God or think that affliction springs from the dust the ill constitution of that part of us or the common Malice and Injury of Men. Indeed God hath permitted and ordered Nature to go in her way and doth seldom contradict that But here it comes to pass that the Ax is liâ—ted up above the Carpenter what the Workman doth is imputed to the dead instrument that cannot move or do any thing without the hand that sets it a going Nature doth all things according to the common voice of the generality which proceeds from unbelief or sullenness Whereas they might know this nature must be from some one else who makes it to act in so regular and constant a way Nature of it self is blind and could never bring forth things in such an exact orderly manner unless directed by the Wisdom above It is turned and winded and whence should this be but from the first mover of all things The infidels when they are beaten out of every hold and shelter will run for refuge underground their last resort is to the workings of Nature but these turn against them and prove contrary to what they would have so they had better now then be forced to it at the last day to move out of their holes like Worms of the Earth they shall be afraid of the Lord their God and fear because of thee Mic. 7. 17. They had better acknowledge that now unto His Glory and to obtain his Pardon what they will at last be compelled to do to his Justice and Truth but their own Shame and Confusion of Face Even hard hearted Pharoah understood more then they for he did not cry out it was the Wind that brought the Locusts he knew the hand that smote him The Lord brought an East-wind and the East-wind brought the Locusts and the Lord turned a mighty strong West-wind which turned away the Locusts Exod. 10. 13 16 19. He might have magnified and made himself more visible by bringing them a strange way but he was pleased to make use of a second cause as he doth generally in all his doings towards the Children of Men whether in sending Judgment or Mercy As afterwards in the Manna and Quails Psal 78. 23 24 26 27. Unless a Man is low and short in his reasoning he must at last reduce all to the first cause of things Hos 6. 3. Though one acts by subordinate instruments yet still he is at free liberty to act or not act and again after this or that manner God hath the disposal of all second causes and what we esteem accident is wise design or permission which he can either hinder or intend as he pleases so his providence is still the same Who brings on evil by its next cause can also remove it He who suffered them can also take away the impediments as he doth shut the Womb so he doth open it For the Pillars of the Earth are the Lords and he hath set the World upon them 1 Sam. 2. 8. All things are his and then certainly he can turn and dispose them howsoever he will Though he hath now appointed things to go on in such a manner yet he sits at the Helm and manages the whole course of Nature according to his good pleasure and Sovereignty But because it goes on most commonly in the same way there do arise doubts when it is thus wisely contrived that all who consider throughly must believe a Providence for things here below which again continue as they were from the beginning of the Creation this exercises the belief thereof We may pray against outward evils that God would be pleased to remove what he doth
for it passeth away an such is the event thereof if not rightly managed What an horrible Abuse and Prevarication it is That when they should â—e moâ—e Thankâ—â—l and Obedient to him who placed them in a higher Sâ—ation thence to lift up themselves as to contemn God and Sâ—n against him What is lent for a tryal of Humility and moderate Deportment they presently turn into Pride and insolent Carriage to others The nature of Man is extream prone to Pride and hardly restrained no other way but according to what is written Then he opâ—neth the Ears of Men and sealeth their Instruction That he may with draw Man from his purpose and hide Pride from Man Job 33. 16 17. Let them attend to what may be said of the nature of things and their Establishment of his own â—rame and constitution his own Vileness Weakness and Mortality how he is Dust and Ashes walking up and down like a Shadow a little dependant Being and much more there is to humble and keep him off from this Sin. The prevalency thereof arises from those enlarged Faculties wherewith Man is endued as also that Preparation and Tendency God hath put into him for greater things Now this is turned the wrong way and thence proceeds all the Transgression and Irregularity Those powers of Soul were designed to serve the Lord with all the Heart but turning aside they are taken up with vain things which cannot profit 1 Sam. 12 20 21. If Man were to be once made and so still to abide If there was no further Advancement and Exaltation for him If he were not capable of Increase and to be yet more Excellent What mean those aspirings after it that he is still reachâ—â—â—â— yet higher This being equally in good and bad which also prompts to things lawful and commendable as following ones Humour and vain Applause to keeping of the Commandments all one as breaking them which seems to shew this is not so much the voice of Depraved as Imperfect Nature Even before Sin came into the World these desires were so much was not revealed for wiâ—e Reasons yet our Fore-father was to have been Translated as Enoch if he had pleased God and to have a better Body then formed out of the Earth that to be changed into more Glorious His Soul was to have been more enlarged and converse with higher things then those of this Earth God would have led him up from one Degree to another But the fault was his Impatiency and he would not tarry the Lords leisure He did hearken and yield unto the first proposal and appearance of being greater when himself might have had an assurance of being so if he had been contented to have waited for some time Nothing is more reasonable then for a Creature to expect of his Creator That as he was first pleased to make him low until he should be raised and rendred more Excellent so according to his good Pleasure he would fill the Mouth which he hath made capable and commanded to be opened wide Psal 81. 10. That he would satisfie See and Observe Psal 145 16. 19 the desires he hath put in The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me Psal 138. 8. And we are to wait his good time We see how our Fore-father fell how others at this day Transgress after the same manner so we may look on and be afraid using the utmost caution that we do not follow after them Man would be Happy and Great his own way and that presently God hath ordered another which is to be begun here and fully manifested hereafter The question is whose Will shall take place If Man follows his own he shall find nothing sutable to his Faculties but be carried along with Falshood and Deceit till he falls into Destruction and Misery But in Gods way and according to his appointment there let him stretch out as far as he can and he will meet with things proportionable with Reality and Truth according to his Promise and Covenant of our Sojourning here which ends in the greatest Safety and most compleat Happiness Humble your selves therefore under the Mighty Hand of God that he may Exalt you in due time 1 Pet. 5. 6. Those accomplishments of the inward Man are most worthy to be sought after and highly to be valued for they have real Worth and Excellency they give Peace and Blessed Expectation to the Soul and when the Body goes to the Earth remain together till they are perfected in eternal Happiness Indeed he that is discerning cannot have a thing but he knoweth he hath it and also the worth thereof As he sees others value themselves upon the account of such and such things comparing his with theirs he is subject to do the like Thence cometh spiritual Pride to be the greatest of all Pride as those Graces and Gifts are more excellent then any thing whatsoever But that all Glory may be unto God for stirring up Thankfulness unto him and quelling Self-conceit and also to take somewhat off from the Temptation to Hypocrisie it may be requisite to lay open this Proposition with the Reasons thereof viz. If a Man be Religious he deserves not the least Praise nor Reputation from others for it is matter of Duty as he is a Servant If he is only according to the common Standard of the World that is from a mercenary selfish principle out of respect to the promise of Eternal Life and fear of the threatnings of Eternal Death and that prudential security to saving of the Soul as to the uncertainty thereof Now there is no more Commendation in all this then an Hireling that works for his Pay or anothers doing to prevent an Evil that would beâ—all him or to secure ones self in a matter doubtful But for what is more and comes to the practice of things which are Honest Lovely of good Report Vertue Praise Phil. 4. 8. For the several Acts of Universal Obedience pure Faith and Love Free-will Offerings doing Good working with Grace all this is Answered from Rom. 2. 29. Whose Praise is not of Men but of God. 'T is not Man that doth this but the Grace of God in him Acts 18. 5. by strong impulses or quickenings which he must give way unto or he is uneasy And to keep his own Peace being acted he doth act For who maketh thee to differ from another And what hast thou that thou didst not receive 1 Cor. 4. 7. God makes him both to will and to do of his own good Pleasure he is a meer Creature an Instrument only and also God hath made him thus So he alone is to be glorified in the Gifts he giveth unto Men. They are to stir up and comply therewith for which they receive a Reward Glory to God in the highest and on Earth Peace good Will towards Men Luke 2. 13. Those whom he sends forth should not be disturbed they desire only the common thing of good Will and Kind Reception but no
unto others It may be seen by this time that the Man whose Trade is of Words is as honourable and necessary as any And though he doth speak of another World that is not Vain for it is the least part of the World where we Inhabit It is not another World but another part of the World as a Room of an House This is seen with our Eyes and much more to be understood by Reason and Perspectives There is something Above and something Beneath whither the Spirit doth go when the Body is laid in the Grave and that to arise again This consideration is unpleasant and therefore Men are shy and afraid of those who put in mind hereof Whereas we are likewise Men subject to the same things And why should they refuse to think of that before-hand which will certainly be when this fore-thought would render them safe if it were throughly given way unto Mankind need not be in Perplexity Fear or Stupid Inconsideration for there are laid down assured Principles how they may be Heb. 11. 7. Happy which are impossible to fail for then we must be nothing at all So none need be enraged against those as Tormenters of the Earth who are Instruments of Peace and Safety Only let us be Submissive and Obedient unto that Mighty One above and then no Evil can possibly happen unto us Fear and the Pit and the Snare are upon thee O Inhabitant of the Earth Isa 24. 17. But there is a way shewed how thou mayest escape and be freed from them all If thou were left to thy self or wouldst go on unmindful thou wouldst fall unto them What doth preserve from the great Danger and Evil this doth likewise administer Relief to the lesser Griefs of the People This is my Comfort in Affliction for thy VVord hath quickened me Psal 119. 50. All Affliction except what strikes upon sence as Pain and Sickness is the impression of such sad and resenting Thoughts now what produces of a different kind as when Good VVords and Comfortable VVords Zech. 1. 13. are received in they make glad as the other did sorrowful There is an alteration of the Soul or the one are set against the other and so the Vexation is less We often read that God Comforts Isa 49. 43. 51â— 12. 2 Cor. 7. 6. He hath left a standing means in his Word which is the same with himself His holy Spirit who is the Comforter may cause that to be better understood and set it home to the Heart of Man. A lively Faith a well grounded Hope a close and true Application of the Scriptures will give ease to any manner of Adversity In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy Comforts delight my Soul Psal 94. 19. A Man 's own fancies plague him but what he gathers from thence do refresh him Let him not run hastily but consider upon every verse and when he hath found the VVord of Consolation let him stay and fix thereon This is better then all worldly Comâ—orts for they stupifie they are broken off and interrupted just divert a little for the time but signifie nothing at all after they are over They are not always and then is greater anguish but however they must all fail at last But what comes from the Fountain of Life is a stream continually running it gives constant Peace and Quietness to the Soul and ascends up into the Paradise of our God where is no Consolation for there is no need thereof Again Worldly Aid at the very time cannot give true and firm Relief nor take off from a great Adversity But the Lord is a strong Hold in the day of Trouble he knoweth them that trust in him Nahum 1. 7. We know not who are Hypocrites who partial Christains but who are Sincere and Obedient without reserve who understand and can apply the Word of God they have that Patience and Resignation that Complacency and joyful Hope which the Wicked and Dissemblers cannot pretend unto There is a sensible difference between good and bad as to the enduring of Affliction One doth bear up and is truly Couragious under it when they are faint or stupid Truth is not to be learnt from Examples for we cannot see into and know all their circumstances Whilst we reflect upon particular instances we often doubt of Scripture for Truth is the same in Proposition and Experience whereas we should in the first place look to what is written and be assured all that is true It is not for us but God to judge of every Mans work he will manifest the Counsels of the Heart and then his Word will be found true by what and how it is with them Thy Word is Truth John. 17. 17. bringing Comfort and Happiness unto Men but they turn aside not complying with the terms thereof neither are they such as that requires them to be The design of the whole Book of God is to build us up in our most holy Faith which comprehends the Word of Exhortation for this follows from the other and to teach truly the way of Salvation this is Instruction and the rest is Consolation to carry us through the Wilderness that he might humble thee and that he might prove thee to do thee good at thy latter end Deut. 8. 16. So Happiness is the end of all What more can be desired by Man Wherefore should he set himself against that which would do all this It is because he is not made throughly sensible of thus much Search and try till you find the worth thereof It is a hidden Manna which no Man knoweth saving he that receiveth it Rev. 2. 17. Hide it in thy Heart do not only read and get it without Book but have the sence thereof within thee and thou mayest come to affirm experimentally with David The Law of thy Mouth is better unto me then Thousands of Gold and Silver Psal 119. 72. It will conduce more to thine Happiness then all worldly Conveniencies for they perish when here are the Words of Eternal Life they do not satisfie the Soul as these they cannot keep off Pains and Diseases and Griefs whereas the Grace and Wisdom arising hence prevents them many times and shews the way to the favour of God who comforteth those that are cast down and delivereth Israel out of all his Troubles putting such an end to them that it was better to have had then to have been without them In the worst of Evils they have greater cause for Joy then Sorrow Blessed is the Man that trusteth in the Lord and whose Hope the Lord is for he shall be as a Tree planted by the VVaters and that spreadeth out her Roots by the Rivers and shall not see when Heat cometh but her Leaf shall be green and shall not be careful in the Year of Drought neither shall cease from yielding Fruit Jer. 17 7 8. The Sayings of Philosophers and Wise Men may a little asswage some kind of Trouble but are
the other doth also The Souls that God hath made may be compared to so many Rivers which as they all come from him so are they to run through the Earth and to disembody themselves again into that infinite Ocean of Being and Happiness Now there is one Labours to divert the Stream to make it run another way or stop its course The first is sinful Pleasures the second is Negligence and Sloth The Soul hath some fore-Knowledge which way she is to go and an Inclination towards the right and thence whatsoever doth hinder and seek to turn aside doth also disturb If she would keep to this first Principle carefully observing the Original tendencies of her Nature and suspect every thing that doth in the least thwart that all the Devils in Hell could never deceive her for she might know the Connexion of Sin and Sorrow Indignation and VVrath Tribulation and Anguish upon every Soul of Man that doth Evil Rom. 2. 8 9. This contradicts the Pure and Spiritual part of us which raises those several kinds of Sorrow So the cure for it is by taking heed against Sin which is the Troubler of the Man By Repentance as to the past and watchfulness for the future Sorrow doth arise from other Afflicting Objâ—cts of Body and Estate and is the resentment of them but confine it to the Soul and it is occasioned by Sin only as that is divided in Evil Falshood and Folly all which are contrary to that Good Truth and Wisdom wherewith she is â—ndued and is to improve thâ—se Talents to the glory of our Master who will give a Reward according as every one is found Meet and Faithful There is a Vexation all along which would be sensible if not smothered when we do not Trade to his Use So on the other hand there is Joy and Complacency when we do Great Peace have they which love thy Law and nothing shall offend them Psal 1. â—9 165. And the Raâ—soâ—ed of the Lord shall return and come to Sion with Songs and everlasting Joy shall be upon their Heads They shall obtain Joy and Gladness and Sorrow and Sighing shall flee away Isa 35. 10. That propension and natural tendency which is in Mans nature Of Melancholy to know God and to come into the way of his Commandments the workings of Grace and regrets of Conscience that Dissatissaction and Restlesness of mind for not doing what he ought and all those several things which incline to Repentance and Obedience do pass in the World for pure Melancholy It is an Aspersion cast upon sincere Religion where it hath an influence upon the Life and Actions where is universal carefulness against Sin and who will not comply with the meer outward Divertisment of Evil Lying and Foolish Talking he shall be Obnoxious to the Character of a dull and mâ—serable Soul. All Thoughts of God and the things pertaining to him are by the Ignorant and Ungodly thus esteemed and further are those Having a Form of Godliness but dâ—nying the Power thereof 2 Tim. 3. 5. Whatever is more then their size they would impute to the blackness of Blood an heavy flegmatick Constitution or such like This is one of the Devises of Satan to keep people off from Reliâ—ion in general then fâ—om the Truth and Sinceâ—ity thereof by raising such a Report which is commonly received and whilst he suggests not to give way to Melancholy he turns Men aside from the way of Peace Life and Blessâ—dness All Religion is irksome and tedious to those who are unaâ—quainted therewith and so it is with them who practice it a little but not throughly The Scripture is fulfilled as it speaks of that Enmity against God Rom. 5. 10. Rom. 8. 7. that Root of bitterness Heb. 12. 15. Acts 8. 23. that Aversâ—ess and Alienation Col. 1. 20 21. that Hatred and Opposition of Good the Stubborn and Perverse Spirit the Trouble and Restlesness those Fears and sad Expectations in the Wicked which are the cause of all this They may come to the Ordinances and outward Profession and yet remain the same still not transformed by the renewing of the mind The Word is found true as â—â—â—peaks of the reason of these things and why may it â—ot be believâ—d as it mentions the Love of God being râ—â—â—â—iled to him delighâ—ing in God and that which is Good that Joy Peace and Gladness of Heart those loving and familiar Appellations of Father â—riend Hâ—â—band the expressions of Kindness to us and our Thankfulness and Praise The Lord Reigneth let the Earth Râ—jâ—â—ce Psal 97. 1. Truly God is Goud to â—srael even to such as are of a clean Heart Psal 73. 1. Are all these written in Vain or for our Comfort Do others by sad Experience confirm the Truth of what is aforementioned and have none the happy feeling thereof Surely there are some whom the Scripture calls Blâ—ssâ—d who have the favour of God and are careful to preserve it in all Duty and Obedience It may be observed there are two manner of ways in the World Some in all their Actions have Conscience towards God others not The Scriptures declare the effect of both by Peace and Trouble one part is sensible of the disorder within And why may not others feel know and testifie of the good Promises For themselves might also if they would do the same things It were easie to make things clear if that Prejudice was taken away of judging by Examples and humane Sayings more then from divine Testimony and Truth Hypocrites and many who seem to be Religious but the Apostle by failure in one Christian Duty pronounces their Religion to be Vain Jam. 1. 26. do most oppose what is the Doctrine of Scripture They accuse their Brethren of Melancholy who abound in the Work of the Lord who spend their time in Meditation of his Law. They call Contempt of the World Stupidity the avoiding of sinful Compliances and appearances of Evil a sowre morose Temper not fit to live amongst Men The not running too much after sensual Pleasures is sencelesly stiled an heavy and sluggish Disposition which is not refined enough to receive thâ—m And what is done by the Grace and Fear of God are the effects of meer Melancholy Every avoiding of Sin and good Action to which a Misconstruction can be applied is by them censured It is not so much minded what the prophane Sinner saith but what comes from them who make â— fair shew in the Flesh yea the Teachers of the Law this is entertained by Inquisitive and Considering Men. It is dangerous for Numb 13. 32. any to bring an evil Report upon the good Land but worse for those who pretend to have searched it for though not in express words yet by manifest Conclusion they do the same as We must serve God and that so much which is pleasant but what is more is Melancholy for so are those Calumniated who go further and find more Benefit then themselves It is
the Knowledge of the Truth and right way which being hidden to discern more thereof is by Probability and Discourse for hereby Psal 85. 11. 2 Tim. 3. 7. we come to the knowledge of what is concealed as by looking with the outward Eye to search out what is lost above Ground Truth is the very Nature of things without as they are fixed and connected together and that inferring from one thing to another is the means to find it out Now because Consequences are diverse True and Fallacious Obscure and Plain to rightly discern between them and also to apprehend to go from things more known unto those that are less this is the Office and Employment of Reason But before and after all God giveth Wisdom unto the Wise and Knowledge to them that know Understanding He revealeth the deep and secret things Dan. 2. 21. 22. He may at length discover those Rules and Orders concerning the Body of Man how at first it is made for such a continuance by what ways it moves what keeps on its course and what stops that Help and Remedy may be had to each So that more may run out the days of their appointed time Who knows but it may be fulfilled all the World over what is written Thus saith The Lord of Hosts There shall yet old Men and old Women dwell in the Streets of Jerusalem and every Man with his Staff in his Hand for very Age Zech. 8. 4. Is any Sick among you let him call for the Elders of the Church and Pray over him Jam. 5. 14. The God in whose Hand all our Breath is direct every one for the best and let him be careful to look up to seek for Preservation and Relief if the Lord may raise him up Pain differs not much from Sickness being also an Indisposition in the Flesh but commonly in one single part and is the Of Pain more or less Dangerous according to the Member affected It is irksome and grievous for the present but must be endured till Deliverance is had The thoughts of past soundness and freedom from Pain do enhaunce the present but yet this Balm may soften for the Pain is transitory The days and hours past are the same as if expired in Pleasure the present slips back likewise so the less is behind and all that will have an end just the same as if it had never been at all This is seldom Mortal but if it should then care is to be had of a well grounded Hope which sends up to that place Where shall not be any more Pain for the former things are passed away Rev. 21. 4. To obtain that is our business all our Life long before Sickness and Pain come on which is a sure Refuge and Rejoycing in the evil day The Spirit is quiet and undisturbed though the Flesh doth suffer Even here God hath ordained remedies and means so they are to be used for Recovery and Deliverance Those which are called Afflictions of Estate Many of them of Afflictions of Estate are so far without that they would not torment at all if we had no thoughts of them If we do not hear or forget or are unmindful they do not disturb but letting them into the Soul with worse Circumstances and Aggravations here is the Sting of outward Adversities We admit the sence thereof to have a deep and continued impression in our minds but what may be administred for Comfort we cast a slight glance towards that concluding it unable to help and so will have none of it or make a small tryal and leave off presently and will not suffer it to have the alike stay and influence over us as the other hath Thus are we partial to our own loss and wilfully deprive our selves of Contentment This proceeds from the cunning Wiles of the Enemy who continually lets our Happiness and here serves an end by raising up the spirit of Murmuring and subtilly leads into Temptation and Sin taking advantage of our froward and foolish Nature Prov. 19. 3. which is presently upon the fret and there is a way shewed to get out but we have no Heart unto it When the Evil is upon us God holds forth a Remedy by Grace and Knowledge so we alone are to be blamed if we do not accept thereof Sometimes we imagine it is an Evil when it is none which vanishes as soon as we suffer our understanding to be convinced to the contrary If we will not give way to that it is just we should lie down and smart for our Stubbornness and Folly. Here the Philosophers may come in and help us by their Aphorism T is opinion that vexes Change or take that away and the Plague is stayed The Wise Men of the World may do somewhat as to the imaginary Afflictions which arise from hence But yet they could not give solid and perfect Comfort to real Grievances because they were not acquainted with the very Nature and Establishment of things An instance shall be in Poverty Which if not comprehensive Of Poverty of all is the worst of outward Evils This is so in imagination or reality If the first then indeed Wise Sayings might remove it where the Man would attend unto them as that is seldom for Covetonsness and Pride on which fancied Poverty is grounded are obstinate and will not be fully perswaded But where it was so according to Truth those of old were at a loss how to obtain Remedy for it for Money is one of those hard things which require both Power and Skill to get it Wisdom alone might shew the way but cannot wrest it by Violence or fair Intreaty So people were forced to sit down and Comfort themselves as well as they could when they were necessitated to endure Inconvenience and Pain all their days and afterwards know not what shall become of them They were in an hard Condition to come forth once into the World to suffer Labour and Sorrow Hunger and Thirst Cold and Nakedness and have no way shewed or assurance given how or when they should be Comforted for the time wherein they had these evil things But divine Revelation sets all this right which relies upon the same Word and Power and therefore it is as impossible to fail as that the World should fall down into Rubbish That acquaints how things stand pertaining to us Men. It gives a lively Representation of the Vanity and Transitoriness of all here they soon pass away and are forgotten Our own Reason and Experience confirm the truth hereof Call to mind the days or years lately past and reflect how they seem as to labour or sporting to delicious common or course Foodâ— Whether we ruffled in Silks or home spun Cloth. Is it not all near the same But we are required to look forward for we are told of more then these little things Would we go forth into the place of departed Souls as now we may in thought before we shall be there
effect He did not therefore make Promises to the Poor or speak against the Rich because he was himself in a low condition for he might as well have been Born of a Queen and in a Sumptuous Palace as of a mean Virgin in Bethlehem the least of the Princes of Judah The Counsels Decrees and Prophesies of old might have been so fixed But the Son of God despises the Pomp and Glory of the World he slighteth them both in Word and Practise Gods Thoughts are contrary to Mans Thoughts for he speaks in Favour and Comfort of the Poor whom the World abhorreth and despiseth On the other hand terribly and to humble those who now are so much flattered and Psal 18. 27. had in admiration the significancy whereof themselves shall feel who do not mind nor take due warning The Scripture runs thus when it mentions that difference of State and Condition And whosoever intends to have good must follow the steps of the Captain of our Salvation taking him both sor a Lord and Example to do and to speak yea and to think as he did That we may have boldness in the day of Judgement because as he is so are we in this World 1 John 4. 17. And then will not be given so great Respect and Adoration to Riches only no fawning upon those who abound therewith For they have not so learned Christ Eph. 4. 20. It comes near to a Contradiction that the Grace of our Jam. 2. Lord Jesus Christ should be had with respect of Persons for that equals and makes us Brethren in Christ It was given to contemn Vanity and is of a different nature from Gold or precious Raiment and therefore in no wise to be more magnified by reason of those worldly Advantages the Person is in The Faith and good Works of those in ordinary State are not taken notice of but who have Riches and Honour of this World what they do towards Religion is applauded even by those who should Know Teach and Practice otherwise Though these do contrary to the Apostolical Canon 1 Tim. 5. 21. Yet God and the Lord Jesus and the Elect Angels will not prefer one before another they will do nothing by Partiality but distribute to every Man according to his work It is thus also in a lower step We find it by Observation and Experience if we never saw it Written The Poor Mans Wisdom is despised and his Words are not heard Eccles 9. 16. The Apology here is Because t is supposed that they who have Worldly Advantages have also better opportunity and means to get Wisdom and those cannot attain it who have them not Great Men are not always Wise Job 32. 9. and further Wisdom doth not depend so much upon outward means as those Endowments and Faculties God hath first implanted in the mind There is much upon the Improvement of them yet this is not necessarily had or hindered by worldly Aâ—â—â—d 〈◊〉 or Want for the first is often made an occasion â—â— Sensuality Negligence and Idleness None judges of a Tree by its bâ—ing planted in a right soil or dunged about or the likelihood to bear but by what Fruit it doth actually bring forth God may and doth raise up some without common Advantages whom he enlightens by his Grace and Spirit He shews his own Glory and Power this way and chiefly in them who had not much of outward abundance The Prophets and Apostles those Worthies of old both in Divine and Humane Learning were rejected and despised by that corrupt and foolish Estimation of judging the Man without the Man neither according to Body nor Soul but Land or Money which he hath no right unto from his own Nature but national Laws and Constitutions hath set out unto him Besides Wisdom and Truth is without the Man and not to be jâ—dged of by him The Blessing is sent unto the World through such water-Pipes which of themselves are dry and meer Engines to convey Who is so sottish to refuse the good because of the meanness of the Instrument that brings it A Man can receive nothing except it be given him from Heaven John 3. 27. God is jealous of his own Glory and sends forth his Treasure by despicable outward means that the Excellency thereof should not be in us and all praise should be returned unto him None doth refuse his daily Sustenance although it comes forth of the dirt of the Earth the Proud person doth not esteem Silk the worse because it is the Excrements of a Worm Yea all Temporal things if we look down to the Pit whence they are digged are mean and filthy which doth not prejudice as to them Every good Gift and every perfect Gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of Lights James 1. 17. They no have Defilements We are naturally unclean but this comes on purpose to cleanse us Sanctifie them through thy Truth thy Word is Truth John 17. 17. It receives no advantage but diminishment from the things of this World. One would think we were all under the Dominion of Mammon he is so much in Mens Thoughts It is a shame that Reasonable Creatures should esteem of one another according to a little Pelf or outward Gaiety but much more that Christians who if they were so indeed their Profession would as much advance them above the common Size of People as they are above Brutes if they preserved their Dignity should yet be carried away with the errour and absurd Partiality of the World. A sign how little they are governed by Faith and Reason but they are led on by Sence and Custom Which would do us most good will be seen when the Lord of all shall demand how we have done according Mat. 25. 14 19. to the Laws and Power he gave unto us Were those false opinions of things taken away as it would be a great help to our Duty so to present Peace and Contentment For the generality of Mankind being Slaves to the opinion of others do more according to what they think then themselves Such a thing could be let alone but the Fashion and Majority is for it and they must do as the rest Again they could be without it but Reputation and Esteem of others make it necessary Who go not according to Conscience towards God yet do upon the very same Principles towards Men for would they do the same to please and get Honour from him who is more then all the many Inhabitants of the World as they do from one another they were in the right Which seems to shew that what God requires is not only easie and may be performed but there is a propension in the Heart of Man to do even the same for he doth it in common Acts though he doth not stretch up this Principle to the high and right end Would he do so in Obedience unto God as to recommend himself unto others take and go according to his Estimation of things For
who knows them better then he that made and established them rather then according to the common Vogue of others which is meer Opinion and Fancy of the multitude not to be justified from Truth nor Reason then he would be certainly Happy Let not thy Actions be according to others Sayings but be ruled by the Direction of Gods Word for this in most things is contrary to what is commonly received among us We are distinct and several Beings there is a mutual need to keep up Society yet that was intended for our â—enefit and not Destruction â—t is to geâ— Necessaries and Conveniencies for the Body to Admonish and â—nstruct one another this is only to help but to make nothing to assist and â—hew the waâ— but not to add or implant Power Still one Man is divided from another God and himself only is to work out his own Happiness and 't is not in the power of all the World besides so again if he fall away into Misery they cannot absolutely prevent He alone is sensible of the Good and none but himself shall groan â—or the Evil. In this is the Saying true God for us aâ—â— an◠〈◊〉 one for himself What the Israelites told David Thou 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thousand of us is really so as to the meanest Peâ—â—â—â— â—e is more to himself then Ten Thousand times Ten Thousand which prompts especially to what the Prophet adviâ—es 〈◊〉 ye every Man his Soul from the fierce Anger of the Lord Jer. 51. 45. and in all other things relating to his Happineâ—s Our Savâ—our was made of the Seed of David according to the Flesh Rom. 1. 3. Paul doth also Stile some his Brethren according to the Flesh but there is no relation between Souls otherwise then from the common â—â—ock no more then between rayes of the Sun. They shall be all Taught of God as Children of the same Parent Only to talk together of the things pertaining to him and to put one another in mind how they shall most please him The stronger and elder should help the weak according to his different Grace But still as their Being so their End as their Works so their Reward and also of Siâ— and Punishment Every person sâ—all bear his own Burthen The way to Happiness is to live according to what is written in the Holy Book not what is thought in the foolish and corrupt minds of Men as they are such when in Opposition to that This is not so much besides the present Subject as may be first apprehended for this would help to the prevention of Murmuring and getting of Contentment The greater part of Mankind are in a middle state having neither Poverty nor Riches but Food convenient for them And yet are not satisfied Which proceeds from Covetousness Sensuality Pride of which it hath been discoursed severally By observing the â—nsolâ—nt and Contemptuous Carriage of others above them to avoid that they are discontented with what they have and seek greater things They are guided by the opinion of others which hinders from finding rest for it is in anothers power to disquiet them Contempt doth strangely exasperate and though a sure remedy is to despise Contempt yet through the dominion or remainders of Pride this is more easily said then done which yet Grace and Truth are able to subdue and mortâ—fie This would be of much Advantage â—or it is the greatest Sting of the lower Condition wherefore Men are so ashamed of it and are tempted to get higher by right or wrong For in a mean Estate Our Soul is exceedingly filled with â—he scorning of thâ—se that are at ease and with the Contempt of the Proud Psal 123. 4. Let not thy Heart envy Sinners but be thou in the fear of God all the day long Prov. 23. 17. Do not Sin to advance thy present Condition Look not so much upon others but mind thine own things to compare with those above thee will occâ—sion fretting and greedy dâ—sires Consider thy equals and thou art satisfied Cast thine Eye upon those inferiour and thou art thankful Many have not so much Who Labour long and Eat little Who endure great hardship to live but it is not so with thee And they seem less discontented They give praise to God and have good will to their Benefactors for every small Mercy and Kindness Art thou apt to Murmure and be Unthankful who hast more Those poor Wretches shall rise and Condemn thee for they were contented with less things Art thou better then they Pride will dictate so why if they had the same Advantage for Education they would have been the same also but even now God is more pleased with them because they are better satisfied with little then thou with more He that made them made thee who placed them in the lowest degree might have done so with thee also Will you Sin more because he hath dealt more Graciously Doth the Wild Ass bray when he hath Grass or loweth the Ox over his Fodder Job 6. 5. you have sâ—fficient for your natural needs Labour therewith and be contented It is time to come and visit those who are poor indeed that they may see the way how their Condition is to be remedied It is a sore Evil depressing the mind and making the Body seem yet more Vile and Sordid Yet now our Flesh is as the Flesh of our Brethren our Children as their Children Neh. 5. 5. There is no need of describing their Miseries for they are too much known and felt already Evil is no further to be manifested then is necessarv for Provision against it as a Wound is to be Launced in order to a Cure. It is alledged That Custom Their low Thoughts and Desires make this Condition easily born which we otherwise used think insupportable But a continued Evil which one is forced to submit unto all his days is so much the more Grievous Indeed it is Wisdom to have moderate desires stretched no further then the true worth and value of the thing There are Objects answering to each Faculty in Man he is made of perishingFlesh and an immortal spirit the one for Earthly things the other for Heavenly So he hath different desires according to them One covets after the things here and is contented The other those above which at present he is only seeking and in expectation of for they are to be revealed hereafter Now the error may be two ways if the Man lets out both after present and visible things then he is but half satisfied On the contrary it is when they are both stifled and confined within this World when they are pressed down to the Earth and aim no further We have Instances of both mistakes in the Rich Voluptuary and the Poor and Foolish person the first runs out after Happiness till he is tired and disappointed the other cannot do that through Want but he rubs through as contentedly as he can with what is before him not thinking above but is Ignorant and
Call to mind how Evil came into the World through Sin though it is not taken away yet Help is ordained against it It is Written and found true of the Benefits of the second Adam unto whom all the Scripture hath Relation Surely he hath born our Griefs and carryed our Sorrows Isa 53. 4. It is but reasonable we should have some sence of them also That as he had Compassion on the Afflicted Heb. 2. 10. so we should perceive how great things he endured for us to raise our Love Thankfulness and Obedience unto God through him Take my Brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the Name of the Lord for an Example of suffering Affliction and of Patience Behold we count them Happy which endure Ye have heard of the Patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is very Pitiful and of tender Mercy James 5. 10 11. CHAP. XIX AN EXHORTATION TO OBEDIENCE and FEAR of God The CONCLUSION of the Whole NOw therefore stand still that I may Reason with you before the Lord of all the Righteous Acts of the Lord 1 Sam. 12. 7. It is as certain that God is as any thing is for he made all things Consider how great he must be whose Works are so how Glorious Good and Excellent he is as those Manifestations do set forth And then think further how we the Inhabitants of the Earth who walk up and down as so many Grashoppers should behave our selves towards him If we were not his Offspring and Workmanship we might justly think he would have nothing to do with us but that shews the contrary nay moreover our Rebellion proves the Relation What might be known by Obedience is also shewed by Transgression But how unreasonable doth this last appear for reflect upon God and our selves What are we to despise or be stubborn against him He is great and we little Other things do his Will and why should not we comply therewith Would the vain Swearer walk out and as he beholds the Heaven or Earth he treads which was first Created and now sustained by an Almighty power And is it fit he should be spoken lightly of His Glorious and Fearfuâ— Name be used upon every frivolous and idle account when he hath so expresly Commanded to the contrary So it may be said of every Sin May not the God who formed us preserveth us giving whatever we enjoy give also Laws and Directions to his Creature for him to be governed by To keep the Commandments of the Lord and his Statutes which I Command thee this day for thy Good Deut. 10. 13. Thy Testimonies that thou hast Commanded are Righteous and very Faithful Psal 119. 138. As for God his Way is Perfect the Word of the Lord is tryed Psal 18. 30. Look impartially upon his whole Revelation in Scripture survey every particular Precept and Judge Whether it is not equal Psal 119. 128. for God to enjoyn and for Man to comply therewith As for Worship Praise and Prayer none denies them There is the general Consent that such are to be rendred We are zealous and prone But here Satan the Enemy hath two Wiles the one in some Ungodly people who are frightned with a little Dulness and Iâ—ksomeness at first but even they unless very Ignorant and Stupid cannot satisfie themselves without some Worship That Aukwardness would go off if they would accustom themselves to Duty Another Subtlety The Adversary hath found concerning the manner thereof for the Substance is agreed by the far greater part of Mankind But here they are fierce and hot so angry and displeased at contrary Opinions So stiff for their own an Evidence of what is in our nature to have to do with Religion Here again creeps in another Device of the old Serpent by which he takes advantage for he would confine the whole of Religion to this which is but a part and also raises a Dust about outward Circumstances which are not essential to Worship for seeing that God is to be Worshipped in Spirit and in Truth but hath prescribed no exact Pattern thereof in Scripture away might be found out for Union Love and Peace Neither in the mean while should we be angry with our Brother that doth not go according to the same precise manner for as the Apostle saith 1. Cor. 12. 4 5 6. Why may it not be likewise supposed If there be now some Diversity of Worship yet as long as it is the same God to whom it all relates if each way is Spiritual and True free from Idolatry Jewish and Heathen Superstition God is Glorified every way for all fall down and Worship him and God is in them of a Truth He doth actually manifest his Favour Grace and Acceptation to those of the several Perswasions among us Yea all the Idolatries in the World do some what discover that natural Inclination in Man to Worship God for all Falshood and Fiction doth suppose somewhat true and real But it hath been the Stratagem of the Devil who is permitted to resist either to take away or where he cannot do that to corrupt To move Men to forget God or deceive them in their Duty towards him As reasonable Creatures They can thus conceive That if they should lose the sence of him or harden themselves against his Fear yet still be remaineth The Lord sitteth King for ever Psal 29. 10. He is always above Thou compassest my Path and my lying down and art aquainted with all my ways Psal 139. 3. Though we do not think of him The Scripture in sundry places threatens severely against forgetfulness of him for it casts off his Kingdom which is over the Hearts of Men. Besides it is unnatural to forget God that formed us Every thing we see are his Works which do remind His Word His Servants Every Affliction or Evil and a Thousand things do stir up our Remembrance of him which before was stifled with other things The sence of him is paturally imprinted in our minds and appears forth when Stupefactions and Hindrances are taken away Corrupt Man is willing to lose it for it Occasions aw and dread which he doth not like But God would have it retained and therefore forbids Excess Sensuality and all things which clog and suppress it He doth requires us to walk Humbly with our God Mic. 6. 8. He hath established Love to be mixed with Fear both make up Reverence and Good will So we may be in the Fear of God all the day long without Torment yea with Satisfaction and Complacency Another Reason of our willingness to forget is because a continual Remembrance implies Subjection and we are inclinable to that which was our Fore-fathers Fall. But why should we not think our selves as we are indeed Creatures We are only in subjection to the Most High We are not put under Principalities and Powers The more excellent created Beings do not exercise Dominion over us We are subject to none but God
Acts of their Masters Grace and Bounty for those according to the Flesh would sooner retract their conceived Favours when another shall put in mind and give notice of what they would have voluntary from themselves and unexpected of others And therefore for my part I dare not speak out what God knows are my desires and innermost thoughts in submission to his Will and consistent with his Glory and other Attributes But as a fellow-Creature do intreat Men that they would not commit those things against which God hath manifested his severe Displeasure O that we may all behave our selves in the mean while though we cannot deserve the least Mercy yet to be in some measure worthy to escape those things which we have been fâ—reâ—old of and then we must not Sin yet more against him All the World may be assured it was never yet seen in any Nation Countrey or Language Ezek. 6. 10. for the Laws thereof to be Elusory or Vain but due Punishment doth overtake those who are Stubborn Despisers and continued Offenders There are abundance of Expressions of Gods Mercy in Scripture but they are commonly joyned with his Truth or something else to keep of people from presuming too much upon it as Psal 57. 3 10. 62. 12. 86. 5. 100. 5. And that Gracious Manifestation Exod. 34. 5 6. Where it is repeated many times that Mercy rejoyceth over Judgment yet there comes in a limitation That will by no means clear the Guilty The Threatning is as firm and abiding as any part of his Word and they are of Judgment when our Lord saith Heaven and Earth shall pass away but my VVords shall not pass away Mat. 24. 35. The Promise is confirmed by two immut able things wherein it was impossible for God to lie Heb. 6. 8. So of some he hath sworn that they Isa 54 10. shall not enter into his Rest Heb 3. 18. Both parts are ratified as much as can be Known to God are his Decrees and how he will be pleased to distribute to every one But the safest way is for us to have Apprehension of them according to Truth that we may be more careful to partake of his Favour and avoid his Wrath. Beware of those Doctrines which beget Presumption and Unconcernedness for the things are true as God hath Established if all the Learned in the World did argue or determine which way they would It is better to do those things required and avoid what is forbidden and so escape then to follow after what ends in Death to be unmindful or to dispute against it for now several things happen which we did either not think or say would not come Though some would release or mitigate yet they do not deny future Punishments but if they were only as the more favourable conception of them allows yet the Pain and Loss is much beyond the Pleasure or Conveniency of a short sinful Life for what is that to countervail the Romanists Purgatory or the opinion of a Thousand Years Torment and then a fiâ—al Dissolution The seeming good though present can never be a sufficient exchange for such an evil and deprivation of Happiness much less when the Torment is both Intolerable and Eternal The Commands of God are enforced with the greatest Arguments that can be And yet how few do regard them How is the World grown to be so Wicked and Ungodly And of those who come unto God how few do conform unto his whole Will Love and Serve him with all their Hearts One would admire unless he did consider the causes of so great Apostacy viz. Mans Corruption Unbelief Ignorance Deceits Satans Temptations there are many oâ—tward Objects to divert him Carnal and Temporal things do make him forget those that are Spiritual and Eternal which have a light and transient impression upon us and such like But all these hindrances may be taken away by the Grace and Revelalation of God. It is so ordered that Man must strive and give Diligence if ever he would be Happy there is enough left to prove him and to exercise his Care and Watchfulness Upon the whole There is a wise Establishment of things There The general Conclusion is a just Disposal for assistance is given and the means are put in our power The Members that have been yielded unto Sin and Iniquity may be made Members of Righteousness unto Holiness the Faculties and Powers were first designed and now may be restored unto good as they have been employed in evil It is a gracious Dispensation in that God encourages to those things which are for our Good and Happiness It is true for we are only taken from deceit and falshood from shew and appearance which ends in what is worse then nothing and are called forth to what is true and assured and real as any thing is All that we now see is but the Figure of the true even that Heaven and Earth which are to suceed Hearken and come near Oye Sons of Men do but Learn Know and Practice the things pertaining to Gods Kingdom for they are Just Wise and Conceivable also I want words to express their excellency I have written the Great things of thy Law but they were accounted as a strange thing Hos 8. 12. The like Imputation may be here cast upon what is brought out of the same Book of Scripture Many odd passages uncouth They know not what to make of them But let me tell any one that thinks so where the Strangeness of all lieth Even in Mans Transgression either the not observance of what is Commanded or doing those things which are contrary to the Laws of God and Truth When there was occasion to speak of those things uncommon expressions might fall The nature of things is the same but differently apprehended for some do live according to the Principles of Good and others do not some use the means to have their first Blindness and Ignorance taken away and others do not But where is universal Obedience and alike Knowledge what is Truth and sutable to one is likewise to another Where it is half and imperfect Prov. 8. 9. let him reflect upon that Duty or Sin which himself observes or avoids and see how that is explained by that he may measure whereof himself is Conscious and Guilty Had all continued alike Obedient as the Man after Gods own Heart they would give the same Praise and Commendation of his Law as is done Psal 119. but according to their several Sins Men think severally as they will. T is Lust and Iniquity That we might turn from our Iniquities and understand thy Truth Deu. 9. 13. that corrupt the Judgement or at least the outward Faculty from whence they think speak and do to vindicate themselves before their Acquaintance otherwise then they should But there is even in the Disobedient unless mightily defaced and suppressed the Spirit of the mind by which they can judge that the Law is