who brings these things to Ouâ— Remembrance The labour of faithful Ministers the short and clear digest of our Holy Faith and Gospel designe as to good works frequent Prayer for a Blessing upon our pains and to digest these things well in our mind so that they may take impression never to be obliterated 2ly Res Retenta the thing Remembred which is the things of GOD of CHRIST and the Truths of the Gospel the concerns of the Soul and what is conducive to advance them The first and second relates to the principles of our Religion The third and fourth concerneth people as to their practice of these things First then let it be your care to know GOD and the Gospel which if thou hast had any ear to hear and heart to understand thou may be a great proficient But alas that may be said to many for which the Apostle reproveth the Hebrews Heb. 5. 12. And secondly If people would walk according to the Light they have they might attain to the end of their Faith which is the Salvation of their Souls And this Practice would give them the more facility to do the thing they know 3ly The help of the Remembrances which consists in his Prayers and patience that he weary not in his work that he inâ— struct and warn every man that he preach sound Doctrine and observe the form of sound words that he press and propagate the Essence of Religion and do not please himself much with circumstances and time debates and that which the most of our people are not concerned in And never a white the better tho they be but the necessary things are our great instructions from our Great Master and to press these Qui populariter docet optime docet so popularly as Luther said most profitably And we must be intent upon our work and press people to cooperate with GOD and us and be busie themselves attend the ordinances and using the means let Ministers also Rule well their own Life that it may correspond with their Doctrine and follow the steps of Holy Men whose ashes seem yet to exhale from their Tombs a sweet Savour which makes their memory for ever Blessed And if we put the Brethren in mind of these things we shall be good Ministers 4ly Peoples improvement by right Remembring Memoria excolendo augetur Culture and Industrie will make a barren ground Fertile Improve well the many Remembrances thou gets from the Word and that Monument Christ built for Himself by the Sacrament remember the novissima the last things the prima media ultima to wit thy Conversion Progress and Perfection therein Consider what thou hast been what thou art and what thou shall be Be not a forgetful hearer consider the Beacon set up in the Scripture aâ— gainst sin Remember Lots Wife Jam 1. 22. And the Encouragement of Vertue in the practice of Holy Men and Women keep a Diary as to thy time have thy Memorandum and labour still by remembering to practice and do Sermon VI. Concerning the Truth and Excellency of our Holy Religion and the infallible Proofs thereof with the Duty of such as own it For we have noâ— followed cunningly devised fables when we made known upto you the Power and Coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST c. Verse 16. THIS is the Base and Found of all Religion Which as it Convinces Men to Embrace it so doth it invite them to the Practice of it And as this Apostle was very Competent to give his Sentiments of the Truth and Power of this Holy Religion being called by Power enlightned by Knowledge and having seen a Demonstration of it in the Oracles and Miracles of his Master So doth he direct Gospel Ministers to Inculcate upon their People the Truth and Power of the Christian Religion that every faithful Pastor may have the Occasion to attract People to the Obedience oâ— the Faith and in their measure to say unto them We preach not unto you vain and frivolous things but the Magnalia Veritatis the great Things of Truth And it cannot but be great Satisfaction to a Gospel Minister that he can refresh his mind as well as satisfie the People that he hath Preached nothing to them but the Truth of GOD. For when the account of the Stewartship is called for it will afford but small Peace to the Pastor to reflect that he hath been taken up with ventilations of Controversie Circumstances and External Polity of the Church that he hath been biguit about his beloved Sect that he hath Pharisaically insisted upon Gerimonies and much neglected the Life and Power of the Truth of GOD. Now more particularly to take up the Scope and Parts of this Text I shall reduce it to these Points following 1. That the Doctrine of the Gospel is not a eunningly devised Fable but the Infallible Truth of God 2. That though Christ and the Gospel came to the Eye of the World in Weakness yet to a Right Discerner His coming was with Great Power and Majesty 3. As the coming of Christ is very evident by many infallible Proofs so is it banded down to us and confirmed by Eye-witnesses First That the Doctrine of the Gospel is not a cunningly devised Doct. 1 Fable but the infallible Truth of GOD. It is a faithfull saying and worthy of all Acceptance 2 Tin 2. 1â— Nor a cunning fable and a subtile contrivance to impose upon and deceive the World No â—ut let GOD be True and all men liars First Then It is no cunningly devised fable as the Apostle sayes here but it is the Contrivance of the Wise Council of GOD transacted in Heaven and given to Men as their Guide and Comfort it is the Emanation of the Love and Good Will of GOD to Man through a Mediator Have I not written unto thee Things excellent that thou mayest know the Words of Truth Sayes GOD by Solomon It is as true as CHRIST Himself and He is the Way the Truth and the Life If He Himself was really upon Earth which is evident as a Demonstration and the most verified Matter of Fact that ever was in the World not done in a Corner or Clancularly but in the View of the sun and the sight of friends and foes For He did moe Miracles for the Confirmation of His Doctrine and the discovering of His Person than ever was dâ—ne before Him miracles of Mercy so great and stupendious that had not the Ancient People been prejudged at his Doctrine and the Humility of His Person and the fear of the Rulers All Jury had gone after him And further the influence of his Doctrine had upon the Hearts of Men and the great Demonstration of his being the Messiah and the Son of GOD by His Resurrection from the Dead And the wonderful effects that the Preaching of the Cross of Christ had upon Jew and Gentile All these write the Verity of our Religion with a Beam of the Sun that the Gospel câ—nnot be
hid but to such as are lost Moreover If we consider the exact Impletion of the Prophesies concerning him even unto the least circumstance of his Incarnation Conâ—â—â—tion Birth Breeding Life Death and Resurrection We have an Accumulation of Proofs for the Verity of the Christian Religion and the Founder of it for if we consider its Original the Purity of its Precepts the Glory of its design the Comfort of its promises and the Divinity of its Proposals We may acquiesce here and confess its Truth and Verity And if we shall confront it with other Religions of the Jews which was but temporary of the Heathens which was but Vanity of the Mabumitants which is a devilish delusion made up of lies and impossibilities We shall find that the Spirit of Christianity remains in the bosome of Glory alwayes Holy Victorious and Triumphant over impiety and confirmed by a cloud of Witnesses sealed by the blood of millions of Martyls approved by General Councils and the Universal Consent of the Catholick Church and clearly demonstrated to be of GOD and for GOD that a Christian may upon good Ground say sit anima mea cum Christianiâ— Let my Soul be with the Christians But there is so much said to this purpose that I cannot add but to resume the Doctrine of the Apostle That Christianity is not fabulous but infallible Truth And because there are so many Pretenders to True and Holy Religion and the different Sentiments of the Papal and Protestant Church And even Differences among themselves I hope I shall not di gress from the Paths of Tâ—uâ— to assert that True Protestanisâ—n in true Christianity It being the very Doctrine of Christ and his Apostâ—es and the purest and pâ—imitive times of the Church And having made Sucession from the Spurious Doctrine of the degenerate Church of Rome And it may be safely said that the Trash of its impure Doctrine its lying Wonders and Legends doth expose that Church to the Impious and Blasphemous Expâ—ession of one of its Popes who said Quantum nobâ—â— prodest haec fabula Christi What avail is that Fable of Christ to us And as the Truth of Christianity is fully demonstrated so in the next place are we to consider The Power wherewith the coming of Christ was attended It would seem from Isaiah 53. That he came in weakness and so did the Jewish and Heathen World look upon him But they took that measures from outward Appearance and did not consider the Vertue that was in him as God and God man which made his Manger more glorious to the Eye of Faith than a Palace or Bed of State he was Crucified through Weakness yet conceals His Power for Who might abide the Day of his first coming Mal. 3. 2. He was Glorious in his Abaseours Honourable in his Humiliation and was the King of Gloâ—ie's Son in his Pilgrimage He was a Lamb in his Meekness but a Lyon in his Power He came to dash the dark Kingdom to destroy the Wâ—rks of the Devil and to bring Life and Immortality to Light by his Gospel and to cast down the Prince of this World to deliver his People from Bondage and to lead Captivity Captive to tread Satan under our Feet to discover the Evil of Sin and the Beauty of Holiness And this he did by a Seraphick and Angelical Purity yet in a wonderous Condescention and Familiarity attended with such Glorious Miâ—acles famous Monuments powerful Doctrine With Authority and not as the Scribes That we shall see his Glories Conspicuous under the Vail of flesh and all the Umbrage of his Life served to raise his Glory to a higher pitchâ— as the Sun is more conspicuous after a cloud So that it is very evident and observable That Christ's first coming was with Power Doct. 2 and the Doctrine he propagate is the Power of God to Salvatâ—on Let his People therefore be willing in the day of his Power And learn to be swayed with the right Scepter of this Kingdom If a Foelix tremble before a Prisoner in a Chain if King Agrippa be almost perswaded to be a Christianâ— Let us learn to give our Necks to his Powerful though Easie yoak Least he dash us iâ— peices when there is none to deliver Let us not stumble with the Jew nor count it foolishâ—ess with the Greek but believe it and we shall behold Christ the Power of Godâ— and the Arm of God Although there be no need of further Witnesses yet the more to confirm us of the Truth and Power of the Gospel We have this Apostle and others with him is Oculati Testes of CHRIST's Majâ—stie famous and unanimous in their Testimony who could say vincit Veritas Vidi Scivi audivi Truth prevails and has the Testimony of GOD and Man of Angels and Saints Prophets and Apostles Martyrs and Confessors And every One that hath received this Testimony hath put tâ—o their Seal that GOD is True The greaâ— improvement that Improv I shall make of this whole purpose is that the Character of our life ccrrespond with the truth and Realitie of our Religion that is that we be Ethically of true and morally true in the practice of our holy Profession that we be not paint ed formal and false as to a real way bus suitable to the excellent principles of our holy faith if ye abide in my word sayes CHRIST ye are my Disciples indeed Joh. 8 3. It is not a name of a Christian but the truth of Christianity that approves us to GOD. Many have a name not only general as Christians but as more eminent professors I say a name that they are living when dead Rev 3. 1. many flatter themselves in a Profession and Church Priviledge even into the end and will say have we not eaten and drunken in thy presence hast thou not taught in our streets To whom CHRIST will say depart from me c. I never owned nor approved you as mine Many have CHRIST in their mouth and can say LORD LORD but do not the works that he bids them This was a sad disease in the Ancient Church for the Circumcised l ived as the uncircumcised Moab Ammon and Amalek were uncircumcised and the house of Israel uncircumcised in their heart This the Prophets cryed out against reproving people that boasted of the Temple Jer 8. And yet lived in villany But GOD and his Temple are no sanctu arie to prophanity and such boastings are so fan from excusing that they aggravate Peoples faults and in effect GOD sayes to the Wicked what hast thou to do to declare my statues It was so in the times of our Saviour and the Apostles and in the beginning of Christianity the filthy Gnosticks were great boasters of knowledgeâ— and priviledges and prophanity came to such a hight that Irreligion became to be patronised by false Prophets As the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans Jezebâ—l and â—thers and this Spirit of lyes was justly poured out upon many for not suitable to
their holy principles and by their lifeâ— denying obedience to the faith And alas If we descend to the dregs of time we shal find many named Christians Unchristian and Antichristian in their way For such is now the contempt of the Gospel the unsuitable walking to it the despising of Holy things as the LORDS Ministers Ordinances and day such is the neglect of all thing that looks like duty to GOD such is the heathenishness of families for want of calling on the name of GOD and such horrid immoralities among these called Christians that we may without breach of Charity now say that a great part of the Christian World hath as to their practice repeaâ—ed thâ—t Blasphemous saying that GOD hath now forsaken the Earth Ez 9. 9. It s now then very worthy of our while to consider better of the Character of a true Christian that people be not fostered in their folly in boasting of a name without the true life of Religion This has been much declamed against by Pens and Pulpits but alas People delight themselves in their delusions and for all that is said and done content themselves to be nominal not real christians I am told that there is a little peice done by a forreign Divine in Latine Arnd de vero Christianismo which gives great clearness as to this and which perhaps if I had seen might have saved my labour as to any thing that I can say on this purpose But the sad times and the corrupt manners of men stir me up to contribute my little mite to hold in the almost expiring life of practical Religion and this shall be done in considering these purposes following 1 st That the Christian walk suitably to the discovery of the Principles of his Religion 2ly That he walk suitably to the full digest of the rule GOD has given him to guide his life by 3ly That he answer the Gospel Spirit and Design 4ly That he knit his Life suitably to the whole Chain of Graces Vertues and Duties 5ly That he answer the Means and Institutions of GOD in his Word and Sacraments 6ly That he advance to Perfection in the Heavenly Exercise of a higher Pitch of Grace 7ly That he suit that great Hope set before him of the Crown of Glory And 8ly That he be well prepared for a Dimission from Time to Eternity And to clear the plain path of these to a Christian in all the Stages of his Life It would be considered First That the Seed and Habits of Grace are infused in our first Conversion 2ly That Grace proceedeth gradually 3ly That Grace groweth and goeth along with the conscionable use of the Means First That the Seed and Herbs of Grace are infused together as our first Conversion which is called by St. John the Seed of GOD remaining in us and by St. Paul the Life of GOD Gal 2. 20. Or the Divine Nature whereof Believers do partake as St. Peter sayes 2 Pet 1. 4. For a new born Child if it want Life cannot be capable of the Operations thereof No more can a new Convert exercise Grace without the principle of Life Now this new principle of Life in such as are born again consists not of one but of all Graces and the power and faculty of gracious Operations flows from tâ—at Life that animats all the faculties of the Soul So that certainly there is more than the influence of an external Swasion from the Word in regard it is but a dead Letter till it be animated with the Spirit of Life And 2ly It is no lâ—â—s clear That Grace proceeds by degrees from Childhood to Manhood thus we are exhorted to grow in Grace and Knowledge 3ly That Grace groweth and goeth along with the Conscionable use of the Means For if our Vineyard be not dressed and well manured it will grow wild and full of weeds It is to be confessed that carelesness and the power of temptation may produce bad fruit even in a Believer for a time But be that is born and begotten of GOD siâ—â—eth not finally but keepeth himself and the wicked one toucheth him not Joh 5. 4. Having now premiâ—ed these things for clearing I proceed to handle the several Ranks of Christians in the 8 forementioned Particulars First then That the Christian walk suitably to the discovery of the Principles of his Religion Which is so clearly manifested in the Gospel Dispensation especially in these four particulars following 1 st The Knowledge of our selves and our sinful miserie by nature Which calls for Humility Reformation and a new Life 2ly As to the Revelation of GOD whose Essence indeed is incomprehensible by mortals yet is so clearly discovered by Christ who dwelleth in the bosome of the Father and hath revealled Hâ—m unto us that beside His incommunicable Attributes of Immensitle Omniscience Omnipotence and Omnipresence be is discovered to be so amiable in His Purity Holiness Goodness Mercy and Truth c. that the Rational Soul cannot but love choice and embrace Him 3ly As to the discovery of the Mediator And 4ly The clear Path Waâ— to Happiness so fully discovered by Jesus Christ which calls for Faith and Obedience and the embracing of Christ in His threefold Office Secondly That be walk suitably to the full Dâ—gest of the Rule which GOD has given him to guide his Life The Law of the LORD is Perfect so fully cleared from the false glosses of the Pharisees by Christ in His Sermon upon the Mount That now in the times of this Light no man can pretend ignorance of the Rule but either he that is negligent or prejudged at it 'T is true the best cannot reach it in its Spirituality and Extent But yet a sincere Christian may and should come the length of Having a respect to all the Commandments Psal 119. 29. and the hatred of every false way 3ly That he answer the Gospel Spirit and Design This is a great propertie of a Christian to know what Spirit he is of and that he close with the Gospel in its Holy Design not only to seek Salvation by Christ but Sanctification and to walk in the Way that leads to Salvation And this calls for Sincerity Humility Patience and self denyal c. And such a temper of spirit as suits its Design and the heavenliness of its Author 4ly That he knit his Life suitably to the whole Chain of Graces Vertues and Duties To be a Christian is a great Character and requires a perfect exactness not to live after the flesh but after the Spirit Rom 8. 1. Not to work the works of the flesh but to Crucifie it with the lusts and affections thereof and to bring forth the Fruits of the Spirit Gal 5. 18. Which calls for the exercise of Graces as we are called and related 5ly That be answer the Means and Institutions of GOD in His Word and Sacraments He is a too high towering Christian that neglects the Means and Ordinances Since the LORD did institute them for excellent Ends to propagate and perfect practicall Religion This calls for a meek Submission to the LORDS appointment especially in the right improvement of the Word and sacraments answering our cognizance and having with the Apostles A fellowship with the Father and the Son 6ly That he advance to perfection in the 〈◊〉 exercise of a higher Pitch of Grace Grace is of a growing nature all means and ordinances are for the advancement thereof true life cannot lurk but will send forth emanations and exercises And altho we should not coâ—nt our selves to have apprehended Phil. 3. 13. Yet should we follow fast towards the prize of the high Calling And this is very much evidenced in our self denyatâ— mottification victory over the World by saith and our affections more sublime than â—â—put sue after the things of this world Col. 3. 3. For the conversation of 〈◊〉 is in Heaven Phil. 3. 2. The true Christian then after many labours tenrations â—cliâ—ses and difficultie comes to be expeâ—â—enâ—ed and now as a proficient and an expert Soulâ—â—â— riâ—teth to a higher 〈◊〉 of Grace and Vertue And this calls for a Heavenly elevated mind and a faith that will make us steddy and faithful unto Death 7ly That be suite that Great hope set before him of the Grown of Glory This â—â—â—â—tily animaâ—s a Christian and carried him through difficulties it fixeth him in â—â—â—pests as an Anchor upon the Rock iâ— sanctifies and saves the Christian We are saved by hope Rom 8. 24. said St. Paul it helps us much in the way to Salvation and whoever hath this hope in him â—â—â—fies him self as CHRIST iâ— pure this calls for courage Resolution confidence and patience and through the Blessing of GOD expelleth that dreadful disease of 〈◊〉 dence and dispair 8ly That he be well prepared for a dimission from time to Eternity It 's happy for us that GOD find us at our work that the Lions of our Mind be girâ— up that we be waiting our 〈◊〉 call shall our accounts be cleared and our Soul and our Heart in a humble way be full of Joy and Peace with a â—lerophorv or a full assurance of faith that our eyes be closed upon the World open to Heaven That we have CHRIST in our hearts then we may say â—une dimittas now let thy servant depâ—â— in peace This calls for a fixed preparation for Death Judgement and 〈◊〉 clear Conscience a Willingness and with submission and intire Resignation A desire to be with CHRIST which is best of all I shall conclude then in lotting you know that the great Mean to state you a true Christian is Action and the exercise of your Religion I could have enlarged and added many other things but that deserves a particular Treatise And as for motive to perswade thee to be a true Christian I shall add no more but that you improve your Faith look to your Claim and by the Eyes of Faith look to the splendor of that Crown prepared for a true Christian which ye shall wear with CHRIST World without End AMEN The End
Scoffâ—rs at Religion So I come to the Text in thâ—se vereses which contain aâ— Application of the preceeding Doctriâ—e conecting the Privilidges Properties of a Christian in the particle Six Wherefore Quamobrem upon which account c. 2ly The Apostles care to inculcat the Truth upon the people to whom he writes 3ly The Sence the Apostle hath of improving the Opportunitie in doing so as long as he is in this Tabernacle 4ly The practical Knowledge of Death and Resolution with it 5ly His provident and frugal care to store his people with the Knowledge of the Gospel which they may improve after his decease so the Spiritual Paâ—â—â—tlayes up for his Children against the time to comâ— When he is gone 6ly The baâ—e and sure Foundation of Gospel Truth Verse 16. The First Clearly discovereth to us this Truth that the Christian who Doct pretenâ—â— to the highest Priviledges of his holy Religion must be accomplished with the true ppoperties thereof 'T is a special Art to advance practical Religion twist together the Christian priviledges and properties Our Crown and Our Claim Profession and Practice Promise and Precept Justification and Sanctification Glory and Duty The Race and the Prize and Labour and Rest The Gospel Net must be well knit and we must follow the line and threed of Duty Ouâ— Salvation is linked in a Chain there is a Corner Stone that knits the Building from the Foundation to the Top Rom 8 26. There must be the Prima Media Vltima We must begin proceed and perfect our Work for non progredi est Regredi To stand in our Religion hinders our Race We must add to our Faith Vertue for Faith without Works is Dead This is not only the Doctrine of St. Peter here and formerly Chap. 1. 5. 6. 7. But of St. James Chap. 2. And they both writing to the Jews had need to press this for that People spleeted upon the Rock of their Priviledges to whom St. Paul gives a Check Rom. 2 1. He is not a Jew that is one outwardly but he is a Jew that is one inwardly For a great part of the visible Church tests much here and are ready to say LORD LORD when they do not the works that he Commands them And so become partial in their Religion and leave the half of it unpractised they can take Christ for a Saviour but not a Sanctiâ—er And follow Him for Lâ—avs but nâ—t for duty and labour they can cry The Temple of the LORD Jer. 7. 4. But study not the new Creature They may keep the ordinances but not observe their designe and can be hired to help to build an Aâ—k but not to enter it 2ly All desiâ—e to be happy but all take not the Râ—ght way to happiness they leap after the â—nd but stand in the way and neglect the means that promove the end whereas true blessedness comes only to the Vndefilea in the way Psal 119. 1. And the Psalmist Jâ—â—ns justification and Sanctification together in order to Blessedness Psal 32. 1. Sin cannot enter Heaven no more a sinner but we must ascend the Mount and carry nothing with us that is defiled We must be meet for the inheritance for without holiness none shall see GOD Elijah's Charioâ— could not carry a wicked Ahab to Glory And the best must be with Elijah Purged by fire ere they enter the splendors of Glory GOD hath a Furnace to purge us a plummat to square us we must be pure and Refined ere we can dwell with everlasting burnings and tho we be not Justified by works Rom. 4. 6 4. Yeâ— must we be Judged according to our works For tho GOD justifieth the ungâ—dly Yet he only saves the Right 〈…〉 3ly Wherefore let us observe the scope of this Dying Apostle and learn App to make our Holy Religion practical foâ— by so doing we shall not only make ouâ— Calling and Election sure But hereby an entrance shall be made unto us unto the Kingdome of our â—ORD JEâ—US Christ And that we may be Glad to make this improvement the more Chearfully let us consider that this tends most 1. To the Glory of GOD. 2ly The Reputation of Religion 3ly To our own Good and the benefite of others 4ly It assureth our interest in Glory much more than all the instincts Enthusiasms and Raptures men can be affected with 1. This tends most to the Glory of GOD Our good works should be â—o solid and visible that they may show forth the Glory of GOD the light of Grace shines more and more unto the perfect day till it be more Radiâ—nt in Glory GOD's Glory iâ— the great end of our Religion and a Right conversation Glorifies him and tends to our salvation Psal 50. 23. Holiness pâ—oclaims the Honour of the thrise Holy Holy Holy GOD And GOD delights more in it than in Hecatombs of sacrifices We need not say with Moses LORD show me thy Glory for Holiness iâ— the very Ray and Beam of the Glory of GOD and the Divine Emanaâ—ion of that Light and life that is in GOD The Holy Person is the only Fruit bearing Tree and a holy Life givâ—s GOD the Glory discovers Heaven and perfects the Beleiver For without Holiness no â—â—â—an can see GOD. 2ly As Nothing disparageth Our Religion more than Hypocrisie so nothing advanceth its Reputation more than a well Qualified Christian for if once Practicall Religion did exert its Native Power and Qualitie it would commend it self as thâ— product of GOD it would appear a Wonder it would make the soâ—s of Men say with Pharaoh's Magicians This is the finger of GOD it would give us a more noble Spirit than the World Iâ— would make us the fiâ—st born of GOD and pattake of the Divine Nature it would make the Men of the World as St. Paul sayes in another case fall upon their face and say GOD is in it of a Truth it would appear no phantasm or contrivance to ammuse the World And would make the Truly Godly Religion as their bage and Cognizance and make Men say that this is the Work of GOD it would make us like CHRIST to be pure as He is pure it would appear to be no Superstition flowing from fear but it would appear a Lively Amiable and lovely Thing and attract Mens hearts it would make the Hypocrisie cast off his Mask the prâ—fane put off shame and the Formalist seck after substance and the Power of Godliness it would make Men Saints and turn Angels and be so excellent as to delight others Psal 16 2 And in fine make them elect and precious as their faith is 3ly This will also afford â—olid meat and the Kernal of Religion to refresh us it will be to us a Tree of Life and hidden Manna and more refreshing than the Nectaer and Ambrosia of the heathen Gods and when Christ is formed in us then have we Light Life and Comfort Then shall we eat the Kernal of Religion when the shell is
brâ—ken and Strangers shall not meddle with our Jâ—yeâ— nor the Impure eat the Childrens food This shall confute all such as decry Religion and comfort all that have the Real Life of it and make them say with St. Paul The Life we now live is by Faith in the Son of GOD. 4ly This will open a door and Entrance to the Kingdom of Oâ—r LORD JESUS CHRIST and will prove a more solid way to make us Draw near to GOD with full assurance of faith and be a more sure ground to us than all the heats and heights of Religion which are but transient and perhaps flow from humour and Complexion but this makes the spirit of Gâ—ory dwell in us Gives us a clean conscience washt with pure water Heb 10. end to draw near to GOD So that a trembling humble Ghâ—istian that with St. Paul cryes â—ut O wretched man that I am Rom. 7. end May be neerer the Joy of the Lord than the other So that whoever seek a proof of Christ sn us We shall prove it best by Works and Fruits and the New Creature is the most infallible mark of beinâ— in Christ 2 Cor 5 17. and True siâ—â—cere Obedience is the great specifick and genuine propertie of true Christianism And further to clear you in all this let us confront the privilidges and properties of the Christiâ—n if any separate them he is like a Man catching the Crown with out the Conquest but the true Christian reacheth one hand in the Crown and wiâ—h the other holds his Wâ—apon to fight for the Prize that through â—aith and pâ—tience and unwearied Wâ—ll â—â—ing he may inheriâ— the Promises What more excellent then the precious Promisâ—pâ—ut we must add Vertue to our faith 〈◊〉 thâ—se Promises the Christians Claim is indâ—ed great for all are yours sayeth 〈◊〉 But such as are Christs sayeth he have crucified the flesh with its lusts and effections But to come nearer the conâ—â—xt from 2. ver to this 12 the Apostlâ— speaks of beleivers attaining like precious faith with the Apostlesfor their is but one faith which the Apostles Beleived prâ—pagated once delivered to the Sa 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 Jâ—de sayeth and this faith Acts 15. 9. purifiâ—th the heart and life And having that same faith of the Apostles we should live according to our measures as the Apostles then should the Pure and Primitive Church revive But alas Were St. Paul now at Rome he should find it much more Heathen than in his time and very unlike these whose faith was spoken of through the World O then if people would walk suitably to that noble Gift of Faith which is given us 2ly The full Instructions the Christians have All things sayes the Apostle that pertain to Life and Godliness Glory and Veriâ—e We want nothing to furnish us for every good Work The whole Council of GOD Acts 20. 27. All things to make us Godly and Glorious we have the Word of GOD to make us wise to Salvation and the Spirit of GOD to lead us into all Truth Improve then your priviledges For if ve know these things happy are ye if ve do them 3ly We have the great Gift of the Promises as the Apostle sayeth here But yet having these Promises let us cleanse our selves from all silthiness of flesh and spirit 2 Cor. 7. 1. and take head least a promise being made thus of entering into his Rest we fall short But if Piety be joyned with the Promises then we partake of the Divine Nature and have another Spirit a new Heart Lifâ— and new Affections and thus the Saiâ—â— are in their measure Divinized and spâ—ritualsed and Created after GOD 〈◊〉 Righteousness and true Holmess And so to conclude this truth 〈◊〉 would warn you not haâ—ilv to catch aâ— the Promises but labour to lay hold on them by a lively Faith and Well-doinâ— Be not too â—aring least ye presume prove your title first And then glory in your priviledges make your selves meet for the Inheritance and then you are sure of it and let the glory of that great Claim indeer your Hearts to Duty to joâ—n your selves in a perpetual Covenant with the LORD never to be forgot Jer. 50. Sermon II. The Duty and Diligence of the Apostolick Câ—rate or Gospel Minister described With the Matter and manner of his Preaching and the Quality of Christians in the time of the prime of Christianity Vpon Verse 12. THe Apostle falls now to a closs Application of the Doctrin formerly mentioned in this Chapter wherein he relates the Duty of the Minister that he should not be negligent but busie in the exercise of his holy Office 2ly The great Subject of his Dâ—ctrine these Things 3ly The way of his Iâ—culcating the said Doctrine upon the Hearts of People And 4ly The Qualification of People in these Times I begin with the First bâ—th negatively and positively described Doct. 1 which teacheth us That a Gospel Minister should be very intent upon his great and weighty Work This St Peter declares of himself and St. Paul also frequently mentions his great business These two Pillars of the Church the Apostles of the Câ—rcumcision Uncircumcision follow the the great Luminary their Blessed Master and stand as eminent Examples to all the Officers of the Church of Christ And this Apostle describeth his Duty 1st In his care for the Good of Souls to whom he wrote 2ly That he was not negligent but Diligent in his Imployment First His great care for the Church and the good of Souls The care of Souls is worthy to â—e fined from the most intensive affections of the Hâ—art It is such 〈◊〉 Pious and Divine Affection that GOD Himself describs His eaâ—nest Compassionâ— to His People thereby As our Saviout shâ—ws us in His Sermon upon the Mount Upon which account St. Paul bids us be careful for nothing but by Prayer and Supplication make our request known to GOD And St. Peter so exhorts also casting all your caâ—es upon GOD who careth for you It was our Saviour's care for Souls that brought Him from Heaven to us and when on Earth made Him so diligent to Preach Pray and Weep for his Church This care of Souls went nearer St. Pauls Heaâ—t than all his troubles for beside all things that are without said he that which comes upon me dayly the care for all the Churches The true natural Father hath a great care for his Children and the Spiritual Parent no less for I have no greater Joy sayeth St. John than to see my Children walking in the Truth Fâ—r such is the subtility and labour of the evil one â—o seduce and corrupt our Flock And alas such is the carelesness and incuriousness of the most as to Spiritnol Matters like Gallio careing for none of these things and such are the many incumbrances anent the World and what is worst of all even a careful Contrivnance of many to prosecute their sinful ends that a faithful Minister shall find great Reason of serious
it tends to Eternal Life The Painter Appelles placed an imaginary fame in a curious Draught and many for the Apprehension of a Fame make themselves infamous as Alexander was called Totius Orbis Praedo But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever 1 Pet. 1. 25. which by the Gospel is Preached unto you Many mâ—ns Reputation dies here their Names â—ot Buâ—â—aithful Preaching never dies God has a Register of it it'â— received in the Heavens impressed upon the Hearts of Converts thereby is a living Monument erected in the Lives of Men. Ye are our Epistle sayes St. Paul to the Corninthians and though Faithful Ministers do not succeed yet their Reward is with their GOD and their Euge waits them in Heaven Well done thou good and Faithful Servant More particularly let us consider the parts of this Text in these particulars 1. The Endeavours of this Faithful Minister 2. The extent of his Endeavours even after his Decease 3. The Inculcating the Things of the Gospel so as they may take Impression by way of Remembrance upon the Hearts of Men in all Ages First The Endeavours of this faithful Minister And it teacheâ—h us of this sacred employment to follow this Copy to contribute our best Endeavems for the good of Souls This is all that man can do Paul can but Plant and Apollo water but GOD gives the increass And tho our endeavours be frustrate yet if we do our duty our judgement is with the LORD We are but dispensers of the means of Grace It is the LORD that giveth Grace and we should be earnest with people not to receive the Grace of GOD in vain or that dispensation wherein the Grace of God is given that is the Preaching the Gospel of CHRIST We should contribute our outmâ—st endeavours for the work is great the opposition strong And since we have Received this Ministry let us not faint our Blessed Saviour in his Ministerial Office was frustrate How often would I have gathered thee sayeth he to Jerusalem and â—e would not â—et us do our duty then and commit the Event to GOD. 2ly The Extent of his Endeavours even after his Decease A Faithful Mininister has Ministerial Affections for the Glory of GOD and the good of the Church they cannot consine their wishes to the little compass of a short time they expatiate in their desires and if it were possible they could tarry while CHRIST come as it was groundlessly supposed by the Beloved Disciple They would be glad to improve the opportunity But to consider more particularly the import of this his endeavour it is certain as he doth not here intend in a Ghostly way to preach to them after his decease for GOD useth not to send to the Living from the Dead the dispensation of the Gospel is now to Day if ye will hear his Voice so is it to be understood of his Actions in time as Abel tho dead yet speaketh Moses his Word yet judgeth and the Hand Writings of Ordinances yet stand while they be cancel'd Thus CHRIST's Word shall Judge Men at the Great Day and good Works shall have their Approbation then And the Womans anointing of our Saviour speaketh to every Generation Mat 25 42 43 Wherever This Gospel is preached and the whole Cloud of Witnesses have Monuments erected for them in the Word of GOD And for this Apostle besides his writing of some part of Canonick Scripture which endureth for ever he was an extraordinary person in his Call in his Calling in his miracles in his Actions and in his sufferings for CHRIST all which serve to preach after his decease which others in their measure also do So that hence it may be observed that Faithful Ministers of the Gospel by their Doct. 1 Life and labours remains famous living Monuments after their Decease Their works follow them and also they leave impression behind them it is a glory to do well in our Office and die a faithfull Stewart of the Mysterie of GOD to save our own Souls and them that hear us to make after Generations bless us Fame indeed should not be our design for that may savour of Pride and Vanity But the work if good will praise thee in the gate O then let us act for Eternitie Preach as we shall give an Application account labour to do well and it shall not be forgotten For to win a Soul is a great prize and to help Peoples Faith and to follow them with wholesome Doctrine that they may follow after Peace and Holiness is a great duty All true Holiness is from GOD and he hath said honorantes me honorabo Iâ—le honour them that honour Me 1 Sam. 4. 5. And the mercy of doing good in our time and in the Church as it shall meet us in another World so may it sweeten all the difficuldifficulties we meet with in the way of our duty in this But the third thing to wit the inculcating the things of the Gospel so as they may take impression by way of Rememâ— brance upon the hearts of men in all Ages will more clearly unfold this duty of a Gospel Minister to help people to a well improved Remembrance The Apostle much insists upon the word Remembrance and every faithful Minister and Particularly one who desires to be found faithful shall labour to bring these things to peoples Remembrance both in this life and after it and so to leave his Flock the most lasting legacie It is clearly then observable that it is a great part of Gospel Ministers duty Doct. 2 to help peoples minds to retain and improve Gospel truths for their Salvation To Preach these things Phil 4. 9. over and over again to show them how much a sanctified memory of these things tends to their faith and happiness For the mind of man is the Spirit within him that is the Candle of the LORD The great Repository of holy truth And makes Religious actings flow from a solid understanding which influenceth the will freely to work and enlargeth the affections to run with delight in the wayes of GOD. Now to be more particular in this I shall desire you to consider 1st Facultas Retinens the mind Retaining 2ly Res retenta the thing remembred 3ly The help a faithful Minister gives to this Holy art of Remembring 4ly Peoples improvement by right remembring First Facultas Retinens the mind retaining It may be considered that there is first a natural memory whereby some have said Nescio quid sit oblivisci I know not what it is to forget which is most fresh in youth and turns Crazy in old age others again are so dull in their mind or rather careless that their memorie is like a Sive which letteth Clean Water pass through but Retaineth Dregs of such it may be said that they wot not what it is to Remember 2ly There is an artificial memory much helped by Reading and frequent study and Meditation 3ly There is a Religious memory wrought by the Spirit of GOD
to keep Memento mori in the Vade-mecum of our Mind that we may be ready to render up our Soul unto the Hands of a Faithful Creatour ss 12. 2ly Thou must be willing to die Death is indeed Irksome to Nature buâ— when thou considerest it as a passage to thy Fathers house it is pleasant thou must be so willing as to submit to GOD and resign thy Life to His Will for GODS Will is still Good and gâ—ided with excellent â—udgment whether thou Nill or Will thy times are in His band Consult not therefore Flesh and Blood but Faith and chearfully drink of that Cup that all before us have tasted which is sweetened by the death of Christ and better to die willingly than to live in â—pposition to GODS Will say therefore with old Eli the Will of the LORD be done And if it be well principled thy willingness will come up the leâ—gth of a desire to die not of a pievish discontent with Joâ—â—h But with an Apostollick and Heavenly Spirit to desire to depart and be with Christ which is best of all Let not therefore the dreadour of death hinder thy desire since GOD is with thee to give thee a safe passage Death simply cannot case thee but it is dying in the LORD that makes thee Blesseâ— It is gooâ— then to have a well dected Mind and Soul For there are such attractives in the Recompence of Reward the Crown of Righteousness and of being ever with thâ— LORD As may make thee desire to be uncloathed that mortality may be swallowed up in Life 2 Cor 5. 4. I â—issintangle therefore thy self of Worldly Letts that thy Soul may as naturally tend to Heaven as the sparks flee upward ss 13. 3 lâ— Mâ—ke Death familiar to thee for many put off the Evil Day and leave the thoughts of Death to â—ick and Dying Persons but thou should be more prudent walk every day as it were thy Last Day and frequent thoughts of it will make it to be no strange nor sad thing to die Frâ—quent use makes the habit Easie and 〈◊〉 well prepared Christian will say my heâ—â— s fixed § 14 4ly If any doubts fears arise whiâ—â— may be incident to Christians when â—heâ— come seriously to look upon Eternity 〈◊〉 dark passage of death leading thereuntâ— thy death can make thee dâ—ubt of nothinâ— but what state it will put thee into but Givâ— no place to doubt since it is certain 〈◊〉 thou Relie on Christ thou art securâ— Thou must not consult the disorders 〈◊〉 thy life but the well ordered covenanâ— Are thy sins many GOD hath a multitude of mercies are they great he caâ—â— pardon them because they are great hast thou Backslidings He can heaâ— thy Backsliding Hast thou dâ—fficulties Light can clear thee art thou tempted He can Succour thee Art thou dijected He can comfort thee So whatever by thy case if thou come to Him upon the terms of the Gospel thou mayest be Satisfied in his love Iâ— death be the King of terrors CHRIST is the King of comforts Thou needs not fear in fâ—tifaucibus in the jaws of Death If 〈◊〉 be iâ— Gremio Dei in the Bâ—some of GOD let the dart of Death â—trick the shield of Faâ—th will resist its force All Mortals before you have suffered â—eath even Children and the Weaker Sex and it is a sillie thing to dread that which is conquered can do nothing to a Christian but loose him from Bondage There is nothing dreadfull in Deaâ—h but to fall into the hands of an Angry GOD and if your pasillanimous Mind makes thee flee Death it follows thee Get thy Heart and conscience in a right frame then and then thou has nothing to do but to ly dâ—wn and slâ—ep â—et thy faith and hope on work and By a heavenly Spirit lahour with Samson to destroy GODS Enemies Colect thy powers to render up thy Soul with comfort and that same GOD who has made Martyres Rejoice in their tortoures may make thâ—e sing as a Swan in death and Triumph with St. Paul O Death where is thy Sting 1 Cor. 15. 55. § 15 6ly To pray for a happy death Labour to die well and iâ— it be the LORD's will deprecate any thing extraordinary in thy Death except an extraordinary Repentance and a heavenly frame of Spirit Thou shouldest submit to the time and mannâ—r of thy Death but with all beg a comfortable demission to depart in peace and since there are thousand accidents incident to thy lifâ— and many have been taken off the Stagâ— by surprize and in the act of sin thoâ— art to pray for a happie Death and composed mind in dying and think it nâ— unsuitable to Deprecate a sudden Death takâ— Sanctuary in GOD that in the uncertanties of this World thou mayest be secure Labour to Kill this Pasisisk with the Eyâ— of Faith Dayly die to sin and cleay to Christ pay the debt of nature with pleasure Lay down thy Body to a Grave perfumed with CHRIST's Burial and commit thy soul to a faithful Creatour and Blessed Redeemer Prayer in order to Death O LORD Gâ—D of Life and Death Thoâ— only hast the empire over Death O Prince of Life who was once dead and art now alive Give me to live for Thee and in Thee and I shall not die but sleep Thy Love caâ— keep my Soul warm in the dark Valley of Death save me from the bondage of the fear of Death and the sting of it and then I may harmlesly like a Child play on the hole of the Asp Fill me with Light and Spiritual Life and deliver me from â—â—y thing that may make Death irksom that I may lay up store in my best circumstances against the power of it Save me from procuring my Death by the ill Government of my Life save me from all Misdemeanour that may procure a violent Death Deliver me from sudden Death if it be Thy Holy Will and let me not he surprized by my last Enemy Into Thy Hands I commend my spirit perfect Thy Grace in me that I may attain to the end of the Vpright and perfect Man to die in Peace Amen The Second last Thing JUDGEMEMT § 1. AFter Death the Judgement The belief of a Judgement is an Article of our â—reed and a great principle of our Religion Death and Judgement are both decreed Heathens have believed it and Nill they Will they Conscience asserts it and the worst of Men in Crosses and about their dying have had apprehensions of Judgement and such as have stiffled convictions have now within them fatal and fearful Convulsions for as GOD is so is He just and will bring all things to Judgement and tho Sentence be not prâ—sently execute here Yet there remains 〈◊〉 Judgement Concerning which letâ— it 〈◊〉 first enquired as to the Truth of it 〈◊〉 The time of its Commencement 3ly The Judge 4ly the Process And 5ly Thâ— Sentence § 2. First That there is a Judgement to come
is the Faith of the Church the hope of the Just the comfort of the aflicted and the great Crise and Result of of mortal Life Which will determine all the Intriges of Providence and destribute Rewards and Punishments according to their Works Theâ—e is a principâ—e and facultie in every Man which makes him accountable to GOD. This as it is an Article of our Creed so the Scripture fully determines it Ecc. 12 14. Matt 25. Acts 17. 30. 2 Cor 5. 10. GOD will be publickly manifested in His Hâ—liness and Justice the Equity and Reasonableness of His Laws and severity against sin Who will not acquite thy guilty And the monuments of Grace will sâ—e their Demerit had not the Merit of Christ prevented the punâ—shment Fixe then this Truth in thine heart and constantly apprehend â—â—th an Ancient Father that thou hearest 〈◊〉 Sâ—uâ—dâ—ngs of the last Trump with â—he Voice of GOD Arise Dead and come te Judgement § 3. 2ly That this Judgement in a part commenceth immediatly after Death is assâ—rted by the Apostle Heb 9. 27. The Saints of old have â—nherited the Promises The Convert Thief immediately after was judged and entered Paradise and the rich Glutton got his Doom and after his death was set to the place of Torment But the open visible and general Assize of the whole World is delayed to the time of the Restitution of all things When and where Soul and Body Good bad Young and Old without Law and under Law will be judged According to their Works and tho in the Apostles times some were â—hanatick said that the Resurrection was past some Atheitical scoffers as St. Peter sayeth Impioâ—sly Ragâ—ing and â—corning where is the promiss of his coming not knowing that God worketh hitherto hath great patience in whose Eternal View a Thousand years are but as one day yet when his works is done all the World will be judged which day and Hour GOD hath keept secret in his Eternal Council 〈◊〉 good and holy ends And there somethings yet unaccomplished before 〈◊〉 end to wit the full conversion of the Jeâ— Rom. 11. 26 and the discoverie of 〈◊〉 declension of the Christian Church 〈◊〉 exposing of that man of sin and son Perdition The pure Gospel becom 〈◊〉 divive and the Christian Church be muâ— liberated from the great Corruption 〈◊〉 manners and worship according to 〈◊〉 Primitive Patern When these shall comeâ— pass and not till then shall the end 〈◊〉 In the mean time let us pâ—ssess our selâ— with the Belief of This truth that all 〈◊〉 nerations shall be judged before the Tâ—â—bunal of the Soveraign Judge ss 4. 3ly The Judge GOD hath coâ—mitted all Judgement to the Son Aâ—â— hath appointed a day in which he will Judge 〈◊〉 world in Righteousness by him Acts. 17. 3â— We must all appear before the judgement sea◠〈◊〉 CHRIST 2 â—or 5. 10. When the Son 〈◊〉 Man shal appear in his Glory Matt. 25. 3â—â— And in this he Exerciseth his mediâ—torial Kingdom which will continue tâ—â— the last Enemie be distroyed which 〈◊〉 Death He declined to be a Judge on â—arth but came to be Judged and it is â—ighly reasonable that he who was unâ—ustly judged should judge the World in Righteousness Then shall they who have â—earced him by their sins mourn and â—owl But His afflicted people shall lift up â—heir head and say This is the Day that â—he LORD hath made Blessed is He who comâ—th to save us For our LORD and Kingâ—o whom the Godly have submited in â—heir time whose Scepter Cross they wilâ—ingly have born is now come to deliver â—hem He that bore our sins on His own Body on the Tree He that is a Compaâ—sionate High Priest He that is the King of Peace is now come to Judge them according to the Gospel of Peace and His easie Yoak which they did take upon them and walkt under What then shall such expect but Love and Peace and Pity from their LORD King and Brother Who is much Meeker than Moses more Loving than David and more Merciful than Man can be Whereas it shall be a great dreadour to the wicked to behold this Meek LAMB roaâ— like a Lyon against them § 5. 4ly The Process We cannot coneeive how soon and yet how exactly this-shall be done since every ones Conscience is in the place of a Thousand Witnesses and the Judge needeth no Information nor farther probation Every one then will be Judged according to that Law which was Given them to walk by And such as are under the Gospel shall be Judged by the Law of libertie Jam 1. 25. And the Issue will be whether they have obeyed or disobeyed the Gospel and walked suitably thereunto and answered the opurtunities they have enjoyed above oâ— thers to make them Christians indeed And fit for the Kingdom of GOD. ss 6. 5ly The Sentence will be accord to thy works tho thou be justified by Faith and saved by Grace yet the LORD will reward according to thy works For to the true Christian there is a wonderful mitigation of the Rigor of the Law by the easie terms of the Gospel and such shal receive sentence according to that Infinite Love revealed therein then shal the great sheepherd appear in Glorie yet probably with the Honourable marks of the Cross that all who have gloried in Hiâ— Cross may rejoice such as have stumbled at â—t hang their heads The Sentence shall decide in favours of Believers and all who have Closed with the conditions of the Gospel and Obeâ—ed the Faith 1. 5. Which is the great specifick of Christanity Such may appear before him with his marks upon them of Faith Mortification and Self-denyal c. And that in their time they have born Testimony against a sinful Generation they shall receive that favourable sentence Come ye Blessed c. The Prayer O Soveraign Judge prepare me for Death and Judgement It is much my comfort that thou art Judge Competent and Compassionate Thou wilt not acquite the Guilty yet Thou delights in mercy and there is forgiveness with Thee that Thou may be feared LORD give me my discharge in time for Who can condemn CHRIST has dyed I make my humble application to the Mercies of Thy Infinite Bowels the Merit of Thy Death the worth of thy Blood and the Power of Thy Intercession I have many Accusers am convict But LORD say to me that thou will not condemn me Thou knows all the Intrigs of my Soul What I cannot clear LORD do Thou cancell I make Mercy my claim Thy Merit my Trust and Thy Righteousnesâ— my Justification Give me the White stone to refresh my Soul till Thou grant me the Crown oâ— Righteousness at Thy Appearing Amen The Third Last Thing HELL 1. TO treat of Hell is a sad Subject Tophet should have a Beacoâ— set over it that Passangers may be aware Let us then consider 1 The Certainty of a future punishment of the Wicked in another World and