his service as the Ox and Ass â—or ours when he pleased without making any question or dispute concerning it yet he leaves us to our Liberty But how doth he resent it when freely offered and given up unto him Thus saith the Lord I remember thee the kindâ—ess of thy Youth Jer. 2. 2. see Hos 11. 1. 2. Chron. 34. 3. Mark 10. 21. These are written for the Exhortation and Encouragement of all to come betimes for God hath a pecâ—liar Favour and doth take notice of them â—or only doing that which is the duty of all to do To follow after him that is the guidâ— of our youth Jer. 3. 4. The nature of the Christian warfare and state of its Enemies require the chief time of Life to encounter with them When he is Listed at Baptism he takes an Oath to fight manfully against the World the Fle 〈…〉 the Devil The latter is most maliciously set against us Rev. 12. 12. 1 Pet. 5. 8. whom we must Resist stedfast in the Faith by this Shield we shall be able to quenâ—â—h all the siery Darts of the Wicked Eph. 6. 16. The Angel of the bottomless Pit is often transformed into an Angel of Light yet if we are so happy As from Childhood to have known the Scriptures which are able to make wise unto Salvation 2 Tim. 3. 14 15. We shall not be ignorant of his devices noâ— be beguiled through his subtilty Resist the Devil and he will flee from you Jam. 4. 7. This subdued the next is our own dear sâ—lf for though none ever hated his own Flesh but loves and cherishes it yet that when too much cockered and luxuriant turns our Enemy When Blood runs warm in the veins the Sences quick and brisk that is rampant and would get Dominion over us The Commands are directed accordingly Flee youthful Lusts 2 Tim. 2. 22. 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. 13. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not Provision for the Flesh to fulfil the Lust thereof Rom. 13. 14. When overmuch fuel is taken away the fire will do no hurt but serve only for its necessary use Another Enemy is the World which with its pomp and glittering is apt to deceive new and tender minds but if they be seasoned with the Love of God and Knowledge of his Word particularly what is written Jam. 4. 4. 1 John 2. 14 15 16 17. 1 John 5. 4. this will cast out the love of the World Faith overcomes it clearly for what this assures of doth so infinitely exceed Wordly Greatness and Glory that they cannot hold due competition with the heavenly manifest Sence sheweth that we are but Sojourners here and have no continuing City Faith â—eeks one to come so we will hold no correspondence with what we are now in then as furnishing conveniencies for not to hinder ouâ— Journey All these Foes are more dangerous because they assault in the disguise of Friends making a shew of Happiness but deceive into Misery and do most strongly tempt in our inconstant Age. They act subtilly taking advantage of want of a through and perfect Understanding But fore warned and fore-armed Wherewithall shall a young Man cleanse his way by taking heed thereto according to thy Word Ps 119. 9. Which discovers the snare laid for him and he may avoid it in the mid'st of his career if he can duly stop or turn aside I have more understanding then my Teachers because I have learnt thy Word Every thing done in the World is with intention and desire after good and that lays down certain directions for Happiness and avoiding Misery so this kind is most profitable If God did no more regard the Iniquities of Youth then Childhood its Vanities were more allowable as the effect of Mirth and Lightness but there is not the same reason for both Children have no Knowledge between good and evil Deut. 1. 39. but Youth hath or may have which is the same thing God expects when we know his Will we should do it otherwise we Sin and are liable to his Indignation It would be impertinent for the Psalmist to cry out O Lord remember not the Sins of my Youth Ps 25. 7. If God would never have imputed them And Righteous Job would have falsly expostulated Thou writest bitter things against me and makest me to possess the Iniquities of my Youth Job 13. 26. so Jer. 31. 19. The just Judge of all the earth calls to account for those Transgressions as of succeeding years Good Men have been guilty of some Extravagancies at that time of Life which are not written for presumption and licence to Sin but for the Hope and Comfort of those who Repent as they did and for those who are not yet defiled with Wickedness to keep their innocency By their Examples it appears that however sweet in commission yet they are exceeding bitter in remembrance Many secret heavy doubtful and disturbed Thoughts did arise as often as they did look back upon them the pleasure whereof was vanished as if it had never been All things considered he consults most for Gods Glory and is wisest for his own Peace who remembers his Creator in the days of his Youth It is said A young Saint an old Devil Which pestilent Proverb sprange frome him the Father of Lies who will suffer himself to be abused for the advancement of his own Kingdom There can be no suspition or danger in the word of Truth which requires To bring up Children in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord Ep. 6 4. The wise Man renders a Reason for it Prov. 22. 6. This Age will gadly receive the imprâ—ssions of good which are as acceptable as those of Sin and Evil. If they grow up and consent with them they become more customary natural and delightful then unlawful Pleasures are to others The sincerity of Youth tasts of the good Word of God and powers of the World to come which have their due influence on such a mind The simplicity thereof doth highly approve the works of Righteousness which cannot be otherwise thought of except by Corruption and Wrong Would God these youthful qualifications might be still retained which in these and other instances are very advantageous for the things pertaining to him This the Enemy of mankind knows though he doth cunningly whisper to the contrary for he uses endeavour to get the first Possession into our Hearts He will try to hinder our Sons from being As Plants growing up in their Youth And as far as the divine permission extends will graft into tender Stocks the wild Olive-Tree that it may become fruitless hewn down and cast into the fire He shews forth many alluring baits and fair promises to beguil foolish nature to himself If he gets young Souls he hath half done his work When he hath them in invincible clutches he instils a dislike of
Inclinations and Humour and not the Will of God they run on in Pride Lust Sensuality and if Prayers be read in their Family they go to Church on the Lords Day be sure to be a little more serious and repent upon a Death-bed all is well enough there is no need of making such a stir and adoe about Religion in their Life-time This is the fashionable sort of Godliness which is used and commended every where but upon diligent survey it may appear that the Commandments of God are made of none effect by this Fasion for the Precepts in the Gospel of obedient and Holy Life signifie nothing Duty is neglected and sin committed And if they do but ask God Pardon in a formal way then they may go on and Transgress yet against him and so on But be not deceived God is not mocked for whatsoever a Man soweth that shall â—e also reap He that soweth to the Flesh shall also of the Flesh reap Corruption Gal. 6. 7 8. Every one shall receive according to the Deeds he hath done The Sacrifice of the wicked is an Abomination how much more when he bringeth it with a wicked mind Prov. 21. 27. It was never well with Religion since a certain Mode thereof came up when they do such Acts because People of quality See Zech. 7. 5. do the like and they do no more then according to the common Standard This is the moving though not the only Reason for they do expect some benefit when they must die they would as willingly go to Heaven as the poorer sort and they trust unto these Prayers which they hope will translate them thither for though they did live in disobedience and run unto the same Excess of Riot as others yet God is merciful and they did ask him forgiveness He is so indeed but also he is Just and True. There is no respect of Persons with God for as many as have sinned without Law shall also Perish without Law and as many as have sinned in the Law shall be judged by the Law Rom. 2. 11 12. According as it is written so shall every one receive although he doth never so much flatter himself with idle Fancies and vain Hopes Take heed and be not deceived in this great and important Concern of your everlasting Happiness or Misery and to this I exhort you the more because if you do mistake once you are eternally Damned there is no correcting this Errour and therefore I say again unto you Take heed that ye be not deceived In the mean while you may know this one thing that if the fashionable sort of Godliness will infallibly bring to Heaven how would that be found true which Christ saith A rich man shall hardly enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 19. 23. but after this rate he would easily for the modish Worship requires not much Labour or Pains And as the Disciples asked our Lord upon that Saying Who then can be saved So if this were allowed the question may be reversed Who then would Perish For who is it that follows the Fashion in Clothes Behaviour and manner of Living and doth it not in Religion also We are sure God spake by his Son and therefore that is truth which he saith as for this Opinion it is contrary to his Doctrine and we know not who was the first Author of it unless it came from him who setteth up his Kingdom against that of Christ whose Employment it is to beguile Souls the old Serpent the Father of Lyes And the Falshood is so Transparent that if they would but look throughly they may easily see it which they also would if it did not contradict their own Lusts and so they remain willing to be deceived But if they will they may be deceived and shall at last go away with a Curse instead of a Blessing Those on the left hand Mat. 25. it seems did not expect to have such a dreadful Sentence for such a Reason pronounced against them as appears Ver. 44. They might think themselves safe enough because they did not see the Lord Jesus himself an Hungred or a Thirst or a Stranger or Naked or Sick or in Prison for then they say they would have ministred unto him They had the Letter of the Law on their side yet maâ—k this their Exposition was not allowed but the great Judge gave his own and by that Condemned them But some now adays have not so much to trust unto for both the Letter and direct meaning of the Gospel are against them This Peter teacheth plainly Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the Flesh arm your selves likewise with the same mind for he that hath suffered in the Flesh hath ceased from Sin That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the Flesh to the Lusts of Men but to the Will of God for the time past of our Life may suffice us of have wrought the Will of the Gentiles when we walked in Lasciviousness Lusts Excess of Wine Revellings and abominable Idolatries 1 Pet. 4. 1 2 3. An exact Pourtraiture of our times for though the last may seem to have been somewhat ceased among us yet whose God is his Belly or who saith unto Gold Thou art my Confidence is also an abominable Idolater Saith another Apostle Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the Lust of the Flesh for the Flesh Lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the Flesh and these are contrary one to the other Gal. 5. 16 17. And the works of the Flesh are reckoned up further some of which are esteemed necessary Qualities of a Person of worth and briskness and the Fruits of the Spirit are thought fit only for dull sneaking base born Souls but not for them So the Judgment of Gentlemen is contrary to the Gospel And that which would render one a meet Partaker for the inheritance of the Saints in Light is in no wise thought comely for those of that Station This I say therefore and testifie in the Lord that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk in the Vanity of their mind Having the understanding darkned being alienated from the Life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the Blindness of their Heart as to saving and spiritual knowledge for otherwise they are quick-sighted enough Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto Lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with Greediness But ye have not so learned Christ Eph. 4. 17 18 19 20. Let any compare these places and several others in the New Testament with the present Fashion and then Judge Whether true Christianity and the modish Gentility are not as contrary and incompatible as Light and Darkness And though some Men-pleasers but not the Servants of Christ would fain reconcile impossible things yet let none trust to what they teach or say for we are not to stand or fall according to their corrupt Glosses but the secrets
Labour in the very Fire and the People shall weary themselves for very Vanity Hab. 2. 13. According as his Divine Wisdom hath established things and all to bring back to his Obedience that they may go and return to their first Husband for then was it better with them then now Hos 2. 7. There is an Enemy which lets from this and he whispers to those he withdraws that hence it appears there must lye hid some great Good which they cannot have before they have long wrestled He would fain insinuate of a Satisfaction behind that will not be had unless they take Pains for it and the greatest things are reserved at last If the covetous Man could get so much then he would have Happiness and Contentment That at length is obtained with much Sweat and Drudgery but then his mind is altered he hath need of more and so on he hath not yet laid hold of that Satisfaction he looked after it is further off â—â—ill and so continues to make towards it Thou mistaken Fool There is neither Satisfaction at the end and if there was thou couldst not come to it How much dost thou propose to thy Self Why another hath the same already and he is not satisfied and why shouldst thou in the same Condition Thou hast lower Thoughts but they will Rise with thy Wealth and if thine should come to be equal with his thy Thoughts would be the same also He that loveth Silver shall not be satisfied with Silver nor he that loveth abundance with increase This is also Vanity Eccles 5. 10. Every one crys for what is sufficient but how much is that If it were stated according to the desires of Grace Nature and Conveniency it might be quickly had If People would use only Honest and diligent Endeavours in their Calling and expect Gods blessing let him judge what is the Competency and not we our selves But if it is measured by the covetous Mans Opinion when he shall cease to ask any further then is no hope to obtain it For he may as well think when he goes as far as he can see that he shall touch the Horizon as that he shall be satisfied when he gets what he now proposes within himself If any do desist in going after Wealth and the Promised satisfaction thereof it is not because that it is obtained for the use of Riches as they Subminister all Plenty of Meat Drink and Raiment do content the Body but will not throughly satisfie the mind of Man much less will the bare keeping of them in a Chest What doth it signifie if one hath a rich Neighbour and finds no benefit at all by him And it may be the same if not worse for the Fear and Care of losing Property Torments more then the Priviledge of having it amounts unto with the Man to whom God hath given Riches Wealth and Honour so that he wanteth nothing for his Soul of all that he desireth yet God giveth him not Power to eat thereof but a stranger eateth it this is Vanity and it is an evil Disease Eccles 6. 2. Be exhorted to put an end to thy Covetousness and wearisome Labour Wo to him that increaseth that which is not his how long And to him that ladeth himself with thick Clay Hab. 2. 6. Thy Life draws to an end and then it is not thiâ—e how soon thy years may be run out thou knowest not Consider to what purpose do you consume strength and time Shall you give account to God how careful you have been to the World and in the letteral Sense of the Parable VVhat a good Servant you have been How thou hast put thy Money to the Exchangers and Vsury and hast gotten so much Mat. 25. by other ways of dealing God doth not require any to be Rich but all to be innocent He would have his Servants do that he gives them in Charge viz. Obey his Commandments When he calleth to Account Then it will be demanded whether we have inclined our Hearts to his Testimonies and not to Covetousness Whether we have loved Gold more or it hath divided our Love with God whether we have broken his Commandments for Gain or neglected Duty for present advantage Such things will be required Wherefore let him that been an idâ—later or unrighteous repent and be so no more Do not transgress the least Precept for the greatest Profit The getting of Treasures by a lying Tongue is a Vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek Death Prov. 21. 6. You must ere long part with whatever you have and have a Care you do not lose your self You will be stript naked destitute and forsaken of all and how sad would it be If you should be condemned for what you must leave behind and cannot carry with you VVash ye make ye clean put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes cease to do evil learn to do well seek â—udgment relieve the oppressed plead for the VVidow Isa 1. 16 17. Leave off your former Greediness and unjust Dealing be bountiful and Charitable Act with all good Conscience and Honesty stand up for them you have wronged heretofore And which should be done in the first place for Mercy is before Sacrifice and Justice before Alms giving Be sure to make restitution and satisfaction for all the injury you have done according to Numb 5. 7 8. Do not think to bring the price of a VVhore or a Dog to give Alms of See Deut. 23. 18. Goods unjustly gotten If ye be willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the Land. But if ye refuse and rebel ye shall be devoured with the Sword for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Isa 1. 19 20. Under the shew of temporal Calamity the eternal threatning of God is vailed throughout the Old Testament It is a little more drawn aside Isa 33. 14. but expressed in the most plain words under the Gospel God is truth and hath not frightened People with a Lye He who is as good as his Word in all things as all believe he is in his Promises doth not threaten that which is not or he will not perform It is a sad adventure for any one to run either God must prove a Lyar or himself be turned into Hell he might equally throw himself into the Fire to try if it will not burn For our God is a consuming Fire Heb. 12. 29. And so will at length appear to the miserable experience of the ungodly and disobedient that they may tremble and fear to continue so Will they not be perswaded to make all haste to flee from that Whereof the thoughts only are so very dismal that People are afraid to entertain them but take no due Care to escape the thing it self That which is irksome to the apprehension will be much more to the Senâ—e and what is dreaded afar off will be more terrible when it comes nâ—gh It vexes now the thought for a moment but will
sign of their Fearfulness of Spirit so it is most unreasonable and foolish To flee from that which is frightful in your imagination and your selves have made so into a real Danger to run from that God who would have you be saved into the Pâ—ws of the roaring Lyon who walketh about seeking whom he might devour is a Fear without knowledge The striving to put out the Thoughts of what you do Fear is the certain way to bring your Fears upon you It is only smothering them for a little time when they will Rise up worse and more tormenting It is the Sense of us all that when we have offâ—nded God like our Fore-father Gen. 3. 10. We are afraid and would hide ouâ—selves Indeed if the Godhead were in no wise appeasable it would be natural and prudent to keep off our Punishment and alâ—o the Thought thereof as long as we could But now seeing we have so plain Revelation throughout his whole Word what the Apostle saith 2 Cor 5. 1â— 19 20. He is to be reconcilâ—d and he caâ—â—s upon all Let thâ— VVickâ—d forsake his way and the unrighteous Man his Thoughts Aâ—d let him retâ—â—n unâ—o the Lord and he will have Mâ—rcy upon him and â—o our God for he will abundantly Pardon Isa 55. 7. The guilty Sinner will be apt to imagine his offence greater than can be forgiven Himself Answers that in the Words following My Thoughts are not as your Thoughts He speaks by another Prophet Thou hast played the Harlot with many Lovers yet return again to me saith the Lord Jer. 3. 1. Whatever any Mans past Sins have been yet still he need not Fear to come unto God through Jesus Christ who came not to Call the Righteous but Sinners to Repentance These Doctrines are good and true but trifled with and abused What was designed to give all People Comfort and Hope for amendment of Life the wicked make use of for Presumption and continuance in Sin but they will find God is not so easie as they would think or wish him They must not dally with him as they dare not with their Superiours on Earth Remember he is Almighty so he is the All-wise God and will no more admit of those repeated Provocations then now Men of Authority and Wisdom do with those who carry themselves despitefully and disdainfullâ— towards them This slighting Temper is very common among People they say God is merciful and though they sin against him yet he will be pacified again which is as they make it as if he was what I am unwilling but to name However these Proud Scornful Sinners laugh inwardly at their own conceits but if they did consider throughly trembling would arise within them that it may be otherwise then they imagine and so it will be But to pass by them Come again to those who are less Wicked who stand of in some dread and reverence who think they have so highly displeased God that they dare not approach to him to beg Pardon Herein is some manners and goodness and such may be assured there is mercy with him sufficient to do away their Transgressions notwithstanding all their Multitude and Aggravation Come now and let us reason together saith the Lord though your sins be as Scarlet they shall be as white as Snow though they be Red like Crimson they shall be as Wool Isa 1. 18. Sinners need not be afraid to return unto him from his Word or Nature there is notâ—ing afâ—rightfâ—l in him to the VVilâ—â—â—g and Obediâ—nt those beginning the good work or who are perfecting the same There is one who sâ—cretly represents God and Religion to be very dismal and happy is he that hath least to do with them But they are false and lying Words There may be some difficulty at first in the act of Repentaâ—ce and Conversion but when that is got over the way is smooth and plain But if it were never so rugged as it is noâ— yet lâ—t those fearful Souls whom the Devil holds Captive by this snare consider God hath the upper hand in the World He hath sent a Message to the Inhabitants of the Earth commanding subjection from them He hath given them a Law whiâ—â— if they do they shall live by otherwise theâ— shall die eternally This present life is appointed for time of Tryal Things thus standing What safety doth Satan provide for those he draws unto Rebellion surely none other then this not to think of their Case and Danger A poor miserable shift by not seeing to run into it whereas had thy seen they had avoided it Be astâ—nished O Heavens be confounded O Earth If I might call the Angels to come and behold the utmost folly of the Sons of Men. Were they so as those who befool them in the state of Devils irreversibly doomed to Damnation then in truth to put in mind of God and Eternity would be to Torment them before their time But seeing they have a day of Grace and Salvation it is both natural and reasonable to consider that they may make sure of it and to be told of the Wrath to come that they may flee from it for it were something if they could turn away the evil by not thinking thereon but the Gulph is fixed the fire is prepared and they cannot be removed or quenched only by the carelessness of those who go the ready way to plunge themselves in They foolishly think to escape by this their design not attending to what is Written The wicked is snared in the VVork of his own hands The Vvicked shall be turned into Hell and all the Nations that forget God Psal 9. 16 17. There is no safety for the negligent and careless World. If their heart was not darkened or become altogether inconsiderate they might reason thus with themselves Am I terrified with the uneasiness of Religion and shall I to avoid that for a little time bring upon my self Eternal Anguish of Mind Are the strivings of Gods Spirit irksome now for a Season They are only so because you will not comply with them yet will you by resisting them draw on the Spirits of Darkness to Torment for evermore If that be so grievous which is now for a short time it will be much more so that shall last to all Eternity and therefore the less is to be submitted unto to avoid the greater We count him Childish and Foolish who will not take a bitter Pill to recover Health And it is ten thousand times more so in him who will not sorrow after a Godly sort 2 Cor. 7. 9. To prevent the damnation of Hell. That is afraid to shed a few Penitential Tears to avoid Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth To stand in awe of a little thing and run into a greater is as if we should run from the shaking of a leaf into a place of Dragons and Scorpions Men conceive more hardship in the ways of Godliness then really there is Strangers are affrightened at that which the
practice of the contrary duty will be more excellent and have a proportionable reward All Gods Precepts Jam. 2. 10 11. 1 Cor. 12. 8. are linked together But as in the Gifts of God a Man hath the common measure of all yet one is more eminent for this So in Obedience and Christian Graces one is obliged to all but then a single one shall shine forth more then the reâ—t and to such besides the common reward a more especial blessing is promised This is not a needless digression for the Doctrine and Practice of Universal Obedience is necessary against the Fear and Danger of Death as we learn from Ezek. 18. 31. 1 Cor. 15. 56. That gives title to all the promises who complies therewith is sure and none besides Righteousness delivereth from Evil Prov. 11. 4. From the Fear whilst he lives and the Danger when it approaches â—igh The body will a little tremble at its dissolution for that is natural But Christ came to deliver them who through Fear of Death were all their life time subject to bondage Heb. 2. 15. And this beâ—â—fit he hath procured to his Servants for they believe the Scriptures to be true which are fulfilled in them so they are assured no evil can happen unto them after Death and therefore are not â—â—â—mented with the apprehensions of it They do not 〈◊〉 or drive it out of mind for there is much advantage from the Meditation thereof It is a great help to right and good actions What will this signifie and avail when I come to die It quickens to do whatever his hand finds to do with all his might for there is no Labour nor Work in the Grave There is but one of Tryal the days pass away are accountable for and do not return this puts upon doing every thing to the utmost to have the favour and acceptance of Almighty God. The World judging by themselves look upon those as Melancholy who are so wise to consider their latter end But is there no difference between the Righteous and Wicked There is much in their manner of Conversation all the life long and so is at their death There is difference in Prisoners between the innocent and guilty as to their looking for the day of Assizes and shall the last Judge of the comfortable expectation of the other by his own Fears and Dread Because some are afraid to appear before Christ are they also who have the certain promise of Being with him The one doth not live like the other they are contrary in their Thoughts Words and Actions before their manner of Dissolution that vast and endless parting they must make one from another It is the greatest Happiness to the one and misery to the other and therefore it may be well supposed to administer different thoughts to them It is impossible to obviate all the sayings of Men for they are endless and most are so trivial that they do not deserve any answer but yet may be judged of by this one Observation viz. There is nothing so good and true but something may be said against it Nothing so evil and false but something may be said for it But in every proposition let it seem never so true or strange at first sight examine the Arguments of both sides without prejudice or partiality and then that side which hath most reason and probability may determine our assent This doth make for the honour and reality of Truth that the reasons whereby inferring one thing from another we come to know it are clear deep and convincing Truth must prevail where it can be manifested Which is of such a Divine and excellent Nature that the whole doth not come forth on a sudden but hath been strugling in the Womb some thousands of Years There is great opposition to it by the powers of Darkness and their Sophistry as may be seen for the Objections against it are Dark Perplex Contradictory Slight and deceiving It is reciprocally so with falshood though it hath passed current and been a long time received This may be applied to innumerable instances But to our purpose The noble Martyrs of Old did not decline Death in its most terrible shape when they might glorifie God and avoid sin they were called Melancholly Sullen Obstinate Foolish haters of Mankind and such like When they were in the very prime of Age of excellent natural disposition of a vain conversation before and that changed by Christianity into a more happy manner of living when they were wise and understood what they did as well as ever Men did and did shew themselves as sincere and affectionate to one another The Devil is never wanting to set himself against the doings of God to whisper into the hearts of Men to hinder their Faith and returning unto him but then they run away with that and will not consider what can be said on the other side this is one cause of unbelief the many objections and prejudices they have against the truth They are resolved to take up therewith and not hear from themselves or others a full satisfactory answer Is the least thing muttered against God Their ears are open immediately it is forthwith unanswerable But if spoken out for him then like the deaf Adder they stop their Ears and refuse to hear the voice of the Charmer charm he never so wisely They think it can never be wise that makes for Religion as all things are which make against it Whilst they are willing Satan should hold them at this catch it may be here applied Because they received not the love of the Truth that they might be saved for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lye that they all might be damned who believed not the Truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness 2 Thes 2. 10 11 12. They might consider which was most safe as well as most reasonable to believe In the likeliest probability when such multitudes of Men Women more fearful by nature and young Men who may rush upon Death in a heat of passion or out of Gallantry and Honour not with a deliberate advised mind When it was esteemed infamous and foolish by the World yet still to embrace it rather then sin against God and deny the Faith this must be the power of his Grace which did arm their mind against all Fear of Death both in its natural dreadfulness and also heigthened by the malice and cruelty of Men. That was an extraordinary Case but what is it to the Fear of Death now a days Very much for though Men do not continue in the World by reason of Death yet that still continues It reigned as an evil from Adam unto Christ But now he hath taken away the sting and frightful nature from it When he made his Soul an offering for sin and took upon him the person of the Wicked he drunk of the Cup of Gods Wrath Was there any such love that he by the
a clod of Clay All those great fancies as to his Esteem and Advantages in the World do utterly vanish and come to nothing as soon as his Spirit is gone out and flies into that place where no regard is had to what is highly valued here The utmost of Pride is contained in this Life and the things had therein which we see with our Eyes do certainly perish and stand the owners in no stead We are further told by God who sent us here for tâ—yal who knows all things and how it shall be hereafter that this way leads to Contempt and Falling when what is spoken of as past according to the Prophetick Stile which is as true as if already fulfilled He hath put down the Mighty from their Seats and exalted them of low Degree Luke 1. 52. Those who are Great in this World shall be little in the World to come and the little great which will be so as to Wicked and Ungodly persons and those of mean Condition who continue in all Obedience Even those of high Degree who live in good Conscience and Duty yet the more Acts of Humility and Condescention they use it will be much better for them Wherefore Humble your selves O ye Mighty for this is the way to preserve what you have and attain greater Advancement A mean person cannot bow down he cannot stoop beneath what he is already his way of Exaltation is by continuing where he is having Thoughts only sutable and not above his Condition You are by God placed higher that you may voluntarily come down still keep the difference you have in the World do as the rest of your Brethren and hereafter be put into a Seat among the Blessed when all shall be Perfect Disdain and Envy shall cease It is manifest worldly Pride cannot do any good nor that which creeps into Religion also I mean of those who would save their Souls in a gentile way who are for the modish manner of Worship and Devotion performing it in a stiff careless and indifferent way who put a difference in Congregations freqâ—enting those where people of Quality do resort and for having Pastors accordingly who love the uppermost Seats in the Synagogue You would be Great and Honoured still then consider seriously whether indeed this is the way to be so Did our Fathers please God after this manner Is there any intimation in his Word that it is acceptable in his sight Is it not an Abomination as the effect of Pride Prov. 16. 5. Who say to the Poor stand by your selves come not near us for we are more Rich and Honourable then you If such Thoughts are in the breast of any God knoweth them and putteth these things in his Book of Remembrance and they shall be brought forth one day when he shall make a right difference among his People You had better take this Counsel which you will not disapprove of in a day of Humiliation Sickness Death Bed or as soon as ever you are stept forth into the other World but only to be observed in your life time As our Lord dwelt among us in the Habit of a poor ordinary Person yet had his Grave with the Rich so you who have your Habitation and Living with them may follow him in the Generation and serve him in the same manner as poor people do To whom he saith the Gospel is Preached Come over to the Plainness and Simplicity thereof follow the Fashion only in lawful things but let it have nothing to do with Religion for God doth not so well like the Course of this World that being either opposite unto or would corrupt the things pertaining to him If you take heed to all this you will be no loser in the end but greater then those who are resolved to hold fast in their wonted way whatever may be said to the contrary It is Vain to offer any thing to persons that are under the Dominion of â—ride for this makes them despise Exhortation and â—nstruction to set themselves above to cast off and not mind it This is one cunning Stratagem of the Devil for thus he prevails with them not to receive the Truth that they might be saved He represents such as mean persons and busie Bodies in other Mens matters whom God hath raised up as Instruments to convey it unto them Their despising is against him for we do not speak out of our own Humour Fancy or any prejudice but from his Word only We know and are assured that it is true and every tittle shall be fulfilled And then it must be reasonable to put all in mind to take heed and order their Actions accordingly When it is suggested in a common matter such a thing cannot possibly profit but is likely to do more harm then good there is no Frown or secret Indignation but Thanks for the Admonition Why should it not be so likewise in Spiritual things Because there is a subtle Adversary who would have such things done and consented unto and stirs up a close Antipathy and Hatred against them who would disswade from False and Deceitful appearances You would fain be Great Who hinders but let it be only in that way God hath shewed Be contented for a little while and wait what he will do for you We bâ—leech you to forego those things which are only shadows of Greatness which evidently decline and vanish and hinder from obtaining the â—bstance thereof which you are most earnestly desired to make sure of above all things He that is least in the Kingâ—omoâ— Heaven is greater then he who hath the Pomp and â—lory of this World the one doth as much exceed the other in Degree and Continuance as the Sun doth the light of a Spark which ascends up a little height expires and is nothing so whatever is Speâ—ious and Beautiful here if for some Years it is not so much in comparison to the Glories of Heaven and Eternity What a fool must he be who doth lose the greater for the less Is he not mistaken and deceived who whâ—lst he seeks to be Exalted becomes low who is desirous to be Great but is â—ound little Shall we call up the careless Nobility and Gentry of former days who lived and died in their Imaginations let these Gods ascend out of the Earth even all those of several Generations and Countries heretofore Hell hath eâ—largâ—aher self and opened her Mâ—uâ—h without measure and their Glory and their Multitude and thâ—â— Pomâ— and he that Rejoyceth shall descâ—nd into it Isa 5. 14. Their Souls even now are sensible what their Earthly Grandure amounts unto just nothing at all but when the day of God's Judgment and their own Reâ—â—rrection is come they shall further know what it is they lose and are to suffer for the same This stands for a warning to all those who are now Living and shall be Born not to fill up the Measure of their Fathers but so to use their Greatness as not to abuse it