if it be throughly considered all these put together do not make good that Happiness and Peace which mankind so eagerly desires And they are to be had in Gods ways so the first and great Temptation Vanisheth If the Enemy cannot draw Men off from God and Religion he trys to corrupt and deceive them therein by Lies and false Suggestions but all this may be prevented by the written Word without and the understanding within he hath given us The Foundation of the whole is which way to atone please and find acceptance with Almighty God this cannot be better known then by what himself hath shewed by Angels his Son and Holy Men inspired by him Who have done it faithfully and truly and laid down a reasonable way to this purpose As we have received so ought we to walk that we may please God by complying with all his Mind and Will which he hath revealed unto us by them Now this could never be done unless it was known And this neither by seeing it in a Book nor hearing with the Ear for a Child doth this unless it be understoâ—d Thy hands have made me and fashioned me give me understanding that I may learn thy Commandments Psal 119. 73. The inspiration of the Almighty giveth men understanding Job 32. 8. He did not to Horse and Mule for these are carried by blind instinct of Desire and Aversation but we with Knowledge and Choice as to Good and Evil. Thy word is a Lamp unto my Feet And a Light unto my Path Ps 119. 105. Without that our own Understanding is altogether insufficient as may be seen by the wandrings of those of old time who were carried away with dumb Idols the strange Follies of Idolatry and Superstition that ignorance and uncertainty of the chiefest Good and Immortality Something may be observed at this day which confirms that The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are Foolishness unto him neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2. 14. It is an amazing thing to consider those who are prudent as to the Affairs of the World who have all Knowledge and Skill of the best way to get Riches and Honour who foresee and carefully avoid temporal Evils yet commonly these of all Men are most ignorant as to the things of God and their Salvation They think it beneath their parts to condescend to such things it is an undervaluing of their worldly Wisdom to practise Simplicity and Godly Sincerity This they esteem as fit for none but Ignorant and Foolish people One would admire hereat if he did not call to mind Mat. 11. 25 26. 1 Cor. 1. 18 19 20 26. The greatest Schollars are not always holy and obedient for Knowledge puffeth up and they Fancy it a Disparagement to come to the things that are base in the Esteem of the World and the things which are despised The Blindness received by Adams Transgression is not taken away for they disdain as they foolishly and ignorantly think the meanness of the Remedy There are some still Vain in their Imaginations and their foolish heart are darkened Professing themselves to be Wise they Deut. 8. 17. Isa 10. 13. in the end will become Fools that all may know who come into the Promised Land it was not their own Power or Wisdom brought them thither For through proud Nature we are apt to rob God of the Honour due to his Name to say we made our selves Happy Such boasting is false and hateful to our great Master who even this way teacheth us to acknowledge if we will speak but the truth that all our sufficiency is of him 2 Cor. 3. 5. If we are left to our selves all our Wisdom is Earthly Sensual and Devilish and serves for no other end but wisely to descend into Hell. Natural Reason alone is not able to Conduct unto Heaven for it knows not the way unless it had been for the revealed Will of God we had been also Grovelling in the Dark as our Ancestors or the Indians and Pagans at this time Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved let us have Grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with Reverence and Godly fear Heb. 12. 28. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit which is promised to every one that Asks and that gives Life to the dead Letter making it understood and leads into truth sufficient to render us Happy That of guiding into all truth was a particular Promise to the Disciples as appears by the Words following He shall not speak of himself and he will shew you things to come John 13. 16 Now if he who boasts of thiâ— will do the other also have the Spirit of Prophecy as well as the pretended one of infallibility then this Scripture extends to him but seeing he hath not that neither the other for what Christ hath joyned together he is Antichrist that puts asunder Shew the things to come bereafter that we may know that ye are Gods Isa 41. 23. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is Worshipped So that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God 1 Thes 2. 4. That same Jesus from whom he pretends to derive his Commission and Truth foretelleth that many false Christ's and false Prophets shall arise of whom we are to take heed and Commandeth Search the Scriptures John 5. 39. For that only Objection from 2 Pet. 3. 16. which the Man of Sin doth so mightily insist on to beat off the People from that word wherein his own ways and Corruptions are so Condemned The Argument doth not amount to so much as that we ought to abstain from Meat and Drink because possibly we may meet with Poison For the wresting of Scriptures to their own Destruction is a wilful known Act as the word Imports Poâ—son may be conveyed in unknown to us but it would be more ridiculous to say I will not Eat any thing because I know what is Poiâ—on and can Eat that also whereas this should encourage him the more to necessary Food because he knows the other and can avoid it The word of God is as necessary to nourish unto eternal Life as the other to preserve the present and none need to be afraid For this is certain however People are frightned and perplexed about Doctrines and Opinions necessary to â—alvation As in the ways of wickedness none Perishes without a Malâ—cious Sinful Stubborn and continued Trangression of the Will So it is of the understanding unless there is some Malignity and ill deserving therein God will never be eternally angry with Men for it Things are so ordered that every one may be saved by Labour and sincere Use of means and none mis-carries or is damned but through his own Fault and known Wilfulness God would have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth 1 Tim. 2. 4. The end is here
was real now he discovers it to be empty and vain and therefore concludes the like of what is more told him Not throughly considering this is a strong evidence of the truth of God's Word which before acquainted as he did hear somewhat of the Vanity Deceitfulness Unfruitfulness of those things And then he would not believe but now that is found true by his own experience Why then may it not be supposed to be true when it speaks further of the continuance greatness and substance of things hoped for If it is fulfilled in the less why shall it not also be in the greater If in things present why not in things to come If I have told you Earthly things and ye believe not how shall ye believe if I tell you of Heavenly things John 3. 12. But it is experienced by all what the Word speaks of the fiction and falshood of some things so it is reasonable to give regard when it declares the truth and reality of others It is to be feared and he is in time to be forewarned thereof least he be found a Fool in this as in former things to know them only by after wit and experience As he discerns not the Vanity and Delusion of Youth till that is over so not to learn the things proper for a Man till that is past nor the things of eternity till he is let into it which is sad for an error here is without remedy It is foolishness in an old Man to say O that I had done thus and thus in times of Youth or Manhood when he might have done them then and now they are past and irrecoverable It is just the very same as to those things also unto which through the Grace of God we endeavour to perswade Men. And therefore suffer your selves to be put in mind you are come to perfect understanding judge of what is said It is a deceivable and lying consequence with which the Devil doth tempt people to unbelief towards their declining years that all things whatever are Vanity because they find it so of the things before them Every temptation if throughly considered makes against him for this confirms that all things indeed are so as affirmed in Scripture So they are not to be taken up as a reserve but to be surely believed they are not to be looked upon as conjectural notions of happiness but to be most faithful and true worthy to be trusted unto if we had ten thousand lives to be ventured upon them or so much hope and desire proportionable to them The inspiration of God makes known the deceitfulness of all fansied good here That speaks of every thing according to its very nature either in express words or just consequence which belong to mankind from the greatest to the least except what may be known from our selves and the most common observation The more we know of the things of this World we less esteem them and thence it is that we every day more disrelish sensusual pleasures for they tiâ—e and the same hath been had before life grow tedious and irksome for the same returns over and over again and it is not satisfactory Even good fellowship is every day less admired and people grow more seâ—fish and shut up within themselves As for Money the Heathen Cicerâ— did reckon Covetousness in old Men an unaccountable thing to get the more provision the less journey they have to go but he did not so fully think of that this was cleaved unto as in the Prophets phrase the refuge of lies Isa 28. 17. the last of all Vanities Mens affections must be carried after something and where they apprehend all to be so they fix upon that which is only more substantial because they suppose less subject to Vanity but even here after they have laboured for it they are not satisfied When in any pain or troubled or towards the close of their days to reflect upon their Gold and Silver will not yield the least comfort it will rather enhance present misery because that cannot case them in time of need which they have faithfully served all their life before It would be sad if amidst so much Evil and Vanity such lies and delusion there was nothing to be found good and real truth and certainty But there is The Grass withereth the Flower fadeth but the Word of God shall stand for â—ver Isa 40. 8. That as aforementioned speaketh exactly of all things as they are which is a demonstration that what it saith further is true And then the work of righteousness is real and eternal To you of full Age the Word of Exhortation comes Exhortation Be not afraid to be happy here and hereafter Do not with regret flee from the wrath to come you are now warned And that knowing the time that now it is high time to awake out of sleep for Rom. 13. now is our Salvation nearer then when we believed You are nearer to Death and Immortality then ever you were yet The night is far spent the day is at hand A great deal of your life is gone and your dying day approacheth You are called upon to leave of your sins and disobedience least they deliver you over to the damnation of Hell. Will you not endeavour to avoid that who will do any thing to shun a temporal calamity You are not but God knows how soon you may if you continue in an hard impenitent heart cast down into the everlasting Dungeon the place of utter Darkness Is it irksome to read these lines It will be much more intolerable to suffer the truth of them and they are only laid before you that you may be put in mind and so escape The Father of Spirits calls upon you Turn and live for why will you die God would have you all to be saved you are adjured in his name to leave of walking in the way to destruction despise not his loving invitation O that my people had hearkened unto me and Israel had walked in my ways Ps 81. 13. When they are râ—bellious and disobedient it goes against him to punish them How shall I give thee up Ephraim How shall I deliver thee Israel How shall I make thee as Admah my heart is turned within me my repentings are kindled together Hos 11. 8. This same God who is here described as if he did earn with bowels of Compassion yet if People set at naught his Counsel and will have none of his Reproof he speaks to them in another manner When your fear cometh as desolation when Destruction and Anguish cometh upon you Then shall they call upon me but I will not answer they sball seek me early but they shall not find me Prov. 1. 27 28. Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith To day if ye will hear his voice harden not your Hearts Hâ—b 3. 7 8. Is he not worthy of a present Answer All People must grant that but the Thoughts of some in the depth of their
more upon their own Head. We see how far the Corruption in us would go if not hindred even to all manner of Evil and iniquity like a mighty Torrent would bear down all before it If Men were left to themselves and might do what was right in their own eyes as they were once in such a Condition when there was no King in Israel as is declared before the most horrible Judg. 19. Relation ever done under the Sun there would be nothing but Tribulation and Anguish Weeping and Lamentation through the Earth continual Fears would arise from the strivings of the People But Blessed be our God who stilleth the noise of the Waves when they arise and ruleth the raging of the Sea and the madness of the People If that had no bounds it would quickly over-spread the Face of the Earth and the other if not kept in would bring an universal Dâ—lâ—ge not only upon the Vngoaly but the Servants of God and the Compass of this lower World would be one entire Aceldama a Field of Blood. He hath sent Kings and Governours for the Punishment of evil doers and for thâ— praise of them that do well 1 Pet. 2. 13 14. The Word which God sent unto the Children of Israel preaching Peace by Jesus Christ he is Lord of all Acts 10. 36. Amongst other Dâ—ties doth Command submission to Kings and Magistrates and forbids the contrary No Rebellion whatsoever is lawful A real good end will not sanctifie it much less those false and specious Ones wherewith it is often accompanied It is a slanderous Report of the Gospel That some affirm thereof as if it did allow to do evil that good may come Rom. 3. 8. God revealed himself otherwise of Old. He is the Rock his Work is perfect for all his ways are judgment a God of truth and without iniquity just and right is he Deut. 32. 4. Thou art of purer eyes then to behold evil and canst not look on iniquity Hab. 1. 13. For I the Lord love judgment I hate Robbery for Burnt-offering Isa 61. 8. Will ye speak wâ—â—kedly for Gâ—d and talk deceitfully for â—im Job 13. 7. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works Psal 145. 17. More Texts might be alledged to manifest that his Glory is not to be advanced by sinful means Indeed this cannot be for it would be contrary to his infinite purity and uprightness with whom dwells no shadow of Evil. But Experience hath discovered that when some have designed Rebellion for their own Ambition Interest and Revenge they must have a Fig-leave to hide it from simple People whom they 2 Sam. 15. 8. 11. draw on their side And what can be better then Absoloms Vow Religion and the Glory oâ— God as hath been the method of former Ages this hath been made use of as a Pretence to further their own damned Enterprizes Good God! That thy Name should be so abused by vile Miscreants that thou who dost abhor and hast revealed thy Wrath against all unrighteousness of Men shouldst Rom. 1. 18. be made use of to Patronize it as if thou werâ— such an one thy self I am astonished to think of this horrible perverting of thy Ways and Nature Men would not dare do thus but thou holdest thy Tongue Hab. 1. 13. Otherwise there could be no Tryal whither they would do thus or not But notwithstanding all the Practices of wicked Hypocrites through which Strangers and the Ignorant may mis-apprehend the God whom we serve thou wilt be justified when thou speakest and clear when thou judgest at the last and great day And even now thou art in this and all other Matters as thou speakest in thâ— Word The Author of the New Testament observed by his own Example what he taught and commanded to others when he was betraâ—ed into the hands of wicked Men though he could have had more then twelve Legions of Angels yet made â—ot the least opposition He was the Son of God King of Kings and Lord of Lords and consequently exempt from paying of Tribute to Mat. 17. them yet rather then he would give offence he wrought a Miracle for the Payment thereof And hath left this standing Commandment to all his Followers Render unto Cesar the things which are Cesars Mat. 22. 21. which is more particularly explained Rom. 13. Render therefore to all their Dues Tribute to whom Tribute is due Custom to whom Custom Fear to whom Fear Honour to whom Honour Ye must needs be subject not only for Wrath but for Câ—â—science sake These things are as much due to the Supreme Magistrate as it is from a Child to a Parent he hath Right to them from his Subjects as they have to their own Goods or Estate The Doctrine of Loyalty and Obedience to Governors is laid down in as plain Terms as any other Duty in the Gospel and are sufficient to convince him who Acts in Sincerity and Truth But those which are Presumptuous Self-willed 2 Pet. 2. 10. of turbulent and factious Spirits have found out some little and trifling Evasions against these express Texts There is a way in the World of putting Interpretations when there is no more need of them then of the most plain obvious Expression But this is a Trick either to wrest or make the Commandments of God of none effect The wicked thus vindicate or palâ—iate their Transgression and others in alike manner justifie Rebellion Let all Men in general remember and take heed that the great â—aw-giver when every one comes to give Account before him will not be trifled with Such ways and devices will not now pass in Humane Courts and Judicatories They have so much the more to Answer for by prevaricating the way of the Most High making his Word as it were a Nose of Wax some have Blasphemously called it so to stamp any Impression and mould it to any shape as serves their base Sinister turns In the end such Men will find that the All-wise God will not be outwitted by them The Criminals are not to make their own Construction of the Laws against which they have offended but must receive according to his righteous Judgment when what is written Rom. 1. 18. Rom. 2. 8. Shall be executed and found true Thus some who seem to be Religious Confess Men ought to pay Obedience unto Governours but then they say these Commands extend only to those Kings who love Christ and themselves live obedient to his Law. And whether they do or not private Persons are made Judges and if they think such an one doth not Subjects may lawfully disobey and rebel against him If this should be granted No King howsoever good or righteous would be safe in his Person for so apt are Men in judging the worst especially of those above them that they would censure him to be a prophane Prince or Hypocrite If he was another David a man after Gods own heart why he was hated and spoken
all former things are gone as a shadow that departeth nothing remains but a faint remembrance which doth not yield the least Pleasure but rather Anguish We press nearer to the things which are not seen but eternal Refreshment or Misery If one Man was to suffer all that could be laid on him in this World and to come to Heaven at last he is no more to be pitied then that common Labourer who doth but his ordinary Days-work and hath an hundred Pounds for his Reward So again if another did enjoy all the Honours and Pleasures that were to be had spent forty or sixty Years in the greatest Mirth without intermixture of trouble or weariness as none ever did all would not be a Compensation for the first hour in Hell. We cannot reasonably grudge to pass through this present Life which is not so much in reference to the other as a minute to a Year if the greatest Affliction and Hardship were to be laid on us as long as hereby we shall come to receive an infinite good through the Gift of God and avoid a like inconvenience If instead of a Barren and dry Wilderness we were to march through a fiery Furnace to the Heavenly Canaan if instead of having Prosperity mingled with Adversity all the days of our Pilgrimage were to be continually evil If instead of denying Lusts we were absolutely Commanded to cut off our right Hand and pluck out the right Eye and to do violence to the least natural Inclination yet considering the Greatness of the Joy and Sorrow set before us these would have been most equal Terms if it had pleased the Great Law-giver who is able both to save and destroy to have given them He might have done so and still be most just and bountiful But so gracious hath been our God Break forth into singing all ye Inhabitants of the Earth and Praise his Name which you can never do so much as this Love deserves to lay no more upon us then what is summed up Deut. 10. 12 13. And now Israel what doth the Lord thy God require of thee but to fear the Lord thy God to walk in all his ways and to love him and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul To keep the Commandments of the Lord and his Statutes which I command thee this day for thy good Which are contrived to make us as Happy in this Life as is possible for us to be And though this had been sufficient requital of it self yet further throughout his Holy Word is manifested eternal Life Do this and live under which was more comprehended then barely living here for Transgressors did so This hath been more clearly made known by him who came since who hath brought Grace and Truth along with him Who came not to destroy the Law but to fulfil it and make it yet more for our Good for albeit the Jews by reason of the Carnality of their Hearts were allowed a more free Enjoyment of the things of this Life then we are now under the Gospel which is upon better Promises The intent whereof is to Cleanse our selves from all Filthiness of Flesh and Spirit and to perfect Holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 7. 1. So that Sensual Enjoyments are contrary to the Nature of our Holy Calling They are not absolutely forbidden but to be used with the greatest Moderation and so they do not in the least diminish from our real Happiness Christianity doth refine the Delights of Sence and make them more excellent We are to remember how we are way-faring Men and may receive them so far only as to refresh But in no sort to run after or when obtained to dwell so long on them as hinder our Journey And therefore to make Pleasure the business of Life or the greater part thereof as the manner of some is both contrary to Duty and Happiness For thouâ—h it be imagined such do take great Delight in them or otherwise would not follow them yet there are other Reasons as they know nothing better or not how to spend the time and idleness is so wearisome that any thing is to be done rather then endure that the Humour and Mode of the Age which they must comply with or they shall not be reputed Gentile and such like for they could forsake those esteemed Divertisements which if they reflect on in the very midst are tiring empty and unsatisfying The Pleasures of this Life choke the good Sâ—ed in the Heart which should spring up and bring forth Fruit unto everlasting Life They do alienate the Heart from God. If any man love the World the love of the Father is not in him for all that is in the World the Lust of the Flesh the Lust of the Eyes and the Pride of Life is not of the Father but is of the World 1 John 2. 15 16. No Man will say he loves these more then God himself would then affirm his own Damnation to be just Who is so wicked as this amounts unto But what are Words to be minded when Deeds manifest the contrary When one who saith he loves God yet wiâ—â— rather break his Laws then deny his own Will who to follow a sinful Pleasure will omit a necessary Duty it may be determineâ— of him for those we love we will do what they will have us He that will not part with a Paltry Lust for the sake of God when he requires it if he doth with his mouth make a shew of much Love his Heart runs after that Ezek. 33. 31. God who knoweth all things and from whom Dissimulation cannot be hid will judge accordingly for if any loves sincerely he will also forsake whatever offends his Beloved If the Pleasures are not simply unlawful in themselves yet all Excess is evil and to be avoided and that is â—o when the end for which they are used is sufficiently answered Or if they be attended with ill Circumstances and prove needlâ—ss occasions why others and our selves sin they are to be abstained from for if we love God we must have a care of the least thing that doth disp ease him Only let your Conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ Phil. 1. 27. There are several mistakes which hinder this for People take Of mistakes in Religion up with less of Religion then they ought And least I speaking as to them should be thought to run upon a mistake my self therefore let it be considered all along and not only here but throughout the whole whether I speak these things as one willing to find fault or whether the Scripture nay the gracious Gospel in which they so much trust do not say the very same It is that common deciet of outward Profession and resting in the Ordinances This is reputed Religion but it is shut out from governing their Thoughts Words and Actions Let them be any how at Mens own Power and Command following their own
the same Mould he fashioned them all The poorest acknowledge that they are as much minded by God as the rich and so far they are right but then they go further Exod. 30. 15. and make themselves his only Favourites The ground of this Error is through Mis-application of those Promises in Scripture concerning this Condition But let them not be deceived for where is any mention made of spiritual good things it is to those Poor only who walk in their Integrity Hath not God chosen the Poor of this World the Apostle doth not say all of them but those who are rich in Faith and Heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Jam. 5. 2. So they must believe and love God and then they must avoid sinning against him otherwise they have no place in Heaven Indeed many of them do so and more would if they did apply themselves to God and the Word of his Grace which is able both to bring in and build up Those whom the Proud ones call the ordinary sort of People will make the greater number in Heaven We see more of them allowing for their multitude that Practice Simplicity and Godly Sincerity then we can amongst those of higher rank for these have altogether broken the Yoke and burst the bands Jer. 5. 5. Being governed by Self-will and their own humour more then the Laws of God but the others are not altogether so forgetful and refractory And have a good will towards God in General but the Prophet remarks truly how Jer. 5. 4. they have not that knowledge which is to be desired for They understand not the things of Religion so well as they should but follow their own Opinions and Fancies Satan which deceiveth the whole World Rev. 12. 9. Hath taken advantage thereof instilling into them errors and deceits If you would indeed be in the right way to Heaven and not miss thereof at last give attendance to that Word which is to shew unto all the Path of Life When some have well resolved then they are distracted about Of different Communious the way one saith it is this another that It is agreed by all that the Scriptures do shew what is right so what they point out it is good to â—oâ—â—ow They give the Character of some who Taught the way of God in Truth Mat. 22. 16. Acts 16. 17. And therefore according to what is Written those both said and did it may be most surely trusted unto There have been Questions and different Opinions in past Ages but little is said of them in Holy Writ The Prophets make no mention of them speaking against Idolatry but say nothing as to Modes of Worship Our Saviour Speaks little concerning those Separate Meetings in his time and doth not express much zeal one waâ— or another His Apostles followed the same steps One witnesseth In every Nation he that feareth God and worketh Righteousness is accepted with him Acts. 10. 35. Being applyed to Cornelius a Gentile as may be gathered from Acts 11. 18 The diversity here was greater then amongst several Communions of Christians aâ— this day and therefore much more will they be saved in each Another Apoâ—â—le saith Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing b 〈…〉 thâ— kâ—â—p 〈…〉 of the Commandments of God 1 Cor. 7. 19. In Christ Jesus neither Circumcision availeth any thing noâ— uncircumcision but Faith which worketh by love Gal. 5. 6. A new Creature Gal. 6. 15. That was as important a Question as those in controversie now bâ—t there is not so much in them as Obedience and Holiness To which aâ—â—â—e the promises of God are and nothing at all to those distinguishing terms of Perswasion among us It is evident from Psal 25. 12 14. John 7. 17. 1 Cor. 2. 10. Phil. 3. 15. That whosoever sincerely fears God with his whole heart shall be directed into all necessary and saving Truth and then he must lay aside all Prepossessions and Prejudice Pride Humour Wordly Reasons coming in simplicity of Soul only out of a desire to be right and receive the love of the Truth that he may be saved 2 Thes 2. 10. For this is evident Continuance in a willful and known error is as dangerous as a willful and known sin and therefore to be equally avoided The Word doth discover Good and Evil Truth and Falshood so the Duty of every one is to set his Conscience as in the light of God with a readiness to think and do what is most according to his revealed Will and then he shall never perish through errour or falshood All Worship is designed to please and obtain acceptance with Almighty God. The hour cometh and now is when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him John 4. 23. But this doth in no wise excuse from an humble bodily gesture and reverence of the outward Man the Subjection of both is to be shewed Therefore glorifie God in your Body and in your Spirit which are Gods 1 Cor. 6. 20. Certainly this Apostle knew what was a Gospel and Spiritual Worship yet He kneeled down and Prayed Acts 20. 36. The like did our Saviour Luke 22. 41. And Stephen and Peter Acts 7. 60 Acts 9. 40. It is to be observed in Publick Worship for so did Paul that being more Solemn and whereby God is Glorified Though the Lolling sort of behaviour is so much in use among the Country People when they come into the presence of God let them use it before their Governour or Great Men How will they be pleased with it And if they will not neither will he who even now remains a Great King and his Name is dreadful among the Heathen Mal. 1. 8 14. And though some may think that no more then another place yet they may consider what our Lord did John 2. 16 17. Mark 11. 15 16 17. Signifying plainly that more regard is to be had to the House of Prayer so called of all Nations and People extending to the Gospel Isa 56. 7. times when they come in The Apostle finds fault with the Corinthians abusing of the Sacrament making a Common Meal of it Have ye not Houses to eat or drink in or despise ye the Church Psal 29. 9. of God 1 Cor. 11. 22. The subject of that Chapter is about a comely behaviour in the Holy Assemblies What can be said to these plain Scriptures or how can they excuse themselves from Sin in not observing them Let Men put what meaning they will God is judge himself and they may at the last day be severely reproved for not obeying that command the reason whereof is eternally Obligatory Ye shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my Sanctuary I am the Lord Lev. 19. 30. The design of the whole Gospel is Peace Unity and Love see Rom. 12. 18. Rom. 16 17. 1 Cor. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 10. 17. 2 Cor. 13. 11. Phil.
the Falshood Vanity and Danger thereof But the last is wonderfully cherished and entertained Men according to their several Dispositions are more inclined to one sin then another some dear beloved Lust a sinful Pleasure or Profit They will spare and forsake it not but keep it still Job 20. 13. for this they seek out so many Excuses and Pretences Being resolved to hold fast they fain would have it not be sinful at all or at least not in them for such and such such Resons But if it be so apparently against the word of God which makes no Allowance or Dispensation for Circumstances or Conveniency that they cannot throughly satisfie their Conscience though they have long endeavoured it why then they must grant it to be their failing The subtil Enemy Promises that though they still continue yet they shall never go to Hell for one Sin producing such Arguments from Scripture and common Reason And hence begins to work in them with all deceiveableness He represents several Thoughts to sooth and quiet Conscience That done they at length become secure and make no manner of doubt but it shall go well with them at last Now they are in the Condition wished for and whosoever would disturb them therein is no Friend of theirs They hold him to be their Enemy who tells them the Truth and endeavours to convince them of the damnable Errour they are in They return Hatred for Good-will for they had rather run Blind into the Ditch go Hoodwinkt to Hell then have their Eyes opened and escape it So strangely are they besotted by Sin and Satan But it is reckoned no unkindness to save one from drowning if thereby he plucks a little Hair off from his Head and the Irksomeness in like manner must be endured which is necessary for Interruption of Security and Discovery of Deceits Let Men deceive themselves yet they cannot deceive their Judge The Foolishness of Men shall never Out-wit the All-wise God neither shall he be put off with vain Excuses or Pretences The Lord is a God of knowledge and by him Actions are weighed 1 Sam. 2. 3. He is a God of Power and none can get into his Mansions above without his Will and he can make all the Devices of the wicked to be of none effect He is a God of Truth and therefore what he hath spoken in these last days by his Son shall be fulfilled Who saith He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my words hath one that judgeth him the word that I have spoken the same shall Judge him at the last day John. 12. 48. And those idle Pleas which guilty Persons shall offer for themselves will not be allowed of as appears Mat. 7. 22 23 and Mat. 25. 44. So is the Case at this day for at the Assizes no Prisoner how guilty soever would be Condemned if every little trifle and excuse he makes for himself might be received and save his Life Whereas the Judge doth not regard his idle Sayings and frivolous Pretences but proceeds against him for what he hath done according to the written Law of the Land. If Men flatter themselves in Evil because they think they have a place of Scripture on their side they are further to know that according to the righteous Interpretation of Christ and not their own wicked Wrestings and Mis-applications all must for ever stand or fall As such are all those meanings which may seem to give allowance to any manner of Sin For it is a certain and eternal Rule Whatever Doctrine or Opinion doth Countenance living in any wilful and known Sin cannot be of God neither hath it any right Grounds from his Word For though Men of Prevaricating minds do take Arguments from the Law of the Most High to favour that which his Soâ—l abhors as by endeavouring to make the Holy Spirit a defender of impurity his righteous Statutes to maintain their unjust Actions by palliating a Lye with the word of Truth and proving such a thing to be no Sin by that which is the alone Rule of Good and Evil and which doth plainly forbid it but by Glosses Distinctions Restrictions and Sentiments of their own devising they would have it pass for none This is to pervert the right ways of the Lord to do violence to his Law and also they are partial therein for they take up what seems to make for them and neglect others which are manifestly contrary to what they would have If such a thing is for their Gain or Delight although plainly forbidden as they cannot deny yet they commit it safely without fear from such an Example or Expression they found therein and however far fetcht it shall serve to their purpose Cometh this abuse from the Nature of Scripâ—ure or Difficulty of understanding it In no Wise for it strictly forbids all manner of Sin and Falshood They also do no iniquity they walk in his ways Thy word is very pure Psal 119. 3. and Verse 140 Sanctifie them through thy Truth thy word is Truth John 17. 17 And those places which command and exhort Holy Life are so easie to be understood that none can be mistaken in them The VVay faring Men though Fools shall not err therein Isa 35. 8. One great Reason of Deceits is from what is said Jer. 5. 30 31. A wonderful and horrible thing is Committed in the Land. The Prophets Prophesie falsly and the Priests bear Rule by their means And my People love to have it so and what will ye do in the end thereof Those who have taken upon them the Office of interpreting to serve their own Interest and to please Men have interpreted falsly Being bound to maintain such Doctrines and Opinions tâ—e have wrested the Scriptures in defence of them And have concealed several Truths which would have confuted them Such have turned and winded the good word of God as it seemed â—est to make a Gain thereof Others also have hid their Eyes from my Sabbaths Ezek. 22. 26. By subtil Distinctions have made the Commandments of God of none Effect as the Pharisces of old did concerning the Fifth so some later have done concerning the Fourth And many such like things do ye Who hâ—â—e Slubbered Mark. 7. 13. over that Particular and strict Obligation of the Gospel Commands and out of that have Propheâ—â—â—d sâ—oâ—th things Who can find a faithful Interpreter According to the Church or Party listed in so they have construed Not making known in all things what was the very mind of God but for the Divine meaning have laid down the meer Fancies of their own Brain And putting another Sense then what they thought was true and Genuine at the time of doing it VVho Prophesie out of their own Hearts Ezek. 13. 2. and send forth Imaginations instead of Truth How bold are some in determining what is Sin and what is not How do they Lord it over our Faith and Magisterially lay down their Propositions as if they had known the mind of
Lascivionsness which they have committed 2 Cor. 12. 21. The Lord Jesus will not condemn them if they go and sin no more John 8. 11. Was not Rahab the Harlot justified And from the Examples of Lot David we may be assured God hath Mercy on such Sinners if they do not abuse his goodness but leave off their Transgression and do Works acceptable and holy in his sight This full and plain manner of Writing was necessary to manifest the very Truth let none suck Poison out of that which was designed for an Antidote nor presume to sin yet more from what God knows was only intended to lead to Repentance The temptation which leads Men over to these lusts is that they think they shall be happy in so doing here it is discovered to be a delusion only and Men would be more happy as to this present time if they had nothing to do with them or make use of the lawful remedy there is the same invitation offered to leave of as before was to follow them So much of lust in the General now briefly run over the particulars Every one knoweth what Adultery is Stolen Waters are said to be sweet and it is matter of sport to beguile the poor Husband Of Adultery Yet O Man shalt thou boast for ever Knowest thou not it will be bitterness in the end Yea there is Trouble and Vexation Fear and Guilt all along By the Jewish Law which wâ—s of Divine Appointment the Adulterer and Adulteress shall be sâ—râ—ly put to death Lev. 20. 10. And so it is at this day in several Nations of the World Christian Mahometan and Heathen but here it is rather fashionable and of plaufible report Whatever credit Adulterers or Adulteresses get it is only among the Children of Disobedience but the Righteous have them in Abomination in this life they labour under continual Disquiet Tribulation and Anguish everlasting Shame and Contempt wait for them in that which is to come The injustice and wrong is somewhat less in Fornication but Of Fornication it is a provoking sin and offensive unto God. If any Man dâ—files the Temple of God him shall God destroy for the Temple of God is Holy which Temple ye are 1 Cor. 3. 17. Flee Fornication every sin that a Man doth is without the body but he that committeth Fornication sinneth against his own Body 1 Cor. 6. 17. A great part of the Chapter is against this particular so that any thing may as well be denyed to be a Sin as Fornication If the Spiâ—it of God saith it is a sin and wicked Men say it is none whose Words shall stand his or theirs Jer. 44. 28 29. And by whose Judgment must they abide When he punisheth for the same let them dispute away the Smart of it if they can Even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the Cities about them giving themselves over unto Fornication and going after strange Flesh are set forth for an Example suffering the Vengeance of Eternal Fire Jude 7. The end of being set forth for an Example is that others should take heed for the like will happen to them if they do the same things There doth too often go along with this an abomination of iniquity as Murder in the Womb those preventives of getting with Child and wicked means to cause Abortion or Miscarrying Moreover there is killing of Infants to hide their shame from the World a manifest proof how tormenting this is that they dare upon such Sinful and Barbarous Actions to concâ—al it If they are not so unnatural and desperately wicked as to stifle the poor Infant then it remains a Witness of the Parents Transgression But if made away that is a double sin and shall rise up an evidence against them at the Bar of the General Judgment to their Eternal shame and confusion before God Angels and Men. There are several other evils too many to be recited but may be known by observation which do sufficiently shew that it is best for Mankind to comply with the VVill of God even your sanctification that you should abstain from Fornication 1 Thes 4. 3. There are several sorts of uncleanness as if a Man lie with Mankind as he lieth with a VVoman both of them have committed Abomination Of Uncleanness they shall be surely put to death And if a man lie with a Beast he shall be surely put to death and ye shall slay the Beast Lev. 20. 13. 15. so that described Rom. 1. 26. 27. There is another kind by self pollution If there be among you any Man that is not clean by reason of uncleanness that chanceth him by Night Deut. 23. 10. Which is no great fault because it is matter of infirmity contingency and not wilfullness but how much worse is he who of set purpose forceth himself to be thus unclean It is detestable to think or speak of much more it is to act such things But Fornication and all Vncleanness let it not be once named among you as becometh Saints Neither filthiness nor foolish talking nor jesting which are not convenient but rather giving of thanks for this know that no VVhoremonger nor unclean Person hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. Eph. 5 3 4. 5. Lasciviousness imports Light and wanton Actions Dalliances Of Lasciviousness and rude Gestures lustful Thoughts immodest glances of the Eye curious inspection upon the faces of Women Whosoever looketh on a Woman to lust after her hath committed Adultery with her already in his heart Mat. 5. 28. Said Christ who came to interpret some Laws give others and finally is to be the judge of all Those several Inclinations and Tendencies to unlawful lust are comprehended under this Word VVhen lust hath conceived it brings forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Jam. 1. 15. It suggesting pleasing thoughts will be apt to procure a consent which makes the sin and therefore should be stifled in its first rise The way of avoiding Lust is to eschew all occasion and provocations thereof The great design of the Gospel is to prepare and bring People to Heaven and then they must be pure and spiritual to fit them for the Holy of Holies to qualifie them for the promise Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God Mat. 5. 8. Now lust and filthiness is an hindrance to this and therefore must be taken away before we are made meet for the Celestial Happiness To refrain from the aforementioned things would be to destroy the Briskness and refined Breeding of the World the principal whereof is to make complemental Addresses to young Women What Mirth and Laughter do they stir up amongst Promisâ—uous Company of both Sexes So the use thereof may appear not only agreeable to right Education but also it conduces to divertisement and happiness It must be acknowledged that here and in other things Christianity is directly opposite to the present Fashion God and the
that lived under the Old Testament which doth not so clearly manifest immortality as the Gospel doth Luke 16. 22 23. Luke 23. 43. Phil. 1. 21 23. Heb. 9. 27. Rev. 6. 9. Besides are innumerable places to prove Resurrection eternal Judgment and Life everlasting Things are fixed and not according to Mens Fancies one way or another those Decrees and Ordinances remain still the same in Heaven Of which we could know no more unless they had been â—old unto us by the Son of God who came down from Heaven and the Spirit from above then one now lying in the lowest Dungeon doth know of what is done in this World. And they do not vary change or alter with our several apprehensions of them whether of assurance or doubt no more then the Sun ceases from shining when only a Cloud comes between Let the sick Person use continual Ejaculations Lord increase my Faith And God will not leave him But he shall receive the end of his Faith the Salvation of his Soul. There cannot be too much Strength or Comfort laid up against this Day it should be the business of a Christians whole Life before for it is the entrance into an endless Life It is the fulfilling and Manifestation of whatever he hath heard Read or done in Truth pertaining to God and Religion And indeed it is worth while to do all things to go off safely He will have Peace in his Life and strong Consolation in his Death Let him observe all parts of Duty to God his Neighbour and himself throughout the Course of his Days Let him do what he can in Sincerity and Truth Whoso doth these things shall never be moved He that hath an Ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second Death Rev. 2. 11. Being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good Work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ Pâ—â—l 1. 6. We may be certain of using the means of perseverance for God hath put them into our Power and as long as we rightly use those means we shall infallibly persevere So that in the mean while we may be assured and at last have true and cercertain hopes of Resurrection unto eternal Life And there cannot be such Fright and Amazement concerning that which is to make the everlasting Decision either when it is far off or near at hand If any one hath let him search and examine his Conscience impartially either he doth something which he ought not to do or he leaves something undone which he ought to do this makes him horribly afraid and must be amended before he can be freed from the Danger which the Fear gives warning of A true Christian can contentedly look for the blessed Hope even in the midst of Life he can find Comfort and sweet in the thoughts of Death as that which will free from the disturbances of Flesh and Blood the Molestations of an unthankful unbelieving ignorant World from the Miseries and Labours of Life and send him over unto eternal Rest and Rejoycing To come to the Enjoyment of our Lord Jesus Christ to be admitted into Fellowship with Abraham Isaac and Jacob Prophets Apostles Martyrs all the Good and Wise Men since the World began to be gathered unto his Fathers to see his Godly Friends and Acquaintance of the same Generation with himself just gone before all this must be a desirable thing The dead may be supposed to be about five hundred to one more then the living now are those whom thou leavest behind shall in a little time follow thee and the People which shall be born shall die in like manner and shortly God will accomplish his whole Elect. None hath advantage who goes before or after And seeing the River must be gone over it is small difference who hath a longer or shorter Passage so we avoid the Rocks and Dangers in the way The pious Soul will be in a Strait willing to stay and yet have a mind to go and there is some Irksomeness to leave the World as now it is to change the place where we have long dwelt Our Nature is something made up of Contraries willing and yet unwilling but if God doth really send as we know not his Pleasure until after the use of all prudent Remedies the Sickness proves unto Death Fear not to go for he calls thee Remember that Petition thou hast often made Thy Kingdom come and when it is wilt thou then shrink back One end of Sickness is to make us the more willing to leave the World. Whatever is sudden doth surprize for the time but then it is soon over whereas that which comes on by Degrees and expected is longer but then more easily born Good Men have been divided in Opinion about this thing those who have been for a sudden departure have rightly thought the only Preparation is by an holy Life for the Gospel speaks of no other It Commands to Watch to have our Loyns girt and our Lamps burning and this is to be done in the midst of Health Life and Vigour There is much Talk in the World about providing for ones latter End but unless to settle temporal Affairs from the example of Hezekiah there is not so much said thereof throughout the whole Word of God. It is the beginning of Error and Deceit when People depart from that It is Non sense and Contradiction to the saying of our Saviour John. 9. 4. to put off the working while it is day till the night cometh when no Man can Work. Who purposely put off the working out their Salvation till that time had best have a great Care what they do for besides the hazard of being taken away by sudden Death yet if they should have considerable time of Sickness or Old decrepit Age they have no such Warrant of being accepted Hear what God saith Mal. 1. 8. of offering the Blind the Lame the Sick for Sacrifice But if some are against Death by the ordinary way of Sickness because that is tiresome and may be an occasion of murmuring Distrust Unbelief blasphemous Speeches which proceed from violent Distempers yet we should not refuse to suffer whatever God thinks fit to lay upon us He knows our Condition and will not enter into Judgment for the meer Sin of the Disease no more then he imputes the Follies of Childhood We are to receive for the things done in the Body 2 Cor. 5. 10. to be judged according to the general Tenour and Bent of our Life Neither will our most merciful God take advantage of any infirmity or slip at the last He will not suffer us for any Pains of Death to fall from him The Church prays so for more abundant security and also to deliver from sudden Death O Lord thou knowest what is best for every one of us Thy Will be done Whether this first coming of the Son of Man finds in the
Conviction over the Heart and Conscience Notwithstanding the Shifts and Tricks the Disputing or craâ—ty Eluding yet there doth remain a firm perswasion in the mind which cannot be got off And let all have a Care how they oppose or seek to Prevaricate that When the Spirit of the mind suggests to the Man That is the very Truth it is exceeding dangerous to resist or do despite to that Should the Almighty have erected his Throne visible on Earth People might be over-awed with the Sense of his Majesty and Greatness Or else be invited by that Splendour and Glory to run unto him as now they do to Kings and great Personages So they might and would yield a feigned Submission and love unto him But the Kingdom of God is within you Luke 17. 21. He hath established his Government in the Hearts of Men. The Law he hath given is in a Book which may be read or heard to lay up in the Heart and do accordingly Such of the People as shall be willing and obedient will shew themselves this way and those who refuse and Rebel will do so likewise Who now live by Faith and approve their Subjection unto his revealed Will would do so much more if they had a sight of him or hear his Voice as they shall have both to their exceeding and endless Comfort But to them who now will not believe nor hearken Psal 107. 11. to his Word when he hath made himself known after this manner neither would they do it from the ground of the heart but might be frightened or led by a mercenary Spirit if they had seen his power and Glory as they may to their own confusion and anguish of mind Why do the Heathen rage And why do the People imagine a vain thing Psal 2. 1. None but the Tyrants of Old or a mad Julian flies openly in the face of Heaven there may be found who doth say in his heart Tush God I care not for thee for there do lie strange imaginations within But he doth not lift up his eyes and say so with a loud Voice unless he is a Fool or Frantick Ignorant people have an impatiency at his Government whereas they might know this would not be for their hurt but exceeding benefit unless by restlessness and provocation they draw the severity Jer. 25. 6. of it upon themselves Be still and know that I am God Psal 46. 10. There is no removing the Government from his shoulders nor getting themselves from under it How much betâ—er had they be quiet and obedient when he will love and reward them for being so then toss to and fro to no pupose but to gaul themselves the more Accordingly they are to shew themselves unto his Embassadors who come with the Word of Reconciliation Now then we are Embassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be reconciled unto God 2 Cor. 5. 20. Paul as his manner was reasoned with them out of the Scriptures opening and alledging that Christ must needs have suffered Acts 17. 2 3. Who is the great Mediator all that he did and said was to bring people unto God and so should every one do in a point like necessary as that was to the unbelieving Jews This person did not try to please his Auditory but doth oppose the greatest fault and sin in them as here and so before Felix he reasoned of Righteousness Temperance and Judgment to come Acts 24. 25. All which have Foundation in the Word but the phrase reasoned is observable and always to be imitated in subordination to that The Scriptures do contain general commands and rules of Holy Life to which those who are Contentious and obey not the Truth Rom. 2. 8. can frame distinctions and find out evasions to deceive and keep quiet their own Souls but the particular handling and application of them convinces of sin and turns to Righteousness The Holy Ghost hath provided for all Generations Countries and Languages and Penned them after this manner for those who in their several Places and Ages should be intrusted therewith the more fully to expound and apply the same so as to teach the way of Salvation perfectly and truly It is the proper Office of our understanding to collect one thing from another Whatsoever is rightly inferred from the Word of God is the Word of God and will be fulfilled for nothing but truth can follow from truth There cannot be used too much care and circumspection concerning this Ordinance of Preaching to manage it aright because so much depends thereon for the present Good and Universal Salvation of Mankind which is to be revealed and determined in a short time for the World will quickly be at end with us living and how many Generations more may succeed God knows but we may understand and trust unto what he saith and promises And they that be wise shall shine as the Brightness of the Firmament and they that turn many to Righteousness as the Stars for ever and ever Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased Dan. 12. 3 4. When we hear or read the Word God speakes unto us but when we make Prayers and Supplications with Thanskgiving we Of Prayer speak unto him This is the intercourse between God and Man. That God should hearken unto the voice of a Man Josh 10. 14. seems wonderful if we have but those just and raised thoughts of the Deity and the true knowledge of our selves However the foolish proud unbeliever thinks scorn of this Holy Ordinance yet if himself had but such a sight of the Lord sitting upon his Throne as Isaiah had Chap. 6. or Dan. 7. 9 10. he would conclude it no uncomely thing but most bounden duty for such poor Creatures as Men and Women to kneel before him yea if they were like Worms crawling in the Dust lying on the Ground with shame and confusion of Face yet this would not be submission enough to such a Mighty Being It is seemly for the Body to bend and lie prostrate before him that made it and millions of the same kind What is Man that thou art mindful of him Psal 8. 4. Even he who is most great in his own or the Worlds opinion who is lifted up with Pride to the Highest yet this same Person if he had Faith and Knowledge would take it in extreme Anguish if the Lord should cast him off or not mind him as we are foretold will be the condition of some 1 Sam. 2. 30. Mark 8. 38. Those who now aspire after greatness abhorring contempt and low things will meet with intolerable Vexation to be rejected from the great things of his Kingdom There are some now a days who if they should see one in that posture as Elias was upon the top of Carmel cast down upon the Earth and he put his face between his knees 1 Kings 18. 42. would think him either to be Mad or a
years Knowledge and Reason should go before Action or else it will be blind and signifie nothing Some having constantly used a course of Devotion confine themselves barely to that which is but a means to somewhat more unto which they should still press toward Prayer is properly * Mark 11. 24. desire which argues a necessity of attention for we cannot desire those things which we do not mind and all forms are that we may live an Obedient and Holy Life Now it would be strange if we should pretend to desire that which we neither do nor endeavour after To imagine God is pleased with the bare saying of Words when they are neither minded nor understood it may be more truly thought that he likes better the Chirping of Birds then such Service from reasonable Creatures There hath been a deal of Chaunting forth of Mass and Toning out of Prayers But how well they have been sung or spoken forth we must have unworthy Thoughts of the Godhead if we suppose him to be delighted with the meer outward noise or reciting only such Words before him Which of our selves considering throughly can approve of it They must be Fools who offer such Sacrifice or think he will accept of it for he that gave to Man knowledge shall not he know When that can find and offer a better Worship will he not expect it Those who have been blind Worshippers of this sort go hastily in their way For they consider not that they do evil Be not rash with thy Mouth and let not thy Heart be hasty to utter any thing before God For God is in Heaven and thou upon Earth Therefore let thy Words be few Eccles 5. 1 2. In those private Books of Devotion which were designed for help of the ignorant they too often shew themselves more ignorantly for many say over the very Words not considering the Sense and say unto God It is so with them when it is not or Confessing what they have not been Guilty of or making Purposes and Resolutions which they never intend afterwards or saying several things which do not belong to them in Truth But so far hath ignorance and blind Custom proceeded that they think it enough if the Work is done so much read over the meaning is the least they consider of I will pray with the Spirit I will pray with the Vnderstanding also 1 Cor. 14. 15. Saith the Apostle but they pray only with the Lips or the Ear. This People draw near me with their Mouth and with their Lips do honour me but have removed their Heart far from me Isa 29. 13. This is not so much intended against that infirmity of wandring thoughts in Prayer but when of set purpose they keep their Heart to themselves not giving it to God but imagine to put him off with such outward Service What prodigious Folly is this to think to deceive God whom every one that believes must also conclude that all things are naked and open in his sight Heb. 4. 13. And every one that spies out a deceit intended to be offered unto him doth reject it with Abomination Neither the Calves of the Lips nor the various inclinations of the Body will serve without Confent and Subjection of the Soul. It is not bowing before the most High God nor falling prostrate with our Face to the ground for such a Submission may be â—eigned and the Body may be bending and creeping when the Heart in the mean while is lifted up and exalted our selves are not pleased with a Crawling posture where we think it is not sincere But He above knoweth all things The true Worship of God doth not consist in turning the Face such a way or being very nice in all Punctilios of outward posture though these are decent if they express the very Sense of the mind of intire Submission unto the whole Will of God a through perswasion Thou hast beset me behind and before Psal 139. 5. Not to think him more in one place then another But if those externals should be separated from that Worship in Spirit and in Truth John 4. 23 24. which the High Priest of our Profession hath said should be in these days they do much more displease then are acceptable unto God. Such Men worship they know not what or they will not know for had they right apprehensions they could never imagine that the bare outward performances will be received by that God with whom we have to do If any one of these should look here they will still go on in their own way and so let them but take heed that at last they be not deceived of their Expectation and Reward let them see Hag. 1. 5 7 8 9. They are only put in mind how their Service may be so ordered that God may accept it and be glorified therein In things pertaining to God we know but little without he had revealed himself and what he doth require So they must take Counsel or his Word how to please him if they wouâ—d partake of his Goodness and not be disappointed at last Which if they had done in Sincerity and Truth they would never have been so abominably mistaken as a great part of the Christian World hath been and is to this day in Matters pertaining to his Worship and Service The Scripture in many places doth shew the true Nature of Prayer Psal 10. 17. Psal 73. 28. Deut. 4. 29. Psal 119. 145. Jer. 29. 12 13. 1 Sam. 1. 13 15. Mat. 7. 7. Rom. 8. 26. Mat. 18. 19. 21 22. Luke 11. 18. Eph. 6. 18. Phil. 4. 6. Jam. 11. 5 6 7. Jam. 5. 16. 17. 1 Pet. 4. 7. Heb. 10. 21 22. Which set it forth as the earnest desire of the Soul. When we do ask and praise God for his benefits this is a reasonable Service being agreeable to what he requires and the utmost next to obeying his Will which we can render unto him The Sacrifice of the wicked is an Abomination unto the Lord But the Prayer of the upright is his delight Prov. 15. 8. It is stiled by another Name for such do not really Pray Can he beg Grace to forsake Sin which he doth not dislike Or for the Holy Spirit and good things when he hath not the least desire but aversion to them He may pray for a general Admission into the Heavenly Kingdom and to be preserved from that of darkness but in vain for the things cannot be separated which God hath joyned together Those Ordinances Mat. 13. 42 43. Mat. 25 46. John 5. 29. are ratified and unalterable Though besides their own Prayers Noah Job and Daniel and all the righteous Men that ever were should pour out their Supplications before the Throne of Almighty God for the Salvation of wicked and unregenerate Men yet it would not be granted The Case of Esau is lamentable and stands for a warning to all Generations of those who now for the Pleasures of Sin â—ell their Birth-right and
perpetual remembrance it must be by that way and manner himself hath prescribed As Parchment and Wax are little worth of themselves but yet useful and significative of conveying Land one to another So our Lord may Minister unto us his grace and benefits by the outward signes of Bread and Wine and when they are received in this Ordinance they are more to be esteemed in respect of the thing signified then in our common eating and drinking The Bread broken sets forth how the body of our Lord was torn upon the Cross the Wine poured out puts in mind of his side being pierced and the shedding of his blood As often as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye do shew the Lords death till he come 1 Cor. 11. 26. The like Figure whereunto even Baptism doth also now save us not the putting away the filth of the Flesh but the answer of a good Conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 3. 21. That is not so much the sprinkling or dipping in Water as the thing signified The Apostle doth not speak to exclude it for himself used it and so did the other Apostles who had the Spirit of God and all the Church down ever since Now there is the same prejudice as to that What doth the meer Water signifie They might have put the same question to the Apostles themselves had they been in their time or to our Lord in the institution of his Supper There is not so much only in the outward sign but there is in the thing signified Many remain still in Ignorance and Sin but if they would be saved let them come out from among their Sheep and Oxen and lift up their eyes to Heaven considering who inhabits there They must not always be confined in a Barn or with Saul hide themselves among the Rushes or be wholly taken up with the little things of this short life for they are called out and invited to receive a Kingdom This is spoken in good earnest Your only end of coming into this World is to serve God and to know the things pertaining unto him and hence to be translated up to receive it If they do that for a while they will at length perceive there is something more in the Ordinances then what they at present imagine through the darkness and blindness that is in them None can think slightly but who do not understand If they do really believe on Christ it would seem no strange thing to come unto his Supper The Man is to raise up the highest Love for God and his Christ Remember the holy Covenant that hath passed between them with a continued firm stedfastness and sincere purpose to perform the same He may refresh and strengthen his Faith especially on the Death of our Lord and the Truth of his whole Gospel he is to lift up his Soâ—l in the most hearty Praises and lively Devotionâ— where is a constant â—ear and obedience to Almighty God if he comes unexpectedly where the Sacrament is Administred upon a little examination and reverence of mind he may receive But where he hath notice before hand and he may lay aside some of his Worldly Business as this may be done thrice in the Year at least there let him not approach to this Holy Mystery without Solemn preparation before for it is altogether of as high a nature and deserves as great reverence as the Passover of Old. We are always to have Oyl ready in our Lamps but then we should trim and make them ready at the meeting of the Bridegroom It is not an humbling or carefulness for a day nor a fit of holiness for a Season only for this is the practice of them Who are Foolish Disobedient Deceived serving divers Lusts and Pleasures Tit. 3. 3. who fondly think to make atonement by this Ordinance not considering that some will be rejected who have eaten and drunk in Christs presence Luke 13. 26. But a due preparation consists in a constant course of keeping the Commandments of God There is a building up in our most holy Faith and a progress in the Christian Life so that whosoever is sincere and willing as to that may partake of this Supper to his comfort and benefit Give not that which is holy unto Dogs is the express command of the Master of this Feast Since the Church hath been remiss to this thing and promiscuously admitted all the Sacrament is become common and disesteemed When she kept to the rules of our Lord people were earnest and desirous to come and sorrowful to be kept away If the Government of God over the World were not in a manner made precarious by those who take upon them the Office and Administration thereof Men would be more willing and obedient under it Neither would themselves be so contemptible and base among the People if they had kept up that authority in word and power which the Lord had given When a thing stoops or becomes easie the consequent is to trample upon and not care for it they are to answer before him who in their several Generations have thus managed the cause of God. They have not done according to their direction in his Word for that is with Authority and would if truly Preached command the most Rebellious and Proud hearts of the sons of Men. God is greater then Men and as those who exercise Authority would not suffer it to be brought low neither should his Kingdom and rule over them diminish Truth was once stablished in the Earth the Kingdom of God was once set up with Power but now through the treacherous yielding of the supporters it hath been long falling away and loses strength God is not the least beholden to his Creatures for serving him as Gen. 4. 7. So afterwards his Commandments are given in a Majestick and Authoritative manner Exod. 20. And though the stubborn Sinner saith in his heart which he Manifests in practise I will do this and that just contrary yet he shall be answered again in Plagues and Punishment In like manner did the Lord Jesus give out his Commission of Teaching Go ye into all the World and Preach the Gospel to every Creature He that believeth and is Baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned Mark 16. 15 16. If People do their duty it is accepted if not they are to expect the danger There hath been a wonderful deal of begging yea moreover civil Authority must be called in for aid to bring Mankind over to the ordinances of their God and all will not do When their fear towards him is taught by the precept of Men they may come to perform such a Worship as is described in the foregoing part of the verse of drawing near with their Mouth and honouring with their lips but have removed their heart far from me Isa 29. 13. and that cannot be hindred by all legal constitutions What Glory is it unto him to have a
Men would suffer a particular Examination out of the Word of God the very Truth and Reason of things Christianity will evidence it self to be greater Courage then what pasleth for it in the judgment of the World. Which is sign of the more resolute Spirit that both fore-sees and considers the Evil and yet subjects it self thereto upon assured and beneficial grounds as did the Martyrs Confessors and godly Sufferers or those who go on with a certain Violence without Knowledge and Consideration as do others Who can lay down their Lives with a deliberate choice retaining their perfect Reason and Sence or those in a sudden Passion and heat of Blood who are pushed on by Malice like a spurred Horse leaping down a Precipice or foolish pride who make themselves half Drunk and then go on not knowing what they do But consider all the circumstances of the Christians Actings and Sufferings and his Courage will be found more Real and Fminent Through God he doth Valiantly Psal 60. 12. Whose Grace is sufficient and inspires him with an Heart to overcome all difficulty and danger Now that according to the World if strictly surveyed will be reduced very low for abstract that Disposition of Children and Mad-men who are not sensible of the danger and therefore dare rush upon any thing If they be neither Fools nor Blind as not to know nor see any thing If their Souls be not rendred Earthy through Sensuality and so fear not If they are not quite stupified when the Heart is become like the nether Milstone which doth not tremble because it hath no sence If they have no need of Wine nor strong Liquors to support If all Disguise and Hypocrisie could be discovered and their concealed Fears seen when big words make a shew of the contrary and are used as an Artifice to hide them Take away from them all Gutward Advantages and Helps and they will be as other Men keep them from the opium of continual and immoderate Eating let them renounce the assistance of strong Drink observing only the just rules of Temperance And then see whether their Courage will not grow faint and languish Were that predominant thing of Pride rooted out which makes them endeavour to stifle their Fears Then they would be brought back to the common nature of Mankind which they would lift up themselves above by the aid of the aforesaid things We see evidently when these fail they are the same as others As in Sickness or in a sober approach of Death but more certainly when their Souls are stript naked and sent into the other World no mention is made of their Courage in that place And the mighty Mens Hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the Heart of a Woman in her Pangs Jer. 48. 41. Men are generally the same There may be some little degrees of Difference yet they are all but Flesh still The Lord is the Maker of them all He hath not made some to be Men and some to be Gods some with Fear and some without but this Plant is implanted into all And ordered so that it may be improved or abused corrected or prevaricated besitting this Life of Tryal But the Wicked strive against God they would expel that out which he hath placed in which they cannot but do as faâ— as lieth in them for what they cannot utterly extinguish they endeavour to hide and stifle Sanctifie the Lord of Hosts himself and let him be your Fear and let him be your Dread Isa 8. 13. and to this end all Fear was put into Men But if they do not fear him this is not their Courage but Ignorance and Forgetfulness of whom they see not And then for their making a shew not to value Death No more do Sheep going to the Slaughter for these Men just know they shall die yet mind no more what shall become of them afterwards then those dumb Creatures passing on the Road do think of what we know shall befall them Can those Reasonable Souls indeed rush into the other World who cannot hear a true report thereof in an aiery sound Can they indeed step forth upon the dark Mountains who cannot see a Map thereof in Paper and Ink They foolishly build up their Confidences and in common Vogue would pass for Men of Valour because they can slight and contemn Religion But stand to it for you are Challenged into the Field and see whether you do not betray Cowardice herein What if it should be said You that can hear Drums and Trumpets the roaring of Canons yet the voice of God you cannot endure to hear which is full of Majesty and shaketh your Hearts When he Thundreth in the Air it will make them quiet and still but when he speaketh from Heaven when he sendeth his Waters through a Pipe or gives life to a Psal 8. 2. dead Letter this you have not Courage enough to receive or read You set at naught and despise his Ordinances when they are not rightly managed You can smile at the flat and insipid discourses of Ignorant and Unfaithful Teachers but not at those who both understand and do as they should You that will not be out-Hectored yet ye are frightened with Words a sure proof that they are not vain but both true and significative You that do not value Sword nor Spears yet dare not contest with the Rod of his Mouth Isa 11. 4. What is lighter then that but when God is pleased to use the meanest thing it can make the stoutest Oak of Bashan tremble like the Leaves of the Forrest Gather your selves O ye Mighty and try to shew your Courage which if you can you also will for the great Importance and Necessity will press you forward if you have so much power to get over all this Can you sit for a while and tremble under Gods Word Will you admit of a second hearing and not be frightened with Felix to put it off to a more convenient season Are you able to stand before him who Fights with the Sword of his Mouth who Wounds that he may Heal who Condemns that he may Justifie who as the Prophet speaks Slays the Wicked casting them down that they do not come again but for those who are not so fearful to run away as Christ would have none to be so he will not shew himself always thus terrible to them Stand but the first Shock and then you are Men. It is only in order to bring you unto Conviction to be Humbled under the mighty Hand of God and then this Dreadfulness will go off that you may serve him with Reverence and godly Fear 'T is Pusillanimity and a more exceeding Fearfulness that keeps Men off even in those who would be thought to have the contrary for could they attend to the Word of Exhortation bear for a while a little Irksomeness and Sorrow Had they Resolution to do some things contrary to corrupt nature and undergo a little hardship in the Service
is endâ—ed with real Wisdom cannot take pleasure in Fools Mirth or an idle Jest Who are passed over the festivities of Childhood and Youth cannot still shew themselves transported with Vanities Who have seen and fully observed the same heretofore are not to be admired if not lifted up with little Novelties Whose Conversation is in Heaven and their Affections on things above shall they be blamed if knowing the difference and they do not shew forth the like rejoycing at the common Accidents and little things here below Who do not resort to Drink and Company to cheer up their Spirits or still the Disorder within for they are in a right frame already The Sea within is smooth and like a molten Looking Glass where they can reflect and be satisfied with their inward likeness It is Impertinent if not Sinful to disswade them from Holy things who delight therein As long as they can go on in such a course all their days let them do as much as Gods Grace shall direct rhem Another knoweth not what Comfort they find therein how they have their Body in subjection and to what a measure of Love and Spirituality they are arrived So they may do those Acts without tiring which others cannot now that are not yet so far attained but may attain The Scripture makes frequent mention of those who do not enough for Heaven but nothing against them who do too much for there is no danger of exceeding That particularly lays down all things necessary and relating to Mans Salvation and also speaks of his temporal Happiness in Subordination to that yet there is not one word mentioned concerning Religious Melancholy or Mopishness Without question there were some in the days of the inspired Writers whose Conversation was obnoxious to that Character as now What the World calls Melancholy in Scripture Phrase is Sorrow and to that somewhat is said by way of Comfort but it was to be in God not to take people off nor to have recourse to those Arts as Sinners do The best way of solving Fears Scruples and Disquiet is to give a people a right understanding of them but let none resort to the Pleasures of Sin and idle Company which increase but not cure them We read of the Temptations and Devices of Satan Spiritual Desertions Ignorance intervening Sins and Infirmities which cause Vexation and Trouble but nothing of illness of Blood or Bodily Constitution there is no intimation of this in Holy Writ But it is the Opinion of late Physitians which hath been received so far by Divines that to improve this notion of Melancholy a little further and the other of Enthusiasm would be the ready and effectual way to cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us Isa 30. 11. For let all regrets of Conscience pass for Melancholy and the workings of Gods Spirit for Enthusiasum or â—aâ—cy inward Religion is in danger to be destroyed which is the most sensible Evidence of the Truth and certainty thereof That can never fail but the Knowledge thereof may be lost as several times already it hath near been but will not be so again because of the Promises of God which are near at hand even at the very door to be accomplished Is there then nothing in bodily Constitution Not so much as is pretended and that again may be altered The corruptible Body presseth down the Soul which is common to all and that difference of temper in particular persons which yet is not so much as commonly talked of serves for an Exercise and Tryal of the greater Vertue That the Soul may yet ascend and lift up it self And then the Power of Gods Grace and their complying with it can and doth actually change the natures of Men. That natural tendency and Seriousness was therefore put in them to move towards their right end And also finding no true Happiness here they are prompted to look out for one to come It is so ordered by the good God that all Mankind might be saved and come to the Knowledge of the Truth some more this way some another according to their Inclinations of Soul Body and Condition of Life One hath the Advantage in this thing another in that but some Degree of what is understood by the Word Melancholy is communicated to all Froâ—lick and Mirth are more incidental to Youth But there it is a striving against nature for if not supported by outward Helps and Objects it doth fall down into Seriousness so it is of riper Age. The great mistake is we observe many things without the reason of them All things tend to their Center and what is in Man moves towards his proper end which is doing the things for which God hath made him As the Fish on dry Land beats it self to Death because not in his own Element As the Turâ—le mourns away for want of her Companion there is an uneasiness even from very Childhood if not in some Action So if Man were kept away from God debarred from Company and always to be idle he would pine away in Sorrow which worketh Death before the time because there is such a strong Inclination in his nature to the first principally Ezek. 24. 23. and the others in subordination to him Although Wicked and Ungodly Men do pursue the two lesser ends yef forsaking the great Principal upon which the others should depend they are tormented for want of true Happiness all their Life long so that by reason of the weariness even they are willing to die The Righteous desire a more full Enjoyment of him whom they have known only by Faith and seen darkly Their Soul is athirst for God. When shall I come to appear before God they are more induced to long after it because of the Vain and imperfect state they are in here they do indee desire Immortality aâ—d shall have it The Wicked being conscious whom they have despised and forgotten they wish to Sleep for ever for they had rather so continue then awake and rise up to Punishment What a sad thing it is to be deceived and willingly ignorant of their proper End To be restless all the way and disappointed at last To live in a perpetual Violence and Contradiction to themselves to turn aside the Soul from its natural bent To keep her though in Pain and Displeasure from her Center and Rest and at length when she would have ascended upwards to sink into the Bottom as a Stone To have notrue Comfort and Satisfaction in the Light of the Living nor whilâ—t the days of Darkness draw on Now Consider this ye that forgeâ— God Whose Souls are yet in the Body Take away the weights of Sin that do clog and press down Remember the days past before habitual Sin and evil Habits came on to what did the Motions within aspire and prompt unto Before the Spirit was made unclean did it not soar up towards the Father of Spirits When it was not corrupted with Malice and
Acts of their Masters Grace and Bounty for those according to the Flesh would sooner retract their conceived Favours when another shall put in mind and give notice of what they would have voluntary from themselves and unexpected of others And therefore for my part I dare not speak out what God knows are my desires and innermost thoughts in submission to his Will and consistent with his Glory and other Attributes But as a fellow-Creature do intreat Men that they would not commit those things against which God hath manifested his severe Displeasure O that we may all behave our selves in the mean while though we cannot deserve the least Mercy yet to be in some measure worthy to escape those things which we have been fâ—reâ—old of and then we must not Sin yet more against him All the World may be assured it was never yet seen in any Nation Countrey or Language Ezek. 6. 10. for the Laws thereof to be Elusory or Vain but due Punishment doth overtake those who are Stubborn Despisers and continued Offenders There are abundance of Expressions of Gods Mercy in Scripture but they are commonly joyned with his Truth or something else to keep of people from presuming too much upon it as Psal 57. 3 10. 62. 12. 86. 5. 100. 5. And that Gracious Manifestation Exod. 34. 5 6. Where it is repeated many times that Mercy rejoyceth over Judgment yet there comes in a limitation That will by no means clear the Guilty The Threatning is as firm and abiding as any part of his Word and they are of Judgment when our Lord saith Heaven and Earth shall pass away but my VVords shall not pass away Mat. 24. 35. The Promise is confirmed by two immut able things wherein it was impossible for God to lie Heb. 6. 8. So of some he hath sworn that they Isa 54 10. shall not enter into his Rest Heb 3. 18. Both parts are ratified as much as can be Known to God are his Decrees and how he will be pleased to distribute to every one But the safest way is for us to have Apprehension of them according to Truth that we may be more careful to partake of his Favour and avoid his Wrath. Beware of those Doctrines which beget Presumption and Unconcernedness for the things are true as God hath Established if all the Learned in the World did argue or determine which way they would It is better to do those things required and avoid what is forbidden and so escape then to follow after what ends in Death to be unmindful or to dispute against it for now several things happen which we did either not think or say would not come Though some would release or mitigate yet they do not deny future Punishments but if they were only as the more favourable conception of them allows yet the Pain and Loss is much beyond the Pleasure or Conveniency of a short sinful Life for what is that to countervail the Romanists Purgatory or the opinion of a Thousand Years Torment and then a fiâ—al Dissolution The seeming good though present can never be a sufficient exchange for such an evil and deprivation of Happiness much less when the Torment is both Intolerable and Eternal The Commands of God are enforced with the greatest Arguments that can be And yet how few do regard them How is the World grown to be so Wicked and Ungodly And of those who come unto God how few do conform unto his whole Will Love and Serve him with all their Hearts One would admire unless he did consider the causes of so great Apostacy viz. Mans Corruption Unbelief Ignorance Deceits Satans Temptations there are many oâ—tward Objects to divert him Carnal and Temporal things do make him forget those that are Spiritual and Eternal which have a light and transient impression upon us and such like But all these hindrances may be taken away by the Grace and Revelalation of God. It is so ordered that Man must strive and give Diligence if ever he would be Happy there is enough left to prove him and to exercise his Care and Watchfulness Upon the whole There is a wise Establishment of things There The general Conclusion is a just Disposal for assistance is given and the means are put in our power The Members that have been yielded unto Sin and Iniquity may be made Members of Righteousness unto Holiness the Faculties and Powers were first designed and now may be restored unto good as they have been employed in evil It is a gracious Dispensation in that God encourages to those things which are for our Good and Happiness It is true for we are only taken from deceit and falshood from shew and appearance which ends in what is worse then nothing and are called forth to what is true and assured and real as any thing is All that we now see is but the Figure of the true even that Heaven and Earth which are to suceed Hearken and come near Oye Sons of Men do but Learn Know and Practice the things pertaining to Gods Kingdom for they are Just Wise and Conceivable also I want words to express their excellency I have written the Great things of thy Law but they were accounted as a strange thing Hos 8. 12. The like Imputation may be here cast upon what is brought out of the same Book of Scripture Many odd passages uncouth They know not what to make of them But let me tell any one that thinks so where the Strangeness of all lieth Even in Mans Transgression either the not observance of what is Commanded or doing those things which are contrary to the Laws of God and Truth When there was occasion to speak of those things uncommon expressions might fall The nature of things is the same but differently apprehended for some do live according to the Principles of Good and others do not some use the means to have their first Blindness and Ignorance taken away and others do not But where is universal Obedience and alike Knowledge what is Truth and sutable to one is likewise to another Where it is half and imperfect Prov. 8. 9. let him reflect upon that Duty or Sin which himself observes or avoids and see how that is explained by that he may measure whereof himself is Conscious and Guilty Had all continued alike Obedient as the Man after Gods own Heart they would give the same Praise and Commendation of his Law as is done Psal 119. but according to their several Sins Men think severally as they will. T is Lust and Iniquity That we might turn from our Iniquities and understand thy Truth Deu. 9. 13. that corrupt the Judgement or at least the outward Faculty from whence they think speak and do to vindicate themselves before their Acquaintance otherwise then they should But there is even in the Disobedient unless mightily defaced and suppressed the Spirit of the mind by which they can judge that the Law is