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.
Companion and VVife of thy Covenant Mal. 2. 14. When a Man proves unfaithful his Heart is alienated from her who is the constant Companion of his Bed for going after Strangers makes affection cease towards his own Perhaps at first it was not so much unkindness as to gratifie an extravagant Desire but the Seeds of hatred are sown which spring up and embitter their other Delights Who have sufficient of outward Blessings yet all is spoiled by this one accâ—rsed thing Those mutual Heart-burnings Discontent sad Wishes and Imprecations take away the Rellish of other Enjoyments It is very hard on the Womans side that she must be wretched for no fault of her own but meerly the iniquity and baseness of her Husband who according to the usual Methods of injustice commits a double Transgression First becomes perfidious and then conceives Hatred which last is thought an excuse of the Sin when in Truth it is a worse Aggravation thereof If he hath the least Sense of God above those severe girds and twitches of Conscience do more then abundantly take off from the Sweetness of stolen Waters If he hath any degree of common Nature he cannot but be moved with his own injury and falshood towards whom he is bound to give that which is equal and observe the solemn Oath and Promise between them Many particulars do sufficiently shew that he who violates conjugal Chastity procures continued Vexation unto himself and for a few hours running after unlawful Love he renders the whole Course of his Life miserable This Truth is so discernable that more need not to be said thereof It is not altogether so pleasant for married Men to follow these Lusts of the Flesh but the single Person who hath none to controul him who is tyed to none but at Liberty for all he finds the pretended good of them But it would be better for him if he let them alone or have the lawful Remedy No no Crys the young Man. Variety is pleasant one time for this then for another wherever Beauty or Change invite him At first this kind of Life may seem delightful those Preparatives do somewhat please That obscene and filthy Talk lascivious Songs wanton Dalliances and rude Gestures for thus the Devils Souldier is trained up and Disciplined are a little diverting till abundant and repeated use doth also take that away If the stripling hath not cast off all regard to God and his Worship as that is seldom for the impressions are then more strong and sensible and it may be preserved by good Education of Parents then his thoughts will be apt to accuse him It is not meet the same Tongue wherewith Prayers and Praises are offered up unto the Most High God should be defiled with corrupt Communications or singing forth the Encomium of sin and iniquity Therewith to Bless God the Father and therewith to dishonour him Out of the same Mouth proceedeth Good and Evil My Brethren these things ought not so to be Doth a Fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter Jam. 3. 10 11. Conscience wiâ—l make such Reflections which turn outward Laughter into an inward Sigh This bitter allay is mingled with the jocular and merry Discourse as it is called And if he will not think of these things but go on making â—much noise yet there is a sad sting behind that of the Lord Jesus shall be fulfilled I say unto you that every idle word that Men shall speak they shall give an Account thereof in the Day of Judgment for by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be Condemned Mat. 12. 36 37. Even at present a Man discovereth himself by the Talk of his Mouth Where proceeds forth Filthiness and Folly it is a strong Presumption that such is he himself A noble Subject to converse upon whereof a Man cannot think without abhorrence A sign of an exalted and raised Spirit to depress the Mind into a Beast Whatever delight arises hereby it is like that of Children or Fools The great Talkers of this kind do not pretend to such a mighty degree of Pleasure from the meer Discourse that is said to be when Words are reduced into Actions Here lies a rub in the young Mans way and this helps for removal thereof That shame and modesty of Nature is an hindrance to him from doing thus wickedly He gives back and had rather let it alone And therefore this must be laid aside which is not done without time and difficulty before the expected Satisfaction can be had The mind is spoiled of its most lovely Ornament before he comes to the doing of those things in secret whereof it is a shame to speak That Virgin blush then which nothing is more beautiful must be gone Accordingly the modern way of breeding is to drive that away as soon as possible It is more eminent in the Female Sex and was formerly an excellency but now esteemed the effect of Countrey Education laughed at and by keeping Company with the Town Ladies and frequenting the Play house it is at length utterly â—ost In the other it goes away by associating with Lascivious Persons and complying with unsavoury Discourse Is this to bring up Children in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord Certainly this way doth sooner lead them to commit all iniquity with Greediness and makes them the Children of Hell. Corruption moves quick enough of it self there is no need of taking away the Clog that he may run more hastily in the broad way However it is irksome to do that but then he may fall to committing of Folly for so the Holy Ghost in a peculiar manner calls this Sin. The foregoing disturbance is removed there succeeds another afterwards Those qualms of Conscience immediately after the Fact are more bitter then the sweet of the beloved Sin. They are equal in Degree but longer in Duration That Horrour and Distraction of mind for what is done those frightful Suggestions of having offended God the Blackness of Guilt which comes forth and sits heavy upon the Soul Indignation and Anguish all thâ—se stand in opposition to the delight he had The lustful Person is sensible of thus much at first which render the Sin uneasie and disquieting He thinks to follow it no longer But then the Devil or his Instruments wicked Companions or his own deceitful Heart may dictate That at first he will meet with such kind of Bugbears The Dog within will at length cease to bite he may grumble a little but that is nothing Go resolutely on and he will not find such severe resistance His own experience assures him every time he Practises it there is less Reluctancy The raw and unexperienced Souldier is frightned at the smoke of Guns his Heart pants at every Push or Charge but the old Marches on undountedly and is not troubled with Fears Never be discouraged if a thick Cloud should arise in thy mind do not value every Dart that sTrikes
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