according to what the same Apostle elsewhere witnesseth of himself which is also applicable to other People who would have and enjoy the same good things For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand I have fought a good Fight I have finished my course I have kept the Faith henceforth there is laid up for me aâ—… Crown of Righteousness which the Lord the Righteous judge shall give me at that day and not unto me only but unto aâ—… them also that love his appearing The Crown of Righteousness will not be had by any one until he hath first fought the good fight and kept the Faith There is no departing in peace according to the word of God or according to the understanding desire of the Reasonable Creature without having first seen the Salvation of God The second true and assured ground of a contentment willingness and desire to dye is when the Lord God of truth hath Redeemed us Sanctifie them through thy truth Thy word is truth And so the same God that doth Sanctifie his People through his truth doth also Redeem them through his truth or by his word of truth When we are once throughly Redeemed and Sanctified by the truth of God then we may commit our Spirits into the hand of God For then these Spirits of ours are Redeemed and Sanctified from whatever Defilement and Corruption they had from the Body and from the things of this Earth Then the Spirit returns to God again the same as it was when he gave it The Temple of God is Holy which Temple ye are And so God expects that that Spirit which he Created Holy for so it was before it is defiled with the Body of Death should be kept and preserved Holy but chiefly it should be Sanctified that is made Holy just as it comes to be surrendred and given back unto God Every Like loves its Like and an Holy God loves an Holy Soul The Scripture expressly affirmeth it Without Holiness no Man shall see the Lord which implyes the contrary that with Holiness or when the Soul is endued or clothed with Holiness it shall then certainly see the Lord to its endless Comfort and Rejoycing The great and principal Business we have to do here on this Earth and as we are going off from it which we do continually as soon as we are Born is to dye to Sin I dye Daily saith the Apostle and to get Holiness ingrafted into the Soul As we are day after day approaching nearer and nearer unto the Grave here let us examin and prove our selves whether we are yet more Dead unto Sin and have Holiness yet more ingrafted into our Souls Whether as our desires grow more languid and unaffected as to Creature Comforts and to creature enjoyments by having had them over and over so often already So the same desires are more from Sin and Vanity and the more thirst after God And after the Enjoyment of him in his Kingdom so as to cry out from the real sense bent and inclination of our Souls As the Hart panteth after the Water Brooks so panteth my Soul after thee O God! When we can say in truth and seelingly within our self there is none upon Earth I desire besides thee And when in old Age we cannot tast what we Eat or what we Drink When the Keepers of the House shall tremble and those that look out of the Windows are Darkened when the Grashopper shall be a burthen and desire shall fail My Flesh and my Heart faileth if then God is the strength of our Heart and our Portion for ever For so the right Consequence is and Endeavours should be used accordingly That as our outward Man decays day by day so we should be more renewed in the inward Man As the day approaches continually nearer and nearer when we shall outwardly go off from this Earth the more we should be Redeemed from the Earth that is we should be Redeemed from the Evil and Defilement and Corruption of this Earth before we can upon Assured grounds commit our Spirit into the hand of God Besides this of being Redeemed from our vain conversation and from the Corruption of our Nature and of being without Guile and Fault before the Throne of God The chief and especial Redemption is that which was wrought and accomplished by Jesus Christ who in his Love and Pity hath Redeemed them and he bare them and he carried them all the days of old Isa 63. 9. Even Jesus which delivered us from the wrath to come Who bought us with a price and purchased us with his own Blood As God the Father Redeemed and brought up the Israelites out of the Land of Aegypt Whereby he was in a more especial manner their God for the Redeemer hath a right in the Redeemed Even so God by his Son Jesus Christ hath Redeemed Mankind from Spiritual Aegypt from the Slavery and Bondage of Sin and Satan and Death Christ hath Redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us And it was this Redemption wrought and accomplished by Jesus Christ who was of the seed and linage of David whom the Scripture therefore calls the Son of David which David speaks of by the Spirit and had respect unto when he said Into thine hand I commit my Spirit Thou hast Redeemed me O Lord God of truth To pursue the very same Reasoning here as is in Acts 2 25 30. 32. For David speaketh concerning him Thou hast Redeemed me O Lord God of truth For being a Prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an Oath to him In fulfilling of which he is here fitly called the Lord God of truth That of the fruit of his loins according to the Flesh he would raise up Christ to sit on his Throne and to Redeem Mankind by him He seeing this before spake of the Redemption of Christ Thou hast Redeemed me O Lord God of truth It being the usual stile of Prophecies to speak of that as already past which is to come Whereby is shewn forth the immutable truth of the Eternal God for what he hath decreed in his Eternal counsel and purpose it is as certain as if it was already past and fulfilled As Abraham saw his day and was glad so here David saw his day and was glad And truly well they might for saith the Apostle in the Persons of the Regenerate for we were by Nature Children of wrath as well as others So that Abraham and David were Children of wrath also And then both of them might well be glad to foresee by Faith this Jesus Christ who was to Redeem them from the wrath to come The word Redemption is a relative term and doth presuppose captivity thraldom or the being sold from all which Redemption doth lose and set free again And so this Jesus Christ travelled in the greatness of his strength and was mighty to save he led Captivity Captive that is he led even Sin
and his Commandments are express against â—… Hear what the answer of God saith to such To what â—…rpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me saith the â—…ord I am full of the burnt offerings of rams and the fat â—… fed beasts and I delight not in the blood of bullocks or â—… lambs or of he goats When ye come to appear before me â—…ho hath required this at your hand to tread my courts â—…ing no more vain oblations incense is an abomination to me â—…e new moons and sabbaths and the calling of the assemblies cannot away with It is iniquity even the solemn meeting â—…d when ye spread forth your hands I will hide mine eyes â—…om you yea when ye make many prayers I will not hear your hands are full of blood Wash ye make you cleaâ—… put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyeâ— cease to do evil learn to do well Intimating hereby thâ—… until people did actually put away the evil of their doing and cease to do evil all their acts of outward Worship all their going to Church or Meeting on the Lor'ds daâ—… how constant soever they are therein all their maâ—… prayers offered up unto him every morning and eveniâ—… nay if it be at noon each week day are not pleasâ—… and acceptable in the sight of the Lord and consequent they do not at all glorifie him thereby for himself he saith that he will not receive them that he doth â—… require it at their hands who are sinners and works of iniquity to tread his courts but this he requireth his saints and servants so to do that he cannot awâ—… with their calling of the assemblies when such come iâ— to the congregation their appointed times of Worâ—… his soul hateth they are a trouble to me I cannot be them all these sayings do import they do not please Gâ—… and conscequently they do not glorifie him By the way there is no doctrine more necessary aâ—… useful to be continually made known and preached thâ—… this for it is the common and uniuersal deceit which â—… people of this generation and Country yea of all c 〈…〉 stendom go upon If they go constantly to Church Meeting upon the first day of the week and those the richer sort have Worship in their respective famiâ—… every morning and evening they think and say to tâ—… souls all is well enough As the fool said in the gosâ—… Thou hast much goods laid up for many years take thine eaâ— drink and be merry so these foolish and deceived peâ—… who serve divers lusts and pleasures do say to themseâ—… Soul that course of Worship and Religion aforemeâ—… oned will carry thee to Heaven be quiet as to â—… further thoughts or doubts concerning futurity only sure to go on therein eat drink and be merry take gâ—… and enjoy as much of the world and worldly comfortâ— ever thou canst But in the mean while and all along tâ— not do â—rame their doings to turn unto God They do not fraâ—… or square all their doings according to the great Rulâ—… â—…ghteousness in Scripture They do not put away the evil â—… their doings For many of their ways are contrary unto â—… different from the Word and Law of God Until peoâ—…e do actually put away the evil of their doings â—…d doth not accept of their several acts of Worship â—… We are of them that believe to the saving of the soul Heb. â—… 39. And so there is a sort of People who Serve and â—orship God to the saving of their Souls that is such â—…o do it inwardly and who obey constantly from the â—…art all the Words of God's Law and Gospel ' Again â—…ere is another sort whereof are the greater number Broad â—…he way and wide is the gate which leadeth to destruction â—…d many there be who go in thereat who do not serve and â—orship God to the saving of their Souls for these worâ—…ip him outwardly and they do not confirm all the â—ords of God's Gospel to do them and so now they are â—ble unto and will at length fall under that everlaâ—ng destruction which will be unto them that obey not â—…e Gospel For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly and it may be truly Reasoned He is not a Christian or â—…vant of God who is one outwardly neither is that Cirâ—…mcision which is outward in the flesh but he is a Jew who one inwardly and so he is a Christian who is one inâ—ardly and Circumcision is that of the heart in the Spirit and â—… in the Letter whose praise is not of Men but of God Rom. â—… 28 29. For I say unto you that except your Righteousness â—…all exceed the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall â—… no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 5 20. And â—… it may be truly Reasoned and Applyed to the Peoâ—…e of this Generation Except your Religion shall exceed â—…e Religion which is according to the Standard and â—…urse of this World it will be in no wise a Religion â—… the saving of your Souls Let that kind of outward Worshippers aforementioned â—…editate throughly upon the significancy of these followâ—…g Scriptures But unto the Wicked God saith What hast â—…ou to do to declare my Statutes or that thou shouldst take my â—…venant into thy Mouth Seeing thou hatest Instruction and â—…stest my Words behind thee Psal 50. 16 17. And so this â—…nd of outward worshippers do hate him that Rebuketh in the Gate they abhor him that speaketh uprightly Saith tâ—… Apostle The time will come but I who live nearer unâ—… the ends of the World do Testifie that what he theâ—… foretold of is now fulfilled for at this day the time 〈◊〉 come that they will not endure sound Doctrine but after theâ—… own lusts shall they heap to themselves Teachers having Itchiâ—… Ears 2 Tim. 4. 3. Which say to the Seers see not and to 〈◊〉 Prophets Prophesie not unto us right things speak unto 〈◊〉 smooth things Prophesie Deceits Isa 30. 10. This day 〈◊〉 this Scripture fulfilled in our Ears for they go constanâ—ly to them who speak smooth things and Preach Deceitâ—… And they will not come to hear him that Preacheth rigâ—… things which is verified as to the People of this Generaâ—…on and Country And as to him who Writeth these thingâ—… for they do not receive his Testimony John 3. 32. But â—…ject his Words John 12. 48. Because he speaketh and puâ—…lisheth unto them right things Nevertheless such worâ—… as I have truly alledged from the Scriptures will judâ—… them at the last day But whether they will hear or forbear whether they wâ—… Read or not these Scriptures of Truth are again laid bâ—fore them Now we know that God heareth not sinners but any man be a worshipper of God and doth his will him 〈◊〉 heareth John 9. 31. Notwithstanding this is writtâ—… so plainly that every capacity may understand it yâ—… nevertheless many Men and Women Satan acting wiâ—… all deceivableness in them
sing Psalms unto him â—alk you of all his wondrous works glory ye in his holy name â—e ye mindful always of his covenant shew forth from day to day his Salvation declare his glory among the Heathen â—is marvellous works among all Nations for great is the Lord and greatly to be pâ—aised he also is to be feared above all Gods glory and honour are in his presence strength and gladness are in his place give unto the Lord ye kindreds of the people glory and strength Now there is no giving of strengâ—… to him that is Almighty already but it is only 〈◊〉 speak out that he is so Give unto the Lord the glory dâ—… unto his name 1 Chron. 16. In short it is to acknowledâ—… and speak out of the glory of God and to give thanâ—… and praise to his Holy Name Provided always thâ—… this be done by those who have their conversation ordâ—…ed aright who are of clean lips and obedient heart for therefore it is that those cautionary expressions are heâ—… necessarily intermingled and incerted in this song of praiâ—… Be ye mindful always of his Covenant he is also to be fearâ—… above all Gods intimating thereby that unless people aâ—… also mindfull of his Covenant and fear God above aâ—… other things they cannot then give thanks unto tâ—… Lord nor yet sing Psalms unto him nor declare 〈◊〉 glory nor yet praise him so as for God to be please therewith and accept thereof If we fear any thing â—bove God that is our God also O Lord our God othâ—… Lords besides thee have had dominion over us but by thâ— only will we make mention of thy name It is written of Abraham Who against hope believed 〈◊〉 hope that he might become the father of many nations â—…cording to that which was spoken so shall thy seed be Aâ—… being not weak in faith he considered not his own body noâ— dead when he was about an hundred years old neither yâ— the deadness of Sarah's womb he staggered not at the promâ—… of God through unbelief but was strong in faith giving gloâ—… unto God and being fully perswaded that what he had promâ—sed he was able also to perform From all which maâ— be gathered that to firmly believe and be fully peâ—swaded that such a thing shall come to pass althougâ— according to humane reason it is unlikely to come 〈◊〉 pass provided always that we have the word and promise of God for it as here Abraham had this also 〈◊〉 a giving glory unto God when the thing seems impossible according to the course of Nature as it was in thâ— instance here given Yet here to believe that God both caâ— and also will perform the same this is a Giving glory unto God for it gives God the glory of his truth and the glory of his Almighty power This thing if it be rightly and throughly understood 〈◊〉 Mystery both to the people of the World and also 〈◊〉 the outward Worshippers for as to them at this day â—…en Moses is read and so it is when the Gospel of Christ â—ead The vail is upon their Hearts The written word 〈◊〉 God and the manner of the Dispensation of his â—…gdom towards us is a Mystery It is given unto 〈◊〉 those of the Discipleship to know the mysteries of the â—…ngdom of Heaven Mat. 13. 11. The mystery of God should â—…nished as he hath declared to his servants the prophets 〈◊〉 10. 7. But that part of this mystery which I would 〈◊〉 just mention is that although all Scripture was given â—…nspiration of God and is true and will be fulfilled to â—…ry tittle thereof yea the Truth and Power and Honoâ—… of God do all stand engaged to fulfill all and every â—…t of this same word and God himself hath born â—…ness to it both with signs and wonders and with divers â—…acles and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to his own 〈◊〉 So that we ought to believe it all to be true and â—…t it shall all be fulfilled or we make God a liar if 〈◊〉 believe not the Record which God gave of his Son â—…o saith Heaven and Earth shall pass away but my â—…ds shall not pass away Yet still God being willing to â—…ve and exercise the faith of his Servants and also the mixt multitude of people concerning it hath so â—…ered and suffered it to come to pass Behold herein 〈◊〉 Wisdom and Mystery of God that some things â—…ich this his word of truth speaks of should seem â—…e falsified They are not falsified indeed but only â—…y seem to be so on set purpose to prove to the utâ—…st degree the faith of people herein If they do reâ—… their faith therein nevertheless then it is a giving â—…ry unto God But if an evil heart of unbelief is in â—…m like Cleopas and those with him who said we â—…sted it had been he which should have Redeemed Israel 〈◊〉 seeing and hearing of his miracles in his life time 〈◊〉 when he was put to death like a malefactor than 〈◊〉 their hopes were blasted their faith withered and â—ny might probably say it is all come to nothing â—is and the like is not a giving glory unto God And so a root of unbelief springs up in the heaâ—… many whereby they are defiled For there are in â—… last days many infidels in heart who say Where iâ— promise of his coming for since the Fathers fell aslâ—… things continue as they were since the beginning of the â—…tion And so there are many who although they profess Christianity partly to conform to the faâ—… and custom of the Country they live in or for seâ— ends or to provide for and against the doubtful uncertâ—… if they be of the more considering sort yet they dâ—… the main disbeleive the truth of Revealed Religion But all these do err not knowing the Scripture and pâ—… of God nor yet the way and manner of the dispenâ—… on of his Kingdom towards us Men for they do know throughly how that God doth prove the faiâ—… Mankind all one as the manners of Mankind As he prove them to know what is in their heart whether they keep his Commandments or no Deut. 8. 2. So he â—… Hide his face from them to see what their end shall be they are a very froward generation Children in whom â—… faith Deut. 32. 20. So he doth prove them likewise whiâ—… they will give any credence to his word which saith shall be so but in the mean while God orders and fers it to be so on set purpose that seemingly conâ—… and unexpected events happen and fall out So thâ—… meer natural Man would be apt to think and say it never be so as the word and promise of God saiâ— shall be Examples hereof are common in Scripture So it in the case of Abraham to whom Jsaac was promâ—… in his old Age that Sarah his Wife laughed at the likelihood thereof for which she received a check reproof from the Angel who brought the messagâ—… any thing
which they suffer to go and proceed no farther not to bring forth fruit unto Death as they would if they were not hindred and restrained and if care was not taken against them For when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth Death But in unregenerate people these motions of sins do break forth into outward act and Lust in them goes forward and conceives and brings forth sin and sin in them is finished and bringeth forth Death and involves them into ruin of Body and destruction of Soul As for instance in the Regenerate it is concupiscence or a little inward Lust which they are sure to let go no farther but in the Unregenerate the same concupiscence issues forth into Lasciviousness Uncleanness Fornication and Adultery Even in the Regenerate concupiscence is sin this being one kind of those motions of sins the Apostle speaks of 〈◊〉 Rom. 7. And it is one on those secret faults which David Psal 19. 12. Prayes to be cleansed from and also one of â—ose Secret sins which God doth set in the light of his countenaâ—e and which he will bring into Judgement Do ye think â—…at the Scripture saith in vain the Spirit that dwelleth in 〈◊〉 lusteth to envy the Apostle speaks in behalf of himself and of the other Regenerate for in truth there are â—…en in them Lustings and tendencies to envy and hatred â—hich in Unconverted people do break forth into actual â—…nvy and Hatred And so there is likewise in the Reâ—nerate motions and inclinations lustings and tendâ—…cies to almost all manner of sin and evil to gluttoâ—… and drunkenness a longing after the Fleshpots of Aegyâ—… and a secret inward liking of them by the fleshly corâ—…pt Nature and by the old Man but still and along â—…ey prevent that they do not come forth into the seveâ—…l acts of Sin to which again way is given by sinners â—…d the Children of disobedience Nevertheless it is the will of God and accordingly â—s word which is very pure doth direct it so That his â—hildren and Servants should strive and sincerely enâ—eavour what they can Cursed is he that doth the work of â—…e Lord deceitfully Against all these motions of sins that are in our members and against these inclinations evil and against the inward lusting and tendency transgression The Commandment of God is not only this wise Cease to evil but extends farther Abstain frâ—… all appearance of evil Which takes in all the occasioâ— beginnings enticements and tendencies to evil 〈◊〉 as he which hath called you is Holy so be ye Holy all manner of conversation Now there being in God motions to sin nor inclinations to evil it being Im 〈…〉 sible for God to lye or to commit sin or evil it follows certain consequence that we can never obey and 〈◊〉 fil this his Commandment of being Holy as he is Holy 〈◊〉 we get utterly rid off and clear from these motions sins and inclinations to evil and yet we should whatever we can that we may partake of his Holinesâ— we would partake of his blessedness for without Holiâ—… no Man shall see the Lord. Again it is Commanded Stand in aw and sin not 〈◊〉 the word of God doth not rest there as only to proâ—… against the outward act of sin but it goes yet farâ—… Mortifie therefore your members that are upon the Earth 〈◊〉 if the members are mortified upon the Earth then there no motions of sins in these members according to 〈◊〉 other Scriptures witness If Christ be in you than i 〈…〉 Body dead because of sin or as to sin Now again 〈◊〉 certain that in a dead Body there are no motions of 〈◊〉 at all and it being the will of God that Christ 〈◊〉 be formed in us Little Children of whom I travail in 〈◊〉 till Christ be formed in you And except Christ be in yâ—… are reprobates it follows therefore that we should be 〈◊〉 as to sin and then also we should have no motions sins in us in which sence also it is that the Apostle 〈◊〉 I dye daily That is he did dye daily unto sin He not only cease from the outward act of sin but also had less and less motion and inclination to sin unt 〈…〉 length he had no motion nor inclination to it at which is like dying continually untill one is actu 〈…〉 dead For as than life goes away and lessens by liâ—… and little so in such not only the acts but the ha 〈…〉 bit also yea the Life and Power of Sin goeth and â—isheth away until it becomes none at all This is be diligent that is by still labouring and endeavour 〈…〉 after it until we attain it That we may be found â—…m in peace without spot and blameless 2 Pet. 3. 14. God 〈◊〉 his people in Hosea 8. 5. How long will it be ere they â—…in to innocency Which though it be long and he exâ—…s much before they arrive unto it yet at length â—…e of his Peculiar people Redeemed from all iniquity after much labour and endeavour first had and used â—…rds it attain to that measure and degree of inâ—…ncy till they become Israelites indeed in whom is no 〈◊〉 and they arrive unto that state in this life for â—…ven must be begun here though it be perfected and â—ummated hereafter to which God shall add and annex â—he highest Heavens that in their mouth was found no 〈◊〉 for they are without fault before the Throne of God 〈◊〉 die unto sin and to be alive again unto God to â—ur after till we actually attain unto Holiness and â—…cency of Life is one main part of doing and fini 〈…〉 that work which God sent us on this Earth to do subdue the Power and Acts yea the very motions inclinations to sin and to root out utterly as far possible the corrupt Nature For flesh and blood shall not â—it the Kingdom of God neither shall in any wise enter â—in any thing that defileth As aforesaid Heaven must â—egun here in us if we will enter into Heaven here 〈…〉 And in order to that this is our business and 〈◊〉 which God sent us on this Earth for to do By â—ing together with his grace to labour and endeavour â—ever we can that we may become meet to be par 〈…〉 of the inheritance of the Saints in light His word therefore given to Build us up and give us an inheri 〈…〉 amongst all them which are sanctified and to make 〈◊〉 a people prepared for the Lord. This work we are â—o and finish By the help of the same word our â—s are to become ready a people prepared for â—ord And while they went to buy the Bridegroom came they that were ready Observe that went in with him 〈◊〉 marriage and the door was shut We are to be ready and prepared against what time God shall call a summon us to appear before himself Like as the s 〈…〉 of the Earth grow on till they become ripe and
THE Great Useful and Blessed DUTY OF A Contentment Willingness and Desire TO DIE Set forth upon true and assured Grounds in several Discourses on these following Scriptures Lord now lettest thou thy Servant depart in Peace according to thy word For mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation Luke 2. 29 30. Into thine hand I commit my Spirit Thou hast Redeemed me O Lord God of truth Psal 31. 5. I have glorified thee on the Earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do John 17. 4. By RICHARD STAFFORD A Servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ Recommended as more proper and Beneficial to be given at Funerals than Gloves or Rings LONDON Printed and are to be sold by the Book-sellers of London and Westminster 1700. Lord now lettest thou thy Servant depart in Peace according to thy Word For mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation Luke 2. 29 30. FRom these Words I shall treat through God's Assistance and according to the Knowledge given me O continue thy loving kindness to them that know thee and thy Righteousness to the upright in heart of our contentment and willingness to Die or depart from off this Earth Why Is there any need to perswade or exhort People to a Willingness and Desire to surrender back their Spirits unto the God who gave them This seems to be but what is Natural and Reasonable Yet still there is a reluctancy and backwardness in our Spirits to do this because the Spirit is conscious of having offended God and is afraid to meet with him Angry or as a God that â—aketh Vengeance And therefore until this same God is perfectly Reconciled unto and at Peace with her and he is sensible and assured thereof the Soul must needs be affraid and backward to come and appear before him A diversity is to be observed when it is written Into thine hand I commit my Spirit Thou hast redeemed me O Lord God of Truth The Psalmist doth not here say Thou hast Created me O Lord God of Truth Though indeed this is true yet that is not altogether so satisfying 〈◊〉 Reason for him to willingly commit his Spirit into God's Hand as the consideration of his having Redeemed him is Because that by Nature we are the Children of Wrath as well as others and we are shapen in Iniquity and in Sin doth our Mother conceive us So that until this same Sin and Iniquity which is the Object of God's Hatred Displeasure and Punishment be done away and we are Redeemed from it for by his Redeeming us we are in a state of Reconcilation again as this is God's Act also as well as of Creating us we are not meet and consequently there cannot be a Willingness upon good and true Grounds to give up our Spirits unto God or to say with old Simeon in the Text Lord now lettest thou thy Servant depart in Peace Even this old Simeon though he had already lived long on this Earth yet he would not have been so contented and desirous to have departed out of it unless he was to depart in Peace Not to depart generally as most People do in doubt fear and trouble but to depart in Peace If we could have our choice and it were so in our power as to be Immortal here and never to Die as for my part I should desire and pray unto God either to depart in Peace or not to depart at all Foâ—… as it is said of the Son of Perdition It would have been good for him if he had never been Born so it may be here affirmed of those who do not depart in Peace It would be good for them not to depart or not to dye at all Not but that some may go off disturbedly and yet go off safely The Soul may be sometimes in a state of Peace and yet not be sensible thereof Who feareth thâ— Lord and obeyeth the voice of his Servant and yet walketh in darkness and have no light Isa 50. 10. But when one hath true and assured Grounds of Departing in Peace as Simeon here had there one may pray and appeal to God for him to let our Soul depart from the Body What were those true and assured Grounds which Simeon had of departing in Peace They are contained in the following Verse For mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation From hence it appears that the true and assured Groundâ— for which any one is willing and contented to Dye is Because he hath seen the Salvation of God or for the committing our Spirit into the Hand of God is Because he hath Redeemed us Now to see the Salvation of God or for God to Redeem us do amount to near one and the same thing As it is written The Kingdom of God cometh not with Observation in the Margent there it is with outward shew Neither shall they say Lo here or Lo there for beâ—old the Kingdom of God is within you So here it may be reasoned and supposed The Salvation of God is not outward nor yet cometh with Observation but the Salvation of God is within us It is wrought and accomplished within us And thou shalt call his Name Jeâ—us for he shall save his People from their Sins Mat. 1. 21. Who is a Prince and a Saviour and the Author of Eâ—ernal Salvation to all that obey him and the Salvation of God As to all this Christ is no otherwise a Saviour â—r doth save us or is the Salvation of God than as he â—oth save us from our Sins and turn us from our â—aiquities For this is laying the Ax to the Root of â—…e Tree and digging to the very Ground-work and â—oundation because that only by reason of Sin we beâ—…me liable and obnoxious to Death Misery and Punishment So that by certain and necessary Consequence 〈◊〉 we are saved from Sin then also we are saved from â—eath Misery and Punishment Hence again appears that this is the Salvation of God to save us from our Sins â—nd to save us from the Guilt and Corruption of our â—ature from whence these same Sins do proceed forth and so in those many places of Scripture where Salvation belongeth unto our God and is ascribed unto him 〈◊〉 he is called the God of Salvation there it is meant of â—…ving us from our Sins Where he saves from our Eâ—…mies Sin is the greatest Enemy for 't is Sin in such a â—…an or Woman which only makes him or her to be our â—nemy Thou hast led captivity captive Psal 68. 18. that 〈◊〉 God hath led Sin and Corruption which doth inâ—lve the Children of Men in Captivity Captive by 〈◊〉 having received gifts for Men. And then it follows â—lessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with Benefits and â—…imating thereby that to be saved from our Sins or to â—…d that Captive which before held us in Captivity is 〈◊〉 greatest Benefit And then it follows Even the God of our Salvation Selah He that is our God is the God of Salvation and unto
the Commandments of God or according to the decree and appointment of God this is a glorifying God and God is Glorifyed thereby When Christ his only begotten Son came to taste of that bitter Cup he saith Now is my Father glorified but for this hour came I into the World In the divers kinds of Death some are more shameful and painful then others as to be hanged on a Gallows or Gibbet or to be nailed on the Cross is more shameful and painful than to dye of a common Disease in our Bed yet from hence it follows that as Jesus Christ our Lord and forerunner was made a curse of God for us as cursed is every one that hangeth on a Tree And as himself who suffered for us leaving us an example that we should follow his steps did herein undergo both the pain and the shame therefore the more painful and shameful the Death is provided always that it be in a way of duty and in obedience unto or keeping the Commandments of God So much the more God is glorified thereby Which consideration if it be throughly weighed in our minds should make us earnestly desire Martyrdom and not to be afraid of or decline from it Hence it follows that to take up the Cross yea to take up the Cross daiâ—y saith Christ He that taketh not up the Cross daily â—annot be my Disciple Which is to cross and do conâ—rary to our Natural Inclinations this also is a gloriâ—ying God and God is so much the more glorified According as so much the more the Cross is taken up From hence again it follows on the contrary that where a thing is easie and customary God is not alâ—ogether so much glorified thereby To go on in a course of outward and perfunctory Worship when the Worshippers at the same time commit Sin Iniquity Transâ—ression and Hypocrisy God is not at all glorified â—hereby yea he is rather dishonoured according to â—hat is written Thou that makest thy boast of the law â—hrough breaking of the law dishonourest thou God For the â—ame of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you â—s it is written Rom. 2 23. 24 And when they entred â—nto the heathen whither they went they prophaned my holy â—ame when they said to them these are the people of the â—ord and are gone forth out of his land Ezek. 36. 20. And so Hypocritical Worshippers give great occasion as Nathan told David he did by his Sins of Adultery and â—urther to the Enemies of the Lord to Blaspheme By giviâ—g occasion to the lewd and prophane sort or to the â—eople of the World to cry out and say these be your â—eligions who do such abominable and evil things â—nd it gives occasion to think as if the God whom â—hey pretend and outwardly seem to Worship and serve â—ere altogether such as themselves Psal 50. 21. Or as 〈◊〉 his Commandments which are Holy just and good â—nd Religion did teach and allow them to do such evil â—nd shameful things And many shall follow their perniâ—ous ways by Reason of whom the way of truth shall be Evil â—oken of 2 Pet. 2. 2. In verse 14. They are called curâ—d Children as indeed cursed are all they that err from â—is Commandments Instead of bringing glory unto God â—s they would seem by their outward Worship like â—em that bended the knee and cryed hail Master and yet crucified him so do these Crucifie the Lord of Gloâ— afresh and put him to an open shame Of such it is said What judgment of a long timâ— lingreth not and their damnaâ—… on slumbreth not Hypocrites are ranked in their coâ—demnation before unbelievers Said Jesus Christ who to be judge of all the Earth and therefore knows hoâ—… it will go at the last day Give him his Portion with Hâ—… pocrites and unbelievers Now an Hypocrite is one who outwardly Worshiâ—… God whereby he seems to be Religious and yet at â—… same time lives in the continued breach of his Coâ—… mandments Like as a stage Player acts the Person another then really himself is Even so the Hypocâ—… acts the Person of another for he seems Religious his constant outward Worship and to be an obediâ—… Servant of God when in truth he is neither If Man among you seemeth to be Religious and bridleth his Tongue but deceiveth his own Heart A true scription of an Hypocrite for none deceives his oâ—… Heart so much as he For such take up the outwâ—… Profession out of some hope to go to Heaven when tâ—… will not as well as to get credit and Reputation amoâ—… Men That Mans Religion is vain James 1. 26 Sâ—… may be applied and reasoned as to the neglect or â—… ure in any other duty For all their seeming to be â—…ligious this or that Mans Religion is vain And for his seeming to be an obedient Servant of the Lâ—… God when he despiseth his Word and Commandmâ—… and when he doth according to his own will and â—…mour any Law or Ordinance of God to the contâ—… notwithstanding when he transgresseth this or that â—…cept according as his pleasure or profit swayes and â—…clines him Even knowing and understanding Men â—… plainly see and discern his Hypocrisy and Dissimulaâ—… herein much more will the alwise God who is a Goâ— knowledge and by him actions are weighed Who searâ—… the Heart and tryes the Reins to render unto every â—… according to his ways and according to the fruit oâ—…doings Men may yea they do deceive their own sâ—… and others also But they can never deceive God â—… â—…o the alwise God will never be imposed upon as if â—…ch did serve and Honour him notwithstanding all â—…eir outward Pretences who do in truth dishonour him â—nd make his name polluted and evil thought of and â—…il spoken of among the Heathen or ungodly sort of â—ankind I have heard it related concerning the Turks that then they have promised a thing if they are asked to â—…nfirm it further by writing they will answer with â—…dignation Do ye think that I am a Christian to falsify â—… word that I must be forced to perform it by giving somewhat â—…derhand For they observe more truth and just dealing between Man and Man when it is only by word of mouth â—…en many called Christians but worse then heathen and â—…fidels in practice for many who name the name of â—rist will falsify their word and bond also when it â—… in their power so to do Which seems to be to the utter â—ame and reproach of Christianity it self but rather it is â—… the utter shame and reproach of such false pretenâ—ers to Christianity Such who wrongfully take upon â—…emselves the name of Christians do make the name â—… Christ the Lord of Glory evil spoken of amongst 〈…〉 e Turks and unbelievers and it carries a suspicion â—… if the God and Christ whom they seem outwardly â—… serve and worship did teach and allow them in â—…ch falshood and unjust dealing which the soul of â—od hates
too hard for the Lord And so it waâ— to the promise of God increasing his seed and bâ—… ing them into the Land of Canaan when they weâ—… danger to be murdere and destroyed in their birth in 〈…〉 pt and afterwards when they were pursued by Phâ—… and his Host and were in peril to be all drowneâ— the Red Sea and then many of their carkases fell in â—… â—ilderness Yet for all these seemingly contrary events â—od did at length perform and fulfill all his words â—hich he had spoken unto Abraham Throughout the â—…hty ninth Psalm are recited up many particular coveâ—…nts and promises which God made to David and his â—…ed And therein also is summed up a seeming breach â—…d failure of all those several Covenants and Promises that one might be tempted to think how could â—…vid believe God for all these For even himself did â—… out Lord where are thy former loving kindnesses â—…ch thou swarest unto David in thy truth Remember â—…d the reproach of thy Servants and how I do bear in â—… bosom the reproach of all the mighty people wherewith thine â—…mies have reproached O Lord wherewith they have slander 〈…〉 the footsteps of thine anointed Intimating thereby that â—… enemies of the Lord were apt to reproach and obâ—… unto his Servants How was he a God of truth â—…he did fail so in his promises which he had sworn to David in his truth And how was he a good God â—…e did not continue all his former loving kindnesses â—…twithstanding this reproach of his enemies Yet David â—… all this was satisfied in his heart yea and he did beâ—…e that God would perform all his Covenant which â—… hath done since he is now a doing and will form unto his seed for evermore Thus much may be â—…hered from that form of praise wherewith that whole â—…m is concluded Blessed be the Lord for evermore Aâ—… and Amen A double Ratification thereof and â—…ch is as much as if David was resolved to bless God â—… let his enemies reproach and say what they would â—nother Instance hereof we have in the same David â—… when it was told unto him by Samuel How that â—… day he should be King over all Israel he did afterâ—ds so distrust and dis-believe it because of the then â—kelihood thereof as to say in his haste all men are Liars â—…ch must extend also even to Samuel the Prophet of the â—…d Again when he saith My soul fainteth for thy Salâ—on but I hope in thy word Mine eyes fail for thy Salvation â—… for the word of thy Righteousness Psal 119. 81. â—… By Phrasing it on this wise it seems as if God did â—…ay or neglect to perform his Word and bring about his Salvation and yet for all this the Man after Goâ—… own Heart did hope in his Word Again the Propâ—… Jeremiah saith boldly unto God Wilt thou altogether mâ—… me a liar unto this People and as Waters that fail 〈◊〉 had sent him to foretell the Jews capitivity but aâ—… he had made known this his message the people â—… not give so much heed and belief to it as they shouâ—… and partly through the delay of time between â—… also the prophet himself saw no great outward like li 〈…〉 thereof that he cryed out on this wise But at leâ—… The Lord hath done that which he had devised he hath ful 〈…〉 his word that he had commanded in the days of old 〈◊〉 2. 17. Not to multiply many more instances of this kâ—… after that Christ had foretold When ye shall see Jeâ—… lem compassed with armies then know that the deso 〈…〉 thereof draweth nigh Luke 21. 20. It was so long â—…fore that was throughly fulfilled even forty years â—… Christ's death that many were apt to say in their hâ—… in the mean while Where is the promise of his coâ—… yea when Titus Vespatian first invested Jerusalem witâ—… Armies he went off again So that this word seem to be falsified but it was not falsified â—… came on a second time and than was accompâ—… the total and entire desolation thereof We ought as firmly to believe that all Scriptuâ—… true as that there is a God or that Jesus Christ â—… Saviour of Mankind for if we believe that God â—… his visible works of Creation do declare then wâ—… to believe also that this God is true and than oâ—… quently that all Scripture is true seeing that all 〈…〉 pture is given by inspiration of God And al 〈…〉 perhaps at first we may not know how to reconciâ—… truth of several parts and places of Scripture with common and daily events of the world or witâ—… lives and manners of the people yet this is our â—… ance and infirmity for if we did seek out of the Bâ—… the Lord and read and if we did understand throuâ—… we should find and perceive that whatsoever is â—… done on the Earth by all and the several Inhabâ—… â—…eof It is all but a fulfilling of the â—ame word and â—…gs do so and so come to pass that the Scriptures â—…t be fulfilled Acts 3 18. And those things that God â—… aforeshewed by the mouth of all his Prophets by â—…st and his Apostles He hath so fulfilled is at this day â—…ulfilling and he will fulfill to the end of time as â—… greater things are yet to come and as yet to be fulâ—…d And whereas it is so ordered of set purpose by alwise God that several things happen out â—…ch seem perplex and hard to be understood this is to â—…e our faith therein and if we hold out and retain â—… faith nevertheless then it is a giving glory unto God â—…e have his word and promise for it then the more â—… believe in hope against hope it is yet the more giving â—… unto God For if in things to be believed there was â—… manner of doubt or unlikelihood what reward hath To be strong in faith doth glorifie God So on the contrary â—…elief doth dishonour him wherefore take heed of unâ—…ef which notwithstanding the outward profession â—he Gospel is very common amongst Men. There is â—…ot of unbelief growing in the hearts of unregeneâ—… people and there is also a mixture or rather a tinâ—…e thereof in the hearts of the Regenerate Sometimes â—… in them are little questionings within themselves â—…ther these things are so and sometimes little â—…bts that they are not which cometh to pass because the little likelihood that sometimes appears in the â—n while that they ever will be so which is to prove â—… faith â—…s to obey God and keep his Commandments is to â—…ifie him So to believe on him and his word is to â—…ifie him likewise The several acts of faith do give â—…y unto God yea when we believe his word althoâ—… it seems against common reason and the outward â—…ability of things in the mean while yet here still believe and be fully perswaded that for all this there â—…ll be yet an expected end this is to be strong in â—…th and to
give so much the more glory unto God We may learn another kind of glorifying God from that â—soning of our Saviour Jesus Christ For if ye love them that love you what reward have ye Do not even the Puâ—… cans the same And if ye salute your brethren only 〈◊〉 do ye more than others do not even the Publicans so And 〈◊〉 that reasoning of the Apostle For this is thank worâ—… if a man for conscience towards God endure grief suffer wrongfully For what glory is it if when ye be buffeted for 〈◊〉 faults ye take it patiently but if when ye do well and 〈◊〉 fer for it this is acceptable with God If ye be reproached for name of Christ happy are ye for the spirit of Glory and God resteth upon you on their part he is evil spoken of 〈◊〉 on your part he is glorified From all this may be understood that to do those things which are not commâ—…ly done by other Men or what is more than other 〈◊〉 will do or to submit our selves to present pain 〈◊〉 inconveniency when we do not deserve it but 〈◊〉 wrongfully inflicted on us provided always that 〈◊〉 happens to us as we are in a way of duty and 〈◊〉 for our obedience unto the Commandments of 〈◊〉 then indeed this and the like is a glorifying of Gâ—… This of suffering wrongfully or to suffer when we do well a kind of taking up the Cross and it is a going 〈◊〉 and contrary to our Natural inclinations which as forementioned is an instance of glorifying God Wâ—… doth not only consist in the bare pain and inconvenieâ—… that the poor Creature endures He doth not afflict 〈◊〉 lingly nor grieve the Children of men But it is in the doâ—… of and obedience unto the Commandments of Gâ—… That is when I had rather meet with trouble and irksâ—ness to my Fleshly Nature as I am in the service the Lord God then avoid the same trouble or irksoâ—ness by my neglecting and not doing of it For annexing of Trouble Pain Loss or Inconvenieâ—… which we sometimes meet with in our performing 〈◊〉 keeping of them God doth hereby the more effectuâ—… prove Mankind to know what is in their heart whiâ—… they will keep his Commandments or no. For to meâ—… on here a like Reasoning to that of our Saviour 〈◊〉 Christ if in keeping the Commandments of God it 〈◊〉 all Smoothness and Ease and Pleasure and Agreeableâ—… to our Nature what reward have ye Do not even â—…â—…licans and Sinners of their owns they manage and 〈◊〉 ease and pleasure and what is it but herein they 〈◊〉 gratifying the Flesh And how wo an a Liar For â—…g more than others for do not even thâ—ice concernâ—… all Mankind so And consequently what his Reliâ—…ven unto God by such a kind of life or to do 〈◊〉 it is â—…gs as these for even Beasts do those things which by nâ—…ure and Sense they are led unto But to do things â—…e the common level of Mankind or to Do more then â—…s as in enduring grief suffering wrongfully when â—…is is in keeping and doing the Commandments of 〈◊〉 and the like is a giving glory unto God 〈◊〉 the several things which have been afore spoken may be instructed how we may glorify God here on 〈◊〉 It must be in keeping of and doing the Comâ—…dments of God for otherwise instead of vainly and 〈◊〉 thinking to glorify him it may be said to us at the 〈◊〉 Who hath required these things at your hands But if â—o indeed glorify God here on Earth according to directions and intimations aforegiven then which â—…ld quicken stir up and actually perswade us to inâ—…ly and constantly set about the glorifying God here 〈◊〉 Earth It will be a most comfortable review and â—…ing back to each of us just as we are going off from stage of this Earth if we have the Testimony of Conscience according to truth that we have gloriâ—… God on the Earth or that any Glory Honour and â—…se hath been given and ascribed unto God through â—…y means of any of us Hath thy Life and converâ—…n and thy Deeds done in the Body and so have mine â—…fied God our Creator By having been so ordered â—…managed by us that when Men did see our good â—…s our Faith Obedience and Patience they did â—eason of them Glorify our Father which is in Heaven â—…mine and Prove your selves herein Hast thou and thou and so do ye ask your selves Have I and have â—…rified God at all in my past life And according â—he answer of your several consciences are if some â—ou have done it a little others perhaps of ye have done it at all but certainly none of ye have done it so much as ye might have done it nor yet so mucâ— such of you who are enlightened and Spiritually 〈◊〉 derstanding do wish that ye had done In the namâ— God then and for his Glory do it more for the timâ—… come during the few and evil days remaining of 〈◊〉 several Pilgrimages here on Earth As ye have been 〈◊〉 Instructed from the Scriptures of truth how ye 〈◊〉 to walk and glorify God We beseech you Brethrenâ—… exhort you by the Lord Jesus Christ that ye would abound 〈◊〉 in more and more For this will be indeed a Câ—… Consolation to ye severally when ye come to tast 〈◊〉 bitterness of Death it will be as so much Wine miâ—… with that Gall if ye can towards the shutting up of 〈◊〉 days make this appeal in truth unto God and Sing Song for it is all rejoycing and comfort as Christ forerunner the First born amongst many Brethren did 〈◊〉 herein also left us an ensample that we should fâ—… his steps I have glorified thee on the Earth I have fâ—… the work which thou gavest me to do Proceed we now to handle these last words I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do This Work in the general is the Working out of our S 〈…〉 tion which or the thing signified thereby is often 〈◊〉 Scripture called a work Now the Scripture speakâ— and according to truth for it was given by inâ—…tion of God who is alwise and alknowing and for 〈◊〉 it is impossible to lie From hence it may be pâ—…able to observe how that the multitude of people and ward Worshippers go upon a gross Errour and miâ—… which is very dangerous hereby Satan acting wiâ—… deceivableness in them that perish for they thinâ— practice accordingly as if Religion and the serviâ—… God through which people are to save their Souls 〈◊〉 get to Heaven was no Work but only a customaâ—… side thing which they make not much more of thâ—… cording to form and fashion talk and discourse 〈◊〉 a thing which they have been bred up and used unto themselves observe it accordingly for they implâ—… â—…rk or labour therein and as they manage and â—…der the matter they find none in it but herein they â—…eatly err Let God be true and every Man a Liar For â—…wever
fit their Masters use So it is accordingly expected 〈◊〉 us that we work together with his Grace and Sp 〈…〉 which would work in us mightily if we do not rebel 〈◊〉 vex his Holy Spirit that we may become meet re 〈…〉 prepared fit and ripe for God the great proprietou 〈…〉 our Souls who gathereth them up to himself He b 〈…〉 the Father of Spirits and accordingly the faithful speak Into thine hand I commit my Spirit That they 〈◊〉 become also when our Bodies drop into the grave shock of Corn in its season That when it is slipt 〈◊〉 dislodged from the Body it may be such as himself spe 〈…〉 of Behold mine Elect in whom my Soul delighteth 〈◊〉 42. 1. Or which is to the same benefit or significat 〈…〉 for the Lord Jesus who is the Son of God to say 〈◊〉 ye Blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for from the foundation of the World What comfortable w 〈…〉 are here We would unless we be such fools as not to k 〈…〉 the worth thereof give Thousands of Rams and ten T 〈…〉 sand Rivers of oyl yea all we have in the world for assurance thereof But though Rich people have the vantage as to this world they have none as to the wâ—… to come for the corruptible things of Gold and Sâ—… We were not Redeemed by these but by the precious Blood of Lamb of God will not purchase Heaven nor yet pr 〈…〉 the favour of God Which is to be had by no 〈◊〉 way then that of Obedience and Holiness Obey my 〈◊〉 and live An Holy God loves an Holy Soul For thâ—… fore it was that God speaks this of Jesus Christ Behold Servant whom I uphold Mine elect in whom my Soul del 〈…〉 eth Because he than knew from the beginning 〈◊〉 his Son Jesus Christ would finish the work that God 〈◊〉 him to do as Christ makes the return thereof thâ—… had finished it Wherefore when he cometh into world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not a Body hast thou prepared me In burnt offerings and Sâ—… fices for Sin thou hast had no pleasure than said I Lo 〈◊〉 In the volume of the Book it is written of me Tâ—… will O God From which and many other places of â—…pture it may be truly Reasoned that God hath not much pleasure in outward acts of Worship neiâ—…r doth he so much insist upon and require them I 〈◊〉 not reprove thee for thy Sacrifices or thy burnt offerings have been continually before me as in the doing his will â—…is is the chief thing which God requires of Man Hath 〈◊〉 Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and Sacri 〈…〉 as in obeying the voice of the Lord Behold to obey is 〈…〉 r than Sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of Rams â—ow this is true Christianity to imitate Christ For as was the first Born amongst many Brethren so he â—…self saith I have given you an example that you should 〈◊〉 I have done Seeing therefore that Christ did all which 〈◊〉 his Father sent him about and finished his work 〈◊〉 did his will So we ought also severally as we his Creatures but more especially as we profess our â—…es to be the Servants of God For his Servants shall â—e him Do all which he sends us about on this Earth 〈◊〉 finish his Work and do his Will all the days of our 〈◊〉 For 't is not sufficient to be good or godly for a seaâ—… but the promise is To them who by patient continu 〈…〉 in well doing seek for Glory and Honour and Immorta 〈…〉 Eternal Life that towards the end of this present 〈◊〉 we may also make the like comfortable return unto 〈◊〉 I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do 〈◊〉 the other Blessed consequent may be also And now 〈◊〉 I to thee â—o him that shall hear or Read these lines the word â—exhortation saith Go thou and do likewise Be upon 〈◊〉 and finishing the work which God gave thee on 〈◊〉 Earth for to do and finish For if this should be â—…ected Wo unto us for the day goeth away for the shadows â—he Evening are stretched out Thou nor yet I know 〈◊〉 little sand there is the Glass of our life as yet to 〈◊〉 out A great deal of our life is past and the day Immortality is at hand The night is far spent let us â—efore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the â—our of light I say again Be upon the finishing part your work endeavour to have them polished and compleat The Church of Sardis was admonished Be watâ—… ful and strengthen the things which remain that are reâ—… to dye for I have not found thy works perfect before Gâ—… Now this finding fault doth instruct us on the other haâ—… that we should have our works perfect before God which we do endeavour with all our Heart and with all our Sâ—… and all our might God himself will perfect and add uâ— it untill it become acceptable in his sight Being confidâ—… of this very thing that whatever good work he hath beguâ—… any of you he will perform it untill the day of the Lord â—…s And again it is written Lord thou wilt ordain 〈◊〉 for us For thou also hast wrought all our works in us 〈◊〉 der which word peace the things that belong to our pe 〈…〉 are comprehended and included even future Salva 〈…〉 and Glory Who are kept by the power of God thr 〈…〉 faith unto Salvation ready to be revealed in the last tiâ—… Receiving the end of your faith even the Salvation of 〈◊〉 Souls I do hereby exhort the people of this my Gener 〈…〉 on and Country to be upon the finishing part of yâ—… work which God hath given you severally on the E 〈…〉 for to do For so an entrance shall be ministred unto abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord Saviour Jesus Christ Wherefore I will not be negligent to you always in Remembrance of these things though ye 〈◊〉 them and be established in the present truth Yea I think it 〈◊〉 as long as I am in this Tabernacle to stir you up by putting yoâ— Remembrance knowing that shortly I must put off this my â—…bernacle even as our Lord Jesus Christ who is the word of Gâ—… hath shewed me Moreover I will endeavour for which saâ—… reason I desire that this profitable Book of a contentâ—… and willingness to dye may be Printed and Published 〈◊〉 you may be able after my decease to have these things always remembrance And seeing that it is but a very little while fore that I shall certainly depart of from the Stage of 〈◊〉 Earth I commend you to God and to the word of his grâ—… which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritanâ—… mong all them which are Sanctified I commend you also the teaching of the Spirit Lord evermore give us this Brâ—… Lord evermore give us the teaching of thy
Spirit anointing which we have received of him abideth you and ye need not that any Man teach you But as same Anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth and is lye and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him â—nd now little Children abide in him that when he shall apâ—…r we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him 〈◊〉 his coming As the Apostle said I am determined know nothing among ye but Jesus Christ and him cruciâ—… So for my part I am determined and purposed 〈◊〉 pray God to enable me that herein I may turn my â—…poses into performances and to pay my vows to the most â—hest To turn ouer a new leaf and during the few 〈◊〉 evil days remaining of my Pilgrimage to serve God 〈◊〉 more diligently and earnestly and constantly in the â—…nistry than I have heretofore and to finish that part of 〈◊〉 Ministry which I have received and to testifie the â—…spel of the grace of God to the people of this Geneâ—…ion For I assuredly know that a dying hour will come â—…d I sensibly feeling within my self a fear of Death â—…ich doth hence arise either because I live in some reâ—ved or known sin or I leave some duty undone which â—ought to do So that the way to take off and remove â—s same fear and bitterness of Death in me is not to â—e in any manner of sin or appearance of evil as far â—…d as often as I apprehend such a thing to be the â—…mmand and will of God that I should do The same applicable to other people also to live in no sin of â—…ission or commission which if we observe accordâ—…gly and finish severally the work which God gave us 〈◊〉 do than at length we shall be ever with the Lord 〈◊〉 receive the reward of so doing Wherefore comfort â—…e marginal reading is exhort one another with these â—ords 1 Thes 4. 18. 〈◊〉 Christ did finish the work which God the Father gave â—…n to do as he took upon himself to be the Saviour and â—edeemer of Mankind and as he was the mediatour beâ—…een God and Man and as he executed that threefold â—…ffice of King Priest and Prophet Yet have I set my â—ing upon the Holy Hill of Zion Psal 2. 6. The Lord hath â—…orn and will not repent Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech Psal 110. 4. For Moses truly saâ— unto the Fathers a Prophet shall the Lord God raise up unâ—… you of your Brethren like unto me him shall ye hear in all thinâ—… whatsoever he shall say unto you Acts 3. 22. This Peter did a 〈…〉 ply unto Christ and as Christ did perform and finiâ—… these three several Offices he did finish the work thâ—… God gave him to do Wherefore himself said on the Croâ—… It is finished That is so much and that part of the woâ—… which God had given him on this Earth for to do anâ— finish he did finish accordingly But as to his deliveâ—… ing up the Kingdom to the Father and as to his sitting 〈◊〉 the right hand of God making intercession for us thâ—… is not finished as yet nor will be finished until the enâ— of the world when time shall be no longer What kind of work it was which Christ did finish we maâ—… gather and understand from what himself aftervvards dâ—… clares I have manifested thy name unto the Men which thâ—… gavest me out of the world For I have given unto them 〈◊〉 words which thou gavest unto me and they have received theâ— John 17. 6 8. This Christ did as he was a Prophet 〈◊〉 Preacher From whence we may gather and observâ— that to manifest the name of God to people out of thâ— World and to make known the words which Goâ— first gave unto us is the best and most excellent woâ—… that one can be imployed in And however other peopâ—… are busied Martha Martha thou art careful and troublâ— about many things but one thing is needful Yet that 〈◊〉 the best employment and the best business which haâ— relation immediately to God himself and is about thâ— things partaining to endless Life And this is life eternâ—… that they might know thee the only true God and Jâ—… sus Christ whom thou hast sent From hence again it aâ—… pears that to manifest or make God known or to Puâ—… lish those words which contain the knowledge of Goâ— is the best of Works and Employments Verily thâ—… art a God that hidest thy self O God of Israel the Savioâ—… And many times we lose the sence of him Noâ— what brings to the sight or rather apprehension of him or what reneweth the knowledge of him this is thâ— one thing needful for the Children of Men for in thâ— â—nowledge of God all their well being doth consist at â—resent and their Life eternal in the world to come â—ow much God himself doth require and is delighted herewith may be understood from what is written For 〈◊〉 desired mercy and not Sacrifice and the knowledge of God â—ore than burnt offerings The world make their Estimate accordingly and think â—hem happy whose Silver and Gold is multiplied or who â—ave fine and plentiful Estates But as the Psalmist â—ith Thou hast put gladness into my heart more than in â—…e Time that their Corn and their Wine increased So I â—ad rather than all those good things to have most of â—…e knowledge of God and the things pertaining to his â—ingdom to have the manifestations of himself otherâ—ise then he manifests himself unto the World to have â—ore of his Heavenly truths Communicated and revealed â—nto me I will praise thee with the Psaltery even thy truth 〈◊〉 my God The Law of thy mouth is better unto me than â—ousands of Gold and Silver I rejoyce at thy word as one â—at findeth great spoil And seeing that the secret of the â—ord is with them that fear him and he revealeth his secret â—nto his Prophets I had therefore rather that his will â—nd secret be revealed unto me than all the mony or â—states of the Earth For these and such like are eâ—…dences of his favour and loving kindness which is â—…tter then life it self in that it reaches and extends Yet â—rther Those who know and apprehend God by Faith â—o as much desire and labour to have the favour of God â—s others do to get Riches and the favour of great Men. â—or the favour of God in this life is a seal and earnest â—f his Salvation in the World to come Who hath also â—aled us and given the Earnest of the Spirit in our hearts Cor. 1. 21. To get retain or recover when lost the favour of God 〈◊〉 a doing and finishing that work which God gave us â—o do For the work we have to do in this life is to â—erve and obey God and to do the things that are pleaâ—…ng in his sight and thus to become reconciled unto â—…im Though God doth hide himself here on Earth from