they would find mercy Prov. 28.13 The wicked must forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and turn to the Lord and then he shall have pardoning mercy abundantly Isa. 55.7 When men cease to do evil and learn to do well then though their sins have been as scarlet they shall be white as snow though they be red like crimson they shall be like woâ—ll Isa. 1.16 17 18. Sinners turn from your evil waies you have done iniquity do so no more you have gone on hitherto in a way of sin proceed no further it is the way to Hell turn out of it Let him that hath stoln steal no more and him that hath been filthy be filthy no more and him that hath been unjust be unjust no more Drunkards forbear your drinking swearers refrain swearing lyars teach your tongues to speak truth Break off your course of sin turn from all gross sins as to the practice and turn from all sins as to the affection Direction 4. You must believe in the Lord Iesus Christ if you would be saved This is the direction which Paul gave to the Jaylor when under conviction of sin he came in to him and cryed What shall I do to be saved he saith to him Believe in the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt be saved Act. 16.30 31. So in Peter's Sermon Act. 10.43 To him gave all the Prophets witness that through his Name whosoever believeth in him should receive remission of sins There is no Saviour but by Christ and there is no salvation by Christ bâ—t by faith and therefore we are said to be saved through faith Ephes. 2.8 As faith is the instrument to apply the merits and righteousness of Jesus Christ. Let me then exhort you to get faith which is absolutely necessary unto salvation Get faith of the right kind there is a general common historical temporary hypocritical dead and ineffectual faith but do you labour after a special lively unfeigned effâ—ctual justifying and saving faith and that you may not be mistaken in this great point on which your salvation doth depend I shall describe that faith which is of the right kind and will certainly save you if you obtain it Faith is a grace wrought in the heart by the Spirit of God whereby a poor sinner being made sensible of the guilt and power of his sins and the utter insufficiency of himself or any creature in the world to give him any help or succour and having in the Gâ—spel a discovery and proffer made unto him of the Lord Iesus Christ as an all sâ—fficient most merciful and faithful Advocate and Saviour doth go quite out of himself and accâ—pt lay hold rely and rest vpon him and him alone for pardon and grace and eâ—erlasting happiness Or more brâ—efly thus Faith is a grace of God wherâ—by the humilâ—d sinner doth accept and rely upon Christ alone for salvation as he is held forth in the Promises of the Gospel If you would attain this grace of Faith take these Directions 1. You must be fully perswaded that the Scriptures which reveal Christ are indeed the word of God this is the foundation of all faith therefore I shall briefly suggest some Arguments to prove the divine Authority of the Scriptures As 1. Because of that majesty purity holinâ—ss heavenliness which doth appâ—ar in the Sâ—râ—ptures beyond all other writings 2. Because of the design and drift of the Scriptures to debase man and exalt God and his glory above all 3. Because of the admirable contexture and contrivance and sweet harmony of the Scriptures in all the parts thereof though written by so many several men in several ages and places which sheweth that they were all acted by the same Spirit of God 4. Because of the wonderfull work of mans Redemption there set forth at fiâ—st more darkly afterwards more clearly which no mortal bâ—ain could have invented much less could any created power have effected 5. Because of the great power which this word hath to convince convert and comfort 6. Because of the confirmation of the Scriptures by miracles 7. Because of the acknowledgement of the Scriptures to be Gods Word in all ages 8. Because of the many millions of Martyrs who have sealed the Truths of the word with their blood 9. Because of the witness of the Spirit in and with the word which doth bear testimony to the hearts of Gods people that the Scriptures are his Word and were indiâ—ed by his Spirit Whence it followeth that the Scriptures are true because God the Author of them is true and cannot lye and whatever is there revealed is as certain as those things which are most demonstrable to sense or reason This is the first step to your believing in Christ who is made known in the Scriptures to believe that the Scriptures are Gods Word 2. If you would attain a saving faith in Christ you must be convinced and fully pâ—rswaded of your lost estate without Christ and your absolute need of him of which before 3. You must be perswaded that it is not in your own power to believe that it is not of your selves but is the gift of God Ephes. 2.8 and therefore must apply your selves to God that he would not only give you his Son but also give you the hand of faith to lay hold on him that he would work in you this grace of faith by his Spirit 4. You must consider those Arguments of Scripture which encourage faith As for instance I shall mention four heads of Arguments for faith from the consideration 1. Of God 2. Of the Promises 3. Of Christ. 4. Of the Saints 1. From the consideration of God who hath given his Son to save sinners it is an encouragement to â—aith to consider 1. That God is mercifull and therefore willing to pardon and save otherwise he would not have sent his Son he doth not delight in the death of sinners Ezek. 18.23 but delighteth to shew mercy see Micah 7.18 19. Exod. 34.6 7. Psal. 103.8 9 c. 2. That God is faithfull in his Promises of salvation which he hath made through his Son in his Covenant of Grace God needed not have made the Covenant nor promised mercy to any sinners but having made the Covenant he is engâ—gâ—d to make it good 3. That it is for his glory to save sinners through his Son the glory of his free grace yea and justice too which hath been fully satisfied by Christs death 2. You have encouraging Arguments for faith from the consideration of the Promises which are 1. Large made to all sorts of persons and all sorts of sinners none are excluded 2. Full they extend to all sorts of sins though never so many and great Isa. 55.7 3. Free nothing is required on your part but accepting 4. Sure being the Promises of God in Christ. 3. You have encouragement to believe in Christ for salvation from the consideration of Christ the proper object of faith 1. The quality of his
own lusts They are blinded and deluded the Devil putteth the greatest cheat upon them and beguileth them worse than children are beguiled of such things that when their eyes are opened at the last and they perceive what they have lost by their sins which the Devil hath drawn them unto and that their loss is irreparable and when they are awakened to feel the pain and torment which the Devil by sin hath brought them unto and they see that now it is unavoidable and though so intollerable yet will be eternall they will then be ready to tear themselves to pieces for their folly and madness that they should hearken to the Devil and not hearken to Christs Ministers that when the Devil proffered only Counters but Ministers Gold that which is more precious than fine Gold when the Devil proffered Pebbles Ministers the Jewel of the greatest price when the Devil proffered Pictures such as all worldly vanities are but Ministers proffered Deeds of Conveyance to a great Inheritance even a conveyance of the eternal Inheritance by the deed of the King of Heaven O the folly and sottishness of sinners that they should choose the former and refuse the latter that they should sow the windes all their dayes grasp a shaddow pursue a Fâ—ather follow lying vanities through Satans perswasions and hereby not only neglect and miss of mercy which Ministers brought to their doors but also run headlong into the flames of everlasting burnings when Ministers warned them so frequently hereof and entreated them so earnestly to close with Christ who alone could deliver them they will then perceive too late and rue to no purpose their desperate madness in complying with Satans temptations and neglecting the calls and counsels of Christs faithfull Ambassadours 2. It reproveth such as hearken to the Devil when he perswadeth them unto damnable errours and will not hearken to Christs Ministers who would teach and establish them in the soul-saving truths of the Word Satan doth appear many times like an Angel of light 2 Cor. 11.14 not as the Angel did to Cornelius to direct men unto Christs Ministers but to draw them away endeavouring the subversion of the Ministry and Ordinances of Christs Institution Satan hath his Ministers who appear like Ministers of righteousness when indeed they are Wolves in Sheeps cloathing who by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple Rom. 16.18 who are deceived themselves and labour to deceive others First endeavouring to prejudice them against Christs Ministers and then privily bringing in damnable heresies wresting the Scripture to their own and others destruction Where people do turn away their ears from the truth and open them to their errours and delusions when they forsake and cannot endure the sound teaching of Christs Ambassadours but with itching ears are delighted with the pretended new discoveries of false Teachers and greedily drink in the poyson of their false doctrines and follow the pâ—rnicious waies of such as are given up to the efficacy of errour to believe lyes they chuse the Devil for their Teacher instead of Jesus Christ by his Ministers and then you may easily guess whither he is like to lead them SECT III. Vse 2. FOR Exhortation 1. Of Ministers 2. Of People 1. For exhortation of Ministers Doth God make use of Ministers to preach the Gospel rather than Angels It is a great honour the Lord hath put upon us and there is great duty which the Lord doth expect from us Let this consideration 1. Qâ—icken us to diligence and faithfulness in Preaching 2. Engage us to a blameless and exemplary conversation 1. Let us be diligent and faithful in preaching the Gospel Let us be instant in season and out of season to reprove rebuke exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine 2 Tim. 4.2 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves if peradventure the Lord will give them repentance 2 Tim. 2.25 Let us fulfill the Ministry the Lord hath entrusted us with Col. 4.17 serving the Lord and the souls committed to our charge with all humility of mind and faithfulness keeping back nothing which is profitable for them that we may keep our selves pure from the blood of all men Let us testifie repentance towards God and faith towards the Lord Jesus Christ and open the treasures of the Gospel and mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven with all plainness and perspicuity dealing forth wholesome food unto hungry souls as faithful Stewards of the manifold grace of God Let us not use deceit or guile or flattering words or a cloak for covetousness or uncleanness or boasting words but as we are allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel so let us speak and preach not as pleasing men but as pleasing God who searcheth the heart being so affectionately desirous of the salvation of souls as to be willing to impart unto them our souls with the Gospel if we could and it would do them good And let us not count estate or liberty or life it self dear to us that we finish our course with joy and the Ministry we have received from the Lord Act. 20. 1 Thes. 2. 1 Pet. 4. 2. Let the honour the Lord hath conferred upon us engage us unto a blameless and exemplary conversation Let our conversations shine with holiness as well as our Sermons shine with truths Let us teach by our life as well as by our doctrine Let us be examples to the Believers in word in conversation in charity in spirit in faith in purity 1 Tim. 4.12 Let the way to Heaven be read in our steps Let us be blameless and harmless the Sons of God and Ministers of Christ without rebuke in the midst of a crooked generation amongst whom let us shine as lights as we hope hereafter to shine like stars We are employed to preach rather than Angels let us live as if we were Angels on earth and as those who hope to live with Angels in Heaven 2. For Exhortation of People Doth God make use of Ministers to preach the Gospel rather than Angels Be exhorted then 1. To love and esteem Your Ministers 2. To Hear Your Ministers 3. To Believe Your Ministers 4. To Obey Your Ministers 1. Esteem and love your Ministers 1 Thes. 5.12 13. We beseech you Brethren that you know them which labour amâ—â—gst you and are over you in the Lord that you esteem them very highly in love for the works sake How beautiful should the feet of them be that bring glad tidings of good things How welcome should their voice be that preach the Gospel of peace Rom. 10.15 We read of some who had so great love to the Apostle that they could have plucked out their eyes and given to him yet his affection was greater for he could have plucked out his heart and given to them How should people love their Ministers who are their spiritual Fathers and Nurses and Physitians Love them they are your soul-friends and therefore your best friends Esteem them
truely believe in Christ do receive remission of sins inasmuch as guilt being an obligation to punishment and where satisfaction is made this obligation is removed 1. But first Christ hath made satisfaction to Gods Justice for the sins of men he only was qualified to do it and he hath actually done it 1. Christ only was qualified to do it no meer man could make it because Gods Justice being infinite requireth an infinite satisfaction and all Creatures are finite but Christ was more than a Creature he was God and Man in one person It was necessary that he should be a Creature because otherwise he could not have suffered the Deity being impassible it was necessary he should be Man because Gods Justice required that the same Nature which did commit sin the same Nature should suffer punishment for it Gen. 2.17 In the day thou eatest thereof Thou a Man shalt die Therefore Christ took not upon him the nature of Angels but the seed of Abraham Heb. 2.16 And it was necessary that he should be God because otherwise he could never have born up under nor have got loose from that dreadfull punishment which was inflicted upon him It would have sunk the whole Creation under its weight Because otherwise his Merits would not have been of infinite value and fully satisfactory to Gods Justice therefore he was God and Man in one person and so duly qualified to make satisfaction 2. Christ hath actually made satisfaction to Gods Justice for Mans sin he hath born the punishment which their sins did deserve 1 Pet. 2.24 Who his own self bare our sins that is the punishment of our sins in his own body on the tree Isa. 53.5 He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities and the chastisment of our peace was upon him And Ephes. 5.2 He hath given himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour which leadeth to the second particular 2. This satisfaction which Christ hath made unto Gods Justice is accepted in the behalf of sinners There might be sufficiency of value in Christs sufferings and sacrifice to make satisfaction for the sins of the whole world and yet God might have required the satisfaction from the offending party and received the debt from none but sinners themselves that owed it but God hath accepted Christs satisfaction as is evident 1. From Gods eternal Covenant with him that if he would make his soul an offering for sin he should see his seed and should prosper in his work Isa. 53.10.2 From his sealing and setting him apart for the office and work of Mediatour Ioh. 6.27 Him hath God the Father sealed 3. From his mission or sending him into the world for this very end Ioh. 3.16 Gal. 4.5 4. From his owning of him when he was sent and that both by a voice from Heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased and by his large effusion of the Spirit upon him which did appear in his life so holy his doctrine so pure his miracles so powerfull 5. From his raising him up from the dead on the third day where he must have continued for ever if having undertaken to satisfie he had not done it and it had not been accepted 6. From his receiving him up into glory and setting him at his right hand and hearing his prayers in the behalf of sinners All which Arguments do abundantly prove Gods acceptation of Christs satisfaction 3. The satisfaction is as really imputed unto true Believers as if they had made it themselves Forasmuch as Faith doth appropriate Christ and his Righteousness and therefore Christ is called speaking of Believers the Lord our Righteousness Ier. 23.6 And we are called through the imputation of the merits of his death by faith The Righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 Christs Righteousness is made over to Believers by Faith as if it were their own If then Christ hath fully satisfied Gods Justice for the sins of men and this satisfaction is accepted by the Father in behalf of sinners and imputed unto all true Believers then all true Believers are absolved from the guilt of sin and that not only upon the account of mercy but justice too which cannot require a double satisfaction therefore God is said as he is just to justifie them which believe Rom. 3.28 II. The second Argument to prove that all true Believers do receive remission of sins may be drawn from Christs intercession If Christ doth intercede for the remission of sins and this intercession be prevalent with the Father and all true Believers have an interest in this intercession then all true Believers do receive remission of sins 1. But first Christ doth intercede for the remission of sins Heb. 7.25 Heb. 2.17 He intercedeth for reconciliation therefore for remission of sins 2. This Intercession is prevalent with the Father Whatever Christ prayed for on earth he obtained Ioh. 11.42 Surely then his intercession in Heaven is prevalent which might be made further evident from his neerness and interest in the Father from the dear love of the Father unto him and because his intercession for remission of sins is for that which he hath purchased by his death and what the Father hath purposed and promised and is for his glory to give 3. All true Believers have an interest in Christs Intercession having by faith an interest in Christs person they have an interest in Christs intercession III. The third Argument to prove that all true Believers do receive remission of sins may be drawn from the promise of remission of sins in the New Testament Heb. 8.12 I will be merciful unto their unrighteousness and their sins and â—niquities will I remember no more Which New Testament is of full force through the death of Christ the Testator Heb. 9.16 17. And Believers have an interest in and by faith do apply the promises to themselves therefore true Believers do receive remission of sins Thus concerning Peters Sermon to Cornelius and them which were with him and the words which he spake to them whereby they were saved SECT X. 3. THE third thing is to shew How Ministers must tell people words whereby they may be saved Now this must be done 1. Sincerely 2. Plainly 3. Convincingly 4. Boldly 5. Compassionately 6. Warmly 7. Earnestly 8. Frequently 1. Ministers must preach the words of salvation Sincerely and that both as to the matter and as to the design 1. As to the Matter the Doctrine of salvation which they preach must be sincere in Doctrine they must shew uncorruptness sincerity sound speech which cannot be condemned Tit. 2.7 8. The Apostle complains of many who corrupt the Word 2 Cor. 2.17 The Word is corrupted when the Scripture is wrested and the sense perverted when errours and damnable opinions are broached and vented for truths and mingled with some truths of the word which will bring destruction and not salvation to them that receive them 2
Pet. 3.16 Ministers must draw forth the pure waters of the Sanctuary out of the fountain of the Scripture and the sincere milk of the Word out of the two breasts of the Old and New Testament 1 Pet. 2.2 They must deal forth the wholesome food of sound doctrine which is according to godliness called words of our Lord Jesus Christ and words of faith whereby the receivers may be nourished 1 Tim. 4.6 chap. 6.3 2. As to the Design Ministers must have a sincere design in preaching the word of salvation like the Apostle Paul with his fellow-Ministers 2 Cor. 2.17 But we are of sincerity as of God in the sight of God speak we in Christ. They preached neither corrupt doctrine neither had they corrupt designs but were sincere in their preaching as of God as sent of God as Embassadours of God the great King of Heaven as in the sight of God who searched the heart and could discern what their aims were unto whom they endeavoured to approve themselves as in Christ as in the room of Christ as Christ preached when he was upon the earth or as in Christ as those which were ingrafted into Christ and had an interest in Christ themselves and therefore did sincerely endeavour the bringing of others to him The chief design of Ministers in preaching should be the glory of God and the salvation of them that hear them 1. The glory of God above all should swey with them not their own glory and esteem nor of men sought we glory 1 Thes. 2.6 They must sincerely endeavour the magnifying not of their own name but the name of God and the promoting not of themselves but of their Master in the esteem of men If some kind of discourse would advance their Lords name and honour though their own reputation should hereby be lessened amongst some they must use it and if on the contrary they could gain much honour to themselves by some kind of preaching wherein they might appear in great flourish of words and give delight to the fanâ—y by the ostentation of their wit and ingenuity but their Masters were not like to be glorified nor the souls of their hearers soundly edified they ought herein to deny themselves 2. Ministers must design in their preaching the salvation of their hearers they must not use the Word as a cloâ—k for covetousness and design the gainâ—ng of filthy lucre to themselves but the gaining of souls to Jesus Christ they must not endeavour to make a gain of their hearers a gain of their souls they ought to endeavour after but not a gâ—in of their estates as the Pharisees who made long prayers that they might devour Widdows houses they must not chiâ—fly seek any profit or earthly emolument unto themselves but the profit of their hearâ—rs that they might be saved When the Apostle was crafty as he tells the Corinthians 2 Cor. 12.16 he was sincere and when he used some kind of guâ—le it was to catch them from destruction unto which they were hastening it was in spreading the Gospel Net most cunningly to draw them out of that stream of sin in which they were swimming towards the Ocean of Gods wrath 2. Ministers must preach the words of salvation Plainly not with wisdom of words as 1 Cor. 1.17 not with excellency of speech or of wisdom or with enticing words of mans wisdom chap. 2.4 but with plainness of speech such as is most intelligible and edifying such as is most likely to attain the end of preaching most effectually some kind of wisdom of words doth both obscure and enervate the Sermons that are stufft with it and therefore should be forborn Not that all wisdom of words or humane wisdom is to be forborn For 1. It is lawfull for Ministers in preaching to make use of the most apt proper and significant words there are some words which are more ponderous and weighty which carry a greater force and evidence and perspicuity than others which Ministers should make use of for the more effectual clearing and pressing their matter and of all words those which we finde in the Scripture are the most weighty which having oftentimes more significancy in the Original than in the Translation therefore Ministers should be acquainted with the Original tongues that they may have the more full understanding of the meaning of God in his Word themselves and that they may the better explain it to others 2. It is lawfull for Ministers to use some kinde of Eloquence in their preaching It was the commendation which the Scripture gave of Apollos that he was an eloquent man Act. 13.24 Variety and fluency of expression in explaining and proving in applying and pressing the truths of the Word is of singular use There is much Rhetorick and divine Eloquence especially in some parts of the Scripture which Ministers in preaching may make use of and imitate 3. It is lawfull for Ministers to make use of Philosophy and humane Reason in preaching the Gospel Logick is needfull for the regulating of thoughts the methodizing of discourse the distinguishing between things that differ the defining and explaining of things that are obscure the ordering deciding and determining of controversies Ethicks Physicks especially Metaphysicks are very usefull unto a Minister for the refining of his understanding and enabling him to speak the more clearly and edifyingly to others and to defend the truth against such as do oppose it But there is a Wisdom of Words which may not be used by Ministers in preaching 1. Ministers must not in preaching shew more wisdom in their Words than in their Matter and study more for outward shew than for inward substance more that their Sermons be well worded than that their doctrine be well proved more that their Sentences may have a handsome close than that their Arguments be conclusive It ill becomes thin and weak sense to be cloathed with fine and neat speech Ministers must take heed that their matter be not drowned and lost in the stream and abundance of words Such whose wisdom and art doth shew it self in gathering a bundle and heap of the finest words together neglecting substantiall matter their wisdom is but folly and pains to little purpose Words may fill the ear Things soak and sink into the soul to edification 2. Ministers must not ordinarily in preaching make use of words of another language which the people do not understand nor fill their Sermons with quotations and allegations out of Fathers School-men and other Authors which doth but stun and amuze ordinary and the generality of hearers and savours mostly of ostentation but tends to little edification Though the Apostle could speak with more tongues than any beside yet in the Church he chooseth to speak five words in the known tongue to edifie than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue 1 Cor. 14.18 19. Indeed Original words sometimes may be mentioned with their interpretation as the tongues were to be used in the Church 1 Cor. 14. and
Authors may be quoted when there is real need so it be done rarely and soberly but for Ministers to enterlard their Sermons all over with Greek and Latine and sayings of men they must needs leave out much of the Word of God which they might use and it cannot be so profitable for the Hearers 3. Ministers must not use such words and speeches as gender strife I mean the perverse disputings which Sceptical Philosophy will put them upon whereby they may be spoyl'd and deceive both themselves and others through the errors and mistakes which hereby they may run into 4. Ministers must not use in preaching too much neatness of speech and humane Eloquence The most excellent and enticing words of mans wisdom the Apostle did forbear 1 Cor. 2.4 It is not needfull for a Minister to read all Heathen Poets and Orators that he may fill his Sermons with their fancies and rhetorical expressions but he should chiefly fetch his Rhetorick from the Bible Indeed Apollos was commended for his Eloquence Act. 13.24 not humane Eloquence but divine It is not said he was mighty in other Learning but mighty in the Scriptures not mighty in the writings of Heathens but mighty in the writings of God his Eloquence was drawn from the Word which is most persuasive The Lord doth not require that his Ministers should preach the Gospel neatly but plainly the former may make them esteemed as the better Scholars but the latter wilâ— make their hearers the better Christians That way of preaching thâ—y should use which is most intelligible and profitable not that which is most learned and Scholastical Melius est ut nos reprehendant Grammatici quà m non intelligant populi saith one that could speak in an eloquent strein It is better that Grammarians should reprehend us than that the people should not understand us and he desired that since the vulgar could not ascend so high as to understand a more refined language that learned men would stoop so low as to accommodate their speech to their capacities Thus Ministers must preach the Gospel not with wisdom of words but with plainness of speech There is a light in the Gospel the purest and most glorious that ever shined wisdom of words doth darken and obscure this light it doth â—ully the truths which shine most when they are naked without such ornaments It is like a bright Cloud between us and the Sun which keeps off the greater light like painting of a Diamond or a beautifull face There is a power goâ—th along with the Word preached to convert sinners Heb. 4.12 The Word is compared to a sharp two-edged Sword piercing and separating between the joynts and the marrow between sin and the soul which are more neer than marrow is to the bone but wisdom of words or humane Eloquence doth guild as it were the edge of the Sword which takes away its sharpness or is like to a rich Scabbard which delights the eye and pleaseth the fancy but keeps the Sword from entring the bowels and wounding the Conscience It is in plain preaching that the Sword is drawn forth naked which makes the sinner slie or yield Plain preaching is the most effectual means to pull down the strong holds of sin and Satan and to draw men unto a closure with Jesus Christ. Humane wisdom usually puffeth up both them that use it and those that hear it Humane wisdom is apt to beget an humane faith which standeth in the wisdom of men plain preaching begetteth faith which standeth in the power of God There is no such edification as in plain preaching In plain preaching the bread of life and wholsom food of the Word is distributed but humane wisdom is like hey and stubble which is food for horses and not for men so humane wisdom may please and best agree with natural and bruitish men but true Christians cannot feed upon it it is no more suitable to their spiritual appetite than hey and stubble is to their naturall It is like Pictures in learnâ—d books which may delight children a Scholar doth not regard the Pictures but the writing the word of God doth feed and edifie a gracious heart when it is preached plainly and homely humane wisdom or wisdom of words in preaching doth take away much of the taste and relish and doth hinder its vertue and operation The Word is compared to milk which must be sincere to food which must be simple and uncompounded that it may nourish and strengthen the body It is compared to Wine that must be unmixed that it may chear and refresh the spirits wisdom of words is like water or rather like some fulsome liquor mingled with the wine which doth much invalidate and render it nauseous unto the Appetite of the New Creature Ministers therefore must preach the word plainly that they may do it edifyingly they must not use wisdom of words which will evacuate the Cross of Christ and render their preaching ineffectual and put a cloud between the light and the eye especially of the ordinary hearers much less may they use mysteriousness of words dark sayings and high-â—lown notions that shall puzzle the mindes of the wisest to guess at the meaning of They must not in preaching make plain things difficult by their way of expressing them as many do but make more difficult things plain they must preach plainly I have been more large in this head I shall be more brief in the rest 3. Ministers must preach the words of Salvation Convincingly They should preach so as to convince the Judgement of truth and to convince the Conscience of sin and therefore they should preach in the evidence and demonstration of the Spirit 1 Cor. 2.4 1. Ministers should labour to speak so as to convince the Judgement of the truth which they preach They must not only assert Truths but prove them they must hold forth the Word of Faith with a clear evidencing light and hold fast the Word in a strenuous defence of it against opposers and with sound doctrine they must not only exhort but also convince gainsayers Tit. 1.9 Ministers should make manifest the words of salvation which they preach that they are the words of the God of truth with whom dwells no errour or falshood They should prove by undenyable Arguments that the Scriptures are of Divine Authority and therefore as full of truth as the Sun is full of light and then they should prove the doctrine which they preach by the Word and that with such reason for the belief of it that no reason may be left to contradict it Ministers should be shining lights in the places where they live dispersing abroad the bright beams of Gospel-truths with such power and conviction as may be sufficient through the concurrence of the Spirit to vanquish and dispell all those clouds of ignorance which the minds of men naturally are filled withall 2. Ministers should preach so as to convince not only the Judgement of truth but also so
Scriptures let the Word of God be the only Rule of your Faith and having found the Truth keep it hold it fast labour to fix it in your mindes let it be as a girdle about your loins lay it up in your heart let it be rooted there apply your selves to Christ as a Prophet to lead you by his Word and Spirit into all Truth and to keep you from being deceived and deluded and keep close to the Ministery and Ordinances of Christs Institution which the Lord hath appointed to continue unto the end of the World for the edifying establishment and perfecting of the Saints Eph. 4.11 12 13 14. 2. You must be stedfast and persevere in the wayes of Gods Commandements you must patiently continue in well-doing if you would obtain immortal glory Rom. 2.7 you must endure to the end if you would be saved Matth. 10.22 you must be faithfull unto the death if you would gain the Crown of life Rev. 2.10 It is absolutely necessary unto salvation that you hold out in the wayes of God none but such which come to the end of the race will obtain the prize the Gate of Heaven lyeth at the further not the hither end of the Holy Path therefore you must stedfastly persevere in this way if you should fall down you must rise again and go on if you should fall back or through mistake turn aside you must return again and make the more haste but if you should fall off if you should fall away as some have done who have seemed very zealous and forward Christians as to the outward Profession you are lost you are cast-awayes and you will tumble and fall down into the bottomless Pit from whence there is no returning Be not then followers of them that draw back to perdition but of them that believe to the saving of the Soul Heb. 10.39 Be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the Promises Heb. 6.12 It is a glorious Inheritance that is before you that is promised and prepared in Heaven let this encourage you to diligence and perseverance unto the end I shall conclude with the words of the Apostle 1 Cor. 15.58 Therefore my beloved Brethren be stedfast unmoveable alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord for asmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Thus I have given you Directions What things you must do that you may be saved SECT XIX II. THE Second and last thing for your guidance in the way of Salvation is To shew you what Means you must make use of to help you in these things There are Ten Means to be used in order to the attaining of Salvation 1. Self-examination 2. Reading the Word of God and other good books 3. Hearing the Word Preached 4. Meditation 5. Prayer 6. Christian-conference 7. Watchfulness 8. Sanctification of Fasting-dayes 9. Sanctification of Sabbath-dayes 10. Improvement of Sacrament-dayes Means 1. Self-examination You must examine your selves if you would see your selves lost you may read the mistake of the Laodiceans Rev. 3.17 Thou sayest I am rich and encreased in goods and have need of nothing and knowest not that thou art wretched miserable and poor and blinde and naked You must examine and prove your spiritual state that you may have a right judgement thereof that you may perceive how poor and wretched and miserable you are whilest you are in a state of Nature You must examine your selves that you may get a sight and sense of sin Ier. 8.6 I hearkned and heard but they spake not aright no man repented him of his wickedness saying What have I done every one turned to his course as the Horse rusheth into the battel You must examine what you have done if you would repent of your sins you must search and try your wayes if you would turn from your evil wayes you must commune with your hearts and come to your selves with the Prodigal if you would return unto God and turn your feet unto his Testimonies Be serious then in this great duty of Self-examination and that you may be so I would advise that you would set apart time for it when your thoughts are most free and affections most sedate and quiet get out of the hurry of the world and lay aside other business for a while and withall separate your selves from company and retire into secret where you may be free from external disturbances and interruptions whatever indispositions and withdrawments of heart you finde force your selves to the work resist Satan who will endeavour to divert and discourage you Set your selves in the presence of God desire him to search you beg his help in the duty labour to keep your minde close to it if vain thoughts arise and would hurry you away look up to Christ to rebuke them and to bring them into captivity and obedience unto himself And then sit down and seriously consider what you have done ever since you came into the World and withall think with your selves what you will do when your life and this world shall come to an end Take a review of your sins they are noted down upon the book of your Consciences peruse this book and if you extracted a Catalogue of your sins it might be a help to you Note down your original sin your actual sins your transgressions of Gods Law in the first and the second Table thereof your disobedience to the Gospel the aggravations of your sins Means 2. Reading the Word of God and other good books The rule whereby you are to examine your selves is the Word this is like a Candle which will give light in dark corners this is like a Glass which will discover spots in the face you must search the Word and try your selves herâ—by if you would have knowledge of sin and your spiritual state and you must search the Word if you would have knowledge and acquaintance with God and his will You may arrive to some knowledge of God by reading the Book of Nature the whole world is full of God and every Creature doth represent him but the world is full of sin too and the more immediate representations of the Creatures are sensitive things which our sense layeth hold on first and is apt there to stick without further piercing and searching to finde out God and where we have one provocation from the Creatures to love and serve him through the bewitching temptations of the world meeting with the worldly lusts of our hearts we have a thousand incitements and allurements from them to sin against God but the Word is full of God and no incitement there to sin full of perswasives to holiness and obedience God is to be seen more easily and he setteth forth himself there most conspicuously In the Book of the Scriptures you have the most glorious discoveries of God in his greatness majesty power holiness love mercy and the like and the way made known of acquaintance and communion with him if you would
be acquainted with God in Christ you must acquaint your selves with the Scriptures Read the Scriptures daily and search them Ioh. 5.39 read not only the history of the Word but labour to understand the mystery of Godliness therein revealed 1 Tim. 3.16 endeavour after a spiritual discerning of the things of the Spirit 1 Cor. 2.14 when you meet with Doctrines in your reading the Word labour to understand and believe them when you meet with Precepts labour to obey them when with Prohibitions and Threatnings be cautioned against sin by them when you meet with promises labour to apply them to draw vertue from them Read this Book as the Word of God and hide it in your heart lay it up there as a choice treasure get your hearts cast into the mould of it get it written upon your hearts and let it have an influence upon your whole conversation and that you may the better understand and apply the truths of the Word read as you have time other good books which open the Scriptures and treat of needfull points of Religion especially such as direct in the great work of Conversion and give Rules out of the Word for the ordering of your whole conversation but above all Books read and study the Scriptures Means 3. Hearing the Word Preached It is by the foolishness of Preaching that God saveth such as do believe 1 Cor. 1.21 however the preaching of the Word is to them that perish foolishness yet unto Believers it is the power of God unto salvation therein God doth put forth his power and maketh bare his arm in bringing salvation to lost souls Hear and thy Soul shall live Isa. 55.3 Faith cometh by hearing Rome 10.17 Lydia's heart was opened whilest she attended upon the Word preached by Paul Act. 16.14 Attend therefore diligently upon the Word preached by Christs Ministers as an Ordinance of his own institution for the working and increase of Grace Look upon Ministers as Christs Ambassadours he that heareth them heareth Christ and he that turneth away his ear from hearing them turneth away his ear from Christ who by his Spirit in them speaketh from Heaven unto men and how impossible it is for such to escape the wrath of God see Heb. 12.25 Much more shall not they escape that turn away their ear from him that speaketh from Heaven Hear the Word with reverence as the Word of God as if the Lord should speak to you from Heaven with an audible voice hear the Word with diligence and attention as for your lives as for the salvation of your Souls hear the Word with faith and love without which it will not profit and work effectually in your hearts and in hearing look not so much for those things which may please as for that which may edifie I mean do not regard so much mens fancies as the wholsom Truths of the Word which tend most to conviction edification to the killing of sin quickning and increase of Grace and nourishment of the spiritual life Means 4. Meditation The Word like Food must be digested by Meditation that it may turn to spiritual nourishment you must ponder and consider in your mindes the Truths of the Word that you may both understand them and get your Hearts affected with them and your Lives ordered by them Meditation is a great help in Heavens way such as are remiss herein cannot walk so steddily nor chearfully accustome your selves unto this duty set apart time for it I know that some complain of barrenness in their thoughts when they endeavour to meditate such I would advise if they have not that fruitfulness of thoughts themselves to supply them with matter that they would make use of others help let them meditate on the Scriptures they read on the Sermons they hear moreover I would offer some general heads for Meditation which you may make use of 1. Sometimes meditate on God his Attributes his infinite Majesty power holiness omnipresence omniscience eternity unchangeableness his infinite wisdom truth faithfulness justice goodness mercy and loving-kindness his Councels especially his eternal decree of Election which is of most sweet consideration to Believers his works of Creation and Providence 2. Sometimes meditate on Christ his near relations of Friend Brother Husband his needfull Offices of Priest Prophet and King 3. Sometimes meditate on the Spirit his way and workings on the minde and heart how he enlighteneth enliveneth strengtheneth comforteth c. 4. Sometimes meditate on the Covenant of Grace and the rich free suitable sure Promises of pardon grace salvation therein 5. Sometimes meditate on the Gospel and its priviledges Justification Adoption Sanctification Assurance of Gods love peace of Conscience Joy in the Holy Ghost communications of grace c. 6. Sometimes meditate on the four last things namely Death Judgement Heaven and Hell 7. Sometimes meditate and that frequently daily of such Arguments as tend to the mortifying of your particular sins which are most strong and prevalent and to the strengthening of your graces which you finde most weak and deficient Means 5. Prayer Pray secretly retire your selves from company into your Closets or some private place and there confess your sins and make known your requests to God that seeth and heareth in secret and hath promised an open reward to such as secretly and sincerely seek him Pray frequently be often upon your knees give your selves unto Prayer begin the day conclude the day with Prayer and recover some other time to visit and speak to God at least mingle ejaculatory Prayer with every other work and labour that your minds may be always in a praying frame and do not withdraw but be glad when an opportunity offereth it self to come to the throne of grace Pray fervently pour forth your hearts before God in the duty wrâ—stle with God in Prayer like Iacob be earnâ—st in your Petitions as for your lives be instant and importunate take no denyal follow hard after God stir up your selves to take hold on him use arguments in Prayer to plead with him Pray believingâ—y mingle your prayers with Faith make use of the name and mediation of Jesus Christ and make application of the Promises which God hath made to his People which he hath made to Faith and which he hath made to Prayer Means 6. Christian Conference Take heed of the company of the wicked from such turn away if â—â— and when you are there labour to mourn for sin which hath pierced the Lord to hunger after his righteousness to receive him by Faith to apply the Promises of the Covenant of Grace whereof the Sacrament is a Seal endeavour after a burning love to him whose love hath been so great as to dye for you and let your hearts be filled with joy and your mouths with Praises and deliver up your selves in Covenant unto the Lord in this Ordinance After you come from the Lords Table reflect upon your carriage towards the Lord if you have been straitened endeavour to find out the cause mourn and by after-pains and application of Christ endeavour to get some benefit and prepare better against the next time if you have been enlarged be humble be thankfull be watchfull live up to Obligations draw vertue from Christs death for the crâ—â—cifying more and more of your flesh with its affâ—ctions and lusts and fetch influences of grace and spiritual nourishment that you may encrease with the encreases of God Finally be diligent in the use of these and all other means and helps and so at length you shall attain the ultimate end for which they are appointed even your Salvation and Eternal Happiness FINIS Motive 3.
these words may have the Holy Ghost fall upon you and feel such a wonderfull power going along with them as shall draw you unto Christ and bring you out of the estate of spiritual death and damnation in which you are by nature into a state of life and salvation whilest I am speaking to your ears God may speak to your hearts whilest I am presenting these words before you and holding forth the light unto you God may open your eyes and give you by his Spirit such a spiritual discerning of these things as you never had before and so affect your hearts as no word of man is able to do hear then a Sermon of God out of the mouth of the Apostle Peter which hath been effectual for conversion and who knoweth but it may produce the same effect in some of you in the repetition and explication of it as it did in the Gentiles in the first preaching of it It is said the Holy Ghost fell upon all them which heard these words when Peter preached them O that the Holy Ghost might fall upon some of you whilest I am preaching them The Gentiles had extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost given unto them in their hearing Peter O that you might have a true work of conversion by the Holy Ghost given in the hearing of me They are the Words of God receive them as his words which may effectually work to your salvation if the Lord give faith in the hearing Look up then to the Lord for his blessing on which the efficacy of the Word doth depend The words are in Act. 10. from the 34th to the 44th Vers. I shall first read them and then open these words of salvation to you After that Cornelius had sent for Peter to Ioppa he sent for many of his friends to his house and when they were come together and Peter was come and had a relation from Cornelius of his â—ision and they had told him that they were all there present before God to hear the things which were commanded him of God Vers. 34. he begins his Sermon Then Peter opened his mouth and said Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him The Word which God sent unto the Children of Israel preaching peace by Iesus Christ he is Lord of all That Word I say ye know which was published throughout all Judea and began from Galilee after the Baptisme which John preached How God anoynted Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of Judea and in Jerusalem whom they slew and hanged on a tree him God raised up the third day and shewed him openly not to all the people but to witnesses chosen before of God even to us who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead And he commanded us to preach unto the people and to testifie that it was he which was ordained of God to be the Iudge of quick and dead To him gave all the Prophets witness that through his Name whosoever believeth on him shall receive remission of sins This Sermon of Peter's which is the first Sermon which was preached unto the Gentiles after the partition-wall was broken down is but brief but it hath much sweet and soul-saving doctrine in it and it is likely that the Scripture doth bâ—t briefly rehearse the heads of that which the Apostle discoursed of more largely unto them and therefore I shall endeavour to open this Sermon unto you which is like a rich Cabinet of most precious treasure wherein is to be found the Pearle of the greatest price which the wise Merchant-man will sell all that he hath to obtain because it is not only desireable to enrich him but also necessary to save him I mean the Lord Jesus Christ whom the Apostle doth describe and hold forth unto the Gentiles We read Luk. 24.31 that the Disciples hearts burned within them whilest our Saviour spake to them by the way and opened to them the Scriptures and O that you might feel your hearts burn within you whilest I am opening unto you this Scripture which doth relate Peters Sermon The Sermon of Peter may be reduced to Four general heads 1. Concerning God 2. Concerning the Word 3. Concerning Iesus Christ. 4. Concerning the way of salvation by Christ. SECT VI. 1. THE Apostle speaks unto the Gentiles concerning God v. 34. and 35. Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him Two things he gives them to understand concerning God 1. His gracious disposition to accept of Men. 2. His good will towards the Gentiles 1. He lets them know how gracious God was in being willing to accept of men of any men without respect of persons whatever their sins had been so that they did turn from them in his fear and wrought righteousness for the future This is needfull for sinners to know that they might be encouraged to seek after salvation For if they apprehend God only as he is holy and just and jealous if they are told only that he is powerful and furious and a sin-revenging God when they reflect upon their guilt they will be ready to fly away from him under a slavish fear of punishment and in discouragement and despair go on in the practice of sin as long as they can Therefore Ministers must represent God unto sinners as gracious and merciful slow to anger and of great kindness pardoning iniquity transgression and sin as he sets forth himself to Moses Exod. 34.6 7. they must tell sinners that God is gracious and ready to accept of all those that fear him and turn from their evil waies and resolve to work righteousness for the time to come and that he will be found of and give a reward unto all such as diligently seek him Heb. 11.6 He that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of all them that diligently seek him O that you who are going on in sin were perswaded of this how gracious and merciful the Lord is whom you do so highly offend by sin and how ready he is to accept of you if you would but turn from sin He hath given us Ministers commission to tell you that there is an accepted time and a day of salvation for your souls which he yet lengthens out unto you Yea we are sent as his Embassadours to entreat and beseech you that you would be reconciled unto God 2 Cor. 5.20 And when God declares by us that he is so willing to accept of you that he desires you to accept of his salvation and beseecheth a reconciliation when he can so easily avenge
eternal death and wrath which they have deserved and by sin are exposed unto Moreover you may here learn the reason why so many people especially those who most seriously and earnestly desire and endeavour their salvation choose to hear Ministers preach rather than others because they are commissioned by the Lord to preach the Word of salvation and their Ministry is most likely to be effectual Others may preach without a Commission the same words and do no good for want of Gods blessing It is not the bare speaking the words of salvation that will bring salvation but the revelation of Gods arm and operation of his Spirit with the Ministry of the Word As when our Saviour raised Lazarus from the dead he cryed with a loud voice Lazarus come forth and he that was dead received life and came forth Ioh. 11.43 44. Others could have spoken the same words as our Saviour and cryed over the grave with as loud a voice Lazarus come forth but with no effect the dead man would have remained still in the state of the dead whatever any man could have spoken or done but when our Saviour spake the words the dead man was quickened there went forth a vertue and efficacy a divine power and spirit with our Saviours words which raised him from the dead so uncommissioned persons may entrench upon the work of the Ministry and preach the Gospel speak words of salvation and cry to sinners to leave their sins to arise from their spiritual death to come forth from their graves they may exhort them to repent and believe that they may be saved and yet none of their words be likely to take impression and effect a saving change in the heart because being out of Gods way they cannot expect Gods blessing but Ministers are qualified and commissioned for the work and through Gods blessing there is a life and power goeth along with their preaching which maketh it effectual for salvation no wonder then if such as are led by the Spirit do choose to hear Ministers preach refusing others that they may be safely guided by them in the way of life and salvation SECT XIII Vse 2. FOR Reproof 1. Of Ministers 2. Of People 1. Are Ministers to tell people words whereby they may be saved this then reproves such Ministers 1. As do not preach at all 2. As do not preach soul-saving Truths 3. As do not preach in such a Way as is likely to do good But my business being chiefly to speak unto People I shall pass by this Use. 2. People are here to be reproved unto whom the Lord sends faithfull Ministers to tell them such words whereby they may be saved 1. It reproves such as persecute such Ministers that are of such a spirit as the wicked Iewes of old spoken of 1 Thess. 2.15 16. Who both killed the Lord Iesus and their own Prophets and persecuted us and they please not God and are contrary unto all men forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved to fill up their sin alway for wrath is come upon them to the uttermost Some there are that persecute Ministers with the tongue by reproaching of them others persecute Ministers with the hand by imprisoning of them and many other wayes afflicting of them seeking the extirpation of them as persons not fit to live upon the face of the earth thus ungratefully they endeavour the ruine of them that desire and seek their salvation and foolishly endeavour to blow out the light which would shew them the way to Heaven 2. It reproves such who if they do not persecute Ministers yet hate them bear a secret spight and enmity in their hearts against them and the reason is because they testifie that their works are evil upon which account our Saviour was hated Ioh. 7.7 they hate them because they reprove them for their sins and disturb their Consciences sometimes by sounding peals of Judgement in their ears that they cannot sin with that freedom and security as they desire Poor souls how will they endure the pains of Hell themselves that cannot endure the sore-thoughts of them and hate them which bring such sad thoughts into their mindes though it be in order to their escape Would any of you hate a neighbour that should cry aloud in the dead of the night Fire fire and bounce at your doors and awaken you out of your sleep to warn you of a Fire drawing neer to your habitation which if not prevented would burn house and goods and persons together And what do Ministers more than cry Fire fire and tell you of your near approach to everlasting burnings in which without some speedy course taken for prevention will certainly seize upon you and consume you everlastingly And have any reason to be troubled and offended and hate Ministers for awakening them upon such an account as this when their souls lie at stake and are in such danger A Physician of the body is not hated that tells his Patient that his disease is dangerous which if let alone without taking such a remedy will certainly be his death And have any reason to hate Ministers who are Physicians of the Soul because they tell men of the disease of sin which if not cured by the blood of Christ will certainly and may suddenly bring eternal death 3. It reproves such who if they do not so deeply hate Ministers yet will not be perswaded to hear them such as are so drencht in the World and so over head and ears in worldly business that they minde nothing else If any could tell them of a good bargain or some notable way of thriving in their Estates such a one they would visit and hear and O how would they relish such discourses But though Ministers give notice of the best bargain that ever was made and bring tydings of the most notable way of thriving namely of the way of thriving in spiritual and heavenly riches and shew men how they may gain pardon and peace and the favour of God and the graces of the Spirit and escape future misery and attain salvation and everlasting happiness yet like Gallio they minde none of these things they will not step over the threshold to hear Ministers preach the Gospel of salvation and how shall they escape who neglect so great salvation Heb. 2.3 4. It reproves such who if they do hear Ministers yet do not understand them that are so dull of hearing that they know not what Ministers say nor whereof they affirm that gather about a Minister as beasts about a Man that sounds a Trumpet and stare upon him but know not what the meaning of the sound is so they hear Ministers and look and stare upon them some strange things are brought to their ears which they know not the meaning of and are like words of another language to them because their eyes are closed and they want spiritual sense and discerning and a great reason is because they do
not desire and will not take pains to get an understanding in these things by beginning first with the Principles of Religion in the Catechisme and begging earnestly for the teachings of the Spirit and readiness to do according to what they already know 5. It reproves such who if they have some notional knowledge of the Doctrine of salvation preached by Ministers yet they do not believe the Doctrine their words seem to them like idle tales or some cunningly devised Fable they do not receive it as the Word of Truth as the Word of God which effectually worketh in them that believe 1 Thess. 2.3 they feel no effectual operation of the Word in the change of their hearts and the change of their lives they that were filthy are filthy still and they that were unjust are unjust still and they that were Drunkards and Swearers and the like go on still in their sinful course whatever notion they have of sin and whatever discovery of their danger and Saviour and way of salvation by him which is an evidence that they do not believe and this unbelief is the great God-provoking and Soul-damning sin such make God a lyar 1 Ioh. 5.10 but they will find him to be true to their cost and pain 6. It reproves such who if they have some notional knowledge and historical Faith yet do not relish the Words of salvation which are preached by Ministers 1. Those that do not relish the things who make no account of salvation as if there were no desireableness therein 2. Those that if they desire salvation from Hell-torments and future misery yet they do not relish the terms they do not like the Lords Yoak they will not bear his Cross they will not be perswaded to deny themselves to mortifie the deeds of the body they could like to be saved from Hell but they do not like to be saved from sin they could like to have Christ to be their High-Priest and Advocate but they will not have him to be their King and Lord and will not have him to reign over them To part with all sin and to be universally holy to lay down Estate Liberty Life it self at the Lords feer and be resolved to suffer the loss of all if they stand in competition with Christ are such hard sayings that they cannot bear But how hard will it be for them to bear the loss of Heaven and happiness and endure the dreadfull eternal wrath of God in Hell as they shall certainly do who will not accept of salvation upon the terms of the Gospel SECT XIV Vse 3. ARE Ministers to tell People Words whereby they may be saved I shall then endeavour to put in practice this duty of Ministers in telling you words whereby you may be saved In order to your salvation I shall speak 1. Some Words to try you whether you be in a state of Salvation 2. Some Words to move you to endeavour after your Salvation 3. Some Words to guide you in the way to attain Salvation 1. The first words shall be to try you whether you be in a state of Salvation and here I must put you upon the tryall of your selves wherein I may give you some help take the Exhortation of the Apostle 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves whether ye be in the Faith prove your own selves Examine your selves by the Rule of the Word And because these Words are chiefly intended in order to the salvation of such as have not yet attained it to prepare them for the following Motives and Directions which if they mistook themselves to have already attained to a state of salvation would likely do them no good Therefore I shall briefly out of the Word of God give Some Characters of such as are not in a state of Salvation 1. Ignorant persons are not in a state of salvation See this Isa. 27.11 It is a people of no understanding therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them and he that formed them will shew them no favour Those that are grosly ignorant of the Fundamental Truths of Religion concerning God and Christ the lost estate of Man since the fall the way of Salvation Repentance Faith the Resurrection from the dead the last Judgement and the future Rewards and Punishments in Heaven and Hell and the like Principles of Religion which are necessary to be known in order to salvation they cannot for the present be in a state of Salvation the meanest understanding is capable of knowing these things by the teachings of the Word and Spirit therefore such as do neglect the means of Instruction and do not search the Word and cry to God for it but nuzzle up themselves in an affected ignorance in these things are inexcusable in their fault and will bring unavoidable destruction upon themselves Hos. 4.6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge 2. Negligent persons are not in a state of salvation I mean such as neglect their salvation Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation Such as do not value and prize this great salvation purchased by Christ and published in the Gospel such as never were made sensible of their need hereof such as never had any great desires after it such as never took any pains in the use of means to obtain it all which are evidences of their neglect they cannot escape the dreadfull punishment of Hell which is prepared for such persons Such as are diligent to make provision for their Bodies but neglect the salvation of their souls if they persevere in this negligence they must needs miss of salvation 3. Impenitent persons are not in a state of salvation Luk. 13.3 Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish All are guilty of sin original and actual and have matter for repentance such as have an obdurate and impenitent heart which never was broken and melted and humbled which never was affected with true evangelical sorrow for sin but on the contrary can commit sin with delight rolling it as a sweet morsel under their tongue which they will not part withall they must needs perish everlastingly if they should die in this estate the word is express that iniquity will be the ruine of the impenitent Ezek. 18 30. 4. Vnregenerate persons are not in a state of salvation Ioh. 3.3 Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God Such as never had a gracious change wrought in their hearts that are asleep in sin and never were awakened as are dead in sin and never were quickened such as have old natures and old hearts and never were renewed that never put off as concerning their former conversation the old man which is corrupt according to deceitfull â—usts and put on the new man which is created in righteousness and true holiness Eph. 4.22 24. they are uncapable whilest such of this salvation there is no entrance for them into the Kingdom of Heaven 5. Christless persons are not in a
sinking fears what horrible perplexity of mind you will on this day be filled withall it will be a dreadful day 2. The Sentence of the damnation of such as are not saved will be dreadful when the Books are opened where your sins are recorded and you are convicted by the Judge then he will proceed to pass sentence upon you Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Matth. 25.41 O dreadful words the voice will be loud with which they will be pronounced such as shall reach the ears of all the wicked together of all generations and how will they all quake and tremble at the sound thereof You may cry it may be to the Lord for mercy but it will be in vain you may say Lord open to us and receive us into thy Kingdom that we may participate in the joyes thereof but he will say unto you Depart from me I know ye not all ye workers of iniquity But if you must depart you may wish for his blessing as Esau though it were but an inferiour blessing no depart ye cursed depart with a curse If then you must depart with a curse you may wish for some convenient place of abode and good company as Cain when he went forth from the presence of the Lord with a curse he built a City to dwell in and took some comfort it may be in his habitation and wife and children no depart into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels you must dwell in devouring fire and inhabit everlasting burnings and your companions will be the Devil and his Angels and fellow-damned sinners in whom you will not find the least comfort which leads to the third particular 3. The Execution of the Damnation of such as are not saved will be dreadful and this will be in Hell when the irreversible sentence of damnation is passed upon you immediately the execution will follow and you will be haled from the Judgement seat and the everlasting doors of the prison of Hell will be lifted up where a horrible fire is burning which can never be quenched into which you must enter and be shut down and shut in to take up your eternal abode in that place of torment there every part will be tormented every member of your bodies every faculty of your souls and that in the highest degree of extremity beyond your now capacity and your torments will have no intermission neither will you have any hopes of their conclusion I have already treated in my Book of Judgement of the universality extremity and eternity of the torments of the Damned and therefore shall not here inlarge From what hath been said you may evidently perceive that the Damnation of such as are not saved will be dreadfull which should awaken you to endeavour after your salvation especially if withall you consider 2. That the Damnation of such as are not saved will be Certain where there is no Salvation there will be unavoidable Damnation because between these two hereafter there will be no middle condition such as are not saved will most certainly be damned Heaven or Hell eternal happiness or eternal misery will be the portion of all the Sons and Daughters of Adam I might shew that Gods Justice and Holiness and Truth doth require the Damnation of all such as do not obtain Salvation by Jesus Christ so that either God must prove unholy and unjust and false in his Word which is impossible or you which are not saved must be damned therefore this is most certain there is no escaping of the damnation of Hell by such as neglect the great Salvation of the Gospel Heb. 2.3 And methinks by this time I should hear some of you cry out as the Iews when Peter preached or the Jaylor O what shall we do to be saved SECT XVIII III. I Am to tell you Words to guide you in the way to attain Salvation And here I shall 1. Direct what things you must do that you may be saved 2. Shew what Means you must make use of to help you in those things 1. What Things you must do that you may be saved Take this in these Ten Directions 1. You must see your selves lost 2. You must mourn for sin 3. You must turn from sin 4. You must believe in Iesus Christ. 5. You must get a new Nature 6. You must lead a New Life 7. You must resolve upon sufferings for Christ if called 8. You must study and apply the Promises of the Covenant of Grace 9. You must give up your selves in Covenant unto God 10. You must be stedfast and persevere in the Wayes of God unto your lives end Direction 1. You must see your selves lost if you would be saved Luk. 19.10 our Saviour telleth us that he came to seek and save that which was lost You must be lost if you would be found We read Luk. 15. of the lost Sheep the lost Groat and the lost Son all which were found again and that with joy When sinners perceive themselves to be lost and undone and know not what to do then they are neer to be found and saved by Jesus Christ O then as ever you expect Salvation by Christ you must see and be sensible of your lost estate whilest you are in a state of Nature And for this end you must get a Conviction 1. Of your sin 2. Of the Punishment you have deserved for your sin 3. Of your Insufficiency to satisfie Gods Iustice. 4. Of your inability to make resistance and defend your selves 5. Of the Impossibility of your fleeing and escaping Gods wrath 6. That as yet you have no Interest in Christ who alone is able to deliver you from the wrath to come 1. That you may be sensible of your lost estate you must get a Conviction of your sin your eyes must be opened to see your selves guilty of sin before God and your mouths must be stopped so as to have nothing to say if the Lord should condemn you You must not only understand the nature of sin in the general that it is a transgression of the holy and righteous and good Law of the holy and glorious God of Heaven and Earth but also you must be particularly and thorowly convinced that you have transgressed this Law of God you must be convinced of your particular sins As to the kinds of your sins you must 1. See your selves guilty of Original sin of Adams first transgression by a just imputation you being in his loyns and parties in the first Covenant and then you must see what inherent sin there is in your nature that you were conceived and born in sin that you are a viperous brood a Seâ—pâ—ntine generation a seed of evil doers that the Toad is not fuller of poyson than your natures are full of sin that your natures are contrary unto the nature of God and have an enmity in them against the Law of God Rom. 6.7 You must be
me with all Graces as to kinde and measure as shall be needfull for me in my place and work to testifie Gods love to my Soul to give me earnests of Glory and to seal me up unto the day of Redemption And O that I might have the presence and abode of the Spirit of God with me and never grieve quench resist and drive away the Spirit any more Also because the Holy Scriptures are the Word of God endited by the Holy Ghost the Epistle of Iesus Christ wherein he hath given notice of his love and will because they are the only sufficient and in themselves a perfect Rule for Faith and a holy Life and so fully do declare the way and means unto everlasting happiness Therefore I choose the Word of God to be the Rule of my Faith and Life and the Ordinances of God therein prescribed to be the means of my acquaintance and converse with my God so far as I am capable of and he shall vouchsafe and to be the means also of preparing of me for the full and perfect enjoyment of him beyond my present capacity And because the Ordinances are but dark glasses to see the Lord in because ignorance and unbelief do exceedingly vail God from mine eyes flesh and corruption do damp my love to God and my spiritual Ioy in him and interrupt my communion with him because of the sins sorrows temptations and afflictions which I cannot be wholly free from and therefore cannot be perfectly happy here in this World and having life and immortality brought to light by the Gospel a discovery and promise of eternal Life made unto me in the Word and withall a command of my Lord to lay up my Treasure in Heaven Therefore I choose Heaven for my Treasure and Inheritance for ever to live there in the company of all the holy Angels and Saints in the blessed sight love and enjoyment of the infinitely blessed God to see and share in the glory of my Dearest Lord Iesus Christ whither I hope my Soul shall be transported by the Angels so soon as it is separated from my Body and that my vile Body when awakened and raised in the Morning of Chrisâ—s coming shall be fashioned like unto Christs most beautifull and glorious Body and both inherit the Kingdom prepared and promised by my Father Lastly being perswaded of my Duty and encouraged by Gods promise of assistance and acceptance I now dedicate and deliver up my self fully freely and for ever unto the Lord I yield and resign up my Soul with all its powers and faculties my Body with all its senses and members to be the instruments of righteousness unto God I resign up my Minde to think upon the Lord and those things which concern his Interest and Glory to receive embrace and maintain his Truths I resign up my Memory to be a store-house and receptacle chiefly of the great things which do belong to his Kingdom and other things of a more inferiour rank as they may have a reference unto his Glory I resign up my Conscience to receive light and purity from his Word and Spirit and desire that it may act faithfully as the Lords Deputy I resign up my Will unto the Will of God to submit to his Precepts to embrace his Promises to oppose what he hath forbidden to comply with all the dispensations of his Providence towards me to be willing that I should be and do and bear and choose and lose what God would have me I resign up my Heart and Affections to fear and reverence the Lord to believe and trust in the Lord to desire and seek after the Lord to love and delight in the Lord and desire to put them all under his Government and to have them exercised according to his will I resign up my Fancy to be governed and employed by my Reason in the service of my Master I resign up my Sensual Appetite after meat and drink sleep and any pleasures to be subsâ—rvient to my Rational Appetite and no further to have satisfaction than will tend to the glory of the Lord. Iâ— sign up my Hands to work for God my Feet to walk for God my Ears to hear for God my Eyes to see for God my Tongue to speak for God I resign up all my Graces all my Gifts all my Talents to be used for the Glory of my Lord and Master and my whole Man to be ruled and governed by his Laws Promising though my Flesh do contradict and rebell that I will endeavour to order my whole conversation according to his Word humbly looking up to him for strength so to doe that I may be enabled by him to every duty And now I look upon my self no longer my own or that any thing I have is at my own dispose but I wholly belong unto the Lord And therefore blessing and praising and giving thanks unto the Lord for vouchsafing to enter into Covenant with me and enclining my heart to enter into Covenant with him Bending my neck under the feet of the most glorious Iehovah I subscribe my self Witness my Hand and Seal The devoted Servant of the Lord A. B. Direct 10. You must be stedfast and persevere in the wayes of God unto your lives end if you would be saved And here you must be stedfast 1. In the wayes of Truth 2. In the Wayes of Gods Commandements 1. You must be stedfast and persevere in the wayes of Truth in the belief of the Truths of the Word without turning aside into wayes of Errour there are wayes of Errour which will lead you as certainly and more securely to Hell than the wayes of open profaneness The Apostle tells us of damnable errours as well as open damnable sins 2 Pet. 2.1 and we read of some that are damned for believing a lye that their delusion hath been the cause of their damnation 2 Thess. 2.11 12. The Devil leads as many as he can in the cords of more gross and known sins towards the place of endless misery but if any of them begin to perceive their thraldom and danger if their eyes be a little opened and Conscience awakened and hearts affected and they are perswaded to look after their salvation then he endeavours to draw them into wayes of Errour he hath his Agents and Ministers who are very subtle and crafty and lye in wait to deceive who with good words and fair speeches insinuate poysonous doctrines and pretending more glorious discoveries higher and more excellent wayes draw them out of the way of the Word and Ordinances into paths of darkness where they wander and lose themselves for ever where they are tossed up and down and beaten to and fro with every winde of doctrine unto the shipwrack of their Faith and their Souls As you hope for salvation you must take heed of Errour diligently inquire after Truth search for it as for silver and digg for it as for hidden treasures digg for it in the golden Mines of the