the same Mould he fashioned them all The poorest acknowledge that they are as much minded by God as the rich and so far they are right but then they go further Exod. 30. 15. and make themselves his only Favourites The ground of this Error is through Mis-application of those Promises in Scripture concerning this Condition But let them not be deceived for where is any mention made of spiritual good things it is to those Poor only who walk in their Integrity Hath not God chosen the Poor of this World the Apostle doth not say all of them but those who are rich in Faith and Heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Jam. 5. 2. So they must believe and love God and then they must avoid sinning against him otherwise they have no place in Heaven Indeed many of them do so and more would if they did apply themselves to God and the Word of his Grace which is able both to bring in and build up Those whom the Proud ones call the ordinary sort of People will make the greater number in Heaven We see more of them allowing for their multitude that Practice Simplicity and Godly Sincerity then we can amongst those of higher rank for these have altogether broken the Yoke and burst the bands Jer. 5. 5. Being governed by Self-will and their own humour more then the Laws of God but the others are not altogether so forgetful and refractory And have a good will towards God in General but the Prophet remarks truly how Jer. 5. 4. they have not that knowledge which is to be desired for They understand not the things of Religion so well as they should but follow their own Opinions and Fancies Satan which deceiveth the whole World Rev. 12. 9. Hath taken advantage thereof instilling into them errors and deceits If you would indeed be in the right way to Heaven and not miss thereof at last give attendance to that Word which is to shew unto all the Path of Life When some have well resolved then they are distracted about Of different Communious the way one saith it is this another that It is agreed by all that the Scriptures do shew what is right so what they point out it is good to â—oâ—â—ow They give the Character of some who Taught the way of God in Truth Mat. 22. 16. Acts 16. 17. And therefore according to what is Written those both said and did it may be most surely trusted unto There have been Questions and different Opinions in past Ages but little is said of them in Holy Writ The Prophets make no mention of them speaking against Idolatry but say nothing as to Modes of Worship Our Saviour Speaks little concerning those Separate Meetings in his time and doth not express much zeal one waâ— or another His Apostles followed the same steps One witnesseth In every Nation he that feareth God and worketh Righteousness is accepted with him Acts. 10. 35. Being applyed to Cornelius a Gentile as may be gathered from Acts 11. 18 The diversity here was greater then amongst several Communions of Christians aâ— this day and therefore much more will they be saved in each Another Apoâ—â—le saith Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing b 〈…〉 thâ— kâ—â—p 〈…〉 of the Commandments of God 1 Cor. 7. 19. In Christ Jesus neither Circumcision availeth any thing noâ— uncircumcision but Faith which worketh by love Gal. 5. 6. A new Creature Gal. 6. 15. That was as important a Question as those in controversie now bâ—t there is not so much in them as Obedience and Holiness To which aâ—â—â—e the promises of God are and nothing at all to those distinguishing terms of Perswasion among us It is evident from Psal 25. 12 14. John 7. 17. 1 Cor. 2. 10. Phil. 3. 15. That whosoever sincerely fears God with his whole heart shall be directed into all necessary and saving Truth and then he must lay aside all Prepossessions and Prejudice Pride Humour Wordly Reasons coming in simplicity of Soul only out of a desire to be right and receive the love of the Truth that he may be saved 2 Thes 2. 10. For this is evident Continuance in a willful and known error is as dangerous as a willful and known sin and therefore to be equally avoided The Word doth discover Good and Evil Truth and Falshood so the Duty of every one is to set his Conscience as in the light of God with a readiness to think and do what is most according to his revealed Will and then he shall never perish through errour or falshood All Worship is designed to please and obtain acceptance with Almighty God. The hour cometh and now is when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him John 4. 23. But this doth in no wise excuse from an humble bodily gesture and reverence of the outward Man the Subjection of both is to be shewed Therefore glorifie God in your Body and in your Spirit which are Gods 1 Cor. 6. 20. Certainly this Apostle knew what was a Gospel and Spiritual Worship yet He kneeled down and Prayed Acts 20. 36. The like did our Saviour Luke 22. 41. And Stephen and Peter Acts 7. 60 Acts 9. 40. It is to be observed in Publick Worship for so did Paul that being more Solemn and whereby God is Glorified Though the Lolling sort of behaviour is so much in use among the Country People when they come into the presence of God let them use it before their Governour or Great Men How will they be pleased with it And if they will not neither will he who even now remains a Great King and his Name is dreadful among the Heathen Mal. 1. 8 14. And though some may think that no more then another place yet they may consider what our Lord did John 2. 16 17. Mark 11. 15 16 17. Signifying plainly that more regard is to be had to the House of Prayer so called of all Nations and People extending to the Gospel Isa 56. 7. times when they come in The Apostle finds fault with the Corinthians abusing of the Sacrament making a Common Meal of it Have ye not Houses to eat or drink in or despise ye the Church Psal 29. 9. of God 1 Cor. 11. 22. The subject of that Chapter is about a comely behaviour in the Holy Assemblies What can be said to these plain Scriptures or how can they excuse themselves from Sin in not observing them Let Men put what meaning they will God is judge himself and they may at the last day be severely reproved for not obeying that command the reason whereof is eternally Obligatory Ye shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my Sanctuary I am the Lord Lev. 19. 30. The design of the whole Gospel is Peace Unity and Love see Rom. 12. 18. Rom. 16 17. 1 Cor. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 10. 17. 2 Cor. 13. 11. Phil.
Call to mind how Evil came into the World through Sin though it is not taken away yet Help is ordained against it It is Written and found true of the Benefits of the second Adam unto whom all the Scripture hath Relation Surely he hath born our Griefs and carryed our Sorrows Isa 53. 4. It is but reasonable we should have some sence of them also That as he had Compassion on the Afflicted Heb. 2. 10. so we should perceive how great things he endured for us to raise our Love Thankfulness and Obedience unto God through him Take my Brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the Name of the Lord for an Example of suffering Affliction and of Patience Behold we count them Happy which endure Ye have heard of the Patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is very Pitiful and of tender Mercy James 5. 10 11. CHAP. XIX AN EXHORTATION TO OBEDIENCE and FEAR of God The CONCLUSION of the Whole NOw therefore stand still that I may Reason with you before the Lord of all the Righteous Acts of the Lord 1 Sam. 12. 7. It is as certain that God is as any thing is for he made all things Consider how great he must be whose Works are so how Glorious Good and Excellent he is as those Manifestations do set forth And then think further how we the Inhabitants of the Earth who walk up and down as so many Grashoppers should behave our selves towards him If we were not his Offspring and Workmanship we might justly think he would have nothing to do with us but that shews the contrary nay moreover our Rebellion proves the Relation What might be known by Obedience is also shewed by Transgression But how unreasonable doth this last appear for reflect upon God and our selves What are we to despise or be stubborn against him He is great and we little Other things do his Will and why should not we comply therewith Would the vain Swearer walk out and as he beholds the Heaven or Earth he treads which was first Created and now sustained by an Almighty power And is it fit he should be spoken lightly of His Glorious and Fearfuâ— Name be used upon every frivolous and idle account when he hath so expresly Commanded to the contrary So it may be said of every Sin May not the God who formed us preserveth us giving whatever we enjoy give also Laws and Directions to his Creature for him to be governed by To keep the Commandments of the Lord and his Statutes which I Command thee this day for thy Good Deut. 10. 13. Thy Testimonies that thou hast Commanded are Righteous and very Faithful Psal 119. 138. As for God his Way is Perfect the Word of the Lord is tryed Psal 18. 30. Look impartially upon his whole Revelation in Scripture survey every particular Precept and Judge Whether it is not equal Psal 119. 128. for God to enjoyn and for Man to comply therewith As for Worship Praise and Prayer none denies them There is the general Consent that such are to be rendred We are zealous and prone But here Satan the Enemy hath two Wiles the one in some Ungodly people who are frightned with a little Dulness and Iâ—ksomeness at first but even they unless very Ignorant and Stupid cannot satisfie themselves without some Worship That Aukwardness would go off if they would accustom themselves to Duty Another Subtlety The Adversary hath found concerning the manner thereof for the Substance is agreed by the far greater part of Mankind But here they are fierce and hot so angry and displeased at contrary Opinions So stiff for their own an Evidence of what is in our nature to have to do with Religion Here again creeps in another Device of the old Serpent by which he takes advantage for he would confine the whole of Religion to this which is but a part and also raises a Dust about outward Circumstances which are not essential to Worship for seeing that God is to be Worshipped in Spirit and in Truth but hath prescribed no exact Pattern thereof in Scripture away might be found out for Union Love and Peace Neither in the mean while should we be angry with our Brother that doth not go according to the same precise manner for as the Apostle saith 1. Cor. 12. 4 5 6. Why may it not be likewise supposed If there be now some Diversity of Worship yet as long as it is the same God to whom it all relates if each way is Spiritual and True free from Idolatry Jewish and Heathen Superstition God is Glorified every way for all fall down and Worship him and God is in them of a Truth He doth actually manifest his Favour Grace and Acceptation to those of the several Perswasions among us Yea all the Idolatries in the World do some what discover that natural Inclination in Man to Worship God for all Falshood and Fiction doth suppose somewhat true and real But it hath been the Stratagem of the Devil who is permitted to resist either to take away or where he cannot do that to corrupt To move Men to forget God or deceive them in their Duty towards him As reasonable Creatures They can thus conceive That if they should lose the sence of him or harden themselves against his Fear yet still be remaineth The Lord sitteth King for ever Psal 29. 10. He is always above Thou compassest my Path and my lying down and art aquainted with all my ways Psal 139. 3. Though we do not think of him The Scripture in sundry places threatens severely against forgetfulness of him for it casts off his Kingdom which is over the Hearts of Men. Besides it is unnatural to forget God that formed us Every thing we see are his Works which do remind His Word His Servants Every Affliction or Evil and a Thousand things do stir up our Remembrance of him which before was stifled with other things The sence of him is paturally imprinted in our minds and appears forth when Stupefactions and Hindrances are taken away Corrupt Man is willing to lose it for it Occasions aw and dread which he doth not like But God would have it retained and therefore forbids Excess Sensuality and all things which clog and suppress it He doth requires us to walk Humbly with our God Mic. 6. 8. He hath established Love to be mixed with Fear both make up Reverence and Good will So we may be in the Fear of God all the day long without Torment yea with Satisfaction and Complacency Another Reason of our willingness to forget is because a continual Remembrance implies Subjection and we are inclinable to that which was our Fore-fathers Fall. But why should we not think our selves as we are indeed Creatures We are only in subjection to the Most High We are not put under Principalities and Powers The more excellent created Beings do not exercise Dominion over us We are subject to none but God
event of Folly. The pleasures of Sin are but for a season and after the several times are over the melancholick fit returns as bad rather worse then ever If they would suffer themselves to be admonished how they neither make use of the right remedy nor apply it to the distempered part for instead of taking away they feed the Disease and use stupifying Medicines which only take away the sence but not prevent Death The Sinner that labours under remorse will drink heartily for sorrow is dry so endeavouring to drown the spirit within him which though it sink at night will rise again in the morning and because it tells him the truth it is thought his Enemy for disturbing him And therefore he will try again to drive that unwelcome Guest out of his house which cannot be done Then continual Business Recreation or Company shall divert its whispers Otherwise by gross Ignorance or stupid inconsideration he willingly becomes as bruit Beasts whom he observes to be disturbed from nothing within Thus he dreams of relief as if he should not die and puts of what would do no other harm then lead him to Repentance till it is hid from his Eyes It is truly said of the Wisdom that is from above Her wayes are ways of pleasantness and all her pathes are Peace Pro. 3. 17. Under that Word is comprized all Happiness and this throughout the whole Scripture is promised to keeping of the Commandments of God. O that thou had hearkened to my Commandment then had thy Peace been as a River and thy Righteousness as the Waves of the Sea Isa 48. 18. There is a constant serenity and calmness of mind The sincere Penitent when he is habituated to the way of Godliness finds more Pleasure then ever he did in the course of Sin. He iâ— more comforted in singing Praises and making spiritual melody in his Hâ—art then heretofore in drunken Songs or lacivious tunes More satisfaction arises to him in meditating on God's Law then who devise mischief or let their thoughts run after all manner of filthiness This is the constant felicity of God's chosen but they have greater things then these the antepasts of Heaven the earnest and first fruits of the Spirit that joy of the inward Man which far exceeds the most exquisite delights of Sence All these are without allay or mixture there is no Condemnation or Fear no Repentance or Vexation among them It is a true and sensible satisfaction though it may seem mystery and foolishness to carnal Men. Any one may have it upon the terms of the Gospel who observes all things whatsoever the Author thereof hath Mat. 28. 20. commanded for want of which so many miss of it The Covetous doth avoid Gluttony Drunkenness or such chargeable Sins and will be apt to cry out with the Pharisee God be thanked I am none of these But he doth not take heed and beware of Covetousness Luke 12 15. so he is not happy here For through the love of Money he pierceth himself through with many Sorrows nor will be hereafter for such shall not inherit the Kingdom of God 1. Cor. 6. 10. He whose God is his Belly is perhaps no Mans enemy but his own and therefore may expect the peaceable fruits of Righteousness but in vain for he hath not here any lasting joy it arises only from the Meat and Drink that perisheth neither will he attain to the fulness thereof His end being Destruction from the presence of God Phil. 3. 18. They do somewhat towards obtaining Happiness but the other evil deprives thereof One accursed thing troubles Israel here below and shall never approach so near as to disturb the rest of the People of God. However the enemies to their own good would have it yet it is necessary to that of the present time to avoid every evil way for otherwise there can be no true Peace of mind no freedom from fear and regret In the day of Prosperity be joyful but in the time of Adversity consider God also hath set the one over against the other to the end that Man should find nothing after him Eecles 7. 14. Look into them both throughly and they are little each passeth away and it is the same thing afterwards So they are not to be admired or feared but the one cautiously used and the other submitted unto that they may help forward to eternal Happiness for that is happiness indeed and the principal concern when all temporal things slip away like a Dream which affects a little for the instant but afterwards is not minded But good Men can better bear Affliction then others having joy and gladness within when the Body is weak and languishing They have quietness and assurance of mind when the Flesh is wasted with pain or sickness This is so manifest that even the Wicked if they have courage to stand by and observe will secretly ejaculate Let me die such a Death and let my latter end be like his Mark the Perfect Man and behold the Vpright for the end of that Man is Peace Psal 37. 37. when others are attended with Horror Amazement or Stupidity and Inconsideration All acknowledge those more happy in their Sickness and Death but the great doubt and inquiry will be whether they are so in their Life for if that can be brought forth and made to appear in the Light of the living it would be no small argument for the Conversion of Sinners from the error of their way The reason why theâ— follow after the Lusts of the flesh and commit sins most in Fashion is because they think it is for their present Happiness their Honour and Reputation which is one part thereof Now were they fully convinced that could equally yea more be had in obedience to Gods Commandment these would live according to that unless they are the greatest Fools that can be imagined considering the disproportion of the rewards of the one and sad Punishments that are to the other way If the God of this World hath not blinded their eyes and they are not altogether become Carnal who cannot discover any thing within they may consider the great difference of things set before us Life and Good Death and Evil that they may choose the better and avoid the worse Evil hath a thin appearance of Good and therefore is catched at and embraced so Good hath an outward shew of Evil and is abhorred and despised At first sight sin and iniquity seem to further the Happiness of mankind but in truth is the Cause of Misery so righteousness and obedience looked slightly on appear to bring in convenience and disturbance Sin hath a shew of Wisdom and Briskness when in the Act it is folly afterwards Tribulation and Anguish of Soul the other at a transitory glance is foolish and dull but upon full Tryal is the greatest Prudence perfect Peace and Satisfaction to the mind of Man. The delusion and mistake is Men do not see throughly
if it be throughly considered all these put together do not make good that Happiness and Peace which mankind so eagerly desires And they are to be had in Gods ways so the first and great Temptation Vanisheth If the Enemy cannot draw Men off from God and Religion he trys to corrupt and deceive them therein by Lies and false Suggestions but all this may be prevented by the written Word without and the understanding within he hath given us The Foundation of the whole is which way to atone please and find acceptance with Almighty God this cannot be better known then by what himself hath shewed by Angels his Son and Holy Men inspired by him Who have done it faithfully and truly and laid down a reasonable way to this purpose As we have received so ought we to walk that we may please God by complying with all his Mind and Will which he hath revealed unto us by them Now this could never be done unless it was known And this neither by seeing it in a Book nor hearing with the Ear for a Child doth this unless it be understoâ—d Thy hands have made me and fashioned me give me understanding that I may learn thy Commandments Psal 119. 73. The inspiration of the Almighty giveth men understanding Job 32. 8. He did not to Horse and Mule for these are carried by blind instinct of Desire and Aversation but we with Knowledge and Choice as to Good and Evil. Thy word is a Lamp unto my Feet And a Light unto my Path Ps 119. 105. Without that our own Understanding is altogether insufficient as may be seen by the wandrings of those of old time who were carried away with dumb Idols the strange Follies of Idolatry and Superstition that ignorance and uncertainty of the chiefest Good and Immortality Something may be observed at this day which confirms that The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are Foolishness unto him neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2. 14. It is an amazing thing to consider those who are prudent as to the Affairs of the World who have all Knowledge and Skill of the best way to get Riches and Honour who foresee and carefully avoid temporal Evils yet commonly these of all Men are most ignorant as to the things of God and their Salvation They think it beneath their parts to condescend to such things it is an undervaluing of their worldly Wisdom to practise Simplicity and Godly Sincerity This they esteem as fit for none but Ignorant and Foolish people One would admire hereat if he did not call to mind Mat. 11. 25 26. 1 Cor. 1. 18 19 20 26. The greatest Schollars are not always holy and obedient for Knowledge puffeth up and they Fancy it a Disparagement to come to the things that are base in the Esteem of the World and the things which are despised The Blindness received by Adams Transgression is not taken away for they disdain as they foolishly and ignorantly think the meanness of the Remedy There are some still Vain in their Imaginations and their foolish heart are darkened Professing themselves to be Wise they Deut. 8. 17. Isa 10. 13. in the end will become Fools that all may know who come into the Promised Land it was not their own Power or Wisdom brought them thither For through proud Nature we are apt to rob God of the Honour due to his Name to say we made our selves Happy Such boasting is false and hateful to our great Master who even this way teacheth us to acknowledge if we will speak but the truth that all our sufficiency is of him 2 Cor. 3. 5. If we are left to our selves all our Wisdom is Earthly Sensual and Devilish and serves for no other end but wisely to descend into Hell. Natural Reason alone is not able to Conduct unto Heaven for it knows not the way unless it had been for the revealed Will of God we had been also Grovelling in the Dark as our Ancestors or the Indians and Pagans at this time Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved let us have Grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with Reverence and Godly fear Heb. 12. 28. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit which is promised to every one that Asks and that gives Life to the dead Letter making it understood and leads into truth sufficient to render us Happy That of guiding into all truth was a particular Promise to the Disciples as appears by the Words following He shall not speak of himself and he will shew you things to come John 13. 16 Now if he who boasts of thiâ— will do the other also have the Spirit of Prophecy as well as the pretended one of infallibility then this Scripture extends to him but seeing he hath not that neither the other for what Christ hath joyned together he is Antichrist that puts asunder Shew the things to come bereafter that we may know that ye are Gods Isa 41. 23. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is Worshipped So that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God 1 Thes 2. 4. That same Jesus from whom he pretends to derive his Commission and Truth foretelleth that many false Christ's and false Prophets shall arise of whom we are to take heed and Commandeth Search the Scriptures John 5. 39. For that only Objection from 2 Pet. 3. 16. which the Man of Sin doth so mightily insist on to beat off the People from that word wherein his own ways and Corruptions are so Condemned The Argument doth not amount to so much as that we ought to abstain from Meat and Drink because possibly we may meet with Poison For the wresting of Scriptures to their own Destruction is a wilful known Act as the word Imports Poâ—son may be conveyed in unknown to us but it would be more ridiculous to say I will not Eat any thing because I know what is Poiâ—on and can Eat that also whereas this should encourage him the more to necessary Food because he knows the other and can avoid it The word of God is as necessary to nourish unto eternal Life as the other to preserve the present and none need to be afraid For this is certain however People are frightned and perplexed about Doctrines and Opinions necessary to â—alvation As in the ways of wickedness none Perishes without a Malâ—cious Sinful Stubborn and continued Trangression of the Will So it is of the understanding unless there is some Malignity and ill deserving therein God will never be eternally angry with Men for it Things are so ordered that every one may be saved by Labour and sincere Use of means and none mis-carries or is damned but through his own Fault and known Wilfulness God would have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth 1 Tim. 2. 4. The end is here
the Falshood Vanity and Danger thereof But the last is wonderfully cherished and entertained Men according to their several Dispositions are more inclined to one sin then another some dear beloved Lust a sinful Pleasure or Profit They will spare and forsake it not but keep it still Job 20. 13. for this they seek out so many Excuses and Pretences Being resolved to hold fast they fain would have it not be sinful at all or at least not in them for such and such such Resons But if it be so apparently against the word of God which makes no Allowance or Dispensation for Circumstances or Conveniency that they cannot throughly satisfie their Conscience though they have long endeavoured it why then they must grant it to be their failing The subtil Enemy Promises that though they still continue yet they shall never go to Hell for one Sin producing such Arguments from Scripture and common Reason And hence begins to work in them with all deceiveableness He represents several Thoughts to sooth and quiet Conscience That done they at length become secure and make no manner of doubt but it shall go well with them at last Now they are in the Condition wished for and whosoever would disturb them therein is no Friend of theirs They hold him to be their Enemy who tells them the Truth and endeavours to convince them of the damnable Errour they are in They return Hatred for Good-will for they had rather run Blind into the Ditch go Hoodwinkt to Hell then have their Eyes opened and escape it So strangely are they besotted by Sin and Satan But it is reckoned no unkindness to save one from drowning if thereby he plucks a little Hair off from his Head and the Irksomeness in like manner must be endured which is necessary for Interruption of Security and Discovery of Deceits Let Men deceive themselves yet they cannot deceive their Judge The Foolishness of Men shall never Out-wit the All-wise God neither shall he be put off with vain Excuses or Pretences The Lord is a God of knowledge and by him Actions are weighed 1 Sam. 2. 3. He is a God of Power and none can get into his Mansions above without his Will and he can make all the Devices of the wicked to be of none effect He is a God of Truth and therefore what he hath spoken in these last days by his Son shall be fulfilled Who saith He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my words hath one that judgeth him the word that I have spoken the same shall Judge him at the last day John. 12. 48. And those idle Pleas which guilty Persons shall offer for themselves will not be allowed of as appears Mat. 7. 22 23 and Mat. 25. 44. So is the Case at this day for at the Assizes no Prisoner how guilty soever would be Condemned if every little trifle and excuse he makes for himself might be received and save his Life Whereas the Judge doth not regard his idle Sayings and frivolous Pretences but proceeds against him for what he hath done according to the written Law of the Land. If Men flatter themselves in Evil because they think they have a place of Scripture on their side they are further to know that according to the righteous Interpretation of Christ and not their own wicked Wrestings and Mis-applications all must for ever stand or fall As such are all those meanings which may seem to give allowance to any manner of Sin For it is a certain and eternal Rule Whatever Doctrine or Opinion doth Countenance living in any wilful and known Sin cannot be of God neither hath it any right Grounds from his Word For though Men of Prevaricating minds do take Arguments from the Law of the Most High to favour that which his Soâ—l abhors as by endeavouring to make the Holy Spirit a defender of impurity his righteous Statutes to maintain their unjust Actions by palliating a Lye with the word of Truth and proving such a thing to be no Sin by that which is the alone Rule of Good and Evil and which doth plainly forbid it but by Glosses Distinctions Restrictions and Sentiments of their own devising they would have it pass for none This is to pervert the right ways of the Lord to do violence to his Law and also they are partial therein for they take up what seems to make for them and neglect others which are manifestly contrary to what they would have If such a thing is for their Gain or Delight although plainly forbidden as they cannot deny yet they commit it safely without fear from such an Example or Expression they found therein and however far fetcht it shall serve to their purpose Cometh this abuse from the Nature of Scripâ—ure or Difficulty of understanding it In no Wise for it strictly forbids all manner of Sin and Falshood They also do no iniquity they walk in his ways Thy word is very pure Psal 119. 3. and Verse 140 Sanctifie them through thy Truth thy word is Truth John 17. 17 And those places which command and exhort Holy Life are so easie to be understood that none can be mistaken in them The VVay faring Men though Fools shall not err therein Isa 35. 8. One great Reason of Deceits is from what is said Jer. 5. 30 31. A wonderful and horrible thing is Committed in the Land. The Prophets Prophesie falsly and the Priests bear Rule by their means And my People love to have it so and what will ye do in the end thereof Those who have taken upon them the Office of interpreting to serve their own Interest and to please Men have interpreted falsly Being bound to maintain such Doctrines and Opinions tâ—e have wrested the Scriptures in defence of them And have concealed several Truths which would have confuted them Such have turned and winded the good word of God as it seemed â—est to make a Gain thereof Others also have hid their Eyes from my Sabbaths Ezek. 22. 26. By subtil Distinctions have made the Commandments of God of none Effect as the Pharisces of old did concerning the Fifth so some later have done concerning the Fourth And many such like things do ye Who hâ—â—e Slubbered Mark. 7. 13. over that Particular and strict Obligation of the Gospel Commands and out of that have Propheâ—â—â—d sâ—oâ—th things Who can find a faithful Interpreter According to the Church or Party listed in so they have construed Not making known in all things what was the very mind of God but for the Divine meaning have laid down the meer Fancies of their own Brain And putting another Sense then what they thought was true and Genuine at the time of doing it VVho Prophesie out of their own Hearts Ezek. 13. 2. and send forth Imaginations instead of Truth How bold are some in determining what is Sin and what is not How do they Lord it over our Faith and Magisterially lay down their Propositions as if they had known the mind of
If they will come they shall be kindly received but if they make light of all these Messengers going their Wayes one to his Farm another to his Merchandize at their peril be it The reason why they did Mat. 22. was because they had some present business which they thought of more concern then the Wedding Dinner In like manner Men will not entertain the offers of Grace and Salvation made to them out of the Gospel because they have some lusts and covetous desires to gratifie which they think tend more to their Happiness then the others That these have some delight they are sure for they have it in hand but they cannot conceive any in the other it is to be revealed hereafter they know not when so in their Opinion they make the better choice because they are certain of something whereas others expose themselves to self-denial and present losses and live upon imaginary expectancies There is no time like the present a slight vanity now is to be prefered before a substantial Glory hereafter Most excellent reasoning and agreeable to the Wisdom of this World that come to nought 1 Cor. 2. 6. It is worthy of and such as could be expected from Men who have no foresight of things to come in other things it is prudence to have an eye forward but in this which is of greater Moment then all things put together to pass on and be punished is reckoned the wiser way Then it will be discerned otherwise but this is the misery when they shall come to be throughly convinced of their foolishness it will be past remedy This objection against the things of God because they are to come hath been already answered And for the delight of the sins most in esteem and pâ—actice Ch. 3. if God permit shall be fully examined in the ensuing Chapters It may appear very small and inconsiderable for which a Man must lose Temporal Comfort and Eternal Joyes endure the manifold evils and inconveniencies of sin in this present time and afterwards suffer endless Torment To be excluded from Peace here and Glory hereafter to be made subject unto sorrows now and hence forwards Eternal anguish of mind must be prejudicial to Mans Happiness or nothing is All this is to lay stronger engagement on us to observe Gods Laws In keeping of them there is great reward Psal 19. 11. There is happiness to be found but in transgression is exceeding punishment there only misery is felt The way of God is a way of Peace as long as any one walks therein he is safe but if he turns his foot aside he presently falls into trouble and danger Obedience and Happiness are met together Righteousness and Peace have kissed each other As again Sin and Misery are coupled Wickedness and Punishment are joyned hand in hand The Heavens declare the Glory of God and the Firmament sheweth his handy work Day unto Day uttereth Speech Night unto Night Of Scripture sheweth Knowledge There is no Speech nor Language where their voice is not heard Psal 19. 1 2 3. The astonishing Works of creation proclaim aloud to all the World there is a God who made them The excellent contrivance of this glorious Fabrick doth shew forth his great Power and infinite Understanding But they do not make known what the Lord requireth of us they do not reveal in what relation we stand towards him they cannot discover our imperfection or how we may please and become like unto him they do not shew the errour of our crooked and perverse wayes or manifest the true Happiness or how we may run towards it and not at uncertainty Neither doth they prescribe how to remedy our natural folly and blindness But the Law of the Lord is perfect converting the Soul the Testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple The Statutes of the Lord are right rejoicing the Heart The Commandment of the Lord is pure enlightning the Eyes It doth what all the World cannot direct into the way of perfect Peace which leads up to everlasting Glory The Prophecy came not in Old time by the Will of Man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1. 21. God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son Heb. 1. 1 2. Who whilst he dwelt amongst us made known the Will of his heavenly Father chusing unto him Disciples to go and teach likewise He instructed them until the time of his Suffering To whom he shewed himself alive after his Passion by many infallible Proofs being seen of them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. And being assembled together with them commanded that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the Promise of the Father which saith he ye have heard of me Acts 13. 4. It was the Comforter which is the holy Ghost whom my Father will send in my Name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you John 14. 26. Many things Christ did and said which are not written by the Evangelists some whereof the Apostles have delivered And other things they have laid down out of his Doctrine by infallible inference and deduction They could not be mistaken for they received the Promise John 16. 13. The Spirit of Truth will guide you into all Truth and for a manifest Testimony thereof they foretold things to come which have been and are to be fulfilled In the old Testament the Law of Moses the Prophets and the Psalms so summed up Luke 24. 44. In the New the Writings of Evangelists and Apostles are given to make us wise unto Salvation By these God will judge us at the last day I saw the Dead small and great stand before God and the Books were opened and another Book was opened which was the Book of Life and the Dead were judged out of those things which were written in the Books according to their Works Rev. 20. 12. The Bible is the Lords Statute Book containing those Laws for the Government of the world and according as People have observed oâ— transgressed them he will proceed to acquital or Condemnation In Christ's Sermon on the Mount before he comes to speak as to the Commandments he doth premise Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy the Law but to fulfill For verily I say unto you till Heaven Earth pass one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law till all be fulfilled Mat. 5. 17 18. As for the Types and Ceremonies they were but Prefigurations of him that was to come so they vanish when all was finished on the Cross Other Statutes did relate to the Jews in their politick capacity which Moses did ordain from God who was to them
warning against the presumptuous Sinner who turns the Grace of Rom. 2. 4. God into Wantonness who trifles with that which should lead him to Repentance who deceives himself with a slight Remoâ—se and Sorrow but continues impenitent And also to affâ—ighten malicious Transgressors who sin yet more upon the fore sight of future Repentance To make the Professor of Christianity look about himself who doth this or that deliberate Sin as opposing Gods Truth and Servants of set purpose to comply with the humour of the World and thinks to come off afterwards upon a general Repentance or secretly asking Pardon or the like and upon this he did trust before I say to make all these throughly consider what they do and not to be deceived in a matter of so great Concern it is necessary to explain the true Nature of it more fully When the mind is now to do such a thing upon through Consideration Mat. 23. 30. how can they say afterwards they would not have done it or else to trick with the Almighty by not giving way to that because he hopes to have this excuse for his Sin to be willingly ignorant and to do a thing hastily with that reserve this is to disobey that God who twice Commands to consider our ways Hag. 1. 5 7. to endeavour to out-wit him who is all-wise or seek to hide their Counsel from the Lord Isa 29 15. Shall not God search this out For he knoweth the secrets of the Heart Psal 44. 21. And hence may be observed a great difference between the Worâ—s of the Flesh and Perversities of the Spirit The former being through infirmity of the Flesh transient Acts and of sudden surprizal may be more easily repented of because through their Deceitfulness and Temptation the Man may be beguiled or overtaken and when he comes to be convinced of their true Nature and recover out of them he may Act Indignation and Revenge upon himself for the same But for the latter sort when they are resolved on and all the 2 Cor. 7. 11. Circumstances fully known when neither surprizal nor ignorance but what was wilful can be pretended for it this makes the Sin of a very deep dye And when the mind is now to do it and either doth or may foresee the reality thereof with its Consequents How can such an one expect that if it were to do again upon the like Circumstances he would not when now he doth the very same I mean advised continued Acts of Sin as that Spirit of Stubbornness and Perverseness opposing the known Truth Persecution for which Paul gives the Reason why He obtained Mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief 1 Tim. 1. 13. which implies that if it had been knowingly done it would not have been so easily Pardoned Think upon the Case of Persecutors and Hereticks who have persisted so after a full Conviction that they were in the wrong and how many of them have you heard to have came to Repentance What they have done in secret it may be a Question whether that will be accepted for as their offences have been done openly so should their Recantation be likewise if they would have it avail It is necessary not only to be sorry or secretly to bewail but further to undo the fault as much as it can be And as God was dishonoured publickly in like manner to regain his Favour they should acknowledge their Error before Ezra 10. 2 3. Lev. 26. 40. Josh 7. 19. Ezra 10. 10 11. Mark 1. 5. Acts 19. 18. all To speak after the manner of Men That God should have repair for his hurt Majesty have Glory given unto him by Confessing their own Shame We must do as much to reconcile our selves unto an offended God as the Great Ones of the Earth require from all that displease them And this iâ— the end of Confessior those things done in private may be there acknowledged unto Almighty God but in other things the acknowledgment must be as publick as the Sin was Of all that mischief done to the Church of God by Error or Violence smiting with the Tongue of Fist there have been but few instances left on Record of Penitents of this Nature Do not those who have Acted cruelly die suâ—lenly And in those fierce Disputes where one side must be convinced to be in the wrong by the Power and clearness of the Arguments of the other side yet out of Pride Oâ—â—tinacy or Interest they will go on and seek for Eâ—asions where they cannot Answer but how few will openly declare themselves to have been in an Error Where it is purely a defect of Understanding and a mind willing to be informed we have some Reâ—raâ—tations but when the perverse Spirit is once mingled with them it is seldom that they come to Repentance We who are short-sighted and know little but what we gather by Reason and Experience which requires Succession of time are admitted unto Repentance which may supply these Defects and space and Liberty is left unto us of a full advised Choice of Good or Evil Life or Death Now when there is a through and firm perswasion of the Vanity and Vexation of Sin when he doth not barely commit it once twice or so often as to know what it is but still continue in vâ—miting not to be contented to lye only but to Wallow in the Mire is a Sign that he hath 2 Pet. 2. 20 22. made that his Choice Again when God calls by his Word his Spirit by his methods of Judgment and Mercy the Sinner to be reconciled unto him yet he stands out continually surely then he doth not Choose the Fear of the Lord Prov. 1. 29. But is Rebellious Disobedient refusing that reverence and subjection he owes unto his Maker And if at length when he finds he shall be punished for the same then he will make a pretended submission Or stood out so long of set purpose think to pacifie him with a slight Sorrow and going softly for a time by a partial and imperfect Amendment of Life God will judge of this Repentance is never too late if Fruits meet for Repentance are brought forth afterwards if there doth succeed the Christian Life in all Godliness and Honesty But if the â—icled will turn from all his Sins that he hath commited and keep all my Statutes and do that which is lawful and right he shall surely live he shall not die Ezek. 18. 21. God is sometimes pleased to bring home his Servants by Affliction and Sickness and therefore if in that which proves unto Death there is a true turning of the Soul unto God and he knows the Man would really order his Conversation according to the Gospel and for sake all his former Sins this Man hath good grounds of Hope for Mercy and Forgiveness But for him who puts it off all his Life-time before who thought it soon enough to make his Peace with God in Sickness and Old Age who
against the Obedience of Christ yet this one thing is more then them all and which God principally insists upon He that Prayes gives Thanks or receives the Sacrament doth he them out of Obedience Then that is to oblige him to other things of Duty Doth he not them to the intent that he may be better enabled to this Or is he determined not to do this and put God of with only begging Pardon When a matter is in Controversie and the adverse party will not give it up unto him who hath Power and Right on his side but think to come of by asking formal Forgiveness for the Omission What would your selves conclude of such dealing God is neither to be mocked nor trifled wiâ—hal he will not accept of Lip-Labour instead of Obedience of the Heart outward Services will not pass with him for inward Transgression of the Will. If I regard iniquity in my Heart the Lord will not hear meâ— Psal 66. 18. It is rather a Voice of babling or whining then of Prayer and Supplication if there is the Spirit of Stubbornness within But however if done in a right manner still he is better pleased when we have a good and honourable Esteem of his awful Majesty then by speaking forth of the same with our Lips. If he did hear only by the hearing of the Ear our Voice how loud soever would not reach unto Heaven and if it did What are a few good Words unto him unless our selves do really assent that it is so What do signifie putting up Petitions unto him unless we endeavour after the things we pray for We do rather dishonour him by asking for Grace and his Holy Spirit if when he gives we receive them in vain by not working together with them In the Sacrament we express our Love to the Lord Jesus we try to exalt him and shew our selves thankful as much as we can but still there is something more he looks after then strains of gratitude and Complemental Expressions Why call ye me Lord Lord and do not the things which I say Luke 6. 46. The end of all the Commandments of all the Duties of Religion of all those Transactions that ever passed between God and Man and whatsoever he hath revealed of himself is Obedience We cannot imagine any other way of approving our selves unto him those who have the best Esteem of us and are willing to do every thing we would have they get our Love and Favour Would we carry our selves after the same manner to the God of all things He is pleased Oh infinite Condescention and Goodness to manifest his Love call us Friends Jam. 2. 23. John 15. 14. and hath promised a Reward We have Kings and Governors of our Flesh which rule over us and we give them reverence shall we not much rather be in Subjection to the Father of Spirits and live For they verily for a few days here on Earth exercise Dominion over us after their own Pleasure and for the publick Good but he for our Profit that we might be Partakers of his Holiness have some little Taste of good things here and be ever Happy with him hereafter There are the Arguments of his Soveraignty Acts 17. 28. Greatness Right and Propriety but there is one more to which the Judgment of an Heathen and the Sense of all mankind besides Witnesseth Saith Aristoâ—le All People obey that which is profitable for them And upon this Reason our God doth deserve Arist Rhet. lâ—b 1. cap. 8. Obedience from all Nations and People of the World for now he hath made them so as they are that he might set before them the good and the evil He hath most excellently consulted for their Being by giving them Statutes so righteous and holy as he hath done which are to make them as Happy as considering their imperfect Condition they can be whilst in this World. O what great Exhortation hath our God given to bring all the Sons and Daughters of Adam over unto him that if they will hearken unto and consider thereof if they would * Psal 22. 27. Remember they must be turned unto the Lord their God. He would be reconciled to the World or he would never make known so many pressing Motives to it that whosoever would attend to them and not suffer the Temptations of Satan or his own Flesh to draw him aside it is impossible he should stand out still in Rebellion against God. There is some mis-apprehension which is one cause of that Enmity and Backwardness in the Heart of Man towards him If it was the Pleasure of our God that the greater part of mankind or that any should perish he would never have done so much as he hath that all should come to Repentance He hath given them Power to 2 Pet. 3. 3. Act freely and of themselves suffering them so to do as is very agreeable to a Life of Tryal God hath done all that lies on his part affording to Man Revelation his Word without his Spirit within and hath Commanded to comply with them But if he will not do this if he continues willingly ignorant if he of set purpose refuses to hear or read Gods Truth If he will not make use of those means of Grace and Salvation which are appointed and he is Commanded to do this is despising knowledge and refusing Subjection unto the Almighty Vpon this Hinge turns the whole of Mans Salvation for by Thought and Reason he Acts none is mad at all times but hath Consideration even of that kind of Life and if he first determines not to be acquainted with the ways of God then that natural Aversation which is too much in us all and would likewise hinder the best if not thus prevented will certainly keep him off and that will increase more by Sin and evil Habits and so Satan will get him at the first Assault Strange that this wilful and stubborn Temper should creep into that Ingenuity which all pretend unto That this way of Destruction should be chosen against that Self-preservation and willingness to be Happy which is in all Men. That reasonable Creatures should obstinately stick to that which is so full of Danger and forsake that wherein is all imaginable Security Is there in the only way of Peace any thing hard and aâ—kward Why should he lie under those Thoughts Consult throughly and they will prove otherwise Incline your Ear and come unto me hear and your Soul shall live Isa 55. 3. Knoweth he not that if he will do this he shall be saved And what is he unwilling or afraid of that If he would weigh the Arguments he must both believe and consider and then let him Act contrary if he can but he doth not care to be perswaded to be a Christian Then O Man thou hast destroyed thy self Who can Pity him that perishes by Hunger and Thirst when Victuals are set by him and he might receive them if he would If People are
Conviction over the Heart and Conscience Notwithstanding the Shifts and Tricks the Disputing or craâ—ty Eluding yet there doth remain a firm perswasion in the mind which cannot be got off And let all have a Care how they oppose or seek to Prevaricate that When the Spirit of the mind suggests to the Man That is the very Truth it is exceeding dangerous to resist or do despite to that Should the Almighty have erected his Throne visible on Earth People might be over-awed with the Sense of his Majesty and Greatness Or else be invited by that Splendour and Glory to run unto him as now they do to Kings and great Personages So they might and would yield a feigned Submission and love unto him But the Kingdom of God is within you Luke 17. 21. He hath established his Government in the Hearts of Men. The Law he hath given is in a Book which may be read or heard to lay up in the Heart and do accordingly Such of the People as shall be willing and obedient will shew themselves this way and those who refuse and Rebel will do so likewise Who now live by Faith and approve their Subjection unto his revealed Will would do so much more if they had a sight of him or hear his Voice as they shall have both to their exceeding and endless Comfort But to them who now will not believe nor hearken Psal 107. 11. to his Word when he hath made himself known after this manner neither would they do it from the ground of the heart but might be frightened or led by a mercenary Spirit if they had seen his power and Glory as they may to their own confusion and anguish of mind Why do the Heathen rage And why do the People imagine a vain thing Psal 2. 1. None but the Tyrants of Old or a mad Julian flies openly in the face of Heaven there may be found who doth say in his heart Tush God I care not for thee for there do lie strange imaginations within But he doth not lift up his eyes and say so with a loud Voice unless he is a Fool or Frantick Ignorant people have an impatiency at his Government whereas they might know this would not be for their hurt but exceeding benefit unless by restlessness and provocation they draw the severity Jer. 25. 6. of it upon themselves Be still and know that I am God Psal 46. 10. There is no removing the Government from his shoulders nor getting themselves from under it How much betâ—er had they be quiet and obedient when he will love and reward them for being so then toss to and fro to no pupose but to gaul themselves the more Accordingly they are to shew themselves unto his Embassadors who come with the Word of Reconciliation Now then we are Embassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be reconciled unto God 2 Cor. 5. 20. Paul as his manner was reasoned with them out of the Scriptures opening and alledging that Christ must needs have suffered Acts 17. 2 3. Who is the great Mediator all that he did and said was to bring people unto God and so should every one do in a point like necessary as that was to the unbelieving Jews This person did not try to please his Auditory but doth oppose the greatest fault and sin in them as here and so before Felix he reasoned of Righteousness Temperance and Judgment to come Acts 24. 25. All which have Foundation in the Word but the phrase reasoned is observable and always to be imitated in subordination to that The Scriptures do contain general commands and rules of Holy Life to which those who are Contentious and obey not the Truth Rom. 2. 8. can frame distinctions and find out evasions to deceive and keep quiet their own Souls but the particular handling and application of them convinces of sin and turns to Righteousness The Holy Ghost hath provided for all Generations Countries and Languages and Penned them after this manner for those who in their several Places and Ages should be intrusted therewith the more fully to expound and apply the same so as to teach the way of Salvation perfectly and truly It is the proper Office of our understanding to collect one thing from another Whatsoever is rightly inferred from the Word of God is the Word of God and will be fulfilled for nothing but truth can follow from truth There cannot be used too much care and circumspection concerning this Ordinance of Preaching to manage it aright because so much depends thereon for the present Good and Universal Salvation of Mankind which is to be revealed and determined in a short time for the World will quickly be at end with us living and how many Generations more may succeed God knows but we may understand and trust unto what he saith and promises And they that be wise shall shine as the Brightness of the Firmament and they that turn many to Righteousness as the Stars for ever and ever Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased Dan. 12. 3 4. When we hear or read the Word God speakes unto us but when we make Prayers and Supplications with Thanskgiving we Of Prayer speak unto him This is the intercourse between God and Man. That God should hearken unto the voice of a Man Josh 10. 14. seems wonderful if we have but those just and raised thoughts of the Deity and the true knowledge of our selves However the foolish proud unbeliever thinks scorn of this Holy Ordinance yet if himself had but such a sight of the Lord sitting upon his Throne as Isaiah had Chap. 6. or Dan. 7. 9 10. he would conclude it no uncomely thing but most bounden duty for such poor Creatures as Men and Women to kneel before him yea if they were like Worms crawling in the Dust lying on the Ground with shame and confusion of Face yet this would not be submission enough to such a Mighty Being It is seemly for the Body to bend and lie prostrate before him that made it and millions of the same kind What is Man that thou art mindful of him Psal 8. 4. Even he who is most great in his own or the Worlds opinion who is lifted up with Pride to the Highest yet this same Person if he had Faith and Knowledge would take it in extreme Anguish if the Lord should cast him off or not mind him as we are foretold will be the condition of some 1 Sam. 2. 30. Mark 8. 38. Those who now aspire after greatness abhorring contempt and low things will meet with intolerable Vexation to be rejected from the great things of his Kingdom There are some now a days who if they should see one in that posture as Elias was upon the top of Carmel cast down upon the Earth and he put his face between his knees 1 Kings 18. 42. would think him either to be Mad or a
years Knowledge and Reason should go before Action or else it will be blind and signifie nothing Some having constantly used a course of Devotion confine themselves barely to that which is but a means to somewhat more unto which they should still press toward Prayer is properly * Mark 11. 24. desire which argues a necessity of attention for we cannot desire those things which we do not mind and all forms are that we may live an Obedient and Holy Life Now it would be strange if we should pretend to desire that which we neither do nor endeavour after To imagine God is pleased with the bare saying of Words when they are neither minded nor understood it may be more truly thought that he likes better the Chirping of Birds then such Service from reasonable Creatures There hath been a deal of Chaunting forth of Mass and Toning out of Prayers But how well they have been sung or spoken forth we must have unworthy Thoughts of the Godhead if we suppose him to be delighted with the meer outward noise or reciting only such Words before him Which of our selves considering throughly can approve of it They must be Fools who offer such Sacrifice or think he will accept of it for he that gave to Man knowledge shall not he know When that can find and offer a better Worship will he not expect it Those who have been blind Worshippers of this sort go hastily in their way For they consider not that they do evil Be not rash with thy Mouth and let not thy Heart be hasty to utter any thing before God For God is in Heaven and thou upon Earth Therefore let thy Words be few Eccles 5. 1 2. In those private Books of Devotion which were designed for help of the ignorant they too often shew themselves more ignorantly for many say over the very Words not considering the Sense and say unto God It is so with them when it is not or Confessing what they have not been Guilty of or making Purposes and Resolutions which they never intend afterwards or saying several things which do not belong to them in Truth But so far hath ignorance and blind Custom proceeded that they think it enough if the Work is done so much read over the meaning is the least they consider of I will pray with the Spirit I will pray with the Vnderstanding also 1 Cor. 14. 15. Saith the Apostle but they pray only with the Lips or the Ear. This People draw near me with their Mouth and with their Lips do honour me but have removed their Heart far from me Isa 29. 13. This is not so much intended against that infirmity of wandring thoughts in Prayer but when of set purpose they keep their Heart to themselves not giving it to God but imagine to put him off with such outward Service What prodigious Folly is this to think to deceive God whom every one that believes must also conclude that all things are naked and open in his sight Heb. 4. 13. And every one that spies out a deceit intended to be offered unto him doth reject it with Abomination Neither the Calves of the Lips nor the various inclinations of the Body will serve without Confent and Subjection of the Soul. It is not bowing before the most High God nor falling prostrate with our Face to the ground for such a Submission may be â—eigned and the Body may be bending and creeping when the Heart in the mean while is lifted up and exalted our selves are not pleased with a Crawling posture where we think it is not sincere But He above knoweth all things The true Worship of God doth not consist in turning the Face such a way or being very nice in all Punctilios of outward posture though these are decent if they express the very Sense of the mind of intire Submission unto the whole Will of God a through perswasion Thou hast beset me behind and before Psal 139. 5. Not to think him more in one place then another But if those externals should be separated from that Worship in Spirit and in Truth John 4. 23 24. which the High Priest of our Profession hath said should be in these days they do much more displease then are acceptable unto God. Such Men worship they know not what or they will not know for had they right apprehensions they could never imagine that the bare outward performances will be received by that God with whom we have to do If any one of these should look here they will still go on in their own way and so let them but take heed that at last they be not deceived of their Expectation and Reward let them see Hag. 1. 5 7 8 9. They are only put in mind how their Service may be so ordered that God may accept it and be glorified therein In things pertaining to God we know but little without he had revealed himself and what he doth require So they must take Counsel or his Word how to please him if they wouâ—d partake of his Goodness and not be disappointed at last Which if they had done in Sincerity and Truth they would never have been so abominably mistaken as a great part of the Christian World hath been and is to this day in Matters pertaining to his Worship and Service The Scripture in many places doth shew the true Nature of Prayer Psal 10. 17. Psal 73. 28. Deut. 4. 29. Psal 119. 145. Jer. 29. 12 13. 1 Sam. 1. 13 15. Mat. 7. 7. Rom. 8. 26. Mat. 18. 19. 21 22. Luke 11. 18. Eph. 6. 18. Phil. 4. 6. Jam. 11. 5 6 7. Jam. 5. 16. 17. 1 Pet. 4. 7. Heb. 10. 21 22. Which set it forth as the earnest desire of the Soul. When we do ask and praise God for his benefits this is a reasonable Service being agreeable to what he requires and the utmost next to obeying his Will which we can render unto him The Sacrifice of the wicked is an Abomination unto the Lord But the Prayer of the upright is his delight Prov. 15. 8. It is stiled by another Name for such do not really Pray Can he beg Grace to forsake Sin which he doth not dislike Or for the Holy Spirit and good things when he hath not the least desire but aversion to them He may pray for a general Admission into the Heavenly Kingdom and to be preserved from that of darkness but in vain for the things cannot be separated which God hath joyned together Those Ordinances Mat. 13. 42 43. Mat. 25 46. John 5. 29. are ratified and unalterable Though besides their own Prayers Noah Job and Daniel and all the righteous Men that ever were should pour out their Supplications before the Throne of Almighty God for the Salvation of wicked and unregenerate Men yet it would not be granted The Case of Esau is lamentable and stands for a warning to all Generations of those who now for the Pleasures of Sin â—ell their Birth-right and
and Instruction Prov. 1. 7. These also are in direct term called Fools for notwithstanding their own self conceit they might thus apprehend that there is yet more to be known and put in mind of as there was before they had learned and gathered what they now seem to know None will own openly though some may be found not to follow it that there is no need of good counsel and circumspect action as to the things of this World. Many confine it all here but think Wisdom avails not to any thing beyond In a Christian Coâ—ntrey few will proclaim their Unbelief yet the secret imaginations of Thousands are to this purpose That Religion is a resâ—rve and a thing of doubt What may befall hereafter in another place they see it not or it is decreed one way or another the fewer thoughts they have of it the better but however jâ—st so many as will serve turn Such is the reasoning in their minds when it is half way but stretch it up higher and it will dictate thus much There is not one thing under the Sun wherein Reason is not necessary one way or another and will if made use of throughly find help But first of all it leads out of this labyrinth and perplexity of things here below and looks up unto God who made all things and hath established a course of things Who giveth grass to the Eater and ministreth seed to the Soâ—er for Cattel which cannot use the means the Earth brings forth of it self but not Corn unto Man without his right way of Labour To whom he hath given skill to improve nature that she shall bring forth her increase more abundantly Those which cannot Spin nor Sow have Food and Raiment without but Man who knoweth both must be Naked and Famish if he doth not so the Wisdom God hath endued him withall continues his Life see Isa 28. 24 25 26 27 28 29. And then he being in a frail Body what instinct is to brutes that is reason to him if he would act according to the best of it to preserve from Sickness and outward evil Accidents When they befall there his understanding would do somewhat towards remedy by looking unto and removing the cause of disorder and after all that which is weak and mortal must sicken and die The Body is purely natural we neither made so we do not preserve it which breaths and moves when we neither know nor consider nor take care but increases and decreases of it self yet under the Protector above a right understanding helps towards the well-being of that during the time appointed If it doth to this which is subject to nature and necessity that it cannot always relieve much more would it as to that part of us which is both free and immortal God having made it so which hath knowledge of good and evil given unto her and also power to embrace the one and flie from the other The Body forgets what is past being only for the present and knows not what is to come but the Soul remembers the things that have been casts a transitory glance on the present and knows the things afar of which pertain to her She believes him faithful who hath promised and true who hath fore-warned The Prophets in old time were called Seers for having their Knowledge from God of what was to come they saw it as if then actually before their Eyes And we have as great certainty of the things to come as they had of their particular Messages This one capacity of knowing before hand would render mankind safe and secure if they would give way and act according to it It is evident that the things before us are temporal and do pass away It is a folly to fix up a rest where we do not continue a meer deceit and disappointment to place Happiness in what doth not satisfie It is reasonable to take care about the things eternal and where we are to live for ever as we make a great stir to have somewhat a longer and better Passage through this World. This Life will as certainly have an end as it did begin and therefore thought should be taken about that which will follow and always endure as concerning that now which draws on towards its end By Faith and Consideration the invisible and future things of the other World are seen and also present then the Man acts to them as to the things before us By what hath been already fulfilled and now is he concludes that it shall still be by what is evident and certain already he may prepare for those things which are no otherwise uncertain then as to come and in another place He must be so great a Fool that one would think a reasonable Creature cannot be who believes the Gospel and considers and yet doth not live accordingly To do both is not in the power of any and therefore the last is neglected But can they judge any evil the less which happens upon them through their own inconsideration Is not this a stinging aggravation thereof and so will be much more when there is no possibility of redress as such are the concerns of Eternity The Ungodly and Sinner expose themselves to a real and intolerable danger without any hope or design having no security or preservative against it There are many wise considerations which move people when they are afar off to come unto God but when they approach somewhat nearer in his Word there is such power and demonstration of the Spirit that the obstinate cannot gainsay The first makes to be Religious in general to be almost a Christian The last doth it particularly and altogether And hence Satan who deceives every way will suffer Men thus far but tryes to keep off from the Scriptures which are able to make wise unto Salvation The first may bring to the outward Worship of God a moral Conversation but all upon selfish Principles the last raises that excellent foundation of Faith and Love teaches to Worship in Spirit and Truth ends in all Obedience and good Works Let them be advertised that whose Religion is built only upon Prudential motives though this is a good preparatory to go further yet they alone are not sufficient to Salvation for without Faith it is impossible to please God Heb. 11. 6. it must be done in order to him and not meerly out of respect had to ones safety or providing for the uncertainty And how can it be expected God should reward Men for that which they do with no intention to him They serve God in a careless indifferent way just to save their own Souls and no more They do such things out of respect to themselves and not out of Love and Duty to God. Their Principle is Wise Caution but not Faith. The mistake is they rest in that and do not come up to the other whereas true discretion would bring them on to those means of obtaining and confirming Faith if they would
now for this short time If both cannot stand together there the least must give place to the greater for more concern is to be had for a Year then for a Minute only Said one Who received the Spirit which did lead into all Truth Know ye not that the Vnrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God nor Thieves nor Covetous nor Extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God 1 Cor. 6. 9 10. So what are accounted the ways of thriving in the World are an absolute hindrance to their Title unto that Men are to be judged by the Scriptures and according as they have done or transgressed are to be admitted or shut out Now this Book Condemns all the proposed Schemes of advantage What is a Man profited if he shall gain the whole World and lose his own Soul Or what shall he give in exchange for his Soul Mat. 16. 26. The Word of God is different from â—ain and common received Opinion The Tempter first instils those principles of Dishonesty Have they not read how he was a Liar from the Beginning He insinuated to our Parents that the forbidden Fruit should do them no harm he beguiled them with a promise and appearance of Good but we have found the contrary The Commandments of God have a shew of inconvenience and Transgression may seem expedient at first but examine things throughly and see how it will be then The great Objection against this Duty and therein it hath a shew of Folly that hereby we become liable to be imposed on suffer Loss and are deprived of opportunity of more Gain Our Lord's Counsel and Command is Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves Be cautious that you do not receive any Injury and be sure to do none Every Man may preserve his own and use a lawful redress where it is taken away by Wrong The fault found by the Apostle 1 Cor. 6. 6. is when they go to Law before Unbelievers but in the fore going verse he seems to admit thereof before a Christian Magistrate or rather in the first place they should refer it to an Arbitrator Or if it be for trifles there one may suffer himself to be defrauded and pass it over as not worth a wise Mans regard for that is not extended to little things Christianity and Prudence are not in themselves inconsistent but the Error is that some frame notions of Wisdom according to the Opinion and Practice of the World and by that would state the obligations of Duty whereby they make the Commandments of Christ of none effect or by distinctions would correct them But let nothing be done contrary to the least of them whatâ—ver inconveniences may ensue If we suffer Shame or Loss for the Doctrine of Jesus we may trust him a more enduring substance in Heaven will be a sufficient requital It doth seldom happen that any considerable disadvantage doth fall upon any for keeping stedfastly to his Laws when that only and no other is the Reason or if it should it would be made up another way here or hereafter The Meek shall inherit the Earth Mat. 5. 5. He dwells safely and none cares to molest or disturb him And though the baseness of some little poor Souls may extend so far as to Cheat Defraud and take Advantage over his simple Honesty as they phrase it yet this is done privately and in small instances which either he doth not know or not mind and so lives well and contented for all The Vnjust knoweth no Shame Zeph. 3. 5. He may come at length to be so brazen-faced that he doth not value the judgment of Men but so far only is kept in least humane Law take hold of him yet through restraining Providence he will sooner do Wrong to any one then the universally sincere and good Man. Who did ever want Food and Raiment convenient for him only by keeping Gods Commandments It is somewhat hard to Flesh and Blood but it is safe Blessed is the Man that trusteth in him O Fear the Lord ye his Saints for there is no want to them that fear him The young Lyons do lack and suffer Hunger but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing Psal 34 8 9 10. It is Gods Will that they shall comply with his Ordinance of Labour and not be slothful in Business so they being in some Calling and adding there to Honesty and Diligence do not want what is good or necessary for them The Eyes of the Lord are over the Righteous but then they must not tempt God or expect a Miracle that he should feed them as once he did the Prophet with Ravens but they are to use the means he hath appointed Though we do live by Faith and God is not willing that any thing should be made too evident for that would destroy this noble Principle and take off from the excellency of Obedience yet to establish our Trust and Dependance on him he discovers himself more then in any thing We may as it were see with our Eyes his Watchful and especial Providence over his own Servants Those peculiar ones redeemed from all Iniquity do get a livelyhood Or if they are disabled and hindred from Work or Imployment he provides some other way Still he acts most wisely who lives so in this World that he may live for ever He that walketh Righteously and speaketh uprightly He that despiseth the gain of Oppression that shaketh his hands from holding of Bribes Isa 33. 15. Who useth Lawful and prudent means according to the Trade and Occupation he is in and rejects whatever is of Craft and Evil. It is sometimes seen that he may prosper and increase in the World. His Seed shall be mighty upon Earth the Generation of the Vpright shall be Blessed Wealth and Riches shall be in his House Psa 112. 2 3. This was often fulfilled in old time under the Jewish Dispensation who had great measure of temporal Blessings At this time it may be observed whether for their Worship and Service of God or the favour he retains to the Children of Abraham the Sons of Jacob and Joseph or whatever Reason we may in Humility guess at yet they are generally in good estate and plenty though scattered in the World. But to us Christians are promises of better things of the Life that now is and that which is to come one in order to the other as the divine Wisdom thinks fit Those who are Heirs of Salvation for whom the greater things are reserved do commonly live by his Grace and good Providence here in expectation and pursuit after that More is not desired then sufficient for this They look further then barely to live but do something worthy of Life which is only towards that to come As they get means for the first they press forward to the high and eternal Calling There is much talk of living and living well in the World this is the principal Mark at which most aim to get in
is endâ—ed with real Wisdom cannot take pleasure in Fools Mirth or an idle Jest Who are passed over the festivities of Childhood and Youth cannot still shew themselves transported with Vanities Who have seen and fully observed the same heretofore are not to be admired if not lifted up with little Novelties Whose Conversation is in Heaven and their Affections on things above shall they be blamed if knowing the difference and they do not shew forth the like rejoycing at the common Accidents and little things here below Who do not resort to Drink and Company to cheer up their Spirits or still the Disorder within for they are in a right frame already The Sea within is smooth and like a molten Looking Glass where they can reflect and be satisfied with their inward likeness It is Impertinent if not Sinful to disswade them from Holy things who delight therein As long as they can go on in such a course all their days let them do as much as Gods Grace shall direct rhem Another knoweth not what Comfort they find therein how they have their Body in subjection and to what a measure of Love and Spirituality they are arrived So they may do those Acts without tiring which others cannot now that are not yet so far attained but may attain The Scripture makes frequent mention of those who do not enough for Heaven but nothing against them who do too much for there is no danger of exceeding That particularly lays down all things necessary and relating to Mans Salvation and also speaks of his temporal Happiness in Subordination to that yet there is not one word mentioned concerning Religious Melancholy or Mopishness Without question there were some in the days of the inspired Writers whose Conversation was obnoxious to that Character as now What the World calls Melancholy in Scripture Phrase is Sorrow and to that somewhat is said by way of Comfort but it was to be in God not to take people off nor to have recourse to those Arts as Sinners do The best way of solving Fears Scruples and Disquiet is to give a people a right understanding of them but let none resort to the Pleasures of Sin and idle Company which increase but not cure them We read of the Temptations and Devices of Satan Spiritual Desertions Ignorance intervening Sins and Infirmities which cause Vexation and Trouble but nothing of illness of Blood or Bodily Constitution there is no intimation of this in Holy Writ But it is the Opinion of late Physitians which hath been received so far by Divines that to improve this notion of Melancholy a little further and the other of Enthusiasm would be the ready and effectual way to cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us Isa 30. 11. For let all regrets of Conscience pass for Melancholy and the workings of Gods Spirit for Enthusiasum or â—aâ—cy inward Religion is in danger to be destroyed which is the most sensible Evidence of the Truth and certainty thereof That can never fail but the Knowledge thereof may be lost as several times already it hath near been but will not be so again because of the Promises of God which are near at hand even at the very door to be accomplished Is there then nothing in bodily Constitution Not so much as is pretended and that again may be altered The corruptible Body presseth down the Soul which is common to all and that difference of temper in particular persons which yet is not so much as commonly talked of serves for an Exercise and Tryal of the greater Vertue That the Soul may yet ascend and lift up it self And then the Power of Gods Grace and their complying with it can and doth actually change the natures of Men. That natural tendency and Seriousness was therefore put in them to move towards their right end And also finding no true Happiness here they are prompted to look out for one to come It is so ordered by the good God that all Mankind might be saved and come to the Knowledge of the Truth some more this way some another according to their Inclinations of Soul Body and Condition of Life One hath the Advantage in this thing another in that but some Degree of what is understood by the Word Melancholy is communicated to all Froâ—lick and Mirth are more incidental to Youth But there it is a striving against nature for if not supported by outward Helps and Objects it doth fall down into Seriousness so it is of riper Age. The great mistake is we observe many things without the reason of them All things tend to their Center and what is in Man moves towards his proper end which is doing the things for which God hath made him As the Fish on dry Land beats it self to Death because not in his own Element As the Turâ—le mourns away for want of her Companion there is an uneasiness even from very Childhood if not in some Action So if Man were kept away from God debarred from Company and always to be idle he would pine away in Sorrow which worketh Death before the time because there is such a strong Inclination in his nature to the first principally Ezek. 24. 23. and the others in subordination to him Although Wicked and Ungodly Men do pursue the two lesser ends yef forsaking the great Principal upon which the others should depend they are tormented for want of true Happiness all their Life long so that by reason of the weariness even they are willing to die The Righteous desire a more full Enjoyment of him whom they have known only by Faith and seen darkly Their Soul is athirst for God. When shall I come to appear before God they are more induced to long after it because of the Vain and imperfect state they are in here they do indee desire Immortality aâ—d shall have it The Wicked being conscious whom they have despised and forgotten they wish to Sleep for ever for they had rather so continue then awake and rise up to Punishment What a sad thing it is to be deceived and willingly ignorant of their proper End To be restless all the way and disappointed at last To live in a perpetual Violence and Contradiction to themselves to turn aside the Soul from its natural bent To keep her though in Pain and Displeasure from her Center and Rest and at length when she would have ascended upwards to sink into the Bottom as a Stone To have notrue Comfort and Satisfaction in the Light of the Living nor whilâ—t the days of Darkness draw on Now Consider this ye that forgeâ— God Whose Souls are yet in the Body Take away the weights of Sin that do clog and press down Remember the days past before habitual Sin and evil Habits came on to what did the Motions within aspire and prompt unto Before the Spirit was made unclean did it not soar up towards the Father of Spirits When it was not corrupted with Malice and
at them They had Learning and Wisdom and some dwelt in every Nation under Heaven yet there is little notice or mention made of them in other Writers In the Treatises of Idolatry and Superstition whilst knowing Men could confute the Folly and Falshood of that they could disprove that but yet not light upon the true Wisdom Many things might be shewn from the Succession of time to discover that Sulness Averseness Ignorance and Pride in the Heart of Man towards God for many would not confess whom they must know some would not mind at all others Groped for the Wall like the Blind Isa 59. 10. Others through their own self-Conceit and Knowledge which perverted them would not stand beholden to Gods Grace and Revelation but try to seek it out themselves The Reasons hereof may be conceived Mans Corruption who became weak and unable Satans Temptation who did befool him and also the excellency and wonderfulness of right Religion It is exceeding Holy and Spiritual so that Man could never attain unto the Knowledge thereof but by Gods help And he would not seek first after that and therefore deservedly received the error of his ways The Light shineth in Darkness and the Darkness comprehendeth it not John 1. 5. It is afraid and shrinks thereat We can look on this side or that side but not against the Sun shining in its brightness It is on high we must soar often and make many essayes before we can ascend up when there are so many things to press down But the principal Reason of the slow progress of Religion is that the Scriptures might be fulfilled It is a great Work whereby Acts 3. 17. 18. God is to be Glorified as to the Earth and all the Inhabitants thereof The Kingdom of God is like to a grain of Mustard Seed which a Man took and Sowed in his Field Which indeed is the leaft of all Seeds but when it is grown it is the greatest among Herbs and becometh a Tree so that the Birds of the Air come and Lodge in the Branches thereof Mat. 13. 31 32. Gods doings are not of a sudden Shall the Earth be made to bring forth in one day Isa 66. 8. The Fruits are growing up at full and perish by flow degrees within the Circumference of the Year So it is with Beasts and Man they increase and decrease by little degrees which are not perceived in the middle time though it is afterwards The Earth shall wax old like a Garment and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner but my Salvation shall be for ever and my Righteonesness shall not be abolished Isa 51. 6. This is the Tree of near Six Thousand Years growth that was Planted in the Earth and came up by little according as the tenour of divine Revelation came into the World And though that is finished more then Sixteen Hundred Years since yet it hath been and is yet again to be Col. 1. 23. Heb. 10. 13 16. Preached to the whole World And it is expected what Fruit it will yet bring forth Whether it will at length be universally received as it hath been heretofore rejected It will spread yet further Isa 60. Psal 80. and be more eminent in the Lives of Men. The hidden Wisdom of God will come forth and he will unfold the mystery of the Kingdom For he will finish the Work and cut it short in Righteousness because a short Work will the Lord make upon the Earth Rom. 9. 28. For I would Brethren that ye should not be Ignorant of this Mystery lest ye should be wise in your own conceits that blindness in part is happened unto Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in And so all Israel shall be saved as it is written There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer and shall turn away Vngodliness from Jacob Rom. 11. 25 26. He is already come who gave the Word and shewed the Way who made invitation for all yet by what he hath done for us and the continuance of the Spirit which is to abide for ever and Searcheth all things yea the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. More heavenly Truths may be yet known which are brought forth out of the Treasure of his Word that People may more know and be added unto him As certain as the Earth is sufficient to maintain all its Inhabitants Psal 67. by the Tillage Industry and Improvement of Man and God blesseth them in their Endeavours for they do it accordingly So in his Kingdom of Grace the means are sufficient that every Soul Isa 61. 11. may come unto Glory if they were as carefully used faithfully put forth by humble Prayer and Diligence by labouring with the Faculties of the Mind as it is done the other way by members of the Body the like Food may be had to nourish all people up to Eternal Life If they hold fast to the Form of sound Words in Scripture and urge it with that Authority and Reasoning which flows from it things will be yet better then now they are The Word which is thought foolishness is wiser then Men and the weakness of God is stronger then Men. If it is not stronger then they Why are they afraid to encounter with it Why do they turn their Backs and flee from it What means that neglect and wilful Ignorance They must be unmindful or otherwise they cannot go on in sinning They cannot otherwise avoid going to the Pleasant Land then because they will not hear a true report thereof and the encouragements to it Not all the Ungodly and Wicked of the World can withstand those Arguments in Scripture against them That this is not a vain and forward Assertion it may be somewhat judged from these four ensuing 1. From Consideration of Wisdom and Folly. 2. The intrinsick Goodness of the things commanded and the Evil of what is forbidden 3. The Promise of Eternal Life 4. The Threatning of Eternal Death The first prepares the way for the Man is capable of receiving Good and subject unto Evil He hath a natural desire to one and abhorrence of the other So He is prompted to look about and order his Actions accordingly He is told how things stand Wisdom moves him to search and examine it being a more important Question for him to know then his Title to his Estate on which way to get a Livelihood because these thingâ— are greater Ionger and will as certainly be upon him as the little short and fading Conveniencies are now for he must aic And then do appear forth the things contained in Scripture all one as the things we now see handle and converse withal Inconsideration is the utmost Folly and Danger for we know that temporal Evils are the more grievous when they fall on us through our want of Care and Fore-sight much more must it be to Eternal for they are without end and remedy The Word is laid before Mankind They must either