watch and be sober 1 Thes. 5. 5 6. The Kings of the Gentiles do so and so◠But ye shall not be so Luke 22. 25 26. St. Peter speaks of some Converts that would not run with the world in their sinful fashions and courses though they were wonder'd at and evil spoken of therefore 1 Pet. 4 4. Fifthly Why. 1. From the World 2. From themselves 3. From Christ. 4. From the things themselves wherein conformity to the world is practiced First From this World 1. Because Satan is the God and Prince of it 2 Cor. 4. 4. Joh. 12. 31. 14. 13. 16. 11. 2. Because 't is an evil world Gal. 1. 4. and lyes in wickedness 1 John 5. 19. See its description Psal. 36. 1 to 5. Rom. 3. 11 c. 8. 7. Ephes. 4. 18 19. 3. Because this evil world must give account even for those things wherein we are so prone to follow it 1 Pet. 4. 5. 4. Because the end of it is destruction Phil. 3. 19. You would not suffer with it and will you sin with it Secondly From themselves who by profession are Saints Christians 1. Because they are not of the world but are called out of it Joh. 15. 19. God hath seperated you from others to be his own peculiar Levit. 20. 24. Exod. 19. 5. Hence for this cause as well as others 't was that God was displeased with his people of old for desiring a King that they might be like the Nations 1 Sam. 8. 5. viz. Because God hath severed them from other people that they should be his Levit. 20. 26. 2. Because they have better Principles then the world has viz. 1 Tim. 1. 5. A pure Heart Good Conscience Faith unfeigned They have Christ in them as a principle of their life Gal. 2. 20. And the spirit of God 1 John 4. 4. 1 Cor. 2. 12. The Principles of the world are An impure Heart A bad Conscience Real unbelief Yea Satan Ephes. 2. 2. 1 Pet. 〈◊〉 4. and the spirit of the world 1 Cor. 2. 12. Now is not this a good reason why the people of God should not conform to this world for should they of better principles conform to them of worse should they that have a pure Heart good Conscience and Faith unfeigned conform to those that have an impure Heart a bad Conscience and real Unbelief Should they who have Christ and the Spirit of God in them conform to them who have Satan and the Spirit of the world in them 3. Because they have better patterns to conform to then the world is viz. 1. God 1 Pet. 1. 15 16. 2. Christ Col. 2. 6. 1 John 2. 6. 3. Saints Heb. 6. 12. Phil. 3. 17. Mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample So as ye have the servants of Christ not the world for your example 4. Angels and glorified Saints We must study so to do the will of God on Earth as 't is done in Heaven Matth. 6. 10. Now judge in your own Consciences should they who have such excellent patterns conform to the pattern of a base world 4. Because they are bound by their Baptism to the contrary viz. To renounce the world the pomps and vanities thereof and not to follow or to be led by it Now should we do that which is a breach of our Baptismal Covenant 5. Because you that are Saints are born to great matters even to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled c. 1 Pet. 1. 3 4. and should you persons that are new born to so great an estate should you please your selves in a conformity to the poor things of this world 6. Because you are grown up to maturity to years of discretion so that it is time for you to put away childish things Whilst you were Children 't was more tollerable but now that you are grown up to be men to be so childish and foolish is intollerable See 1 Cor. 13. 11. 7. Because you are more excellent then your neighbour Prov. 12. 26. and therefore must not conform to them For shall the more noble conform to the more ignoble Ye are Gods treasure Psal. 135. 4. And shall Gods treasure conform to the refuse of this world You are Priests of God 1 Pet. 2. 9. And shall the Priests of God conform to common people The Priests of old were not to touch any unclean thing 8. Because you have not so learned Christ Ephes. 4. 20. q. d. The Doctrine of Christ in which you are instructed and which you have learned requires another manner of life from you then that which the Gentiles lead therefore you should not imitate them Christ hath taught you otherwise The grace of God which bringeth salvation teacheth you to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live Righteously soberly and godly in this present world and not to conform to its unrighteous intemperate and ungodly life Tit. 2. 11. 9. Because you are now within sight of home your Fathers house and your salvation is nearer and therefore must cast off the works of darkness and walk honestly as in the day not in rioting drunkenness not in chambering and wantonness not in strife and envying As the world does Rom. 13. 11 12. Your thoughts should now be so taken up and pleased with what you have in view the great things which are to come and so near to come that all the toyes and trifles this world is so much pleased with should be looked upon by you with disdain 10. Because you shall now very speedily be separated from this world and distinguished from it and delivered from that wrath which they shall suffer for ever and for ever and will you conform to them now in those things for which they shall suffer the vengeance of eternal fire would you have your souls gathered hereafter with those you conform to here and whose fashions you have learned here David would not Psal. 26. 9. Thirdly From Christ. 1. Because Christ designedly gave himself to deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our Father Gal. 1. 4. To what he gave himself see Isa. 50. 6. 52. 14. His back to smiters his checks to them that plucked off the hair his face to shame and spitting Consider this you proud men and women whose Backs Faces Heads Necks Brests and Armes shew the pride of your Hearts Did Christ give himself to suffer all this that he might separate and deliver you from conformity to this world And is not this a good Reason why you should not conform unto it in hair habit and nakedness 2. Because Christ and his Kingdom is not of this world 1. Christ is not of it Joh. 8. 23. 2. His Kingdom is not of it Joh. 18. 36. Not onely in respect of the subjects but in opposition to worldly Kingdoms which come with external pomp and observation But Christ's Kingdom is not so Luke 17. 20 21. Fourthly From the things themselves wherein conformity
Recreations in respect of the Matter 2. The world offends in and about them in respect of Time too much being spent in and about them viz. whole dayes and nights contrary to Ephes. 5. 16. 3. In respect of the End Gods glory not being aimed at as it should be in every thing 1 Cor. 10. 31. There are that Mince as they go Isa. 3. 16. so as to be taken notice of and to take carnal affections See Matth. 14. 6. But I beseech you that profess Religion be not conformed to such Neigh after others Wives Jer. 5. 8. 13. 27. This is abomination Ezek 22. 11. And such persons God will judge Heb. 13. 4. Wherefore I beseech you be not conformed to such Open their feet to them that passeth by Ezek 16. 25. yea their Breasts which is more tempting This King James called opening the shop windows as if they had a mind to sell. But be not conformed to such Pouder Patch and Paint after the example of Jezabel 2 King 9. 30. and those Ier. 4. 30. Ezek. 23. 40. But God threatens â—o send stench instead of sweet smell Isa. 3. 24. Therefore be not conformed to such Practice or are present at Dancings condemned Iob 21. 11 12. Isa. 3. 16. Matth. 14. 6. Be not conformed to such There are that Quit all shame and modesty like those Ier. 3. 3. But I beseech you Professors by the mercies of God be not conformed to them Read ill Books Play-books c. words and matters which corrupt good manners 1 Cor. 15. 33. and is not convenient Eph. 5. 4. See the Ruleâ— Ephes. 4. 29. And be not conformed 〈◊〉 〈…〉 h. Seek mixt Wine Prov. 23. 30. Tarry long at the Wine Prov. 23. 30. But I beseech you be not conformed to these Use their Christian liberty for occasion to the flesh Gal. 4. 13. That take occasion from the doctrine of Christian liberty to become licentious using their liberty as a cloak of naughtiness 1 Pet. 2. 16. But be not conformed to such Wander or walk too much in Fields or Streets after the example of Dina Gen. 34. 2. and the strange woman Prov. 7. 12. But I beseech you Professors by the mercies of God be not conformed to such Let such as have temptations to Incontinence or unclean practices consider these Scriptures Prov. 2. 18 19. 5. 3 4 5 6 8 to 14. 6. 26 32 33. 7. 21. to the end 22. 14. 23. 27. 29. 3. Eccles. 7. 26. 1 Cor. 5. 9. 6. 9 10. Rev. 21. 8. 22. 15. No whoremonger nor unclean person hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God Ephes. 5. 5. Wherefore let no man deceive you with vain words for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the â—â—â—ldren of disobedience Ephes. 5. 6. Diswasives from sensual pleasures 1. They war against the soul 1 Pet. 2. 11. 2. They hinder the knowledge of the truth 2 Tim. 3. 6 7. 3. They eat out all pleasure in and love of God 2 Tim. 3. 4. 4. They choke the seed of the word Luke 8. 14. 5. They keep from coming to the great Supper Luke 14. 20. 6. They take away the heart from all that is good Hos. 4. 11. 7. They are but for a season Heb. 11. 25. 8. They end in sorrow Prov. 21. 17. 14. 3. Adams pleasurable eating forbidden fruit ended in ejection out of Paradice Esau's broth ended in the loss of his birthright Jonathans honey in the hazard of his life Judas his sop in the Devils entring into him Babilons golden cup in her downfall 9. They are madness and folly Eccles. 1. 17. 2. 2. 10. The love of them speaks the power of godliness wanting 2 Tim. 3. 5. Wherefore I again beseech you be not conformed to this world in the loving of sensual pleasures I wish you such a sight as Moses had of the heavenly recompence and then I am sure you would love them no more then he did Heb. 11. 25 26. Secondly Conform not to the Covetous world You read of Covetous practices 2 Pet. 21. 14. I beseech you by the mercies of God be not conformed to the world in them This Dehortation to you that make profession of Religion is not without need For 1. Professors have been deeply guilty of covetousness as Ezekiels hearers Ezek. 33. 31 32. The Scribes and Pharisees who fasted oft prayed long and gave much almes Matth. 23. 14 Judas 2. Christ warns his own Disciples against it Luke 12. 15. 21. 34. 3. Saint John writes to those that were Fathers in Christs School to take heed of it 1 Joh. 2. 15. And have you not need to be dehorted from it Sure you have I shall therefore in a beseeching way apply my self unto you There are some that 1. Abound in wealth have abundance of all good things and want nothing and yet have not power to eat thereof Eccles. 6. 1 2. But are cruel to themselves denying themselves meat drink apparel rest and sleep and cruel to their families denying them things convenient These sure are a part of the covetous world And I beseech you by the mercies of God be not conformed to them 2. Build by unrighteousness and wrong Jer. 22. 13. wherein see the latter part of the vers and Jam. 5. 4. But I beseech you c. be not conformed to these 3. Cumber themselves about the many things of the world so that they cannot spare time for the service of God in the closet or family Luke 10. 41. These also are part of this covetous world And I beseech you by the mercies of God be not conformed to them 4. Devise covetous things and practices Isa. 32. 7. 2 Pet. 2. 14. But I beseech c. be not conformed to these 5. Deal falsely Jer. 8. 10. using false words lying to get gain which is c. Prov. 12. 22. And false weights which are abomination to the Lord Prov. 11. 1. 20. 23. And false oathes which God hates Zech. 8. 17. And false accusation a way of getting which some take 'T is like Zacheus was guilty of it for saith he Luke 19. 8. If c. 6. Whose Eyes and Heart are not but for their covetousness and for oppression and violence to do it watching opportunities as when men are in distress and necessity they work upon mens necessities to get what bargains they please Jer. 22. 17. But I beseech you c. be not conformed to those 7. Forget to do good and communicate though charged not to forget it Heb. 13. 16. or if they do any thing this way 't is sparingly grudgingly contrary to the charge 2 Cor. 9 6 7. Too like him 1 Sam. 25. 10 11 36. Forsake the poor Job 20. 19. But I beseech you c. be not conformed to these Do any forget to sow their Land at Seed time 8. Some are Given to covetousness Jer. 6. 13. Greedy of gain Prov. 1. 19. 1 Tim. 3. 3. Are
presence How was Saul distressed for want of Gods presence 1 Sam. 28. 15 16. Wo wo to such from whom God departs Hos. 9. 12. Use 2. Is God with us so great a priviledge and so much to be desired Then examine Is God with us Are we priviledged with his presence To know take these signs of Gods gracious presence First A praying frame of heart is a sign of Gods favourable presence God is a God hearing Prayer Psal. 65. 2. and prepares the heart to pray where ever he is Psal. 10. 17. and pour's out a spirit of prayer Zâ—ch 12. 10. Jerem. 31. 9. which spirit helps our Infirmities and prayes in us Rom. 8. 26. God sets them with whom he is a praying 1. In all places in the closet and family yea and in the field Ruth 2. 4. The Lord be with you said Boaz to his Reapers in the field 2. At all times in the Evening and Morning at Noon and at Midnight Psal. 55. 17. 119. 62. God was with Moses David and Daniel and they pray with Jabez and he prayes 1 Chron. 4. 10. with Ephraim Jerem. 31. 18. and he prayes with Paul and he prayes Act. 9. 11. and when with us we shall pray also Psal. 91. 15. Secondly A penitent frame of heart where God is there is weeping and mourning for sinning against him How werâ— Joseph's guilty brethren troubled at h 〈…〉 presence Gen. 45. 3. So shall guilty wâ— be at the presence of God we shall loâ—k on him whom we have pierced and mouâ—â— Zâ—ch 12. 10. Jâ—r 31. 9 18 19. where you have an instance of a mourning frame of heart when God vouchsafed his presence Thirdly An humble frame of heart God dwells with such and none but such sa 57. 15. Fourthly An obedient frame of heart inclined to God to walk in all his wayes If the Lord our God be with us he will incliâ—e our hearts to keep his Testimonies 1 Kings 8. 57 58. Where he comes he puts his spiriâ— into them and causeth them to walk in his Statutes Ezek. 36. 27. See Joh. 8. 29. Fifthly Strength in the Soul Psal. 138. 3. whom God is with he strengthens Isa. 41. 10. both to do and suffer to do business and bear burdens Psalm 55. 22. Sixthly Warm affections heat and life in the service of God whilst Christ was with and talked with his Disciples their hearts burned within them Luke 24. 32. Seventhly A spirit stirred up to promote the worship and service of God I am with you saith the Lord Hag. 1. 13. And the Lord stirred up their spirits and they came and did work in the house of the Lord of hosts their God v. 14. Eighthly Preservation from evil from the evil of sin especially Oh that thou wouldst be with me and keep me from evil was the request of Jabez 1 Chrâ— 4. 10. where God is he delivers from every evil work 1 Tim. 4. 18. Ninthly Victory over enemies Surely I will be with thee saith God to Gideon Judg. 6. 16. and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man If God be with us enemies will be subdued 1 Chron. 22. 18. world fâ—esh and Devil too will be subdued Through the spirit the deeds of the flesh will be mortifâ—â—d Rom. 8. 13. Tenthly Profiting by afflictions Hâ—b 12. 10. Eleventhly Fruitfulness under means of grace If the spirit come and blow upon our garden the spices thereof will flow out Cant. 4. 16. If Christ be in us and abide in us we shall bring forth much fruit Joh. 15. 5. Twelfthly Fixedness unmoveableness from God and his truth God is in the midst of her she shall not be moved Psal. 46. 5. Because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved Psal. 16. 8. Because he is with us the Gates of Hell shall never prevail against us Christ our Sampson as one sayes hath flung them off their Hinges We shall not be greatly moved Psal. 62. 2. Use 3. Of Exhortation Sirs get God to be with you Gods gracious Presence is the principal thing therefore with all thy getting get it Gold in the purse or coffer will not stead or avail you like God with you God answers more then money Wealth when gotten moth and rust may corrupt it Thieves may break through and steal it But God is out of the reach of all there is no fear or danger of loosing him when once you have gotten him He therefore is worth the getting Some have found by experience that such and such things have not been worth their getting not worth their sitting up late and rising betimes for them not worth their running and riding and venturing for them How earnest have some been to be possessed of and to enjoy such and such persons and things and having obtained them have they not found them by wofui experience not worth the cost and pains laid out for them But God will over and above make amends for what is laid out for him A shadow is not worth the following but substance is Chaff is not worth heaping up but Corn is Dross is not worth the seeking but Gold is and God much more then Gold And farther you may seek the Creature and never be able to get it You may seek and not find You may wish O that I had wealth and yet never have it and O that I had credit and repute in the World and possibly never have it But who ever sought God and found him not who ever sought the presence of God and was denied it shall any Soul ever have cause to say Lord I did desire thy presence but could not have it I did chuse to have thee with me rather then to have all the World with me and yet I could not have thee with me Do you think there will ever be cause for such a Reflection upon God the God of love shall it ever be said this poor Soul would have had the presence of God but God would not afford it O no! shall any person be ever able to say I would have had God to be my God and to be with me as a Father Friend and Husband but he would not or shall ever any person be able to say I would have had Jesus Christ to be with me as a Prophet Priest and King but he would not I would have had him to be my mediator Advocate Surety and Saviour but he would not I would have had his righteousness imputed to me and his Spirit imparted to me but could not have it or shall any person be ever able to say I would have had the holy Spirit to be with me to convince me of my sin and misery to enlighten me in the knowledge of Christ and to renew my will and to perswade and enable me to imbrace Christ Jesus freely offered to me but he would not be with me to do any of those things for me no for then how should God be the faithful God as he is stiled Deut. 7. 9.