Remaines of that excellent minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. Joseph Alleine being a collection of sundry directions, sermons, sacrament-speeches, and letters, not heretofore published ...

The Art of Dying well . Luk. 12. 19 , 20. Soul thou hast much goods laid up for many years — But God said , Thou fool this night shall thy soul be required of thee .

Qu. SInce no man hath one dayes certainty of his life , what may we do to be secured from being surprised by death ?

1. Sit loose from the world , that you may be able to packup ●…nd be gone upon sudden warning . Here was the folly and misery of this rich man , that he had set his heart upon the world , his mind did run upon his Barns , and upon his Belly ; his Goods , were his Gods , he wi●…hes no other felicity , than to eat and be merry : If you would be sit for your great Journey to your long home , you must lay aside every weight , and in special , the incumbring and intangling , and insnaring clog and burthen of worldly affections ; you must take heed to your selves , least at any time your hearts be over-charged with surfetting , and drunkenness , and the cares of this life ; if you would not have that day come upon you unawares . It is said , there is a 〈◊〉 whose heart is in his Belly ; would there were no such Monsters among men . Certainly , that man whose heart is in his Belly , or on his Cosfer , that Idolizes his friends , or his reputation ; is no more fit for the assaults of Death , than the unhappy Trojans buryed in Sleep and Wine , for the Invasion of the well-appointed Greeks : or the secure Laish for the subtle Danites : or the Shechamites when sore and unwieldy , for the Sons of violence , and Instruments of cruelty . Study to be Crucifyed to the world , to use all earthly comforts in a mortifyed manner , as those that are taking their long leave , and let Death find you dead besore-hand ; and then let it come when it will , and do its worst .

2. Intrench not on Gods Prerogative , in carving out the future time . Reckon not upon hereafter ; this was the unhappiness of this rich fool , he counts upon many years ; God had given him much goods , and now he is so bold , as to cast upon many merry dayes to spend them ; but God is angry at his usur pation , and since he would presume to be his own carver , God rebukes his boldness , and will shew his Prerogative , and will cut him short enough , this night shall thy soul be required . Remember your times are in Gods hands , improve with all possible diligence your present allowance ; he gives you wealth to lay up for hereafter , but he keeps your time in his own hands ; so that you shall not know one day whether you shall ever have another , or be allowed to live till the n●…xt ; cast not upon to morrow . Live this day well . When shall we learn to practice the received Lesson , to live every day as if it were our last ? Blessed men that we should be , if we would but live up to this short rule . Christians , why are our lives so far wide of our rules , and principles ? Doth Conscience witness that you live up to this ? If the rule be good , why do you not da●…ly study to consorm to it ? is it not a shame , that a heathen should teach you ? think , saith he , every morning when thou risest , I may never lye down again ; and every night thou lyest down , it may be I may never rise again ; when thou goest out , I may never return ; when thou comest in , I may never more go out . Christian , let it be thy serious thought every morning , I will spend this day for eternity .

3. Store up in Heaven ●…pace , and see that you be rich towards God . It was the want of this , that made this rich worldling to be branded for a fool . Give Alms plentifully , and provide for your selves Bags , that wax not old ; be sparing as to your selves , but lay out , and spare not upon the Service of God . Give your selves unto prayer , let reading the Word , Meditation●… , Self-examination , be your daily exercises , do good to all men , serve your generation with diligence , study to be useful , fill up your relations with duties , and when you have done all , go out of your selves , look wholly unto Jesus , and live by faith , this do , and you shall have treasure in Heaven ; and let death come , when it will , it will but set you in possession of glory . But woe to them that have laid up nothing on the other side the Grave ; Death will break them for ever , and will prove their eternal undoing .

4. Be the death of your sins , that they may not fasten like Hell-hounds upon you , when you are most helpless . Mortifie your corruptions , and then the bitterness of Death is past . Sin is the sting of Death , that makes it dreadful , that makes it hurtful ; O do not arm your enemy against you , death cannot hurt you , but by the weapons that you put into its hands by your sins ; if Sin be dead , death is conquered . This is the top of misery , when sin and death shall sly upon a poor creature together , when death , as the unclean Spirit , taking with him seven other Spirits worse than himself , shall set a man's Sins all upon him , and besides the terrour of its own apaling looks , shall shew him the more ghastly , and affrighting faces of those Fiends and Furies , his unpardoned sins ; this is the sting of death , and makes that the King of terrours .

5. Observe the approaches of your enemy daily , and remember that you are for ought you know , more than half dead already . Let not gray hairs be here and there upon you , and you know it not ; observe all the warnings of death , and consider in all your pains and insirmities , that these are but twitches , and items from death . How often is death knocking at your doores ? Death hath a great part of you already in possession ; whatsoever is past , is death's ; and how little , how very little is to come , God knows ; sure I am , nothing is yours but the present time . Christians , shall Death get ground upon you every day , and be marching up towards you , and will not you provide accordingly , and make preparations for it every day ? as Death comes daily towards you , do you labour to make it good against Death . Let your fortifications go on daily , let some breach be made up ; let somewhat be mended every day , forget not that holy Counsel to meditate every evening , that seeing thy dayes are numbred , there is one more of thy number spent , and thou art now nearer to thy end by a day .

6. Dare not to live in such a case or course , that you would not dare to dye in . How know you but your next step may be into the grave ? and would you be found in your sins ? how do you know , but death may meet you at the next turning ? and O how unwelcome a meeting will it be , if you be found by it laden with the gains of unrighteousness , or with lusts , and pleasures ! would you have Death to find you out of your harnesses ? would you meet your enemy , without a weapon ? or be found by him in a careless , secure , and sleeping posture ? If not , how dare you live at such a rate ? are you at an agreement with Death .

7. Be alwayes in your Fathers business , that Death may not be able to find you doing evil , or doing nothing ; the holy Calvin would not sorhear his labours in his dying Sickness ; but , when perswaded to give over , replyed , what shall my Lord come and find me idle ? it was said of the laborious Willet , who was alwayes very early at his work , that he was half way on his journey before others did set out . Blessed is that Servant whom his Lord when he cometh , shall find so doing . Remember in what you undertake , that Death may overtakq you before you have ended : therefore see that you do noth●…ng without Gods warrant , carry this with you , and you need not fear Death's surprisal . Woe unto you if Death find you , with your work to do . How holily , how happily , ended that Blessed Saint Mr. Lovo , who could dare to say in his last Prayer , Father , I have glorisied the●… on Earth , I have finished the work which thou gavest st●…ma to do , and now , O Father glorifie me withthy own self ? Surely the end of that man was peace . The last words that ever he spake , were Blessed be God for Jesus Christ . Blessed be God for peace of Conscience . He lived a life of exemplary diligence , and the comfort of his death , answered the holy painfulness of his life . This was Paul's joy , I have fought a good sight , I have finished my course , I have kept the faith , henceforth is laid up for me t●…e Crown of life .

8. Get Conscience to be your friend , least that should set Death upon you , to worry you , when yóu come to dye . Beware you mistake not the slumber of Conscience , for a setled peace ; the Serpent may be but frozen in your bosoms , when you think him dead . Death will rouze the sleeping Lyon , and then Oh fearful work that he will make ! his roaring will shake the heart of Rock , and apale the countenance of Kings , and loose their joynts , and break all their bones . If you be wise , get and keep a good Conscience ; carry it to the fountain opened for sin , and for uncleanness , get it sprinkled with the blood of Christ . Exercise your selves to keep a Conscience void of osfence towards Go●… 〈◊〉 towards all men . In all your undertakings , let Conscience have the casting voice , ask counsel of it diligently , hear its rebukes patiently , thankfully , as a precious balm that will not break your heads ; make it to give in its judgment about your Estates : If it be confident , be sure it be upon Scripture evidence ; if it be doubtful , get it well setled in time ; if it condemn you , away with speed to your Redeemer ; sue out your pardon , get it purified , and pacified . Follow after peace and holiness , but accept of no peace but of God's speaking . Please Conscience , rather than all the world ; keep her , and she shall keep you ; they that are careless of defending Conscience , are preparing for their own torment at death .

9. Remember your Sick-bed resolutions , and set a mark upon those things that did make death look most ghastly . Woe to you if Sickness find you again in the same sins which formerly stung you . what will you say to Conscience , or how will you look Death in the face , if you be found at last to have been false to your Sick-bed vows ? Alphonsus King of Aragon , sent to the Bishop , to know how he should do to become a good man ; he answered , he should be the man he promised to be , when last sick of the Gout .

10. Keep no long Reckonings , but let Conscience bring you in the accounts every day before you sleep . Keep a Day book in your own hearts , speedily make up any controversies that may fall out between God and your Souls , 't wil be sad to find old things to reckon for , when you come to dye : you cannot imagine the torment that one sin unrepented of , or unhumbled for , may cost you ; study to keep all clear , and even daily within : This made dying Oecolampadias clap his hand upon his Breast , saying , hic sat est Lucis , 't is all light within ; daily self-examination will make you to live holily , and dye comfortably ; but if you let things run long , you will be all at a loss .

11. Set your houses in order that you may not have your estates in the world to settle , when God requires your Souls : Make your wills in your health and vigour , and therein be sure so to settle your estates , as that God and good uses be not shut out , nor forgotten . Wretched men that have so many hundreds to settle upon their Children , can scarce find in their hearts to settle one in the hundred upon Gods special Service .

12. Look often into your Coffins , and behold your bones and dust , as shortly others shall , when turned out of your Graves : Be not stràngers to the thoughts of death ; expect it , wait all the dayes of your appointed time when your change shall come ; familiarize the thoughts of Death to your selves , that you may be alwayes safe , you must never be secure ; you must pray , and set a watch , and be alwayes upon your guard ; walk every day some serious turns with Death , let it never come unlook'd for ; God forbid Death should come upon you , and you say , I did not think of it : You must daily think of it , and look for it . How holy and happy a man was he , that could say , I have not known what to morrow meant this twenty years ? Consider your latter end , learn to number your dayes : God doth number them , why should not you ? if the man of the house had known what hour of the night the Thief would have come , he would have watched , and not have suffered his House to be broken up ; but it is too late to think of it , when the House is risled : Be not of them that put far off the evil day ; he that remembers not his end , remembers nothing as he should : It is the remembrance of Death puts life into our Prayers , into our Graces , and all our motions . He that puts off the thoughts of Death , gives his enemy unspeakable advantages : Death comes upon the sleeping and secure sinner , as Jael upon Sisera , and strikes the fatal nail through his temples , and fastens him to the earth : or as David upon the Amalckites , when he and his mighty men came upon them , chafed in their minds , as a Bear robbed of her Whelps , when they found them spread abroad upon the earth , eating , drinking , dancing , and smote them from the twilight to the evening of the day .

13. Above all speed to the City of refuge .

First , Get into it , close soundly with Jesus Christ . O dreadful work that Death makes with those , that are not found in him ; it tears the body and soul asunder , it drags the soul to Hell , and locks up the dust in Prison , till the terrible Judgment , it puts an eternal end to all comforts , and enters the sinner upon unchangeable misery , and delivers over the Prisoners to the tormentors ; but if you give up your selves entirely , before-hand , and accept Christ by believing , on his own terms ; this will secure you in him , then the danger of this is over . Look to this , whatsoever you neglect , once in Christ , and you have the victory ; you may send a chalenge to Death , and with Paul triumph before the Battel , and make the Bonfires , and ring out the Bells , as sure of the conquest , and go with shouts of joy , and palms of victory , and garments of salvation to encounter with , or rather to make spoil upon your already conquered enemy . 2. Keep you in it , when you have received Christ Jesus the Lord , you must walk in him ; wander from him , and you betray your safety ; O look to it that death find you not venturing out of your refuge , by loose walking . God bespeaks you here as Solomon did Shimei , 1 Kings 2. 36 , 37. And the King sent for Shimei , and said unto him , build thee an house in Jerusalem , and dwell there , and go not forth thence any whither , for on the day thou goest out thou shalt know for certain thou shalt surely dye .

14. Lay in a stock of promises now in time against the assaults of Death ; that come when it will , thou mayst have a Cordial ready , and be provided with an Antidote . Delight thy soul in meditating on the 6th of John , and 1 Cor. Chap. 15. and the fifth Chapter of the second Epistle of the Corinthians .

15. My last , but not my least advice is , that you suffer not the state of your immortal souls to lye any longer at uncertainties . Put to it with all your might for assurance , try an hundred times , and make diligent search into the state of your hearts . What blessed helps have you in Mr. Baxter's Works , Mr. Richard Alleines , and others , to put all out of doubt ? there you have sure marks , ply your hearts with them , be diligent observers of the workings of your souls ; lye at God's door night and day , and put your selves on Gods tryal ; if all this will not do it , apply your selves to some faithful and experienced Minister , and above all close with Christ anew , solemnly ingage your selves in Covenant with him , according to the Directions in Mr. Richard Alleine's Book Vindication of Godliness , to this purpose ; how can you live one day , or dye without some evidence that it shall be well with you for ever ? Ah the woful case that the poor trembling Soul must needs be in , when it thrusts out into the Ocean of Eternity , not knowing whither it is going , whether it shall be landed in the Region on of eternal darkness , or the Land of light , when it must go forth it knows not whether into the Arms of Angels , or the teeth and talons of cursed Fiends and Harpies ; my soul hath often relented at the thoughts of that pathetick moan of dying Adrian , who thus bespeaks his anxious soul , when ready to be delivered up ( I cannot but spoil it by Englishing it ) ah my poor , little , trembling , wandring Soul , whether art thou going , into I know not what rough and horrid places ? and it is a heart piercing complaint of poor Beringarius , who was one of the first lights in the time of the thickest AntiChristian darkness ; who having often dallyed with Conscience , recanting over and over to avoid Death ( though he did afterwards still return to the Preaching , Pro●…ssion , and Practice of the truth , has bemoaned himself on his death bed : Now I am going to appear before my Judge , not knowing whether I shall be saved , as I hope ; or damned , as I fear . Brethren , if you would not be surprized by Death , with these uncertainties put all out of question now , without delay in your health and strength .

PSAL. 4. 4. Commune with your own heart upon your Bed .

Doct THat it is the great duty of every man , to be often conferring with , and taking an account of his own heart , 2 Cor. 13. 5 , Examine your selves , prove your selves ; know you not your own selves ? It is the duty of a man not to take the Report of his heart , but he must search his heart , he must be often putting questions to his heart . The heart cannot be easily found out . The Reasons of the point are these two .

First , Reas. 1. Is taken from the dissiculty of coming to know our own hearts . Therefore 't is a necessary duty , because it is so hard to know our own hearts . Now this appears ,

First , Because men are so generally mistaken in their own hearts : and that both bad men , and good men . Bad men , how often do they boast of their good hearts ? And though our Saviour tells us that out of the heart proceed evil thoughts , &c. yet all this while they think their hearts are good , they see nothing of these things in their hearts .

When Hazael heard of his heart , he w●… dred that he should have such a heart . 〈◊〉 would not believe that there was such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nature in his heart . He thought it w●… 〈◊〉 Dogs , and Tygers to do this : and yet a●… wards he did all this . And so for Good m●… ; how did Peter fail in this , that he would 〈◊〉 for him ? And Christ could scarce put him out of this conceit . And it is like that he did intend what he spake , yea , he did try sarther than the rest did , sor he only did draw his sword . And who would have thought that there was that swearing , and cursing in his heart as there was ? And so of David's Adultery , 2 Sam. 12.

Secondly , It appears in that it hath cos●… men so dear to know their h●…ts . (1) It hath cost them sharp tryals . Deut. 8. 2. God led thee these forty years in the Wilderness , to know what was in thine heart . That is , to make you to know , One would have thought that they had never been guilty of such horrid unbelief to distrust God , when they did feed upon , and weared miracles . (2) It hath cost them many sad falls to know them . 2 Chron. 32. 31. Hezekiah nor no body else would have thought that there could have been that in his heart , after God had wrought a miracle for him ; And yet God left him that he might try what was in his heart . Brethren take heed that you be not too sure of your own hearts , be often fearful of your own hearts . (3) It hath cost them many tears and Prayers to know them . Though some of God●… people have been Students of their own hearts twenty or forty years , yet after all this , they do find , sometimes , their hearts be too hard for them .

Thirdly , The difficulty of this appears , Because the Saints have called in the special help of God , without which they could not come to know it . So did David Psal. 139. 23. Search me O God , &c. Our own hearts are too hard for us unless we take God ' s special assistance with us . Our hearts will deal with us , without this , as a bad neighbour will do when we come to search for our Goods , they will not let you in , except you come with the Kings Officer . Now the difficulty of this lyes (1) In that the heart of man is so deep , Eccl. 7. 24. That which is exceeding deep who can find it out ? Now so is the heart of man ; for so Psal. 64. 6. And the heart is deep . The heart of man is deep as earth , yea , as Hell . ●…m. 3. that is , the hell that is in the heart . ●…2 ) The heart is very dark . Eph. 4. 18. Having the understanding darkned , &c. There ●…ou have two parts of the misery of man in his natural estate . 1. He is a stranger to God ; 2. To Himself . He cannot see a jot into his own heart , till the Lord do spring into the soul with a new light ; as he did into the Prison , they cannot see what there is in the heart . And we need not any further evidence for this , than that common good opinion that men have of their hearts . Though their hearts are full of odious poyson , and the like , yet they cannot see it till God open their eyes by conversion ; and then they can see it : But yet it is but candle-light that the best of us have here of our hearts . ( 3. ) Because the heart is very deceitfull , above all things . There have been great deceits in the world ; yet put all together , none in the world is so cunning as the heart , there is no comparison . You would think if a man were told before-hand , there is a known Cheater come to deal with him therefore he should take heed of dealing wit●… him , such a man would think sure that h●… should not be too hard for him ; but yet th●… Saints have known this , that the heart is so de ceitful ; and they have been twenty or fort●… years learning it ; yet their hearts are too har●… for them .

Reas. 2. Secondly , Because the knowledg of the heart is so exceeding necessary . If a ma●… turn over all the Books in the world , and b●… not learned in his own heart , it is nothing .

Use. The use is to stir us up to know o●… own ●…rts . I beseech you what ever you n●… lect , neglect not this duty .

Now there be sundry ways of Communing with our own hearts . Sometimes by way of Consolation . Return to thy Rest O my Soul , &c. Psal. 116. 7. Sometimes by way of expostulation . Why art thou cast down O my soul , &c. Ps. 42. Sometimes by way of Exhortation , to quicken and excite our hearts . Psal. 62. 5. My soul wait thou onely upon God . Here he stirs up his heart in believing in God . So awake , up my Glory . that is , my heart or soul. The soul of man , that is his honour , Gen. 49. 6. And see how David doth exhort his soul : up my heart , my Glory . He found his heart , it may be , somewhat dead and dull , and therefore he stirs it up , sometimes by way of Instruction , Psal. 16. 2. 7.

But sometimes by way of Examination and Inquiry , that is the principal on which all the rest do depend , and therefore I intend to insist on that ; and I beseech you to stir up your selves to this duty . My Brethren , you should be often questioning with your own hearts ; It is sad to think how Papists , yea Pagans do out-pass us in this , and what a shame is it that we should be such strangers to this duty ? After we have been told of it , and have confessed that it is a duty !

Now you must know there is a double Communication . Ordinary , and Extraordinary . Ordinary , and that is either Transient , or more solemn . The first we should be in continually , every hour in the day . The want of this is the reason that we are such strangers to our own hearts , Christian , Remember this and step in often into thy own heart and thoughts , the heart of man is always talking to it self ; and you should often step in and see what it is that they are talking of , see if they are well employed ; and if they be not , set them a Task , especially before , in , and after duties ; especially after duties to search what evil we have committed in the duty , or else we shall not find matter for examination of our hearts in the evening ; we should take notes of our hearts all the day , & read them over in the evening . And then besides this , there must be a solemn Examination . And here I should beseech you Christians , every evening to spend some time for this work ; a quarter , or half an hour . I speak of the Evening because the Scripture speaks so much of this time ; and the practice of good men have been in this time : A very Heathen could do this , and you shall find this was David's practice . Psal. 16. 7. My Reins instruct me in the Night-season . Well then , I would advise thee Christian , to take this advice .

Every Evening before you sleep , set some time apart , more or less , from the world , and set thy heart as in the presence of God , and charge it before God , to answer to these interrogatories .

First . With reference to your Duties .

First . Did not God find me on my bed when he looked for me on my knees ? This question might be a shaming question , and I cannot without indignation speak of this , that many 〈◊〉 us should be so willing to please our selves 〈◊〉 a little case , when we should enjoy those pleasant hours with God! How do you think that God will take this at your hands ? there be many persons that do spend many hours in their beds , that they might enjoy Communion with God in , and then they are fain to 〈◊〉 up their duties in a co●…ner , I beseech you that this may be left off . It may be , many of you have not so much to do in the world as others , they have not the business that others have , and therefore they need not rise so soon , but lye longer than others . Ah Christian ! do not make that use of it , thou hast no more time for sloth than others . I tell thee from God , he hath not given thee any time to be idle in . I am afraid that many of you do not know what it is to sleep by Rule If thou dost not , this is a shame to thee , a Christian should do nothing but by Rule . It may be some will say , what Rule must we use ? Ans. We must have respect to our Bodies , what may be for one man , may not be for another ; but for healthy bodies six or seven h●…urs is enough in conscience ; let every man give his body no more than his body will require . And remember this general Rule , to be sure that you do use some Self-denyal about your sleep : That general Rule should be observed , though the particular Rule cannot be given . That excellent servant of God , Mr. Jordan , that kept assurance of Gods love thirty years , did up at three or four a clock every morning , and if he did not , he did bewail it ; O that it were thus with you !

Secondly . Have I not prayed to no purpose , or let Roving thoughts eat out my Duty ? Take an account every Evening what you have gained by that days Prayers , if we did so , this would be brave ; then we should grow apace . But this is our great loss , that we content our selves with the duty done , and do not look to the manner of performance , or the doing of the Duty ; therefore if thou wouldst gain by thy duties , see HOW as well as WHAT thou didst pray . How did I pray ! was my heart lively or dull ? Let it not be enough that your hearts do acquit you in this , that you have not neglected duty , but whether you have not been slack in the duty . And because vain thoughts are our great enemies here , look that these do not eat up thy Sacrifice ; we have been often complaining of these , but we are not eased of them : And what is the reason ? because we do not take our hearts to Task about it , for our vain thoughts in duty every day ; if we did but ask our hearts this every Evening , our hearts would be ashamed to be found guilty every day .

Thirdly . Have I not neglected , or been very overly in the Reading of Gods holy Word ? I am afraid that many of us do neglect this duty , doth not there pass over our heads many a day wherein we Read not a Chapter ? And yet I fear more of the manner how you Read . Did you begin with Prayer , and observe what promises , or Commands , or Threatnings , or Examples were there for you to Imitate , or to fear and avoid ? And did you turn it into Prayer afterwards ? That I would advise you to , to turn some of the Chapter into prayer afterward . O that we should slight the word , that the Saints of God have set such a price upon ! The word ! why 't is the word of God , and when we see the hand of God to it , this should affect us .

Fourthly . Have I digested the Sermon I heard last ? Have I prayed it over , and Repeated it over ? Brethren , would you know why we are such Dwarfs in Christianity , why we grow so little ? Here is one grand Reason , we take in much and digest but little ; it may be thou art greedy of taking opportunities , there cannot be a Sermon but thou must be at it , or else it is not well ; but dost thou Pray it over , and Repeat it over again ? The want of this is the reason that we grow no better , therefore content not thy self that thou hast heard such a Sermon ; it is never well till God hear of it , in Confession , Prayer , and praise for such mercies as were discovered to thee . This is the way to thrive , and you will never Thrive till you come to this . The Reason why there have been so much sowing and so little fruit , is because the seed hath not been covered by Meditation , and watered by prayer , the Devil or evil thoughts come and steal away the seed .

Fifthly , Was there not more of custome and Fashion in my Family-Duties , than of Conscience ? Brethren , if my observation fail not , Christians are more apt to be formal in these Duties than in others . Now this should be a cause of shame to us , this is a very great evil , we are very formal in such duties as do come ordinarily , especially if we are not the Speaker , but do joyn with others : whereas , if thou didst but make this use of it , thankfully to prize , and gladly improve such opportunities , thou would'st thrive more abundanly . Say with thy self , now I have an opportunity to worship God in the Family . You that are Heads of Families it is a great mercy that you have , that you can lead your Families into the presence of God : and you that are members of the Family , have a great mercy that you live in a Family where you can come twice a day , at least , to God beyond many others , and do you labour to improve it .

Sixthly , Wherein have I denyed my self to day for God ? Brethren , you have not lived like Christians this day , if so be you have not used some self-denial to day ; If thou hast not denied thy flesh , but hast given it so much case as it would have : and thy Appetite , but hast let it have so much as it would , and thy tongue , but let it go out whither it would ; thou hast not lived as a Christian.

Seventhly . Have I redeemed my time from too long and needless visits , Idle imaginations fruitless Discourses , unnnecessary Sleep , morethan needs of the world ? It is a duty incum bent upon every Christian to redeem his time , this hath sate heavy upon the best of Gods servants , that they have no more redeemed time ; now if you would redeem your time , there be these time-Robbers and devourers that must be watched .

First . Too long and needless visits . Many men are so LONG in their visits , that they loose much time of their own , and others too ; whom they go to visit . Ask thy heart have not I been too long in such a visit , and so steal away others time as well as my own ? And so for NEEDLESS visits , when there is no need ; be sparing and short in your visits or else you will loose your time , and make others to loose their time also .

Secondly . Idle imaginations . These steal away our time , and we think not of it ; If this were look'd to how might we grow in grace ? When a man is on his Journey , how might he have good thoughts , whereas our hearts are talking of vanity ; and so in our Shops .

Thirdly . Fruitless Discourse . Ask thy heart whether thou hast not failed in this duty ? what a shame is this that many Christians do come together and scarce any thing of God in their mouths while they be together !

Fourthly . Unnecessary Sleep . There is much evil in this , when persons do take up so much time in their sleep , that there is scarce time left for Religious Duties .

Fifthly . More than needs of the World . Men must be very watchfull of this or else the world will Rob them of their time , if a man will not use some self-denyal about his worldly occasions , but serve God no more than the world will give him leave , he shall serve God but little .

Eighthly . Have I done any thing more than ordinary , for the Church of God , in a time extraordinary ? Brethren , we shall never be able to stand before our own Consciences in the evil day , if our hearts cannot acquit us in this , that we have put our selves to it more than ordinary for the Church of God . You know the troubles of the Church at this day , and we should every one of us run with his Bucket , and put out this fire . God is crying to us , as Moses to Aaron , Num. 16. 46. Take a Censer — and go quickly unto the Congregation , and make an attonement for them ; for there is wrath gone out from the Lord , the Plague is begun . O let us run for the Tokens of his displeasure are in the land ! 〈◊〉 your tears that must quench these flames that the Bush , the Church is burning in . How is it that we do not weep over the Church ? we sit here at ease through Gods blessing , but how is it with the Church of God abroad in the land ? How far are our hearts from the temper of Gods worthies heretofore ? It was said of One , that when there was any ●…ad news , concerning the Church , they were fain to conceal it from her , least her heart should be overwhelmed with the news of it .

If we had some certain news that our Estates were at undoing , how would we break our sleep ? and yet how is it that we are so careless of the Church of God! How is it that others are so wounded and sick , and ready to die with grief , and yet we take so little notice of it ? It was the saying of One to me , I wonder how any can laugh ( said she ) when Gods Church is in such distress . I beseech you take some more time with God than you were wont to heretofore , for the Church of God . What if thou didst pray twice a day heretofore , and now thou doest pray three times a day , once a day the more though but a quarter of an hour . to seek to God for the Church , and sometimes a whole day ; it will come in upon thy account , when the troubles come upon the Church , that thou didst labour with thy Bucket , if it were possible , to put out the fire .

Ninthly . Have I took care of my Company ? Many times many of us are very great Loosers by this , by vain company ; to be sure if they do us no other harm , they Rob us of our Time , and that is no small hurt ; and therefore fly from their Company as from a Plague-fore . Or if sometimes thy Calling do call thee to them , yet do not go among them , before thou hast Prayed to be delivered from the evil of their Company .

Tenthly . Have not I neglected some Relative Duty to day , as of Husband , Wife , Pa rent , Child , Master , Servant .

Secondly , for your sins .

First . Doth not Sin sit light ? This is 〈◊〉 cause of no small mischief to our souls , this is the cause why Christ is no more 〈◊〉 , and the promises no more sweet ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sits so light : why we can hear the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a common lovely thing , and be but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fected with it ? If thou couldst but 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 sense of sin upon thy spirit , this would be a speedy course of preventing sin ; this is a cutting down of a great limb of sin . When a man cuts down a Limb of the Tree , a great deal of brush will come down with it ; and so if thou dost but cut down this Limb , let sin sit heavy , down comes self , and pride , and many sins will come down with it . How is it that Paul could say , O wretched man that I am &c. and we are no more distressed with the sense of sin ?

Secondly . Am I a Mourner for the sins of the Land ? My Brethren , we have great reason , I doubt , to check our selves sharply here , that when God hath made it so plainly a duty to us , and yet we are so little affected with the sins of the Land , when God doth set a mark upon them ( onely ) for preservation , that Cry for all the abominations that are done in the midst of the Land ; yet we remain insensible ! Can our hearts acquit us now in this thing ? O let us never leave our hearts , but be checking of them for this . If thy name were but wounded , it would break thy heart almost ; and yet how is it that we can hear of Gods name to be dishonoured and yet not break for it ! Can our hearts witness for us that we do never hear of the blasphemie that is in the land , and of the Superstition and Idolatry of the land , but God doth hear of it again by us , before we sleep , by Prayer ? This should be for a lamentation to us , that the wounds that are given to God are no more upon our hearts . We may say of the glory of God as they of David . 2 Sam. 18. 3. 'T is worth ten thousand of us . Our estates , and names , and all that is dear to us , yea , our very souls are not so much worth as the honour of God . And how is it then that we can see God dishonoured , and we cannot mourn sor it ? Gods glory is his Crown that is upon his head ; and shall we see his Crown trodden , down in the dirt and not be affected with it ? we are far from the disposition of Gods Saints and servants heretofore . When Moses saw the Idolatry of the people , he was so zealous , that he overturned the Tables that God wrote with his own finger . And Ezra when the people had taken strange wives he sate down and 〈◊〉 his cloaths . Ezr. 9. Bretheren how may we blush to hear and read this , and to think how far our hearts are from this frame ! It may be you do think it enough that you did cry out upon it when you hear●… the Blasphemy , so that you are free from 〈◊〉 your selves , but this is your sin , if you do no●… mourn over it . ( 1 Cor. 5. 2. 7. No doubt the godly Corinthians did detest this sin , but the Apostle tells them that is not enough , whil●… they did not mourn over it : ) When wic●…ness doth raign , as if it were the time of 〈◊〉 Devils incarnation ; as if Hell it self were ●…ken loose upon us to Act its part 〈◊〉 ground , and we not mourning ov●…r it

Thirdly . Do not I live in 〈◊〉 that I know or fear to be a Sin ? If I do thus , there is no peace with God or Con●… to be h●… sor you . Psal. 66. 18. If I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in my heart , God will not hear my Prayers . It is a sign that God doth not regard thee , if thou art one that dost live in the practice or allowance of any sin ; and he will not own thee for this . Rom. 6. 16. If thou dost yield up thy self to any sin willingly , that is a manifest sign that thou art none of Gods .

Thirdly , For your hearts . Ask several questions .

First . Have I been much in holy ejaculation ? Thus we ought to Pray continually ; not onely at our set and solemn times , but upon all occasions , to step aside and speak a word or two with God ; in our Journeys , and Occupations , this is walking with God indeed ; when we do not onely take a turn or two with him in the morning , and so in the evening , but all the day long . It is said of Mr. Dod , that he never got up his Horse , but he prayed before he came off . Thus did Nehemiah , while the King was talking with him , he was praying to God . Nehem. 2. 4. So I prayed to the God of Heaven , this was a Heavenly ejaculation ; this would keep your hearts a praying all the day long . When the hearts of men do naturally bend to God , as the sparks fly upward this is a good thing indeed ; when we cannot go by the door , but we must step in and have a turn with God ; you will take it as a great kindness for a man not onely to come on set times to visit you , but when he comes in every time he comes by the door to see you ; And when thy heart is thus wont to turn into God , this will be an 〈◊〉 to thee that thy heart is used to converse with God .

Secondly . Hath not God been out of mind , Heaven out of sight ? put that question to thy heart . My Brethren , this is our great sin , and should be our great shame , that the thoughts of God are such strangers to our souls ; that we are so little in heaven in the day , as we are . O what a loser is God by this in his glory ! what losers are we by this in our graces and comforts ! O were our hearts on all occasions thus thinking of God how holy a frame should we quickly grow into ? Why should not our hearts be as much with God , as the hearts of the Worldlings be with the Creature ? Doth not God deserve it as much as the Creature ? His heart is always talking with the World : If he come to hear , his heart is talking with the world . If he come to pray , his heart is alway with the World . Why should not our hearts be talking with God while our hands are employed about this world ? It was a Heavenly breathing of a gracious spirit , a confounding passage , that I met with ; Lord as formerly I lived without thee in the world , so now let me 〈◊〉 without the world in thee . If we did but love God as well as a worldly man doth love his wealth and riches , we should be so taken up with the love of God as quite to forget the world . For the world makes them forget God , that he is not alwayes in their thoughts . Yea , says he , we should be taken up always with God .

My Brethren , what shall we say for this ! How shall we excuse this , that we should be so unmindfull of God , while the Worldling is so mindful of the world ? O what a shame is this ! For shame , be ashamed at your selves before we go away hence . I profess Christians , I have wondred 〈◊〉 God will throw away his kingdome upon some that do care so little for it as we do . O shame thy self out of this evil frame ! Brethren , why do not we carry it towards the world , as the world doth towards us ? The world doth carry it towards us as 〈◊〉 ; and we know not what it will do to us . Why should not we carry it more strangely towards it ? O never leave , till the thoughts of Heaven be thy natural thoughts , O check thy heart ronndly in the Evening for this sin , if 〈◊〉〈◊〉 find thy heart faulty here ; and never leave till thou ha●… brought it into a right frame .

Thirdly . Have I been often looking into my 〈◊〉 , & made conscience even of vian thoughts ? you know your Rule , Keep thy heart with all 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of it are the Issues of life . Now hast thou been keeping thy heart with all diligence ? Brethren , you may be sure your work will go but badly on , unless you look to your hearts , and keep your hearts . Examine then in the Evening , how hath my heart been employed to day , hath it not been a thorow-fare of vain thoughts ? of evil imaginations ? I fear that many of us do make little con●… of this . It may be thou dost make conscience of vain thoughts in duty : but I fear that few 〈◊〉 do make conscience of vain thoughts at other times . Ah Brethren , you 〈◊〉 not known what it is to live the life of Christianity , if you do not look to this . This must be mended . Brethren , what a blessed thing would this be , if we had but once attained this frame ! If our hearts did but naturally run in a hollow Channel ? This is attainable , and many of the Christians have attained to it . And if it be attainable , 〈◊〉 we should never be quiet till we have attained it . Why , Christian , take this Rule , force thy heart a while to it ; keep thy heart for a while in this Tract , set it some holy Subject , some good Task , and make it to ply its work ; and when thou hast got to this , then by degrees it will be sweet to thee . It is not enough to say , what hurt is there in such vain thoughts ? It is enough that there is no good in them , that there is no profit in them ; yea , there is a great deal of hurt in letting thy thoughts to run abroad . My Brethren , you do , I believe , every one of you that are Christians indeed , complain of the burthen of your vain thoughts . I believe , that this is the greatest trouble of many Christians here , for the vanity of their thoughts in holy duties . And what is the reason of this ? Because they do let out their hearts at other times ; this is the reason that we have no more command of our hearts in holy duties , because we do not keep them in at other times . God complains of Jerusalem , Jer. 4. 14. ( and may he not complain so of us ? ) O Jerusalem , how long shall vain thoughts lodge within thee ? Have not we , many of us , been complaining these seven or twice seven years of vain thoughts , and yet they are lodging in us ? And if you take this course with your hearts , you will find more benefit in it , than ever you did in any thing that you have tryed hitherto .

But I know what the flesh will say here , what to be always taken up with holy things ? this will be an intollerable burthen . O but do not hearken to the evil report , that the flesh will bring upon the wayes of God . Indeed I confess it will bring some dissiculty , yet I trust , you will be willing to be at some pain for so great a good as this is , but after a little while you will find it easie . There is nothing that is easie to a Learner , but if it be a Trade or such a Tongue 〈◊〉 a little while that he is used to it , it is his d●…light . And so will this be the sweetest thing in the world to thee , if thou dost but keep thy heart to it a while . And therefore never leave watching and praying , till thou hast got thy heart into this frame .

Fourthly . Have not I given way to the working of pride or passion to day ? My Brethren , the Spirit of God is a holy Dove that will not rest in an unquiet and froward heart . It was a passage os a very Holy man , Whatsoever you do , take 〈◊〉 of passion . 2 King . 3. 15. Elijah was sain to call for a Minstrel before he could allay his passion ; I beseech you to watch your hearts when there is a temptation to pride , and a provocation to passion before you , or else you will grieve the good spirit of God , and make him to withdraw himself from you . It is a saying of Mr. Baxter , when there is a temptation to pride before me , I am fain to watch my heart as narrowly as I would do the Thatch of my house , when fire is put to it ; and presently to throw on it the water of ●…testation , Resolution , and recourse to God . And so must you do if ever you mean to attain to a heavenly heart . I remember it is written in the Life of a Holy man , that he did fear and tremble more when he did hear his commendation , than when it never so dreadfully thundered ; and this frame should be in thee . O fear temptations to pride , I beseech you tak●… heed of pride , that your hearts do not grow haughty . If you do not take good heed , you are like to fall , That Servant is never like to do much for God that is puffed up with pride , If thou hast got down thy self , and trod upon the neck of pride , then thou art become a great Victor indeed . This is the reason why God doth not employ us in his service more , because he sees that there is such an evil heart in 〈◊〉 , that we would make his mercies fuell for our pride and Lust. Let it be your daily practice to get the victory over this enemy , the pride of your heart . It was a very exemplary pattern that is set before us in that holy man ; Says he , concerning himself , Methinks I am broken all in peices before God when I speak to him , as when I tread upon an Egg and trample it all to peices . It was a passage in one of his Letters writing to comfort another , I pray God make use of me a poor Rush , to do you some good . Let us lay this pattern before us . But more especially , look to our holy and humble Jesus ; and you shall find rest to your souls . Follow your pride and passion thus with observation and detestation every day , and this will weary it out at last .

Fourthly , For your tongues . Ask these questions .

First , Have I bridled my tongue , and forced it in ? This is a very necessary question that must be enquired into . I tell thee if thou hast no measure to bridle thy tongue , thou art no Christian. Jam. 1. 26. On the other side if thou hast once got this skill to govern thy tongue , thou art a grown Christian , Jam. 3. 2. He that can govern his tongue , hath attained to some good growth and good perfection in grace . Ah Brethren , you had need to set up Davids resolution daily , Psal. 39. 1. I said I will take heed to my ways , that I offend not with my tongue , Psal. 17. 3. I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress . And distrusting his own strength you may see how he runs to God for strength , Psal. 14. 1. 3. Set a watch ( O Lord ) before my mouth : keep the door of my lips .

Secondly , Have I spoke evil of no man ? This is an express charge of the Apostle , Tit. 3. 1 , 2. Put them in mind to speak evil of no man . And the Apostle Peter chargeth us that if we will grow in grace , to put away the evil of evil speaking . This is a great and universal sin among us ; that we are apt to speak evil of others . When we do hear of any thing that is evil in any one , how do we speak of it to our friends ? See that you have good ends & a lawful call to tell , before you tell of anothers evil . Brethren , this cannot be sussiciently bewailed , that there should be so great an evil among us , that we should be so backward to speak of our brothers evil to himself , and so prone to publish it to those that we should not .

Thirdly , Hath the law of God been in my mouth , as I sate in my house , went by the way , lying down , rising up ? How great is the charge of God given us ! And how great is our negligence in this work ! Deut. 6. 7. Thou 〈◊〉 teach them diligently unto thy Children , and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house , and when thou walkest by the way , and when thou lyest down , and when thou 〈◊〉 up . Christian can thy heart acquit thee here now ? Can thy family acquit thee ; that this is thy work when thou art sitting by the fire with them ? Can thy yoke-fellow witness for thee , that the word of God is in thy mouth when thou lyest down , and risest up ? Can thy fellow-traveller say that these are thy talks when tho●… walkest ? Deut. 11. 8. What benefit would this be to others , if thou didst but do this ? When wilt thou come to the full resolution of them ? Well , set this resolution with thy self , that thou wilt not let thy Conscience alone till thou dost come to this .

Fourthly , Have I come into no Company but I have dropped something of God there , and left some good savor behind ? O what a shame is it that Christians should be so unlike themselves ! that when they come into company , it cannot be seen who is the Christian , and who is not ! O how should we be ashamed of this , that we should be ashamed of our God! O That thou wouldst make conscience of this , not to come ●…nto any company , but to drop something of God there .

Fifthly , For your Tables .

First , Did not I sit down with no higher end than a beast , meerly to please my appetite ? Did I eat , and drink for the glory of God ? you cannot know what it is to be a Christian , till you come to do all things by Rule . Make conscience of this , to set your ends right when you sit down to your Tables .

Is it not a shame , that a Christian , should sit down with no higher end than a beast to his meat ? Beasts do eat and drink to satisfie their hunger . Remember that thou sit down with an eye upon God . This will make thy table to be sanctified to thee .

Secondly , Did I not rise from my table without dropping something of God there ? Christian , how often dost thou contradict the example of thy Savior ? You shall find his discourse when he sate at the table still that he was always speaking of God . And is it not a shame that thou shouldst imitate thy Saviour no better ?

Thirdly , Was not my appetite too hard for me ? Brethren , I doubt many of us are little skilled in the duty of temperance . It may be many of us do think , we may eat as long as it is pleasing to our appetites . This is a great , though I fear a common evil : that as Juae says they feast without fear . Here , observe this general rule , never to sit down to your tables but to use some Self-denia . And for an exact rule ; we cannot give an exact rule to every one ; but this , for healthy bodies to eat so at one meal , that we may be hungry at the next I am verily afraid that this sin of gluttony is a very common sin : Therefore Christian set a special watch upon thy appetite .

There are two sorts of intemperance that we should beware of ; either with respect to the Quantity , or to the Quallity of what we eat . We offend in the first when we eat more than we can digest . In the other , when a man gives himself to eat that which the Physitian tels him is not fit for him . And what a shame is this that neither reason nor grace , should keep a person from breaking out into intemperance .

Fourthly , Did I not mock with God when I pretended to crave a blessing and return thanks ? If I may judge by my own experience , I think that we are more formal in this than in any other thing . Well let this be amended by us , It is a sad thing that we should mock God when we pretend to serve him .

Sixthly , For your callings . Four questions here .

First , Have I been diligent in the duties of my Calling ?

Secondly , Have I defrauded no man ? Have I observed that golden rule of justice in my dealings this day , that I have done no otherwise to any man than I would be done unto ? When I have considered it , I find that there is more of Christianity in our moral duties than we are aware of . This is not to be a Christian , to be so onely in prayer , and hearing , &c. but to be a Christian in your Shops , and fields , &c. If thou art no second table-man thou art no Christian. Remember that , this is to be a reproach to Religion .

Thirdly , Have I dropped never a lye in my shop or trade ? You that have dealings in the world you had need to look to this every hour . I beseech you Christians look to this : this is a fearful sin , and it is a sign that there is nothing of Christianity in thee if this prevail . Therefore set a guard upon thy mouth ; and beg of God to keep thy mouth , that there may nothing but truth come from it . And in the evening examine how thou hast kept thy charge in this respect .

Fourthly , Did not I rashly make or safly break some promise ? There is a great and reigning evil in this respect among those that trade in the world . Be very wary and very sparing in making a promise ; and when thou hast made it , be sure to perform it . I wonder how you can read that Scripture , Psal. 15. Of those that shall enter into the holy hill of the Lord , That he sweareth to his own hurt and performeth it .

And thus I have given you materials for the examining of your own hearts . Now my further business to you is to know how you resolve to perform this ? will you not content your selves with the approving of these rules only ? But will you set it forth in practise ? I beseech you do not 〈◊〉 in ba●…e resolution and intention , but resolve that never a day shall pass before these things be done by you .

To stir you up hereunto let me give you these three motives .

First , Consider , that there will be no such means in the world for you to get a sound and thorow conquest over your corruptions . You have been striving a great while with your corruptions : some with vain thoughts , some with pride , som with passion , and it may be you have got but little victory : And what is the reason ? Because you have not followed it with constancy . If thou didst but take thy heart to task every day about it thou wouldst surely get the victory over it . As a holy man much experienced in this did use that comparison : Thou must watch thy corruptions ( says he ) as a cat doth her prey ; either it must keep in , or else she hath it . If thou didst thus , thou wouldst quickly find the theif , & so wouldst bring it to the bar before hand , & have execution done upon it . We must be daily in the pursuit of our corruptions , we must never give it over , not in one prayer or one day , and then we are like to get the victory over it .

Secondly , Consider this is a ready way to Assurance , Brethren , the great reason why Christians are without assurance , is for want of self-examination : for want of pain and diligence in observing their own heart . But now if you set upon this duty you will be skil'd in your own hearts . I doubt this work of self-examination is seldom done by many Christians , except it be upon some special occasion .

Thirdly , Consider hereby you shall come to a thorow acquaintance with your own hearts , 2 Cor. 13. 5. Prove your selves , and then follows , know you your selves ? he that proves himself oft , shall know himself at length .

DEUTERONOMY 32. 46. And he said unto them , set your hearts unto all the words which I testisie among you this day .

THe words foregoing my Text are called the Song of Moses , what is storied of the Swan is made good in the Saints ; they sing sweetest when they are about to die . It is said of Christ , that never man spake like to him , and he never spake more like himself than a little before his passion . What tender words , what yearning , melting bowels , what endearedness of affection doth he express to his poor sorrowfull Disciples in the 15 , 16 , 17. Chapters of John ? There is ( saith One of the Ancients ) more worth in these three Chapters than in all the Books in the world . Moses , that famous servant of God , Israels guide , Prophet , Governour , Father , Husband , being about to take his leave of that perverse , stiff-necked people , begins to sing of Mercy and Judgment . And he sings sweetly in the ears of God , but dolefully , I doubt in the ears of Israel . Having ended his Song , he doth enforce both it and the Counsels given in the foregoing Chapter with this vehement exhortation in the words of my Text. Set your hearts &c.

By [ All these words ] we are to understand not onely the mercies and judgments spoken of in this Chapter , but the precepts laid down in the foregoing Chapter , and therefore he addes in the next words after my text , [ which you shall command your Children to observe to do , all the words of this law , ] I shall not stand any longer upon the words but presently give you this Doctrine .

Doct. That when God hath-discovered any duty to his people , he looks that they should set their hearts to it .

In the prosecution of this Doctrine I shall speak to these three things . ( First ) shew you what it is to set your heart to any duty , and shall speak particularly to that duty that God hath lately laid open to us , from those words . Commune with your own hearts . ( Secondly , ) I shall propound some motives to stir up those to it that have not yet begun , & to stir up those that have begun to go on in it . ( Thirdly , ) I shall prescribe some directions for the conscionable , constant , easie performance of the duty .

First , What 't is to set the heart to any duty . This carries in it . First , Remembrance . Secondly , Serious consideration . Thirdly , Resolution . Fourthly , Love . Fifthly , Life . Sixthly , Labor . Seventhly , Care . Eightly , Constancy .

First , Remembrance , or a minding of our duty . Heb. 2. 1. Give the more earnest heed to the things that you have heard , lest at any time you let them slip . The memory of man is a leaking vessel , apt to let out as fast as God poures in . It is like a grate in the water-course ; still the trash doth stick by us ; but the pure water , the things of God and of another world are soon out and gone . Beloved , it is very strange , and yet very true , those things that we are most affected with , which are most fresh in our minds , that our thoughts do most naturally run upon , in a few weeks or months , the savor of them dye , and the things are buried in oblivion : and perhaps scarce ever come to mind again . Concerning this excellent course that we have been directed to , I pray God that I may never live to see it dead and buried : and thus I pray for you all . I confess , I am afraid of myself , lest time should wearout the sence or remembrance of so great a duty : but the Lord be better to me than my fears , and to all others whose fear this is . Neither is it implyed only that we should never forget this duty , or think upon it only nowand then , but that our thoughts should run upon it . That which a man sets his heart upon , he will often mind . The voluptuous man sets his heart upon his pleasure , and therefore will mind his pleasure . The Covetous man sets his heart upon his riches , and therefore minds his riches . Their thoughts are so taken up with those things that they scarce think upon any thing else . So it should be with us . When we are sitting at our tables , lying down , rising up , alone , in company , going to any duty , inour shops , about our callings , we should remember this course . We should be as well able to forget to eat as to forget the rule by which we should eat . We should be as well able to forget to sleep and speak , and follow our callings , as to forget the rule by which we should do it . I shall shut up this particular with the prayer of David , so full to this purpose , 1 Chron. 29. 18. O Lord God of Abraham , Isaac , and Israel our fathers , keep this for ever in the imagnations of the thoughts of the heart of thy people , and prepare their heart unto thee .

Secondly , Serious Consideration , or a pondering of the duty in our heart ; as the expression in Luke is , chap. 2. 19. Now there are these three things that we are to consider when God doth discover any duty to us . ( First , ) What have I done ? Hath not this command of God been neglected by me ? Have not I been a meer stranger to the duty now laid open ? or , is not this the duty , that the minister and my conscience hath pressed upon me from time to time , and yet I have neglected it . ( Secondly , ) What must I do ? Is not this the command of God ? And dare I do otherwise than obey it ! Is it not the God of heaven that speaks unto me ? examine thy self ; commune with thy own heart . Is this God to be slighted ? His authority to be despised ? darest thou , O my Soul , to say the God of heaven nay ! ( Thirdly , ) What shall I do ? What will become of me in t●…e day of visitation , and in the day of judgem●…nt , if I daily neglect this known duty , this weighty duty , this necessary duty ? When trobles shall come slowing in upon me like the waves of the Sea , one upon the neck of another how shall I be able to stand under them ? If I think to go to God for refuge , Conscience will fly in my face , and tell me this is the God , that thou hast despised , whose voyce thou hast not hearkned to . How shall I stand in the day of judgement . and look God in the face , if I am contentious and will not obey the truth ? What can I expectbut tribulation , and anguish , and wrath , Rom. 2. 8 , 9. A Scripture which me thinks may be as a thunder-bolt in the hearts of any that hath a secret purpose in himself to neglect this duty . If we are careless in this duty , what can we expect but tribulation , and anguish , and wrath ?

Thirdly , Resolution , A setled , fixed purpose of heart to do what God commands . When God tells us this is my command , thus and thus you must do ; our hearts should answer the will of God we will obey : thus and thus we will do . Thus did David , The Lord said seek my face ; and my heart answered , thy face Lordwill I seek . Beloved , we hear our duties , and read our duties many a time ; and we are apt to acknowledge that this should be done , and to pray too , that it might be done ; but for want of adding of resolution , many a time our convictions and prayers come to nothing . Concerning this duty let us not dispute but determine : let us not stand reasoning shall I , shall I , but resolve upon it .

Fourthly , Love to the duty , Christians should not only receive the truths of God , but receive them in love . The commands of God , like meat that pleaseth the pallat , must go down sweetly , duties must not be so much our task as our choyce : that which we would rather do than neglect , were we left to our liberty . Beloved , let us not only take up this course as necessary onely , but let us love it as an excellent course . Let us not go to this work as a sick man goes to take down a loathsome potion , but as a sound healthy man goes to his ordinary meal .

Fisthly , Life , That which a man sets his heart upon he will be lively in , and do it to purpose . Rom. 12. 11. Not slothful in business ; but fervent in spirit serving the Lord . Standing water is not wholsome ; and wine that hath lost its spirit , is not pleasant . God is a spirit , and they that worship him ; must worship him in spirit . He is a most pure act : and he will be served with activity . God would not accept a blind , torn , lame sacrifice under the law ; and will he accept of a dead sacrifice under the Gospel ? He would not have , the Asse offered to him , because it was a dull sluggish creature . Nor the Snail , because a slow lingring creature . We must not come to duties with dead hearts : with dull , drowsie , sleepy souls . When we are going to our work of communing with our hearts , we should stir up our hearts , call in our thoughts , compose our affections , rub our memories and consciences , till we have fetched life into them . Every faculty of the soul should act its part in this work : And here let me tell you that 't is no fit time to set about this work , when we are between sleeping and waking : when the spirits are so far spent , and the senses tired , that we can scare , see the question , or to hear the answer that conscience gives . It will be good for every one to observe the temper of his body for this work , that so drowsiness may not detain him from it , or make him slight and over●…ly in it .

Sixthly , Labor , we must take pains in duty , Eccl. 9. 10. What soever thy hand findeth to do , do it with all thy might . There must be labor before the duty , to break thorough difficulties and to bring the heart to it . There must be labor in the duty to keep the heart close to it . The heart will be unwilling to come to it , and therefore must be compelled . It is apt to wander , and therefore must be restrained and held in . We must not onely do well , but be patient in wel-doing . The flesh must be crossed : carnal ease and contentment must be denyed , when they stand in the way of our duty , or would steal away the heart from God . God required that the Male should be offered up to him in sacrifice , because that was stronger than the other : to signifie to us that we must take pains and lay out our strength in duty . Beloved , wheresoever you are when you should se●… about this work , say to your souls as Christ to the disciples , Arise , let us go hence . If the heart be backward , lay the cord of Gods command upon it ; and by this cord hale it to the duty . Tell it , that the work must be done and shall be done . When thou art come to the work , bind thy heart to the good behavior . When thou art in it , often call upon thy heart to mind the work that it is about . When it would give thee the slip , hold it fast . When it would run from any question before it hath given any determination to it , pull it back : adjure it before the living God , in whose presence thou art , and whose honor is concerned in it , to speak out the truth concerning this matter : whether thou art guilty or not guilty .

Seventhly , Care , That duty is well done , that is carefully done .

Eighthly , Constancy , That which a mans heart is set upon , he will be hardly taken off from it . We must be constant in duties as well as fervent in them , Rev. 2. 3. Beloved , the work that I am now pressing you to , is not to be done once a week , or a month , or every other day ; but every day . Every evening , conscience being mounted upon its tribunal , you are to give accompt of all the things that have passed that day . And remember this , that you never take any excuse for the omitting of this duty , at any time , but what you dare plead before God in the great day of accompt . It is to be performed every day : as sure as the night follows the day . Neither is this the work of a week , or a month , or a year , or of an evil time onely , while the rod of God is upon your backs ; no , it is the work of your life : it is a duty that you must live and dye in .

We should not take up this course , as the traveller takes up his cloak , which he wears in a storm , but throws off when the Sun shines . This is a duty as well in prosperity , as in adversity . It is Summer-fruit as well as winter-fruit . And I pray God , that neither summers heat , may be able to blast , nor winters cold be able to kill those good beginnings os reformation , that are now , to be found among us . I am afraid , that when God hath broken off one yoak from our necks , we shall cast away another . When God shall break off the cords of the wicked from us , we shall cast away the cord of duty from us . I pray God , that when we come into Canaan , we may not forget nor cast osf what we promised in the wilderness . Remember it is for your life . I shall press this upon you in the words of the Apostle , 1 Cor. 15. 58. Therefore my beloved brethren , be ye stedfast , unmoveable , always abounding in the work of the Lord , &c.

Objection . It is a hard work , a painful duty ; a heavy yoak . Now there are several things that I shall speak , to answer this very briefly .

First , This complaint doth argue a very careless , loose heart . Ah Christian , didst thou keep a strict hand over thy self in the day , thou wouldst not find thy evening work so difficult . And hast thou a careless spirit ? the more need there is that thou shouldst set upon this work , that thou mightest bring it into a better government .

Secondly , Wouldst thou neglect this duty because it is painful ? upon the same account thou mayst cast of other duties . Thou can't not pray , nor hear , as thou shouldest without pain .

Give way to this objection , and for ought I know , in a little time , thou mayst bid farwel to all thy Religion : thou mayst cast off every duty . Thou canst not imagine what a plague it may be to thee , if thou shouldest give way to this objection . Give Satan an inch and he will take an ell : forbear one duty because of difficulty , and he will easily perswade men to forbear others .

Thirdly , Consider who it is that buzzes this in thine ear . Certainly it is the devil , the grand enemy of thy soul. God says , Commune with thy own heart : Satan says , no , it is too painful . Why , who wilt thou be ruled by , God or Satan ? thy best friend , or thy worst enemy ? Christian , in these outward concernments , thou wilt not advise with thy mortal enemy in things that concern thy life : And why wilt thou be such a fool in the matters of thy soul ?

Fourthly , What dost thou cry out of pain ? It is thy very calling and profession to t●…ke pain . What mean those expressions in Scripture else whereby the life of a Christian is set forth by striving , wrestling , fighting , pressing toward the mark ? To take pain is essential to Christianity , and without this thou canst not be a Christian. To leave any duty because it is painful is a contradiction to thy profession thou dost herein deny thy self to be a Christian .

●…ifthly , The more difficult the work is , the more profitable thou wilt find it . That duty that cost's us nothing , will yeild us nothing : and that duty that cost's us much pain , will yeild us much peace and comfort .

Sixthly , Consider , is not grace worth the taking pains for ? What wilt thou take pain for , if not for grace ? Look about in the world : see how the men of the world run and ride , sweat and tire themselves for toyes and trisles . What pains then shouldst thou take for grace , one dram of which is more worth than a world . By this means , thou mayst grow in grace more in one moneth than in some years before .

And let me tell thee I have not Charity enough to think thee a Christian indeed , if thou dost not think grace worth any labor or pain that thou canst possible be at in the getting of it .

Seventhly , Consider Christian , what pain Christ did take , and what misery he did undergo for thee . Thy soul was dearer to him than his own glory : and thy salvation , than his own life and blood . And shall not his glory , his commands be dearer to thee , Christian , than a little carnal ease ? Think upon it , if thou hast any spark of ingenuity this consideration will prevail upon thee to set about this work .

I come now to propound some motives to stir up those that have not begun this work , to set about it . And those that have begun , to go on in this work .

First , Consider it is the command of God . It is not the voyce of man , but of God . It is God that speaks to thee , Commune with thy own hearts : Examine thy self . Christian , I urge the command of God upon thy Conscience , wilt thou obey or w●…lt thou not ? darest thou to set thy self against God! and set thy will above the will of God! O think upon it .

Secondly , Consider the time when , and the manner how you consented to set to the performance of this duty . It was in a time of love ; at a feast of love ; and after a Song of love . Consider what a rich mercy God hath bestowed upon you , in giving you liberty to draw nigh to him in such an ordinance as you lately sate under . It was but a little while ago , beloved , that you thought that you should drink no more of the fruit of the vine , till you drank it in your fathers kingdome . And behold contrary to your expectations , the King hath sent to you , saying , come and sup with me : come and sit at my table .

Hath God dealt so with any people ? He hath feasted you in a time of famine : and spread a table for you in a howling wild●…rness . Doth not this extraordinary providence think you , call upon you for some extraordinary duty ? And do not you think in your consciences that it is this duty ? Why else hath God propounded it to you , and urged it upon you , in such a time as this is ? If you neglect it , it may cause God to take away the Cor●… and wine from you ; and to break the stasf of 〈◊〉 .

Thirdly , What do you know but God put it into the heart of his servant , to press this duty at that time , to try whether you were real in that love and loyalty which you did then profess to him ? I suppose you all understand the transactions that passed there between God and you : that God did put his seal to the Covenant , that he would make good all the mercy promised : and that you did put your seal , thereby binding your selves to the performance of all the duties required .

Fourthly , Consider when another such opportunity is offered to you how will you be able to look God in the face ? Methinks that man should not dare to come to the Sacrament , and again put his seal to the Covenant , that hath knowingly and willingly broken his last engagement .

Fifthly , Doth not your own looseness , and the enemies profaneness , and the present dispensations that you are under , call upon you for more than ordinary strictness in your lives and conversations ? The Lord have mercy upon us , what prejudice have we brought to the Gospel by our carnal , careless conversations ! What pitch of profaneness are the enemies of God risen to ! They are not afraid to bid him defiance at his face ! In what a doleful case are many of our brethren abroad in the world , and how sad is it like to be with us ? The glory of God is gone from the publick to your houses , and are you not afraid ? I am sure there is reason enough to think , that it will take its flight from thence too . And doth not all this call upon us aloud in the language of the prophet , Lam. 3. 40. Let us search and try our ways and turn unto the Lord . If we look behind us , and see what we have been : If about us , and see how devilish men are : And above us , to see the black clouds that hang over our heads ; we cannot but see that it is time to take another course , to live more like Christians , And what course so likely to effect this , as daily self-examination ? serious consideration is the best way to sound and thorough reformation .

Sixthly , Consider the excellent advantages that will come to thee by taking this course . Christian , wouldst thou have peace of conscience ? The sence of Gods love shed abroad upon thy heart ! wouldst thou live in heaven ? wouldst thou walk in the light of Gods countenance , grow in grace , have thy corruptions overcome and subdued ? Behold a most excellent receipt : the best that ever was prescribed .

Seventhly , Consider with what face wilt thou be able to go to God and beg of him to subdue thy corruptions , and to strengthen thy graces when thou wilt not use the means ? Think upon it with what face wilt thou be able to look up to God and put up such a petition ?

Eighthly , How wilt thou be able to excuse thy self from hypocrisie , if thou neglect this duty ? When thou dost hear it laid down as a Character of sincerity , not to live in the neglect of any known duty .

Ninthly , Consider what base ingratitude you will be guilty of , both to God in sending his servant among you : and to his servant for all the care and pains that he hath taken for your souls ?

Tenthly , Consider what answer will you be able to make to God , or how you will be able to look his servant in the face another day ; when he and you must stand together and give up your accompt : he of his doctrine , and you of your obedience to it .

Eleventhly , Consider how conscience will sting thee for this neglect when thou comest to dye . Ah Christian , when thou shalt be ready to leap into eternity , and shalt want assurance , not knowing whether thy lot shall fall either in heaven or hell . And conscience shall tell thee if thou hadst taken such a course thou mightest have had assurance : when thou shalt with grief of soul remember this and the other miscarriage , and that if thou hadst taken this course , thou mightest have prevented this trouble ; O how will this adde to thy sorrow and break thy heart !

I come now to give some directions for the constant , conscionable , easie performance of this duty

First . Set about this course speedily . The longer thou dost delay the work , the more difficult thou wilt find it . What is said of repentance is true here , he that is not fit to day will be less fit to morrow .

Secondly . Be deeply humbled that thou hast neglected such a duty so long . Hath it been out of ignorance ? bewail thy ignorance . Hath it been out of laziness ? bewail that when men would make the building strong , they will lay the foundation low . It is a good way to be constant and successful in any duty , to begin with sorrow and humiliation .

Thirdly , Do it out of a principle of conscience in obedience to Gods command : because it is thy duty , and God commands it .

Fourthly . Bless God for making known this duty , and prescribing to thee so easie away for the performing of it . Bless God for making known the duty , a●…d God will bless thee in the doing of it .

Fisthly . When you come together let this duty be the matter of your conference ; or at least , be often speaking one to another of it . Doubtless , it will be good for the carrying on of this work to choose out a Christian friend , and for these to agree together , and unbosome themselves each to other , what doth hinder the work ; and what benefit they find &c. and engage one another to take up this course , and be constant in it whatsoever times may come .

Sixthly , Take heed of formality , or keeping on a round in the duty without a due regard of the end of the duty . Take some time once in a week , or fortnight , and call thy heart to an accompt how thou hast sped , what thou hast got .

Seventhly , Take heed of resting in the duty . If thou do 〈◊〉 make an Idol of the duty God will make nothing of it : God will curse the work and blast thy design .

Eightly , Be careful to live up to those Rules by which thou hast engaged to examine thy self ? As he said of prayer , If thy praying do not make thee leave off sinning , thy sinning will make thee leave off praying . So here , if thy examining thy self , do not make thee to leave off thy remissness ; thy remissnesse will certainly make thee leave off thy self-examination . When a man hath been careless in the day , and come to read over these questions , and conscience shall answer guilty in most of these things , this will make the work so tedious , that thou wilt never long bear the trouble of it . Unless thou art able to live up to these rules , thou wilt never be able to hold on in it long . And therefore remember this , if at any time you find that you have been carelesse ●…n the day foregoing , be sure in the next morning to set up a new resolution to stick close to these rules . Undo all that you have done before , as it were , and begin again . Try in the strength of God what you can do this day ; how exact you can be this day .

Ninthly , Let us set about the work with some shore ejaculation to God for his Assistance in it , and his blessing upon it .

Tenthly , Solemnly engage to God that you will take up this course and be constant in it , and never lay it down what ever times may come , and temptations may assault you . When God doth enjoyn any duty , he requires all the means that tend to the performing of that duty . Now this is the best means that can be thought upon for every one to engage to God , that he will set upon it and be constant in it . I know that the deceitful heart will be very backward , they are very shy of such engagements . But if they are , remember this , that there is something in the bottom which you will do well to look out : And when you have found it out , to cast it forth with indignation . Why should we be backward to do that between God and our selvs , which we have done publickly before many witnesses , and I believe shall be called to do again . To set about this work is no more than you have done already , when you sate under that great ordinance and set your seals that you would perform all the duties of the new Covenant . And did you except this ? You will find this engagement a great help to the work . Let us this night before we sleep put this direction in practice ; engage your selves to God in some such words as these ,

O eternal God , thou that searchest the heart , and wilt not hold them guiltless that take thy name in vain , especially in solemn Covenants made with thy self , I do here solemnly promise , that I will set upon this duty of daily self-examination , and in this practise to live and dye . Such engagements God is well pleased with , Jerem. 30. 21 , Who is this that engageth his heart to draw nigh to me ? As if the Lord had said , come thou art welcome , I take this kindly from thee .

A serious call to Christians , to win Souls to Christ with helps thereunto . Prov. 11. 30. And he that winneth Souls is wise .

IN this verse we have set forth unto us the excellency of a Righteous man : and that in two things . First , He is more useful than others . Secondly , He is more skilful than others .

First . He is more useful than others . The fruit of the Righteous is a tree of life . The Righteous is not a barren tree ; but he is a fruitful bough , as Joseph was . And he doth not bring forth his fruit unto himself . His fruit is a tree of life . As the tree of life would give life to them that should eat thereof : so the fruit of the Righteous is such , that those th●…t will hearken to his Counsel , shall partake with him of eternal life . When others are as thorns and brambles , fruitless , unuseful , of no value in Gods world ? the Righteous is a fruitful tree , and as a tree of life in the midst of the world .

Secondly , He is more skilful and ●…wise than others ; And would you know wherin his wisedome lyes ? It is in winning of Souls .

Doct. That it is a chief part of a Believers , duty , and the chief point of a Believers wisdom to gain Souls unto God .

First , 'T is the [ duty ] of a Believer to gain Souls . Though he must begin at home , with his own soul , yet he must not Terminate there ; but he must look abroad after others Souls . He must not be as a tree that bringeth forth fruit to himself alone : but he must be a tree of life , that whosoever plucketh of his fruit , to make use thereof , shall live .

And then Secondly , 't is his [ wisedom . ] As in the text , so Daniel . 12. 3. 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 . They be the wisemen that turn others to Righteousnesse .

Here I shall shew you . ( First , ) That 't is 〈◊〉 chief part of his duty . ( Secondly , ) That 〈◊〉 a chief point of his wisedome to gain Souls .

Firstly , That 't is a chief part of his duty and this appears ,

First , Because this is one chief point of 〈◊〉 love to Jesus Christ . Wherein did Paul discover his love to Jesus Christ in any thing , as 〈◊〉 this , in his zeal and industry to save Souls ? Rom. 9. 1 , 2 , 3. And thus doth Moses evidence his love . Exo. 32. 31 , 32. If you would shew your Love to Jesus Christ , this is the best way in all the world to evidence it . Math. 25. You may see how carefully Christ takes notice of any kindness done to the bodies of his elect : but O how much more will he take notice of the love to the Souls of his Elect ?

( Secondly , ) Because this is the chief point of our love to our Brethren . You know that Christ tels us that all the Law and the ●…phets hang upon this , thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart , &c. And thy Neighbor as thy self . If the Law doth bind thee to preserve the Chastity and estate of thy Neighbor , how much more doth God require of thee that thou preserve the Soul of thy Neighbour ? This is the principal point of love . Jam. 5. 20. He that converteth a sinner from the error of his wayes shall save a Soul from death , and shall hide a multitude of sins , If God requires that thou help thy Neighbours Ox and his Ass , how much more must thou help thy Neighbors Soul from hell ?

( Thirdly , ) Because this is the principal means of bringing glory to Christ . Every soul that is brought in to Christ is a Jewel put into the Crown of Christ . And wouldest thou not be ambitious of such a service as this ? Every soul thou bringest into Christ is an eternal Monument , set up by thee to the name of Jesus Christ . Wouldest thou have much service done for Jesus Christ ? O then labor to bring in Souls to him , that may do his work here in the world . Wouldest thou have much praise to the name of Christ ? O then labor to bring in Souls to Jesus Christ . Every Soul brought in to Jesus Christ is a Trumpet of his praise . The glory of a King is in the multitude of his subjects . And so 't is of Christ . This is the great way wherein we are capable to further the glory of Christ in the world , to bring in many Souls to Jesus Christ .

( Fourthly , ) Because this is a principal subject of our prayers . This is one grand petition . Thy Kingdome come . In which petition we pray , that the Kingdom of grace may be advanced , our selves and others brought into it , and kept in it . Now 't is a great part of a Christians business to live sutable to his prayers .

Secondly , That 't is the chief point of a Christians wisdome to gain Souls unto Christ . This appears ,

( First , ) Because Souls are the goodly pearls that are of great price with Christ . O there is no Merchandise like to that of Souls . No gain like to the gain of Souls . One Soul is of more worth than all the world . You may see of how great price Souls are with Jesus Christ , by the great price that he laid down for Souls . Did Christ spend , his blood for Souls ; and wilt thou not spend thy breath for Souls ? This is a principal part of wisdome , to deal like wise Merchants , in goodly pearls . A wise man will not spend his time for trifles , that is Childish ; but his wisdome doth appear in the weight of those things that he layes out his time and pains upon . Oh if you would appear to be wise , lay out your time and strength for Souls ! If thou couldest gain but one Soul , what a happy gain would that be ?

( Secondly , ) Because Souls will be the most glorious Crown in the day of Christ . No Crown like to this , the Crown of Souls . The time is coming , when a Crown of Soul●… will be found to be of another manner of value than a Crown of gold . What was the Crown that Paul wishes for ? It was for the Souls that he had converted . 1 Thes. 1. 19. What is our hope , or joy , or Crown of rejoycing ! are not even ye in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at his coming ? Why were these Pauls Crown ? because he had converted them by his Ministry , upon the same account he cals the Phillipians ( Phil. 4. 1. ) My joy and Crown of rejoycing .

Thirdly . Because we shall most effectually promote the good of our own Souls by endeavoring to gain others Souls . By teaching of others thou shalt teach thy self . By exhorting others , thou shalt excite and stir up thy self . And nothing will redound to thy advantage so much as thy laboring to gain Souls ; though Israel be not gathered , yet shall I bé glorified .

( Fourthly , ) Because this will be an evidence of our own sound conversion , if we lay out our strength and time to convert others . In John 1. 41. We shall see those young converts , when they were but touched , they labor to bring in others presently . So that if thou wouldest evidence thine own sincerity to thy Soul , thou shouldest lay out thy endeavor for the good of others Souls .

First Use , Is it so that 't is a chief part of a Christians duty , anda chief point of a Christians Wisedom , to gain Souls to Christ ? Then here is matter of Reproof ; to reprove those that profess the name of Christ ; that lay out their zeal no more this way . That lay not out their strength to gain Souls . Yea that do not long for , nor endeavor after the conversion of Souls . Surely , this speaks sadly to those that wholy neglect this duty . But how exceedingly are many of the people of God themselves to be blamed for their Negligence in this ? doth not thy heart know that there is a brother of thine doth live in such a sin ; and yet thou never tel him of it ? What a great evil is this ! and unsutable to the pattern of the Lord Jesus Christ ? How did he go up and down doing good ? and so taken up with Souls , that he could scarce spare time to eat his bread : insomuch that his carnal friends began to take hold of him , and thought that he had been beside himself . O how far art thou from this , that thy friends may live in their sins , and dye in their sins , before thou wilt labor to save their Souls ? The devil he laboreth to destroy Souls ; and how few be there that do labor to save Souls ? He may carry away the poor soul , and none labours to take the soul from him . We should be watchful and vigilant for souls ; for our own souls . and others souls : because this enemy is always taking opportunities to destroy souls . Sure it argues that you have very little Lov●… to Jesus Christ , that you do no more for souls . That you have little zeal for Jesus Christ , and that you have little Love for your Brethren , that you take no more care for their souls . It may be you are careful for the bodies of those that are under your charge ; but how little do you for their souls ? How many live without the worshi of God in their Families ? Without Catechizing their Children or instructing them ? And think they have done well if they provide for their bodies . Oh , but man God will find out thy neglects : it was their souls that was thy charge also . If you look onely after their bodies , this you will do for your swine . And will you do no more for your Childrens souls than for your swine ? many are ready to say as Cain , am I my Brothers keeper ? If this be not the language of thy tongue , is not this the language of thy Life ? What dost thou do for thy brother to save his soul from death ?

Second Use , is of exhortation . To stir you up to perform this duty to labor to be skilful in this duty , to win souls to Christ . Brethren , if you would be wise indeed , and if you will gain indeed , labour to gain souls . Oh look upon the woful condition of perishing souls ! How few of thy friends and acquaintance hast thou good grou●…ds to think they have a share in Jesus Christ ? What wilt thou have no compassion of thy Brothers soul ? Thou wouldst have compassion on the body of thy Neighbor : If thou sawest the house on fire about them , and they asleep , wouldest thou not be stirred up , and with zeal forget thy self , and labor to call upon them and awake them ? O how many of our carnal friends do remain in a carnal state , and we sit stilland let them alone ! I beseech you stir up your souls to relieve the souls of others . This is the best Charity and best pleasing to Christ .

It may be many of you have not wherewith to shew your Charity to the bodies of your brethren : but this way thou mayst shew it , in shewing kindnesse to their souls . Exhort them , and strengthen them in their duty : comfort them , support them . If thou canst not give them an alms , give them an exhortation .

But you will say what should we do , or what means must we make use of to do good to to souls ?

I answer , you must do it .

First , By Scripture demonstration . When thou goest to deal with souls , be sure to make use of Gods weapons . Bring the word of God with thee . Go forth in the name of God . Pour out thy supplication to God to prosper the work . And then shew thy brother the Scripture , to convince him out of the Scripture , as Apollos did . Thou canst never throw down the devils strong holds , but by the use of Gods own weapons . No Cannon but this will batter down the strong holds of sin and Satan . Therefore bring the Scripture with thee to him .

Secondly , By earnest supplication . This was Pauls course who did so earnestly thirst for the salvation of his brethren . He strove mightily with God in prayer for them . Rom. 10. 1. My hearts desire and prayer is , that Israel may be saved . Carry thy friends to God , and go to God by prayer , and weep over their carnal and unsanctified state . Bring thy dead Husband and child &c. to God , and put up thy Request to God for them , as Abraham did Ishmael . O That they might live before thee ! How did the prophet prevail l y his prayers for the restoring the dead child ? As the prophet did pray in life into the dead child , so thou shouldest strive with God in prayer for dead souls . If thou didst but wrestle with God for thy dead wife , or child , or neighbor What dost thou know what God might do for them ? What knowest thou O man , but thou mayest save thy Wife ? &c. Thus we are taught by our Lord in that great petition Thy Kingdom come . Thus if thou strive by the word of God and prayer , then thou mayest be like to prevail mightily for the good of souls , thou dost converse with .

3. By kind Obligation . This is another way by which thou shouldest labor to gain souls . Observe that great rule of the Apostle be pittiful , be courteous , t is the Rule that he gives . Labor by kindness and courtesie to gain upon all thou dost converse with , that thou mayst get within him , that thou mayst be in a capacity to do good to his soul. Sh●…wing all meekness to all men . And when thou art thu●… kind to all men , this will be a means to do good to them by what thou dost . If they be such as stand in need of thy Charity , open thy hand to relieve their necessity , and that will be a way to open their hearts to thee to receive in thy counsel .

Fourthly , By faithful reprehensions . Lev. 19. 17. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart : thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Neighbor , and not suffer sin to rest upon him . Observe that 't is ; quite contrary to Christian Lovo to suffer sin to lye upon him : for 't is c●…lled hating of him . Oh Brethren , shew your Love to the souls that you are among by this , by the faithful rebuking of their sins that they fall into . Manifest it not as a token of your displeasure , but as an ordinance of God . Deal with him in all gentleness and meekness . Not gentle with their sins ; you must be plain and saithful with their souls . You must shew them the danger of such a way : but you must do it with such tenderness to them as may make this bitter pill to go down . How do many souls miscarry to all eternity for want of professors faithful dealing with them ? Oh is it not enough that we have the guilt of our own sins upon us , but must we needs have the guilt of our Neighbours sin upon us too ? Ah Brethren , this is enough to convince us that we have little Love to our Brethrens souls , in that we have so little care to reprove their sins .

Fifthly , By your convincing conversations . Live before all thou dost converse with , in the convincing power of a holy Life . This is the way to convince them , 1 Pet. 3. 1 , 2. Likewise you wives be in subjection to your own husband , that if any obey not the word , they also may without the word , be won by the conversations of the wives : while thy behold your chast conversation coupled with fear .

Observe here . ( First , ) That even those that be weakest , and seemingly out of a capacity to win souls , may by their Godly conversations win souls . Women , who more weak than they ? Do not you think that this belongs onely to Ministers to win souls : this belongs to all .

( Secondly , ) Observe that a careful and tender walking in the duties of our Relations towards men , with a conjunction with the duties of piety towards God , is a most powerful means to convert souls . When wives shall be strict in their profession , and yet not be in subjection to their husbands , this will offend the men , and not work upon them . Your profession and practice must one answer the other : and then you are like to gain others , I beseech you take this course to gain souls to Christ , let there be a suteableness in all the parts of your conversation , be the same at home that you are abroad : and bring forth your Religion into your Shops , and Trades , and Fields : That whosoever converse with you may see the power of Godliness in you .

Sixthly . By your frequent exhortations . Hebrews . 3. 13. But exhort one another dayly , while 't is called to day , lest any be hardned through the deceitfulness of sin . Observe it , 't is not the duty of Ministers onely to abound in exhortations , but 't is the work of you all . Every one must look to his Neighbours Soul : and that daily . There must be instancy and frequency in this work : and the reason , is , lest he be hardned . Dost thou see such a Neighbour fall into sin ? go to him . It may be thou wilt do it hereafter : why it may be the man may be hardned . It may be the man may dye : or thou mayest not have the opportunity : or you may be removed from one another ; and the work may be for ever cut off , if thou Neglect it .

Seventhly . By your careful observation , of all those advantages that God hath put into your hands for the dealing with your Brothers Soul . Consider and study with thy self , what advantages thou hast upon him .

( First , ) Take the advantage of affliction . It may be he is taken down by affliction Now go and warn him of his sin . It may be now he will hearken to thee . Job 36. 8. 9. 10.

( Secondly , ) Make use of thy Relation . It may be thou art some near Relation in the flesh to him : take that advantage to be dealing with him , for his eternal good .

( Thirdly , ) Make use of his dependance upon thee . It may be he is such a one as is concerned in thy good-will to him : it may be he works for thee , or depends upon thy Charity for his livelyhood : take this advantage upon him : it may be he will hearken to thee .

( Fourthly , ) Make use of thy interest in him . It may be he hath some affection for thee : make use of it for God . And this may be a means to win him to Christ .

Rev. 3. 1. I know thy works , that thou hast a name , that thou livest and art dead .

THese words are part of Christs Epistle from heaven to the Church of Sardis , wherein he shrewdly checks her hypocrisie and formality , and throughout gives counsels and directions , for her recovery out of that sad estate ; from the words we have given you this observation .

Doct. That the Lord Jesus Christ , doth take special notice of , and makes strict observation upon the works and ways of his professed people . He takes notice of their works ! for the matter of them , for the quantity , for the quality of them ; as hath been shewed .

We gave you the Reasons for confirmation , and made entrance into the Application , and have applyed it as to the two first branches ; to wit , the matter , and the quantity of our works . To come now to the Application of the third thing , namely , the quality of them .

Use. Is it so that the Lord Jesus Christ doth take such notice of our works for the quality of them ? then this may be usefull by way of Reprehension and Exhortation .

First . For Reprehension , this reproves us that we rest so much in the work done , and do so little enquire into the quality of our works as to the sincerity and soundness of them . O my Brethren ! how often do we pray , and never examine how we have prayed ? and hear , and never enquire , how we have carried it , while we have been hearing ? O how many a mans bosome am I now in ? Brethren , this is a great evil among men . Yea , I fear among Gods own people , that there is not that care to look into their duties , how they are performed . Brethren , if the Lord Jesus Christ did as you , look no farther than the outside of your duties , and the work done , then you may rest in that ; O but Jesus Christ he looks into the inside of them , and he labours to see what there is of soundness and sincerity in them : And seeing the Lord Jesus Christ looks so narrowly into them , should not you ? This is the cause of many sins and mischiefs among Prosessors .

First . This is the cause of much undoing Self-deceit , when persons rest in the work done , and do not carefully examine , what principles they did act by , and ends they did act for ; this doth cause many souls to be undone to their destruction . This was the reason why Sardis was so miserably out , and Laodicea , that she was so much mistaken , they kept on the trade of Religious duties , and because the thing was done , and the duty performed with con●…tancy , they thought they were in a good state . You know the speech of that Church , I am rich &c. you are to understand it of spiritual Riches , she thought her self upon the growing hand . O but when Jesus Christ comes and sees how little sincerity there was in them , he disrellisheth them , and shews them that their works were not perfect before him . And thus it is with many Professors in these days , that because they keep on in Family-prayer and good duties , they think all is well , and for want of looking into the Spring of their duties , and their ends in them , they are undone by them . O what a miserable deceit is this ! when a poor creature shall reckon that he hath so much gold , so much treasure laid up in heaven , and when it comes to be tryed , all his Gold shall prove but Counters ! O consider what a miserable estate that will be , when you shall come with them , Lord , Lord , we have been a praying people , and have owned and followed thee ; and he shall say , away you Hypocrites , you shall have the reward of Hypocrites , there was not the soundness of Religion in you ; O what a miserable disappointment will this be ! Jam. 1. 26. He speaks there of some , that did but [ seem ] to be religious , and deceive their own souls . There be some men , their Religion will serve for no other end but to deceive their own souls ; to undo them , because they are unsound in their Religion . There are many Professors , that when they come to receive the reward of their du●…ies they will receive another manner of reward than they thought of ; they think to receive the reward of their prayers , and keeping the Sabboth and the like ; but he that taketh notice of the heart , knoweth their prayers were , but a taking of his name in vain . When they think to have eternal life for their reward , God will say , I will give you the reward of your works . I sound your works to be but hypocrisie , and you shall have the reward of Hypocrites . O Brethren , I beseech you consider it ! It is an awakening truth , but deserves your consideration ; there are many that will not only be undone by their swearing , and deceiving , and the like ; but many will be undone by their praying and hearing , I mean they will be undone by them , by making them the matter of their righteousness before God ; and by their confidence and trust , and leaning to their duties . There be many persons , whose prayers and good duties will serve for no other end , but to blind them , and harden them to their own destruction . If you perform religious duties , and do not look into the manner of performing them , and take care that you be upright , you may come to blind , and harden your selves by them . O there are multitudes of Professors in Hell this day for wanting care to enquire into this , what ingredients there were in their duties ; whether they sprang from principles of grace , or , but from common convictions ; whether they were done for , and from themselves , more than from and for God , This made Luther say that he was afraid more of his good works , than of his sins , for his good works were apt to lift him up , but his sins did keep him humble . O Bretheren ! you had need to look about you , Satan can make a snare of your good duties , to catch your souls by . There are two wayes whereby men may be undone by their duties , (1) when they make them as a supposed righteousness , when men do perform Religious duties , and expect that these should obtain the favour of God , and remission of sins , or , at least , should help with the merits of Jesus , to make up a righteousness for them , on which they may climb up to heaven , and stand before God . Thus those carnal Jews , though they were zealous of their duties required by the Law , yet they were lost by going about to establish those as a righteousness of their own . Rom. 10. 3 (2) when they make them as a mistaken evidence . There are many persons ( I conceive ) that are so far convinced of the sinfulness of their duties , that they do not lean to these as their Righteousness before God , that those should obtain Gods favour , and their pardon ; yet they do conclude that this is an evidence that they have an interest in Christ ; and hereby they deceive their own souls -

Object . But you will say , are not our good duties signs of our right to Christ ? doth not the Scripture say , [ he that doth Righteousness is righteous ? ] I answer , good works are indeed a good sign of faith : but then you must look to this , that they be sincerely good . But ●…ow many do conclude , because the work is done , that therefore they are in Christ , when as they do not look into the bottom of their duties , whether they be done in sincerity or hypocrisie , and so do but deceive their own souls by trusting to them ; because their duties are not sincere . O my Brethren , how effectually are many Professours undone by this ! That are so hardned in their estate , that it is more hard to bring them into Jesus Christ , than those that are openly prophane . Thus it was observed in our Saviours ministry , that it was more hard to bring in the Self-justisying Pharisees , than the Self-condemning Publicans .

Secondly , Another mischief of this , is , this is the cause of so much pride and self-considence in duty . Had Laodicea but made a due search into her duties , you should have heard another manner of speech from her . O my poverty ! Hypocrisie ! Deadness ! Formality ! Lord pitty my woful state ! this would have been the language you would have heard from her : but now because she did not search into the bottom , this did lift her up ; and made her think so well of her case . The reason why we are so well perswaded of our selves , is , because we do not see into our selves . Did we but throughly reflect upon , and search into our duties , when they are performed , we should run to God for pardoning grace . As Neh. last 22. Remember me O my God , for good . He did thus after his great zeal for God , and work of Reformation . He flies to God to pardon the sins of his duties , O Christian ! if thou didst look into thy duties , thou wouldst see enough to make thee ashamed of them , thou wouldst be ready to cross what thou hast written , and to cut out thy work , and pick it out stitch by stitch . But now persons not searching into their duties , this makes them stick , and be confident in them .

Thirdly . This is the cause of so much barrenness & in prosiciency in the ways of God , did the Christian but duly examine his own duties and espy the defects of the present duty , and be sure to amend that the next time , that was am●…ss now , this would make him , in a little time , come to a wonderfull prosiciency in godliness . But when men go on in a customary course , and do not find out their errours , it is no wonder they go on in their errours , in one tract , duty after duty , yea one year after another : A Christian that is careless in the examining of his duties , that doth not observe the failings of his duties , to amend at one time what was amiss before , he will be but a Bungler in Religion all his dayes . But he that is carefull to examine it . that he may amend what was amiss , this man will soon come to be his Crafts-master in his Trade .

Fourthly , This is the cause of so much ignorance of our own estate ; It is no wonder that so many Professors are at a loss about their condition ; it is for want of looking into their Religion . They do not know whether they be sound or unsound , whether they be going forward , or going backward , all this is from want of care , to examine and enquire into their duties .

For want of this men do not know whether they be sound or unsound , for how doth a man know the tree but by the fruit ? When all is done , 't is mens actual obedience that is the great evidence , that their estates must be tryed by . Whatsoever seeming principles of grace and life , and love , may seem to be within , and good resolutions , yet if all this , be not strong enough to bring forth the fruits of obedience , in a holy , self-denying , and flesh displeasing godliness , all is unsound . But then we m●… not look onely to the outside of our obedience , we must not take the Carkass without the soul. Now when persons do not look into their duties , but rest in the work done , how can they make any judgment into their estate by them .

So many that are sound Christians , do not know whether they are decaying or increasing for want of this , because they do not look into their duties how they perform them . Christians , how do you perform your duties ? Do you more look into them , how sweet they are to you ? whether it is better than it was ? Christians , you must look to this , are you more extensive . and intensive in your duties ? Are you more extensive ? Heretofore you looked onely at home , to do your selves good ; do you do good now to others ? Heretofore , Religion was consined to your knees , but now do you bring it forth into your Shops , and Callings ? Here●…osore , you were for personal godliness , but are you now for Relative godliness ? Heretofore , you were for duties of the first Table onely , but now do you put both Tables together ? this would be a good sign , but for want of mens searching into this , they are at a loss ; they do not know whether they are better or worse , declining or increasing .

Fifthly . This is the cause of so much 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 in duty . When a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 know that there will be a strict 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into him , his preparation will be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 : but when he fears not that , he 〈◊〉 the more remisse . So 't is here , If we 〈◊〉 a strict examination into our hearts , then they will be the more careful to ply the work the more , when they know they shall be looked after . But when they know they shall not be looked into , they will do the work thereafter . Beloved , if we would do the work of Religion to purpose , we must deal by our hearts , as we would by trewantly servants , if you would have any thing done , you must keep your eye upon them , If you keep your selves to this course constantly , to enquire into your duties , how they were done , then your hearts will be careful to make thorough work of it . And indeed this enquiring into your duties , is not onely a means to make your hearts sincere in duty , but it is a great part of sincerity . That man that makes no enquiry into his heart , that man is an hypoerite , there is no soundness in that man . And the lesse care thou hast in looking into thy heart , the less there is of Christianity in thee .

Sixthly . This is that , that puts Christ so much out of use . O Brethren ! would you know the Reason , why Christ is so little set by ? Why , it is because we are not thorowly acquainted with our defects . Were we much searching into our duties , then we should fly to our Advocate , and make use of him . And after the performing of our duties , fly to him for a covering of our nakedness and shame .

Second Use of exhortation . Let us do likewise , if Christ take such notice of our duties , O be much in observing your own duties . How your hearts carry it in your duties . If I could but perswade my self and my hearers to the observing of these two Directions , we should make another manner of progress in Religion . O That you would be but perswaded !

First , In the entrance of your duties , set before you your rule fo●…●…hat duty ; as . the Schollar doth his coppy , and do your work by rule You know the Mason will lay the line before he will lay the stone in the foundation , or else he may commit many errors , and the building may come to nothing . So when you come to perform your duties , set your rule before you . Suppose you come to pray , have some thoughts of it , what be the rules you are to pray by . Consider you are not to come in your own names but in Christs . Take heed that you come not in your own Rignteousness , but Christs . And go out to Christ for strength . Remember that God calls for faith and life induty . And so when you come to hear , consider what rules have I to hear by . And so in giving your Alms. And then your work is like to be done to purpose .

Secondly , Reflect upon your rule in the close of your duty , and examine whether your work hath been done by rule or no. Observe what graces have been acting in your duty , and thankfully take notice of the influences of your graces . Take notice what corruptions have been working in your duty , and take the shame of it before God that you should thus miscar●…y . If these two rules were but observed by us , we should come to another manner of proficiency in Religion than we do . But more particularly let me give you three directions for your duties .

First , Take special notice of the ends of your duties . O How many do miscarry for want of a Right understanding in this ? Come see my zeal for the Lord of hosts , said John . And all this while he was ●…t Acting for himself . And because he did Gods work for such carnal ends , God accounts the blood that he had shed to be so much murder and requires it afterwards at his hands , Hos. 1. 4. The Pharisees were a very strict generation in the performance of their duties . Much in Alms , and much and long in prayer , and yet all rejected , because they did it for carnal ends , Math. 23. 5. Therefore I beseech you as you Love your souls , look to your ends in praying . When you come to prayer Consider what end do I propound in this duty ? Is not this done out of custome , because 't is the custome of my family to pray morning and evening ? When you go to visit the sick , is it onely a civil custom that I am going about ? or am I going to visit Jesus Christ in a sick servant of his ? And so of our Alms. If a man set out with never so much diligence in the morning , and it be to a wrong point , he is all the while out of his way . Although a man cannot in every motion of the day mind his end , yet in every solemn action ( as I have shewed you formerly ) with care and pains taking with your hearts , you may come to mind your end , and the rule for that particular action . As for example , When you go to your callings , or to pray , or to eat , and the like ; in these solemn actions of the day you may come particularly to renew your intentions in your work . And this will manifest your sincerity , and you will come to have the comfort and Joy of your work . And if this be not well looked to , all your duties may serve at last for nothing , but to harden , and blind , and deceive you , rather than to save you .

Secondly , Look well to your principles in duty , What principles you acted by and from . There may be many good things that may be done , that may be good for the matter , but yet because they do not act from a principle of Grace , God will reject them . There is no external duty of Religion , but an hypocrite , an unsound professor may do it ( for ought I know ) as well as a Godly man ; onely they differ in their principles and ends . Therefore consider that thy duties come from a renewed heart . Examine , art thou acquainted with the new birth ? Hast thou been acquainted with Gods converting grace ? renewing thy heart ! If it be not thus , all thy duties without this will do thee no good .

Thirdly , Look to what affections are stirring in your duties . O how was Christ out with Laodicea for this ! That because , though much were done , yet there was not much warmth in duty ; there was no Life in them . It is observed that the artisicial breath is a cold breath but a living breath is a warm breath . As ever you would have the comfort of your duties , you must look to the warmth of your duties . My soul followeth hard after thee , said the Psalmist Psalm . 63. 8. and thy right hand upholdeth me .

Ten parting Counsels .

First , COunsel . Observe the degrees of Gods departing , and mourning after a departing God . The Lord , seems to me , to take his leave of us by degrees . And because it is by such insensible degrees , I am afraid we are apt to take the less notice of it . God hath not thought good to take his farewel of us all at once . We thought , God had intended to take all from us at first . You know ministers were excluded from their publick labours , and then God lengthned out their liberty in private . And since an Act hath passed against our private meetings , so that we have had our liberties with the more difficulty . And now an Act hath passed whereby your Ministers are to be removed farther from you . However the Ministers of Christ are sinful poor men of themselves as others : but yet considering the capacity of their office , they are the great representatives of Jesus Christ . And when the Ministry is removed , this is a degree , and a great degree of Gods removal . You see God hath removed Ministers by degrees , farther and farther ; and what will be the next remove ! Me thinks the glory seems to be departing by degrees from the nation , as it was in the time of the prophet Ezekiel in the 10 , 11 , 12 chap. If we are left without the powerful preaching of the gospel , and the likely means of conversion , what will it signifie though God should give this nation never so much outward plenty ? If God should make this nation to wash their steps in butter , and fill our bellies with his hid Treasures , what will all this be , if our generations should go down to the pit of destruction by the thousands ? If there be preaching , yet if there be not a powerful preaching , that will save souls , what will it be ? And this great mercy God hath deprived us of by degrees . Oh mourn after a departing God! Take heed that you be affected with this providence of God . How will God take it of you , if you do not stir up your selves to take hold of God , now he is departing ? Wo to them when I shall depart from them : Wo to this nation , and this place when God departs .

Second Counsel . Take heed that when the publick bellows are broken , the fire of Religion go not out . The Ministers of Christ are as the common bellows to blow up this sacred fire . And now God seems to have broken these bellowes ; Oh take heed lest now Religion should dye away ! and the heat and warmth thereof should decay , and by insensible degrees should go out . Weare too too much like green wood , the fire keeps no longer in , than while we are blowing the bellows I fear lest you shall see professors too too much like Christ's disciples , who when Christ was taken went every one to his home : so weak their faith , and prevalent their infidelity , that they went their way , as if their work had been done . Take heed lest the like Apostacy creep in among you , that when these helps do fail , you go back again and remit your zeal . Oh Brethren ! what ever you let go , be sure you do not let go your hold in Christ ; do not let go your hold in Religion . Do but keep your ground there , and no matter what becomes of any other interest .

Third Counsel . When God takes down the common sun , take the more earnest heed to the light that he sets up within . The ministry of the Gospel , and preaching of the word is like the publick light of the common Sun . And this light seems much to fail , and the shaddows of the evening are stretched out : and the Sun is like to set upon the Churches . Well then if it be so take the more earnest heed to the directions of Conscience . You know when the Sun is down every man kindles his candle , and takes heed to that . The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord . Conscience , is the light in every m●…ns boso●…e . Not that the light within , ( as some do talk of ) is sufficient without the direction of Gods word , to guide a man into the wayes of Life : But yet a well enformed Conscience , instructed in the Scriptures , and well studied in the mind of God , and acquainted with the nature and principles of Religion , may be a great help to a Christian to guide him in his common course . My Brethren , if God deprive you of the preacher in the Palpit take the more earnest heed to the preacher in your bosome . Set Conscience faithfully on work . This is the preacher in the bosome that tels every man of his duty and of his sins . Hearken now to the instructions of Conscience , to the reproofs and rebukes of Conscience . See and hear what Conscience will speak and direct . What that will touch on , why God hath brought on us these judgments . Oh , take heed ! that what ever preacher be silenced ; that this preacher be not silenced . Oh! take heed , how you stop the mouth of Conscience . How you defile and harden your Conscience . If Conscience be faithful and free , and you take earnest heed unto him , it may be a standing blessing to you , when the preachers in the Pulpit are removed from you .

Fourth Counsel . Be sure that none of those extraordinary providences do drive you from God , but that they drive you to God . I fear le●…t this may be the issue of these providences to many , that they may be driven off from God , that they will give over their diligence and zeal ; and give up all for lost and gone . O this will be sad indeed ! If these providences drive you from God , this will be a sad sign of reprobation ; take heed that these drive you nearer to God . Be sure that the more frowning the providences of God are to you , the more do you cleave to him , the more tenderly do you walk before him . 'T is a fearful sign of an unsound heart , never savoured , and seasoned with true grace , when afflicting providences do drive men farther and farther off from God . God doth intend by his Rod to whip his children home to him , to make them walk more tenderly ; to caution them against sin , that he corrects them for . But now if any of you should make this use of his providences , that after all , you should go farther from God , oh how sad would this be ! This is to be like King Ahaz . 2 Chron. 28. 22. O let these Chastisements from God , drive you every one the nearer to God . And cause you every one to enquire into his way , and the iniquity that is in his hand , that he may reform .

Fifth Counsel . Let your own eyes be your Overseers , when God deprives you of your publick Overseers . The Ministers of Christ , they are termed Seers , and Overseers ; Now God is like to deprive you of these , oh take the more carefull Oversight every one of your selves ; be the more strict in your inspection into your own wayes , in the examining of , and inquiring into your own hearts . Beloved it is a duty that I have some time since pressed upon you , and I hope you do yet make conscience of it , daily to examine your hearts and ways by those questions ; which we gave you sor this end , as a great help to this duty : I beseech you whatever you intermit , constantly to keep up , and maintain that duty . And now especially when God deprives you of your publick Overseers , you should take care of your selves . I have never any hopes that you will come to any proficiency in the wayes of God , unless you come up to the strict observation of these Rules , that so you may become sensible of your errours , that one dayes humiliation , may be the matter of the next days Reformation .

Sixth Counsel . Whatever become of your other Trade , be sure that you keep up the Trade of Religion . Beloved , though God see it good to impo●…erish you and undo you in this world yet 't is all well ; if you keep on in Religion . That is a happy man that hath a thriving and flourishing soul , though he is declining in his estate ; but if you go back in grace , though you should get all the world , you are miserable losers . Therefore be sure of this , how ever God do frown upon you in the world , that you do not go behind in grace . Oh , you may sadly fall and go behind hand , before you think of it , if you do not take heed to it ; though there be no total falling away from grace for a Believer , yet there may be sad degrees of falling , and God may let you fall so , that you may besadly wounded & you may break all your bones ; and be a common scandal to Religion all your days Therefore look to this , that however God deal with you in other things , account it happy with you if your souls be thriving : & whatever prosperity God gives you , yet if these do not thrive , let none of these things content you . Many persons while they are blessing themselves in their outward increase , are declining in grace . Oh poor Soul ! I should pity thy gain , that addest to thy gain in the world , the loss of thy soul to all eternity .

Seventh Counsel . Take heed whom and what you hear . I fear lest after the departuré of Ministers , wolves should enter not sparing the s●…ock . And I am afraid least any should be found among you of itching ears , hearkning after novelties , and heap up Teachers to your selves . Labour to know what Doctrine they bring you before you hear them . Take heed lest men of corrupt principles and dangerous doctrines should make a harvest of you , and draw Disciples after them ; and overthrow the faith of some . And I cannot be faithful to you without warning you of this miserable danger ; you are to take heed to the Call of God . Beware whom and what you hear , hearken to those that are the sent Ministers of Christ . It is like enough that Seducers may take the advantage of the present time , that under pretence of further courage and boldness than Ministers have , may seem to alienate the people from their Ministers , as flying from their flocks as hirelings .

Eighth Counsel . Maintain with constancy and frequency the Communion of Saints . Now is the time my Brethren for those that fear the Lord , to speak often one to another . Now you are deprived of your publick Overseers , take the more carefull oversight one over another , rebuke one another , admonishone another , provoke one another to love and to good works , now if ever , there will be special need of this . If you forsake the Assembling of your selves together , we shall see Religion dying as the coal that is put in the middle of the Room by it self .

Ninth Counsel . Walk together in the order and unity of the Gospel . Take heed of any dividing principles , mark them that cause Divisions , and avoid them . Those that are not for peace be not you for them , what ever pretence they may have to purity attend them not , unless they are men that are for peace . If once the ranks be broken , the Army is quickly routed , and if once the unity of Christians be broken , then Satan hath got his advantage ; and is like to have his will . O take heed that you keep together in the unity and peace of the Gospel , that your Ministers and that Jesus Christ may rejoyce to behold your order and your stedfastness in Christ .

Tenth Counsel . Keep up the Life and pow●…r of Religion . Be so much the more vigorous in your Families , by how much the more you are deprived of your publick helps . Christians , be advised by me , and let Satan be disappointed in this design . He thinks to break the Churches of Christ : Oh but now let every Family be a Church , and let every Master be a Priest and Prophet to teach their Family . Praise and pray for them , and do so much the more in your Families , by how much the more God hath deprived you of your Preachers .

Brethren , so it is that the preaching of the Gospel is like to be scarce , and the means of Conversion is like to be at a stand ; and what shall be done for the Conversion of souls ? Oh be dealing with them , and never leave them , till you see they mind their souls and Religion . Put them upon secret prayer , and the Catechism , and Repeating the Principles of Religion , oh that I may prevail with you to set up this duty of Catechising in your Families in this evil time ! And if so be you would but try the use of that help , that I have caused to be printed on purpose for that end , I do not doubt but you would find it a happy means , for the letting in the light into their souls .

Psalm . 74. 1. O God why hast thou cast us off for ever ? why doth thine anger smoak against the sheep of thy pasture ?

THis Psalm , and particularly these words , do contain the Churches sad lamentation over her deep affliction ; together with her earnest expostulation with God about the cause . Two things there are , that the Church in these words doth plead with God . First , The greatness of her Affliction . Secondly , The nearness of her Relation .

First , The greatness of her Affliction . And there were three things in her asfliction that did make it lye very heavy upon her . First , The root of this affliction , and that was Gods [ anger ] why doth thine ANGER smoak ? &c. ( Secondly , ) The height of this affliction . God was not only angry , but he did [ smoak ] in his anger . ( Thirdly , ) The length of this affliction . It was so long that God did seem to cast them off for [ ever . ]

Secondly , The ne●…rness of her Relation . Against [ the sheep of thy pasture ] as if they should have said , Lord , if thou hadst done this against thine enemies it had been no wonder . If thou hadst poured out thy wrath , against the vessels of wrath , it had not been so much . But what , wilt thou draw out thy sword against the sheep of thy pasture ! It were no wonder that thou shouldst take the fat and the strong , and pour out thy judgements upon them ; but wilt thou do it to thy sheep ! There be several doctrines that I may raise from the words , as

First Doct. That Gods people are his sheep .

Second Doct. That God may be sorely angry with his own people . With his own sheep .

Third Doct. That when God is angry with his people , it becomes them carefully to enquire into the Cause .

Fourth Doct. That when Gods people are under affliction , they ought to take notice of , and be much affected with his anger from which they do proceed .

Fifth Doct. That Gods people under affliction , are , or should be more affected with his anger , than with their smart . This is that the Church doth complain of : Not that the Church did so smart , but that God was so displeased and angry . That did most affect her .

Six Doct. That Gods people are apt to have misgiving thoughts of God , when they are under sore afflictions . God was angry with his people , and their hearts did misgive them , as if God did cast of his people .

Seventh Doct. That God may be angry with with his people so sore , and so long , that in the judgement of sence , it may seem , that they are for ever cast off .

Eight Doct. That though the people of God may not murmure against his proceedings ; yet they may humbly expostulate with him about the cause . Why doth thine anger smoak against the sheep of thy pasture ? I have spoken heretofore to the first of these doctrines , I shall speak now to the second . To wit .

Doct. That God may be angry , and sorely angry with his own people . I have already in the audience of some proved this point . And answered several questions . As ( first ) How anger may be ascribed to God ? ( secondly ) How far he may be angry with his own people . ( Thirdly , ) What is the difference between Gods being Angry with his own people , & with the wicked I shall not respeak any thing of what I have spoken , but proceed to a fourthquestion .

Fourth Question . By what signs and evidences may we come to know whether God be angry ? and here I shall first premise four Propositions : & then answer the question in six Conclusions . First , I shall premise these 4 propositions .

First Proposition . That a person or people may verily think themselves to be in Gods favor , when they are indeed under his anger and displeasure .

Second Prop. That neither Gods favor , nor his anger can be known [ meerly ] by his outward dispensations .

Third Prop. That Gods anger or favor must be judged of , rather by our carriage toward him , than by his carriage towards us .

Fourth Prop. That for the discovering of Gods favor or anger , we must consult rather the book of Conscience , and of Scripture , than the book of providence .

First Proposition . That a person or people may verily think themselves to be in Gods favor when they are indeed under his anger and displeasure . This is an awakening consideration , and therefore should be duly laid to heart . A Church may think her self in a very good and safe condition , and yet Jesus Christ may loath it , and be ready to spue her out of his mouth . As of the Church of the Laodiceans . Men may cry to themselves peace and safety , when sudden destruction may come upon them . And may say , Is not the Lord among us ? No evil can come unto us ; and yet be upon the very brink of destruction . Men may have great hopes of the presence of God with them , and yet evidences of Gods departing from them . And may cry the temple of the Lord , when God is even casting them out of his sight . We read of som that had a great deal of confidence of Gods favor ; they would still lean on the Lord , and were consident that he had favor for them ; and yet the Lord was ready to break out upon them to their destruction , Micah 3. 11 , 12. They build up Zion with blood , and Jerusalem with iniquity &c. Yet will they lean upon the Lord , and say , is not the Lord among us ? None evil can come upon us . Therefore shall Zion for your sakes be ploughed as a field . They may think that because the ordinances of God are among them , that God is among them ; when God may be turning them up as a field that is ploughed . This ought to startle and awaken men . Sirs , it is not your Confidence , but your evidence that will carry it . Many times there are none so confident of Gods favor , as those that are marked out for the objects of his eternal wrath and displeasure . The carnal Jews , they would not be beaten out of their carnal confidence . And though the prophet told them of the wrath of God that was coming against them , yet they would not hear him , till wrath came upon them , and there was no remedy .

Second Prop. That neither Gods favor nor his anger can be known , [ meerly ] by his outward dispensations . No man knoweth either Love or hatred by the things that are before him . Men have very shrewdly erred by judging of Gods favor , or wrath by his outward dispensations . When the Psalmist took his mark by this , how sorely was his faith shaken , and his feet almost gone ? When he beheld the Godly in affliction and under suppression ; and the wicked prospering in their wickedness . The 73 Psalm gives you a true account , what a sad bout he had by this . He observed they had no bonds in their death , and they were not plagued like other men . Their eyes stand out with fatness , they have more than heart could wish . They were very wicked and yet very prosperous . Full of sin , and yet full of pleasure , and riches and all outward accommodation . Whereas on the other side , he observed that he was ●…fflicted , and other of the Godly with him . And was tempted from this , that God did regard the wicked so much , or more than he did the Godly . And therefore 't is a very dangerous mistake among the multitude . Many think on the one side , that because God doth prosper them , and bless them as he doth , that therefore they are in the favor of God : for if they were not , he would never deliver them , and carry them through so many troubles as he doth , if he did not love them . This is a dangerous mistake . And so some on the other hand , because God doth afflict them here , that therefore he hath mercy for them hereafter . They have their hell here , and therefore they shall not go to hell hereafter . Alass man ! thou mayst have thy hell begun here , and lengthened out hereafter to all eternity . Thou canst not say from this , that thou shalt escape the torments of hell : but notwithstanding all this , thou mayst hear God say to thee at last as to Dives , Son remember that thou in thy Life-time receivedst thy good things : but now thou art tormented .

Third Prop. Gods favor or anger must be judged of rather from our carriage towards him , than from his carriage towards us . If our walk be according to Gods rule , we may be sure that peace shall be upon us . Gal. 6. 16. If we are such as fear God and work Righteousness , then we may be certain that we are accepted with God . Acts. 10. 35. If we do well , we shall be accepted . They that by patient contim●…nce in well-doing , seek for glory , honor , and immortality , shall have eternal life . They are under promise Rom. 2. 6 , 7. But on the contrary , tribulation and anguish upon every soul that doth evil . Those that walk disorderly , and in disobedience to the will of God , however God may prosper them in their ways , as they may seem , yet they must know that Gods anger is against them . They may know that his anger is against them , because they walk against him : against the flat command of his word . For these things cometh the wrath of God upon the Children of disobedience , Eph. 5. 6. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven , against all ungodliness , and unright cousness of men , Rom. 1. 18. So they that walk in ways of unrighteousness , and ungodliness , they may know by this that they are under the wrath of God ; however God may seem to carry it towards them . Men may not conclude that because God doth not presently smite , that therefore he is not angry with them . God may speak never a word , neither strike a blow ; and yet may treasure up wrath against them at the last , and they never think of it . Many a poor wretch thinks , that God , because he is silent that he approves of them , Psal. 50. 21. These things hast thou done and I kept silence . Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thy self ; but I will reprove thee and set them in order before thine eyes . God would make them know , that though for the present he spake nothing , and did not shew his anger ; yet he would make it known against them . If our carriage be dutiful , and humble toward God , what ever his carriage be towards us , we may be sure that his love is towards us . God doth many times carry it as if he were angry , for the tryal of his people , to see whether they will trust him , and walk by faith and not by sence . Whether they will believe though it be against their own feeling . He will many times put his Children upon this exercise , not in anger , but in Love . As the tender Nurse doth the Child . So on the other hand , God may let men alone , and let them prosper in the world , though he be dreadfully angry with them .

Fourth Prop , That the favor or anger of God , is rather to be gathered from the book of Scripture , and of conscience , than from the book of providence . Many times the book of providence is very dark , and seems to speak that God favors those men ; whereas if we look into the Scripture , we shall see that they are the vessels of his wrath . And the book of providence may seem to tell us , that such a people are the objects of his wrath , which if we look into Scripture we shall find , that they are the people of his love . Therefore the Psalmist , when he could not know by the book of providence , he went to the Scripture , to the Sanctuary , to the oracles , and had those things opened there . This book was a key to open those riddles that he could not understand before . He sees that those men that did prosper thus , were the objects of his wrath . And on the other hand , that the poor and afflicted were the onely beloved of God . Though this was against his mind before , Psal. 77. 13. Thy way O God is in the Sanctuary . That is , in the place where thy word is preached , and explained , there is thy way , the meaning and sence of thy providence is discovered . Those that have the Scripture against them , these are they that bear the marks of Gods anger upon them . And those that have the Scripture for them , what ever others judgements be , these be the men of his delight . Therefore let the word of God be your judge . And with the book of Scripture , compare the book of Conscience . For , saith the Apostle if our hearts condemn us not , than have we confidence towards God . But if our hearts condemn us , God is greater then our hearts and knoweth all things Let conscience be consulted with , when thou art trying thy case , whether thou art in the favor or under the anger of God . And that will be able , comparing thy state with the Scripture to give a great guess to this , whether God have favor for thee or be against thee .

Now I must adde six Conclusions , in which the question shall be resolved . How it may be known that God is angry with any people .

First Conclusion . The Raign and dominion of sin is a most certain evidence , that any person or people , are under Gods anger . Where sin is raigning , and abounding , gross and hainous sins abounding in any nation or place , you need not any other evidence that God is angry with that people . Especially , when those Iniquities are tolerated by Magistrates , or found in persons that are in a publick place , then they are fearful signs of Gods anger : then you may know there is great misery for such people , though he may seem at present to prosper them . And so for any particular person , whether the sin be gross or close , if thou art under the power of any one unmortified sin , thou mayst be sure thou art under the anger and wrath of God , Eph. 6. 5. For these things cometh the wrath of God upon the Children of disobedience . Rom. 2. 8 , 9. But to them that are contentious , and obey not the truth indignation and wrath , tribulation and anguish unto every soul that doth evil . Art thou yet in thy Natural unconverted state , unrenewed ? thou mayst go away with sadness ; thou goest up and down with Cain , with certain marks of Gods displeasure upon thee ; for we are by Nature Children of wrath . If thou art in the estate thou wert in by Nature , thou art surely under the wrath of God . If thou remainest in thy old unbeleef , thou needest no more dispute about this matter , the wrath of God abideth on thee : The whole book of God , and the threatnings of God , do rise up with open mouth to condemn thee that livest in any unmortified sin . Now sin is unmortified , when persons go on in a purpose of sinning , and in a willingness to practise sin . Rom. 6. 16. Know ye not , that to whom you yield your selves servants to obey , his servants you are to whom you obey ? whether of sin unto death , or of obedience unto Righteousness . To whom you [ yield ] your selves servants to obey . The servant of God is taken [ captive ] by his sin under a temptation ; but if you yield your selves servants to them , you are the servants of sin . Yield your selves servants to [ obey ] whom do you ordinarily [ obey ] ? If the devil can do more with you to draw you from God , than God can to keep you to him ; if he can do more with you to make you neglect prayer , than God can to keep you to it ; or if he can prevail with you to commit any sin , more then God can to keep you from it , you are under the wrath of God . There is a two fold anger , a stated anger , and occasional anger or temporal anger . Occasional and temporal anger , and so the Children of God may fall under his anger : but by their application to him in Christ that anger may be taken off again . But there is a ●…ate of anger , and that is with the wicked . And this thou art under , who dost live in unmortified sin . Thou art in a state of anger , in a state of wrath .

Second Con When the threats and menaces of Gods Word are against men , this is a sure evidence of his anger . You know we may discern the anger of men by their Rebukes , and threats , and the like . If the word of God be against thee , be sure the anger of God is against thee . Therefore consult the Scripture . If the Scripture do speak sadly of thy state , that is an undeniable evidence of Gods anger , Zeph. 2. 5. Wo to the inhabitants of the Sea coast , the word of the Lord is against you . O wo to them that the word of the Lord is against ! There is wrath from the Lord against that man . Therefore if the Lord do speak against thee , Make thy peace with speed . Do as Haman , when he saw the King rise up in hast : he stood up to make request for his life to the Queen . Est. 7 , 7 , So if thou dost find that there is evil intended against thee by thy sins , O fall down upon thy knees and make up thy peace .

Third Con. Publick calamities , except when they come upon a people for Righteousness sake , are the evident tokens of Gods anger . When God doth strike a nation or a people with war , or with pestilence , or with famine , or the like this is a manifest token of Gods anger with such a nation or people . This you may see throughout the book of Judges . Still it was when the people had sinned , and God was angry , that these publick calamities were brought upon them , Judg. 2. 13 , 14 , 19 , 20 , 21. and 3. 7 , 8. and 10. 6. There you may see that publick calamities did proceed from the sins that were among them . And if sin be a sign of Gods anger , you may easily make application . Should not we fear and tremble ? should not we humble our selves in the dust , and cloath our selves with sackcloth ? God hath sent all his three greatplagues togetherupon our nation , Famine , Sword , and War . O apply this , and see that you be sadly affected with Gods displeasure against our Nation .

But here I put in an exception [ When they come upon a people for Righteousness sake ] then though the calamities be common and publick . Yet it is not a sign of Gods anger . In the primitive times , the Christians were fearfully persecuted every where , and were killed by the thousands , and therefore this was rather Martyrdome , then signs of Gods anger .

Here two things must be considered : whether these afflictions did find them cleaving to the Lord in their duty : Or , going off from him , and declining their duty . Now if they do find them decaying and remitting their zeal and diligence , then those evils , though they do come upon them for Righteousness sake , yet they come for Gods anger too . And so though they should rejoyce in them as coming from wicked men , yet they should be humbled , and take notice too of the hand of Godagainst them in correcting their vices .

Fourth Con. When God doth suffer men to prosper in an evil way , this is a fearful sign of Gods anger . Prosperity is so far from being a sign of Gods favor , that when prosperity doth attend men , and follow them in an evil way , it is one of the most dreadfullest marks in the world against a person or people . Whom the Lord loves he rebukes , and chastens , that is , if they wander and go out of his way . And we are judged of the Lord , that we should not be condemned with the world , Cor. 11. 32. So when the Lord lets men go on in their evil ways unpunished , it is a sign he intends they shall be condemned with the world . Brethren , be jealous of your selves , if God let a person go on in a way of wickedness , it is a fearful sign . Hos. 4. 14. I will not punish your daughters when they commit whordome &c. Therefore the people that doth not understand shall fall . It is a sign that he intends higher displeasure against a person , when he lets them go on in a way of sin , and will not stop them , but let them take their swinge in sin . Those whom he intends love to , shall be corrected here , and stopped : but others shall have the gibbet kept for them at last .

Fifth Con. Spiritual judgements are ever to be taken as sore evidence of Gods anger . Many times God doth inflict temporal judgements with an intention to reform them , and amend a people : but when he gives up a person or people to Spiritual judgments , this is a token of his highest displeasure . God doth threaten as one of the sorest evidences of his displeasure [ a Famine of the word ] So Psal. 78. 59 , 60. When God heard this he was wrath , and greatly abhorred Israel : so that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh the tent which he had placed among men . When God forsook the tabernacle , and deprived them of the former tokens of his presence in their ordinances , this was a sign that he abhorred Israel . So our Saviour as his tokens of his displeasure against the Church threatens that he would remove his Candlestick . He would unchurch them as one of his most fearful threatnings , Rev. 2. 5. Rom. 1. 23 , 24 , 28. The Apostle speaks of some that were under the fearful token of Gods wrath in this . This was a fearful token of Gods wrath against them indeed , when God should give them up to such spiritual judgments . Psal. 81. 10 , 11. My people would not hearken to my voice : so I gave them up to their own hearts lusts . O this was dreadful indeed ! This was the sorest expression of Gods anger that could be against that people , so 2 Thes. 2. 11 , 12. God shall send them strong delusions , &c. Rom. 11. 7. 8. The elect hath obtained it ; but the rest were blinded , &c. O do you see any such souls thus delivered up ? O let your hearts tremble for such persons This is a shrewd evidence , that they are persons given up to great judgements .

Six Con. Temporal afflictions , when they find the people of God straying , and wandring , and declining from him , are evident tokens of Gods anger . They are not always tokens of his anger . When they find us keeping close to God , they are for tryal , and not signs of Gods displeasure ? Job was highly commended by the Lord when the affliction was upon him . Therefore we must consult conscience whether it was not for such a sin that God is now afflicting thee . And if thou dost find it was for sin , thou hadst need run quickly and make the atonement . But if otherwise , you may conclude it is but for proof and tryal and exercising those graces that God hath given you .

A Discourse made by Mr. Joseph Alleine on a night of solemn Thanksgiving , which he held with his people in Taunton , some dayes before the five-mile-Act came in force , by vertue of which he was then to leave them .

MOst dearly beloved Brethren , with no little Joy and Thankfulness have I thought of this time , when I should once more see your faces together : and be so truly glad , with so heart contenting a mercy , as to rejoyce with the Joy of Gods people and to glory with his inheritance .

It is a time , that to some , may seem unseasonable to set up Thanksgivings when our calamities are so near approaching . But surely , if I had never hopes to enjoy one day with you more , the last day should be a day of praise . And if I were sure that we were now to take our farwell of Christians and Ministers , and of all our former liberties , I should exhort you that we might join once more in lifting up hearts and hands in bl●…ssing God for all the mercies that we have met with together . Your Condition is never such but your mercies are infinitely greater , and more then your afflictions . Neither may the sence of misery at any time surprise you , so as to drown the Thankful acknowledgement of Gods mercies . God that hath been alwayes good to you , hath never been better then since you have had affliction . Elijah was never so happily fed at a full Table as when it was a time of great Famine : when God sent him every bit of bread and flesh by the mouth of a Raven . Oh how sweetly do you think that every bit of this bread did rellish with the man of God ? when he saw that he received it imediately out of Gods own hand ?

Brethren , though it hath been a time of great calamity , yet God hath herein heightned his mercy to you ; you have seen the Bush of God burning and yet not consumed . The portion of Gods Children hath been taken away , and yet our cheeks have been fat . We have been cast with Daniel into the Lyons den : but God hath sent his angel and shut the Lyons mouth , and we have not been destroyed but are here together to praise the Lord .

Methinks there are several periods of time , ●…ine the time of our calamities , wherein God hath appeared to us , when we thought all had bin gone . One period was when your Ministers were shut out of publick by the Act of Uniformity . Another when we were cast out of our private Meetings , by the Act made against ●…ditious Conventicles . So called by the iniquity of the times . Another by this Act that doth now cast Ministers out of their Habitations . And me thinks every period should end with praise . We read , that when they removed the Ark , that when they had passed such a number of paces then they slew a sacrifice : so me thinks as we passe thefe periods of time , at the end of every period we should offer pr●…ise . What though God hath separated your preachers from you , ye as he said , if the Souldier dies fighting , and the preacher preaching , and the swan singing , then the Saints should part praising . Oh Christians this is the spirit that should be in you , that what ever God doth with you for the time to come , you should resolve to end in his praise for the mercies past . If it were the last day we should have together , surely methinks we should end in praise . And since the Alarm hath been sounded , by the late unhappy Act , that saying of Sampson hath run often in my mind , let me dye with the Philistines : so methinks I would say , let me dye with praise . And now O God , let my hands and heart be lifted up with thy praise : that I may touch their hearts ; that every heart of theirs , may sound forth thy heavenly praise . But 't is easie to be lost in praise , the mercies of God are a deep that cannot be fathomed . Where shall I begin or end ? How shall I reach to the top ? or when shall I come to the bottom ? however I will not say nothing , because I cannot say all . Let me touch a little of the mercies of God : a little this Evening to shew the mercy of God to you . And let it live upon your hearts as long as you live . Consider now what great things God hath done for you , whether you are the people of God in general ; or people of Taunton in particular . How great are the mercies of God to you !

First , As you are the people of God in general . This is the top of all your mercies . In this sayes our Savior rejoyce , not that the spirits are made subject to you : but in this that your names are written in heaven . Brethren we have many mercies to praise the Lord for : but this is that should most affect us , Gods peculiar mercy to us , as we are his chosen generation , and peculiar people . Consider now what the Lord hath done for you . Let me open it to you in six or seven particulars .

( First . ) You are the Election of Grace . ( Secondly , ) You are the first born of God . ( Thirdly , ) You are the first fruits of the Creation . ( Fourthly , ) You are the Remnant of escape . ( Fifly , ) You are the Burgesses of heaven . ( Sixthly , ) You are the Members of Christ . ( Seventhly , ) You are the living stones of the Temple . Blessed is the man , you will say , whose happiness this is . But this damps my Joy and comfort , lest I should not be the man . Now lest this should damp thy Joy , let me give thee two Characters , by which thou mayst come to know whether this be thy case . Thou mayst know it by the Transactions that have passed between Christ and thy Soul : and by the Treasure that hath been made choyce of by thee .

First , By the Transactions that have passed between Christ and thee . Hast thou passed under the Bond of his Covenant ? as Christ hath offered himself to thee , hast thou again delivered up thy self to him ? hast thou renounced all thy known sins ? And took the Lord Jesus Christ for ●…hy Head and Husband , to love , honor , obey him above all ? hast thou considered the conditions of Christ , and accepted of them all ? and sayest as my Lord saith , so I will do . Doth thy heart close with the self-denying laws of Christ , and art resolved not to allow thy self in any known sin ; but to rise again by repentance ? If so , thou art the man I am speaking of .

Secondly , Thou mayst know it by the Treasure that hath been made choise of by thee . Every man is known by what he pitcheth his heart upon for his Treasure . What is it , man , that carryeth thy heart ? The things seen , or the things unseen ? Who hath most of thy heart , God or the world ? Which way stands the bent of thy heart ? a godly manmust not judg of himself by what he is at worst , under a prevalent Temptation : Nor others by what they are at best in a fit : but where is thy constant bent ? What is thy chiefest care and delight ? Is it to converse with God ? And be like to God ? What doth please thee best , when thou art contriving thy happiness ? Doth this , that God is thine ? Or is it something here below ? What is thy care ? Is it to please God ? If it be thus , thou art the man that I am speaking to . And now you that are thus , that have passed under the bond of Gods Covenant ; and have made choice of him for your happiness , know and understand .

First , That you are the election of Grace . The election h●…th obtained it , saith the Apostle , but the rest were blinded . You are the handful that God hath taken out but the heap are left . Oh Christians , the great Transaction of God from all eternity hath been about you . And the great transactions of God in time have been about you . The Lord did from all eternity enter into a league with his Son for you : and did give him to you . God was laying the foundation of your happiness before he laid the foundation of the world . God was making provision for you from all eternity . Our Saviour is often speaking of this gift in John 17. so John 10. 29. My father which gave them me is greater then all , John . 6. 39. And this is the Fathers will that of all that he hath given me I should loose nothing . And so , All that the Father hath given me shall come unto me . Oh Christian , doth not this assect thy heart ? that the eternal Counsel of the great God should be taken up about thee ? that God should be bargaining and agreeing with his Son about thee ! that thou shouldst be mentioned by name from all eternity ? Christ knows his sheep by name . And he bids such rejoice , because their names are written in heaven . O man , did God design thee from all eternity by name ! How should this affect thy heart ? what did God build all this world for ? It was that Christ might have a seed . And why do he continue the world ? 't is because Christ might have the elect finished , when the elect are numbred the Trumpet shall sound , and away he comes togather his elect . Christs coming , what was it for ? that he might ransom his sheep . And his second comming , what is it sor , but that he might receive his elect ? John 14. 3. I will come again and receive you to my self , that wher I am ye may be also , Math. 24 , 31. He shall send his angels , with a great sound of a Trumpet , and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds , from one end of the heavens to the other . What was the end of Christs low Humiliation , even to death , but to save his people from their sins ? Math. 1. 21. And what is the end of Christs glorious exaltation , to all power and greatness ? it was all for the elect , John 17. 2. Christ hath all power in heaven and earth delivered to him for your sakes ; for the elect . That he might give eternal life to the elect . Oh man , what a heart hast thou , if all this cannot move thee ! if thou hadst stood by , when he laid the foundation of the fabrick of this world , wouldst thou not have said surely 't is for some great end ? if thou hadst stood by when Christ was Crucisied , and known the mistery , wouldst thou not have said , surely this is for some great end ? why all this was for thee .

Secondly , You are the first born of God , Heb. 12. 23. you are come to the general Assembly , the Church of the first born which are written in heaven , The Apostle speaks of our priviledges as if we were come to heaven already . You [ are ] come &c. you are Gods Israel ; and beside , you areadmitted to have fellow ship with Jesus Christ , and by faith are made one with him . Now Christ is Gods first born , and we being joyned to him are made one with him . We are joynt heirs with Christ . Now the first born had many priviledges , As.

( First , ) The sirst-born had the dearest affestion , Zach. 12. 10. They shall be in bitterness as one for his sirst - born . There is the great sorrow , because there run out the great stream of affection , in this respect you are the first-born of God : you are they that have his dearaffection , Eph. 5. 1. You are called the dear children of God . O the dear expressions , that he useth to you , and the dear affections that he hath for you ! you are called the dearly beloved of his soul. O what drops of love doth God drop in these sacred leaves of this book ? how full is the book of the Canticles ? My love , My dove , My undesiled . God doth out bid the love of all the parents in the world . Can a woman forget her sucking child ? sho may ; but I will not forget thee , saith the Lord . The dearest mother when she lets her child out of her hands may forget it , but you are never out of my hands : you are engraven there . O what rouling bowels are there in those words , Jer. 31. 20. Is Ephraim my Son ? is he a pleasant child ? For since I spake against him I do earnestly remember him still : therefore My bowels are troubled for him , I will surely have mercy upon him saith the Lord . Oh man dost thou consider that all this is spoken to thee ? All this love , God hath in his heart for thee ; yea beyond all expression dear art thou to God .

( Secondly , ) The first-born do carry the inheritance . This is your case , the inheritance is for you . Though a man have many Sons , yet not many heirs : 't is his first-born is his heir , though a King hath many Sons , yet but one King : 't is the first-born that is King after him . In this refpect Gods children are the first-born : for they are all heirs , you are all Kings , you that are begotten again , you are begotten to an inheritance , to a heavenly , that fadeth no●… away .

( Thirdly , ) The first-born had a special blessing . Gen. 27. 19. I am Esau thy first-born . And you know when Esau knew that Jacob had got the blessing of the first-born , he accounted himself undone : and he lifted up his voice and wept . Brethren , you have the blessing . Let others glory in their wealth and riches ; who ever have these benefits 't is you have the blessing . Beloved , you are the Jacobs , when others are the Esaus : you carry the blessing of the first-born . Nay and God ratisies the blessing on you as that upon Jacob. I have blessed him and he shall be blessed . Balaam was sensible of this ; He hath blessed and I cannot reverse it . You that are Gods first-born , God hath made you unchangeably happy , you are unalterably blessed , God hath blessed you and it cannot be reversed .

( Fourthly , ) The first-born did carry the honor , and were accounted the excellency and strength of the f●…ily . Gen. 49. 3. Reuben , thou art first-born , my might and the beginning of my strength , the excellency of dignity , and the excellency of power . And God says of his first born as Jacob of his . Thou art the excellency of dignity . So God sayes of you : I will make of you an eternal excellency . You know if a Knight have m●…ny Sons , there is but one Knight . And so of a Lord 't is the first-born is Lord after him : he carries the honor of the family . So you my Brethren , you carry the honor : you are the onely honorable persons in Gods account . Since thou hast been precious in my sight thou hast been honorable . And , those that honor me I will honor . Brethren , put this together , and see if there be not reason to lift up the praise of God on high : and to say Now I will l●…t up thine horn on high . Surely God hath listed up your horn on high .

Thirdly , You are the first sruits of the Creation . Jam. 1. 18. Of his own will beg at he us with his word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his Creatures . Now there were several things observable in the first-fruits , As.

( First , ) The fir●…t fruits , they were the choice of the fruits . And therefore God , that did ever require them to bring the best , would require them to bring the fir●…t-fruites of the Creatures . Beleivers are the first fruits of Gods works . And God sets more value upon this workmanship then upon any thing else beside . Other things they shew some footsteps of God : but the new cre●…ture th●…t hath the very Image of God , and so is the fir●…t fruit of all . The first fruits are of a more higher price and esteem than any other . So are you : you are those that he cals his excellent ones . Those whom he binds up amongst ●…s Jewels . The Saints are the desire of his eyes , and the joy of his heart . Christians , I speak this to you and you must apply it . You are the desire of Christ Psal. 4. 5. 11. He asks no other portion but you , Psal. 2. 8. And you are his delight as well as his desire . Prov. 8. The wisdom of the Father from all eternity , had his delight in the habitable part of the earth . Isaiah 53. He shall see his seed , and he shall see of the Travail of his soul and be satisfied . You are his seed , you are the Travail of his soul. Christ is content and satisfied to have this portion . And as the woman forgets her sorrow when she sees her seed , that a man child is born : so Christ forgets all his pain and trouble , when he sees his seed the travail of his soul.

( Secondly , ) The first fruits were but few in number , in comparison of the full number and harvest . So 't is here , the Saints are but few Thou art the fewest in number of all people , saith Moses to Israel : so may I say to you , you are as two or three Olives upon the uppermost boughs , or four or five upon the outmost branches . Gods first fruits are but few . Ah Christian , stand still and admire free grace , that thou shouldst be one of this few . Christ doth manifest himself to you , and not to the world . He prayes for you , and not for the world , you are a peculiar people to him . O what a little flock of kids hath Christ , in comparison of the herds and droves , and swarms that Satan drives before him to destruction ! and art thou one of that number that stand with the lamb upon mount Sion ? O how shouldst thou cause the praises of the Lord to be heard ? they are but few of the number of mankind that are admitted into this grace wherein you stand . Therefore as you have special favor from God , engage in the praise of God .

( Thirdly , ) The first fruits were holy to the Lord . These God did reserve for himself , as it were , for his own eating . As you know , the first fruits are preserved for to be presented to Kings at their table for their eating . So are you . Thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God , Psal. 4 , 〈◊〉 . Know ye that the man that is Godly , God hath set apart for himself . God sayes as it were , set this man by for me . God says of his sirst fruits , these shall be set aside for me . These shall be mine , Mal. 3. 17. As God would put a special honor upon the Sabbath day above all other dayes , because upon this day he rested from his Labor : so you are the honor of all the Creation : because you are a people that God hath set apart for himself . Ah Brethren , here is your dignity and priviledge above all people , that you are seperate to the Lord : that you have special relation to him . This makes you to be above all other people , because the Sun of Gods favor shines peculiarly upon you .

( Fourthly , ) The first fruits were to be gathered into the Sanctuary , Deut. 26. God had in his Temple , the Chambers into which was to be gathered the first fruits , as peculiarly dedicated unto God . So we read , in Neh. 12. 44. Thus you are Gods first fruits . And God will gather his first fruits into his Chambers , into his glory shortly . He shall gather his wheat into his garner , Math. 3. 12. Math. 13. 30. The husbandman there , ( who is no other than God himself ) he speaks to his servants , that they should let alone the tares for a season , and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers , gather you together first the Tares , and bind them in bundles , and burn them but gather the wheat into my Barn . This harvest is the end of the world : and the angels are the reapers ; and heaven is the barn ; and you are the fruits , and God will send shortly , and gather you into his barn ; when the wicked shall be turned into hell in bundles , they shall be cast into Tophet ; but you shall be gathered into Gods barn ; into his glory . God do but stay awhile till the fruits be ripe and ready , and then you shall be all brought safe into his Treasury .

( Fifthly , ) The first fruits were to be set before the Lord as a monument of his faithfulness , Deut. 26. 1. &c. Where you may observe these particulars . First , The first fruits , they were to be presented before the Lord as a thank-offering , so you . Secondly , The first fruits were to be brought to the priest , though you are the first fruits , yet you can expect nothing of God but at the hands of the priest , the Lord Jesus Christ . Thirdly , They were to be offered up with a thankful acknowledgement of Gods mercy , and their former misery , the priest shall take the basket out of thine hand , and set it down before the altar of the Lord thy God ; and thou shalt speak and say , A Syrian ready to perish was my Father , and he went down into Egypt and sojourned there with a few , and became there a Nation great , mighty , and populous . Fourthly , They were to be set before the Lord as a monument of his faithfulness : thus beleivers , my Brethren , they shall be taken by Christ , and presented by him unto God as a monument of his faithfulness . And thou shall profess before the Lord thy God , I am indeed come unto the Country concerning which the Lord sware unto me : surely the Lord is faithful in all that he hath promised : and there hath not one word failed of all that he hath said by the mouth of all his prophets .

Fourthly , You are the remnant of escape , 't is Ezrahs phrase . Brethren , you know that all mankind was interested in Adam : all in one common bottom . Adam miscarryed and so all mankind is shipwracked at once . And O how few are the number of those that escape ! and art thou one of them ? O how should you bless the Lord ! methinks , you that God hath taken out of all the kindreds of the earth , you should run to God , as the several messengers to Job , Thy Sons and thy Daughters were eating and drinking wine , and the house fell upon them , and they are dead ; and I onely am escaped to tell thee . So should you say , oh so many of the Tribes of the earth are famished , and I am lest alone to tell thee : to praise thee . O methinks so should the redeemed of the Lord compass him about . O methinks I should see you in the posture of those redeemed , lifting up your voices together as the voice of many waters . Oh Christians , look back to your former bondage . Do not forget the Egypt that you were in bondage in : and the bonds of your lu●…s , that you were held Captive in . O look back to the house of bondage and to the Iron furnace , the cruelty and tyranny from whence y●… have made your escape , and now lift up the praise of your Redeemer . How should you stand upon the brink and look down into the horrible pit from which God hath plucked you ! Brethren , you all suffered in that common shipwrack ; yet , as in the voyage of Paul , they all escaped safe to land , so God hath ordered you , that all that were with Jesus Christ are escaped . O methinks you are like the world full of corn , and in comes Satan , and mows down whole swarfs , and you are left as a single ear here and there upon a ridge . O remember ●…ire and brimstone is coming down upon the world , and God hath laid his hand up-you and made you escape , and provided a Zoar for you . O while you see the Egyptians drowned upon the shore and you escaped , how should you be much in praising the Lord ? the deluge is coming down upon the world , and but one Ark of men shall be saved . And are you the men that God hath purposed to save ? are you the men that God hath put forth his hand and took in ? O ●…less the Lord for this mercy .

Fifthly , You are the Burgesses of heaven . Heb. 12. 23. To the general assembly and Church of the first born , which are written in heaven . We read of a City that hath foundations ; whose builder and maker is God , of that City art thou a Denizen . Thou art no more a stranger and forreigner but a fellow Citizen , and of the houshold of God : though heaven and earth are so distant in place , yet there is a real communio●… the Saints here are free burgesses of heaven . Christian , thou art the man , that art made free of heaven : and who art born free .

Sixthly , You are the members of Christ , we are members of his body ; of his slesh and bone . Consider Christian , beleivest thou this ? if thou dost , thou needest not be called u●…on to praise . O what to be a real member of Christs living body ! yet so ' t is . If thou be touched 't is Christ suffers wrong . Saul , Saul , why 〈◊〉 thou me ? He is as tender of you as of a member of his own body : and as dear doth he love you . And as sure as he carryed the members of his body into heaven , so sure will he carry thee . And as sure as the members of his natural body are glorified in heaven , so surely will he glorisie thee .

Seventhly , You are the living stones of the Temple , 1 Pet. 2. 5. Thou art cut out of the common quarry with others , as rugged a stone as the rest : but thee hath God pitched upon and chosen to be a polished stone for his own building . When God hath left others he hath pitched on thee . Christian , it little mat●…rs though thou art undervalued of men ; yet herein God hath honored thee , those that men rejected God hath made the chief of the building .

Now put all this together and see whether God hath not done much for you , you are the election of grace , the first born of God , the first fruites of the Creation , the remnant of escape , the Burgesses of heaven , the members of Christ , the living stones of the Temple . O whence should God have praise if not from you ? who should lift up his name if not you ? but ,

Secondly , Consider what God hath done for you as you are the inhabitants of Taunton in p●…rticular . Though the former should ever ring loudest and carry the principal part in your praise ; yet the other may not be forgot●…n .

Now will I sing a song to my welbeloved , touching his vineyard , Isa. 5. 1. The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the Town of Tau●…ton , and the inhabitants thereof his pleasant plant . And now I will tell you what God hath done sor his vineyard . He hath plucked up the fence thereof , and yet it is not eaten up . Her hedges are broken down ; yet they that passe by the way do not pluck her , nor the wild Boars of the sorrest eat her : nor the beasts of the sield devour her . Shee is burnt with fire ; and yet is not burnt up . O what hath God done for his vineyard here ? O remember now , O people what the enemy consulted , and what the Lord answered ; they said come let us curse Taunton and let us defie the people of God : But who shall curse whom the Lord hath not cursed ? And 〈◊〉 whom the Lord hath not defied ? God hath blessed , and who shall reverse it ? happy art thou O people : who is like thee O Taunton , saved by the Lord the shield of thy power , the sword of this excellency ? The archers have shot at thee , yet they have not hurt thee .

Shall I particularize the mercies of God to Taunton ? why , consider he hath been a Savior to you : a shepheard to you : a keeper to you .

1. He hath been a Savior to you . He hath saved your throats from the sword , your habitations from the flames , your lives from the plague your persons from the prison . ( 1. ) He hath saved your Throat from the sword , have you forgotten that you were a people devoted to destruction , by the sons of violence ? but God disappointed them and gave you your lives for a prey .

( 2. ) Your habitations from the flames . The flames have been set in Ambush against you , and yet your habitations are not burnt down to this day .

( 3. ) Your lives from the plague . It hath been devoured by the plague heretofore , and yet it hath not devoured you . How eminently hath God preserved you in this place in the time of common calamity that hath been among others . O think not that it was because those were greater sinners than are in Taunton : No , but because God hath a peculiar intention of saving you . Yet I say to you as Christ ●…o them , think not that those upon whom the Tower in Siloam fell , were greater sinners than any in Jerusalem . I tell you nay , but except you repent ye shall all likewise perish . We have had the same sins , and yet God hath preserved us .

( 4. ) Your persons from the prison . How often hath God preserved you ? he hath been like the cloud upon Israel : and upon all the glory there hath been a defence . Once indeed some of you have tasted of a prison : but what a mercy was it , that it was but once ? I might tell you what a mercy 't is to you , that you have not been troubled with the prelates Courts . but ,

Secondly , God hath been a shepheard to you . Therefore you have not wanted . Who is it that drives you by the still waters , though you are as a lamb in a large place , 't is because God is your shepheard Whence is it that you lye down in green pastures ? 't is because God is your shepheard . How hath God provided for you formerly and of late ?

Thirdly , God hath been a keeper to you . When you were sent to prison God did keep you . O do not forget the mercies of a prison . I beleive , that of all the passages of our lives , many of us have no such experience of Gods mercy as in a prison . O the provision that God did make for us there ! O the constant meals , the sweet meals that God did make for us there .

Brethren now let us thankfully commemorate all these mercies . Let me call upon you as the Psalmist , rejoyce in the Lord , ye righteous ; and again rejoyce O ye people , let your voyce be heard on high . Let us worship and fall down before the Lord our maker . Let it be said , praise waiteth for thee a God in Taunton . Well might praise wait for God in Taunton , for God hath waited to be gracious to us . There was the place that he chose to put his name there . There break 〈◊〉 the Arrows and the spear . Who is like our God who rideth on the Heaven for our help , and on the sky for our aid ? Blessed is the people that heareth the joyful sound , they shall rejoyce in thee O Lord. The Lord is our deliverance , and the holy one of Israel is our King . Shout therefore , O inhabitants of Taunton , for great is the work of the Lord with you . And now , O Lord , Bless them , and accept the work of their hands , and lift them up : and let them lift thee up for ever .

A Sermon preached in order to the Sacrament , on a Sacramental day . Luke . 2. 10 , 11.

And the angel said unto them , ●…ear not : for behold , I bring you good tidings , of great joy , which shall be to all people .

For unto you is born this day in the City of David , a Saviour which is Christ the Lord .

MY Brethren , good tidings , I know must needs be welcome to you at such a time as this . Now God hath sent me to you with the most blessed news that ever came to man : that is , that to you is born a Saviour .

You have here the History of our Saviours birth . The shepheards , they were abroad in the fields watching over their flocks by night , v. 8. and while they were thus diligent in attending their slocks , then the angel brought this news to them . From whence observe by the way , how good it is to be following our lawful callings . The fruits of these tidings was great fear , that fell upon the shepheards when they saw the angel . And against this fear , the angel bid them be of good comfort . Then you have here , the news , behold I bring you good tidings &c. where you have observable . First , Th●…e ●…senger ; the Angel . Secondly , The fruits of it ; great joy to all people . Thirdly , The matter of this news ; That to them was born a Savior . From the words observe this Doctrine .

Doct. That it is the blessedest news that ever came to the ears of man , news worthy of angels from God to be the Messengers of it , that unto us is come a Saviour .

Brethren , I must needs commend the Grace of God to me this day , in making me the messenger of such news to you as this is . I am unworthy to bring you this news , it is for angels to bring this news , they were sent with this message , as you see ; yet God hath been pleased to send me as a Messenger with these tidings to you . Now I shall shew you that this is the best news that ever came to the ears of man , and that .

First , If you consider the deplorable condition that he found man in .

Secondly , If you consider what a great salvation he hath wrought for man .

First , If you consider the deplorable condition that he found us in , we were all gone out of the way : we had fal'n among theeves ; and between sin and Satan , we were robbed and wounded : and this Samaritan found us , and he cured us , and it cost him no less than his own blood . So desperate a disease is sin , that nothing will cure us , but the death of Christ . He found us shut up in sin , and were not able to get out ; and then he roll'd away the stone for us , and knock'd off our fetters , and wrought deliverance for us . This was the misery of mans condition , that he was in a helpless condition , Rom. 5. 6. There was no possibility for us ever to recover our selves . Neither was there help in any other , beside Christ , Act. 4. 12. Heaven nor earth could not find out a way to deliver man , till God found out a way . And because heaven and earth could not find out a way , God and man must come together ; and as he was God he must satisfie ; and as he was man he must suffer ; and so we must come out . He found us stinking in our grave as he did Lazarus . The stinking carrion doth not stink more than we did when Christ found us .

Secondly , If you consider what a great salvation he hath wrought for us . This will appear , if you consider from what he hath saved us ; and how he hath saved us .

First , From what he hath saved us .

First , From the Roaring-Lion .

Secondly , From our raging-lusts .

Thirdly , From the ●…ming furnace .

Fourthly , From the King of terrors .

First , From the roaring Lion . So is our adversary , the Devil called , 1 Pet. 5. 8. This is he that Christ hath delivered us from . We were all in the Paw of this lion , and Christ came and delivered us from him . This is the D●…vid that slew the lion , and the bear , and saved us , when we were like to be destroyed . When Satan did think to triumph over Christ , then did Christ triumph over him . Col. 2. 15. All the powers of hell did combine together , and labored to give Christ the overthrow ; they had brought him to the cross , and there triumph over him , and thought that then they had done all ; and yet then did he overthrow them . Oh! what a mercy is this , to be delivered ( not onely from the bondage of Egypt , but ) from the spiritual Egypt ! Col. 1. 13. Who hath deliveed us from the power of darkness &c. My Brethren , we were fast shut up in prison , in the prison of which Satan was the Jaylor : and there was no possibility of getting loose from him . We were laid up as slaves under him , and were led captive by him at his will . Now what praise do we owe to him , that hath delivered us from such a Tyrant as this ! this is our deliverance , ( Act. 26. 18. ) to be turned from the power of Satan unto God . This hath Christ done for us : he hath delivered us from the power of Satan . We were once in his family , and did his work , Eph. 2. 2 , 3. Eph. 6. 12. They are called the rulers of the darkness of this world . That is , poor ignorant souls , that were lying in our ignorance . And that not some of us onely , but all of us .

Secondly , From our raging lusts . As from the slavery of Satan , so from the dominion of sin . Rom. 6. 14. By Christ we are freed from the dominion of sin . My brethren , Christ doth not onely free us from the damnation , but from the , dominion of sin . To be the servant of sin , is a most miserable slavery . What a mercy is it to be delivered from a master , whose work is drudgery ; and whose wages is destruction ! such a one is Satan . Would it not have pittied us to have seen the poor man in the Gospel , going up and down among the tombs , and doing nothing but cutting and wounding himself ? such a one is every unsanctified person : they go up and down wounding of themselves . And though they feel not their wounds that sin gives them , yet there is a day coming , when ( conscience being awakened ) they will seel it . Do you know , my brethren , what the work is that sin sets us upon ? it is to destroy our selves , John 8. the Jews , they plead that they were free ; and what did our Savior tell them of making them sree ? Oh! but they were servants to their lusts , which was the greatest slavery , my brethren , to be under the power of a mans lusts , is a most perfect slavery . Do but look upon a sinner that hath an enlightned conscience , and see how he rends and tears , and is in a worse condition than the most woofull galley-slave that is in the world . And then he vows and covenants against his sin , and then his sin eggs him on again , and then to his conscience fals upon him . Oh , this is a sad condition ! now this Christ hath delivered us from . Sin will be in us , but Christ hath promised that it shall not raign in us . And this is the blessed deliverance he hath wrought in us ; and this he will perfect at the last day . And by the way , you may see and try whether you have any part in Christ or no. Why how may we know it ? are you delivered from your sins ? though sin be in you , is it there against your consent ? if so , you are they whom Christ dyed for . But if it be in you in its dominion , you have no part nor portion in this matter . A man were better be the most perfect galley-slave in the world , than to be under the power of sin . Now this Christ hath delivered you from .

Thirdly , From the slaming furnace . This is another thing that Christ hath delivered you from . If the furnace heated to shew the terribleness of Nebuchadnezzars rage was so hot , that it burnt up those that cast in the three children ; how hot is the surnace of the Almighty God , that is kindled by him , great rivers of brimstone running out into it , and the breath of the Lord doth kindle it ? Oh , you know not what 't is to be damned ! you may know what 't is to be sick or the like ; but you know not what this word DAMNATION means . 2 Thes. 1. 8 , 9. In 〈◊〉 fire , taking vengeance on them that know not God , &c. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord , and from the glory of his power . When we see wicked men under the Terrors of conscience , how do they wish for death , that they might know what their torment is ? as Spira , and William Rogers . Oh , can you tell what this terrible furnace is ? this is that which Christ , hath delivered us from . When I consider what this gul●… is , I c●…not but wonder at my own and others stupidity , that we are not ever ! ever , praising the Lord ! if the terror of the Lord be so great , that when he doth let out but a drop of it upon a poor creature , how terrible is all that wrath , the treasure of that wrath that is laid up for the ungodly ! Rom. 2. 5. 8. 9. Jam. 5. 3. Those wicked rich men , there , they had , as they thought , heaped up treasures of riches by oppressing the poor : but the Apostle tels them they heaped up treasures of wrath . And this we were all born to , had not Christ cut off the entail . O man , woman , canst think of burning for ever in the fire of the Lords wrath , and not be praising the Lord that thou art yet out of hell ? O bless the Lord , that delivered thee from so great a death : and hath endured such torments that thou mayst be set free . He did bear the rod of Gods wrath that thou mayst be saved to all eternity . If Christ had not been , where had we been ! as the Son of God , coming among the three children , saved them from burning ; so 't is here : 't is Christs coming hath sayed us from burning in this 〈◊〉 surnace . How terrible this furnace is , you may see , Rev. 14. 10. The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God , which is poured out without mixture into the cup of h●… indignation , and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels , and in the presence of the lamb : and the smoak of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever . And they have no rest day nor night . O methinks the very sight of this surnace at a distance should startle our Souls , and make us list up our hands , and eyes , and souls and praise the Lord . O methinks we that are the redeemed of the Lord , we should stand together about the pit , and look down , and list up our hearts and praise the Lord .

Fourthly , From the King of terrors . He hath saved you , as from the Devil , so from Death . You know death is the mortal enemy of man , 't is his great and last enemy : and now this enemy hath Christ destroyed , and delivered us from . And that both from the sting and victory of it .

( First , ) From the sting of death . He hath not delivered us from the stroke of death , but he hath from the sting of death . When the sting is out , the serpent may hisse , but he cannot sting . Death will put you into the possession of that which Christ hath provided for you : so that death now is become desirable , now there is beauty in it . There is no friend can do that for you , that death can do . It will at once deliver you from sin and Satan , and give you a possession in heaven . The Apostle , looking upon death through Christ , longs for death : having a desire to depart &c. Phil. 1. 23. This great robber , through Christ is become our greatest gain . That which would have marr'd us for ever , will now make us for ever . O that this King of terrors should become desirable , what a mercy is this ! O my beloved , did you know what the terrors of death be to an enlightned sinner , you would account it a great priviledge to be sree from the sting of death . When all his comforts are taking their everlasting farewell of him , you would account it a great salvation then . When he shall feel death putting in his cold hands , and pulling out his heart , when he s●…ail see his house of his body falling down about his ears , and he cannot stay there any longer : and he sees the hell-hounds stand about him and waiting upon him to carry him to Hell , O what horror doth this work upon his heart ! this hath Christ delivered us from . Death hath lest its sting in Christ , it can hurt us no longer .

( Secondly , ) From the victory of death . It is true we must lye in the grave for some time ; yet Christ will fetch us thence , in John . 6. He promiseth no lesse than four times , I will raise them up at the last day . And this is the fruit of his purchase , 1 Thes. 4. 14. Christs resurrection is a certain pledge of ours , so 1 Cor. 15. Therefore let us not fear death , but embrace it with comfort : for death cannot touch our souls : it cannot deliver us over into the second death . He that overcometh , shall not be hurt of the second death . Therefore let us not fear death , but let our slesh rest in hope . When we dye , we may commit our bodies to the dust with comfort : it cannot hurt our souls ; and it shall keep our bodies but a little while neither . God will receive our souls immediately ; & our bodies after a little while . How doth Job comfort himself in this ? I know that my redeemer liveth ; and though after my skin worms destroy this body , yet in my slesh shall I see God , &c. Thus may we triumph over death , that in this flesh we shall see God . And though death for the present do make such work upon us , and cast us into the grave , yet the earth will be but the mould wherein we shall receive a glorious body , so that death shall conduce to our great advantage . This is no little victory , to be able to triumph with the Apostle . O death , where is thy victory ? This is no small priviledge . Bless your redeemer for this priviledge . What a priviledge well this be , when all the Sons and daughters of God shall be brought sorth and made to stand up before him ? then it shall appear that the grave was not able to hold them . Then will they triumph , and sing songs of salvation , when they shall set their feet upon their last enemy , death .

Secondly , It will appear what blessed news this is , if you consider , how he hath saved you . He hath saved you two ways , by might , and by merit .

●…irst , By merit , Brethren , your salvation cost your redeemer dear , no less a price than his own invaluable blood . O believer , look upon thy self , art not thou a worthless thing to be redeemed with the price of Christs blood ? O how should we admire the goodness of Christ here ? we are not worthy that Christ 〈◊〉 s●…end one of his thoughts upon us , much less that he should spend his blood for us .

Seconly , By might , my brethren , it was absolutely requisite for our salvation , that our redeemer . as he should be of infinite merit , so of infinite might . If he had not been of infinite merit , he could never have been purchaser of heaven for us . The soul of one man is more worth than a whole world : and then what worth or value must that be of , that is able to buy a world of souls ? and yet this purchaser must be able to buy heaven too : and this hath Christ done for us . Could heaven and earth have done this ? no , no , it would have broken them all if they had done it . But now Christ hath done all for us : and therefore he must be of insinite merit . And not infinite in merit onely but might too : for he was to bear all the wrath of God , and to bring us off with victory . If the wrath of Gods finger be so intolerable , that it makes poor creatures to cry out under it , what is the wrath of his loins ? and if the wrath of God against one man is so great , what is his wrath against so many men ?

When the price was laid down , the devil would not yield up his hold , till Christ must come and cast him down , and pluck us from him . And therefore it was necessary that our redeemer should be of infinite power . He hath destroyed him that had the power of death , that is the devil . Ah brethren , we may behold the Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross , bowing himself as Sampson did , and pulling down the house about his enemies , and carrying away the posts and all , and setting us free . This is our Sampson that hath carryed all away , and destroyed our enemies for us . The price was sufficient to satisfie the justice of God for us : but when the price was paid , and paid to God ; then Satan would not let us go : and therefore he must be overcome too .

First Use , Is it such blessed news that to us is born a Savior ? then my brethren , let this stir you up to Joy and thankfulness for this salvation . O let me hear you say with Mary , my soul doth magnifie the Lord , my Spirit hath rejoyced in God my Savior , Luke 1. 46. Brethren , methinks you should now meet your redeemer with songs of salvation . Methinks you should come forth to meet him , as they did Saul and David , when they returned from their victory , the women came out , singing and dancing &c. and they answered one another as they played , saying , Saul hath slain his thousands , and David his ten thousands . Thus should you meet your Redeemer . You should go forth to meet him as Miriam and the women with her with timbrels and with dancings , and sing unto the Lord , Exod. 15. 20. 21. Oh brethren , with what joyful heart should you welcome Jesus Christ your Savior ! this is glad ●…idings to all them that are saved by him . Blessed be God that giveth us cause to triumph in him . 'T is true , in many other things it goes sad with us : but here is cause always for us to ●…o triumph in Christ , for the Spiritual deliverance that he hath wrought for you ; which is a sure pledge that Christ will deliver you in outward respects . How blessed a time was the year of Jubile to the slaves that were in bondage how did they reckon every day and week till it came ? how glad was that sound that sounded their deliverance ? methinks I see the prison doors open , and the prisoners running out and crying , salvation to our God . O methinks nothing but the songs of salvation should be heard in your tabernacles . O let not complaining be heard for outward calamities . What are those outward flea-bitings to that which our Savior hath delivered us from ? go home and blesse the Lord : and what ever ill news you hear , let this comfort your heart that Christ hath made such a deliverance for you .

Second Use , Is it such blessed news &c. then this reproves our unthankfulness for Christ , and the news of Christ in the Gospel . Oh brethren , how is it that the praise of our redeemer is no more in our hearts , and no more heard in our mouths ? how is it that we can be so unmindful of , and ●…thankful for this Saviour ? hath God sent us●… Saviour , and shall not we be thankful for him ? It is a great sin to be unthankful for his creatures ; but how much more to be unthankful for his Christ ? he hath given you Christ , and what can he give you more ? how is it that you are so seldome in blessing the Lord for this mercy ? bless the Lord , O my soul , ( saith David ) and forget not all his benefits : that is , none of his benefits . If God had given you all this worlds goods , and had not given you Christ , what would it have done for you ? what had it been , but a smooth and pleasant way to hell ? what if the Lord had given you honor , and made your brethrens sheaf to bow before yours , and had not given you Christ ; what good would it have done you ? if a man were condemned at London , to be hang'd drawn and quartered , and were to be brought down into the Country to be executed , and all his way should be strowed with rushes , and he attended with Musicians , what would all this have done him ? O what should we have done , if Christ had had not step'd in and s●…ved us ! none could have redeemed man but Christ . Heaven and Hell , and the Earth and the Sea would have said it is not in me : all the things in the world could never have satisfied for our sins . Wilt thou look to thy brethren ? wilt thou look to the angels ; they could not do it . The Spirits of just men made perfect could not save themselves : none could do it but Christ : and can you be unmindful of this ? the Heavens and the Earth will be astonished at this , if you are not thankful for it .

There are two things that will heighten this ●…in .

First , Because Christ hath given you so many helps to it .

Secondly , Because thankfulness is all that he expects from us .

First , Because he hath given us so many helps . All the calls and invitations of the Gospel are as so many helps to this duty . But more than these , he hath appointed a special day , and a special ordinance .

First , A special day . The Sabbath day . Wherefore was this day changed ? but that you may be mindful of this mercy ?

( Secondly , ) A special Ordinance . The Sa●… of the Supper is appointed upon this account that we might remember this mercy to our souls .

Secondly , It is much aggravated by this , because this is all that he expects from you , for all that he hath suffered for you . Christ hath done and suffered beyond all you can conceive , or I can expresse to you : and what Homage doth he now expect from you ? nothing but that you should be thankful to him . And will you be unthankful now for this mercy ? This is that he expects by way of requital and return , that you be thankful , Had the Lord required some great thing of you , or some hard condition , if he would have dyed for you and redeemed you , would you not have done it ? and how much more , now he hath done it , and and requires no more but this , that you be thankful ? had you lain but one million of years in hell , with what gladness would you have heard that sound , that he would have redeemed you ? would you have stood upon the terms ? no , no , any terms then should have served .

Third Use , Then prepare to receive your Saviour . Oh if he be come , take heed that you receive him in . Let him not complain of you as he did of his native Country-men the Jews , that he came unto his own , and his own received him not . When this news come , that there was a Savior born , one would have thought that all the world should have received him with triumph : but there was no room for him in all the world , but he was thrust out in the m●…nger . Let it not be so with you .

Question , But how shall we receive him ? I shall shew you whither and how .

First . Whither you shall receive him . receive him into your hearts ; not in your stal , as he was at first , but into your parlour , into your hearts . Your parlour , is but a stable . Thou mayst wonder that Christ will accept of thy heart , send the key of your hearts to Christ , let him take his choice where to lye : give him the upper room in your hearts .

Secondly , How , or after what manner you should receive him .

( First , ) As the Centurion did , humbly . I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof . So should you receive him , with a deep sence of your everlasting unworthiness . Receive him with a lively sence of your sins , that you have wronged him . This is a right receiving of Christ , when he is received penitently . Thus did that woman entertain him : and Christ liked better of this , than of the Pharisce . Luke 7. She received Christ in her heart . This is the entertainment , that he is well pleased with : receive him thus , and this will be acceptable to him . Though thou hast nothing at all in thee , but the sence of thy nothingness , Christ will be sure to accept of this .

( Secondly , ) Receive him , as ●…cheus did , Joyfully , When Christ call'd him down from the tree , and told him that salvation was come to his house , how glad was the mans heart ? Luke 19. O methinks I see with what unspeakable joy he received him . He thought not of Christ's coming to his house : his highest ambition was that he might have a sight of Christ : and Christ sees and takes notice of it , and tels him that Salvation was come to his house . O methinks , I should see thee looking as he did , when Christ will come this way where thou art . Why , now he is come in his ordinances , now receive him joyfully , take him into thy heart . Let thy joy break out , as the waters of Jordan did ; or as when the Lord broke up the fountain of the great deep . Brethren , one would think , that one should need no arguments to perswade miserable captives to receive a Savior . O how welcome would such offers be to them that are in captivity ? Brethren , if ever you have seen your lost condition without Christ , you cannot but receive him when he is offered to you . O methinks this Name of JESUS should be marrow to your bones , and wine to your hearts , and Musick to your ears . Oh as God hath , so do you . give him a name above every name . This blessed name , the name of Jesus , methinks it should be as oynment poured forth upon you , giving a sweet smell .

Thirdly . Receive him as old Simeon did , believingly . You must clasp the arms of your faith about him . O how sweetly did old Simeon clasp him in his arms ? but you must think that he did clasp him more gladly in his heart . If you will but entertain him , Christ and Salvation come to every one in this house .

Fourthly , Take him submissively . So as to be subject to him . He hath wrought out Salvation for you ; therefore let him rule over you .

A Thanksgiving Sermon , preached on the 10th . of July , 1665. at Mr. R. M's by Mr. Joseph Alleine , &c. Psalm 147. 20. He hath not dealt so with any Nation — praise ye the Lord .

THe sweet Psalmist of Israel , a man skilful in praises , doth begin and end this Psalm with Allelujah . In the body of the psalm he doth set forth the mercy of God , both toward all creatures in general in his common providence ; and towards his Church in particular . So in this close of the psalm : He sheweth his word unto Jacob , and his statutes to Israel He hath not dealt so with any nation . In the original , 't is he hath not dealt so with every nation . That is , with 〈◊〉 nation .

In the Text you may observe a position , and a conclusion . A position . And that is , that God deals in a singular way of mercy with his people above all other people . And then the Conclusion , praise ye the Lord .

Doct. That God deals in a singular way of mercy with his people , and therefore expects singular praises from his people .

God expects of his people , return of praise according to the mercy that they have received . 〈◊〉 , was a man not altogether forgetful of the mercy of God ; yet he rendred not according to the benefit he had received from God . Christ expects that ( Math. 5. 47. ) his disciples should do more than others : that seeing they do receive more from him in a way of mercy they should return him the more praise and glory .

The Application ( my Brethren ) is unto you . If God do expect that his people should do more than others , see that you do accordingly . Let this be a provocation to you , my Brethren , to lift up your hearts and voyces in the praises of the Lord . What people doth the Lord expect such returns from , as from this people ? he hath not dealt so with any people , therefore he expects praises from you more than from any other people . Therefore consider with me what the Lord hath done for you more than for any others . If we look upon our selves as common members of the nation , and so God hath done more for us than for any others . Or if we look upon our selves with reference to the particular place to which we belong , and so God hath done more for us than he hath done for others , or , if we look upon our selves as to our particular persons , God hath dealt with us so , as he hath not dealt with any other people .

First , Let us look upon the mercies of God to us and the nation in common . Surely we may say with the Psalmist , he hath not dealt so with any nation . This is a land which he hath set his heart upon , and watche●… over it from one end of the year to the other . I will not speak of the outward mercies of this nation , though we have a Land slowing with milk and 〈◊〉 . I will speak to spiritual blessings . Oh , let it be remembred by us what spiritual mercies we have had ! how soon did the Lord plant the Gospel with us ? and how long hath it continued to us ? what would the world have been without the Gospel ? what is the world without the Sun , but the beginning of Hell as it were ? I may say of you blessed are your eyes , for they see : and blessed are your ears , for they hear . Psa. 89. 15. Blessed are the people that hear the joyful sound , they shall walk in the light of his countenance , and in his name shall they rejoyce . None can tell what a blessing the Gospel is . Blessed be God who hath brought to light immortality through the Gospel . Oh! think upon our fathers who went into the land of forgetfulness by thousand 's and had none to teach them . And how long hath the Gospel continned here ? we have it from good History , that in the primitive times the Gospel was planted here . And when the Gospel was again clouded by the invasion of the bloody Saxons , that were heathens , God was pl●… to send Ministers again to propagate the Gospel , which was about 600 years after Christ , when Austin was sent over from Rome . 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after , God raised up famous preachers of the Gospel .

And though God was pleased to suffer another cloud to cover the Gospel , when Antichrist prevailed ; God raised up from one time to another , some to testifie against him , and to seal it with their blood .

But I 〈◊〉 more particularly speak of these 〈◊〉 mercies of God to our nation . God hath made this nation signal in mercy . First , In the multitude of her converts . Secondly , In the honour of her 〈◊〉 . Thirdly , In the Crown of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Fourthly , The glory of her Ministers . Fifthly , Her singular and choice deliverances .

〈◊〉 , In the 〈◊〉 of her converts . Herein God hath blessed this n●…tion above other n●…tions , an●… herein we have cause to blesse the Lord . There is but little of the profession of Godliness in other nations , to what there is in this n●…tion , 〈◊〉 a great glory to any place or people to have a multitude of converts born to God out of it . This was the commendation of those places , that this , and that man was born there , Ps●…lm 87. 4 , 5 , 6. This is cause of singular joy and praise which they were wont to sing to the Lord in those days with instruments of Musick .

Secondly , In the honour of her Sabbaths . This is that , my Brethren , where in the Lord hath vouchsafed singular favor to this nation Oh , bless God for honoring this nation with his Sabbaths as he hath done : that they should be so sa●…ctisied as they be . Nehemiah reckoneth this as a singular mercy of God to them . So Isaiah 58. 13. Thou shalt call the Sabbath a delight , and shalt honor it . If you honour them , they will be an honour and blessing to you .

Thirdly , In the Crown of her Martyrs . Ah Brethren , this is the Crown of glory upon the head of England , that God should raise up so many Martyrs in this kingdome , of our flesh , and kindred : that there should be so many caught up like Elijah in siery Chariots to heaven . Who can tell of what effect their prayers and blood hath been for our good ? so that according to that holy prophesic of Latimer , when going to the stake , God hath lighted up such a light by this as shall never be put out .

Fourthly , In the glory of her ministers . Brethren , I confess my self not worthy to speak to you of the worth of this mercy . However vain men have accounted them the off-scouring of the world , &c. yet you whose hearts are touched with the sence of spiritual blessings , you must needs know and understand , the Ministers of Christ not onely to be the glory of the nation , but are so far honored as to be said to be the glory of Christ , 2 Cor. 8. 23. Oh , blesse the Lord this day , that he hath blessed this nation with such an unspea●… bl●…ssing . Do not undervalue such a mercy . T is a Cov●…ant-gift of Christ to his Church . He gave some Apostles some Pastors and Teachers . And 't is part of the grand Legacy that Christ hath bequeathed to believers in the Gospel ; 〈◊〉 Paul or Apollo all are yours . And though God hath now observed this mercy ye we may not forget former mercies . Neither hath God l●…t them unuseful , you know , neither to your nor others souls . In this respect I may boldly say , God hath not dealt so with any 〈◊〉 . Those that have had experience intravelling other Countries have sadly bewailed this , how little heat and vigor there is in the labor of the Ministers abroad , in other nations for the most part .

Fifthly , In her singular and choise deliverances . Herein hath God dealt with us signally . I would that all those mercies might be remembred by us this day to our fore-fathers : for they were our mercies though not in our days . Oh , what a mercy was it that God did deliver us from the Spanish invasion ; This mercy was our mercy and therefore we may not forget it . And then when they thought to do that by plot , what they could not do by force in the powder-plot , when they were like to cut o●… the 〈◊〉 of our nation at one blow . God was pleased you know to prevent it just at the nick of time , and bring it upon their own heads Oh , what cause have we to bless the Lord , who saved us from so cruel a bondage , as neither we nor our fathers were able to bear ? Oh forget not such a mercy wherein God hath broken the yoke and brought in that light that h●… hath commanded into the nation .

Secondly , If we com nearer , & look upon the Place of our desires , you shall find that he hath not dealt so with any other place . If you consider it , in the long 〈◊〉 of your Ministry . The powerful success of the Gospel . In the peace and unity of its professors . In the plenty and variety of its provision . In the strange preservation of your liberty . In s●…ving you by your enemies Counsel . In emin●…nt and gracious returns of your prayers . in keeping you from the Ecclesiastical Courts . In your glorious Salvations and deliverances . Put these nine things together , and tell me whether God 〈◊〉 dealt so with any place as with this place .

First , In the long continuance 〈◊〉 your Ministry . Forty years was God striving with Isracl , but many more years hath God been striving with Taunton i●… the powerful preaching of the Gospel . We read of Gods comming the first and s●…cond year , and 〈◊〉 no f●…uit , would have cut it down the third , had not 〈◊〉 dressor prayed sor it . But 't is not three years , but threescore years that God hath come waiting on Taunton , notwithstanding all their praying , and their great unprositableness for the greatest part of them . I beseech you think of it . Is it a little mercy ? there are many of you that have been born and bred under the powerful preaching of the Gospel . Look upon many other places , and how many may you see left to blind guides ? Oh , bless God that you have not been bred up under such Ministers , and in such places . It was the lot of many , and it might have been your lot to have been brought up there .

How many places may you look upon again , where there have been excellent Ministers , and they have been flocked to from all about : but God hath put out those lights , and now if you come there , you shall scarce find the very foot steps of Religion . And God might have done so to you , but God hath sent you one Minister after another , one out of one Country , another out of another for you . Oh blesse the Lord for it .

Secondly , In the powerful success of the Gospel . True it is , and sadly to be bewailed , the Gospel hath not had so desired an efficacy : but however , we must not forget Gods signal and singular mercy to this place , in that he hath brought so many to the profession of his Gospel . Oh , how many Parishes are there where professors are so thin , that they are for signs and wonders , to be pointed at ? Oh bless the Lord that he hath cast your lines in that place , where there are so many to strengthen your hands . How doth David bemoan himself in the want of this mercy , that he dwelt in the tents of Kedar ! you might have lived out in those places and Parishes where you might have had none to help you .

Thirdly , In the peace and unity of its professors . Here in God hath been singular in his mercy . This is a mercy not slightly to be valued . Do but look abroad into other Cities and Towns , and see what work there hath been by the breaches that have been made one upon another . Oh , do but consider the mischief of strife and contention , and you will be raised to praise , Jam. 3. 16. Where envying and strife is , there is every evil work . Oh blesse the Lord that the hearts of believers have been made one in this place , Psal. 133. 1. How good and beautiful is it to see Brethren dwell together in unity ? blesse the Lord you his people , because the Lord hath blessed his people with peace .

Fourthly , In the plenty and variety of its provision . Oh remember this this day , and forget not how God hath provided for you all along : and that at that day , when you did account that all was cut off . How little did we dream of such a mercy ? had any told us then of these things , we should have replied as that Lord did , behold if the Lord would make windows in heaven might this thing be ? Ah Brethren , should it have been told you before-hand that for so many years after that fatal day you should spend so many Sabbaths in the worship of God , and so many Sermons in one Sabbath and so many Ministers sent to you , and so many Sacraments to feed you as you have had , you would have been ready to say , if the Lord should open windows in heaven could this thing be ? and yet all this God hath done for you . Oh blesse the Lord for this mercy .

Fifthly , In the strange preservation of your Liberty . Herein hath God been singular in his mercy to you ; hath not Christ fulfilled his word to you , he that loseth his life for my sake , ( so he that loseth his liberty for my sake ) shall 〈◊〉 it ? you have hazarded your liberties and have ●…ept them . Many have declined their duty to preserve their liberty : but blessed be God that you have adventured your liberty and God hath kept you in safety . Indeed , I can give you no time of your liberty : but I can assure you that if you lose it sor him , you shall 〈◊〉 by your losse . Methinks Christ says to us as to his disciples , wh●… I s●…nt you sorth without shooes or scrip , 〈◊〉 ye any thing ? and they said , nothing : so here , when you have gone sorth adventuring your liberties for Christ , have you lost them ? you 〈◊〉 say , no.

Sixthly , I●… s●…rving you by your 〈◊〉 Counsel . ●…ow visibly hath God turned what the enemy intended for ●…vil , to be good to us ? so we may say as Joseph to his Br●…thren , as for you you th●…ght ●…vil to me , but God meant it for good . You know how they have despightfully removed the Magistracy of the place , but behold how much the Lord hath turned it for your good ! had they set up a Magistracy , it had been the losse of your liberty . They had a spightful eye upon you ; and it was thought that 〈◊〉 long agone would have been too hot for her inhabitants ; & yet behold what freedome and liberty we have lived in ! behold , men curse , but God hath blessed us the more . Oh , how strange a thing is this that you should eat and drink in peace ! and go forth and come in in peace ! that you should attend the ordinances in peace .

Seventhly , In eminent and gracious returns to your prayers . Brethren , this is not to be forgotten this day . Returns of prayer , do certainly call for great returns of praise . It hath been observed by those that have bin longer with you , than I , that they never remember that God was earnestly sought unto for any particular mercy in this place but he did s●…d a visible return ; except once , when if God had sent you an answer according to your prayer , it had been the hazzarding of the people of God in this place . So that I may say to you , what people is like to you , who have God so near unto you in all that you have 〈◊〉 upon him for ?

Eighthly , In keeping you ●…om the ●…astical Courts . This is a mercy that we should be mindful os . Indeed all along the Churchmalignant , have been one os the persecuting enemies of the Church o●… God . Witness the Scribes and Pharises . Witness the 〈◊〉 , who were all a long the stirrers up os men against the Church . And so in divers 〈◊〉 men of late . Nay , and at this day , through the rigour of these Courts , especially in óther Counties , many stand excommunicated : many are threatned with Writs , and some taken and cast into prison for term life , unless God raise som unexpected means . Now of all places one would have thought that we should have been dragged to prison by them . And yet you see how God hath preserved us .

Ninthly , In your glorious Salvations and d●…liverances . Oh , my Brethren remember and forget not the dealings of God with this place . Let God hear of it throughout your praises now ●…his day , what he hath done for you , in saving youwith such wonderful Salvation . The Sword , and Famine , and Plague , and Fire have been upon you to consume you ; and yet you are here to blesse the Lord at this day , methinks the Lord cals upon you as in Micah . 6. 5. O my people , remember now what Balaak King of Moab consulted , and what Balaam the Son of Beor answered him , from Shittim unto Gilgal , that you might know the rightcousness of the Lord . Such is the Language of the Lord to you . Remember now what thine enemies consulted against thee : howthey had gathered themselves against thee and besieged thee , and did resolve to devour thee with thy children , and not to leave thee one stone upon another . O remember my people when your houses were on fire , and the Plague in the street , and the widdows crying , and the children fatherless crying . Ah! pittiful condition . O remember now how I have helped thee , that thou mightest know that I am the Lord thy Savior .

Thirdly , If we come yet nearer , and look upon our selves with reference to our particular persons , as we are Christians , and so God hath done more for us than he hath don for any others beside , therefore praise you the Lord .

And here I am in such a field that I know not the way out , you are the members of Christ , the children of your father which is in heaven : what hath God done for you ! O you that fear the Lord , praise the Lord . You may stand amazed to see what the Lord hath wrought ●…or your souls . This is the Life of all , when you can remember the everlasting loving kindnesse of God to you . O friends consider now , you that are the Lords peculiar people ; consider what God hath done for you above all other people .

Consider he hath made you , the people of his choice . The pillars of his name . The vessels of his glory . The Temples of his presence . The Trumpets of his praise . The men of his Counsel . The Jewels of his Crown . The Inheritors of his Kingdom . Herein God hath done more for you then for others : and should not you do more than others ? look upon these things , and see then whether you should not do more for God than others .

First , You are the people of his choice , when others are but the refuge . You are the pillars of his name , when others are but broken and uselesse pot-sheards . You are the vessels of his glory , when others are the vessels of his wrath . You are the Temples of his presence , when others are the styes of uncleanness . You are the Trumpets of his praise , when others are the instruments of unrighteousness . You are the men of his Counsel , when others are strangers and Aliens . You are the Jewels of his Crown , when others are but the drosse and lumber . You are the Inheritors of his Kingdom , whe●… others are the Sons of perdition . Look over these things , and see what God hath done for you more than he hath done for others .

But methinks , I see something that will spoil and damp all . Oh , says the poor soul , I am afraid that this is not my right . I should bless ●…he Lord indeed were I sure that all this were mine . How shall I know that this is my condition ?

Now lest unbeleif and distrust should damp your Joy , and spoyl your work of praise , let me shew you to whom I speak : and let you know , how you may know that you are those that I speak to . Let me shew you in two marks , whereby you may come certainly to know it : you may know it by your Car●… , and by your Comforts . What is your chief care and your chief comfort ? look upon your selves and judge of your selves by these two marks .

First , By your Cares . Brethren , what is the chief care of your heart ? what is it that lies with most weight upon your heart ? or that you do prosecute with most care in your life ? you are the people of God if this be your great care , to please God , eschew sin , and save your selves . If this be your great care , then you are the men . Methinks this should not be so hard to be discerned . Dost thou not know what is the main scope and drift of thy life ?

First , To please God . If this be your great endeavour whether you are present or absent , alone or in company , that you may please God , this is the true disposition of Gods servants . Do you study to watch over your hearts as in Gods sight ? and carry it in your lives as of sincerity and in the sight of God ? 2 Cor. 1. 12. and 2. 17. Is your labor of love , and work of saith ( that is , working faith ) and your patience of hope ( in bearing the Crosse ) not in vain-glory but in sincerity ? do you study so to walk as to approve your hearts to God , that you endeavor to please him ? that you might do those things that are pleasing in his sight ? then know and be assured that you are the people to whom this doth belong . If God say well done , you have your hearts desire , let the world say what they will to you .

Secondly , To ●…chew sin . This was Jobs character , that he was a man fearing God and ●…chewing sin , Job 1. 8. This was Davids mark , that he did not regard iniquity in his heart Psalm 66. 8. This was that did comfort Paul , as the sure evidence of his sincerity , though he did evil many times , being overtaken with temptation , yet he allowed it not , Rom. 7. 18. Brethren , what is your greatest fear ? do you study duty more than safty ? do you fear sin more than danger ? do you keep up a constant watch against sin , all sin , little sins , secret sins , heart sins , especially are you afraid of your constitution-sin , your sweet sin ? And do you prosecute against this with double diligence ?

Thirdly , To save your souls . This was Pauls care , 1 Cor. 9. latter end . I therefore so run , not as uncertainly : so fight I , not as one that be●…eth the Air : but I keep under my body and bring it into subjection lest that by any means when I have preached to others I my self should be a cast away . He was one that was in good carnest he did run as one in a race : and fight as one for his life : and all lest he should come short of that salvation , that he had preached to others . So Phil. 3. 13 , 14. One thing I do — I press toward the mark for the price of the high-calling . His eye was upon the Crown of Life . And this is so far from sinful mercenariness , that 't is made the condition of eternal Life : that they are such who by patient continua●…ce in well doing , seek for glory honor , immortality ; eternal Life , Rom. 2. 7. Now Brethren , what say you to this ? what is your great care , and what is your great enquiry that you enquire after ? Is it what shall I do to be rich or great ? Is it with the carnal company , who will shew us any good ? any outward good , a good bargain or the like , or with him , Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us . And with the convert in the Acts , Sir , what must I do to be saved ? howshall I secure my soul ? what can you say to this ! Do you first and above all seek the Kingdom of God ?

Secondly , As you may know it by your cares . so by your comforts . Is it the great comfort of your lives to converse with God ? and is he your portion and treasure ? a mans treasure may be known by his heart . Is it that that doth yeild the sweetest comfort and content to your hearts ? are your sweetest hours , the hours that you spend with God ? do you never more enjoy your selves , than when you most enjoy God . And is this your ordinary frame , except in a time of temptation , or under desertion ? and when 't is otherwise are you out of your center , and cannot be quiet till you be otherwise ? Is God your refuge and riches , your portion , your principal choice , your Treasure ? and do you bless your selves in him ? can you say there is more gladness in your hearts , in the favor and enjoyment of God , than when the Corn and Wine and Oyl increaseth ? do you indeed prefer a day in his Courts , before a thousand in the pleasures of the wicked , and tents of wickedness ? If it be thus with you habitually , then you bear upon you the certain characters of Gods people . And rejoyce you with joy unspeakeable and full of glory , and boast your selves in him : for all the things that I shall speak of , belong to you . And now if you find it thus with you , then apply to your selves these following comforts . And blesse your selves in your God , he hath done more for you , than for any others .

First , You are the people of his choice , when others are but the refuse . O my Brethren , I may say to you , as God said to Israel by Moses , Deut. 7. 6. For thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God , the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people to himself , above all people of the earth . This is your case , I beseech you Christians , erect you faith , and let not your consideration be idle . Hear him speaking thus to you , as in Exod. 19. 5. You shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people , for all the earth is mine . Ah , beloved I must call upon you to rejoyce in the Lord : and again must I call upon you to rejoyce : and lift up your heads before the Lord ; you are the chosen vessels of the Lord . What! will you hear these things with low Affections and common hearts . Do you believe or do you not ? If you do not , why are you called Christians ? If you do , Oh what an extasie of Joy should your hearts be raised too ? Oh look upon the miserable condition of the perishing world , the reprobate world ! look down , and see what burnings do betide them ! better for them that they had never been born . And shall it but a little affect you that God hath seperated you from them all ? I may say of you , as the Apostle doth with thankfulness of his Thessalonians , 2 Thess. 2. 13. We are bound to give thanks to God for you Brethren , beloved of the Lord , because God hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation . Oh how should you bless the Lord for his eternal purpose , which he purposed toward you , Eph. 1. 4. O let sree grace now be exalted , hath God made you . ( I mean believers ) to be the choice of his heart , and will you hear this with little and low affections , as if it did but little concern you , when you are the people of Gods choise ? Oh how did Christ bless the Lord for you ! and should not you for your s●…lves ? he was transported with Joy for this , ●…ke . 10. 21. He rejoyced in spirit and said Father I thank thee that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and h●…st made them known to babes . And he calls upon his Disciples to rejoyce in this : rejoyce not in this that the devils are made subject to you : but rejoyce in that your names are written in heaven . Your names are written in the lambs book of life , while others are written in the ●…rth . What! are there , but few chosen in the world , and are you some of those few ? and will you not rejoyce in this ? Oh rejoyce in this . God speaks of your priviledges as if they were already come , Heb. 12. 22. But you are come to 〈◊〉 Sion , to the Church of th●… living God , the heavenly Jerusalem , and to an 〈◊〉 company of 〈◊〉 , to the general assembly , and Church of the 〈◊〉 - 〈◊〉 , which 〈◊〉 written in heaven , and to God the judge of 〈◊〉 , and to the spirits of just ●…en ●…ade perfect , and to Jesus the mediator of the New Cove●… .

Secondly , You are the pill●…rs of his name , when others are but broken , useless pot sheards . My brethren , God hath raised you up for quite another end , than he hath others . You know what the Lord speak of Pharaoh , Exod. 9. 16. And in every deed for this cause have I raised thee up , to shew in thee my power , that my name may be declared throughout all the earth . That God might shew in him the power of his wrath and severity . But now beloved , you are raised up for another end , that you may bear up the name of God , and be the instruments of the glory of God before all men . God hath no active glory from the rest of the world . But you are the people whom God hath raised up on purpose for his name and for his glory , ●… S●… . 18. 18. Absolom , we read had taken and reared a pillar for himself : and he called the pillar after his own name . Thus hath the Lord God erected you as pillars to keep up 〈◊〉 name in remembrance . For the unreasonable Creatures they cannot , but by dumb and silent 〈◊〉 to man , praise their Creator . For the ungodly , they do the contrary , they dishonor his name . And were it not for you , the name of God would not be kept up in the world . God would be cast out , and the very remembrance of him out of his own world . Oh my brethren , I may say of you , of every one of you that are believers , as God speak concerning Paul , Act. 9. 15. You are chosen vessels to bear Gods name before the world . Alas ! for others ! of how little use are they in the world ? this is a miserable case to be of no use ; better to have no being than to be of no use . How contemptible doth the Lord speak of that wicked King Coniah ? he calls him a despised broken Idol . Such a kind of one is every unsanctified person , they are but as broken useless pot-sheards : let them be so great as they will , yea they are worse than for no purpose , they are for bad purposes . Oh , what cause have you then to bless the Lord , that you are the people that must bear up his name ?

Thirdly , You are the vessels of his glory , when others are the vessels of his wrath , you are not as others , vessels of wood and stone ; but you are all vessels of gold and silver : vessels not to dishonor , but to honor . Vessels sanctified , and made meet for the Masters use , and prepared for every good work , 2 Tim. 2. 20 , 21. Ah brethren , read ( and rejoyce with trembling ) what is written , Rom. 9. 18. onward , where the Apostle lively sets forth this great distinction . H●… hath mercy on whom he will have mercy , and whom he will he hardeneth . Hath not the potter power over the clay to make one vessel to honor and another to dishonor ? What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known , endured with much long suffering the vessels of wrath sitted to destruction : and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which he had afore prepared unto glory ? Ah brethren , when others are vessels of wrath sitted to destruction , you are vessels of mercy , vessels of glory made for this blessed use and service that you may be the instruments of Gods glory and mercy before the world : that God may take you and single you out at the great day , when you shall be severed as a man severeth the sheep from the goats . God shall take you and single you out before the world , and tell the world , what a God can do for a poor creature : to make you the monuments of his magnificence and bounty , to shew how he could exalt the dust of the earth . This is the use you serve for in the world . Do not live as if you were made for little things , and for little use : you are made for this use , that you should be vessels prepared to have the infinite fulness of God pouring into you , as vessels standing by for the same purpose , and runing over to all eternity . When you shall be ever full and running over with the glory of God . When the Al-sufficiency of God shall be for ever emptying it self into you . How is it that God hears no more of you ? hath he done so for any other ? no , he hath prepared them for vessels of wrath on whom he will be pouring out his wrath to a●…l eternity . Both of these vessels were made of one sort of clay ; and yet see what difference here is that free-grace hath made .

Fourthly , You are the Temples of his presence , when others are the styes of uncleanness , God doth live in you , and walk in you : this is the honor that God doth put upon you . The Apostle tels you , that you are Gods hou●…e , Heb. 3. And God sayes of you his spiritual house , as he did of the Typical house , ( for the sence belongs more to the thing typified , then to the house , ) 1 Kings 9. 3. God says of every believer as of that house , I have hallowed this house to put my name there for ever . And mine eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually . Thus doth God for th●…e believer , that art his house . Or as it is in , 2 Kings 21. 7. In this house and in Jerusalem which I have chosen out of all the Tribes of Israel will I put my name for ever . That was but a typical Temple , you are the real Temples of the holy Ghost , 1 Cor. 6. 19. What , know you not that your body is the Temple of the holy Ghost which is in you , which ye have of God , and ye are not your own ? every believer , is a real Temple wherein God is especially present , so 1 Cor. 3. 16. Know you not that you are the Temple of God ? and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you ? Brethren , if you indeed believe , methinks this priviledge should be matter of unspeakable Joy to you . What! art thou of no meaner use then this to be a habitation of God through the spirit ? What! art thou a Temple for God to dwell in ? will God make of this Soul a Temple , where all manner of lusts have dwelt ? and say of thy soul , here will I dwell for ever , this is my rest for I have desired it ? Oh , adore the riches of Gods condescending grace ! others are the vessels of uncleanness , the coffins of rottenness , in whom Satan hath set up his throne , 't is true of every wicked man , what God sayes of Coniah , Jer. 22. 28. He is a vessel wherein is no pleasure , He is a vessel of the most noisome filthyness in the world .

Fifthly , You are the trumpets of his praise , when others are the instruments of unrighteousness . O what base use are the others put too , in their bonds of wickedness ? to the worst of drudgery . They are the vessels of sin , and slaves of Satan , Rom. 6. 16. a miserable service ! this is a miserable Master indeed ! none have such miserable lives as those who have the work of sin to do●… Why , would it not pity ones heart to see a company of poor Creatures laboring and toyling for their own ruine ? to see them tugging and sweating hard at , it were to carry together faggots for their own burning . This is that the wicked are doing , they are but treasuring up the wrath of God against themselves at the last day , they are but carrying together faggots and fewel for their own burning .

They labor and sweat all their days to pile up faggots and fewel , pile upon pile , to fill Tophet for their own burning . But you are not of this use , you are to be the Trumpets of Gods praise . Oh blessed employment ! your work is the work of Angels , whiles others are doing the work of Devils . Isaiah 61. 3. That they might be called trees of renown , the planting of the Lord , that he might be glorified . And so in another place , this people have I formed for myself , that they may be for my praise . Isa. 43. 7. I have created him for my glory , I have formed him , yea I have made him . When others shall be venting their malice and blasphemy against God , you shall be the silver Trumpets that shall be ever sounding forth the praises of the Lord .

Sixthly , You are the men of his Counsel , when others are strangers and aliens . You are no more foreigners and strangers , but fellow Citizens and of the houshold of God . You are the attendants of his person , you are of his privy Counsel . You are the friends of God . This was Abrahams priviledge , Jam. 2. That he was called the friend of God . Brethren , all the long and magnificent titles of all the Monarchs of the Earth do not signifie half so much as this that I am speaking to you . Now this is your prerogative . Henceforth I call you not servants but friends : and why so ? because you are the men of his Counsel . The servant knoweth not what his Lord doth , but whatsoever I have heard of the Father that have I declared unto you . Herein Christ hath put a marvellous distinction between you and the men of the world , I may say of you as Christ of them , blessed are your eyes for they see , and your ears for they hear . The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him . So Psa. 147. He sheweth his word unto Jacob , & his statutes unto Israel . He hath not dealt so with any Nation .

Seventhly , You are the Jewels of his Crown , when others are but the drosse and lumber . And they shall be mine saith the Lord of hosts in the day when I make up my Jewels , Mal. 3. 17. Beloved , you that are beleivers , you are the very glory of Christ . Every believer is as a pearl put into the Crown of Jesus Christ . The Apostle speaks of beleevers , of his converts , that they were a great Crown to him . He calls them his Joy and Crown of rejoycing , Phil. 4. 1. But this is but little that you should be your Ministers Crown : I tell you , you are Christ's Crown and glory , Isa. 62. 3. Thou shalt also be a Crown of glory , in the hand of the Lord , and a Royal diadem in the hand of thy God .

Eightly , You are the inheritors of the Kingdome , when others are the sons of perdition , Luk. 12. 32. Fear not little flock 't is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom , So come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdome prepared for you . Who can utter the sweetness of that promise ? 't is our Saviors parting promise to his disciples at his last supper , Luke 22. 28. 29 , 30. You are they which have continued with me in my Temptations and I appoint unto you a Kingdome , as my Father hath appointed unto me , that you may eat and drink at my Table in my Kingdom , and sit upon thrones , judging the twelve Tribes of Israel . Oh how sweet are these words . Lay the mouth of Faith at these promises , and suck the sweetness of them . Look upon it as a reality , that God prepared for you a Kingdome , 't is so , why should God go to deceive you ? and you may lay your claim to it boldly : God delights to see your humble boldness . The spirit beareth witness with our spirits that we are the sons of God , and if Sons , then heirs ; joynt heirs with Christ : Heirs of his Kingdom .

Fourthly , If you look upon your selves as prisoners , and so God hath done more for you then he hath for others . Ah Christians , this is the meaning of this day that you might celebrate the kindness of God to you in prison . O remember and forget not how signally God hath owned you . Brethren , 't is your priviledge and mercy that God hath given you hearts to own him in times of danger . And blessed be God he is not behind hand with you ; he that owned you in your prison state . Brethren how hath God owned you in clearing your cause for which you are suffering here ? If the Kingdome of heaven be promised to them that suffer for righteousness sake , then sure it is promised to you : for you are suffering here upon that account . And then for your call : how sweetly and joyfully did we come hither ? though God knows we had not enquired into what we entended , as to our subsistance here ; yet God sent us all hither joyfully together ; and I hope God will send us home as joyfully again .

But let me shew you , in some particulars wherein God hath done more for you then for others , as you are prisoners .

First , You are better fed then others . Who do live upon the bounty of Gods extraordinary providence like you ? may not God almighty speak to you , as the Apostie to them , 1 Cor. 9 , 7. Who of you goeth a warfare at his own charges ? When our Saviour sent forth his disciples without scrip or shooes , sayes he , lacked ye any thing ? they answered , nothing . May not we say so ? if he say to us , lacked you any thing ? we must say no , he hath poured out his kindness upon us . O how sweetly did the holy prophet , think you , rellish every bit of meat when God provided every bit so extraordinarily for him , 1 Kings . 17. 6. And the Ravon brought him bread and flesh in the morning , and bread and flesh in the evening , God doth not send it to us by a Raven ; but by friends : but all he sends : bread and flesh in the morning and bread and flesh in the evening without our care . And is not God to be observed in this ? you know there is a kind of a Famine abroad , but God will not have it a Famine here . Who ever wants , God will be sure that his prisoners shall not want . As the King took care of Jeremiah , Jer. 37. 21. Then Zedekiah the King commanded , that they should commit Jeremiah to the Court of the prison , and that they should give him dayly a piece of bread out of the Bakers-street untill all the bread in the City was spent . When Jeremiah was in prison , God would be sure that he should not want as long as there was any bread to be had in the City . So God commands concerning his prisoners ; though there be a kind of Famine abroad , God will not suffer his prisoners to want .

Secondly , You are better taught than others . Who is like to you O people , about whose tents the Mannah raineth , not every morning onely , but morning and evening : week dayes , and Sabbath dayes , God doth open his door to you , and make every day as a Sabbath to you .

Thirdly , You have more promises than others . Now there are come in to us a whole shoal of of promises , that we would not not so properly claim before , 1 Pet. 2. 20. If when you do well and suffer for it , you take it patiently , this is acceptable with God , 1 Pet. 4. 13. 14. Rejoyce in as much as ye are partakers of Christs sufferings , that when his glory shall be revealed , ye may be glad also with exceeding Joy . If you be reproached for the name of Christ , happy are ye , for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you , Jam. 1. 12. Blessed is the man that endureth Temptation ; for when he is tryed he shall receive the Crown of life , which the Lord hath promised to them that love him . If you suffer with him you shall also raign with him , 2 Tim. 2. 12. Blessed are they that suffer for righteousness sake : for theirs is the Kingdome of heaven . Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you , and shall say all manner of evil against you falsly for my name sake , rejoyce and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven , Math. 5. 10 , 11 , 12. Time would fail me to go over all those promises that are come in now upon us all at once . Oh we are an unthankfull people , if all these promises do not raise our faith and joy . Is it a light thing my brethren , that you should be heirs of the promises ?

Fourthly , God hath hath honored you more than others . To others with you 't is given to believe ; but to you 't is given to suffer for his sake ; which the Apostle reckons up as a step higher than others attain to , Philip. 1. 29.

Fifthly , God hath intrusted you with his honor more than others . God hath put more into your hands , than into the hands of any other . Gods glory is trusted morewith the sufferers of Christ than with any others . O be infinitely tender of Gods honor ! O see that you love him more than others : praise him more than others .

A Sacramental speech grounded on Psalm . 40. 7. Lo I come .

IT is my purpose to speak to you of the coming of the Son , Lo I come .

Now concerning this coming , I shall shew you . First , Who it is that is come . Secondly , How he is come . Thirdly , Whence he is come . Fourthly , Why he is come .

First , Who it is that is come . This is the first thing that I shall desire you to consider with reference to the coming of Christ .

( First , ) The bridegroom is come . God sends his Ministers to you with that cry Math. 25. 6. Behold the bridegroom cometh . O with what joy doth the Bride receive her Bridgegroom ? so should believers receive Christ . Arise you Virgins then and come away . Awake you virgins this is the call of your Bridegroom , Cant. 2. 8. The voice of my beloved ! behold he cometh , &c. And what was this voice of her beloved , that doth so ravish her heart ? see verse 10. arise my love ; my fair one , and come away , and so ver. 13. Christ calls again and again ; and you should come away .

( Secondly , ) Your King is come . God sends his Ministers to you with that glad newes , that he put in the Prophets mouth , Zach. 9. 9. rejoyce greatly O daughter of Zion , behold thy King cometh . Brethren , this is that which should cause you to rejoyce and shout for joy , that your King is come . And great reason have : for he is a great King and hath salvation with him , Luke 19. 9. This day is salvation come to this house .

( Thirdly , ) The deliver is come , Rom. 11. 26. Brethren , I know good news must needs be welcome to you at such a time as this : why hear you then the blesseds news that ever came to the ears of man , Luke 2. 10. Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy , which shall be to all people for unto you is born — a Savior , which is Christ the Lord . Ah Brethren ! that the Savior is come , the deliverer is come this is the blessedst news that ever man heard . Hear what the Lord saith with reference to this , in that of the Prophet , Isa. 62. 10. 11. He cals upon his people to cast up and prepare the way , &c. say ye to the daughter of Zion , behold thy salvation cometh , &c. Ah brethren , this is good news for Zion , and this is the news God hath sent me with : behold the deliverer , the Saviour is come . O with what a welcome should such as this be received when he comes ? how welcome was the news to the captives , that brought the news of their liberty ? why , such should be the welcome , that you should give to the news the Gospel brings you of a deliverer . Now is your Jubilee , blessed are the people that hear the joyful sound Psa. 89. 15. He alludes to the sound of the Trumpets , in the time of the Jubilee : but it is to be understood of the joyful sound of the Gospel . It is blessed news that Christ the deliver is come .

Secondly , I am to shew you , how he is come , There is a two fold coming of Christ : his gracious , and his glorious coming . His glorious coming is not till hereafter , at the last day . This is the coming that he speaks of , Rev. 1. 7. He speaks of it as if it were present : because 't is as certain as if it were present . Every eye shall see him . But then there is his gracious coming , and that is two fold corporal , or spiritual . His corporal coming , in his admirable Incarnation : his spiritual coming in the Gospel Invitation .

( First , ) His corporal coming in his admirable incarnation . And this is blessed news to the world , at this his coming there were a quire of angels to celebrate his praise , Luke 2. 13 , 14. And suddenly , there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host ; praising God & saying , glory to Godin the highest , and on Earth peace , good will towards men . We read that the great and glorious works of God , they are celebrated by the angels . And there are these four great works celebrated by them .

First , The work of Creation . So that 〈◊〉 Job . 38. 7. When the morning stars sang together , and all the sons of God shouted for Joy . It is spoken with reference to the Creation , the angels did list up their voices , and sang the praise of their Creator .

Secondly , The work , of conversion , Luke 15. 10. There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth . The work of conversion is a great and admirable work : and therefore celebrated by angels .

Thirdly , At Christs incarnation , so Luke 2. 10 , 11.

Fourthly , At the resurrection . Then all the angels of God shall appear , then shall be a most glorious and general appearance of the angels to celebrate that work , heaven shall empty it self of all its glorious inhabitants .

( Secondly , ) There is the spiritual coming of Christ : and this is in his Ordinances . This is his Chariot wherein he rides on conquering , Psa. 45. 3 , 4. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh , and in thy Majesty ride prosperously . This is to be understood of Christs going forth in the sound of the Gospel , which is his sword , whereby he rides on to conquer the world . Now in this respect Christ is come , exhibiting himself in the voice of the Gospel : there Christ doth shew himself , and impart himself to his people .

Thirdly . I am to shew you whence he is come . He is come from the throne of his glory . From the court of his Angels . From the hosome of his Father .

( First , ) From the Throne of his glory . O what a wonderful descent was this ! that he should come from the Throne of his glory , to the manger among the beasts ? from the company of the angels , to be crucified among the theeves ! he came among the beasts ; the world would not receive him , but he was thrust out among the beasts . Man by his Apostacy had brought himself among the beasts ; and hither did Christ come to find him . But he was humbled more yet ; from the throne to the cross . From the height of his glory , to the extremity of shame . O how should we think of the strange abasure of Christ , that he that was heir to the Crown of glory , should become man , and viler then any of the Sons of men , in some respect ! this should have your great admiration .

( Secondly , ) From the Court of his angels . The Lord Jesus Christ , he was the brightness of his Fathers glory , the express image of his person , that made his angels spirits and his Ministers a flaming fire . All the angels you must know were his Messengers . And what abasure was here , that he should come from the company of angels to be contemned by the basest of men !

( Thirdly , ) From the bosome of his Father . The Lord Jesus Christ , he was the Son of Gods delight : his darling ; the beloved object of his soul , Math. 11. 27. Christ is he that lyes in the bosome of the Father ; and he alone is able to reveal the secrets of the Lord to the world , so John 1. 18. Now that the Lord Jesus Christ should come from the bosome of God , to the belly of hell , that he should leave the glory of heaven , for the torments of hell , and all for our sakes ; what a strange wonder of Love was this ! hence was it that Christ came for us . This is the bread that came down from heaven , that a man may eat of and not dye .

Fourthly , I shall shew you why he is come . And that is To seek and to Save .

( First , ) To seek . That is one end of his coming , so Luke 19. 10. And who do you think that he is come to seek ? It is us that were lost . All we like sheep have gone astray , now Christ is that great & good sheapherd that came to seek and to save that which was lost , in Luke 15 you read of the lost groat , the lost sheep , and the lost Son : and who do you think this was ; this was the lost sinner , ver. 32. who was it , think you , that sought us , and found us when we were lost ? It was Jesus Christ : it was he that sought us . We had never found him , had not he sought us . I am found of them that sought me not , 〈◊〉 . 65. 1. If Christ had stayed for us till we sought him , our salvation had never been wrought . The Lord Jesus Christ he sought us not , and laid hold on us . He took not hold of angels , but of the seed of Abraham . In effectual calling , there he takes hold of the sinner , he is fain to run after them and stop them , or else they would run into perdition .

( Secondly , ) He is come to save , so the Apostle to Timothy , 1 Tim. 15. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ came into the world to save sinners , of whom I am chief . He puts in for one . Oh brethren , this is that should make the coming of Christ welcome to you , he came to seek and save you . O therefore welcome him at his coming .

Use. Is it so , that Christ is come ? then go you forth to meet him . Math. 25. 6. That was the cry there , this is that which God sends his Messengers to call upon you for , that you may go forth to meet him .

But how should you go forth to meet him ? First , as a Bride doth her bridegroom . Secondly , as redeemed Captives do their deliverer . Thirdly , as dutiful subjects do their King .

First , As a Bride doth her Bridegroom . This I shall open to you in three particulars . First , Put off the rayment of your captivity . Secondly , put on the wedding Garment . Thirdly , trim up all your Lamps .

First , Put off the rayment of your Captivity . If the poor Captive woman were to shave her head , and pair ber nails , and put off the rayment of her captivity , &c. ( Deut. 21. 13. ) before she was to be married to any one of the Tribes of Israel : how much more should you put off the old man and your sinful deeds , that are to be married to Christ ? If so be the Children of Israel were to wash and sanctifie themselves , and wash their cloaths , when the Lord was to come down upon Mount Sinai , Exod. 19. how much more should you , when the Lord 〈◊〉 comes down to you ? you know that Children may not come at their fathers Table with unwashed hands : neither must you to eat of the dainties spread in the Gospel .

( Secondly , ) You must put on the wedding garment . You will say , what is this ? it is a conjugal love to Jesus Christ . And this is compared to a garment : for we are bid to put on charity , or love . And it s set forth as the best part of the Christian rayment : and above all things put on Charity ; for what more fits a marriage than a conjugal affection ? you should bring forth your most strong and ardent affections and love to him , you should meet him with songs , and what songs ? such as the Psalmist doth Ps. 45. title . A song of Loves , let your eyes be fixed upon Christ in the Gospel , till your eyes affect your heart : and while your heart is musing , the fire will be kindling ; where will you bestow your love , but where the bridgroom is so lovely ?

( Thirdly , ) You should trim up all your Lamps , you should snu●…f all your lights , and trim up all your lamps , to go forth to meet him , And receive him and feed upon him when he is offered : he is held out to you on purpose , in the Gospel , for you to take and receive him . Gal. 3. 1. Foolish Galatians , who hath bewitched you , that you should not obey the truth , before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been ardently set forth crucified among you . But you will say was Christ 〈◊〉 in Galatia ? he was in the preaching of the word : he was crucified among them .

Secondly , You must meet him as redeemed captives do their deliverer , would you know how this is ? it is with palms of victory in your hands with garments of salvation ; with songs of deliverance . These are the three things wherein this stands . you have all together , in Rev. 7 , 9 , 10. They were in white robes , the garments of Salvation : and palms of victory , and they had the songs of salvation too , ver. 10. Oh Brethren , if you have any sence of your spiritual bondage and captivity , to be the servants of sin , under the fear of death , under the King of terrors ; then be glad in your redeemer meet him with songs of praise . O how should the high praises of God be heard in your mouths ? you should meet him as the virgins did David at his return from his victory , 1 Sam. 18. 6. with singing and dancing — with joy , &c. Thus should you meet your deliverer , you should compass him with songs of praise . O my Brethren , you that are the redeemed of the Lord , look down into the horrible pit , and then look up and sing songs to the Lord . O it is a glorious salvation that Christ hath wrought for us . How welcome was he to good old Simeon ? how sweetly doth he hug Christ in his arms ? ( and much more , you must think in his heart ) now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace : for mine eyes have seen thy salvation . This we have seen , we have seen Christ coming to us in the Gospel . We have seen him like Sampson , pulling down the house about our enemies , and carrying away the posts , and setting them up as Trophies of his victory . It was he that was condemned , that you might be freed . O let your lips praise him , and the souls which he hath redeemed , let me call upon with the Psalmist , Psalm 98. A psalm on purpose to Jews and Gentiles to sing to the Lord for their deliverance , vers●… 3. He hath remembred his mercy and truth toward the house of Israel : all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God . And what use doth the Psalmist make of this ? vers. 4. make a joyful noise unto the Lord all the earth , &c. He goes on calling upon all the Creatures to praise God for this . If the Sea must roar , and the floods clap their ●…nds , how much more should you do it , that are the redeemed of the Lord .

Thirdly , Meet him as dutiful subjects do their King . This is the news sent to Zion , behold thy King cometh . Then meet him as a King , receive him with acclamation and praise , as they did when Solomon was proclaimed King , 1 Kings 1. 39 , 40. They blew the Trumpet , and all the p●…oplt said God save the King . And the people piped with pipes and returned with great joy , so that the earth rent with the sound of them . O if they met King Solomon with such joy , how should you meet Christ ? It is another manner of King that comes to you than Solomon was , you should say to Christ as they did to Gideon , Judg 8. 22. Rule thou over us : for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian . Thus should you say to Christ , rule thou over us : for he hath delivered you , not from the hand of Midian , but from Satan . But how should we meet our King ? prepare the way , bow the knee .

( First , ) Prepare the way , Math. 3. 3. Christ had his fore-runner going before him , that was John , saying , prepare you the way of the Lord , make his paths straight . How must the way of the Lord be prepared ? every Mountain must be brought low &c. every Mountain of pride and opposition that are in our hearts must be laid low . O if there be such preparing for the King , where he is to lodge and go , how much more should you for the King of glory where he is to lodge !

( Secondly , ) Bow the knee , we read of Joseph , ( and you know he was a type of Christ ) that when Pharaoh had exalted him from the prison to such dignity , he prepares some to go before him , and cry , bow the knee . So God hath set up Christ and exalted him , and given him a name above every name ; now let me call upon you ( and my self with you ) that you bow the knee to him . I speak not of the bodily knee : it is more than your cap and knee that he requireth . He will have you to bow before him . O then see that you bow before him , see that you do him homage . Now your King is set up in another manner than he was upon the Crosse , behold your King . That is the duty that I would perswade you to now : behold your King and look that you bow to him . Let your souls and all that is within you bow to him . Let your understandings bow to him , by a right apprehension of him , by a right conceiving of him , as worthy to be loved and feared . Let your wills bow , by an utter rejection of your sins : and a most ardent desire to receive Christ . Let all your affections come in and bow , and not dare to stir more than his commands give you leave . In a word let all that is within you bow before him , and give place to Jesus Christ . Now down with the world , out with your lusts , and make ready for Christ . Let all your worldly business bow before him , and give place to Jesus Christ , away with this foolish deceitful world ; let all be at the feet of Christ : and let all your souls be in subjection to him . This will be an acceptable meeting with him , if you so meet him .

A SACRAMENTAL Speech grounded on , Isaiah . 9. 6. And his name shall be called wonderful .

Quest. WHy is it that Christ hath given to him this name of wonderful .

Answ. There are so many wonders that meet together in Christ , that t is no wonder at all , that he should have this name , wonderful . Christ was every way wonderful . He was wonderful in his Person ; wonderful in his Passion . Wonderful in his Conception , being conceived by the power of the holy Ghost : wonderful in his Birth , being born of a pure virgin : wonderful in his Life ; wonderful in his death , and the effects of it : wonderful in his Resurrection , that a dead person should be raised and that by his own power : wonderful in his Ascension . In a word he was every way wonderful : wonderful in his Humiliation and Exaltation .

Ah Christians if you would see a wonder , look upon Christ , and here see a wonder , here is a wonder , above all that the world can shew . There are two sorts of wonders that God hath to shew , the wonder of his power ; and the wonder of his grace .

First , The wonder of his Power . What a wonder is it , to see such a fabrick as heaven and earth , all come out of nothing by the power of God . Christians 't is a great evil in us that we do no more wonder at this great power . What a wonder is the Sun , in its bigness and brightness , flying many Millions of miles in a minute of an hour !

Secondly , But all these wonders are nothing to what his wonder of grace is . In Christ you may see all these wonders swallowed up . Let me shew you a little of this wonder . In Christ are to be seen these following wonders . 1. God manifest in the slesh . 2 , God suffering in the slesh . 3. Justice and mercy sweetly r●…conciled . 4. The greatest good coming out of the womb of the greatest evil . 5. Perfect justice raging against perfect innocence . 6 Infinite wisdome at cost upon me●…r worthlessness . 7. The Son of the blessing made to be a curse . 8. The Father of mercy forgetting his bowels to his own Son .

●…irst , God manifest in the flesh , John 1. 14. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us , and we beheld his glory , &c. O brethren , this is a wonder indeed . The Apostle tells you , that without controversie this is a great Mystery , that God should be manifest in the flesh . Here we may cry out deservedly , with wonder and astonishment , God is come down to us in the likeness of man . God manifest in the flesh ! why , what is flesh ? all flesh is grass , that is , fading , withering , dying . What! the word made flesh ! shall the immortal put on mortality ? and incorruption , put on corruption ? O what a wonder is this ! O behold and wonder ; see if Christ do not deserve the name of wonderful . Holy Abraham , was ashamed of his meaness in this respect , when he came before God , because he was but dust and ashes . Behold , I have taken upon me to speak to the great God , who am but dust and ashes . O then how is it to see God clothed with the flesh of man ? This was the wonder of angels . O how did they wonder to see their maker clothed with flesh ! O come to the cross of Christ , to the cratch of Christ , and there bow and worship . Let not the Humble abasure of Christ , hinder you from adoring him in his greatness . The wisemen found Christ in poverty & meanness ; yet they knew what glory was vailed under this meannesse : and fell down and offered gold , frankincense , myrrhe , &c. go ye and doe likewise .

Secondly , God suffering in the flesh , well may he have his name wonderful upon this account . 't is said that the Philosopher , observing the unnatural cclipse of the Sun at the suffering of Christ , cryed out , either the God of nature is suffering , or the world is at an end . When Christ was suffering , it was God that suffered , though he did not suffer in the Godhead , but in the Manhood . Beloved , if you should have seen the judgement , that befel , Korah , Dathan , and Abiram , would you not have been astonished at such a sight as this was ? much more if hell should have opened , and you have seen the torments of the damned , would you not have been astonished , and wonder at this ? but in this that God should suffer , is more then if all the men in the world should have suffered to all eternity . O how did the angels stand by the Crosse , wondering , to see him whom they adored and worshipped , to be mocked and Crucified .

Thirdly , Justice and mercy sweetly reconciled . The Justice and mercy of God , seemed to be , as it were , at a controversie about fallen man .

Darius , you know , had made a decree , that he that did offer any petition to any God or man , except to himself , within such a time , should be cast into the den of Lions . Daniel comes within the danger of this decree : and what must be done now ? either Daniel must be spared ; and then , what would become of the Laws of the Medes and Persians ? or , else Daniel must be devoured ; and then the King would have been cruel to himself . Yet providence did so order it , that the Law was executed and Daniel spared .

So here , man had sinned ; and God said that he should dye , and now either man must dye , or God must be false of his word . Now what shall be done ? The wisdome of God steps in , and finds out a person that should dye , and so Gods truth be saved , and his mercy magnified . But where shall this person be found ? the Angels could not do it : nor man could not do it . But God would take the humane nature upon him , and that should suffer , that God and man might be reconciled . Mercy and truth are met together ; righteousness and peace have kissed each other .

Mercy and truth are met together , how can this be ? it seems they were at a great distance , & could not be brought together . Truth said , that man should dye : & mercy said that man should be saved . Truth said , if he dye not , I am a liar ; and where then is the honor of my truth ? but mercy pleaded , if he dye , where is the honor of my Grace and mercy ? Why now , wisdome puts in a surety , and that ●…oes for the principal .

Righteousness and peace have kissed each other . How can this be ? Gods justice and righteousness did require that man should give satisfaction : but this is all reconciled in Christ , he reconciled God and man together .

Fourthly , The greatest good coming out of the womb of the greatest evil . Sin , is the mother of all evil . You will say , can any good come out of such a womb as this ? It is true , it cannot naturally come ; but God did so order it , that it should be the occasion of it . Were it not a wonder , to see grapes come of thorns ? and Olives of thistles ? such a wonder you may see in Christ . You may see , out of the sin of man , comes great glory to God , and good to man .

First , Great glory to God : for had not man sinned , neither Gods justice nor mercy had been so magnified . His justice had not been seen at all , in a manner , in punishing the offenders ; but 't is eminently seen in punishing of Christ , who dyed for sinners . This is a louder demon . stration of the Justice of God , than if God had turned all heaven and earth into confusion upon the sin of man .

Again , hereby is way made for magnifying Gods mercy . The sin of man , as God hath ordered it , hath given way to God in the demonstration of his mercy in forgiving , and his justice in punishing It could not have bin thought , that God had been of so gracious a nature , able to put up such great affronts as man had given him , had not sin given him occasion to magni●… his mercy .

Secondly , Again , as the sin of man hath given occasion to the advancing of Gods glory , so for the promoting of mans good . By this man is raised to a higher state of happiness and felicity than ever he should have been . Now there is a nearer conjunction between God and man , than ever was before the fall , or ever should have been had it not been for the sin and fall of man . Before it was said , that man was made a little lower than the angels : but now it may be truely said , that he is so much higher than the Angels : more nearly joyned to God . Had man continued in innocence , he had had onely a lengthening out of his temporal life in paradise but now by his sin Christ hath opened the door of heaven to him . O then wonder at the power of Christ !

Fifthly , Perfect justice , raging against perfect innocence . You know that God is perfect in his Righteousness and justice . A God of truth and without iniquity , just and right is he . And yet notwithstanding , his perfect Justice was set against his own son , in whom there was nothing but perfect innocence . He was the Lamb of God : a lamb without spot and blemish ; full of grace and truth . No guile was sound in his mouth ; and yet you know how the wrath of God brake out upon him . It brake out upon him to the very uttermost : that if he would but put himself into the room of man , he must dye for it , tho Justice it self said I find no fault in him , yet he must dy : all could not save him : but if he will stand between God & offending man , and take our sins upon himself , though he had none of his own , yet justice takes hold of him . Let me say as the Apostle behold the goodness & severity of God . Goodness to thee , but severity unto Christ . O what had come upon you , if you had been to bear the blow ! you see how Justice runs upon the Son of God , and fals upon him , and tears him to the ground , and le ts out his blood , and would not spare him , though he were the only belovedSon of God . O consider , how fearful a thing it is to fall into the hands of the living God!

You read , how when Daniels enemies were cast into the Lions den , that they brake all their bones before they came to the bottome of the den . O how wouldst thou have been torn , had the Justice of God taken hold of thee !

Sixthly , Insinite wisdome at cost upon meer worthlessenesse . God expects the blood of his own Son , which was of insinite value , to redeem worthless man . Would you not wonder to see a wise man to be changing Pearls for pebbles ? yet here it is a greater wonder : the wise God , redeeming by the death of his own Son , sinful man out of the hands of his own justice . Why what is man ? are not all the nations of the world as nothing before him ? and yet upon this nothing , this vanity , is Gods insinite wisdome at this cost , that he might save us from eternal death .

Seventhly , The Son of the Blessing made to be a curse , Gal. 3. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law , being made a curse for us . Observe it , 't is not said he was ACCURSED for us , but a CURSE for us . Christ hath delivered us from the curse : but how ? by taking the curse upon himself . You know the curses of the Law that were denounced against sinners : all these curses met together upon one Jesus Christ . How is the book of Gods word full from one end to the other with Curses against sinners ! what a load then was there upon the back of Christ , when all these curses met together upon him ? what a wonder is it that God should be cursing of his own Son ! to hear God say , all my curses shall meet upon thee : cursed shalt thou be in thy body ; and cursed shalt thou be in thy soul. To hear the great God speaking thus to his own Son , go thou Cursed , I will engage my Justice and wrath against thee , to torment thee and put thee to death . O what a sight was this ! yet thus it was with Jesus Christ . He had as many torments as members : and all the torments that he endured had the curse of God in them .

Eighthly , The Father of mercy forgetting his Bowels to his own Son . We read of a very strange thing that was done by the King of Moab , 2 Kings 3. 27. When he saw that the Battel was too sore for him , &c. he took his own Son that should have reigned in his stead , and osfered him for a burnt offering , what a strange sight was this ? yet there is a greater wonder than this to be seen in Christ : to see God sacrificing his own Son , and offering him up for a burnt-offering , to appease his wrath against sinful man : O shall not your hearts stand a wondering at this ! to see , he that was a God of mercy to have no mercy for his own son ? he that had bowels of pity for you , to have no pity for his Son ; O behold and wonder . By this time I hope you are convinced that Christ is wonderful .

A SACRAMENTAL Speech grounded on Eph. 3. 19. And to know the love of Christ , which passeth knowledge .

Quest. WHerein doth the Love of Christ appear to be a surpassing love ? This appears in his putting himself into our Nature . His putting himself into our room . Putting our lives into his purchase , putting his name into our bond . Putting our names into his will . Putting his spirit into our hearts . Putting his glory into our hands .

First , It appears in putting himself into our nature . What admirable love and condescention was this ? as we were Creatures there was an infinite distance between us and Christ : much more as we are sinners , but this infinite condescention was nothing to the love of Christ . He stept from the Court of his angels , to the reproaches of men at one step . O what a step was this ! for Christ to take our nature upon him , is more than for an Emperour to become a beggar . Yea there is no comparison that can express it . This was love indeed ; surpassing love , that the Lord Jesus Christ should have such a love to man : that he should become of 〈◊〉 to sinners : flesh of our flesh , and bone of our bone ; here is matchless unparallel'd love .

Secondly , It appears in putting himself in our room . Christ did not onely become man with us , he doth not onely take the rags of our Nature upon him , but our condition upon him , the pain , shame , curse that was due to us upon him . He was content to be in our stead : to su●…er , dy for us : herein is love , Christ knew , before hand , what it would cost him if he would become surety for us : he knew the death we had deserved , the wrath that was our portion ; and yet he was content to put himself into our room , that we might be exempted and excused , Christ hath put in himself for us , not to be bound for us for a time : but did engage himself , resolving to pay for us that we might be excused . It was much that Christ did become man for us : but now that he should not onely take our nature upon him , but our curse upon him too , and become sin for us , and a curse sor us , this makes it more wonderful . It is strange that Christ should take our nature upon him ; but if you consider the end why he did it , this would be more wonderful : it was that he might be miserable , and become capable to be accursed for us ! that he might be cursed and killed by the wrath of God! He had not become man , had it not been for this end . Now that he should become man for this end , how great was this ? and yet this was his end . When Justice must have blood , that he would take his blood and give it for us : and that he might , he would take himself a humane body and soul.

Thirdly , It appears in putting our lives into his purchase . This is another strange expression of the love of Christ . O if Christ had dyed for others and not for us : if he had put in others names and not ours , then we might have passed our days with sorrow : and gone into the Mountains , and pined away in sadness . But now that he should leave out any others names and put in ours , O here is distinguishing love ! did you ever hear of a man that took in a beggar from the door to be his heir ? but suppose such a thing might be done : did you ever hear of a man that took in his enemy to be his heir , and made over all that he hath to him ? thus hath Christ done for us . Ah Brethren , how may we stand astonished at this love , and say , as he , John 14. Lord whence is it that thou dost manifest thy self to us and not to the world ? That thou hast put in our names and not others ? surely here is great grace . O the free grace of God to us ! though Christ hath dyed , yet you know the greatest part of the world shall be never the better for his death . Though he hath dyed for man , yet the most of men , through the obstinacy and hardnesse of their hearts do resist him : but he hath overcom the obstinacy of our hearts and hath made us partakers of his death .

Fourthly , It appears in putting his name into our bonds . Herein is the love of Christ manifested , in that he should become surety and bound for us . You know that the surety is to set his name to the bond . Now a man will be very wary sor whom he is bound ; the man is not a man that is insufficient . Did you ever hear of a man that bound himself for one , that he knew that he should pay it himself ? thus hath Christ done for us : he knew that all our debts would come upon him ; and yet notwithstanding he did engage himself for us . Beloved , the debt of sin is a very formidable debt : it is such a debt as if so be , the debt of the least sin had been laid upon all the Saints and Angels in glory to give satisfaction for it , they had bin drowned in everlasting perdition . But now Christ undertook to pay for all out of his own stock , though he knew what it would cost him , if he did become bound for us , O what love is 〈◊〉 !

Fifthly , It appears in putting our names into his will . Brethren , herein is the love of Christ seen towards his people , in that he hath distinguished between them and others . When he made his last Will and Testament , he put in believers names and left out the rest , Rev. 21. 27. There shall in no wise enter any thing that 〈◊〉 , &c. But they which are written in the ●…mbs book of Life . This is a priviledge indeed to have your names written in his book , upon his will . Our Saviour bid his disclples rejoyce in this that their names were written in heaven , in Christs book , and upon his will : this is matter of joy . But how shall we know whether our names are written in heaven ? who shall ascend up into heaven to fetch it down from thence ? I answer ; we have the copy of his will here upon earth : This word is the copy of his will that is in heaven . If our names be in this book , our names are in his heart . Now let us go to the Law and Testimony , what saith that ? that saith , if thou believe thou shalt be saved . If thou repent and be converted , thy sins shall be blotted out Act. 3. 19

Sixthly , It appears in putting his spirit into our hearts , Ezek. 36. 27. And I will put my spirit within you . Brethren , herein is the infinite goodness and love of Christ seen , that he should bestow so great a gift upon so unworthy a receiver . O what love is this , that those hearts that have been the stables of unclean 〈◊〉 , that Christ should take up his abode there ! here is strange love indeed . Is it true indeed , will God dwell on earth , 1 Kings 8. 27. And if it were matter of wonder to Solomon , that God should shew some Token of his presence in so excellent a fabrick as that was ; what matter of wonder is it that he should come , and make shew of his presence in our hearts !

Seventhly , In putting his glory into our hands . This is the greatest trust that can possibly be 〈◊〉 into our hands , this is more worth than all the world : for all the world was made for this end , to promote Gods glory . Yea , it is better than the blood of Christ : for the end is better than the means . Now the blood of Christ was shed to this end , for the glory of God . Now then what a great trust is this , that is intrusted with you in your hands ? surely he loves you well , that trusts his glory with you . Your unworthy walking will more dishonor Christ , than any thing in the world beside . None can honour Christ as you ; and none can dishonor him as you : let me put in that by the way . They that have such a Jewel put into their hands , had need be careful . I hope by this time you are fully convinced that the love of Christ is a surpassing love .

Use , There are two things that I shall hence presse you to . 1. To Remember . 2. Answer and imitate this love of Christ .

First , To Remember this Love . O Christians , be sure that you never forget such love as this , Cant. 1. 4. We will remember thy love more than Wine : this is the duty that I am pressing you to , thus to remember Christs love . Brethren , methinks it should be impossible for you to forget such love as this . Methinks it should be needlesse to bid you remember this love . Let my right hand forget her cunning rather than I should forget the love of Christ . Let my tongue forget to speak , rather than not to speak of this love . We should sooner forget to eat than for get Christ . And yet how apt are we notwithstanding , though we have to●… much reason to remember him , to have the memory of Christ and his love out of our minds ! the memory of Christ should be written upon us in Marble and Brasse , never to be blotted out . Consider this love is a mindful , and a memorable love .

First , A mindful love . Never had persons so mindful a friend a●… we have in Christ : our names are ever before him , they are engraven upon the palms of his hands . He can as soon forget himself as forget us : he can as soon forget his heart as forget us . Exod. 28. 29. And Aaron shall bear the names of the Children in the breast-place of Judgement , upon his heart , when he goeth in unto the holy place for a memorial before the Lord continually . Here you may see what a mindful friend Christ is , for these things were typical of Christ . Observe●… , ( 1. ) The place where the names were to be written ; upon the breast-place of judgement upon his heart . ( 2. ) The 〈◊〉 why they were written there : For a memorial before the Lord . He hath your names there that he might never forget you . ( 3. ) Observe the ●…petuity of this ; for a memorial before the Lord continually . And observe , these were to be carryed by the high priest before God when he went into the high place . Christ hath not forgotten our names , now he is gone into the high place . You know how it was with the Butler when he was gone into Pharoahs presence , he forgot Joseph and all his afflictions . But Christ , he remembers Joseph and his afflictions all the while , though he be in heaven .

( Secondly , ) It is a memorable Love . As Moses spake of the night of Israels deliverance , it is a night much to be remembered : so say I of this love of Christ ; it is a love never to be forgotten . If Christ do bear your names upon his heart , methinks that you should ever bear his name upon you hearts . The love of Christ is worthy to be for a perpetual memorial upon our hearts . And therefore I may say to you of Christ , as they of him , he is worthy for whom thou shouldest do this .

Quest. But what kind of remembrance should we have of this love ?

Answ. It must be a feeling , and a lasting remembrance .

First , A feeling remembrance , it should not be a bare Historical remembrance of Christ , but all your affections should be drawn out after Christ . He did not onely remember you , his remembrance of you was an affectionate remembrance ; he hath made it to appear with a witnesse . Such should our remembrance of Christ be .

( Secondly , ) A lasting remembrance , it should not be at the quickning of a Sermon or the like , but an abiding remembrance of him . Brethren , our remembrance of Christ should be a living remembrance . It should be with us as with a loving husband that hath lost his wife ; it seems that where ever he is , she should be with him : thus it should be with us , we should have Christ ever with us . What Solomon speaks of the Law of Christ we should say of the remembrance of Christ . When we go it should lead us , when we awake it should talk with us , Prov. 26. 22. So Cant. 1. 13. A bundle of Myrrhe is my well-beloved unto me ; he shall lye all night betwixt my breasts . That is , say the Dutch Divines , the love of my beloved , especially of his death and sufferings , shall continucially be upon my heart ; and I will keep it close with me , to be my Nose-gay : and the like . He shall lye between my breasts ; that is , I will keep the remembrance of his love upon my heart to comfort me .

Secondly , As you should remember , so you should be careful to imitate and answer his love . Beloved , as the Apostle says of Gods love to you ; what manner of love is this , &c. So it should be said of your love to Christ , what manner of love is this that you bear to Christ ? It should be such a love , as that people may be forced to say , what manner of love is this that they bear to Christ ? Labor to have such a love to Christ , so great a love , as that all other things may be nothing to you in comparison of the love of Christ . And when you have loved Christ as much as you can , weep that you can love him no more .

A SACRAMENTAL Speech , grounded on Eph. V. 2. But walk in love as Christ also hath loved us , and given himself for us , an offering and a sacrifice unto God .

MY beloved , this subject , of the love of Christ to sinners , is indeed an inconceivable Subject . I have been backward to medle with it , for how shall I speak of that which I do not know ? For the love of Christ passeth all knowledge . Yet I shall a little open it to you , and shall make it appear that the love of Christ is great to his people : though I cannot comprehend it in the length and breadth , and height and depth of it , yet this we may know , that he hath a very tender love to us , Rev. 1. 5. To him that loved us , and washed us from our sins in his own blood . Christ hath loved us : and would you have a proof of his love to us ? he hath loved us and washed us . He found us in our sins as swine in the mire ; and yet he loved us and washed us , when he was fain to stop his breath as it were and hold his nostrils , yet he would come and wash us : yea he would make a bath of his own blood . Christ commended Mary , that she washed his feet with her tears : but how is the love of Christ commended in that he hath washed us in his blood ? Christ hath our names down upon his book , Rev. 21. 27. There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth , &c. But they that are written in the book of life . Mark , Christ keeps his book for you , lest you should be forgotten , or there should be any mistake . It is a metaphor taken from men that keep their books , because they will not let any thing be mistaken or forgotten . Yea , but books may be mislaid : therefore Christ hath your names written on his breast . The High preist was to have the names of the twelve Tribes upon his breast . So doth Christ , he hath you , for remembrance sake , engraven upon his hands , Isaiah 4. 9. 15. Can a woman sorget her sucking child , &c. She may forget : but I have engraven thee upon my hands : yea he hath you upon his heart . He challengeth all the world for his love to you . He tels you that a woman may forget her child , but he will not forget you . A woman cannot chuse , but have a very tender respect for her child : for this child ( saith she ) have I born many a bitter throw and pain : now , for you did Christ travail , Isaiah 53. 11. And so the Apostle Peter , speaking of the Resurrection of Christ ( Acts 2. ) he tels us , that he being freed from the pains of death , it being impossible he should be holden of them . The word in the Greek signifies birth-pains . Believers , they did as it were , come forth of the womb of his love . There is the very picture of a believer upon the heart of Christ . So that he cannot look upon his hands or his heart but he must be put in mind of us : so dear was was his love to us . What characters of love be ther that cannot be found in Christ ? Love covereth a multitude of faults . And O how may this be seen in Christ ? we have may sins ; and yet Christ passeth by them all . Thou art all fair , there is no spot in thee , Cant. 4. 7. Again Love is strong as death . And so it was in Christ , his love was stronger than death : he under went death it self for us . He was not afraid to passe under the pangs of death that he might redeem us . Again , love fils the heart with love to the person beloved what a dear respect hath Christ for his spouse ! every thing of theirs is sweet to him . Come my Love that art in the clefts of the Rock , in the secrets places of the stairs , let me see thy Countenance , let me hear thy voyce , for sweet is thy voyce , and thy countenance is comely , Cant. 2. 14. The Church says she is black but Christ says she is comely . But more particularly , I shall shew you some evidences of the greatness of Christ's love . His letters , are letters of Love . His lips , they are lips of Love . His Tokens , are the tokens of Love . His Test●…ment , is the evidence of Love . His Blood is a stream of Love .

1. His letters are the letters of Love , the Gospel , is the book sent down from heaven , wherein every chapter is a letter of love . Thou art ready to faint sometimes , Christian , and unbelief is ready to prevail : here thou mayst read the promises under Christs own hand , sent down srom heaven to thee . Here thou mayst read how love did care sor thee , when thou wast in thy blood ; he said Live . Here thou mayst read what expressions of love there was between Christ and thee , when he was wooing of thee : here are the letters of his love . Here thou mayst read those loving , melting passages of his , whereby he woo●…d thee and prevailed with thee . Here he shews , though he be absent for a while , yet he will come again . Here he hath set the time and the day when thou shalt be marryed to him : even when the body of Christ is compleat . O how canst thou hear these letters of love , and not be in love with Christ again ?

Secondly , His lips are lips of love , the kisses of his mouth are sweeter than wine ; the words of his mouth are better than life . His lips drop as the Honey-comb . Never man spake like this man : all that heard him bare him witnesse , and wondred at the gracious words that proceeded out of his mouth . Well did Mary chuse to sit at the feet of Christ , rather than at the feast : she found more sweet in the Honey-comb of Christs lips , than at the feast . Let us but look over the last sermon of Christ , and the last prayer of Christ , and how may this set us a loving of Christ .

Look over his last sermon , John 14. 15 and 16. chapters , how lovingly doth he dispute down the unbelieving fears of our hearts ? Let not your heart be troubled . And he propounds loving arguments : though he be gone , he will send us the comforter : and he will not be long from us neither , and then we shall be in no worse a case or place than he himself . And in the mean time , his going from us is out of love to us : not because he wanted love for us , but because he went to prepare a place for us .

Look into his last prayer , and how lovingly doth he carry us in his arms to his Father , when he was going out of the world , begging his Fathat he would sancti●…ie us , and keep us from the evil of the world , and that he would at length bring us to enjoy his glory .

Thirdly , His tokens are tokens of love . As a woman will be often looking over her tokens , because in these she sees the heart of her beloved ; so if you would be in love with Christ be often looking over the love-tokens of Christ . Thou canst not turn thy eye but thou must see his tokens . But there are three or four tokens especially that you should be looking into .

( First , ) He hath sent thee a pardon for thy sins . O what a blessed token is this ? Psa. 32. 1 , 2. Blessed is the man whose sin is for given , &c. He is blessed and blessed again : over and over blessed ; he is a thrice happy man that hath got his pardon , why , this is the token that Christ hath sent thee that art a believer . O look after thy pardon , and thou shalt find that thy pardon is written in the blood of Christ : for it was his blood that made satisfaction . He loved thee , and therefore washed thee from thy sins in his blood . O with what joy and sweetness shouldest thou look over thy pardon , Christian ! it is that which must carry thee through all thy dissiculties . Doth the Devil assault thee ? do but shew thy pardon and this will worst him . Doth the Lord frown upon thee ? shew him thy pardon , this will silence him . Doth thy Conscience accuse thee ? shew it thy pardon , and that will quiet it .

( Secondly , ) He hath sent thee a Patent for heaven , this hath Christ given you that are believers : he hath made over to you in his Gospel a sirm conveyance of heaven . So that I may say a believer hath as true a right to heaven as Christ can make him ; yea as Christ hath himself . You are they that have endured in my temptations , and I appoint unto you a Kingdom as my Father hath appointed me , &c. Now believers , can you tell the worth of this token ? can you cast up the worth of endlesse glory ? can you tell what God and heaven is worth ? then you may tell me what this token is worth ; never was there such a token sent as this is ?

( Thirdly , ) He hath sent thee the golden chain of the Jewels and bracelets of thy graces . As when the servant of Abraham , went to take Rebeckah for wife to Isaac he gave her bracelets , &c. So hath Christ to you : he hath given you the chain of all the graces . These are the Jewels he hath adorned you with . Dost thou find any faith , love , &c. in thee ? though it be like a grain of Mustard-seed , and like a spark on the hearth ? O blesse the Lord Christ upon the bended knees of thy soul , that he hath given thee this . He hath done more for thee in this , than he hath done for all the world beside . O how thankful should you be , that have received such a token from him ? Christian , when ever thou dost feel the operation of the spirit of Christ within thee , let this mind thee of the love of him that hath sent thee all this .

( Fourthly , ) He hath sent thee the seal and testimony of his spirit . Hast thou received the spirit of adoption teaching thee to cry Abba Father ? It was he that sent it . Hast thou so sure a guide , as the sweet compassionate spirit ? so loving a Counseller as the spirit of Christ in thee ? O take notice of the love of Christs in sending him to thee .

Fourthly , His testament is the evidence of love , beloved , it is impossible for me to utter , or you to conceive the riches of Christs love expressed to you in his testament , his Covenant : herein , Christian , thou mightest read the strange love of Christ to thee , in that he hath given thee his testament , and delivered it to thee as his act and deed , sealed with his own blood . O how much did David make of this ? It was the last words of that sweet singer of Israel . Although my house be not so with God , yet be hath made with me an everlasting Covenant , ordered in all things and sure and this is all my sa'vation and all my desire , 2 Sam. 23. He had all that heart could wish sor in this Covenant . O Christian , hath Christ given thee his covenant ? O make much of this covenant , 't is a sweet token indeed . O the great priviledges and sweet immunities that are conveyed to believers here ! freedome from sin ; from the guilt and power of sin . Freedome from misery ; from the wrath of God , the curse of the law , from the sting of death , from the evil of the world , from the danger of hell . And beside all this , what legacies hath he given thee in the covenant ? God for thy Father , himself for thy Saviour , his spirit for thy comforter and sanctifier , his Ministers for thy teachers , his ordinances for thy furtherance in grace : there he hath given thee thy adoption and assurance for heaven . Do but look over this , and say if thou canst , that Christ hath not loved thee .

Fifthly , His Blood is a stream of love , dost thou doubt of the love of Christ ? do but look upon him on his crosse , how his feet and hands and heart are pierced : thou mayst see the love of Christ flowing out of every part .

Use , Now since Christ hath so loved you , you that are his people do you love him again O where should you bestow your love , place your affections , fix your hearts but here ? I shall give you two motives . He desires your love : and he deserves your love .

First , Consider he desires your love . You have seen a little how Christ doth love you ; and what doth he expect , but that you should love him again ? and can there be any thing less that he could require ! O methinks thou shouldest give up thy heart to Christ . This is all that he expects for this love , that you should love him again . This Christ will accept , and nothing short of this will he accept . Love cannot be satisfied , but by love again . It must be paid in its own coyn , Cant. 8. 7. If a man would give all the substance of his house for love , it would be utterly contemned . As no Treasure in the world can buy love , purchase love ; so no sufficiency in the world will be sufficient for love , unlesse , you give love your love again , 1 Cor. 13. 3. Now Christian , be perswaded then to give away thy heart out of hand to Christ . O bestow thy love upon him , wherehast thou such a thing in thee , but that thou shouldst love Christ ? doth any man plant a vineyard , and not expect to eat of the fruit of it ? hath he put love into thee , and doth not he expect that thou shouldest love him ?

Secondly , He deserves your love . I may say of him as they of the Centurion : he is worthy thou shouldst do this thing for him ; for he loveth our nation . Worthy is the lamb that was slain to receive honor and strength , &c. He is worthy to receive all , that you can give unto him . If there were any thing else that were worthy of your love , there might be some excuse that you did not bestow it upon Christ . But alass there is nothing here that doth deserve your love . As Paul said , was Paul Crucified for you , &c. so may I say were these things crucified for you ? but Christ was crucified for you : he hath deserved your love . This is he that came in to the world to seek and to save . That came and found you naked and dead and wounded : and then let out his blood and cured you . This is he that when he came , you spit upon him , and refused him ; yet he would not be put off from you so , but he would do you good . How often hath he come and refreshed you with the refreshings of his love ? how often hath he taken you into his galleries and filled you with his secrets ? you that are believers may remember the places where he hath given you visits , and made you tast of the powers of the world to come .

A SACRAMENTAL Speech , grounded on Math. 15. 28. O woman , great is thy faith .

WE have read many noted and remarkable stories of sundry great exploits , that have been done by the renowned worthies of the world : but there are no exploits nor atchievements , so renowned as those that been done by faith .

The Scripture give us many instances of this kind ; and shews us how greatly the Lord Jesus Christ was pleased with the lively actings of his peoples faith . Faith is of great price with , and shall obtain great praise from the Lord Jesus Christ .

In this chapter , you have a most notable victory that was obtained by a poor woman , by the power and strength of her faith , Here a poor weak woman by the strength of her faith wrestling with Jesus Christ , obtains the victory ; that he could no longer hold but grants her request . Her faith did notably discover it self in putting her upon saing to Christ . Nature will send men in their distresses to natural helps ; but faith will send them to Christ , to seek their help in him . And then her faith discovers it self in putting her upon pursuing of Christ . Christ seems to give a repulse to her faith , he answereth her not a word ; he was resolved to put her faith to it : that he might exercise her faith . Yea when the Disciples came to speak for her ; he answered , I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel . But she makes another onset upon Christ . Then came she , and worshipped , saying , Lord help me . Well , but he gives her another repulse , he seems to put her off with a check ; 't is not meet to give the Childrens bread to dogs . But behold the importunity of faith ; she pursues the victory still , she confesses that she was but a dog , but she pleads that she might have the priviledge of a dog : even the dogs have the crumbs that fall from their masters table , and though I be a dog , yet let me have the crumbs . Well now , he could no longer hold , but , as Joseph he breaks out in the praise of this womans faith . O woman great is thy faith .

In Luke 5. you have the sick of the Palsie suing to Christ for cure and observe how earnest he is , when they could not find which way to come to Christ , they went to the house top and let him down in the midst before Jesus . Here was a lively faith indeed , it could by no means be kept off from Christ , and how greatly was Christ pleased with this ? Be of good cheer , thy sins are forgiven thee . O this was the voice that faith would have had : this was the word that faith looked for . As Christ is pleased with faith , so he gratifies it , and gives it the answer that it would have , what word can be so sweet to faith , as Son thy sins are forgiven thee ?

Quest. But why is Christ so greatly pleased with his peoples faith .

Answ. First , Because this is the great thing commanded by him . Christ layes more stresse upon this command than upon all the rest : to wit the command of believing , John 6. 29. This is the work of God , that ye believe on him whom he hath sent . This is THE work of God . THE work with an emphasis , none to this ; This is the great command , 1 John 3. 23. This is his command , that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ . There are many other commands , but this is the great command of all . And therefore 't is that Christ doth so generally please himself in , his peoples faith : becauses this is the great thing that he requires of us .

Secondly , Because this is that which doth set so great esteem upon him . Christ prizes faith , for faith above all things prizes Christ , and gives glory to Christ . Christ is not magnified and glorified in any thing so much , as by his peoples faith . Faith empties us of our selves , and gives all the glory to Jesus : makes us vile in our own eyes , and magnifies Christ in our eyes , 1 Pet. 2. 7. Unto you therefore that believe he is precious . Faith and Christ they are mutually precious one to another . O the sweet embraces there are between these two friends when they meet ! O precious faith , faith Christ , 2. P●…t . 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . And O precious Christ , saith faith . O precious Savior , saith faith , and O precious servant , saith Christ . ●…aith saith , none but Christ ; and Christ saith , none but faith : onely believe . Sith therefore Christ is so precious unto faith , no wonder that faith is so precious unto Christ .

Now then beloved , stir up your faith ; abound in the lively exercise of your faith : and thereby you may be very pleasing to Jesus Christ nothing will please him like this . If thou art a believer , I know it is in thine heart to please thy Lord . If thou knewest what would please him , woulst thou not do it ? How is the church pleased , to think how she would please Jesus Christ ? Cant. 1. 12. While the King fitteth at his Table , my 〈◊〉 sendeth forth the smell thereof . It gave her great content , to think how she would please Jesus Christ . Would you know how to please Jesus Christ ? here you are directed : be much in believing , learn the skil of believing ; be much in the exercise of your faith . As David danced befo●…e the Ark with all his might , so put forth your faith with vigor and activity . In this above all things you will be pleasing to Jesus Christ . We read how H●…rod was pleased with Herodias daughter when she danced before him , Mar. 6. 22. insomuch that he sware to her , to give her what she should ask , even to the half of his Kingdom . Thus do thou put forth thy faith in a lively activity , and he will be pleased infinitely with this , that he will swear to thee thou shalt have thy asking . Now for a lively faith , to lay hold of Christ . Where is thy faith , Christian , try now what thy faith can do .

Quest. But wherein should your faith act so vigorously , that you may please Jesus Christ ?

Answ. First , In a way of Anmhilation . Or emptying your selves of your selves . This was the way , the Centurious faith did please Christ so much , making him so little in his own eyes . And this was the way the woman of Canaan did please Christ with her faith . Faith is a grace that will exceedingly little us , and abase us , it will make thee that art as big as a Camel , to be little enough to go through an eye of a needle . It will make thee seem less and worse then nothing . It will make thee not onely to cease admiring thy self , but to abhor thy self , and repent in dust and ashes . It will shew thee what Christ is ; and seeing him by thee , thou shalt disappear , and see nothing in thy self but unworthiness . The glow-worm shines in the night ; but when the day Springs it cannot so much as be seen . When this Orient Sun Christ ariseth , to the eye of faith , then self will not be seen , it will not appear . Faith will lay thee where thou shouldst be , in the dust And then Christ will be where he should be , in the Throne . When man stands for a Cypher th●…n Christ signifies somewhat indeed . When man sets down himself for a Bankrupt , then he s●…es out for the unsearchable riches of Christ . O be much in exercising thy faith , and that will empty thee to purpose . This is the language of faith , Lord I am undone , do thou set me up , I am a Bankrupt , do thou pay my debt . Lord , my rig●…ousness is but rags : my beau●…y , is but rottenness : my pedigree , is but baseness : my portion , meer poverty : my power , meer infirmity : Lord , here is work for thee : help Lord ! This is the language of faith : and therefore it is , that Christ and faith do fit so well together . Faith hath need of every thing that Christ hath , and Christ hath a supply for every want that Faith hath . As for unbelievers , they make light of Christ , they are rich , and need not his gold : they are well , and have no need of his salve . But now faith , that empties and humbles the man , and makes him to sue out to Christ : faith will fetch out all that is in Christ . Lord , here is a beggar for thy bounty Here is a Lazarus , for thy cure . Here is a palsie hand , a blind eye , here is a wound for thy salve . Christ , he comes as an open fountain , and faith brings an empty vessel . Christ comes with a full purse , and faith with an empty hand . Christ comes with an open hand , and faith with an open mou●… . Christ comes giving , and faith comes gaping . Faith comes , Lord , here is a belly for thee to fill : here is a back for thee to cover . I am poor and am robbed of all , I have not a penny left , and none can help me but thee , I starve unlesse thou help . Thus faith comes as a hungry child fixes his ey upon the eye of his Father , earnestly looking upon him , when some relief will come to him : so doth faith upon Christ , looking when somewhat will come to him .

Secondly , By way of acceptation , receiving of Christ , To as many as received him , to them gave he power to become the Sons ●…od even to them that believe on his name , John 1. 12. Faith sits like the cripple at the beautiful gate of the Temple to receive an alms . Beloved , the Gospel is the great Mart , and your Souls are the ship , and faith is the receiver , to take in the lading . O let your faith be active , that you may go away greatly loaden . As Christ said , receive you the holy Ghost , so do you receive Christ : accept of Christ , while he tenders himself to you . While he is tendering himself to you , let your Souls answer , Lord , with my whole heart do I accept thee , I take thee at thy word to all intents and purposes . I take thee not onely to receive thy pay , but to fight under thy banner : not onely to be justified by thy righteousness , but to be governed by thy laws . This is the great and vital act of faith , that is of absolute necessity to salvation . The Lord Jesus Christ is offered to you . In the name of the eternal God I offer him to you all ; see that you take him by faith . O saith faith Lord I accept thee , you will all say we will have Christ , we must perish else : but consider it , be not rash , know the manner of your husband : if you will have Christ , you must not live as you list : you must be under government , and strict government , you must not have him and the world too ; you must cast your worldly hopes over board . You must take him upon his own conditions . His condition is very low sometimes in the world , sometimes he hath a bed , and sometimes he hath none : you must run all hazards with him ; you must suffer with him if you 〈◊〉 reign with him . Now what saith your faith to this ? O saith faith , I will take him with all my heart . Faith saith as Ruth to Naomi , Ruth 1. 16. whither thou goest , I will go ; and where thou lodgest , I will lodge , thy people shall be my people , and thy God my God

But how must your faith accept of Christ ?

( First , ) Accept the person of Christ . The Lord Jesus Christ is offered in a marriage covenant to you in the Gospel : and a marriage , is not between a person and patrimony ; but person and person : true faith is not onely for the benefits of Christ but the person of Christ . There is great difference between the sick man , and the sick spouses taking the physician : the sick man takes him for his skill , but the spouse for his person . The sick man taks him till the cure be done , and than values not the physician : but the spouse for hers in all conditions for ever ; she takes his person . Thus must your faith do ; you must chuse the Lord Jesus Christ , not for the salvation onely that he brings , but the excellency that is in him . As Christ will not be contented with any thing of yours , but you : so should you do , be contented with nothing of Christ , but himself .

Secondly , You must accept the pardon of Christ . Christ , with his person doth offer you all his 〈◊〉 . And as 't is in marriage that then , and then onely , and not otherwise shall the wife have the State . So take Christ and you have all the benefits that come by him . He comes with his pardon in his hand , and if you will accept him , you shall have his pardon by him .

( Thirdly , ) The promises of Christ . All the promises are in him yea , and in him Amen . Take Christ and you may lay hold of all the promises as yours .

( Fourthly , ) The purchase of Chris . 't is a Kingdome that is offered to you all , in the Gospel : take Christ , and you shall be heirs of a Kingdom . Lay hold of Christ , and you do at the same time lay hold of ettrnal life .

Thirdly , By way of exultation , rejoycing in Christ , triumphing in Christ , 2 Cor. 2. 14. Thanks be to God , that giveth us always cause to triumph in Christ . Your faith should be triumphing , you should triumph in the victory , mercy , merit , promises , riches , kingdom of Christ . O you that are believers , you have cause indeed always to triumph in Christ . what ! have you received the Lord Jesus Christ ? are you married to such a Husband ? O how sho●…ld you boast of him , O how should you please him ? how should you glory in the booty that you have got ? you have got a prize indeed . Thou that hast got Christ , hast a husband indeed : let your hearts rejoyce in him Thou art a believer , thou are really espoused to Jesus Christ : thou mayst make as real a claim to the Lord Jesus Christ , as a wife to her Husband . And thou mayest make as real a claim to the purchase of Jesus Christ , as a wife to the state and goods of her Husband . These are not vain and empty words : no , no , there is the greatest reallity in the world in this ; 't is as true as any thing in the world can be true . Thou hast a real interest in the Lord Jesus Christ , and may'st boldly make thy claim to him as thine own Husband : do I speak any thing but what the Lord hath spoken ? you are maried unto Christ that was raised from the dead , that you might bring fruit unto God , Rom. 7. 4. mark , 't is not my word , 't is Gods word . Take heed thou dost not blaspheme : dost thou think that God doth go to deceive thee ? far be it from thy thoughts . Believer , 't is so : of a truth Christ is thine ; thy husband , and thou mayst boldly lay claim to him . Consider what a husband Christ is : is not he the King of the Kings of the earth ? This is he unto whom Angels , and authorities and powers are made subject : This is he whom all the Angels of God do worship : Heaven and earth are at his beck : he is exalted above all heavens , and hath a name above every name that is named : this is thy beloved and friend . O should not thy faith triumph in him ?

Fourthly , By way of resignation , in giving up your selves to Jesus Christ . Faith , as it takes Christ , so it delivers up the soul to Christ . Faith makes a happy exchange for us , giving away the man to Christ , and receiving Christ for us . Thus , between Christ and a believer , there is a mutual delivery of themselves over to one another . As faith receives Christ , so it gives up the soul to Christ , and all that it hath ; Lord , saith faith , I here resign to thee : I quit all claim to my self , I am not my own : and will own it henceforth , that I have no right to my self . I give up soul and body to thee : I will hold back no part of the price . And as faith takes first the person of Christ , and then the benefits of Christ : so it gives away the person of the man to Christ , and then with the person it gives all the rest ; the estate , interest , and all to Jesus Christ , thus you should be exercising your faith .

Fifthly , By way of Adoration , thus saith should put forth its self upon Christ : casting our Crowns before him : setting up the Lord Jesus Christ in the throne of his own excellency , and we should admire nothing but him , breaking in pieces all our Idols , and pulling them down , that Christ alone may be exalted .

Sixthly , By way of Appreciation , prizing and esteeming of Christ , debasing self and all other excellencies in comparison of Christ : accounting all things but dung for Christ , such was Pauls faith .

Seventhly , By way of Appropriation , so your faith should put forth it self . It should not only put forth it self in a way of Affiance onely , leaning upon Christ : but in a way of assurance . You should labor to come up to this , not only to believe that Christ dyed for his people in general ; but to believe his death was intended for you in particular to appropriate him to your self . Thus faith acts upon Christ . This was Thomas , his faith when once it was stirred up . My Lord , and my God . Applying Christ to himself as his . Lord , saith faith , I am weak , but thou art my strength . I am a sinner , but thou art my righteousnesse , I am unclean , but thou art my sanctisication . I am miserable , but thou art my redemption .

A SACRAMENTAL Speech grounded on , Mark 1. 15. Repent ye , and beleive the Gospel .

MY dearly beloved brethren , you have often heard our Savior preaching to you by his Ambassadors : but now he is come to preach to you , as it were , in his own person . What was said of Abel is true of Christ , he being dead yet speaketh . Christ being dead yet preacheth to you .

But what doth Christ preach to you , now he is dead ?

Why , he preacheth no other thing to you , now he is dead , than he did in his life : Repent , and believe the Gospel . That , Christ preacheth to you , faith and repentance , repentance towards God , and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ .

First , Repentance towards God , see here Christian what thy sins hath done . Now is a time to have your hearts filled with sorrow , and your faces with shame , to see what you ●…ave brought upon Jesus Christ . Look upon him , every wound in his body , and thorn in his head , calls upon the to repent . The wounds in his side , and the blood that flowed from thence , calls upon thee to repent . Now let thy repentance by stirring , seeing he calls thee to repentance , what shall stir thee up to repent , if this shall not ? here you may see the Lords severe wrath against sin . See it here in the beloved Son of God , who is slain before your eyes for your sins . Ah , Christian , if thou hadst stood with Abraham , and seen the fire of Sodom . Or with Adam , and seen God commanding , and then thrusting them out of the garden . If thou hadst been in heaven , and seen what the wrath of God did there , what work it made when the Angels sinned . Or if thou hadst been in hell , and seen and heard the damned there , how wouldst thou look upon thy sin ? O see here , more than all this ; Gods wrath burning against his own Son , for thy sin .

O see here the love of Christ ! in vain were all thy tears and sorrow , had not Christ made way for thee . O see him , and hear him speaking from the crosse , my wounds shall heal thy soul , if thou wilt but repent . These hands shall work out thy salvation , if thou wilt but return and repent . Ah sinner ! what is not thy soul melted yet ? methinks I should hear thee making thy submission , and return to the Lord , as one that melteth at the word of his Lord. Lord is thy mind thus ? shall I have all this if I will but repent ? behold , I cover my head with sackcloth . I am the offender , as for this lamb what hath he done ? O Lord it repenteth me of my rebellions : I lay down my w pons : I swear , I will be a resolved enemy against sin , as long as I live .

Secondly , Another thing that Christ in his costly death preacheth to you , is faith . Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ , he calls upon you to believe now he is upon his crosse . Methin 〈◊〉 hear him calling upon you from the crosse . Believe the reality and greatness of my love . Believe the infiniteness of my power . The full expiation of all thy sins . The truth of all Gods threatnings . The certainty of all my promises . Thy unquestionable right and title to the Kingdom of glory .

First , Believe the reality and greatness of my love . Methinks he speaks thus to thee , O man , what should I have done more to testisic my love to thee than I have done ? read all the Antiquities , and see whether there was any love like mine ! thou canst not believe , but that thy parents love thee , when they take eare of thee : but whose love is like mine ? did these ever suffer for thee or do for thee what I have done ? what are all these sufferings that I have suffered for thee ? did I despise my fathers glory , and leave it for th●… , & did not love 〈◊〉 ? O slow of heart to believe all that I have done and suffered for thee ! if I did not love thee , what should move me to dye for thee ? did any thing in thee ? no , did any profit from thee move me ? no , I knew that man is not profitable to God . Was it any returns from thee ? no , I knew how thou wouldst be : how unkind thou wouldst be to me . O Christian , doubt not of my love to thee . Doubt not of my help , dost thou think that I would give my self for thee , and will not give my hand for thee ? do not doubt that I will cast thee off , dost thou think that I have su●…ered all this for thee , and that I will cast thee off at last ? no , no.

Secondly , Believe the infiniteness of my power . This is the language of Christ from his crosse , believe the exceeding greatnesse of my power . He speaks thus : O man , what if thou shouldst have no friend but I , cannot I uphold thee ? These shoulders , that did bear up under all that Hell could invent against me , shal not they uphold thee ? fear not to commit thy self with considence to me . See , I am able to keep what thou committest to my trust .

Thirdly , Believe the full expiation of all thy sins . I am here a satisfaction for thy sin . Fear not , I am thy atonement , thy peace , thy propitiation of thy sins , what though thou art empty ? behold the fulness of my satisfaction , what am I here for ? I am cut off , but not for my self , 't is for thee . This is my meaning in my death : this is the end why I am upon the crosse , to make expiation for sin , and bring in everlasting righteousness . All you like sheep are gon●… astray , and God hath laid on me the iniquities os you all . Believe it , God will not require the debt of the principal and surety too Doth 〈◊〉 trouble thee at any time ? sprink●… it but with this blood , and it will be at peace . Art thou afraid to come into the pre●… of God ? do but carry me with thee , and thou shalt be safe .

Fourthly , Believe the truth of all Gods threatnings : here thou seest all the threatnings of God executed upon me . See here , and believe what God will do to those that go on in their trespasses . If he laid so much on me , what will he do to them ? believe also his threatnings of correcting you , 〈◊〉 you sin : for he will punish your sins with rods , and your iniquities with chastisements .

Fifthly , Believe the certainty os all my promises , this is another word that Christs crosse and death speaks to you , what 〈◊〉 the meaning of this death of mine , and of this blood and satisfaction of mine , but that the covenant might be ratified , and all the promises sealed , and nothing diminished , but all my Testament and covenant might he ratified for ever ? Behold , this blood that flows from my wounds is sprinkled upon the people for the purifying of them . All is as sure as my death and blood can make them . Here thou seest all ratisied in my blood . Man , thinkest thou that I would dye with a lye in my mouth ? dost thou think that I would suffer all this for thee , is I meant not to do thee good ?

Sixthly , Believe thy unquestionable right and title to the Kingdom of glory . Why here thou dost see the price and ransome , the money paid down : and what meaneth all this thinkest thou , but to buy in thy name into the inheritance ?

Now Christians , where is your faith ? O methinks your sails should be up . Methinks you should be triumphing , though you are here in the world . As Paul , Who is he that condemns ? it is Christ that died . Why ? what objections can be made ? what can unbelief say , that cannot be answered here in the death of Christ ? shall I muster up all its force , & tell you what the death of Christ doth speak to it ? give me leave to touch upon some of them .

First , methinks I hear unbelief objecting from the terribleness of Gods threatnings . O sayes the soul , my heart melteth within me , while I hear the wrath of God threatned against sin , methinks I come lately from Mount Sinai , wher I heard the Law given withthe Trumpet , & a shout , and a curse pronounced upon all that kept not the words of this Law . O how can my soul bear up against all these curses ?

But now how sweetly doth the crosse of Christ , and death of Christ answer thy fears ? Hear thy Saviors language .

O soul be not afraid , do not thou fear and flag : all these threatnings were intended against me ; all wer fulsilled upon me . Justice hath nothing to say to thee : all the curses are met together upon me . That is the meaning of it : that thou mayst be free , though I take in the wrath of the Lord into my own body . Oh! behold me , behold me : see how full I am of the wrath of God in body and soul : my soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death .

Methinks I should hear thee say , now Lord , I see my liberty , in thy bonds . My salvation , in thy torment and pain . I have seen thy sorrow and out-cry , and understood the meaning and intent of all : that it was to remove the curse from me . Now arise O my soul and inherit the blessing . Therefore was Christ made a curse that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles . What was the blessing of Abraham ? I will bless thee , and make thee a blessing . I will bless them that bless thee , and curse them that curse thee . And again , I establish my Covenant between me and thee . Rejoyce , O my soul rejoyce , and let my soul rejoyce in God my Saviour . O my soul , God hath blessed thee , and shall bless thee . Fe●…r not , now the mouth of the Law is for ever stopt thou shalt never hear one curse more of the flaming mouth of the Law . O soul , what canst thou wish for that is not laid up in the everlasting covenant ? he hath said , he will be a God to thee . Canst thou be able to know the immensity of his covenant ? all is made over to thee .

Second , Object . But sin begins to rise up . The soul begins to cry out of his sins : O the multitude , multitude of my sins ! they are gone over my head , and I am sore afraid , I have nothing to pay my debt .

But hear now what Christ speaks to thee . This is the language of his death and wounds , fear not sin . Have I been so long with thee and dost thou not know me , Philip ? so saith he to thy soul , what ! been here so long with me , and conversed with me so long , and dost thou not know me yet ? are thy sins infinite , and are not my merci●…s infinite ? are thy sins great , and am not I God above all , equal with the father ? O look unto me , and rest in the fulness of my satisfaction : I am thy surety . All thy debts be upon me : all thy wants are upon me , what if thou hast nothing to pay ? I have enough for me and thee . I am the Scape-goat that have carried away thy sin into a land of forgetfulness , I have slain the enmity of sin upon the crosse , and have reconciled you to my Father . Here is redemption , full redemption , plentiful redemption , behold , my blood speaketh peace to you . Wilt thou not believe the voyce of my death and blood to thee ? thus Christ's death can speak sufficiently to all that thy sins can say ' against thee .

Now doth not thy faith stand upright yet , Christian ? methinks I should hear thee say , Lord 't is enough , thou hast laid down thy life for a ransome : I see my cure in thy wounds . I doubt not butthy blood is sufficient to cleanse me from all my sins .

And who now shall appear-against me ? Ah Justice , once a terrible word , now I can see thy face with comfort . Once Justice was so terrible , as never was the face of a judge more terrible to the prisoner at the bar , than that to me , but now 't is pleasing to me . Once , I had rather have fallen into the lions mouth , than to come to it . O how did my soul grow pale , and my heart ready to dye like Nabals within me , when I saw the ballance held up in one hand , and the sword in the other ! but now , I see , that the death of Christ and his blood shall be put into the ballance with me , I am not afraid . Here now see a great wonder : the pure holyness of God taking pleasure in a sinner : and the strictest justice shaking hands with the off●…nder , now the justice of God is become my friend .

Third , Object . O but unbelief seems yet to object from the multitude , and strength , and policy of the enemy . Methinks I see the trembling soul in the posture of the prophets man , who beheld the mountain beset with Charriots and Horses , and crying out O Master ! what shall we do ? If it were but flesh and blood it were not altogether so much : but 't is principalities , and powers ; who can break thorow the host of these Philistines ? But Christian , look to this crosse : look to a dying Christ , look what his death speaks to thee , wherefore art thou ready to fall with these fears , and ready to sink under them ? methinks , I see him taking thee by the hand as he did Peter , O thou of little faith , why didst thou doubt ? look here by my cross , and see all thine enemies lye slain by my death : and what wilt thou be afraid , that thy slain-enemies will rise again , and pursue thee ? methinks , soul , I should hear thee triumphing and crying out , what can you do , O my enemies ? I have seen captivity led Captive : and for whom did he overcome but for me ? as for me , now I will throw out the gantlet , and bid defiance to my enemies . Who is he that condemns ? It is Christ that dyed , who shall seperate us from the love ( or death ) of Christ ? shall tribulation , or distresse , &c. Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors &c. For I am perswaded , that neither death , nor life , &c. shall be able to seperate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord . I see now all overcome in the death of Christ . Devils , I fear you not ; I behold all your legions in chains , and made captives by Christ . Death , I fear thee not ; for I know that thou art slain , by him that had the power of death and devils . I know that thy commission is altered , and thou comest , not with authority to arrest me ; but with an invitation , to invite me to feast with the Lord . And thanks be to God who hath given us the victory .

To the most beloved people the flock of Christ in Taunton , Salvation . Loving and most dearly beloved ,

I have lately received your affectionate letter ; and though I never question your affections to me , and need no verbal testimony ; yet I cannot but take it thankfully , and read it delightfully , when I see it attested under your own hands . And I cannot but tell you , you are the people of my cares , the desire of my eyes , the people of my delights , & of my prayers . My labors with you for many years , though some time attended with difficulty , and danger , yet were not tedious ; but my time passed like Jacobs , when he served for Rachel and my sufferings for you are not irksome , through grace , because I trust they are for your edisication , and are a seal of my love to you , and more especially of the doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ , which I have long preached among you . The Lord God teach me , with humility , and thankfulness to bear such honor , that I should be set for the defence , and consirmation of the Gospel . And now , my dearly beloved , ( though you should not be insensible of Gods great visitation upon you , yet ) I would not have you inordinately disquieted , that I am removed from you to a prison for a season ; but rather imitate the Heroick vertue of that most gracious mother , in the Martyrologie ; who , when the Son of her bowels came , not to a prison , but to a stake to be sacrificed in the flames for Christ , fell down on her knees , and blessed the Lord , that ever she should be so happy , as to have a Son to suffer for Jesus Christ . Ah my dear flock ! how glad should 〈◊〉 be , if God would send me forthwith among you again , to feed you as in the dayes of old , and to go in and out before you , that you might find pasture ? yet be not dismayed , fear not little flock ; though you are little , and despised , and hated of all men for Christs name sake ; Christs relation to you , and tenderness of you is such , that you cannot miscarry . He liveth , and his care liveth . The Godly wife of that worthy Cornish Divine Mr. Vincent , being left in great want , with many little Children , would often answer them , when t●…y came crying about her for bread , and she had none to give , with this gracious expression , be quiet , children , our God 〈◊〉 . And surely , that , my brethren , may be a quieting , comforting consideration , both for you and me , though the bread do 〈◊〉 fail . But at length this gracious wo●… , being left quite destitute , and her children calling upon her , when she had neither bread nor money , breaks out into a bitter weeping , which one of the littleones observing , he comes , and puls his mother by the Apron , saying , Mother why do you weep thus ? Is God dead now ? such a rebuke did the Lord send her , by the mouth of a poor babe . Brethren be not dismayed , Christ liveth , and therefore let your hopes live , let your courage live , let your faith live also . Christ liveth ever , therefore let your hearts live for ever , Psal. 22. 26. He liveth to make intercession sor you , and from his living , you may be assured of life , John 14. 19. of your Jastification , Rom. 8. 34. Of your Salvation , Rom. 5. 10.

Beloved , do but seriously think of Christ's relation to you , and you cannot want comfort . Why , he is not ashamed to call you Brethren . Even when he was entred upon his state of exaltation , risen from the dead , far above the state of mortals , he own'd poor weak believers for his brethren , John 20. 17. Go to my Brethren . Math. 28. 10. Go tell my Brethren . Yea when he cometh with all his holy Angels with him , and sits upon the throne of his glory , he will own the very least , and lowest among poor believers , before all the world , for his Brethren , Math. 25. 31. with ver. 40. keep this , my beloved , as a Cordial at your heart , that Christ stands related to you as your Brother . Ah what consolation is here for a considering Christian ! for , First , This may give you boldness with him , and that , both in your coming to him . and at his coming to you . I say in your coming to him . It may make you come with boldness to the throne of grace , that you have such a friend in court , that can have what he will , that is indeed all and in all in heaven : that you have a kinsman , a Brother there , a man like unto your selves , of the same race , and nature , and so sensible of humane infirmity , Heb. 4. 15 , 16. Christs humane nature , by which he is a Brother to us , may make us come boldly and with full assurance , Heb. 10. 19 , 20 , 22. We might tremble to approach Gods terrible Majesty , to come near the consuming fire , but that we have a brother like unto us , a daies-man , a Mediator , the man Christ Jesus , between God and us . Again , it may give us boldness at his coming to us . Let not the Terror he will com with affright us Christians ; for he is our brother , flesh of our flesh , and bone of our bone . Had even Dives himself a regard of his Brethren , that they might not come into that place of torment ? and shall we think , Christ will send his brethren thither ? How secure would he be whose life or estate were in controversie ; if the matter were put into the hand of his own brother ? Secondly , Then you may presume upon your interest in him . You may have boldness to speak and confidence to speed . You may make use of him , on all occasions , for your selves , and for your friends . You cannot stretch your interest . He upbraideth not that you make too bold , or come too often , or ask too much . Thirdly , Then you may d●…d upon it that he will help in extremity . 〈◊〉〈◊〉 friend loves at all times , and a brother is born for adversity , Pro. 17. 17. He is not such a brother as Davids were Psa. 69. 8. Or as Jobs were , Job 6. 14 , 15 , 16 , 17. He will own and delight in his , in their afflictions , Canticles 2. 14. 4. you may not question his affection . Love is the Natural duty , between Brethren , 1 Pet. 3. 8. Christ hath not onely the name but the heart of a brother . He is not such a brother as Cain , that said , am I my brothers keeper , that hated his brother in his heart . Nor as Jacob , that took his brother by the heel , a supplanter , that deceived him of the birth-right . But such a brother as Joseph was , who was all along his eminent type . 1. Josep●… Received great unkindnesses , and wretched usage from his Brethren . They conspired against his life , they sold him and pitied him not , when they saw the anguish of his soul. And is not the blood of Christ to be found upon the skirts of his Brethren ? Touch him , and the body will bleed upon you . Look upon his mangled body : why , these are the wounds that he hath received in the house of his friends , by the hands of his brethren : I mean by their sins . Isa. 53. 5. 2dly . He shewed melting affections to his brethren after their unkindness to him . He weeped aloud over them , Gen. 45. 1 , 2. to wit with tears of love , and joy . His bowels yearned over his brother , and he seeks where to weep , Gen. 43. 30. But there are no bowels to Christs . No yearnings like to his . How unkindly had his brethren dealt with him ? One sold him , another denyed him , all forsook him . Yet when one would have expected a Message of d●…iance he sends them a message of peace . The sweetest tidings that ever were sent ; John 20. 17. Thirdly , Joseph was sent before to provide for his brethren , Gen. 45. 5. So is Christ . It is his business in heaven to prepare , and provide for his brethren . The provision you have for soul and body is from him : but all this is but as the corn to keep you alive upon the way . What is the store , that Joseph hath laid up in Egypt ? the preparations that Christ hath made in heaven ! Fourthly , Joseph saved the lives of his brethren , that sought his , Gen. 45. 7. And hath not Christ saved them that had their hands in his death ? Fifthly , Joseph when he frowned with greatest severity , had his heart full of yearnings , and tenderness to his brethren . He spake roughly but could not forbear to turn about , and weep . Gen. 42. 24. So it is with Christ . He seems to repulse the woman of Canaan , and to put her off : but you know what was all the while in his heart . When he speaks hard sayings , and writes bitter things , and uses us roughly , his thoughts are thoughts of peace , and not of evil ; peace is in his heart ; He doth it but for your trial . When he seems to have forsaken you , he is but a withdrawing behind the curtain . He seems to have exposed you to perish , as Moses among the flags ; but you see not how he stands like Moses his Sister behind the bush , wistly looking , what was done with her brother , the chil●… . Sixthly , God so over ruled the wickedness of Joseph his brethren , that it tends greatly , to their good and his preferment . So that God made , that horrid sin in slaying Christ to be for our salvation , & his exaltation , Phil. 2. 〈◊〉 , 9 , 10. And the Lord hath preferred him as Pharaoh did Joseph , Gen. 41. 41 , 42 , 43 , 44. Seventhly , Joseph provided for his brethren the fat , and the best of all the land . Gen. 47. 11. He bid , ●…y , and make ready when his brethren were to be with him . Gen. 43. 16. And doth not Christ mingle hiswine , and kill his Oxen , and his 〈◊〉 , and think nothing is to good ? Prov. 9. Math. 22. He cals for the best robe , and fatted calf , Luke 15. He prepares for you a Goshen , the good land , the inheritance of the Saints in light . Luke 22. 28 , 29 , 30. Eighthly , Joseph was never satisfied , though he had all the glory of Egypt , till he had his brethren down to him . As Haman , in another case ; boasted of the glory of his riches , and all the things wherein the King had promoted him , above the Princes and servants of the King ; and ●…t , sayes he , all this avails me nothing , &c. so all the glory to which Christ is exalted , far above all principalities , and powers , wi●…l not content him till he hath his brethren with him ; in no worse a place , and no worse a case then himself . John 17. 24. Ninethly , Joseph presents his brethren unto Ph●…oh , and leads them into his presence Gen. 47. 2. so doth Christ for believers . He leads them to the father , John 14. 6. Josephs brethren , who would otherwise have been an abomination ( being herdsmen ) yet were treated kindly for Josephs sake , Gen. 47. And so doth God to us for our brothers sake . To conclude , what affliction is there , wherein Christs relation to you will not yield abundant consolation ? But I have exceeded , pardon me : it is for two weeks : having been necessarily diverted from writing to you the week foregoing . The Lord teach you to live upon these cordials , in these sorrowful dayes . Fare you well , dear brethren : farewell in the Lord .

I am yours in the bonds of the Lord Jesus Christ .

To the much beloved , the flock of Christ in Taunton ; grace , and peace . Most Loving , and beloved .

YOur prisoner in the Lord hath sent these lines to salute you , and to call upon you , or rather to beseech you , to walk worthy of the high calling in which you , re called in Jesus Christ . Beloved , our word with you hath not been yea , and nay , uncertain and unstedfast . The prison sounds sorth to you the same doctrine , that the pulpit ever did : the Lord give you to hear ; and recieve from the prisoner , that which was not so thorowly embraced from the preacher . But what doth the prison preach ? it preaches repentance to you . God hath called to you from the pulpit often , and now he sendeth to you from the prison , that you should repent . Who is so deaf , as not to hear the louds cals of the living God to England , that they should repent ? you have long had Moses and the Prophets ; but now the Lord hath sent you ; as it were , what Dives asked ; that one should come to you from the dead and testifie to you that you should repent . From the dead , I say for you know , that in the sence of the Law , your Ministers are dead . But being dead we yet speak ; yea our death ; our removal , our silence doth speak ; and all speaks the same thing , that you should repent . O that I could lift up my voyce to you ; that your streets , your houses , your ears , your hearts might be fil'd with this cry , repent O Taunton ; repent and turn . Repent O profane , or else your iniquities will be your ruine . Repent O professors or else the Lord will not repent of the evil that he is about to bring upon us . The Lord now ringeth that thundring peal in your ears : Cleanse your hands ye sinners , purifie your hearts ye double-minded , Draw nigh unto God and he will draw nigh unto you . Be afflicted , and mourn , and weep : let your laughter be turned into mourning , and your joy into heaviness . Humble your selves in the sight os the Lord , and he shall list you up . O hear the voyce of the Lord. He that hath an ear to hear let him hear . Repent , O back sliding Children , or else the Lord will fill you with your own wayes . Speedily make up the breach , and endeavor to repair your decayes , to regain your ground , and recover your first love . O at last bethink your selves , from whence you are fallen , and repent , and do your first works . Repent O sluggard ; when wilt thou awake out of thy sleep ? what hath God kindled a fire in his Church , ready to devour us all , and wilt thou sleep with the house on fire about thine ears ? What ? wilt thou not ply thy bucket , and settle to thy work to purpose ? wilt thou lye still and see the Tide coming in upon the ? what●…ot pluck thy handout of thy Bosom , nor rise out of thy bed-sloth , when the Almighty thunders from heaven , and scaters his lightning , and and sends abroad the tokens of his displeasure ? repent O Laodicean . The Lord calleth to thee to be zealous and repent . Away with this lukewarm profession . Away with this heartlesse , listlesse , livelesse Religion . The Lord hates this halting and halving in Religion . As good not at all , as not to purpose . Never dream that lazie wishes and idle complaints , and key cold prayers , will carry it .

Judge in your own selves ; is this the seeking , knocking , striving , fighting , running , wrestling , that the Scripture every where requires , as necessary to all that would be saved : but especially necessary at such a day of rebuke as this is ? O quicken your selves , call up all your powers , and put you every man his strength to the rope . Cry mightily as Nineveh did . Humble your selves greatly before the Lord as Manasseh did . Let prayer be made without ceasing night and day , if ever you mean to pray open the prisons , and recover your spiritual priviledges . Repent O thou of Sardis , that hast a name to live but ar●… dead . The name may serve to deceive thy self , and to deceive others , but God will not be 〈◊〉ed : he searcheth the heart . O prepare for ●…is search and for his scrutiny . Wo unto th●… , is he pronounce of thee , and write against thee as against ●…elshazzar ; thou art weighed in the balance and sound wanting . Hear the voyce of the living God ; hear and live . Remember what you have received , and heard , and hold fast , and repent : and be watchful , and strengthen the things that remain and are ready to dye , lest the Lord come upon you as an enemy at unawares . Repent O worldly professor , that hast Christ in thy mouth and Mammon in thy heart . Ah what a Demas wilt thou quickly shew thy self , except thou repent ! howsadly will the fears of loosing thy estate betray thee ! How surely will the cares of this world choak thee ! how surely will the prevailing love of earthly things undo thee ! except thou repent , O study the vanity and vexation of the Creatures ; the emptinesse , insufficiency , transitorinesse of present enjoyments ; the superlative excellency of Jesus Christ , and his exceeding great reward , till thy very heart do breath with the Martyr ; none but Christ ; and with Paul , doubtless I account all things but losse , &c. O sinner pray over , and study over these things , till thy heart be brought to a low esteem of perishing things . Walk so often with death , till thou art dead to the world , and canst look upon it , as a man would , that should peep out of his grave . Repent , O sleeper , that livest in carnal security , and layest not to heart the asflictions of Joseph . Doth the whole world ring of Gods Judgments upon England , and dost not thou awake yet , and call upon thy God ? is the Church afflicted , and tossed with tempests , and not comforted , and yet art not thou rouzed up ? is the ship even filled with water , and the disciples crying ; Master save us , we perish , and all in jeopardy , and yet art thou unasfected ? is our Lord ready to be betrayed into the hands of Sinners , and wilt thou sleep on now ? art thou not yet come to thy sences ? Alass , that there should be such a disease as security going now , at such a time as this ! now methinks the dumb should speak , and the dead should wake . Was the tongue of King Craesus his son , dumb from his birth , loosed when he saw his Father about to be murdered ? and shall the Children of Zion see the knife even at the throat or heart of their mother ; and yet be silent and unmoved ? but what do I dwell on particulars ? the Lord calleth on all men every where to repent . Repent , O ossicers , that you have not been so vigilant in the ossices which you have born , and in fulfilling the oaths that you have taken , in repressing of abounding sins as you should have been . This guilt will lye heavy at many doors , without repentance . Repent , O Masters , of your unnecessary hardnesse , and rigor to the bodies ; but especially of your cruelty to the souls of your servants . Have you been as careful to train them up in the knowledge of their C●…eator , as in the knowledge of your trades ? have you taught them how to pray , as well as how to work ? and instructed them in the mystery of their salvation , as much as in the mystery of their callings ? have you looked for as good an account of the principles of Religion , or or of the Sermon of them , as of the task you have set them ? and the work in which you have employed them ? O that you had ! repent , O you ●…usbands , of your harshness , bitterness , not dwelling with your wives as men of knowledge . Repent , you Parents , of your fond indulgence to Children , sparing their sins , neglecting their souls . Repent you wives , of your wilfulnesse , and frowardnesse , and disrespectfulnesse to them , towards whom the Almighty cals sor your reverence and obedience . Repent , O Children of your fearful ingratitude , in slighting and disobeying your Parents , a sin under which the earth do groan . Repent you Servants , of your slothsulness , wastfulnesse , unfaithfulneesse , and eye-service , and disobedience , that all families almost are filled with the complaint of . O that there might be some way to recover the credit of Religion from the wounds , that it hath received , by the neglect of relative duties : well let every man resolve to mend one . O see what hath been amisse in your hearts , and in your houses , and set upon repenting , and reforming . Without this our prayers will return upon our own heads without an Answer . Never think the storm will cease , till the Jonas be thrown over . Beloved , this is that , that God doth wait for . Throw over the head of Sheba and the 〈◊〉 will be soon broken up .

I am apt to transgresse . I shall conclude my Counsels , with my prayers , that a spirit of Repentance and Reformation may be poured out upon you , and so rest ,

yours in all manner of obligations to serve you and to suffer for you . Joseph Alleine .

To the dearly beloved the flock of Christ in Taunton , Salvation . Most loving and dearly beloved ,

THE care of you is continually upon me . I desire no other felicity than to serve the glory of Christ in you : and to enjoy him with you . And blessed be his hame he is no stranger , neither to us , nor you . Let all his prisoners praise him : let all his people praise him . Now is the sweetnesse , beauty , excellency of Christ to be seen . Now may we learn the suavity of his communion , the worth of his promises , the all-sufficiency of his fulnesse . Now taste and see . Sit you down under the safest , sweetest shadow of his protection , and eat of his fruit . The tree is good for food , and pleasant to the eyes , ( except fully blind ) And a tree to be desired to make one wise . Take of the fruit thereof and eat , not as Jonathan , who tasted but a little of the honey upon the top of his rod , but eat abundantly . This is no forbidden fruit . Here is no surfeting . You must live upon him every day , and in every duty . May every one of you be able to say as Paul , to me to live is Christ : then you live like Christians when Christ is the staff of your life . When Christ is both its Spring and its end . When you take root in him , and grow up into him . May every one of you be a tree of Righteousness , whose roots may spread into him , whose aspiring top may be still shooting upward , reaching out toward him : live as those that have no life but in him . And study to be able to say as Paul , that it is not you that live , but Christ living in you . You live in vain while you live not for him : without Christ you are dead while you live . You are of him , and through him , and for him . From whom shall he have glory , if not from you ? the inanim●…te & unreasonable Creatures , cannot praise him , unlesse in a dumb and silent manner , as they are the occasion and incentives of our praising him . The devils and ungodly will not praise him . The silver Trumpet of his praise is found onely in the hands of a few poor believers . Ah! sound you forth his praise in the world ; let your lips sing , let your light shine . Let your lives be at last as a can●…le wasted and burnt out in holding forth the light . Now beloved , study that you may go out with comfort , that you may have your hearts as full as they can hold , with joy ; to think when you are ready to breath forth your last , well my daies are run out for Christ , and my strength is exhausted in the service of Christ . My time is gone , and my labor done , but my Oyl is wasted in the work of God . I have spent my Fathers allowance in my Fathers business . This will make you to arise and say , I will go to my Father , with boldness and confidence : and not as the Prodigal , ( when he had spent the portion of goods which his Father had allotted him ) with diffidence , and fears of his being rejected . You know my business is but to bespeak you for Christ . I have four requests to present you for him . Thus are my requests , but his Commands .

First , Let the ballance be turned by Christ . Let Christ and his interest turn the scale against all the world . Let him be the Pearl , and the world the dung . Let Jesus be King , and Mammon as a despised broken Idol , or as the stamped Calf . Let Christ be the prize , & the rest but losse . Let gain give way to godliness . Let credit crack rather than Conscience stretch , be no body with the world rather than dishonor Christ , to keep up your reputation with men . Let all the flowers of pleasures wither , the paint fall off this harlots face , when set by Christ . Let the silver shrines and great Diana be as Nehushtan . 2. Kings 18. 4. And the crown fall from the head of honour , and the great Idol to come down into the dust before Jesus Christ , and lye like Dagon before the Ark , with head and hands broken off upon the threshold . Keep the world at your feet as a servant , or rather under foot as an enemy . But if it hath the heart you are undone . Where Christ hath not the swaying-interest all is rotten at the bottom .

Secondly , Let the Byass of your wils be set towards Christ . The needle of the will was at first touched with a magnetick verttue , which turn'd it towards God , as the needle is turned towards the pole : but now by the fall it hath quite lost its vertue : and will stand any where , but where it should . But God by fanctifying grace doth new-touch this needle . & though it may ( by an accidental violence ) be too too easily shakenyet it will never rest at a wrong point , but be unquiet and in continual restlessness and agitation till it stand direct towards Christ . If any thing but Christ would content you , you are none of his . Can you acquiesse no where but in him ? do your wils cleave to him ? is he your setled , resolved choice against all competitors ? if so , doubtlesse it is well between you and him . Thus it must be , Christ must have your assent & consent . The judgement must prize him and the will must chuse him as the chief good .

Thirdly , Let the bent of your affections be to Jesus Christ . Look upon the height of his stature , and the goodlinesse of his countenance , and you will say surely he is worthy . Surely this is the Lords annointed . Frequently , and throughly view his excellencies , till your eye affect your heart . Let me set him among the other objects , like Saul among the people . and I must say to you as Samuel , see you him whom the Lord hath c●…osen . There is none like him . O let all your affections , be moved at the sight of him , and shout with the joyful people , let the King live , let Christ have all . Let Sorrow sit with the melting penitent , weeping at her Saviours feet . Let your strongest ●…urning love be kindled , when you do but think of Christ , and fire your hearts , and so bring them forth as a flaming sacrifice to welcome him . Let fear make her obeysance , and with humble reverence and lowliest veneration bow the knee of the soul to Zions King . Let Joy be triumphant when you meditate on Christ . And call upon the daughters of Musick to praise and celebrate his excellency . Let desire be upon the wing , and spread the hands , and open the mouth wide , and pant for him . Let the most lively and pregnant hope sit by the way and look for him , and wait for his coming . And get up in every Ordinance like Zacheus on the Sycamore-tree that he might see Jesus as he passeth by ; and big with earnest expectation of enjoying him . In a word , you must see to it that Christ be chief in your affections ; That he be your chief desire ; Your chief joy : And this will evidence you to be his : and without this all is unsound .

Fourthly , Let the Butt of all your Actions be no other but Christ . Whatsoever you do , do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ . Here take your aim . Here let all your designs meet . Hither let all your motions tend . That Christ may be magnified in you , Phil. 1. 20. This is a mark undeniable . But he that hath more eye to the pleasing of men , his own advantage , or any worldly good , than to the pleasing and honouring of Christ , is no better than a Hypocrite .

I must do as much as I can in a little time , 't is time now to close . I have given you together in these four heads the highest duties and surest characters of every true believer . I must add nothing farther , but onely to send my prayers after my papers , and to let you know the Lords prison is not without his presence , and most refreshing influence . And that your prisoner is yours

in all Bonds Joseph Alleine .

To the most endearing and beloved people , the servants of Christ in Taunton , Salvation . Most loving and best beloved ,

YOur late most affectionate lines are now in my hands , your hearts cannot but be a most grateful and welcome present to me , I return you mine , not willingly , but thankfully , rejoycing to be yours ; while the Lord will your preacher ; and while the Lord will your prisoner ; still yours . I acknowledge I am not my own . If I have any interest in heaven , it is yours , to be improved for you . If I have any talents of goods they are consessedly yours , your claim , your stock . By the grace of God I am what I am . I have nothing , but what I have received from above ; and I have received for your use . I love to think how much I am yours . Make your claim with freedome ; nothing can please me m●…re . My ●…rength is yours ; my labor , my liberty , my losses yours : Ultimately Christs , but nextly yours . I accept with all thankfullness your manifold respects . May whatever honour you put on me re●…lect upon Christ , whose I am , and whom I serve . He is all , and therefore I must needs be nothing . Let no man set me above my place . I am too to sel●…ish ( to my shame and grief I acknowledge it ; may your prayers be the cure of it ) yet surely , I should chuse to be lower , so Christ might sit the higher in all your hearts , I am onely the friend of the Bridegroom . My soul rejoyceth to hear how fast you stand , how close you cleave to him ; my Joy is now fullfilled . What greater joy to the friend of the Bridegroom , than to hear the Bridegrooms voyce , how sweetly he converses with his Bride , and she with him , and to see the sweet passages of love between them , when he hath been a means to bring them together ? This is my joy , it refreshes me ; I am full of consolation , to hear how tender he is of you ; to see him spreading the skirts of his love , the wing of his power and care over you . Happy thou ! Who is like unto thee O people ? A people saved of the Lord , the shield of thy strength , the sword of thine excellency . My dearly beloved , let the name of Jesus be more sweet and precious than ever to you . Verily , I am but his spokesman . Forget me , neglect me , any thing if you will but love him , and adore him , and admire him the more . I rejoyce , as to hear the sweet voice of the Bridegroom to you , so to hear of your love and 〈◊〉 to him . Surely , the Lord hath a singular blessing for you . A●… poor and despised d●…spised , the Butt of humane malice , the eye-sor●… of thy potent enemies ! The Archers have shot sorely at thee , the Hunters have made thee the deere of the Chase , singled from the rest of the 〈◊〉 , and design'd for the Game , for the prey of the ●…ungry pursuers , quick upo●… the scent , following upon the scent , with full cry ; and yet the beloved of the Lord 〈◊〉 in sasety by him , 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 cov●…reth thee all the day long : thou dwellest between his shoulders . O people of desires , hear the ●…rauld of God : ( glorious office ! Lord how unworthy am I of this strange grace , who am not worthy to stoop down and unloose the latchet of thy shooes ! ) yet here me as an 〈◊〉 of God ; unto you O people , it is commanded that you kiss the Son . That you sall down and worship , not the humane Idol , but him whom Jehovah hath set up , and sworn that every k●…e shall bow , and every tongue confess to him , or be cast into the burning siery surnace os his tormenting wrath , seventimes hotter , yea seventy times seven than 〈◊〉 was . Unto you it is commanded that you receive his mark in your foreheads , by open and bold profession ; in your hands , your right hands by suitable works , in a holy diligent , active conversation ; above all in your hearts , there he must be set as a seal ( as well as write upon the palms of ●…our 〈◊〉 ) by most vehement servent affection . Let every one of your hearts be all on fire with strongest burning love to the name of Jesus , and offered as a flaming sacri●… to him .

Beloved , I am affraid almost to tell you what Christ looks for from you . I think of his mercies to you with fear and great joy . Know my beloved , and remember , that he Looks for great things from you ; you have received much , and God will 〈◊〉 much . I beseech you be not as other people . My mouth is open to you , my heart is enlarged , but my time is very streight . Sleep hath departed from my eyes to write a few lines unto you : but I am upon your service when you know it not ; yet I cannot end , without telling you that you had need look to it , that you be in all things more than ordinary , because the Lord looks for extraordinary prosiciency from you .

Brethren let your hearts be entire with God ; be abundant in secret Duties , Prayer , Meditation , Self-examination , Watchfullness , Self-denial . Let none of you be another thing in your Families or Closets , from what he is in the Assembly , and the open profession that he makes . Look to the heart-work , See that you be truly , thorowly and unreservedly the Lords . Beware lest with any of you a secret root of Hypocrisie , should spoil a forward and goodly profession . Care above all things in the world , to approve your hearts to the piercing eye of the ●…lous God . Let your good works shine before men , but reckon your selves to be no more , than what you are in secret . Maintain a holy jealousie of your selves , till upon much prayer , and tryal , and self-observation , you have found out by Scripture-marks the certainty of your state . But I intrench on other things to wade thus far . To my keeper I commend you , and with dearest loves to you all in the Bowels of our Lord , I remain

Your Ambassador in Bonds . Joseph Alleine .

My dear father and brother Norman remembers you tenderly , desiring you to hold fast what you have received and heard , and that you be holy , harmless , exemplary , and without offence in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation .

A Practical CASE on Phil. 3. 13 , 14. This ONE thing I do , I press toward the Mark.

Q. HOw may we come to make Religion our business ?

Rule . 1. You must throughly acquaint your selves with the rule and the compass that Religion steers by . Unless the Mariner know every point of his Compass , he is like to make but foul work of it . The word is a believers Compass , Gal. 6. 16. As many as walk according to This rule , &c. A believer walks by Rule , and by this Rule , the Rule of the word ; you can never mannage the business of Religion , except you do throughly know , and often eye your Rule , and put the rule to your work . How can you trade religiously unless you know the Rules you are to deal by ? Or pray rightly , if ignorant of the Rules you are to pray by ? Beloved , the commandement is exceeding broad , and prescribes you Rules for your whole Man , and sor the right behaving of your selves in every part of your conversation ; Oh hide the word in your hearts ! lay up the Rules you are to work by ; and the Rules that you are to give by ; the Rules that you are to speak by ; and the Rules that you are to hear by ; and the Rules that you are to examine your selves by : Be sure there be no part of your conversation , but that you have some Rules that you doe set to your selves about it .

How can you carry your selves Religiously in your Relations , unless you doe conscienciously observe the Rules that you are to carry your selves by ? If wives do not know their Rules , and husbands their Rules , and servants their Rules , and children their Rules , how can you bring your profession to any thing ? beloved as ever you would make any thing of Religion , know the Rules of your places , set it down with your selves , you husbands , you wives , you children , you servants ; these be the Rules that I will walk by , and wherein I sail of these Rules I will seé my errour , and study to come up to what is lacking .

Resp. 2. You must have the whole lump of the heart leavened and seasoned with Religion , Matth. 13. 33. The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven which a woman hid , &c. The word is this leaven , The heart is this lump in which this leaven is hid : now when the whole lump is throughly seasoned , then their will be such a suitableness between the heart and the work , that Religion will become a pleasure . A true Christian hath the law of the Spirit of Life within him , he hath a transcript of the word in his soul. Now where the law of Religion is in the heart , there will be a love of , delight in , and propensity to the work of Religion , Rom. 8. 2. Heb. 8. 10. I delight to doe thy will , thy law is within my heart , Psal. 40. 8. who naturally careth for your state , Phil. 2. 20. where Religion hath taken deep root in the heart , the concerns of Christ will become its natural care . Now that which is natural is delightful , and when a man loves his work , he will be much in it . Again , that which is natural is constant , so that when the heart is naturalized and habituated to Religion , the man will constantly follow it . To a heart throughly sanctified , Religion is the very Element it lives in , whereas a carnal heart in holy exercises is like a fish out of the water , it cannot away with the strictness of a holy self-denying life , when the heart is renewed , and made spiritual , t will naturally mind the things of the Spirit , Rom. 8. 5. Joh. 3. 6.

Rule . 3. You must have these six Principles inwrought and deeply engraven into your souls .

Prin. 1. That Religion is the very end of your being , that you were made and maintained for . This is the end and use of all your powers and faculties , That you may serve and glorisie the God that made you , He made you for himself , Prov. 16. 4. For his pleasure you are and were created , Rev. 4. 11. Oh man look upon thy self ; think whence thou art , and for what a little while since thou wast not , how camest thou to be ? hath not the hand of God framed thee ? Think with thy self , wherefore serve all these powers and faculties ? To what end were they given me ? what to eat , and drink , and sleep , and sport ? If I had been a brute , I could have done this , why should it repent the Lord that he hath made me a man , that he hath given me an understanding soul ? wherefore have I reason above the rest of the Creatures ? but that I should understand the Law of my Creation , and the end of my being , and know my makers ends , and doe his pleasure ? Better I had never been born , than not to answer my end . Better I had been a Brute , than a Man , unless I glorifie God with my understanding and imploy my powers and faculties in his service .

Oh let these thoughts live dayly upon your hearts , fix it upon your selves that you are of no use nor worth in the world , except you serve your makers ends : that he is the Potter , and you the Clay ; and that you are good for nothing , except you are for the use of him that formed you : think with your selves ; Is it not pitty so excellent a peice of Gods workmanship , as man is , should be all in vain ? That God should lay out so much of his power and wisdom , and grace upon thee , and loose his end at last ? That he should furnish Man compleatly for the end he was made for , and send him into the world to dispatch his business , and Man should forget his errand , and neglect the very end of his being ?

Beloved , the reason why men do mind Religion no more , is beause they do mistake their business . And is it not pitty , that when Man only of all the vissible Creatures hath an understanding to know his end , he onely should mistake and miss his end ?

Prin. 2. That look as you do mannage the business of Religion , so are you made or marred to all Eternity , settle it upon your hearts , that if this business doth miscarry , you are undone for evermore ; you may miscarry in any other business , and yet doe well enough at last ; your goods may be wreck'd , your friends disingaged , your times spilt , and yet you may be happy ; but if you do not go through with the business of Religion you are undone men . This made Paul to ply the Oars , and follow it with such dilligence , 1 Cor. 9. 26 , 27. So run I , so fight I , &c. This made him engage with might and main , and put forth every limb in the race , because his Eternal undoing lay upon it : He runs through fire and water , he doth not beat the Air , and brandish his sword like a vapouring coward ; he is not like the Fencers that strike as if they could kill each other at every blow , but mean one another no hurt : no , he is earnest , he fights as for the precious Life , least otherwise after all his Preaching and paines he should prove a Castaway , 1 Cor. 9. 27. Sirs , you had need look how you doe carry it now , Immortallity , Eternity hangs upon it , your patient continuance in well doing , will bring forth Eternal life ; but you miss all , if you doe not keep doing , and doing well , and patiently continue so doing ; If you come short of this , your portion is indignation and wrath .

Sirs , consider where you are , and look about you . Oh you careless sinners , you remiss and Luke-warm Christians , consider what is before you . The furnace is ready heat for you , if you go not through with your work . The Crown is ready prepared , if you hold out in your race ; you are speeding on to Eternity , as fast as the wings of time can carry you ; and that is more swiftly , than the Eagle flying in the Air.

Believe it , Religion is no trisling matterIf thou be careless and idle , and remiss here , thou art a damned Man . If a Man be upon trial for his Life , I warrant you will find him serious here . If a man have a business that will prove his utter ruine , if it miscarry , depending ; be sure he will stretch his wits , and engage his interest , and turn every stone . Beloved the reason why Religion is minded with so little care , is because Men do not consider the consequence of Religion . Sirs , can you dye , can you burn ? If not , take heed of trisling in Religion , and selling Heaven for want of a little Pains-taking . Oh where ever you be unserious , be sure you be serious and in earnest in the business of Religion , and that you may be so , let this ever dwell upon your hearts , that halving and trisling will undo all .

Prin. 3. That nothing is well done except it be Religiously done . Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus . Whatever you do , do all to the glory of God , 1 Cor. 10. 31. Col. 3. 17. Remember , that the rules of Religion do not onely reach your praying , hearing , almesgiving , &c. but your eating , drinking , trading , marrying . You must not think to put off God with an hour in the morning , and an hour in the evening ; you must be serving him throughout the day , managing your callings , visits , discourses , according to his rules . Count that arrow lost , that is not levelled at some Religious end ; that hour lost that is not spent Religiously , that visit lost , in which you have not promoted the ends of Religion in your selves and friends . Count that you eat amiss , unless you eat Religiously . So much of Religion as there is in your actions , so much there is of true gold , so much as there is of self and carnal ends , so much embasing mettle is mingled therewith ; your lying down , and rising up must be managed Religiously , or else they are not well managed ; and you must impose it upon your selves , to be serving God not onely on your knees , but in your shops , at your Tables , in your journeys , that God may be glori●…ied by you in all things .

Prin. 4. That the Trade of Religion of all others , yields the sweetest pleasure , and surest gain . A true Christian is a Merchant Man that dealeth in no small matters , but for goodly Pearls , Mat. 13. 45. A holy Life is a spiritual trading , Mat. 25. 16. Now there is no Trade to this . A Believer Trades for Grace and Glory : Oh how glorious is the prize , and how excellent and unvalluable is the income of Religion ! Wisdom is more precious than Rubies , all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared to her , Read Prov. 8. 11. & Prov. 3. to the 19. They that come from the Indies laden with Gold and Spices , with Pearls and Diamonds , have but a poor Trade in comparison of a Christian : follow the work of Religion to purpose , and you will find the true Riches flowing in upon you ; your faith will grow exceedingly , and your love will abound , and as riches increase , your hearts will be set upon them , and your gaines will increase your diligence . Every man will be dealing in that commodity , that yields great profit . The reason why Men have so little heart for Religion is because they have secretly an oppinion that there is little to be got by it . They reckon an hour spent in Religion , to be an hour lost . They say in their hearts . It is in v●…in to serve God , Mal. 3. 14. And what profit should we have if we pray to him ? Job 21. 15. But when a man tasts the pleasure , and sin●…s the gain of Religion , then he will set to it to purpose , and like the wise Merchant imploy all his stock here , Mat. 13. 44 , 46.

Beloved , as ever you would go through with the work of Religion , you must have your hearts throughly possessed with the advantage and profit that comes in by Religion . when a man doth think he can benefit himself more other where , he will have little heart to follow after Christ , but when he knows not where to be better , then he will stick resolvedly to him , Ioh. 6. 66 , 67 , 68. There are two great Pillars upon which Religion stands ; The one is a belief that God is , and the other that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him , Heb. 11. 6. Well let this dwell upon you then , that you cannot better your state , nor promote your happiness any way in all the world , so much as by Religion . No pleasure , nor profit to that of Religion , Riches and honour are with her , all her ways are pleasantness , she is a tree of Life to them that lay hold upon her , and happy is he that retaineth her , Prov. 3. 17 , 18. Here is true delight , Psal. 40. 8. Rom. 7. 22. Here is meat and drink , Iohn 4. 34. work and wages , Psal. 19. 11.

Pr. 5. That your time is short , and your work great , and must be done now or never . Our Saviour made Religion his business , Luke 2. 49. And Oh how busie was he ! He went up and down doing good ; and so much was he taken up with his work , that he had not time to take his bread ; yea his carnal friends , seeing how earnest he was , said he was besides himself , and began to lay hold on him , Act. 10. 38. Mark 3. 20 , 21. And what did put him upon this earnest diligence ? The sense of the shortness of his time , Ioh. 9. 4. Oh Sirs remember with him , that now you have a day to work in , and you have but a day , and the night is hasting upon you , when there is no work to be done : no more praying , no more hearing , no more exhorting , nor admonishing . Now serve your generation , now exhort one another dayly ; doe good with your Estates ; call upon your friends dayly , for it must be now or never , let it ever dwell upon you , That there is no work , nor device , nor knowledge , nor wisdom in the gr●…ve whither thou art going , and that will put you upon doing the work of Religion with all your might . Be convinced of the weight of your work , and that will make you answer intervening disturbance that would take you off , as Nehemiah did , Chap. 6. 3. Then remember of what dreadfull consequence t is , your salvation is at stake , and therefore you must work it out with fear and trembling .

Prin. 6. That except you make it your business , all your Religion is in vain . While you halt and halve it in Religion , you come but half way to heaven . Settle it upon your hearts , that except you are throughout Religious , you are Religious to no purpose . Be sure you shall never come to heaven except you seek it in Gods order , Mat. 6. 33. First seek , &c. It were not suitable to the wisdom of God , so to undervalue his Christ and glory , as to throw them away on those that account other matters better worth their pains and care .

Rule . 4. You must have the love of God and Religion , lying next your hearts ; Love is a busie Grace , 1 Thes. 1. 3. Your labour of Love . We may say of Love , as Solomon of the vertuous woman , she layeth her hands to the spindle , and her hands hold the distaff , she eateth not the bread of idleness , she worketh willingly with her hands , Prov. 31. Love will constrain you , and put you upon a willing and dilligent keeping Gods commandements , 2 Cor. 5. 14. 1 Ioh. 5. 3. Get your hearts in love with the Laws and Waies of God : who more busie than David ? Morning , evening , and noon , he was praying and praising , yea talking and thinking of God and his ways , all the day , and all from his love to them , Psal. 55. 17. & 119. 147. & 118. & 71. 24. Oh how I love thy Law ! Psal. 119. 97. Lord I have loved the habitation of thy house , Psal. 26. 8.

You must beware of taking too much of the world into your hands . When a mans heart and head is full as it can hold of worldly care and businesses , and he cannot tell which way to turn himself , in a crowd and throng of worldly affairs , how can the care of Religion live in such a ones heart ? Luke 10. 41 , 42. If Martha will trouble her self about many things , the ONE THING needfull shall be neglected . You must buy , and marry , and weep , and rejoyce , and trade , and care for these things , as if you did it not ; not laying too much stress upon these things , nor engaging too eagerly in seeking after them , or else you will neglect the better things , and learn to pray , and hear , and read , as if you did it not , 1 Cor. 7. 30. T is true that the work of your callings is part of your business for Heaven ; but then you must be sure to keep your affairs so at command , as that you may have so much room for dayly Prayer and Meditation , and self-reflection , as may season your worldly business with Religion , and sanctisie it to you , that it may become a help , and not a snare .

Rule 6. You must alwaies work as under your Masters eye . When the Masters eye is known to look on , there is as much work done in an hour , as many times is done in two , when the sence of his oversight doth not quicken the workman , Psal. 16. 8. I have set the Lord alwaies before me .

Rule 7. You must ever carry your eye upon your mark . So did Paul in the text , I press towards the Mark , for the prize of the high-calling of God in Christ , The mark that a Believer ay●…s at , is Gods Glory , and his own , that God may be glorisied in him , and he with God . This glorious prize will animate you to your work , and swallow up the sense of labour and difficulty , and make you for the joy set before you , to endure the Cross , and despise the shame , Heb. 12. 2. Paul carried the Crown incorruptible in his eye , and that made him with patience invincible to run , and fight , and keep under his body , 1 Cor. 9. 25 , 26 , 27. All the afflictions , and reproaches that attended Gods poor people and wayes , in the time of their thralldom , could not discourage Moses , when he eyed the recompence of reward , Heb. 11. 25. 26. Keep heaven in sight , and your work will go on with pleasure , and all your difficulties will seem light and easie , and not worthy once to enter into comparison with the expected bliss , 2 Cor. 4. 17 18. Rom. 8. 18.

Rule 8. You must at the entrance of every action , remember the Rules that you are to act by . Else in vain doe you receive and lay up Rules , if when occasion is , you doe not apply them to the particular Case . To what purpose have you rules for prayer , if you do not remember and use them when you come to prayer ? To what purpose have you rules to examine your selves by , if you do not observe them in examining your selves accordingly ? As ever you desire to make any thing of your Religion , remember when you come to your tables , the rules that you are to eat by ; when you go to your callings , make visits , read , or hear the word , be sure you think on the rules that you are to read by , or discourse by , or hear by , &c. You cannot think of God in every motion , but with a little pains , watchfullness , and prayer , you may come to this , to mind your rule and your end at the entrance of every solemn action . And this I desire you to enjoyn upon your selves , and take a daily account of your selves , how t is performed . This would be indeed to keep up the power of Christianity . Oh be at the pains to put to this , and you will know what it is to walk with God , and to be in the fear of the Lord all the day long , and will have learnt that happy ●…sson , To walk up and down in the name of the Lord , Prov. 23. 17. Zech. 10. 12.

Rule . 9. Be sure every morning to set out to a right point of the Compass . If a Man takes a wrong turning and misseth his way at setting forth , he goes miserably out , it may be , a great part of the day , cut out your business in the moning , and let your aym be well ; Set the hand of your watch to a right point , and wind it up carefully , and that will be a means to keep it right ●…oughout the day . Never rise from your beds but with some such thoughts as these . I will set sorth this day in the name of God . Religion shall be my business this day . I will surely spend this day for Eternity , David would begin with God , Ps●…l. 139. ver. 18. & 5. 3.

Rule 10. Let the present days practice be still the me●…ding of the past daies errors . If you would go through with the work of Religion , you must take this course . Every evening strictly to examine your selves about your whole carriage that day with reference to your Duties , Sins , Hearts , Tongues , Tables , Callings , as I have otherwhere directed you ; and when you find your selves tardy in any thing this day , be sure to amend it the next day . Was the Appetite too much indulged ? when you sit at meat the next day remember the error , and hold the reins faster then . Do you find that you were not heavenly in your discourse ? be sure that you be not caught in the same fault again the next day . Have you let loose your Passions , or given your tongues the reins ? be humbled , and be sure that you be not caught again the next day in the same fault ; else to what purpose are all your self-examinations ? Psal. 119. 59. In vain doe we think on our waies , except we turn our feet to Gods Testimonies .

Rule 11. You must deny your selves , and keep under your carnal lusts and affections . Where self bears the sway , that will set you on work , and you shall have enough to doe to follow its carnal designs . If you 〈◊〉 your lusts and earnal assections to command you , to be sure they will find you work enough , you then will have little room , and little leisure , but these will be all the day long calling upon you to gratifie . One while the appetite will be calling , and there must be time to give to that what it craves , another while revenge will be calling , and employing you to contrive how to vent it , and give it satisfaction ; another while pride will set you on work to satisfie that : and then lust will be calling that you must gratifie ; and then covetousness will be chiding that you have neglected it , and be putting you on satisfying that . Thus your lusts will find you business night and day ; and your employment will be to make provision for the flesh , Rom. 13. 14. Get these therefore under , or else the business of R●…ligion will never , can never go on .

Psalm 144. 3. Lord , what is man , that thou takest knowledge of him ? or the son of man , that thou makest account of him ?

THe Psalmist in the foregoing words , had eminently set forth the strange goodness and Grace of God towards him , upon which he breaks out into admirat●…n of him , that ever God should look upon him . What is man , &c.

Hence observe .

Doct. That it is a wonder above all wonders , that ever the great God should make such account of such a thing as man .

This I shall open to you in these three generals .

1. It will appear if you consider what a great God the Lord is . 2. What a poor thing Man is . 3. What a great account the great God hath of this poor thing Man .

First , If you consider what a great God the Lord is . And here I may be confounded , to think that I can speak no more of his greatness . When I am studying to speak to you of his greatness , that comes to my mind , canst thou by searching find out God ? Alas , we may all complain as Jobs friends did , Job 8. 9. We are but of yesterday and know nothing , yet notwithstanding , though we are not able to comprehend , much less to express the greatness of God ; yet some thing we may see , and accordingly should conceive of it , and should labour to set it out to others .

It is seen in his Works , and Word .

1. In his Works . Herein God doth discover to us his wonderful greatness , Job 36. 24. 25. Remember that thou Magnisie his work which men behold . Every man may see it , man may behold it afar off . Man may see afar off if he d●… but cast his eye as he runs , what a great God that is that made all the world . If we doe but cast our eyes upon the Fabrick of the world that he hath made ; if we look down-ward , and see how every creature serveth its end that it was made for : if we see how the earth hangs upon nothing ; if we are in our wits what should we do but praise whatever we are doing ? whether plowing , or eating , &c. this Hymn is to be sung to him , It was he that gave me strength to work , and appetite to eat , Psal. 19. 1 , 2. The heavens declare the glory of God , and the firmament sheweth his handy work ; day unto day uttereth speech , &c. Every day cloth preach to us this Doctrine , what a great , wise , good , glorious God he is , who doth order every season , and their occurrences , Rom. 1. 20. Dost thou find thy heart begin to be listed up with pride ? Do●…t thou begin to forget thy maker ? Do but behold his Works ; see if thou canst do any such thing : say , let there be light , and see whether there will be light . Try whether thou canst bring sorth such a thing as this . This doth God demand of Iob , Chap. 38. But if man cannot come near any of these works of God , then let him adore his power and greatness , and subject himself to him .

2. In his word . What glorious descriptions doe we find made of him in the Scriptures ? Psal. 104. 1. O Lord thou art very great , &c. Iob. 25. 4 , 5 , 6. Man , in comparison of God , is but a worm , a vile worm , as the word signifies ; such a thing is man . A worm that is bred in flesh , which is the wor●…t of all . Now is it not a wonder of all wonders that God should look upon such a one as man ? That God that humbles himself to behold the things that are done in heaven , that this great God should look upon us ? or take any pleasure or delight in us ? O how should we admire this Grace !

Secondly . If you consider what man is . What a Vain , what a Vile thing he is .

1. What a vain thing he is . His vanity appears ,

1. By Gods testimony of him . 2. By mans own hand subscribing to it .

( 1. ) By Gods testimony of him , Isa 40. 15 , 16 , 17. All natious before him are as vanity . They are as the drop of a 〈◊〉 , and as the small dust of the ballance , &c.

(2) You shall see mans own hand subscribing to it . If you will but look into other places of Scripture , you shall see man setting his own hand to it , Psal. 39. 11. Surely , every man is vanity , mark , every man . Men of all Ranks and conditions , Psal. 62. 9. Surely men of low degree are vanity , and men of high degree are alye : to be laid in the ballance , they are altogether lighter than vanity . The Psalmist doth not speak it rashly , but as one that had tryal of what man was ; and yet he g●…ves this as the result of his experience and tryal , that if man were put into one ballance , and vanity in the other , it would weigh●… him down . So Psal. 39. 5. Verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity : Not vain , but vanity it self : yea every , yea altogether , yea at his best state , he is altogether vanity . Job 11. 11. For he knoweth vain men . That is the proper Epethite that belongs to man . Man is a vain thing , and that in two particulars . He is Worthless , and Useless .

1. He is a worthless thing , Iob 11. 12. For vain man would be wise . In the original 't is Empty man . Man is by Nature empty of every good thing . So the Apostle , in me , that is in my slesh dwelleth no good thing . There is nothing that is spiritually good left ; all is lost by mans Apostacy from God . Yea , man is not onely nothing worth , but worse than nothing . We use to say that a man that is over head and ears in debt , is many thousands ( it may be ) worse than nothing : so is man , he is insinitely in his makers debt , and cannot come out , as we acknowledge in that petition forgive our debts ; where we acknowledge two things . (1) That we are in debt to God . (2) That we cannot pay him . This is the condition of man , he is infinitely in God's debt , & he cannot pay any thing : he hath nothing to pay .

2. He is a useless thing . Able to doe the Lord no service , Eph. 2. 1. Yea when he is recovered by grace , 't is very poor service , that he can doe for his maker . And therefore our Saviour teacheth his disciples to say they are unprofitable servants when they have done their duty . Yea we are so far from doing him any acceptable service , that we cannot but sin against him , and offend him . Now put these things together , and doth it not appear to be a wonder that God should make such account of man ? Is he a vain thing , Worthless and Useless , and yet will God set his heart upon him ? what a wonder is this !

2. Man is a vile thing . If he were onely empty of good , this were something ; but now he is not onely empty of all that is good , but he is full of all that is displeasing to God , Job 15. ver. 16. Man drinketh in iniquity like water . This is the condition of man , he drinketh in sin as the fish drinks in water : Sin is his proper Element . The filthy carcase lying before us is not more loathsome to us than we are to God in our sins . Man , before God in himself is like a carcase lying in its crawling worms . Now is it not strange that so vain , yea , so vile a thing as man have any room in Gods heart ? How should we cry out with the Psamist here in the text , Lord what is man , &c.

Thirdly . This will appear by considering What great account this great God hath of this poor thing man .

What great account God hath of him , will appear (1) In what he hath laid out upon him . (2) In what he hath laid up for him . (3) By the near union he hath taken him into , with himself . ( 4. ) By his near relation to him . (5) By his entertaining such familiar communion with man .

First . If you consider what God hath laid out upon him . The care , and the cost .

1. The care . Ah brethren , this is strange grace , that the infinite God should lay out his care , his thoughts upon such a thing as man is , yet thus he doth , 1 Pet. 5. 7. For he careth for you . Now this will appear worthy of your admiration , if you consider what this care is . 'T is a Paternal care , a Personal care , a Perpetual care .

1. It is a Paternal care . A Fatherly care . As a father pittieth his children , so the Lord pittieth them that fear him . So Mal. 3. 17. God calls them his Iewels . Now if a mans house be on fire , he will be sure to save his Jewels . But if a mans children be in the house , he will rather loose his Jewels than his children . And if he saveth any Child , then that that is the dutifull child . So God will spare them as a son that serveth him .

Now this Paternal care is , upon that account , Natural , Constant , Vigorous .

(1) It is a natural care which is in fathers , and this is in God . This the Apostle commended Timothy for , Phil. 2. 20. That he 〈◊〉 rally cared for their state . That which is n●…tural is delightful : so is Gods care of his people ; he takes pleasure in it , in his projects and designs to bring his people to glory . Yea God is so Ambitious ( as we may so speak , ) that he is angry when we will not cast our cares upon him . He would have us be carefull for nothing .

(2) Upon this account , it is also constant and uninterupted . That whis is Natural is constant . As the fire doth naturally give heat , therefore it alwaies doth so . But that which is contrary to Nature is quickly gone : As if you heat water over the fire , the heat is quickly gone again ; because it is against nature . Now Gods care is Natural , and therefore Constant.

(3) That which is Natural is vigorous . That which is done against Nature is done slowly . As when you cast a stone upward . Now Gods care is a Natural care , and therefore a vigorous care .

2. It is a Personal care . God will look to us himself , Isa. 66. 2. It is true God doth put others to look to us , but he will not trust us with these , but he will look to us himself .

3. It is a perpetual care . As when Daniel was to be cast into the Lions Den , Dan. 6. 14. The king set his heart upon Daniel to deliver him , &c. So Gods heart is set upon us . He is bent for our good , he is still designing for us , Psal. 40. 5. Many O Lord — are thy thoughts to us ward , &c.

2. As it appears by the care , so by the cost that God hath laid out upon man . (1) The Riches of his love . (2) The gold of his grace .

1. The riches of his love . The free grace , favour and love of God is called Riches in Scripture , Ephes. 1. 7. The Apostle speaking of the Riches of Christ shews how unsearchable they are , Ephes. 3. 8. So Rom. 11. 33. O the depth of the Riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God . Now all these were laid out to determine mans deliverance . They are glorious Riches that God doth lay out upon his sons and servants , Rom. 2. 7. And well may these be called Riches . There must be two things to make Riches , there must be (1) Plenty . (2) Preciousness .

First . There must be Plenty . For a little of never so good , will never make a man Rich.

Secondly , There must be Preciousness , for abundance of that which is worthless will never make a man Rich. Now both of these are in Gods Mercy , there is plenty , and 't is precious . The Mercy and Grace of God is very precious . David sought most for this , when others set their hearts upon other things , Psal. 4. And as 't is of great worth , so 't is of great plenty . It is abundance of grace that God doth put forth in repairing mans Nature , and making him a New Creature .

But this great cost of God upon us will further appear , in that he hath laid out upon us . (1) His Creatures . (2) His Christ .

1. His Creatures upon us . That he should lay out all these Creatures upon us , These Heavens , and this Earth to be for the comfort of man , Oh how doth this discover Gods goodness to man ! This made David admire him , Psal. 8. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8. Here you may see what an account God doth make of man , in that he should make him a little god among the Creatures ; that their sheaf should bow to his sheaf ; that they must spend and be spent for man : yea , the invisible Creatures , the Angels , they must be ministring spirits , for them who are the heirs of Salvation , Heb. 1. ult.

2. In that he hath laid out his Christ upon us . This was a costly gift indeed . It is much that God should give his Creatures to dye for us , to give us food : but oh that he should give us his Christ to dye for us , Oh how incredibly hath the Lord advanced man in this ! In this he hath abundantly shewed how man was esteemed by him . This shews that he had a great regard to us . We were redeemed by the blood of Christ , which was the blood of God himself , Act. 20. 28. Now is it not an admirable thing , that so mean a purchase should be made with so great a price ? This was that which God did commend his strange love with , ( 1 Joh. 3. 16. ) that he laid down his life for us . Look into thy self man , what hast thou that thou shouldest have this great purchase to be laid out for thee ? Oh How should man be continually in the prais●… of God!

2. In the gold of his grace , that God hath la●…d out upon m●…n . Grace is call'd the true Riches , and this hath been laid out upon man , Rev. 3. 18. It is called gold , yea 't is much more precious than gold . When you see the Qu●…n attired in Gold , Psal. 45. all this is to set forth the Grace that is upon the Saints of God . I tell thee Christian , thou that hast but one dram of Grace , he hath give●… thee more than if he had given thee a whole world . In the Creation there were some footsteps of God upon other Creatures ; but upon man there was his Image . And now that God should distinguish thee from others by one dram of Grace , this is admirable !

Secondly . It appears what great account this great God hath of this poor thing , Man , in what he hath laid up for him . This makes the Psalmist to cry out as one overcome with admiration , Psal. 31. 19. O How great is thy goodness , which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee ! It is much that God hath laid out for us , but more that he hath laid up ●…or us . The Psalmist could not express it , he could but 〈◊〉 it onely , 1 Cor. 2. 9. Eye hath not seen , nor 〈◊〉 heard , neither have entred into the h●…rt of man , the things which God hath prepared for them that love him . Eye hath no●… seen . The eye of man hath seen much ; especially those that have travailed in other Countries . But the eye of man hath not seen any thing that may be compared with this that God hath prepared . Nor ear heard . We have heard o●… more than we have seen ; We have heard of gold Mines and the like , that are in other parts o●… the world ; but the ear hath not heard of any thing like this . And though the eye hath seen much , and the ear hath heard more ; yet the heart of man can conceive of more again ; yet the heart of man cannot conceive of what God hath laid up for them that love him .

Now lay these two together , what God hath laid out upon man , and what he hath laid up for him , and will it not appear that the great God makes a great account of man ? How can you chuse but cry out in the words of the Psalmist , What is man , &c. But ,

Thirdly . This will appear by that near union that he hath taken him up into , with himself . Oh how wonderfully hath God dignified man in this ? By uniting his Nature to the nature of man , as 't is in the second person of the Trinity , Joh. 1. 14. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us , or , in us . That God should take up the nature of man into personal union with himself , what an unspeakable dignity is this ! So the Apostle , he took not upon him the nature of Angels , but the seed of Abraham , Heb. 2. 16. Herein is man dignified above the Angels of glory , in the near union between God and man in the Godhead . This is that which the Angels do desire to pry into : well may the Apostle say , great is the mystery of godliness : and this is the top of it , God manifest in the flesh . Greatly hath God dignified man in these two things , that Man should be partaker of the Divine Nature ; and that God should partake of the Humane Nature .

1. That Man should partake of the Divine Nature , 2 Pet. 1. 4. Oh this is a great priviledge that we should bear the Image of God . Let the world scorn at holiness ; yet I tell thee , Man , that hast one dram of grace , he hath done more for thee , than he hath done for all the world . How ever this is out of fashion in world , I am sure 't is not in heaven . O glory in this , you that are made partakers of Gods Nature .

2. In his taking upon him our Humane Nature . In this , mans Nature is more exalted yet . The Nature of Man in Christ is lifted up far above all Principalities and Powers , 1 Pet. 3. ult. Angels , and Authorities , and Powers being made subject unto him . This is spoken of Christ , not onely in his Divine Nature , but his Humane Nature , for his Divine Nature was there before : therefore it must be understood of his Humane Nature . And he hath all power of Angels and Authorities , and he sends them forth to Minister at his peoples need , Heb. 1. 〈◊〉 , Ephes. 1 , 20 , 21 , 22. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead , and set him a●… his own right hand in the heavenly places , far above all Principality , and power , and might , and dominion - And hath put all things under his feet , and gave him to be head over all things to the Church . Mark , the Man Jesus Christ is head and Lord over all things : for it is spoken of Christ as to his Humane Nature ( as I told you before ) for 't is spoken of him as raised from the dead , which was his Humane Nature . So that you see how wonderfully mans Nature is exalted in Christ .

Fourthly . It appears by his near Relation to him . This is another way by which God hath signified what a great account he hath of man , that he will take him near to himself . You know 't is a great honour to be next to the King . Now what a great honour is it for a man to be next to God ? now he hath taken man near to him . (1) As a husband . (2) As a father . (3) As a friend .

1. As a Husband . They twain shall be one flesh . God hath owned man in this Relation , Isa. 54. 5. Thy Maker is thy husband , the Lord of hosts is his name . O what a thing is this that he should not be ashamed to own us in that Relation ! Jer. 3. 14. I am married unto you , Eph. 5. 30. We are flesh of his flesh , and bone of his bone , Hos. 2. 19. I will betroth thee unto me for ever . 2 Cor. 11. 2. I have ●…spoused you unto one husband . O what a great exaltation is this , that we should become the bride of Christ , the wife and spouse of Christ ! what honour hath the Bride , the Lambs wife ! A believer is espoused to Christ : and therefore the Apostle propounds the example of Christ to his Church , unto men towards their wives , to imitate his example in the performance of their duties to them . Now what a wonder is this that such beggars as we are ●…hould be taken from the dunghil & be made a bride prepared for him !

2. As a Father . So he is nearly related to us . This is an astonishing consideration , 1 Joh. 3. 1. O what a wonder is this , that he should take such a thing as man , so near to himself as to make him become his son ! That he should take him from the dunghil of sin , From the dungeon of darkness , The family of Satan , The furnace of hell .

There be two dignities confer'd upon man here . (1) He is taken into his family . (2) Admitted to sit at his Table .

(1) He is taken into his family , Ephes. 3. 15. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named . Mark , the Lord is a great house-keeper , and all believers are his family . And though these be in different degrees and orders , some glorified in heaven , and some here on earth ; yet we are all but one family ; so that we are taken into the same family and houshold that the Saints in glory be in . And what a dignity is this ! Ephes. 2. 19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners , but fellow-citizens with the Saints , and of the houshold of God . We that were sometimes strangers , are now by our Adoption become of Gods houshold . You may think they shall not want good keeping , 1 Tim. 5. 8. He that provides not for those of his own house , is worse than an infidel . God will be sure to provide for those that be of his own house . Now we that are his children , shall thus be provided for . O how doth David commend their state that shall be admitted to dwell in Gods house ? He prefers it above all the honour of Princes dignity , Psal. 84. This is our priviledge . We are in Gods house , of his family . If the Queen of Sheba did think the servants of Solomon blessed , how much more blessed are they that are the servants of Jesus Christ ? Happy ( said she ) are those thy servants , &c. but how much more may this be said of Gods children .

(2) We are admitted to sit at his Table . God doth admit his children to his own Table . This is the childrens portion ; and when he hath fed them a while at his table here , he will translate them to an upper-table in the other world , Luk. 23. 28 , 29 , 30. Ye are they which have continued with me in my Temptations . And I appoint unto you a kingdom , as my father hath appointed unto me ; that ye may eat and drink at my Table . This is the priviledge of Gods children , O what a dignity is this , to sit and eat and drink with Christ at his Table ! This is in part given us here , and shall be perfected upon us hereafter . God sayes to believers as David said to Mephibosheth , 2 Sam. 9. 7. I will surely shew thee kindness , &c. and thou shalt eat bread at my Table continually . And therefore sith we are admitted to this priviledge to eat and drink at God's Table , let us do as he , and say with him , vers. 8. And he bowed himself and said , what is thy servant , that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am ? When Nathan would express the tenderness of the poor man to his 〈◊〉 , he doth it by this , ( 2 Sam. 12. 3. ) That it did eat of his own meat , and drink of his own cup , and lay in his bosom : This is the priviledge that Christ vouchsafes us , to eat of his own bread , and drink of his own cup , and be as his children .

3. The Relation of a friend . This you know is a very familiar and loving relation . Among●…t others there may be some strangeness , but this is a most familiar relation . Abraham was called the friend of God . It is the Epithite that Christ gives his Disciples , I call you friends . Friends , you know , do unbo some their secrets one to another . Thus it is with God and believers . The Lord opens his secrets to them ; and they rip op●…n their hearts to God . The secrets of the Lord are with them that sear him .

Fiftly . It appears that God makes a great account of man , in that he doth ente●…tain such ●…amiliar communion with man . O how wonderfully doth Go ! condescend to man on this account ! How familiarly doth he treat with us ? He doth open all his mi●…d to us . Joh. 14. 2. In my fathers house are many Mansions , if it were 〈◊〉 so , I would have told you . Intimating that he would keep back nothing from them that would be for their good . He tells all his heart and mind to believers . And this account he gives to his father when he leaves the world ; he shews his father that he had taught them , and opened his mind to them , Joh. 17. 6 8 , 14. Christ doth open and reveal the fathers mind and will to believers . And as he is pleased to converse familiarly with us , so he doth let us converse with him . My Brethren it is an unspeakable dignity that God doth admit man to , in that he will speak with him . Herein Moses did commend the people of Isr●…l , in that there was no Nation like to them , that God should speak to them , and they spea●… unto God . This is a glorious priviledge that God will speak to man ; especially that he will speak to him by his Son , Heb. 1. 1. This is more than for God to speak to him out of the fire . This is a great condes●…ention on Gods part , and exaltation on mans part . And then not onely that God should speak to man , but that man should speak to God . Ah brethren , this is that should make us stand amazed , that we should be admitted to speak to the great God . This did astonish Abraham , Gen. 18. 27. Behold now , I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord , which am but dust and Ashes . He wondered at this great dignity ●…hat the great God should let him converse with him . That his ear should be open to us , and we should come and knock at his door , and have admission , O what a priviledge is this ! what an honour is this , that we should have the honour to speak with the King , let him be in what company he w●…ll , and be carried into his bed-chamber ! And yet thus it is . Oh admire this rich grace of God , and cry out with the Psalmist in the text , Lord , what is man , that thou takest knowledge of him ? or the son of man that thou makest account of him ?

Luk. 15. 23 , 24. Bring hither the fatted Cals , and kill it , and let us eat , and be merry . For this my Son was dead , and is alive again ; he was lost , and is found .

MY beloved this text is so full of mercy , on Gods part , and so full of comfort for us , that methinks I may close the book , and have done as soon as I have begun : methinks the text might be a Sermon of it self . In it you have set before you the joy and triumph of heaven for the recovery of poor , dead , lost sinners .

1. You have heavens joy and triumph for them . Bring hither the fatted calf , and kill it and let us eat , and be merry . Under this is signified the Joy that is in heaven over one returning sinner . The Angels of God , yea , the God of the Angels , do rejoyce in the conversion of one lost sinner .

2. You have the cause of this Joy , and that was from that blessed and happy change that had passed upon this prodigal . And there is a twofold change that we find upon him , In his heart , and in his state .

1. In his Heart . That you have in the verses above . When he came to himself , he said , how mauy hired servants of my fathers , have bread enough , and to spare , and I perish with hunger ? Here is a great change wrought upon his heart , he is now come to his sens●…s again . An impenitent finner is beside himself : none in the world is so distracted as he is . All the madness in the world is nothing to this . He that throws fire-brands at his head , is not in so bad a 〈◊〉 as he that throws fire-brands at God . Well , the man is now come to his senses : and what was the effect .

(1) He was sensible of his misery , I perish with hunger . This is one of the first things that God doth for his people , when he brings them home , to make them sensible of their misery . (2) He was sensible of his sin too . Father , I have sinned against heaven and before thee . Not onely misery , but the sense of sin must be set home upon the heart of a poor sinner , or else the conversion will not be true . (3) You have his confession and conversion : His confession , Father I have Sinned . And his conversion , he returned home to his Father .

2. A change in his State . When he comes to his father , you shall see what an Alteration it made in his Father .

(1) From Nakedness to Clothing , ver. 22. But the father said to his servants , bring forth the best robe , and put it on him , and put a ring on his hand , and shoes on his feet . He was now new clothed from top to toe : yea , not onely for necessity , but for ornament , a ring on his hand . O what a change was here ! from Rags to Robes . And no other but the best Robes . (2) From Penury , to Plenty . Bring hither the fatted calf . Alass ! the poor starveling would have been glad but a little before , to have eat of the husks that he fed the swine with , but he could not have them . But now the fatted calf must be fetched out and killed for him . (3) From being lost , to be found . He was lost , and is found . (4) From being dead , to be alive again .

There are four Observations that I shall commend to you from the words .

1. Observ. That a Sinner in his Natural condition , is not onely diseased , but dead : not onely strayed , but lost .

2. Obs. That there is a possibility even for dead Sinners to be raised , for lost sinners to be recovered . Consider this you that are here , that are touched with the sense of your misery . If any souls are touched with the sense of their misery and undone condition , consider this that you may be found . It hath been thus with all the saints of God . They were dead and lost ; and yet are alive and are found : and why may not you as well as they ? Oh pray and use the means : Why should not you be turned too ?

3. Obs. That it is a most glorious and blessed change that God doth work in the state of a believer when he bringeth him to himself , from the state that he was in ; no less than from being dead to be alive ; from being lost to be found .

4. Obs. That it is mateer of Heavens joy and triumph , when poor dead Sinners are revived ; and lost Sinners are recovered . Bring hither the f●…ted calf , &c. and why so ? This my son was dead and is alive again ; was lost , and is found .

It is the third of these Observations that I intend to insist upon . That it is a most blessed and glorious change that God doth work in the state of a believer , &c. I shall open this in its several parts . It is a great change that God doth work .

(1) From being dead to be alive . Regeneration is not such a change as doth consist in performing such a duty , or leaving such a sin that thou could'st not well live in . It is pittiful to think , how many take the leaving of one sin to be the new birth ; No , it is no less than from being dead to be alive again .

(2) It is such a change , as from being lost to be found . A sinner , in his Natural state is a lost man , in a lost condition : but when he is recovered by conversion he is found again . The Son of man is come to seek and save that which was lost . And so in this Luke 15. What was this lost sheep , and lost groat , and lost Son ? What was the meaning of all this , but the recovering of lost Souls ? So that its a great change , a coming from death to life ; from being lost to be found . If our gospel be hid , 't is hid to those that are lost : ( that is , for the present they are lost , ) but when they are converted , then , of lost they are found .

Use. Is it so blessed and glorious a change , that God doth work in the condition of a believer , when he bringeth him to himself ; no less than from being dead to be alive , from being lost to be found ? Then you that are believers rejoyce in , and be thankfull for that blessed and happy condition that God hath translated you into . Ah brethren , how may you look one upon another , and consider what God hath done for you ?

1. How that you were dead , and are alive again ; You were diseased , yea dead creatures . diseased , full of all that may render you miserable : all diseases are met together in a poor sinner . Now that God hath recovered thy diseased soul , yea , thy dead soul , and brought thee to life again , Oh what matter of joy is this ! How should you wonder at so great a change as this ? We read that at the Miracles that our Saviour did upon the diseased , there was great astonishment among the people ; they were amazed at this , but here are more miraculous cures than those ; the cure of dead souls is more than the cure of dead bodies . O Brethren , if all the diseased that Christ had cured should have confer'd together , what strange stories would they have told ? One would have said , I was born deaf ; and he said Ephatha , and my ears were opened . Another I was born blind and he anointed mine eyes , & I washed and received my sight . Another , I was thirty eight years under a disease , and by a word of his mouth I was healed . Another , I was eighteen years in a sad condition , and by a touch of his garment I was cured . And so of the rest . Ah brethren , you were not onely diseased , but dead ; and Christ hath recovered you . O! what matter of thankfulness is here ? You that are believers , should not look one upon another without wondering . What should move you to wonder if not this ? It will be a strange change when we shall see all the sons of Adam come forth at last out of their graves ; when we shall see those that were buried in the great deep , brought forth by the power of Christ ; and made all appear together , this will be a strange change . But the change of dead bodies is not so great as the change of dead souls . O how should you praise God that hath raised you from so great a death as this ! How is it that we are taken up no more with wonderment for this that he hath done for our souls ? God doth rejoyce over it ; it is heavens joy when a lost sinner is found . And doth God and Angels take notice of it , and rejoyce , and do you not take notice of it ? O what ingratitude is this !

This should excite sinners to ●…eed their return to God ; for this will rejoyce heaven and earth . Shall I leave my wine ( saith the Vine ) whereby I make glad the heart of God and man ? I may say truly , the recovery of a sinner makes glad the heart of God and man ; not onely will Christians and Ministers rejoyce over thee when thou turnest to God : but God himself will rejoyce over thee , when thou returnest : he will call for the fatted Calf , &c. O the Mirror of unthankfulness , that is upon our hearts , that we should be no more moved with any work that God hath done upon our souls ! You that are converted and wrought upon by Sanctification , one would think that you should be able to enter upon no other talk than this , to tell what God hath done for your Souls . My brethren , if while we are here together , we should see our dead friends , that have been dead ten , or twenty , or thirty years agoe , to eat and drink , and walk , and talk , and converse with us , how should we be astonished at it ? And how would they wonder one at another ? One that dyed at such a time ; and another , that dyed at such a time and here they live again , and talk again . But now here is a greater wonder than this ; here are dead souls , and they are brought together and live again , and talk again . O! me thinks you should wonder to see one another restored from so great a death .

Obj. But you will say , how shall I know that I am recovered from death to life ?

Ans. I shall give together the Characters , and the priviledges of you that are recovered from death to life , that so your evidence and comfort may be promoted together .

And there are these four that belong to you First . He hath raised you from a state of corruption and rottenness , to a state of health , and holiness . You know a state of death is a state of corruption : the grave is a place of rottenness and putrifaction . You that lye in your old lusts still , certainly you have no portion or part in this matter . But you that are changed are brought from this state : a state of sin , is a state of corruption . The Scripture every where speaks of sin by the Metaphor that carries in it the highest pitch of filthiness , Psal. 14. 3. They are altogether become silthy , or stinking . And so in Job 15. 16. How much more abominable and silthy is man , which drinketh in iniquity like water ? Man in his natural state is a most silthy creature : no comparison is 〈◊〉 to set forth the odiousness of his condition , before he is sanctified by grace ; and the reason is , because he drinketh in iniquity like water . As the fish doth swim in , and take in water naturally : so sin is his very element wherein he doth naturally live as it were . Thus the Apostle , Rom. 3. 13. Their throat is an open Sepulchre . And so our Saviour compares the Pharisees to to whited Sepulchres . But now you that are believers , God hath raised you from a state of Rottenness to a state of health and holiness . Grace is the health of the soul ; Holiness is the soundness of the soul. An upright heart , is a sound heart . O beloved , what a priviledge is this to be translated from a state of corruption , to a state of holiness ? O what cause have you of thankfulness , that can find the stamp of God again upon your souls ? you are highly favoured indeed whom God hath priviledged with this . There is all that is desirable in grace and holiness ; Riches , Wealth , beauty , all . How often do we read of the beauty of Holiness ? And so of its Riches too ; I counsel thee to buy of me gold , that thou mayest be Rich , Rev. 3. 18. 'T is the true Riches . And so it is Health and Soundness too , Prov. 3. 8. It shall be health to thy Navel , and marrow to thy bones .

Secondly , From a state of darkness , to a Land of Light . You know the grave is a place of darkness ; and death , a state of darkness . Thus is it in the Spiritual death . Dead souls are all in darkness , under the power of darkness , Act. 26. 18. The grave for our dead bodies is a place of darkness : but the grave for dead souls , is a place of utter darkness , of everlasting darkness . The grave is Formidable , and deep . You know when a body is dead , it must be buried , that it may not annoy us . God hath provided a grave to bury dead souls in out of his sight ; and where do you think that this grave is ? Why Hell is the grave for dead souls . The rich man was dead , and was buried , but where was he buried ? His soul was in Hell , so some translate this place , And being buried , in Hell he lift up his eyes , Luke , 16. 22 , 23. Hell is a place of darkness , and thick darkness . O that is horrible indeed , that is reserved for poor impenitent sinners ; the blackness of darkness for ever , Jude 13. He doth not onely say darkness , but blackness of darkness for ever . Ah brethren , this is that which Christ hath recovered you from , from death to life . If you go down into the grave , and see how the dead do lye in darkness , and silence , how formidable is that ! But oh how will it be , to see the grave of hell where dead souls are buried ! This was your place before you were sanctified . Ah brethren , what manner of praise , what 〈◊〉 of deliverance should you compass the throne of Gods grace withal , who have such a change wrought upon you ?

Thirdly . From a 〈◊〉 of Impotence , to a state of power . A natural state is an impotent state , Rom. 5. 6. When we were yet without strength , in due time , Christ dyed for the ungodly . As a dead man is not able to move a finger to put off the worms that crawl upon his body and face : So a dead soul cannot get the victory over his flesh , and lusts . He is under an impossibility of doing any thing acceptable before God . But now God hath given you strength , that you should leap and walk , 〈◊〉 praise God . God did put strength into thy feet when he recovered thee from death to life , that tho●… should●… be able to go thorow dissiculties for his names sake . Brethren , those that are altogether without strength were certainly never brought to a true and spiritual life . If thou art brought from death to life , thou hast some strength . it may be it is but a little strength ; But every Saint hath a little strength , so that he doth not live in the wilsul practice of any sin . If thou hast not thus much thou art dead in thy sins .

Fourthly , From a state of Insensibleness , to a state of Sense . A Dead man is without sense ; He hath Eyes , but he seeth not ; and Ears , but he heareth not : And thus it is with a dead soul. But now you that are believers , you are raised from this miserable state . I may say to you , Blessed are your Eyes , for you see ; and your Ears , for you hear . O what a change hath he wrought upon you !

1. He hath opened your eyes , when others are in blindness . Brethren ! what a change is this ? How many do you see that live where the Gospel is Preached , and yet remain ignorant ? O! what thankfulness should this provoke you to ? You are restor'd to your spiritual sense . Before , you thought it the smallest matter in the world to sin against God : Now , you look upon it after another manner . O how should you bless God in those words of our Saviour , I thank thee , O Father , Lord of Heaven and Earth , because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent , and hast revealed them unto babes . O! How many be there of the wise men , & great men of the world that have their eyes closed ? God hath hid these things from them that they cannot see them : But your eyes see , give God the glory .

2. He hath bored your Ears , when others are in deafness . When others are like the deaf Adder , he hath given you the hearing Ear , the obedient Ear ; O! consider this , and be thankful . Thou hast of thy self a heart as obstinate as any other heart i●… the world . Now if God hath given thee ears to hear , O bless his Name ! How often may we call upon a Dead man , and he never hear ? so we may call upon dead souls , and they hear not , with their souls at least , though they hear with their ears .

3. God hath loosed your Tongues , when others are dumb and silent . O what mercy is this ? Beloved , you could not breath before God your Prayers and Requests with lise and fervour as you do , unless God did unlose your tongues , and open your mouths . Man's lips are locked up , and his tongue tyed up , that he cannot utter himself be●…ore God ; or at least , not with that fervency that others can : O bless the Lord that he hath loosed your tongues .

4. He hath given you Appetites , when others rellish not the things of God . Dost thou find any hungrings and thirstings after Christ , and his Righteousness ? Is this that which thou dost pant after , to be made more conformable to the Lord ? Dost thou pant after Christ , as others pant after the world ? O bless God that hath put such a difference between thee and others . When others relish not the things of God , they ar●… sapless things ; yea , many times they seem burdenfome things to them , God hath given thee such an appetite , that thou findest a relish in them , that nothing goes down so sweetly , as the service of God .

5. He hath given you your feeling , when some others are past feeling . We read of some that were past feeling , Eph. 4. 19. You know a dead man hath no sense or feeling ; if you lay a Mountain upon him , he feels it not : So it is with a dead soul , he feels not the burthen of his si●…s , he complains not for his sins : Now canst thou say , that thy sins be the greatest trouble to thee in all the world ? O bless the Lord for this ! It is a great priviledge ; you that are Believers do groan under this burthen , and 't is your duty so to do ; yet under this there is some life , or else you would not feel your corruptions as you do .

And now to close all , let me renew the Exhortation , Rejoyce and be Thankful ; that though you were lost , you are found again . O remember what a condition you were in when you were lost ! Do you not remember what bitterness did seize upon you ? How many times did you give up your souls , and did believe that you should never be found , or restored ? And did God find you when you were lost ? O consider who it was that found you . Christ came from Heaven to Earth to take thee up , poor lost sheep , upon his shoulders , to carry thee to Heaven ; O be not forgetful , ●…ut Rejoyce , and be Thankful .

A Letter sent by him to an Intimate Friend .

NOw will I make known to my dearest Friend , some of the thoughts of my heart this morning , before I begin to write to thee ; There was once a poor soul imprisoned in 〈◊〉 , and clogged with the Iron fetters of corruption , that retired within it self , and would needs take a view of the best and worst sight i●…aginable at once . Well , he sets open the Floodgates , and in he dives into the fathomless depths of an evil heart , but there he could sind no bottom ; Then up he springs , and begins to take the Dimentions , and view the Massie weight of the Crown incorruptible : His heart grew hot within him , and while he was musing , the fire burned , and on a sudden he pathetically smites on his breast , and out he breaks into this Language ,

Ah wretch , what a sight is here ! methinks my heart is like the Chambers of Imagery , I can turn me no way , but the loathsom sight and silthy stench of my Corruptions comes up into my Eyes and Nostrils , my pollutions are so ●…oul , that I cannot tell how to look upon them , and yet so common , so universal , that I cannot look besides them : which way soever I look into my self , I can cast my eye on nothing but the loathsome sight of some filthy Ulcer , which makes me filthy in my own eyes , and how much more to the pure eyes of my spotless maker ; when I turn my eye inward , and go about from Cell to Cell , I pass from one to the other , and am fain to write , Lord have mercy upon me on every dore : Every faculty is as a cage of unclean Birds , and O the noysome lusts that lodge and live within them ! I look'd into my memory , and O what a Magazine of wickedness was there ! weak I find it , and slippery when any good is committed to it : Alas , methinks I am like a narrow mouthed bottle , that takes in but drops when the bounty of Heaven pours down by showrs . Though the dew of Heaven distill as the rain , yet how little do I take in ? how much is spilt besides ? but yet this is not all , there is a leak in my Vessel that lets all that is good run out , only the dregs are left behind . 'T is little good that I take in amongst a world of evil , and presently my Rudder le ts go the good corn , and the chaff is kept behind : Capacious it is to receive , faithful to retain what should be forgotten : well thought I , I will shut up this , but I heard the voice , as to the Prophet of old , speaking to me , turn thine Eyes , and thou shalt see yet greater Abominations then these . Look into thine understanding . But good Lo●…d , what a sight have I here ? why it is all overspread with Aegyptian darkness ; yea , much more intolerable , it being not my plague only , but my sin : Alas , how do I grope about in blindness and ignorance , and wander in the path of error , and though the light shine in darkness ; yet the darkness comprehendeth it not : How mean and shallow is my capacity ? so dull that I cannot conceive , nor apprehend the mysteries of Godliness , but am ready to ask with unskilful Nicodemus , what do these things mean ? what Riddles are many Gospel truths to my soul ? I am apt rather to dispute them , than to believe them ; as if I had rather judge of things by the light of reasons candle , than God's Sun : O fool that I am , and slow of heart to believe , how is my understanding tyed to my senses , that I am apt to believe little but what I see ? what poor low conceptions have I of God , how little a portion do I know of him ? he goeth by me , and I see him not ; he passeth on , and I perceive him not ; how little is it that my understanding will reach too ? and how grossely do I apprehend and conceive that little ? Although Christ hath anointed my eyes , yet my imperfect sight of the things of the Gospel is like his we read of , who saw men walking as trees . But you , O Blessed Souls who are now in Glory , you see face to face what I see in a glass darkly ; your Sun is risen , you see by the clearest Meridian light , what I am fain to grope for in the dark ; those mi●…s of darkness and ignorance are dispelled from your understandings , and you have the blessedness to see , what I have scarce faith to believe ; Thrice happy Souls , your day ends not , your Sun sets not , you have perfect day , no clouds overcast you ; you have perfect knowledge , no scruples molest you ; you are perfect light , and perfect life : The mysteries hid from us , are made known to you , your light is increased , your capacities are inlarged , your vail removed , and you are filled with all the fulness of God : mysterious Providences are all unravelled to you , you see the glorious contexture of every piece , and all the art and contrivances of that curious Tapestry , of which I can see but here an arm , and there a leg , and know not how to put passages together , nor what to make of them . O when shall that which is in part be done away ? when shall the day dawn , and the day star arise in my heart ? my soul waits for the Lord , more than they that wait for the morning , yea , more than they that wait for the morning . Alas , how doth my spirit sink oftentimes , when I consider the imperfections of my understanding ? how I am at every turn baffled and posed in my own thoughts , and perplex'd in a labyrinth of difficulties , out of which I cannot extricate my self . Oh when will the time come that I shall see as I am seen ; and that I shall have all my objections answered , my doubts resolved , my difficulties removed ? Ah this cloud of flesh , what glory dost thou keep from shining in upon me ? how can I see through all this dirt ? well but in thy light Lord I shall see light : In the mean while I should be contented , if I could walk up to that dim light I have ; but alas : I have so stubborn , so head-strong a will , that it will not use the light I have ; my understanding is backward in assenting to the truths propounded , but how much more backward is my will in consenting and practising ? so that I am even like them in the Prophet , Brutish in my knowledge . Who would believe , did they see my coldness , and deadnes●… in ●…oly Duties , how remiss I am , when begging pardon of sin , for mortifying and quickning grace , that I were begging for my life ? who would think by my negligence in the wayes of God , and that wretched indifferency that is in my heart , that I did believe the Kingdom of Heaven was to be taken by violence , and that the gate was so strait , and the way so narrow that leads to life . Oh Hypocrisie ! I preach up diligence , and I live in sloth ; I preach up humility , and live in pride ; I speak of the vanity of the creature , yet I idolize it ; of the sinfulness of sin , yet I cherish it ; of the lise of faith , yet am a stranger to it . I believe that sin is the greatest evil , and that Gods wrath is the greatest Curse ; but alas ! how strangely do I live below these principles ! how am I apt and ready notwithstanding , to choose sin , rather than affliction , and venture the displeasure of the Almighty , to gain credit and applause amongst men ? If it be hard to believe , how much harder is it to practise ? I know but little , and yet how little do I of what I know ? The flesh is still lusting against the spirit , so that I cannot do the things that I would ; yet though my strength be but weak , how short do I come of doing all I can ? and what a secret Antipathy is there in my heart against the truths of God , and the wayes of God ? though my understanding be over-powred with the evidence of truth ; yet I do not receive it in the love of it . O the deep enmity that there is in my heart against Christ , notwithstanding all the personal excellencies that I know to be in him , and all the benefits I have received from him ! he shed his heart-blood for me , and yet I do begrudge any service for him . Oh how willingly did he bear the Cross for me ! Yea , was exceedingly straitned till that Baptism was accomplished , I delight ( saith he ) to do thy will O God , and yet he tells us this was the will of his Father , that he should lay down his life for his Sheep ; yet do I murmur to bear any thing from or for him . Alas , he did far more readily part with his life for me , than I do with a lust for him ; Yea , those sins that were my Saviours Murtherers , do I entertain and cherish in my heart , and yet I say I love him ; but how can I love two Masters ? so much of the love of sin as there is in my heart , so much enmity is there against Christ ; and O how much is there then in my heart ? to this day I flatter my self that I love him , but alas ! where is my tenderness of his honour , my care to please him , my zeal for him , my delight in him , my longing after him : Ah where are these fruits of my love to him ? Alas ! what a stranger am I to these things ! well may he reply upon me , as she upon Sampson , How canst thou say thou lovest me , when thy heart is not with me ? I can see him powring out his Soul on the Cross for me , praying , sweating , bleeding for me , conflicting with the Torments of Hell for me , and wrestling with the wrath of the infinite God for me , that I might be delivered ; and yet , O Rock of Adamant that I am , I bleed not , I melt not , I mourn not , I can read the story of his Love-letters to my soul , and view all the passages of his love to me , his compassions towards me , his care of me , his provision for me , upholding , protecting , strengthning , deliveri●…g me ; yet nothing moves me : Ah how I read the story of his bitter death and passion , with dry eyes , and a hard heart ! and all passes away like a Tale that is told ; sometimes it may be my heart may be warmed , and my affections will seem to be in a flame , and O then what I will do , how I will live , how zealously I will act , and how chearfully I will suffer for Christ , I will spend and be spent for him , not a lust shall be spared , not a duty that shall be baulked ; but alas ! my Righteousness is like the morning dew , and like the ea●…ly cloud that vanisheth away . 'T is strange to see how soon my fire is out , and my affections congealed , upon a suddain I am all over ice again , and O what a rubbing and a chafing must I use , to keep alive a little heat , a little warmth ! and all is scarce enough neither , when will the blessed time come , when shall I be swallowed up in Love ? Oh Blessed are you who are now with Christ , that live continually in the sweet embraces of those blessed Arms , you are all the Beloved Disciples , and have the priviledge to lean on his Breast ; you are alwayes in the Lap , and are warmed continually in his bosom , when my affections freeze with cold , you feel the beatings of his heart , and see the tender workings within , the warm influence whereof melts you into the like affection ; and thus are you for ever Blessed , receiving , and returning love ; when my wretched heart to this day retains abundance of enmity against him , who loved me , and gave himself for me . A great misery it is not to have a return of love , but my misery is not to return love for love . Ah wretched heart , who can but be out of love with such a heart , as will not be in love with such a Saviour ? Oh it troubles me , not so much that I receive no more Love Tokens from him , but that I can send him no more . I beg not so much to be beloved by him , as that I may love him : I could be content to have fewer expressions of love from him , so I might have more love wrought in my heart towards him : well , but the time will come when my spark shall be all in a flame , and I shall be all love , when I shall for ever dwell in God , and dwell in Love . I shall shortly be where no nipping winter shall cool the heat of my affections , where no waters shall be able to quench my flame , no , my fire shall never go out more ; But I shall be continually taken up in loving and admiring , and my soul shall be for ever possessed with perfect Love : I shall then need no pains to warm , no Sermons to quicken me , no faith to raise me ; but mine eye shall affect my heart , and my foul shall make me as the Chariots of Aminadab . I hear of him now by the hearing of the Ear , at a great distance , but then my Eye shall see him ; yea , with these eyes shall I see God , with these Arms shall I embrace him ; then shall I see the wounds in his side , and in his heart , and put my singer into the print of the nails , and be no more faithless , but believing ; O blessed time , when he shall take me by the hand , and own me before Men and Angels , me unworthy wretch , when I shall hear that ravishing Sentence from his blessed mouth , Come thou blessed of my Father , come inherit the Kingdom that I have prepared for thee , that I have purchased for thee : Surely then I shall not need to be bid to love him , when David had made an end of speaking , it is said , The heart of Jonathan was knit with the heart of David , and he loved him as his own Soul : So surely will it be with me , when I have heard that blessed sentence ; no jarring then between my understanding and my will ; between my will and my affections ; between my self and my brethren , but a sweet and perfect Harmony . Star-light shall , then become perfect day , and my affections and life perfectly consonant , and I shall for ever joyn with that blessed Quire praising , and admiring that love , that now I have so much adoe to believe , sing out the high praises of our God , and of the Lamb , who hath loved us , and washed us from our sins in his own blood . O will it not be a welcome time ? I know you begin to cry out , how long Lord , how long ; why this is thy portion , embrace it , count upon it ; let us lift up our heads , the day of our redemption draws nigh ; yet a little while , and he that shall come , will come , and will not tarry .

I would have my Friend inflamed by this , though all this while I have scarce gotten my self into any heat . Well , I conclude with the Martyr , pray , pray , pray ; I know you do , but be importunate ; I know you are , but continue to be , and the Lord fill you with himself , and cherish you in the secrets of his presence ; Farewel ,

Christs and Yours Joseph Alleine . FINIS .