An Exact collection of farewel sermons preached by the late London-ministers viz. Mr. Calamy, Mr. Watson, Mr. Jacomb, Mr. Case, Mr. Sclater, Mr. Baxter, Mr. Jenkin, Dr. Manton, Mr. Lye, Mr. Collins : to which is added their prayers before and after sermon as also Mr. Calamy's sermon for which he was imprisoned in Newgate : his sermon at Mr. Ashe's funeral and Dr. Horton's and Mr. Nalton's funeral.

Mr. Calamy's Farewell Sermon . August 17. 1662. 2 SAM. 24. 14. And David said unto Gad , I am in a great strait ; let us fall now into the hand of the Lord ( for his mercies are great ) and let me not fall into the hand of man .

IN which words we have three Parts .

1. Davids great perplexity and distress , I am in a great strait . 2. Davids resolution . 1. Affirmative , Let us fall into the hand of the Lord . 2. Negative , Let me not fall into the hand of Man . 3. We have the Reason of Davids choice , for the mercies of God are great . The mercies of wicked men are cruel : therefore let me not fall into the hands of men . But the mercies of God are many , and great : therefore let u●… now fall into the hands of God .

1. For the first , that is , Davids great Distress , wherein we must speak ,

1. To the distress it self : Then

●… ▪ To the person thus perplexed : I am in a great strait : David a great man , David a godly man .

1. In the perplexity it self , we shall consider : 1. The reality of this perplexity . 2. The greatness of it .

1. For the reality of it : after David had sinned in numbring the people , God sends the Prophet Gad to him , and puts three things to his choice , as you may read in vers. 12. God was determined to make David smart for numbring the people , but leaves it to Davids liberty , whether he would have seven years famine , or three months to flee before his enemies , or three dayes pestilence : This was a posing Question , and David had cause to be in a great strait ; for these objects are not amiable in their own nature , they are objects to be avoided and declined ; in the first view of them they seem to be equally miserable , therefore David had cause to say , He was in a great strait .

2. This perplexity was not only real , but exceeding great : I am in a great Strait : and there are two things made it so great .

1. The greatness of the punishments proposed , Famine , Sword , and Plague : these are the three beesoms with which God sweeps mankind from off the earth : these are Gods three iron-whips , by which he chastisetl●… sinful man : these are the three arrows shot out of the quiver of Gods wrath , for the punishment of man : they are , as one calleth them , Tonsurae humani generis . In R●… 6. you shall read of four Horses , when the four first Seals were opened : A white-horse , a red-horse , a black-horse , and a pale horse : after Christ had ridden on the white-horse , propagating the Gospel , then followes the red-horse , a type of War ; then the black-horse , an Hi●…roglyphick of Famine : then the pale-horse , the emblem of Pestilence . Now God was resolved to ride on one of these horses , and David must choose upon which God should ride ; this was a great Strait : Let me present David , lifting up his eyes to Heaven , and speaking to God thus ; O my God , what is this message thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thou offerest me three things ; I am in a strait ▪ ●… 〈◊〉 which to refuse , but which to choose I 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Land of Cannan , a Land flowing with 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall this Land endure seven years famine , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 into a Wilderness , and dis-peopled ? And shall I , whose hands thou hast taught to fight , and whose fingers to war , shall I that have subdued all my enemies , shall I in my old age , and all my Captains , flie three months before our enemies , and be driven to caves and rocks to hide our selves ? O thou my God , who art my refuge , shall I and my people be a prey to the pestilence that walketh in darkness , and destruction that walketh at noon day ? O my God , I know not what to do , I am in a great Strait .

2. The second reason why this strait was so great , was , because of the guilt of sin that lay on Davids spirit : for David knew that this severe message was the fruit of the sin he committed in numbring the people . But you will say , Why , was it a sin in David to number the people : Moses had often numbred the people : three times , and it was not counted sin Iosephus answereth , The sin of David was , because he did not require the half-shekel , which he was to have had from all were numbred , Ex. 30 , 12 , 13. Others say , He sinned in numbring all ages , whereas he was to number but from twenty years : but these are but conjectural Reasons . I conceive the ●…in of David was because he did it without a lawful Cal , and for an unlawful End . Sine causa legitima : he sinned in the manner rather then in the matter : for there was no cause for him to number the people , but 〈◊〉 ▪ ●…nd no end , but vain glory : Go through all the tribes of Israel and number the people , that I may know the number of my people , ver. 2. Davids heart was li●…red ●…p with p●…ide and creature-confidence : he begins to boast of the multitude of his people , and to trust in an arm of flesh ; therefore God sends the Prophet to David to p●…ick the bladder of his p●…ide ; as if God should say , I will teach you to number the people by lessening the number of your people . Now the burden of his sin did add much to the burden of this heavy message : Ver. 13. After David had numbred the people , his heart smote him : the message smites him , and his heart smites him , and he said , I have sinned greatly in that which I have done : now I beseech thee , take away the iniquity of thy servant , for I have done very foolishly . If David had been to suffer this great punishment out of love to God , or for a good Conscience , he would not have been so distressed : There are two sorts of straits in Scripture : some , suffered for God and a good Conscience : and there are straits , suffered for sin .

1. There are straits suffered for God and a good Conscience , Heb. 11. 36 , 37. Those Martyrs there were driven to great straits : but these were straits for God and a good Conscience , and these straits were the Saints greatest enlargements , they were so sweetned to them by the consolations and supportations of Gods Spirit ; a Prison was a Paradise to them , Heb. 10. 34. they took joyfully the spoiling of their goods , Act. 5. 41. they departed from the presence of the Council , rejoycing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name . Straits for a good Conscience are great Enlargements ; therefore Pul gloryeth in this strait , Paul a prisoner , &c.

2. There are straits suffered for sin , and these are envenomed by the guilt of sin : sin puts poyson into all our distresses and perplexities . Now such was the strait into which David was now driven : it was a strait caused by sin , and that made it so unwelcome and uncomfortable : so that from hence I gather this Observation ;

Doct. That sin and iniquity brings Persons and Nations into marvellous labyrinths and perplexities : into true , real , and great molestations : a man free from sin , is free in the midst of straits ; a man guilty of sin , is in a stra●…t in the midst of freedom .

After Adam had sinned in eating of the forbidden fruit , the whole world was a prison to him : Paradise it self was an Hell to him , he knew not where to hide himself from the presence of God . After that Cain had murdered his brother Abel , he was brought into such a strait , that he was afraid that every one that met him would slay him . Alas poor Cain , how many was there then in the world ? we read but of his father and mother , yet such was his distress , that he cryeth out , every one that met him would slay him , Gen. 4. 14. Into what a strait did sin bring the old world ? The deluge of sin brought a deluge of water to drown them . Into what a strait did sin bring Sodom and Gomorrah ? The fire of lust raigning in Sodom and Gomorrah , brought down fire from Heaven to destroy them . Sin brings external , internal , and eternal straits upon persons and Nations .

1. Sin brings external straits ; sin brings Famine , Sword , and Plague ; sin brings Agues and Feavours , Gout and Stone , and all manner of Diseases : yea , sin brings death it self , which is the wages of sin . Read Levit 26. and Deut. 28. and you will see a black role of curses , which were the fruit of sin . Sin brought Sion into Babilon ; and when the Jews had murdered Christ , forty years after they were brought into that distress , when the City was besieged by Titus and Vespasian , that they did eat one another , the mother did eat her child . And whereas David had a choice which of the three he would have , either Famine , Plague , or Sword ; the poor Jews had all three concatenated together in the siege : Sin brings all manner of external Plagues .

2. Sins bring Persons & Nations into internal straits : sin brings soul-plagues , which are worse than bodily plagues : sin brings hardness of heart , blindness of mind , a spirit of slumber , a reprobate sense ; sinne brings a spiritual famine upon a Land ; it brings a famine of the Word , Amos 8. 11. sin causes God to take away the Gospel from a people : Sin brings internal plagues : sin awakens Conscience , and fills it full of perplexities : Into what a strait did sin drive Iudas , after he had betrayed Christ ? Into what a strait did sin drive Spira ? Saint Paul gloryed in his tribulations for God : but when he speaks of his sin , he cryeth out , O miserable man that I am , Who shall deliver me from this body of death ? David a valiant man , when he speaks of sin , he saith , They are too heavy a burden for him to bear : Awounded Conscience who can bear ! saith the Wise man .

3. Sin bringeth eternal straits : O the strait that a wicked man shall be brought into , at the great and dreadful day of Judgment , when all the world shall be on fire about him ! when he shall call to the Mountains to hide him , and to the rocks to cover him from the wrath of God : then will he cry out with David , I am , O Lord , in a great strait . And when the wicked shall be condemned to Hell , who can express the straits they then shall be in , Bind them hand and foot , and cast them into everlasting darkness : Matth. 25. When a wicked man shall be bound with everlasting chains of darkness , then he will cry out , I am in a great strait . Consider what Dives saith to Abraham : he desires that Lazarus might but dip the tip of his finger in water , and that he might cool his tongue : not his whole body , but his tongue : but that would not be granted .

It is impossible the tongue of man should set out the great straits the damned suffer in Hell , both in regard of the greatness and everlastingness of them .

This is all I shall say for the Explication .

Use 1. I chiefly aim at the Application : Doth sin bring Nations and Persons into external , internal , and eternal straits ? then this sadly reproves those that choose to commit sin to avoid perplexity . There are thousands in England guilty of this , that , to avoid poverty , will lye , cheat , and cozen , and to gain an Estate , will sell God and a good Conscience : and to avoid the loss of estate and imprisonment , will do any thing : they will be sure to be of that Religion which is uppermost , be it what it will . Now give me leave this morning to speak three things to these sorts of men : and , O that my words might prevail with them !

1. Consider ; It is sin only that makes trouble to deserve the name of trouble ; for , when we suffer for Gods sake , or a good Conscience , these troubles are so sweetned by the Consolations of Heaven , that they are no troubles at all : therefore in Q. Maries days the Martyrs wrote to their friends out of Prison , If you knew the Comforts we have in prison , you would wish to be with us : I am in prison before I am in prison , saith Master Sanders .

Famous is the story of the three Children : they were in a great strait when cast into the fiery Furnace ; Bind them hand and foot , and cast them into the Furnace ; but when they were there , they were unbound , Dan. 3. 25. saith Nebuchadnezzar , Did not we cast three men bound , into the midst of the fire ? and lo , I see four men loose , walking in the midst of the fire , and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God . I have often told you , when three are cast into the fire for a good Conscience , God will make the fourth : therefore , I say , straits and sufferings for God are not worth the name of straits . David was often driven into straits . 1 Sam. 30. 6. he was sore distressed , when his Town was burnt , and his Wives and Children taken captive by the Amalekites : I , but that was a distress of danger , not of sin : therefore he encourageth himself in the Lord his God , Iehosaphat was in a great strait , 2 Chron. 20. 12. We know not what to do , saith he : this was a strait of danger , not caused by his sin , and God quickly delivered him : but the strait that David was in , was caused by his sin , and that made it so bitter . I am loth to enlarge here : St. Paul was in a great Strait Phil. 3. 23. but this was a blessed strait , an Evangelical strait , saith Saint Chrysostom , He knew not , whether to die for his own sake , or to live for the Churches sake , were best ; he was willing to adjourn his going to Heaven for the good of the people of God : Nay , Christ was in a strait , Luk. 12. 15. I have a Baptism to be baptized withall , and how am I straitned till it be accomplished ? I am to shed my blood for my Elect : that is the Baptism he speaks of .

This was a strait of dear affection to the Elect of God : all these were blessed straits : but now , straits caused by sin , these are imbittered and e●…venomed by the guilt of sin and sense of Gods Wrath. It is sin that maketh straits deserve the name of straits : therefore you are spiritually mad that commit sin to avoid straits .

2. There is more evil in the least sin , than in the greatest outward calamity whatsoever : this the world will not believe : therefore St. Austin saith , That a man ought not to tell a lie , though he might save all the world from hell : for there is more evil in one lie , than there is good in the salvation of all the world . I have often told you the story of Saint Austin : saith he , If hell were on one side , and ●…in on the other , and I must choose one ; I would choose Hell rather then Sin : for God is the Author of Hell , but it is blasphemy to say , He is the Author of sin . There is a famous story of Charles the ninth , King of France : he sent a message to the Prince of Condy , a zealous Protestant , gives him three things to choose , either to go to Mass , or to be put to death , or to suffer banishment all his life long : saith he , Primum , Deo juvante , nunquam eligam : The first ( God helping ) I will never choose ▪ I abhor the idolatry of the Mass : but for the two other , I leave it to the choice of the King 〈◊〉 do 〈◊〉 he pleases : there is more evil in the le●…st sin then the greatest misery .

3. The third thing I would have you consider , is that whosoever goeth out of God's way to avoid danger , ●…hall certainly meet with greater danger . Balaam went out of God's way , Numb. 22. 22. and God sent an Angel with a drawn sword , and he riding upon an Ass , vers. 26. the Angel stood in a narrow place , where was no way to go from the right hand or from the left : if his Ass had not fallen under him , he had been run through by the sword of the Angel . Ionah for fear of the King of Ni●…veh went out of God's way , but he met with a mighty tempest , he met with a Whale : What do you do , when you commit sin ? you make way to be cast into the eternal prison of hell : you destroy your precious souls , to save your perishing bodies .

Use. 2. If sin be the father and mother of all perplexity and distresses , then , I beseech you , let us above all things in the world abhor sin : all the curses of the Bible are all due only to a sinner ; and all the curses not named in the Bible : for that is observable , Deut. 28. 36. every plague that is not written in the book shall light upon him : There are strange punishments to the workers of iniquity , Iob 31. 3. Is not destruction to the wicked a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity ? sin it bringeth the sinner to little ease : little ease at death , little ease at the day of judgement , and little ease in hell , tribulation and anguish : the word in the Greek is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , little ease to every soul that doth iniquity . Oh my beloved , will you promise me to look upon sin , and consider it in all its woful consequents , as the father , mother and womb out of which come external , eternal , and internal straits ? more particularly , there are twelve sins I especially command you to take heed of and avoid :

1. Take heed of Covetousness : the love of the world will pierce you through with many sorows ; the love of money is the root of all evil ; the love of the world drowns men in perdition . 2. Take heed of the sin of Pride : into what woful straits did pride bring Haman ! God crossed him in what he most desired : God made him hold the stirrup , while Mordecay rode in triumph ; and God hanged him on the Gallows which he had made for Mordecay . 3. Take heed of Drunkenness ; look not on the wine when it gives its colour in the cup , &c. drunkenness will bring you into snares : It will bite like a Serpent , and sting like an Adder , &c. 4. Take heed of disobedience and rebellion against the Commandments of God : it brought Ionah to his three nights and three dayes in the Whale's belly . 5. Take heed of fornication , and adultery ; and all uncleanness ; this brought Sampson to a woful strait : this brought David and Solomon into great perplexity .

6. Take heed of oppression , and all acts of injustice : this brought Ahab into a great strait , insomuch that the dogs licked his blood .

Take heed of unnecessary familiarity with wicked men : this brought Iehosaphat into a great strait .

8. Take heed of misusing the Prophets of God : this made God destroy the children of Israel without remedy , 2 Chron. 36. 15 , 16. 9. Take heed of coming prophanely to the Lord's Table ; this brought the Church of Corinth into a great distress , insomuch as the Apostle saith , For this cause many among you are sick , and many weak , and many fallen asleep . 10. Take heed of loathing the Manna of your souls : this brought the people of Israel into woful misery ; that God destroyed all their carcasses in the wilderness , save Ioshua and Cal●…b . Take heed of slighting the Gospel : this brought Queen Mary's persecution , as many learned and godly men that fled for Religion's sake out of the Land , have confessed : Their unthankfulness for , and unfruitfulness under the Gospel in King Edward the sixth's time , brought the persecution in Queen Mary's time . 11. Take heed of losing your first Love : that makes God threaten to take away his Candlestick . 12. Take heed of prophaning the Christian Sabbath , which is much prophaned every where , a day that Christ by his resurrection from the dead hath consecrated , to be kept holy to God : Certainly if the Jews were so severely punished for breaking the Sabbath , which was set apart in memory of the Creation ; surely God will severely punish those that break the Sabbath set apart in memory of Christ's Resurrection . May be , some will say , I have committed many of these sins , but am not brought into any strait . Remember , it was nine months after David had n●…mbred the people , before he was in this strait : but as sure as God is in heaven , sin will bring straits sooner or later ; though a sinner live au hundred years , yet shall he be accursed : May be , thy prosperity makes way for thy damnation : and this is thy greatest distress , that thou goest on in sin and prosperest .

Use 3. If sin bringeth a Nation into marvellous labyrinths , learn what great cause we have to fear that God should bring this Nation into great distress , because of the great abominations are committed in the midst of it : Our King and Soveraign was in great straits in the dayes of his banishment , but God hath delivered him : God hath delivered this Nation out of great straits ; but alas , we requite God evil for good , and instead of repenting of old sins , we commit new sins . I am told there are new oaths invented , oaths not fit to be named in any place , much less here : Certainly the drunkenness and adultery , the oppression and injustice , the bribery and Sabbath-breaking , the vain and wicked swearing and for-swearing , this Nation is guilty of , must of necessity provoke God to say of us , as he did of them in Ieremiah 15. 29. Shall I not visit for these things , saith the Lord ? Shall not my soul be avenged on such a Nation as this ? God will not only punish us , but be avenged on us . There is no way to avoid a national desolation but by a national reformation .

Lastly , learn what cause , you of this Congregation and Parish , what cause you have to expect that God should bring you into great straits , because of your great unthankfulness and unfruitfulness under the means of Grace , you that have so long enjoyed the Gospel ; you have had the Gospel in this place in great abundance ; Doctor Taylor he served one apprenticeship in this place ; Doctor Staughton served another apprenticeship ; and I , through divine Mercy , have served three apprenticeships , and half another almost , among you ; you have had the Spirit of God seven and thirty years in the faithful ministry of the Word , knocking at the door of your hearts , but many of you haue hardened your hearts . Are there not some of you , I only put the question , that begin to loath the Manna of your souls , and to look back towards Egypt again ? Are there not some of you have itching ears , and would fain have . Preachers that would feed you with dainty phrases , and begin , not to care for a Minister that unrips your Consciences , speaks to your hearts and souls , and would force you into heaven by frighting you out of your sins ? Are there not some of you , that by often hearing Sermons are become Sermon-proof , that know how to sleep and scoff away Sermons . I would be glad to say , there are but few such ; but the Lord knoweth there are too ●…oo many that by long preaching get little good by preaching ; insomuch that I have often said it , and say it now again , There is hardly any way to raise the price of the Gospel-Ministry , but by the want of it : And that , I may not ●…latter you , you have not profited under the means you have enjoyed ; therefore you may justly expect God may bring you into a strait , and take away the Gospel from you : God may justly take away your Ministers by death or other wayes . H●… you not lost your first love ? Why did God take away the Gospel from the Church of Ephesus , but because they lost their first Love ? Are you not like the Church of Laodicea , that are neither hot nor cold ? therefore God may justly spew you out of his mouth : what God will do with you , I know not ▪ a few weeks will determine : God can make a great change in a little time : we leave all to God : but in the mean time let me commend one Text of Scripture to you ▪ Ierem. 13. 16. Give glory to the Lord your God , before he cause darkness , and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains , and while you look for light , he turn it into the shadow of death , and make it gross darkness . Verse 17. But if you will not hear , my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride , and mine eyes shall weep sore , and run down with tears , because the Lords flock is carried away captive . Give glory to God by confessing and repenting of your fins , by humbling your souls before the Lord , before darkness come , and Who knoweth but this may prevent darkness ?

Mr. Calamy's Sermon Preached at Alderman-Bury Church , Dec. 28. 1662. For which he was Imprisoned in Newgate . 1 Sam. 4. 13. And when he came , Lo , Ely sate upon a seat by the way side , waiting ; for his heart trembled for the Ark of God .

THat you may the better understand these words you must know that whatsoever God threatn'd against old Ely , in the second and third Chapters , because he did not restrain hi●… wicked So●… from their lewd Courses , is here Executed in this Chapter ▪ therefore we read , there were four thousand Israelites slain by the Philistines ; And the Elders of Israel met together to consult how to repair this great losse ▪ th●… confesse , it was the Lord that had smitten them ▪ 〈◊〉 say they , Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us to day before the Philistines : And they conclude , the way to repair this their loss , it was , to fetch the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord from Shiloh , and carry it into the 〈◊〉 whereupon they appoint Hophni and Phinehas to 〈◊〉 it , whereby they imagined that the presence of the A●…k would save them from ruin , but herein they were miserably mistaken ; for , this judgment befel them not because the Ark was not in the Camp , but because th●… sin was in the Camp : The Ark of the Covenant would not preserve those that had broken Covenant with God ▪ And therefore there was a great slaughter of the 〈◊〉 ▪ li●…es , and were slain thirty thousand men , and H●… ▪ and Ph●… were slain , and the Ark it 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . But what was old Eli doing ? He was ninety and eight years old , and was not able to go to the Battel , but sits upon a seat by the way-side near the Battel ; and there he sits , thinking what shall become of the Ark : And lo , Ely sate upon a seat by the way side , watching : for his heart trembled for the Ark of God , for fear lest the Ark should be taken : He was not troubled , what should become of his two Sons , or what should become of the people of Israel , but what should become of the Ark of God .

In the words are three parts .

1. Old Elies solicitousness for the Ark. 2. Old Elies heart-trembling for fear of the Ark. 3. Old Elies preferring the safety of the Ark before the safety of his two Sons , Wife , and Children .

He sate upon a Seat by the way-side watching , for his heart trembled for the Ark of God .

But what was the Ark of God ? why should old Elies heart tremble for fear of the Ark ?

I Answer : This Ark was the holiest of all the things of God ; it was so holy , that it made every place holy where it came , 2 Chron. 8. 11 And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharoah , out of the City of David , into the House that he had built for her : for he said , My wife shall not dwell in the House of David King of Israel , because the places are holy , whereunto the Ark of the Lord hath come . This Ark was the dwelling place of God , it was the habitation of God , Psal. 99. 1. The Lord Reigneth , he sitteth between the Cherubims . Now these Cherubims were placed over the Ark : it was the speaking place of God ; he met his people there , and there he gave an answer to them : Exod. 25. 21 , 22. And thou shalt : put the Mercy-seat above upon the Ark and in the Ark thou shalt put the Testimony that I shall give thee : And there will I meet with thee , and I will commune with thee from above ●…he Mercy-seat , from between the two Cherubims which are ●…pon the Ark of the Testimony , of all things I shall give thee ●…n commandement unto the children of Israel . This Ark was Gods Foot-stool , and all the people of God worshipt before the Foot-stool of God , Psal. 99. 5. Exalt ye the Lord our God , and worship at his footstool , for he is holy . The Ark , it was the glory and the strength of Israel , Psal. 78. 61. And he delivered his strength into captivity , and his glory into his enemies hand ; And it was the terror of the enemies of God : And therefore when the Ark came into the Battel , the Philistines were afraid , and said , Wo unto us , for God is come down into the Camp : And indeed this Ark was called Iehovah , Num. 10. 35. And it came to pass , when the Ark set forward , that Moses said , Rise up , Lord , and let thine enemies be scattered : And when it rested , he said , Return , O Lord , unto the many thousands of Israel . In a word , the Ark was a pledge , and a visible symptom of Gods gracious presence with his people ; as long as the Ark was saved , they were saved ; and when the Ark was with them , Gods presence was with them ; but when the A●…k was gone , God was gone ; his comfor●…ing presence , his protecting presence , and his preserving presence : And therefore no wonder that this good old man sate watching here for fear of the Ark. I call him , good old man : Many are of opinion that he was not good , because he suffered his Sons to be so wicked ; and indeed his fault was great , but surely he was a good man , and I have two reasons to prove it : First , in tha●… he took the punishment of his iniquity so patiently ; It is the Lord , let him do what seemeth him good . And secondly , he was a good man , as appears , in the Text , by his solicitousness for the Ark : He sate trembling , &c.

Now this Ark was a Type of three things .

First , I●… was a Type of Jesus Christ ; for God spake From the Ark : so God speaks to us by Christ . Secondly , It was a Type of the Church of Christ : for ●…s the Ark was the preserver of the two Tables of the Law , so the Church of Christ is the preservative of the Scriptures . Thirdly , The Ark was a Type of the Ordinances of Christ : for as God did communicate himself by the Ark , so God by his Ordinances communicates his Counsels , comforts and graces unto his people : The Ordinances of Christ , they are the Oraculum by which he conveys himself unto his people . Thus I have shew'd you what the Ark was .

I shall gather two Observations from the words :

1. That when the Ark of God is in danger of being lost , the people of God have thoughtful heads , and trembling hearts . 2. That a true child of God is more troubled , and more solicitous what shall become of the Ark , then what shall become of Wife and Children or Estate .

I shall begin with the first .

Doct. That when the Ark of God is in danger of being lost , the people of God have thoughtful heads and trembling hearts .

Or , if I may put this Doctrine into a Gospel-dress , take it thus :

That when the Gospel is in danger of losing , when Gospel-Ordinances are in danger of being lost , and Gospel-Ministers in danger of losing ; that then the people of God have trembling heads , and careful and solicitous hearts about it .

Mark what I say : I say not , when the Ark is lost ; for that was death to old Ely , that broke his neck : and it cost the life of Ely's daughter in Law : when the Ark of God was taken she took no comfort in her child , though a man-child she regarded : For the glory is departed from Israel , the Ark of God is taken .

I say not when the Ark of God is lost : but I say when it is in danger of losing : when the Gospel is in danger , the Ministers of the Gospel in danger , and the Ordinances in danger to be lost ; then the people of God have trembling hearts , and careful heads . When God threatned the Israelites , that he would not go with them they were troubled for the loss of Gods presence , and would not put on their ornaments , Exod. 33. 3 , 4. I will not go in the midst of thee , for thou art a stiffneck●…d people , lest I consume thee in the way : And when the people heard these evill tidings they mourned and no man did put on his ornaments : 1 Sam. 7. 2. And it came to pass , while the Ark abode in Kiriath-jearim , that the time was long , for it was twenty years , and all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord : that is , after the presence of God , speaking from the Ark. 2 Sam. 11. 10 , 11. David would have had Uriah to have gone down to his house and made merry : And Uriah said unto David , the Ark , and Israel , and Iudah abide in Tents , and my Lord Ioab , and the Servants of my Lord are incamped in open fields : shall I then go into mine house to eat and to drink , and to lie with my Wife ? As thou liv●…st , and as thy soul liveth , I will not do this thing . 1 King . 19. 10. And Elijah said I have been very zealous for the Lord God of Hosts : for the children of Israel have forsaken thy Covenant , thrown down thine Altars , and slain thy Prophets with the swerd , and I , even I only am left , and they seek my life to take it away . Thus you see when the Ark is in danger , the people of God mourn and are sorrowful .

And there be four Reasons , why the people of God are so much troubled when the Ark of God is in danger .

Reas. 1. Because of the great love they bear to the Ark of God ; As God loveth the gates of Sion , more then all the dwellings of Iacob , Psal. 87. 2. So the people of God love the Ordinances of God , and the faithful Ministers of Christ , Psal. 26. 8. Lord , I have loved the habitation of thy house , and the place where thine honour dwelleth . Psal. 27. 4. One thing have I desired of the Lord , that I will seek after , that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life , to behold the beauty of the Lord , and to enquire in his Temple . Now , love stirreth up the affections : As young Croesus , though he were dumb , yet seeing his Father like to be Killed , cryed out , Do not kill my Father : Such is the love of the Saints of God to the Ark , that they cannot be silent , they cannot but tremble when they see the Ark in danger : And for Sions sake they cannot hold their peace : and they cannot be silent until the Lord make the Righteousness thereof go out like brightness , and the Salvation thereof as a Lamp that burneth .

2. The people of God are troubled at this , because of the interest they have in the Ark of God : Now , interest stirreth up affections , as when another mans house is on fire : as you had a lamentable and sad providence this last week , and it is not to be forgotten , how suddenly in all our feastings , God may dash all our mirth . Now consider , how were they affected that had an interest in those that were burned : so the people of God have an interest in the Ark : God is the Haven of a Child of God , the portion and inheritance of a Child of God ; and when God begins to forsake them , they cannot but be afflicted and troubled : The Ordinances of God are the Jewels of a Christian , and the Treasure of a Christian ; and the losse of them cannot but trouble them : And Jesus Christ is the joy of a Christian , and therefore when Christ is departing , they cannot bu●… be much afflicted at it .

3. The people of God are much troubled when th●… Ark is in danger , because of the mischiefs that com●… upon a Nation when the Ark of God is lost : wo be 〈◊〉 that Nation when the Ark is gone . The Heathens ha●… the Image of Apollo , and they conceived , that as lon●… as that Image was preserved amongst them , they coul●… never be worsted , but be preserved ; and the Romans had a Buckler , upon which they had a Tradition , that as long as that Buckler was preserved , Rome could not be taken . Shall I give a hint , and set it out a little in five particulars .

1. When the Ark of God is taken , then the wayes of Sion mourn , and none come to the Solemn Assemblies : It was the complaint of the Church , Lament. 1. 4. That is matter of sadness . 2. When the Ark of God is taken , then the Ministers of Christ are driven into Corners : And that is matter of heart-trembling . 3. When the Ark of God is taken , then the souls of many are in danger : when the Gospel is gone , your souls are in hazzard : There is cause of sadness . 4. Then do the Enemies of God Blaspheme , and are ready to say , Where is your God ? then do the Enemies of God Triumph , Psal. 42. 10. As with a Sword in my Bones mine Enemies reproach me : while they say dayly unto me , Where is thy God ? 5. Then is Iesus Christ trampled under foot , and the Ordinances of God defiled and trampled on ; and then Blasphemy and Atheism comes in like an Armed man .

4. The people of God must needs tremble when the Ark is in danger , because of their accessariness to the losing of the Ark ; and this was that which made old Ely so much troubled , because he knew it was for his sin that God suffered the Ark to be taken : He knew that his not punishing his two Sons , was one great cause of that great slaughter the people of Israel met withall , and that made him tremble . There is no person here in this Congregation , but his heart will tell him , he hath contributed something towards the loss of the Ark. None of us so holy but our consciences must accuse us , we have done something that might cause God to take the Ark from us : And therefore Mr. Bradford , that blessed Martyr , said in his Prayer , Lord it was my unthankfulness for the Gospel , that brought in Popery in Queen Maries dayes : and my unfruitfulness under the Gospel , that was the cause of the untimely death of King Edward the Sixth : And those that fled in Queen Maries dayes , sadly complained that they were the cause of Gods taking away the Gospel from England . O Beloved , it is for thy sin and my sin , that the Ark of God is in danger ; and therefore the Lord give us trembling solicitous hearts , what shall become of the Ark.

I come now to Application .

Use 1. If this be the property of a true child of God to be solicitous when the Ark of God is in danger , and to have such a trembling heart for fear of the Ark , then this is a certain sign there are but few that are the children of God in truth . O where is the man , and where is the woman , that like old Ely , sits watching and trembling for fear of the Ark ! And that will appear by these Reasons .

First , In reference to the many sins in this Nation ; for let me tell you , there is not one sin for which God ever took away the Ark from any people , but it is to be found in England : Did the Church of Ephesus lose the Candlestick , because they had lost their first love ? And have not we lost our first love to the Gospel , and to the Ordinances ? And did the Church of Laodicea lose the Candlestick , because of lukewarmness ? and are not we lukewarm ? Did the people of Israel , as here in the Text , lose the Ark , because they abhorred the offering of God ? and do not we do so ? Are not the sins of Israel amongst us ? the sins of Germany , and the sins of all other Nations about us ? And can any man here before God this day , in this Congregation , that considers the great unthankfulness of this Nation , and the great prophanesse and wickednesse of this Nation , but they may conclude the Ark is in danger , and God may justly take the Ark from us ?

I might tell you of the drunkennesse , adultery , covetousness , injustice , and uncharitableness , &c. that doth abound amongst us ; and I might tell you of Sanctuary sins , prophanation of Sabbaths and Sacraments , out unthankfulnesse , and unfruitfulnesse , and unworthy walking under the Gospel : And you of this place , God may very well take the Ark even from you . And indeed it was the great interest I had in you , the which while I live I shall ever own ; and that great affection and respect I had to you , that I would not send you home this day without a Sermon , and let you go without a blessing . Now , can any of you in this Parish , and this Congregation ; can any of you say , God may not justly take the Gospel from you ?

Secondly , Shall I adde , the discontents and divisions in the Nation , as Christ saith , A Nation divided against it self cannot stand ; but I leave these things to your considerations ; I do believe there is none here but will confesse the Ark of God is in danger to be lost . But now where are our old Elys , to sit watching and trembling for fear of the Ark ? Where is Phinehas his Wife , that would not be comforted , because the Ark of God was taken ? Where are our Moses's ? our Elijah's ? our Uriah's ? Where are they that lay to heart the dangers of the Ark ? You complain of Taxes , and decay of Trading ; of this civil burden , and that civil burden ; but where is the man or the woman that complains of this misery , the losse of the Ark ? Most of you are like Gallio , he cared not for these things ; if it had been a civill m●…ter , then he would have medled with it ; but for Religion , he cared not for that : every man is troubled about meum and tuum , about civil concernments ; but who laies to heart , who regards , what shall become of Religion ? There is a strange kind of indifferency ▪ and lukewarmnesse upon most peoples spirits ; so they may have their Trading go on , and their civill Burdens removed , they care not what becomes of the Ark. There is a Text of Scripture , I shall not spend much time in opening it , but I would have you well consider it , Hos. 7. 9. Strangers have devoured his strength , and he knoweth it not : yea gray hairs are here and there upon him , yet 〈◊〉 knoweth not . Shall I say , gray hairs are upon the Gospel ? I come not hither to prophecy : I say not , the Gospel is dying , but I say it hath gray hairs : for you have had the Gospel a hundred years and above , and therefore it is in its old age : and I dare challenge any Schollar to shew me an example of any Nation that hath enjoyed the Gospel for a hundred years together . Now that gray hairs is at a hundred years , is no wonder : well , gray hairs are here and there , and yet no man layeth it to heart .

Now shal I spend some time to shew you what a great sin it is , not to be affected with the danger that the Ark of God is in : Consider but three particulars .

First , it is a sign you do not love the Gospel : if you had any love to it , you would be troubled more for the danger of the Ark , then for any outward danger whatsoever .

Secondly , it is a sign you have no interest in the Gospel , for interest wil stir up your affections : it is a sign you are not concerned in the Gospel , for if you were concerned in it , you would be affected with it ; as those that were interessed in those persons in that lamentable fire the last week , it is impossible but they should be affected : ●…nd so it is asign you have no interest in God and Christ , if your hearts do not tremble for fear of the loss of the Ark.

But thirdly , there is a curse of God pronounced against all those that do not lay to heart the afflictions of Ioseph , Amos 6. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6. Wo be to them that are at ease in Sion , and trust in the mountain of Samaria : ye that put far away the evil day : that lye upon beds of Ivory , and stretch themselves upon their Couches : that eat the Lambs out of the flock , and the Calves out of the midst of the stall : that chant to the sound of the Viol , and invent to themselves instruments of Musick : that drink Wine in bowles , and annoint themselves with the chief ointments : but they are not grieved for the afflictions of Ioseph . Wo be to you that injoy your fulness of outward things , and make merry therewith , and never consider the afflictions of Gods people , and the danger of the Ark.

Use 2. For exhortation , To beseech you all , that God by a providence hath so unexpectedly brought this day to hear me ; ( and there may be a good providence in it , possibly I may do good herein : ) I say , let me beseech you all , to declare , you are the people of God in deed and in truth , by following the example of old Ely , to be very solicitous for the Ark of God ; and let me exhort you to five particulars ,

First , let me perswade you to believe , that the Gospel is not entailed upon England : England hath no Letters Patents of the Gospel ; the Gospel is removeable : God took away the Ark and forsook Shilo , and he did not only take away the Ark , but the Temple also ; he unchurched the Iews , he unchurched the seven Churches of Asia , and we know not how soon he may unchurch us : I know no warrant we have to think that we shall have the Gospel another hundred year●… : God knows how to remove his Candlestick , but not to destroy it : God doth often remove the Church , but doth not destroy it : God removed his Church out of the East , as the Greek Churches were famous Churches , but God removed them , and now the Turk overspreads that Country .

Secondly I would perswade you , that Englands Ark is in danger to be lost : were it only for the ●…ins of England , those prodigious iniquities amongst us , and that strange unheard of ingratitude that is in the Land : but I will say no more of that , because I would speak nothing but what becomes a sober Minister of the Gospel .

Thirdly , I would perswade you , and O that I could raise you up to old Elies practise : He sat watching , for his heart trembled for fear of the Ark : He had a thoughtful head , and aking heart , for the Ark of God that was in danger : And that I might move you to this , consider what a sad condition we are in if the Ark be taken : what will your Estate do you good ? or what will all your concernments do you good , if the Gospel be gone ? Wherein doth England exceed other places ? there is more wealth in Turkie then in England : And the Heathen Nations have more of the glory of the world , then any Christian King hath : What is the glory of England ? What is the glory of Christianity but the Gospel ? If the Gospel be gone , our glory is gone . Pray , remember Eli his Daughter in Law , the wife of Phinehas : she hearkened not though a Man-Child was born , and would receive no comfort , but called his name I●…habod : for the glory is departed from Israel , the Ark of God is taken : O when the glory is gone , who would desire to live ! I am loath to tell you the story of Chrysostom , he was but one man , yet when he was banished Constantinople , the people all petitioned for him , and said , They could as well lose the Sun out of the Firmament as lose Chrysostom from among them .

Fourthly , Let me perswade you not to mourn immoderately , neither be discouraged : I would willingly speak something to comfort you before I leave you , I know not by what strange providence I came here this day , and the Lord knows when I shall speak to you again : therefore I would not send you home comfortless : O therefore , mourn not as without hope ; for I have four arguments to perswade me , that the Ark of God will not be lost , though it be in danger of losing .

First , because God hath done great things already for this Nation : and I argue like Manoahs wife : Surely , if God had intended to destroy us , he would not have done that he hath done for us ; He that hath done so much for us , will not now forsake us . And therefore , though our hearts tremble , yet let them not sink within us .

Secondly , I argue from the abundance of praying-people that are in this Nation , there are many that night and day pray unto God that the Ark may not be taken : and let me assure you , God did never forsake a praying and reforming people . When God intends to destroy a Nation , and take away the Ark , he takes away the spirit of Prayer , but where God gives the spirit of Prayer , there God will continue the Ark. You all know , that if there had been but ten good men in those five Cities God would have spared them : We have many hundreds that fear God in this Nation , that do not give God rest , but night and day pray unto God for this Land : And who knows but , for their sakes , God will spare the Ark ?

Thirdly , another ground of comfort is this , that God hath hitherto dealt with England not by way of Rule , but by way of Prerogative . We have had unchurching sins all the Reign of Queen Elizabeth , and of King Iames : and the godly Ministers have been threatned ruine , from year to year : but God hath hitherto saved England by way of Prerogative . God hath spared us , because he will spare us : according to that Text , I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious . God will not be tyed to his own rule : and , Who knoweth but God will deliver us ?

Fourthly , another ground of comfort is , that God is now pouring out his Vials upon Antichrist , and all this shall end in the ruine of Antichrist : God is pouring forth his Vials upon the Throne of the Beast ; and all these transactions shall end in the ruin of Antichrist : Though some drops of these Vials may light upon the reformed Churches , and they smart for a while , and God may severely punish them ; yet it will be but for a little while , but the Vials shall be poured out , upon Antichrist : God may scourge all the reformed Churches before these Vials be poured o●…t , and persecutions may go through them all , the which I call drops of these Vials : but the Vials are intended for Antichrist , and shall end in the ruin of Antichrist : and whatsoever becomes of us , yet our children , and our childrens children shall see the issue of the Vials poured out upon the Whore of Babylon : This I speak for your comfort .

Fifthly , I am to exhort you , that you would all of you contribute your utmost endeavour , to keep the Ark of God from being taken : and here I shall shew you ,

1. What the Magistrate should do . 2. What the Minister should do . 3. What the People should do .

First , What the Magistrate should do . I shall say but little of them , because I am not now to speak to them . They are to use their Authority for the setling of the Ark ; for the Ark of Covenant will be like the Ark of Noah , always floating upon the waters , until the Magistrates settle it . Thus David 2 Sam. 6. 1 , 2. he gathered together all the chosen men of Israel , thirty thousand to fetch home the Ark. So Solomon , he assembleth the Elders of Israel , and the heads of the Tribes , the Nobles , the chief of the Fathers of the children of Israel unto Ierusalem , with a great a deal of pomp , to bring up the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord into its place . O that God would incourage our Nobles and Magistrates , that they might be solicitous to settle the Ark : Magistrates must not do as the Philistines : they had the Ark , but what did they do with it ? They set it up in the house of Dagon , but Dagon and the Ark could never agree : Where false Religion comes in at one door , the true Religion goes out at the other ; you must not put the Ark and Dagon together .

Secondly , What must the Ministers do to keep the Ark from losing ? They must endeavour after holiness ; the Ark will never stand steddy , nor prosper upon the shoulders of Hophni and Phinehas . A wicked , prophane , drunken Ministry will never settle the Ark ; it must be the sober , pious , godly ministers that must do it : How holy must they be , that draw nigh to the God of holiness ?

Thirdly , What must the people of God do , that the Ark may not be lost ? There be five things I shall commend unto you , and then commend you to God .

1. You must not Idolize the Ark. 2. You must not undervalue the Ark. 3. You must not pry into the Ark. 4. You must not meddle with the Ark without a lawful cal . 5. You must keep the Covenant of the Ark.

First , You must not Idolize the Ark : that was the sin of the people in the Text ; they thought the very presence of the Ark would excuse them , and keep them safe , and therefore they carryed the Ark into the Camp : though they reformed not , and repented not , yet they thought the Ark would save them .

So many there , be that think the Ark will save them , though never so wicked : but nothing will secure a Nation but repentance and reformation .

Secondly , Do not undervalue the Ark : this was Michals sin , 2 Sam. 6. 14 , 15 , 16. When David danced before the ▪ Ark , and Michal mocked him , and despised him in her heart : but , saith he , it was before the Lord , and if this be vile , I will be more vile . Some men begin to say , What need we any Preaching , will not Prayers serve ? Others say ▪ What needs so much Preaching , will not once a day serve ? Now this is to undervalue the Ark : therefore let us say , as David , If to Preach the Word , if to fast and pray for the Nation : If this be vile , then I will be more vile .

Thirdly , We must not pry into the Ark : this was the sin of the men of Bethshemesh , 1 Sam. 6. 19. They looked into the Ark , and God smote them , and cut off fifty thousand and threescore men . Be not too curious in searching where God hath not discovered or revealed ; For example , there be great thoughts of heart , when God will deliver his people , and set his Churches at liberty ; And many men talk much of the year 1666. that shall be the year wherein Antichrist shall be destroyed : And there are strange impressions upon the hearts of many learned men , as to this year ; some go to the year 1669. and others pitch upon other times ; but truly , if you will have my judgement , and I am glad of this opportunity to tell you , This is to pry too much into the Ark : Remember the Text , Act. 1. 17. It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power . And thus to conclude upon any particular time , if you find you are deceived , it is the way to make you Atheists , and that afterwards you shall believe nothing : And those Ministers do no service , or rather ill service to the Church of God , that conclude of times and seasons .

A Popish Author saith , that in the year 〈◊〉〈◊〉 , there was a general belief over the Christian world , that the day of judgement should be that year ; but when they saw it hapned not , they fell to their old sinning again : and were worse then before , and believed nothing . Well Gods time is the best , therefore let not us pry too much into the Ark.

Fourthly , you must not meddle with the Ark , unless you have a lawful Call to meddle with it . This was the sin of Uzza , 2 Sam. 6. 6 , 7. the Ark was in danger of falling , and the goodman , meaning no hurt , to keep up the Ark , took hold of it ; but he destroyed himself and made a breach , and hindred the carrying of the Ark.

We had a great disorder heretofore : abundance of well-meaning people usurped upon the Ministerial Office : they were afraid the Ark was falling , and therefore they touched the Ark , they laid hold on the Ark : but their touching the Ark hath undone the Ark , and themselves too . O take heed of touching the Ark.

Fifthly , If ever you would preserve the Ark , then keep the Covenant of the Ark , keep the Law which the Ark preserves : the Ark was a place wherein the Law was kept , the two Tables ; keep the Law , and God will keep the Ark : but if you break the Law , you will forfeit the Ark : The Ark was called the Ark of the Covenant ; keep Covenant with God , and God will preserve the Ark : but if you break the Covenant of the Ark , the Covenant made in Baptism , and that Covenant often renewed in the Sacrament : if you break Covenant , God will take away the Ark.

Mr. Watson's Farewell Sermon . 2 COR. 7. 1. Having these promises , dearly Beloved , let us cleanse our selves .

IT is the Title that I intend now , by the help of God , to insist upon , that sweet Parenthesis in the Text ( Dearly beloved ) wherein you have the Apostle breathing forth his affections unto this people : he speaks now as a Pastor , and he speaks to them as his spiritual Children .

Dearly beloved : where you have .

First , the Title , Beloved . Secondly , The Exhortation to Holiness , Let us cleanse our selves . Thirdly , The Means how we should be cleansed and sanctified , Having these promises .

It is the first of these that I intend : the Title that the Apostle gives to his children , Dearly beloved .

From hence observe this Doctrine .

That the affections of a right Gospel-Minister towards his people are very ardent .

Dearly beloved , there are two things in every Minister of Christ that are much exercised : his head and his heart ; his head with labour , and his heart with love : his head with labour in the work of the Ministry . I●… done aright , it is a work fitter for Angels than for men●… it is our work to open the Oracles of God , even thos●… sacred profound things that the Angels search into and if God did not help us , we might soon sink under the weight of such a burden : and as a Minister's head is exercised with labour , so his heart is exercised with love , and it is hard to say which of the two exceeds : his Labour or his Love . Thus is it here in the Text , my dearly beloved : In these words , we have Saint Paul laying siege to these Corinthians , and labouring to make a happy victory , to conquer them with kindness , dearly beloved . Saint Paul's heart was the spring of love , his lips were the pipe , the Corinthians were the cistern into which this spring did run . This holy Apostle was a mirror and pattern of love , towards the sinning Corinthians : Paul's tears did drop towards the praying Corinthians , his love did burn : holy Panl was a Seraphin , his heart did burn in a flame of affection to his people : how many passages do we find scattered in his Epistles ? he tells this people , which sometimes he did write to , and sometimes he preached to , He looked after their souls more then their silver , 2 Cor. 12. 14. We seek not yours but you : As a tender nurse cherisheth her chlld with the breast , so Saint Paul gave his people the breast-milk of the Word , in 1 Thes. 2. 8. This man of God did not only bestow a Sermon upon his people , but was willing to impart his very Soul to them , if it might save theirs , 1 Thes. 2. 7. We were willing to have imparted to you our own souls , because you are dear unto us : Such was Saint Paul's affection to his people , that without a complement he loved them more then his life , Phil. 2. 17. And if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith , I rejoyce with you all : that is , as if he had said , If it be so that my blood be poured forth as a sacrifice , if my death may be any way serviceable unto you , if it may help forward the strengthening and confirming of your faith , I am willing to die , I rejoyce to do it : so full of affections was this Apostle , that he could not choose but love his people , though the more he did love , the less he should be loved : in 2 Corinth. 12. 15. oh how did Paul sweeten all his Sermons with love , in 2 Cor. 12. 15. if he reproved sin , yet he was angry in love ; he dipt the pill in sugar , Gal. 4. 9 , 10 , 11. How turn ye again to weak and beggarly elements ! you observe dayes , and months , and years ; I am afraid of you , lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain ; Brethren , I beseech you , be as I am . See how Saint Paul chides their sins , and yet at the same time courts their souls : No sooner did he la●…ce the wound , but presently he poured in wine and oyl into it : so did Paul love his people , that he would not justly give any offence to the weakest believer . 1 Cor. 8. 13. If meat make my brother to offend , I will never eat flesh more whilst the world standeth . Paul was like some tender mother , who forbears to eat those meats that she might , for fear of hurting the child that she gives suck to . Thus you see he was a spiritual father made up of love : and surely , my brethren , this affection in some degree is in all the true Ministers of Jesus Christ , they are full of sympathy and bowels unto those over whom the holy Ghost hath made them Overseers .

I shall only glance at the Reasons , why it will be thus , and why it should be thus , that such flaming affections there should be in all Christs Ministers to their people .

It will be thus for these two Reasons briefly .

First , from that principle within that teacheth Love . Grace doth not fire the heart with passion , but with compassion . Grace in the heart of a Minister files-off that ruggedness that is in his spirit , making him loving and courteous . Paul once breathed out persecution : but when Grace came , this bramble was turned into a spiritual Vine , twisting himself about the souls of his people with loving Embraces .

Secondly , there will be this ardent love in a minister heart , from that spiritual relation that is between him and his people : he is a spiritual Father : and shall we think him to be without bowels ! 1 Cor. 4. 15. Though you have ten thousand instructors , yet have you not many fathers ; for in Christ Iesus I have begotten you through the Gospel . Some he begets unto Christ , others he builds up in Christ . Doth not a Father provide chearfully for his children ? can a father see bread taken from his childe and not have his heart affected with it ? Is it not a grief to a parent to see his child put out to a dry Nurse ?

Secondly , there should be this ardent love and affection in all Gods Ministers for this reason , because this is the liveliest way to do most good : knotty and stubborn hearts will soonest be wrought upon with kindness . The fire melteth the hardest metall ; the fire of love with Gods blessing will melt the most obdurate ●…inner . A Boanerges , a son of consolation , who comes in the spirit of love and meeknesse , is the fittest to do a piece of Gospel-chirurgery , to restore and put such an one in joynt again that is overtaken with a fault . Gal. 6. 1. Restore such a one with the spirit of love and weaknesse . Thus much in short for the doctrinal part .

Give me leave now to make some application .

And first , here are several Inferences that may be drawn from this : As

First , see here the right character of a Gospel-Minister : He is full of love , he exhorts , he comforts , he reproves , and all in love ; he is never angry with his people , but because they will not be saved ? How loth is a Minister of Christ to see precious souls , like so many jewels , cast over-board into the dead Sea of hell ? A conscientious Minister would count it an unhappy gain , to gain the world and lose the souls of his people : he saith , as the King of Sodome to Abraham , Give me the persons , and take thou the goods , Gen. 14. 21.

The second branch of Information is this ; Are true Gospel-Ministers so full of love ? then how sad is it to have such Ministers put upon a people as have no love to souls ? The work of the ministry , it is a labour of love : Oh how sad is it to have such in the ministry , that can neither labour nor love ? that are such as are without bowels , that look more at tyths then at souls ? It must needs be sad with a people in any part of the world to have such ministers set over them , as either poyson them with error , or do what in them lies to damn them by their wicked example : How can the Devil reprove sin ? how can the Minister cry out in the Pulpit against drunkenness , that will himself be drunk ? Rom. 2. 22. Thou that teachest , A man should not steal , dost thou steal ? Thou that sayest , A man oughtnot to commit adultcry , do●…st thou commit adultery ? We read that the snuffers of the Tabernacle were to be made of pure Gold , Exod. 37. 23. Those who by their calling are to reprove and snuff off the sins of others , they should be pure gold , holy persons . In the Law God did appoint the lip of the Leper should be covered ; he ought to have his lip covered , he should not be permitted to speak the Oracles of God , who though he be by office an Angel , yet by life is a Leper .

Thirdly , See from hence the happiness of a Minister who is placed among such a people as give him abundant cause of love : How happy is he that can say to his people from his heart , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 My dearly Beloved ! And here let me speak by way of encouragement to you of this Parish . I find St. Paul commending the good he saw in his people , 1 Thess. 1. 3 , We are bound to thank God alwayes for you , beloved , because your faith grows exceedingly . Here Paul is commending his people . In imitation of this Apostle , let me at this time speak a commendatory word to you ; I have exercised my Ministry now among you for almost sixteen years , and I rejoice and bless God that I cannot say , The more I love you , the less I am loved ; I have received many signal demonstrations of love from you : though other Parishees have exceeded you for number of houses , yet I think not for strength of affection . I have with much comfort observed your reverent attention to the word preached ; you rejoiced in this light not for a season , but to this day : I have observed your zeal against error , and , as much as could be expected in a critical time , your unity and amity : this is your honour , and if for the future there should be any interruption made in my Ministry among you , though I should not be permitted to preach to you , yet I shall not cease to love you , & to pray for you : but why should there be an interruption made ? where is the crime ? Some indeed say , that we are disloyal and seditious ? Beloved , what my actings and sufferings for his Majesty have been , is known not to a few of you : but however , we must go to Heaven through good report , and through bad report : and it is well , if we can get to glory , though we pass through the pikes . I shall endeavour that I may still approve the sincerity of my love to you . I will not promise that I shall still preach among you , nor will I say that I shall not ; I desire to be guided by the silver-thread of Gods word , and of Gods providence : my heart is toward you : there is , you know , an expression in the late Act , that we shall be now shortly as if we were naturally dead ; and if I must die , let me leave some legacy with you before I go from you : I cannot but give you some counsel and advice for your souls , and I hope there is no hurt in that : There are , my beloved , these twenty directions , that I desire you to take special notice of , which I would leave as advice and counsel with you about your souls .

First , I beseech you , keep your constant hours every day with God : the godly man is a man set apar●… , Psal. 4 , 3. not only because God hath set him apart by election , but because he hath set himself a part by devotion . Give God the Aur●…rae filium , begin the day with God , visit God in the morning before you make any others visits : wind up your hearts toward heaven in the morning , and they will go the better all the day after . O turn your Closets into Temples : read the Scriptures : the two Testaments are the two lips by which God speaks to us ; these will make you wise unto salvation : the Scripture is both a glass to shew you your spots , and a laver to wash them away : besiege heaven every day with Prayer : thus perfume your houses , and keep a constant intercourse with heaven .

Secondly , get good books into your houses : when you have not the spring near to you , then get water into your cistern ; so when you have not that wholesome preaching that you desire , good books are cisterns that hold the waters of life in them to refresh you . When Davids natural heat was taken away , they covered him with warm clothes , 1 Kings 1. so when you find a chilness upon your souls , and that your former heat begins to abate , ply your selves with warm clothes ; get those good books that may acquaint you with such truths as may warm and affect your hearts .

Thirdly , have a care of your company : Take heed of unnecessary familiarity with sinners : we cannot catch health from another , but we may soon catch a disease : the disease of sin is very catching : I would be as fraid of coming among the wicked , as among those that have the plague , Psal 106. 35. They were mingled with the heathen and learned their works : if we cannot make others better , let us have a care that they make not us worse . Lot was was a miracle , he kept fresh in Sodomes salt-water . My beloved , take heed of the occasions of sin : evil company is an occasion of sin . The Nazarites in the old Law , as they might drink no wine , so they were forbidden grapes , whereof the wine was made , as you read in Numb. 6. to teach us , that all occasions of sin must be avoided : evil company is , ●…ellus animarum , the Devils draw-net , by which he draws millions to Hell : How many families and how many souls have been ruined and undone in this City by evil company ? many there are that go from a Playhous to a Whorehous , & from a Tavern to Tyburn .

Fourthly , have a care whom ye hear ; it is our Saviour Christs counsel , Mat. 7. 15. Beware of false Prophets , that come to you in sheeps cloathing , but inwardly are ravening wolves . Let me tell you , the Devil hath his Ministers as well as Christ : Rev. 12. 15. The Serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman : that is , as the learned exponnd it , Satan by his Ministers and Emissaries cast out the flood of Arrian doctrine to drown the Church . There are some , who by the subtilty of their wit have learned the Art to mix error with truth , and to give poyson in a golden cup. Take heed , who you hear , and how you hear ; be like those noble Beroeans , that searched the Scriptures whether the things that they preached were so or not , Acts 17. 11. Your ears must not be like spunges that suck in puddle-water , as wel as wine ; but your ears must be like a fan , that fans out the chaffe , but retains the pure wheat : you must be like those in the Parable , Mat. 13. 48. that gathered the good fish into vessels , but cast the bad away . The Saints are called Virgins for their wisdom : they will not let every one defile their souls with error ; they have a judicious ear , and a critical palate , that can distinguish betwixt truth and error , and put a difference betwixt meat of Gods sending , and the Devils cooking .

Fifthly , study sincerity , Psal. 51. 6. Behold thou desirest truth in the inward part : be what you seem to be : be not like Rowers in a Barge , that look one way and row another : Do not look heaven-ward by your profession , and row hel-ward by your conversation : do not pretend to love God , and not love sin : Simulata sanctitas , duplicata iniquitas : Counterfeit piety is double iniquity . Let your hearts be upright with God : the plainer the Diamond is , the richer it is ; and the more plain the heart is , the more doth God value this jewel : A little rusty gold is far better then a great deal of bright brasse : a little true Grace , though rusted over with many infirmities , is better then all the glistering shews of hypocrites : A sincere heart is Gods currant coin , & he will give it grains of allowance .

Sixthly , as you love your souls , be not strangers to your selves ; be much and often in the work of self-examination ; among all the books that you read , turn over the book of your own heart ; look into the book of conscience , see what is written there : Psal. 77. 6. I communed with mine own heart : Set up a judgment-seat in your own souls ; examine whether you have grace or not : prove whether you are in the faith : be as much afraid of a painted holiness as you would be afraid of going to a painted heaven : Do not think your selves good , because others think so : let the Word be the touch-stone , by which you try your hearts : let the word be the looking glass , by which you judge of the complexion of your souls : For want of this self-searching , many live known to others , and die unknown to themselves .

Seventhly , keep up your spiritual watch , Mat. 13. 37. what I say unto you I say unto all , watch : if it were the last word I should speak , it should be this word , watch . O what need hath a Christian to be ever upon his watch ! the heart is a subtle piece , and will be stealing out to vanity , and if we are not careful it will decoy us into sin : we have a special eye upon such persons as we suspect : thy heart is a supicious person : O have an eye upon it , watch it continually : it is a bosom-traytor . Iob set a watch before his eyes ▪ Iob 31. 1. We must every day keep sentinel : sleep not upon your guard : Our sleeping time is the Devils tempting time : Let not your watch-candle go out .

Eightly , you that are the people of God , do you often associate together , Mal. 3. 16. They that feared the Lord , spake often one to another . Christs Doves should flock together : one Christian will help to heat another : a single coal of Juniper will soon die ; but many coals put together , will keep life one in another . Conference sometimes may do as much good as Preaching : one Christian by good discourse drops holy oyl upon another , that makes the lamp of his grace to shine the brighter . It is great wisdom to keep up the trade in a Corporation . Christians by meeting often together , setting good discourse on foot , keep up the trade of Godliness , that else would decay and soon be lost . Is not the communion of Saints an Article in our Creed ? Do not then live so asunder , as if thìs Article were blotted out . The Naturalists observe there is a sympathy in Plants ; they say , some Plants bear better when they grow near other Plants , as the Vine and the Elm , the Olive and the Myrtle , thrive best when they grow together : It is true in Religion , the Saints are trees of righteousness , that thrive best in godliness when they grow together .

Ninthly , get your hearts screwed up above the world ; Set your affections on things above , Col. 3. 3. We may see the face of the Moon in the water , but the Moon is fixed above in the Firmament : so though a Christian walks here below , yet his heart should be fixed above in Heaven : in Heaven there is our best Kindred , and purest Joy , our Mansion-house ; O let our hearts be above : it is the best and the sweetest kind , of life : the higher the birds flies , the sweeter it sings : and the higher the heart is raised above the world , the sweeter joy it hath . The Eagle that flies in the air , is not stung by the Serpent : those whose hearts are elevated above the lower Region of this world , are not stung with the vexations and disquietments that others are , but are full of joy and contentment .

10. Trade much in the Promises : the Promises are great supports to faith ; Faith lives in a promise as the fish lives in the water : the Promises are both comforting and quickning : they are mitralia evangelii , the very breasts of the Gospel : as the child by sucking the breasts gets strength ; so faith by sucking the breasts of a promise gets strength and revives . The promises of God are bladders to keep us from sinking when we come into the waters of affliction : the Promises are sweet clusters of grapes that grow upon Christ the true Vine : O trade much in the promises : there is no condition that you can be in , but you have a promise : the promises are like Manna , that sute themselves to every Christians palate .

11. All you that hear me , live in a calling . Ierome gave his friend this advice , To be ever well employed , that when the Devil came to tempt him , he might finde him working in his vineyard . Sure I am , the same God that saith , Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy ; saith also , Six dayes shalt thou labour . The great God never sealed any warrants to Idleness : an idle professour is the shame of his profession , 2 Thess. 3. 11. I hear there are some , sayes the Apostle , that work not at all , but are busi-bodies : such we exhort , by our Lord Iesus Christ , that with quietness they work . Solon made Laws to punish idleness ; and Seneca saith of an idle man , Spiritum trahit , non vivit , He draws his breath , but doth not live ; he is not useful : but a good Christian acts within the spere of his own calling .

12. Let me intreat you to joyn the first and the second Table together : piety to God , and equity to your Neigbour : the Apostle puts these two words together in one verse , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Titus 2. 12. That we should live righteously and godly : Righteously , that relates to morality ; Godly , that relates to piety and sanctity : alwayes remember this , every Command hath the same Divine stamp and authority as another Command hath . I would try a moral man by the duties of the first Table , and I would try a professor by the duties of the second Table : Some pretend faith , but have no works ; others have works , but they have no faith : Some pretend zeal for God , but are not just in their dealings ; others are just in their dealings , but have not one spark of zeal for God . If you would go to heaven , you must turn both sides of the Table , the first and second Table ; joyn piety and morality together : as we blame the Papists for blotting out the second Commandment , let not the Papists blame us for leaving out the second Table .

13. Joyn the Serpent and the Dove together , innocency and prudence , Mat. 10. 16. Be wise as Serpents , and harmless as Doves . We must have innocency with our Wisdom , else our wisdom is but craftiness ; and we must have wisdom with our innocency , else our innocency is but weakness : We must have the harmlesness of the Dove , that we may not wrong others ; and we must have the prudence of the Serpent , that others may not abuse and circumvent us . Not to wrong the truth by silence , here is the innocency of the Dove ; not to betray our selves by rashness , here 's the wisdom of the Serpent : how happy is it , where these two are united , the Dove and the Serpent ? the Dove without the Serpent is folly , and the Serpent without the Dove is impiety .

14. Be more afraid of sin than of suffering : A man may be afflicted , and yet have the love of God ; but he cannot sin , but presently God is angry : sin eclipses the light of Gods countenance ; in suffering , the conscience may be quiet . When the hail beats upon the tiles , there may be musick in the house ; and when there is suffering in the body , there may be peace and musick in the conscience ; but when a man sinneth wilfully and presumptuous●…y , he loseth all his peace . Spira abjured his faith , and he became a terrour to himself , he could not endure himself ; he professed he thought Cain and Iudas in hell did not feel those terrors and horrors that he felt . He that will commit sin to prevent suffering , is like a man that lets his head be wounded , to save his shield and his helmet .

15. Take heed of Idolatry : In 1 Ioh. 5. 21. Little children , keep your selves from Idols . Idolatry is an Image of jealousie to provoke God , it breaks the mariage-knot asunder , and makes the Lord disclaim his interest in a people : What kind of Religion is Popery ? it is the mother of many Monsters . What Soul-damning doctrines doth it hold forth , as the meriting of salvation by good works , the giving of pardons , the worshipping of Angels , Popish indulgencies , Purgatory , and the like ? it is a Soul-damning Religion , it is the breeder of ignorance , uncleanness , and murder ; the Popish Religion is not defended by strength of Argumenr , but by force of Arms ; keep your selves from Idols , and take heed of Superstition . That is the Gentleman-usher to Popery .

16. Think not the worse of Godliness because it is reproached and persecuted : wicked men being stirred up by the Devil , do maliciously reproach the ways of God ; such were Iulian and Lucian : though wicked men would be godly on their death-beds , yet in the time of their life they revile and hate godliness ; but think not you the worse of Religion because it is reproached by the wicked . Suppose a Virgin should be reproached for her chastity , yet chastity is never the worse : if a blind man ●…eer the Sun , the Sun is never the less bright . Holiness is a beautiful and glorious thing ; It is the Angels glory , and shall we be ashamed of that which makes us like the Angels ? There is a time coming when wicked men would be glad of some of that holiness that now they despise ; but they shall be as far then from obtaining it , as they are now from desiring it .

17. Think not the better of sin , because it is in fashion ; think not the better of impiety and ungodliness because most walk in those crooked wayes . Multitude is a foolish argument : Multitude doth not argue the goodness of a thing ; the Devils name is Legion , that signifieth a multitude . Hell-road is this day full of Travellers ; esteem not the better of sin because most go this way ; do we think the better of the Plague because it is common ? The plea of a multitude will not hold at Gods bar ; when God shall ask you , Why did you prophane my Sabbath , why were you drunk , why did you break your Oaths ? to say then , Lord , Because most men did so , will be but a poor plea : God will say to you , Then seeing you have sinned with the multitude , you shall now go to Hell with the multitude . I beseech you as you tender your souls , walk Antipodes to the corruptions of the times ; if you are living Fish , swim against the stream ; dead fish swim down the stream . Ephes. 5. 11. Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness , but rather reprove them .

18. In the business of Religion , serve God with all your might , Eccl. 9. 10. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do , do it with thy might ; for there is no work or device in the grave whither thou goest . This is an Argument why we should do all we can for God , serve him with all our strength , because the grave is very near , and there is no praying , no repenting in the grave ; our time is but small , and therefore our zeal for God should be great . David Danced with all his might before the Ark , and so should we act vigorously for God in the sphere of Obedience . Rom. 12. 12. Fervent in spirit , serving the Lord . Take heed of a dull lazy temper in Gods service ; you must not only say a prayer , or read a prayer , but you must pour out your soul in prayer ; not only love God , but be sick of love to God . God in the old Law would have the coals put to the Incense , Lev. 16. 13. & why so ? to typifie that the heart must be inflamed in the worship of God ; your Prayers must go up with a flame of Devotion . I confess Hell will be taken without a storm , you may jump into Hell with ease ; but it is all up hill to Heaven , and therefore you must put forth all your might , Mat. 12. 11. The violent take heaven by force . Heaven is not taken but by storm : do you no see men zealous and very active for the Devil , and for their Lusts ? and shall they take pains for Hell , and will not you take pains for Heaven ?

19. Do all the good you can , while you live , to others . God hath made every Creature useful for us ; the Sun hath not its light for it self , but for us ; the Fountain runs freely , and so does the myrrhe drop from the Tree ; every Creature doth , as it were , deny it self for us ; the Beast gives us its labour , the Bird gives us its musick , and the Silk-worm its silk : Now hath God made every thing useful for us ? and shall not we be useful one for the good of another ? O labour to be helpful to the souls of others , and to supply the wants of others : Jesus Christ was a publique Blessing in the world , he went about doing good ; we ate all members of the body politick ; nay , are we not members of the body mystical , and shall not every member be helpful for the good of the body ? that is a dead member that doth not communicate to the good of the body . O labour to be useful to others while you live , that so when you die ▪ there may be a miss of you ; many live so unfruitfully , that truly their life is scarce worth a prayer , nor their death scarce worth a tear .

20. Every day spend some thoughts upon Eternity ▪ O Eternity , Eternity ! All of us here are ere long , it may be some of us within a few days or hours , to lanch forth into the Ocean of Eternity . Eternity is status interminabilis , sayes Roetius ; no prospective-glass can see to the end of Eternity . Eternity is a sum that can never be numbred , a line that can never be measured ; Eternity is a condition of everlasting m sery or everlasting happiness . If you are godly , then shall you be for ever happy , you shall be alwayes sunning your selves in the light of Gods countenance ; if you are wicked , you shall be alwayes miserable , ever lying in the scalding Furnace of the wrath of the Almighty . Eternity to the Godly is a day that hath no sun-setting ; Eternity to the Wicked is a night that hath no sun-rising . O , I beseech you my Brethren , every day spend some time upon the thoughts of Eternity . The serious thoughts of an Eternal Condition would be a great means to promote holiness .

1. The thoughts of Eternity would make us very serious about our Souls . O my Soul , thou art shortly to flie into Eternity , a condition that can never be reversed or altered ; How serious would this make us about our heaven-born souls ? Zeuxes being once asked why he was so long in drawing a Picture ; answered , Aeternitati pingo , I am now painting for Eternity . Oh how fervently would that man pray , that thinks he is praying for Eternity . Oh how accurately and circumspectly would that man live , that thinks , upon this moment hangs Eternity .

2. The thoughts of Eternity would make us sleight and contemn all the things of this world . What is the world ●…o him that hath Eternity alwayes in his eye ? Did we ●…hink seriously and solemnly of Eternity , we should never over-value the Comforts of the world , nor over-grieve the Crosses of the world .

1. We should not over-value the Comforts of the world . Worldly comforts are very sweet , but they are very swift , they are soon gone ; the pleasures of the world are but for a season ; just like Noah's Dove that brought an Olive branch in her mouth , but she had Wings , and so did presently flie from the Ark ; so are all outward Comforts , they bring an Olive branch , but they have wings too , with which they flie away .

2. The thoughts of Eternity would make us not to over-grieve the Crosses and Sufferings of the world . What are these sufferings to Eternity ? Our Sufferings sayes the Apostle , are but for a while , 1 Pet. 5. 10. What are all the Sufferings we can undergo in the World , t●… Eternity ? Affliction may be lasting , but it is not everlasting . Our Sufferings here are not worthy to be compared to an eternal weight of Glory .

And thus , my Beloved , I have given you these Twenty Directions for your precious Souls : I beseech yo●… treasure them up as so many Jewels in the Cabinet o●… your breast : Did you carry these Directions about you●…●…y would be a most excellent Antidote to keep yo●… from sin , and an excellent means to preserve the zeal 〈◊〉 Piety flaming upon the Altar of your Hearts .

I have many things yet to say to you , but I know no●… whether God will give me another Opportunity ; 〈◊〉 strength is now almost gone : I beseech you , let thes●… things which I have spoken , make deep impressions upon all your souls . Consider what hath been said , and th●… Lord give you Understanding in all things .

Mr. Watson's Sermon ▪ at St. Clements . ISAIAH 3. 10 , 11. Say to the Righteous , It shall be well with him ; for they shall eat the fruit of their Doings . Wo unto the wicked , it shall be ill with him ; for the reward of his hands shall be given him .

THis Text is like to Israels Pillar of Cloud , it hath a light side and a dark side ; it hath a light side to the godly , Say to the righteous , It shall be well with him : and it hath a dark side to the wicked , it shall be ill with him . Both you see are rewarded , both the righteous and the wicked ; but there 's a vast difference , the one hath a reward of Mercy , and the other a reward of Justice .

I shall begin with the first of these , Say ye to the righteous , It shall be well with him . This Scripture was written in a very sad and calamitous time , as you may read in the beginning of the Chapter , The mighty man , the man of war doth cease , the prudent and the ancient , both the Iudge and the Prophet shall be taken away . This was a very sad time with the Church of God in Ierusalem ; if the Judge be taken away , where will there be any Equity ? and , if the Prophet be taken away , where will there be any Piety ? the whole body Politick was now running to ruine , and almost in the rubbish : Now in this sad juncture of time , God would have this Text to be written ; and it is , methinks , like a Rain-bow in the Clouds . God would have his people comforted in the midst of all these afflictions ; Say ye to the righteous , It shall be well with him .

The Proposition that lies in the words , is this : That however things go in the World , It shall be 〈◊〉 with the righteous .

This is an Oracle from Gods own mouth ; and therefore we are not to question or dispute it ; Say y●… to the righteous , It shall be well with him ; I might multiply Scriptures for the proof of this , but I shall instance but in one , Eccles. 8. 12. Surely , I know that it shall be well with them that fear God . It is a golden Maxim , not to be disputed ; I know it shall go well with them that fear God ,

For the illustration of this , consider two things ;

First , What is meant here by the righteous man . Secondly , Why , however things go , it shall be well with him .

First , Who is meant here by the righteous man . There is a Threefold righteousness .

First , a legal righteousness , and so Adam in this sense was said to be righteous , when he did wear the robe of Innocency ; Adam's heart did agree with the Law of God exactly , as a well made Dial goes with the Sun . But this righteousness is lost and forfeited .

Secondly , There is a Moral righteousness , and thus he is said to be righteous , who is , adorned with Moral Vertues , that is prudent , just , temperate , and the like .

Thirdly , There is an Evangelical righteousness , an●… that is meant here . And this Evangelical righteousness is twofold : A righteousness by Imputation , and a righteousness by Implantation .

First , There is a righteousness by imputation , and that is , when Christs righteousness is made over to us ; an●… this righteousness , beloved , is as truly ours to justifie 〈◊〉 as it is Christs , to bestow upon us .

Secondly , There is a righteousness by implantation , which is nothing else but Gods infusing of the seed and habits of grace into the heart , the planting of holiness in a man , and making him partaker of the divine Nature : Now this is to be righteous in the sight of God , to have a righteousness of imputation , and a righteousness of implantation . And so much for the first thing .

The second thing is to shew you why , however things go in the world , it shall be well with this righteous man ; and it must needs be thus , for two reasons .

First , Because he that is righteous , hath his greatest evil removed , his sin is pardoned ; and therefore it must needs be well with him . Sin is a thorn in a man's Conscience ; now when this thorn is pluckt out in forgiveness and remission , then is it well with that man . Forgiveness of sin , in Scripture , is called , The lifting off of sin ; so it is in the Hebrew , Iob 7. Lord why dost thou not lift off my sin ? It is a Metaphor taken from a weary man that goes under a burthen , ready to sink under it , and another man comes and lifts off this burthen ; so doth the great God , when the burthen of sin is ready to sink the Conscience , Gods lifteth off this burthen from the Conscience , and lays it upon Christs shoulders , and he carries it ; now he that hath his burthen thus carryed , it is well for him , however things go . Pardon and forgiveness of sin it is a crowning blessing , it is a Jewel in a Believers Crown : Pardon of sin is a multiplying mercy , it brings a great many mercies along with it ; whom God pardons , he adopts ; whom God pardons , he invests with holiness and with glory . Pardon of sin is such a mercy , that it is enough to make a sick man well , Isa. 32. 24. The Inhabitants shall not say , They are sick , the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity . The sense of pardon takes away the sense of pain ; it must needs then be well with the righteous , his greatest evil is removed .

Secondly , However things go , It shall be well with the righteous , because God is his portion , Psal. 16. 5. The Lord is the portion of my inheritance , the lines are fallen to me in pleasant places . In God , all things are to be found ; and all that is in God , is engaged for the good of the Righteous ; His power is his , to help him ; His wisdom is his , to teach him ; His spirit is his , to sanctifie him ; and His mercy is his , to save him . God is the righteous mans portion ; and can God give a greater gift to us , than to give Himself to us ? God is a rich portion , the Angels riches ; God is a safe and a sure portion , for his Name is a strong Tower . He is a portion that can never be spent , for he is infiniteness ; and he is a portion can never be lost ; for he is Eternity ; Thou art my portion for ever , Psal. 73. 26. And surely , it is well with them that have God for their portion : Is it not well with them that are happy ? Why , if God be our portion ▪ we are happy , Psal. 144. 16. Happy is the people whose God is the Lord . And so much for the Doctrinal part .

The Application of this point may afford abundanc●… of comfort to every godly man , to every person fearing God in this Congregation . God hath sent me this day with a Commission to comfort you , O that I might drop in the oil of gladness into every broken and trouble●… sp●…rit ; Say to the righteous , it shall be well with him : Here'●… good news from heaven , however things are , yet still i●… is well with the righteous .

But here 's a great question to be answered , How dot●… it appear that it is well with the righteous ? for we ofte●… see it is worst with him ; he is deprived of his comforts he is made the reproach of the world for Christ , ye●… many times he loseth his life ? how then is it well wit●… the righteous ?

I answer , yet still is it well with the righteous : thoug●… he meet with trouble in the world , and one wave rise●… upon the neck of another : yet is it well with the righteous , as appears in these following particulars :

First , All the troubles that a righteous man meets with , turn to his good , and so it is well with him : That 's a famous Scripture , Ier. 24. 5. Whom I have sent out of this place , into the Land of the Chaldeans , for their good . Gods own Israel were transported into Babylon among their enemies , for their good . The troubles of the righteous are only a means to purge out their sins , and that 's for their good . I have read a story of one Peleus , who running at another with a sword to kill him , by accident the sword only run into his Impostume , and broke that . Thus all the evils and troubles of the righteous , do but serve to cure them of the Imposthume of pride , and to make them more humble . When the body of a Saint is afflicted , his soul that revives and flourishes in grace ; like two Lawrel trees that I have read of , that when one withered , the other flourished ; so , when the body is afflicted , yet grace flourishes . God doth distil out of the bitterest drugs , his glory and our salvation . That that the world looks upon as a punishment , that God makes medicinal , to heal the soul. Well then may it be well with the righteous ; the rod of God upon a Saint , is but only Gods pencil , whereby he draws his Image more lively upon the soul. God never stretcheth the strings of his Viol , but to make the musick so much the sweeter .

Secondly , In the midst of , all the troubles that befal the righteous , yet still it is well with them , in regard of those inward heart-revivings that God gives them ; we see a godly man in misery ; but we see not his comforts ; we see his prison grates , but we hear not that sweet musick that he enjoys in his Conscience . God sweetens to his people outward troubles with inward peace . It is the title that is given to God , 2 Cor. 6. 7. The God that comforteth them that are cast down . The Bee can gather Honey as well from the Thi●…tle and bitter Herb , as from the sweet Flower : and a Child of God can gather joy out of his sorrow ; out of the very Carcass sometimes he fetcheth Honey .

When the body is in pain , the soul may be at ease , as when a mans head akes , yet his heart may be well ; Thus it is well with the Righteous , God gives him inward comforts that revive him , and sweeten his outward pain .

3. In times of calamity and trouble , yet still is it well with the Righteous , because many times God hears his people in the time of trouble ; in a storm God will have a care of his Jewels , he will hide them , and suffer them not to be carryed away ; and thus he makes good that Scripture literally , Psal. 91. 4. He shall cover thee with his feathers , and under his wings shalt thou trust , no evil shall touch thee . God oftentimes verifies this Scripture literally , he makes his Angels to be his Peoples Life-guard to hide them and to defend them . When a Flood was coming on the World , God provided an Ark to hide Neah in ; When Israel was carryed and transported into Babylon , God hides Ier●…my , and gives him his life for a prey , I●…r. 39. 11 , 12.

And in this sense the Saints of God are called his hidden Ones . Psal. 83. 3. Why so ? not only because they are hid in Gods decree , and hid in Christs wounds , but oftentimes God hides them in time of common danger and calamity ; they are hidden Ones ; Thus God reserved to himself seven thousand that had not bowed the Knee to Baal ; the Prophet knew not of any , but God knew of seven thousand that he had hid ; and in this sense it is well with the Righteous in time of publick misery .

But you will say , Sometimes it is worse than all this with them ; sometimes the Righteous dye and perish , and are carryed away with a tempest ; How is it well with them then ? Yes , yet still it is well with the Righteous ; though their Life be taken away , yet still it is well with them , and that in a two-fold sense .

First , Many times God takes away the Righteous by death in great mercy ; he takes them away that they shall not see the miseries that are coming upon a Land ; as Virgil the Heathen Poet said , They were happy that dyed before their Countrey , meaning , before they saw the ruins of their Countrey . And truly many times God takes away his Children in mercy , that they shall not see the miseries that are coming on a Land ; you have a pregnant and clear Scripture for this , 1 King . 14. 13. He only of the House of Jeroboam shall come to his grave ; it is spoken of A●…ijah his Son , He only shall come to his grave , because in him there was found some good thing towards the Lord God of Israel . God would put this man into his grave betimes in mercy , because he should not see the evil that was coming upon the Land . You have a parallel Scripture to this , 2 King . 22. v. ult. It is spoken of Iosiah , I will gather thee to thy Fathers , thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace , and thine eye shall not see the evil that I will bring upon this place . Why , Iosiah died in battel : How is it said then , that he went to his grave in peace ? the meaning is this , because Iosiah was an holy man , he had made his peace with God , and so went to his grave in peace ; and because he should not see the evil approaching , therefore God gathered him to his grave in peace .

Ierome speaks thus of Nepotian : itseems Ierome lived to see some troubles before he died : Meeting with some storms ; Now ( said he ) how happy is my friend Nepotian that sees not these troubles ? happy is he that is gotten 〈◊〉 of the storm , and is in the haven .

Thus Luther died in mercy before the troubles of Germany began to break forth . Thus it is well with the Righteous , though they do die ; God takes them away in mercy , that they may not see approaching evils .

Secondly , Though the righteous do die , are taken away , and perish in astorm , yet is it well with them , because death cannot hurt them ; it can neither hurt their Bodies , nor yet their Souls ; the Body is safe , it doth not perish , though it doth die ; the bodies of the Saints are very precious dust in Gods account ; the Lord locks up these Jewels in the Grave , as in a Cabinet ; the bodies of the Saints lie mellowing and ripening in the grave , till a blessed time of resurrection : How precious is the dust of a Believer ! though the World mind it not , yet 't is precious to God . The Husbandman hath some Corn in the Barn , and other Corn in his ground ; the Corn in the ground is as precious to him as that in the Barn : Why , the Bodies of the Saints in the grave , are Gods Corn in the ground , and God makes a very precious account of this Corn ; the bodies of the Saints shall be more glorious and blessed than ever at the resurrection . Tertullian says , the Bodies shall be then Corpora Angelica ; the Body shal be angelified , in regard of that beauty and lustre which shall be put upon it : As it is with a piece of silk , or cloth , that is died of a Purple scarlet colour , it is made more bright and illustrious than it was before . Thus it is with the bodies of the Saints , they are dyed of a brighter colour at the resurrection , they are made like Christs glorious body , Phil. 3. 20. Thus , shall it be well with the righteous in their bodies ; they shall not perish .

Secondly , At death it shall be well with the righteous , as to their souls . O it shall be a blessed time ; Methinks it is with a Saint at the time of death , just as it was with Paul in his voyage to Rome ; the ship did break into many pieces , but yet he got safe to shore ; so it is with a believer , though the ship of his body may be snap't and broken at death ; yet the passenger is safe , the soul gets safe to shore even to the heavenly ▪ Ierusalem ; then surely it is well with the righteous at his death ; the day of a believer's death is the birth-day of his blessedness ; it is his ascension-day to heaven ; his death-day is his mariage-day with Jesus Christ ; faith doth but Contract us here , but at death the Nuptials shall be solemnized in glory ; and shall it not be well with the righteous ? they shall see God face to face : And says Austin , Ipse Deus sufficit ad praemium . It will be heaven enough to have the ●…ight of God . The Saints shall then enter into joy ; joy now enters into them here , but then they shall enter into joy ; they shall drink of that pure river that runs from God the ever lasting Fountain .

Thus you see it shall go well with the righteous , however things go , though troubles come , though death it self come ; and therefore let those that are the people of God , comfort themselves with these words .

To conclude this first point , what encouragement is this to all you that hear me now , to begin to be righteous ! This Text may tempt us all to be godly . Say to the righteous , It shall be well with him ; when things go never so ill with him ; yet still it shall be well with him : Grant that all things are ill with you in your estate , in your relations ; yet then , if you are righteous , all things shall be well with you ; your pardon is sealed , you are an Heir of Gods Promises , all things shall work for good ; you have God for your Father , you have heaven in reversion for your inheritance ; and is it not well with you ? how may this make us all in love with godliness , how ▪ may this tempt us to be godly ? For if ever we would enjoy happiness , we must espouse holiness ; Say to the righteous , it shall be well with him . And so much for the first proposition . The godly mans comfort in life and death .

Now if this will not prevail with men to make them leave their sins and become righteous . I must passe in a few words to the next branch of my Text , to scare men out of their sins , to affright them out of their wickednesse : Wo to the wicked , it shall be ill with him , for the reward of his hands shall be given him . This , my beloved , is ▪ the dark side of the cloud , and it may cause in every ▪ wicked man that hears me , a pa●…pitation and trembling at the heart , Wo to the wicked , it shall be ill with him , And so the Proposition is this :

That when things seem to be well with wicked men , it shall be ill with them at last .

Though things seem to be well with the wicked , they have more then heart can wish , yet it shall be ill with them at last ; Vae improbo ! Wo to the wicked ; it shall be ill with them . In Eccles. 8. 11. It shall not be well with the wicked , nor shall he prolong his days , that are as a shadow , because he feareth not God . The God of Truth hath pronounced it , this is as true as God is true , It shall not be well with the wicked .

Now that I may a little clear this to you , I shall demonstrate it to you in these following Particulars :

1. It is ill with the wicked in this life . 2. It is ill with him at his death . 3. It is ill with him at the day of Judgement . 4. It is ill with him after the day of Judgement .

First , It is ill with the Wicked in this life . There 's hardly a wicked man that hears me , that thinks so : when he hath the affluence and confluence of outward comforts , when he eats of the fat , and drinks of the sweet , he will hardly believe that Minister that tells him it shall be ill with him ; yea , but it is ill with the wicked even in this life ; foris it not ill with that man that hath a curse , yea the curse of God , entailed upon him ? My Text pronounceth a curse against the sinner , Vae improbo , Wo to the wicked : And can that man thrive that lives under a curse ? Clouds of blood & wrath hang over the head of a wicked man ; he is heir to all the plagues that are written in the Book of God ; all God's curses are the Sinners portion , and if he dies in his sins , he is sure to have the portion paid him . Woe to the Wicked ; every bit of Bread he eateth , he hath it with a curse , like poysoned Bread given to a Dog ; every drop of Wine he drinks , he swallows down a curse with it . Wo to the wicked , there is a Curse in his cup , there is a curse on his table ; God hath said , Wo to him .

We read of Belshazzar , Dan. 5. 4 , 5. that when he tasted the wine , he commanded to bring the gold and silver vessels taken out of the Temple ; then they brought the gold and silver vessels , and drank wine , and praised the gods of gold and silver . He was very jovial : but in the midst of his cups and joyallity , wo to the Wicked ; for in the same hour there came forth the fingers of a Mans hand , and wrote over against the Candlestick on the wall a curse and wo. Wo to the wicked ; let a sinner live till he be a hundred years old , yet still he is accursed , Esay 23. 20. Though a sinner live a hundred years old , yet shall he die accursed ; his gray hairs have a curse upon them .

Secondly , It shall be ill with the wicked at the hour of death , & that in two respects ; Death puts an end to all his comforts , and death is a beginning of all his miseries .

First , Death puts an end to a Sinner's comforts . There shall be no more indulging of the Flesh , and pampering of it ; no more cups of Wine , and no more Musick to be seen or heard then . In Rev. 18. 14. & 22. The things that thy soul lusteth after , are departed from thee ; the voyce of the Harpers , Musicians and Trumpeters shall be no more at all in thee ; it is spoken of the destruction of Rome . Thus may it be said of a wicked man at death , All joy and pleasure is now departed from thee ; no more shalt thou hear the voyce of the Harp , Organ , or Trumpet : no more shall the Sinner be cloathed in Scarlet robes , or adorned with sparkling Diamonds ; Now , all oyl and balsome , all joy and gladness , at death shall cease and depart from the Sinner .

Secondly , As death puts a period to a Sinners mirth , so it layes a foundation for all his sorrows . Usually before death doth close the eye of the Sinners body , the eye of his Conscience is first opened .

Every sin at the hour of death stands with a drawn sword in his hand : Those sins that delighted the sinner formerly , now terrifie and affright him . All his joy and mirth is turned into sadness .

As sometimes you have seen Sugar lying in a damp place , dissolve and turn to Water : Thus all the sugarly Joyes of wicked men , at the hour of death turn to water , even the water of tears and sorrow .

Thirdly , It shall be ill with a wicked man at the day of Judgement , when he is cited before Gods Tribunal , when he shall leave courting his wickedness , and stand at Gods Barr to answer for it .

You read of Foelix , that when he heard Paul speak of Judgement , Foelix trembled . Iosephus observes that Foelix was a wicked man ; and she that then lived with him , her name was Drusilla , whom he had enticed away from her Husband , and lived in sin with her : Now when Foelix heard Paul speak of Judgement , he trembled ; his conscience that check'd him for his sin .

Now , if Foelix trembled at the hearing of Judgment , what will sinners do when the day of Judgment shall come ; when all mens secret sins shall be made manifest , when all their midnight wickedness shall be written upon their Foreheads , as with the point of a Diamond ?

At the day of Judgment , my Beloved , there will be two things :

1. The Legal Tryal . 2. The Sentence .

1. The Legal Tryal . God will call forth sinners by Name , and say , Stand forth , Hear thy charge , Let me see what thou canst answer to it ? What canst thou say for all thy Sabbath-breaking ? for all thy Drunkenness and Perjury ? for all thy Revenge and Malice ? for all thy persecuting of my Members ? what canst thou say for all these ? Guilty or not guilty ? Thou Wretch darest not say , Not Guilty ; for have not I been an eye-witness of all thy wickedness ? Do not the Books agree , the Book of thy Conscience , and the Book of my Omniscience ? and canst thou plead , Not Guilty ? Here the Sinner will be amazed with horror , and run into desperation .

2. After this Legal Tryal , follows the Sentence ; Ite Maledicti , Go ye cursed ; What , ●…o from the presence of Christ , in whose presence there is fulness of joy ! and go from Christ with a curse ! That word Depart , said St. Chrysostome , is worse than the torments themselves .

And , Beloved , remember this ye that go on in a sin ; when once the Sentence is past , it can never be reversed ; This is the most Supreme Court of Judicature , from whence there is no Appeal . Here on earth , men can remove their Cause from one Court to another , from the Common-law to the Chancery ; but if once the Sentence be past at this Judgment-barr , there is no removing your Cause This is the highest Court , there is no appealing any where else . And thus you see it is ill with the Wicked at the day of Judgement .

Fourthly , It shall be ill with the wicked after the day of Judgement . Oh! then there is but one way , and they would be glad if they might not go that way ; But they must go that way even to prison , yea to hell . Luke 16. 23 , 24. In hell he lift up his eyes . Hell is the very center of Misery , the spirits of torments stilled out .

The Scripture tells us in Hell there are three things :

1. Darkness . 2. Fire . 3. Chains .

1. Hell is called a place of Darkness . In Iude v. 13. To them is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever ▪ Darkness , you know , is the most uncomfortable thing in the world : A man that goes in the dark trembles every step that he goes : Hell is a black Region ; there is nothing but blackness of darkness : It must needs be a dark place , where there shall be a separation from the light of Gods presence . Indeed Austin thinks , that there shall be some little sulphureous light : But suppose there be , that light shall only serve the damned to behold the tragedy of their own misery , to see themselves tormented .

2. In Hell there is Fire ; it is called a ●…urning L●…k ; Rev. 20. 15. Whoso●… was not found written in the bock of Life , was cast into the l●…ke of fire . You know , Fire is the most torturing Element , it makes the most dreadful impression upon the flesh . Why , Hell is a place of Fire . It is disputed among some of the learned , what kind of fire it is : I wish we may never feel what kind of fire it is . Austin , Peter Lumb●…rd , and others affirm , That it is a material Fire , but far hotter than any culinary fire ; the fire on your hearths is but painted fire compared to this . But I rather think , the fire of the damned is partly material , and partly spiritual . Partly material , to work upon the body ; and partly spiritual , which is the wrath of God to torment the Soul : This is that L●…ke of burning fire , Oh! Who knows the power of Gods anger ? Who can dwell with these burnings ? It is intolerable to bear these scorchings , and it is impossible for the damned to escape them .

3. In Hell there are Chains of darkness : In the 6. ver. of the Epistle of Iude , Those sinners that would not be bound by any law of God , shall have chains of darkness to bind them . But what is the meaning of this phrase , Chains of darkness ? I suppose it may be this , to intimate to us , That the wicked in Hell shall not have power to walk up and down ; which , perhaps , would be a little ease to them , though a very little : yea , but they shall not have so much as that little ease , but shall be chained , tyed , and staked fast with chains of darkness , that they shall not stir : And this is very terrible .

Suppose a man did always lie upon a down-bed , if he might not stir off the place , it would be very painful to him , though on a bed of down ; How terrible then will it be to the damned , that must lie under the scorchings of Gods fury , chained down , and not be able to move ? And thus shall it be to the wicked .

And to add to the torments of Hell , there are two things which shew it shall be ill with the wicked , let them die when they will .

1. There is the Worm . 2. There is the Serpent .

1. There is the Worm , ●…o torture the spirit ; and this is no other but the worm of Conscience , Mark 4. 44. Where their worm never dies : How dreadful will it be to have this Worm gnawing continually ! Melancthon called it , a hellish fury . Conscience will be just as if a Worm full of poyson were gnawing the heart of a man : Those sinners that would never hear the voice of Conscience , shall for ever feel the worm of Conscience .

2. There is the Serpent , and that is the Devil , called , the old Serpent , Revel. 4. As there is the biting of the Worm , so there is the stinging of the Serpent . The damned in Hell shall be forced to behold the Devil , that damned Monster . I remember what Anselm saith , I had rather endure all the torments of this life , than see the Devil with bodily eyes : But this sight of the Devil the wicked shall see whether they will or no ; and not only see , but shall feel the stingings of this old Serpent .

Satan is full of rage against Mankind , and he will shew no mercy ; as he puts forth all his subtilty in tempting men , so he puts forth all his cruelty in totmenting men .

And this is not all ; there are two things more that aggravate the torments of hell , to shew that it shall be ill with the wicked .

1. These agonies , these hell-convu●…sions , shall be for ever . Rev. 14. 11. The smoak of their torment ●…scended for ever and ever , and they shall have no rest day nor night . Thus is it in hell ; they would die , but they cannot ; Mors sin●… morte , the wicked shall be alwayes dying , yet never dead ; alwayes consuming , yet never consumed ; the smoak of their furnace ascends for ever and ever . Oh! who can endure thus to be for ever on the wrack ; this word Ever breaks the heart of the wicked : They think a Sabbath long , and a Sermon long , and a Prayer long ; they cry out , When will these be over ? Oh! how long then will it be to lie in hell-torments for ever and ever ? After the wicked have lain there millions of years , their torments will be as far from ending as they were the first hour they came there .

2. The damned in hell shall have none to pity them . It is some comfort and ease , to have friends pity us when we are on our sick beds , or under any affliction ; but the damned shal have none to pity them : Mercy will not pity them , that is turned to fury : Christ will not pity them , he is no more advocate for them : Angels will not pity them , for they rejoyce to see the vengeance ; they insult and glory to see the justice of God executed upon them . Oh! how sad is it to lie in the scalding furnace of Gods wrath , and to have none to pity us ? Gods bowels will be locked up , and his heart will be hardened to damned sinners ; then they shall call and God will laugh at them , Prov. 1. 26. I will laugh at your calamity . Hear this , all you that go on in sin , It will be ill with the wicked : O therefore turn from your sins , lest God tear you in pieces , a●…d there be now to deliver , or help you .

For the Application of this point .

First , What a confounding word is this to all the wicked , that go on desperately in sin , that add drunkenness to thirst ? Never was there such an inundation of wickedness , as there is now adayes : Men sin , as if they would sin to spight God ; as if they would dare heaven to punish them : men sin so greedily , as if they were afraid , Hell-gate would be shut up ere they could get thither . How many are there that sin manfully ? that go to Hell stoutly in their wickednes ? as Seneca speaks . These are in a sad condition . Remember what the text saith , Wo to the wicked , it shall be ill with them ; ill with them in life , in death and after death . A wicked man lives cursed , and dies damned . Sinners are Gods standing mark that he shoots at , and he never misseth the mark . You know what the Scripture saith , There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth . It is a saying of Latimer , That is very sad fare , where weeping is the first course , and gnashing of teeth is the second .

But whence may this gnashing of the teeth come ?

1. It ariseth from the extremity of the torments that the damned suffer ; this makes them gnash their teeth with horrour , they are not able to bear it , and yet they know not how to avoid it .

2. The Wicked gnash their teeth out of envy , to think that the godly are happy and blessed ; those whom they reproached , hated and persecuted , they are happy in glory , and they themselves are thrown down into Hell ; this cuts them to the heart to think of it , and makes them gnash their teeth , Luke 10. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth , when you shall see Abraham , and Isaack , and Iacob in the Kingdom of God , and you your selves thrust out . And this is the first use , shewing the misery of a wicked ●…han ; if all the curses in the Bible will make him miserable , he shall be miserable . God will make his Arrows drunk with his bloud .

Secondly , Take heed that none of you here be found in the number of the Wicked : Take heed of being of this black Regiment : beware of the Devils colours ; fight not under this Banner : It shall be ill with the Wicked ; the Sinner and the Furnace shall never ●…e parted .

In a word , I beseech you take heed of those sins that bring to Hell fire . There are , saith St. Bernard , fi●…ry sins that bring men to hell fire . What are these fiery sin ? Why , they are the fire of Malice , the fire of Passion , the fire of Lust , the fire of Concupiscence , and the fire of Revenge : these fiery sins , bring men to fiery plagues , to Hell fire . When you are tempted to any ●…in , think with your selves , How can I bear the lying in the fierceness of the Wine-press of Gods wrath for ever ?

I have read a story of a Virgi●… , that being tempted by a young man to commit folly ; sayes she to him , If you will grant me but one request , I will do what you desire . What is that ? said he . Why , do but hold your Finger one hour in this burning Candle . No , he would not do that : Said she to him , Will not you for my s●…ke hold your Finger one hour in the Candle , and would you have me lay my Soul burning in Hell for ever , for the satisfying of your Lust ? and thus she refuted that temptation .

Why , Doth Satan tempt you to Wickedness ? hold up this Text against the Devil , as a shield to quench his fiery darts ; Satan , it will go ill with the wicked ; If I embrace thy temptation , I must be under thy tormenting for ever . O therefore learn to be Righteous , It shall be well with the Righteous : Take heed of living and dying in sin , It shall be ill with the Wicked : the God of Heaven hath said it .

I will conclude all , with a saying of Austin , sayes he , When a man hath been virtuous , the labour is gone , and the joy remains : when a man hath been wicked , the pleasure i●… gone , and the sting remaineth .

Dr. Iacomb's Forenoon Sermon . JOHN 8. 29. And he that sent me , is with me : the Father hath not left me alone : for I do alwayes those things that please him .

THese are the words of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; they are spoken by himself , & they are spoken of himself ; though yet , in a sober and modest sense , they are applicable to all his members : That which Christ here affirms , is , that the presence of God was alwayes with him ; and this is first propounded , He that sent me is with me ; and then it is amplified , and the Father hath not left me alone : and then thirdly , the reason of this is annexed ; for I alwayes do those things that please him .

I shall speak but very little of the words as they do refer to Christ ; he tells us , his Father was with him ; he did not leave him alone in all the troubles and difficulties that he met withal in the finishing the great work of man's Redemption ; still God was with him : It is true , there was a time when Christ was without the sensible manifestation of his Father's presence , when he cried out , My God , my God , why hast thou forsaken me ? Why , but yet even then in truth and in reality his Father did not leave him ; for though he had not the evidences of his Father's presence , yet he had the influences of his Father's presence . It would take up much time to shew you how in all Particulars the the Father was present with Christ : I will only speak this one word , and instance in this one thing ; God's assisting presence was alwayes with him , both in his active , and also in his passive obedience ; and indeed , he had that work to do , and those miseries to suffer , that , if God had left him , if he had not been mightily assisted by the Divine Nature , Christ as meer man could neither have done , nor have suffered what he did ; but the Father was with him , to support him ; Isa. 42. 1. Behold my servant whom I uphold . You shall find that Christ did act faith upon this , in Isa. 50. 7. The Lord God will help me , therefore shall I not be confounded . Ver. 9. The Lord will help me . So to the same effect is Psal. 16. 9. And you shall find this made good to him in the Scriptures , in his greatest necessities .

Take a Double Instance .

In the first place ▪ After he had been engaged in that Combat with Satan , you read of in Matth. 4. ( The strongest Combat or Due●… that ever was fought ; wherein you have the Prince of Peace , and the prince of darkness ; the Lion of the Tribe of Iudah , and the roaring lion that seeks how to devour ; both of them putting forth their utmost strength , and endeavouring to overcome each the other : Now I say ) in this Combat the Father did not leave Christ , but he helps him ; for he sends an Angel for to minister unto him , Mat. 4. 11.

So in Christ's bitter Agony in the Garden , just before his bitter passion and death upon the Cross , the Father did not leave him alone ; for he sent an Angel unto him to strengthen him , Mat. 22. 43. and so in several other places , and in several other things I might instance ; but I shall pass this by . I but now , Why did the Father thus stand by Christ ? he gives you the reason of it in the Text , because he alwayes did the things that pleased him : This I shall open in a double respect .

First , Christ's undertaking the Work of our Redemtion : it was very well pleasing unto his Father , that poor lost und o●…e sinners should be brought back again unto God , and restored unto his love and favour : I say , the Father was infinitely well-pleased with Christ in this undertaking , Isa. 53. 10. The pleasure of the Lrrd shall prosper in his hand ; the pleasure of the Lord , that is , the Work of our Redemption ; wherein God the Father took great pleasure or delight ; therefore when Christ was publiquely in ●…he eye of the world to enter upon this great Work , the Father sends him out with this witness , This is my beloved Son , in whom I am well-pleased . He speaks not only of his well-pleasing to his Person , but also to his well-pleasing as to his Undertaking .

Secondly , as the Work it self was pleasing unto God , so Christ's managing of ●…his Work was all along pleasing unto his Father : and that doth appear in this , that Christ in all things kept to his Father's Commission , and to his Father's Command : I say , in all things he kept to his Father's Commission ; he did nothing here upon Earth , but what was within the compass of his Commission ; for , saith he , in the verse before the Text , I do nothing of my self , but as my Father bids me . So also he acted in conformity to his Father's Will ; that was the rule and square by which Christ ordered all his actions ; his eyes was still upon his Father's Will ; whatever he willed him to do , that he did ▪ whatever he willed him to suffer , that he suffered ; and thus he alwayes did the things that were pleasing to his Father . But I do not insist further upon the words , in this reference ; For my design is to bring down the words unto our selves , to those that are the members of Christ ; for there is the same disposition of heart in all Believers to please God : In all things to please God , this was the frame and temper and carriage of Christ : so it is the frame and temper of every true Believer ; and this is a part of our likeness unto Christ ; As you know there is a blessed resemblance and similitude between Christ and his Members ; they have the same spirit that Christ had , only in a different proportion ; for he had it without measure ; they have the same grace as Christ had for substance , though not for degree ; Of his fulness we all have received grace for grace ; that is , as many interpret it , grace answerable unto grace : As the print in the wax , answers to the print in the Seal ; and as face answers to face : so grace in believers , answers unto that grace that was in Christ : They are to shew forth the vertues of Christ , 1 Pet. 2. 11. Now this was the grace , & vertue , and holiness of Christ ; that He alwayes did the things that pleased his Father . Why this is in all believers , only with this difference ; it was actual performance in the one , it is but endeavour in the other ; it was perfect in the one ; it is sincere , but imperfect in the other .

Christ alwayes did the things that pleased God ; a Believer endeavours alwayes to do the things that please God ; he doth not alwayes do so ; witness David in the Case of his uncleanness , when he displeased the Lord , as it is in 2 Sam. 11.

The Observation I intend to speak to , shall be this :

They that please God , and endeavour alwayes to do the things that please God , such God will be with : such the Father will not leave alone ; especially in times of suffering and trouble . ( For I will bring it to that Case . )

Indeed God will not leave such at any time ; for that promise is exceeding full , Hebr. 13. 5. I will never leave thee , nor forsake thee . I do not know any one promise in all the Bible , that is exprest with such an Emphasis as that Promise is ; such a multiplication of Negatives in the Original . But especially , God will not leave such in an afflicted and suffering condition .

In the prosecuting of this , I will speak to four things : First , I will shew you when a man may be said to do the things that please God . 2. I will confirm the truth of the Doctrine . 3. I will shew you in what respects God will be with them that desire to please him , in a suffering condition . 4. I will give you the grounds and reasons of it ; and then I shall come to the Application .

For the first : We please God in what we do , when we act , 1. In a suitableness to Gods nature : And 2. In subjection to Gods Law : For pleasing of God lies in these two things . As that pleases a man which is suitable to his disposition , and is correspondent with his Command : We do the things that please God , when we do that which God doth ; and when we do that which God commands : When we hate sin , as God hates sin ; when we are holy , as God is holy . You shall find it in Col. 1. 10. That you may walk worthy of God , unto all well-pleasing . Observe , This walking worthy of God , is walking suitably , or walking answerably to God . Mat. 3. 8. Bring forth fruit worthy of repentance ; or , bring forth fruit answerable to repentance ; so , to walk worthy of God , is to walk suitable to God , to his Nature : Now then , observe what follows , that you might walk worthy of God to all well-pleasing ; then we please God , when we walk suitably unto God : So also when we act in a blessed conformity to God , to his Law ; for nothing can please the good God , but what is good : Now the Law being the measure and standard of all goodness , nothing can be good , but what bears conformity to this Law , which is the will of God . God is well pleased , when his will is observed : As you know , you that are Masters , your servants please you when they do your will . That inference of the Apostle for this is very apposite , Rom. 8. 8. So then , they that are in the flesh cannot please God . What is this same inference grounded upon ? because the carnal mind is enmity against God ; for it is not subject to the law of God , neither indeed can ; so that they that are in flesh cannot please God . Why ? Because there is that principle in them , as carries out a real enmity to the Law and Will of God ; it is as if the Apostle had said , They will not be subject to Gods will , nor obedient to Gods commands ; there is a principle of enmity in them against these things , and so cannot please God : God is pleased when his will is fulfilled , and his commands observed ; to please God , is , in all things so to act , that whatever we do , we may express a likeness to Gods nature , and a blessed subjection to Gods revealed will ; and this is the first thing .

A second thing is the proof of the Doctrin ; they that thus please God , he will be with them , he will not leave them alone ; especially in an hour of tryal : For , my brethren , assure your selves of this , That which the Father did for Christ , he will do for all his Members ; it is true , Christs sufferings , being greater than ours possibly can be , and so his relation to God being higher than ours is ; ( he a Son by eternal Generation , we only by Adoption ) he had the presence of God in a more glorious manner then we can expect ; but yet in our Sphere according to the measure of our trial , and according to our capacity , we shall as really have the presence of God with us , as Christ had with him ; that , as we are partakers of Christs sufferings , so we also shall be partakers of Christs support ; He that will be present with believers in heaven , as he is with Christ , he will be present with believers here on earth , as he was with Christ in all his forrows and sufferings .

Now for the confirming of this comfortable truth , I need not speak much : Many promises you have in Scrpture for it , and whatever God hath promised , he will certainly make good : Turn to that one promise instead of many , Isa. 43. 2. When thou passest through the water , I will be with thee ; through the rivers , they shall not overflow thee ; when thou walkest through the fire , thou shalt not be burnt , neither shall the flame kindle upon thee . And you shall find too that the Saints have experienced it , in all ages God hath made it good . Iacob was a man that met with many sharp trials , God exercised him with many troubles ; you shall find that when he was going to Padan-Aram , and was in a very afflicted condition , Gen. 28. 15. God comes unto him , and saith , Behold I am with thee , Gen. 31. 5. His father frowned upon him , but the God of his fathers helped him : Ioseph , ( Gen. 29. 20. ) his master took him , put him into prison , a place where the Kings Prisoners were bound ; he was in the prison , but the Lord was with Ioseph . The Prophet Ieremy was thrown into a dungeon , but the Scripture saith , God was with him . The three Children were thrown into the Furnace of fire , but there was a fourth with them , and that was the Son of God , Dan. 3. 25. Paul when he was brought to his trial , all men forsook him , but God stood by him , 2 Tim. 4. 16. So the Christians in all their sharp sufferings , 2 Cor. 4. 9. they were persecuted , but not forsaken ; persecuted by men , but not forsaken by God . God hath abundantly made out this , and doth so still , that he will never leave those alone in a time of suffering , who desire unfeignedly in all things to please God .

Now the third thing is to shew you in what respects God is with such : why this presence of God is an active presence : God is not meerly with his people , but he is with them in an active way : for this is a certain truth , God is working when the Saints are suffering , I will open this in several particulars .

First , God is with such in his teaching presence . Gods correction , and Gods instruction they usually go together ; and where there is the chastening of Gods hand , there is also the teaching of Gods Spirit , Psal. 90. 12. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest , and whom thou teachest . Christ , though he were a Son , yet learned obedience by the things that he suffered : God teacheth his upright ones many lessons in a time of adversity , which they never learned in a time of prosperity . For we are like idle boyes , or bad Scholars , that learn best when the rod is over us : In a prosperous condition Gods speaks to us , and we mind him not , Ier. 2. 21. I spoke to thee in thy prosperity , but thou wouldest not hear : and this hath been thy manner from thy youth upwards : In prosperity God speaks once and twice , as Iob speaks , but we will not hear ; but in the time of adversity God opens the ears : Iudg. 8. 16. As Gideon taught the men of Succoth with thorns and briars : so doth God teach his people by afflictions : and oh the many blessed truths that they learn , when they are under the rod. When they want liberty , Oh what a mercy is it to have liberty then ! When they have not Ordinances as before , what a mercy is it to have Ordinances then ! Oh what an evill thing is it then for them , that they have departed from God ▪ God teaches them these things then : sin is never so bitter , mercy is never so sweet , as in a time of suffering : Oh how vain and empty is the creature then ! Oh how sweet is communion with God then ! I say , such things as these God teaches then .

Secondly , God is with such in his guiding presence , Psal. 73. 24. Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel , and afterwards receive me unto glory . When Israel was in the Wilderness , then they had the cloud to guide them . It is a blessed thing to live under the conduct and direction of the wise God : we never have so much of this as in an hour of travel : indeed the people of God never flie so much to God for direction as at such a time : as Saul , when he was in distress , then he calls for the Ephod . And thus it is with us under affliction ; then we look to God .

Thirdly , God is with them in his preserving and hiding presence : God is the Saints hiding-place , their Shield , their Buckler , their Rock , their Defence : the Scripture-expressions are many to hold out Gods protection as to his people : God hath a constant care over them to preserve them and save them ; oh but especially in a time of trouble : as the Mariner is never so careful of the Ship as under a storm ; So God is never so careful of his Church and people as under an affliction . Ieremy is in the Dungeon , now God saves him : Daniel is in the Den , now God saves him ; The three Children in the Fire , now God saves them : Peter is in Prison , now God saves him : The Mother never tends the Child so carefully , as when the child is sick ; and Providence is never so tender to the people of God , as under a suffering condition .

Fourthly , God is with them in his comforting presence : 2 Cor. 4. 1. Who comforteth us in all our tribulation : and usually we have most of consolation from God , when we have most of tribulation from without : as our sufferings do abound , so our consolation doth abound much more : The Child that is beaten when it is well , is cherished when it is ill : when persons are sick , then you give them Cordials : God gives the best of comforts in the worst of times : when the burden is heavy upon the back , then the peace of Conscience is great within : the worse it is without , the better it is within : when men discover most of anger , then God discovers most of love .

Fifthly , God is with such in his strengthening presence , to enable them , and to support them , to undergo whatever he is pleased to call them unto : this is the way of our good and gracious God , he alwayes gives ou●… strength as he lays on affliction : he never leaves his Children alone in this respect : he will be with them to support them : though it may be not to deliver , yet he will cerrainly be with them to support ; the rod and the staff they go together , Psal. 23. 4. the afflicting rod , and the supporting staff : when one hand is upon the Saint to afflict , then the other hand is underneath the Saint to support : Isai. 41. 10. I will uphold thee , I will strengthen thee ; fear not , I will help thee ; yea , I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness . This David found , I cryed unto the Lord in my distress , he answered me , and strengthened me in my inward man , Psal. 138. 3. Oh when men afflict , God supports : when men put the Children of God into deep waters , then God takes them by the chin , and holds them up , that they shall not sink and be drowned .

Sixthly , God is with them in his sympathizing presence : Oh he hath a tender sense of all the sorrows and calamities of his people ! Oh it grieves him when they are grieved ! they that touch them , touch the Apple of his eye : in all afflictions he is afflicted , Saul , Saul , Why persecutest thou me ? Every blow that is given to them , God bears a part of it himself : As they are sensible of Gods dishonour , so God is sensible of their sufferings ; it pains him to the heart to see his Children wronged and abused by a malicious world .

Seventhly , He is with them by his sanctifying presence : all their troubles are to do them good , and to make them good : and therefore the furnace it is but to refine them from their dross : the pruning hook of affliction , is but to cut off their luxuriant branches : God takes the sharp knife into his hand and lances them , but it is only to fetch out their corruption : By this shall the iniquity of Iacob be purged , and this is all the fruit to take away his sin .

Eighthly , God is with them by his quickening presence , to make their Prayers more servent , to make their requests to the throne of Grace more importunate . The children of God cry most to him when they suffer most from men , and their prayers are best when their condition is worst : Prayer shortens affliction , and affliction heightens Prayer : God is with them to hear their Prayers . Oh the Prayer of the afflicted that comes up to Heaven ! God hears the sighs and g●…ones of his oppressed ones , their tears pierce the Heavens , they call upon God in time of trouble , and pour out their sorrows before the Lord , and he doth hear them .

Ninthly , God is with them by his raising presence , to raise up their hearts higher , to elevate their souls , and bring them more near to himself . Gods people when they meet with troubles in the world , oh nothing so sweet unto them as the enjoyment of God : then no life so sweet unto them as the life of faith ; then they relish a sweetness in the promise : then every smile of God , oh how welcome is it ! then all the affections of their souls center in God , and run to God : as in winter time all the sap of the tree runs to the root : in summer time it spreads it self in the body , but in the winter it goes to the root : when a man is sick ▪ all the blood goes to the heart : so , in a suffering condition all the affections of the soul go to God .

But now what are the Reasons why God will not leave his people that thus desire to please him ?

Why , 1. God loves them , therefore he will not leave them ; persons we love , we cannot leave : especially when they are in a distressed condition ; and as God hath set his love upon them , so they have set their love upon God , they love God . Psal. 91. 15. you h●…ve there an expression , Because he hath set his love upon m●… , therefore I will deliver him : he shall call upon me , and I will answer him , I will be with him in trouble . God is ●… God of bowels , of great pity and compassion , and therefore he will not leave his people in a time of distress : you know bowels how they stand in you towards them that are in misery ; it goes to the heart of a mercifull man , to leave a person in misery : Oh how great are the bowels and compassions of God Is Ephraim my son , is he a pleasant childe ? Oh , my bowels are turned within me , I will have mercy on him .

2. Such as please God shall have his presence under suffering , because now they need God most : if God will not leave his people as to temporal supplies , because they need such and such things ; they need meat , and they need cloathing : surely much more God will not leave his children as to spiritual supplies , under times of distress , because then they need God . Oh what can a Believer do , or what can a Believer suffer when God leaves him ? his strength is in God , his support is in God , his comfort is in God ; his All is in God , and therefore if God now leave him , what will become of him ? he needs God at all times , but never so much as when his condition is dark and troubled What was Sampson , that man of so great strength , when his hair was gone ? And what is a Believer when his God is gone ?

3. God loves to see his people chearfull in a time of suffering ▪ and therefore he is with them ; he loves not that they should walk dejectedly . When God is present , Paul and Silas can sing in prison : the Apostles can rejoyce , that God honours them to be reproached for him . When God is present , the people of God are not only che●…rfull under tribulation , but can glory : their Cross is their Crown : but if God be withdrawn , what can there be ? drooping hearts , and pensive sorrows .

4. God will not leave them , because they will not leave God : God will not leave them because they suffer for his sake : were they not tender of Gods glory , and carefull to please him , they might be free from suffering as well as others ; but it is for Gods sake they suffer ; For thy sake , we are killed like sheep all the day long .

Lastly ▪ It is thus , because God will make it appear to all the World , that he puts a difference between them that desire to please him , and other men : God hath a value for such : Do but see how Moses argues the case with God ( Exod. 33. 13. ) and so on , where he comes to God with a great request , that God should shew him his way that he might know it : Why saith God to him , My presence shall go with thee . Moses said unto him , It is well thou art pleased to promise so great a mercy ; If thy presence go not with me , carry us not hence : for wherein shall it be known that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight ? Is it not in this , that thou goest with us ? Observe ▪ Moses pleads with God , How his favour and love , and mercy , should be with them , unless he were present with them ? And so God , he walks with his people in trouble ; for how should the world see that God regarded them , and did favour them , unless he manifested his presence unto them in a time of trouble and affliction ?

Dr. Iacomb's Afternoon Sermon . JOHN 8. 29. And he that sent me , is with me : the Father hath not left me alone : for I do alwayes those things that please him .

I Was upon these words in the morning ; having spoken something to them as they referre to Christ who spake them here of himself : I then brought them down to his Members , Believers : and so propounded this Observation from them , That whoever they are that desire to please God , to do the things that are pleasing to him , God will be with such , end the Father will not leave such al●…ne especially in a time of suffering and trouble .

In the prosecuting of this point I spake to four things , which I shal not now repeat , but come to the mark which I intend at present ; & that is to make some Application .

1. Let me endeavour to prevail with every one of you , so to carry your selves in your several places and capacities , that whatever you do , you may please God .

It was a blessed testimony that was given of Enoch , Before his translation he had this testimony , that he pleased God . Oh how happy will they be at the great day of Judgement , who shall be singled out by Christ , before Angels and Men ; and Christ shall say of them , This was the Man , or this was the Woman that pleased God! There is a great deal of pleasing in the World , but there are 〈◊〉 very few that make this their business , to please God ; therefore I would have you shun that which is sinfull , and press after that which is matter of Duty .

1. There are some that mind nothing but to please themselves , to promote their own interest , to love their own ease , to indulge themselves in their own carnal delights ; but they never mind the good of others , or the pleasing of God ; the Apostle speaks of and against these , Rom. 15. 1 , 2 , 3.

2. There are others that look no further than the pleasing of men ; if they can but keep fair with men , and shun the displeasure of men , that is all they aim at : but , my Brethren , what a poor thing is it to please man , and displease God ? what a poor thing is it to have Man to be our Friend , and God to be our Enemy ? to have the smiles of a poor dying perishing Worm , and to lye under the frowns of the great God ?

Indeed , there is a good pleasing of men , to please them for their Edification , as the Apostle speaks , Rom. 15. 2. and so the Apostle speaks of himself , 1 Cor. 10. 32. Even as I please all men in all things , that is , in all things that are of an indifferent nature , not simply civil , nor simply good , in all such things .

This Apostle was of a yielding and complying spirit , that he might thereby the better insinuate himself into the affections of men , and be more instrumental to the glory of God in the work of the Gospel , 1 Cor. 9. 22. To the weak became I as weak , that I might gain the weak ; I am made all things to all men , that I might by all means save some ; and this I do for the Gospel sake .

But now in matter of Duty , such things as are expresly determined by God , and so are either good or evil ; in these things the Apostle would be no pleaser of men : If I should please men , I should not be the servant of Christ , Gal. 1. 10. It is good to please other●… to their Edification ; but we must not please others to their own ruine and condemnation ; It is good to please men , when we can so do , and not grieve God .

Instead of pleasing men , let it be your constant care & best endeavour in all things to please God : my Brethren , this is a duty of so great importance , that , was I now to take my leave of you , and should certainly know that I should never speak to you more ▪ as we are come very near to that ; for though I speak to you as a living man , yet I speak to you as a dying Minister , this , I say , is a duty of that weight and importance , that I know not what to press upon you more material then this ; consult but two places of Scripture , Col. 1. For this cause we do not cease to pray for you : What was the thing the Apostle in this his constant Prayer did begg of God for them ? It was this , That they might please God ; and when he was taking his leave in the winding up of his Epistle to the Hebrews , Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Iesus , the great shepherd of the sheep , through the blood of the everlasting covenant , make you perfect in every good work to do his will , working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight . I need not go beyond the Text for Motives to stirre you up to these Endeavours : For

( Motive 1. ) First , Consider what that God is which I would have you endeavour to please ; He is that God which made Heaven and Earth ; that God before whom all this World is as nothing , but as a little dust in the ballance , and as a drop of water to the bucket ; that God whom Angels adore and worship ; that God who by a word from his mouth is able to bring the whole Universe into nothing . Will not you study to please this God ? But further consider what this God is to you : He is the fountain of your being ; he is the God of all your mercies ; he is your Creator and Soveraign ; he is your Maker & Law-giver . It is he that by a smile can make you happy , and by a frown can make you miserable ; it is he that hath Heaven and Hell at his disposal , who openeth and none can shut ▪ who shuts and none can open . He that must iudg every one of you either to eternal blessedness , or else ▪ to eternal torments ; it is he in whose hands your breath , your life , your soul , your All is ; will you not endeavour to please this God ? as the Prophet argueth in point of fear , Isa. 51. 12. Who art thou that art afraid of a man that shall die , or of the Son of man that shall be made as grass , and forgettest the Lord thy maker ? Oh poor Creature , Who ar●… thou that goest about to please a mortal dying man , and dost not go about to please the Great God , thy Creator and Soveraign !

2. Consider that relation wherein you profess your selves to stand to God ; he is your Master ; you his Servants ; he is your Father , you his Children ; he is your Lord , you his Subjects : You know all that are in close Relations , will study to please them that are above them , as the Servant his master , the child his father , the subject his Prince ; All persons that are in a state of inferiority , will study to please their Superiours , especially when they do depend upon them . Oh! how infinitely is God above those Relations ! Alas , there is but a very little distance betwixt you and your Servants , and yet you expect they should please you ; will you not therefore please God ? especially considering your dependance upon him .

3. You shall not lose by pleasing God ; that is enough to put us upon this ; He that pleaseth God , profiteth himself ; in that very act wherein we please God , we profit our selves : Men can do but little for us , and yet upon what they can do , we study to please them .

Let me open this in a few particulars :

1. If you will sincerely endeavour in all things to please God , God will give you a gracious return to all your prayers . Oh what a mercy is this for a man to have his prayers answered by God! 1 Joh. 3. 22. Whatever we ask , we receive of him , because we keep his commandements , and do those things that are pleasing in his sight . Never expect that God should hear any Prayers , if we do not endeavour to do those things that please him .

2. Do you please God , and he will please you ; Mercy pleaseth us , and Duty pleaseth God . Now when we please God in a way of Duty , he will please us in a way of Mercy : If we order our wayes so as to please God , he will order his wayes so as to please us .

3. Great is the benefit of pleasing God , even as to men ; and this Solomon sets before you , Prov. 16. 7. When a mans wayes please the Lord , he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him ; and he hath such another expression , Prov. 22. 11. He that loveth pureness of heart , the King shall be his Friend : the meaning of this Scripture is this , When we keep close to God , and walk in complyance with his will , and make it our great design to please him , He will give us to find favour in the eyes of men : He that maketh God his Friend , God will make that mans Enemies to be his Friends . Men are possibly full of anger , revenge , and exasperation : be it so ; do you desire to please God ▪ God can turn their hearts towards you ; God can sweeten them in their spirits , and take away that venome that is in them : so you know he did in the case of Esau to his Brother Iacob .

4. This is the way to Heaven and Happiness ; God will be pleased before the Sinner shal be saved Heb. 11. Enoch before his translation had this testimony that he pleased God ; there is no way to Heaven but by this way : the Child pleaseth the Father , and then the Father giveth him the Inheritance . So it is here .

5. Let me return to the argument in the Text ▪ God will never 〈◊〉 them alone , that desire sincerely to please him . 〈◊〉 this should be a very prevailing Motive to you ▪ 〈◊〉 now ; Please God , and he will never leave you , no not in a time of distress and trouble . Here is the great difference betwixt a faithfull God , and a false Man .

In time of trouble & adversity men leave us & forsake us ; in time of prosperity then they flatter as , and preten●… a great deal of friendship and kindness : But as no man looks upon the Dial when the Sun is under a cloud ; so these very men that pretend so much of Kindness and friendship ; if so be we do but come under a frown , or into trouble , then their Friendship and Kindness is at an end , as Paul said , No man stood by him when he came to be tried before Nero ; all men forsook him , but God did not forsake him . The Wiseman hath an expression , Prov. 17. 17. A friend loveth at all times , and a brother is born for adversity ; But where shall we find such a friend ? and indeed where shall we find such a brother ? But now if you will please God , God will stand by you when all men leave you ; When you have the greatest need of God , he will then stand by you ; If you be in a Prison , he will be with you ; If you be banished , he will be with you : If Sin doth not part God and you , certainly no Affliction shall part God and you .

Study to please God ; Oh , is it not a sad thing for God to leave you ? that is the saddest of all ; when we lose God , we lose all , Hos. 9. 12. Wo unto them when I depart from them . What are all your mercies if God leave you ? no more than if a man should have a fair pleasant House , and never see the Sun more .

Oh do the things that alwayes please the Lord , and he will never leave you ; under mercies , under afflictions , he will be with you , and then your mercies shall be very sweet , and your afflictions shall not be very bitter ; You know how earnest Moses was Num. 10. 31. with his Father in law , Hobab the Midianite , Leave us not I pray thee , forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness , and thou maist be to us as eyes . Oh keep God to you , especially when you are entering into the wilderness of trouble , God will be to you instead of eyes ; he will be your Counsellor , your Comforter , your Guide , your Treasurer , your Portion , your All.

I might add one thing more in the last place .

Study to please God , because he is so easie to be pleased ; this is a motive to us to endeavour to please those persons who are easie to be pleased ; a Child that hath a Father that is easie to be pleased , a Servant that hath a Master that is easie to be pleased , will study to please them . Sincerity pleaseth God , though in the midst of much infirmity ; He is so gracious and merciful , that whensoever a poor sinner doth but desire to please God , he will accept of those desires ; If we can but please God , it is no great matter whether we please men or not .

I shall conclude this branch with 1 Thes. 4. 1. We beseech you brethren , and exhort you in the Lord Iesus , that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and please God , that you would abound more and more .

Use. By way of direction : I should here shew you how you are to please God . I told you in general in the morning this pleasing of God lieth in two things .

1. In suitableness to his Nature . 2. In subjection to his Law .

If you would please God in all your Actions , look to this , That what you do , may bear some resemblance to his Nature , and hold forth obedience to his Law .

Consult the Will of God , and in all things act in conformity to that Will ; do not allow your selves in the Commission of any known sin , for that will certainly displease God ; as it was said of David when he took Bathsheba to Wife ; but , saith the Text , The thing displeased the Lord . Do not bauk any known duty , for that will displease God . In a word , be holy in all manner of Conversation .

This being too general , I shall not insist upon it ; only in a word , more particularly ,

Do those things now , make Conscience of those Duties which now lie upon you , in the doing of which you will certainly please God : And they are such as these :

Be stedfast in the good wayes of God ; in the midst of a backsliding and apostatizing age , stand fast to the law of God , Phil. 4. 1. Contend for the faith which is delivered to the Saints , ( the 3d. Verse of the Epistle of Iude. )

Be not ashamed to own Christ before all the World ; if you be ashamed of him on Earth , he will be ashamed of you in heaven ; and wo be to that Sinner whom Christ is ashamed to own .

Reckon Reproaches for the Name of Christ better than the Pleasure of sin that is but for season .

When God calleth you to it , assert the purity and spirituality of Gospel-worship ; Do not place Religion in a few Shadows where the Substance is neglected ; but chiefly mind Self-denial , Mortification , Crucifixion to the World , keeping up close Communion with God .

Love the people of God , whatever the World say or think of thee ; for God is highly pleased when he seeth his Children loved .

Keep up Religion in your Families , whatever scorn or contempt is cast upon you . Oh that you would labour to be of Abrahams spirit ; I know , saith God , he will command his Children and his Houshold after him , and they shall keep the way of the Lord , Gen. 18. 19.

I do not know any one better means for the keeping up of Religion in this Nation , than for Masters of Families to be consciencious in the discharging of this Duty .

Be good in bad times ; be Patterns of good works to those that shall behold you .

Let no Reproach or Obloquy make you to abate your exact walking with God ; whatever you meet withall in the wayes of Holiness and a strict life , say , If this be to be vile , I will be more vile .

Make Conscience of a strict observation of the Lord's day ; take heed of that Sacriledge of stealing away holy time ; of prostituting that to common and civil use , which is impropriated and dedicated to the service of God .

Pray for , and love , all those that have been instrumental for your spiritual good in the work of the Ministry , whatever dirt is now thrown in their Faces , and though you never get more good by them .

Forget not to distribute to the necessities of God's people , that are many of them in a low condition ; for this is a sacrifice of a sweet Odour , and well-pleasing to him .

Carry your selves with all Patience and Christian Meekness towards them that wrong you : Pray for them that are your Enemies ; and when you are reviled , revile not again ; but commit your selves to that God which judgeth Righteously .

Do your Duty to Superiours , and to those that are in Authority .

So carry your selves , that it may be with you as it was with Daniel ; they had nothing against him , saving in the matter of his God .

Bauk not any Duty for Suffering : Chuse the greatest of Suffering , before the least of Sin .

In a word , So walk as it becometh the Gospel : And finally , I speak to you , as the Apostle spake to them , Phil. 2. 16. Holding forth the word of life , that I may rejoyce in the day of Christ , that I have not run in vain , nor laboured in vain .

The third Use is for comfort , to all those that do cónscienciously endeavour in all things to please God ; the comfort lies in this , you may suffer ; but whenever you suffer , the Father will not leave you alone ; pleasing of God does not secure a man from suffering from men , sometimes it rather exposes a man to suffer from men : But now , though it does not prevent suffering , yet it takes away the sting and venome of suffering ; it makes it to be like Sampson's Lion , when it was slain , he found nothing but honey in the belly of it . Oh! the presence of God in a time of affliction , is exceeding precious ; it turns gall in honey , thorns into roses . Be not troubled into your thoughts , about what you may undergo ; if God be with you , all will be well ; if God comes , when the cross cometh , the weight of it shall never hurt you : what is a prison when God is there ? My brethren , though estate leave you , relations leave you , all your comforts leave you ; so long as God doth not leave you , it will be well ; therefore do not fear , be not dejected or discouraged . Isa. 43. 1 , 2. Fear not , O Iac●…b ; why so ? when thou passest through the water , I will be with thee . We have more reason to be afraid of prosperity , with God's absence , than of adversity with God's presence . A good God will make every condition to be good ; it is not a prison but a pallace , where God is : they that do the things that please God , whatever condition they may be brought to , the Father will not leave them alone . Ministers may leave you , the Means of Grace and Ordinances , in a great measure may leave you ; your creature-enjoyments and comforts may leave you ; but here is a God that will never leave you ; Oh bless his holy name .

Fourthly , is this pleasing of God a duty of so great importance and benefit ? Then be tender and charitable in judging of those that do differ from you and others , upon this account , because they dare not displease God . I may seem , in this caution , to aim at my self , and others of my brethren in the work of our Ministry ; but I am not here at present to take my last farewel ; I hope I may have a little further opportunity of speaking to you ; but if not , let me require this of you , to pass a charitable interpretation upon our laying down the exercise of our Ministry ; there is a greater Judge than you , must judge us all at the great Day ; and to this Judge , we can appeal before Angels and Men ; that it is not this thing or that thing , that puts us upon this dissent , but it is conscience towards God , and fear of offending him . I censure none that differ from me , as though they displease God ; but yet , as to my self , should I do thus and thus , I should certainly violate the peace of my own conscience , and offend God , which I must not do ; no , not to secure my Ministry ; though that either is , or ought to be , dearer to me than my very life ; and how dear it is , God only knoweth . Do not add affliction to affliction , be not uncharitable in judging of us , as if through pride , faction , obstinacy , or devotedness to a party , or , which is worse then all , in opposition to authority , we do dissent ; the Judge of all hearts knows , it is not so . But it is meerly from those apprehensions which , after prayer , and the use of all means , do yet continue ; that doing thus and thus , we should displease God ; therefore deal charitably with us in this day of our affliction . If we be mistaken , I pray God to convince us : if others be mistaken , whether in a publick or private capacity , I pray God in mercy convince them ; but however things go , God will make good this truth to us ; in this work he will not leave us , and our Father will not leave us alone ; for it is the unfained desire of our soul , in all things to please God .

Mr. Case's Farewell Sermon . REVEL. 2. 5. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen , and repent , and do the first works ; or else I will come unto thee quickly , and will remove the Candlestick out of his place , except thou repent .

CHrist here prescribes pretious physick for the healing of this languishing Church of Ephesus : 'T is compounded of a threefold ingredient .

1. Self-reflection , Remember from whence , &c. 2. Holy-contrition and humiliation before the Lord , Repent . 3. Thorough-Reformation , Do thy first works .

I left the last time upon the second of these , namely , Repentance ; and that which I did upon this part of Christs advice was , not so much to open to you the nature of Repentance ( which is not so proper for this place ) as to give in a catalogue or list of such special sins , as Christ doth expect that all his people in these three Nations should lay to heart , and repent of before the Lord . I gave you , in a list , eleven special sins that we should repent of , and humble our selves for , before the Lord . As ,

1. Omission of duty . Prayer , reading the Word , Meditation , &c. Any thing will be for excuse to lay by duties , and we are secretly glad of an excuse . 2. Remisness in duty . In things of the world we are all in all , and all in every part ; a man cannot thrust another thought into us ; but in Prayer , how many things are we doing ? 3. Hypocrisie . How unlike are we at home , to what abroad ? and in company , to what in secret ? 4. Pride . In apparel , houses , parts , bloud , birth-right , yea , of grace it self , of humility , Ministers , Ordinances , &c. 5. Covetousness . Never did covetousness invade the professing party as now : The more goods men get , the less good they do . 6. Sensuality . Voluptuousness , wantonness : Christians let themselves loose to the Creature ; lay out their affections on things below , as if that part in the Serpents curse ( to lick the dust of the earth ) were the●…r own ss well as his . 7. Anim●…sities and divisions amongst Christians : many have been active to kindle , but few to quench divisions . 8. Uncharitable censuring one anoth●…r . 9. Formality in duty . Witness 1. Unprepared coming . 2. Unsutableness of spirit to : And

3. Want of reflection after duty , how we have sped , what we have got ; Sabbath , Sacraments , come and goes , Monday morning finds us the same as before .

Misspent-Sablaths . Some prophane , others idle away the Sabbath , &c.

11. Neglect of our Bibles in our 〈◊〉 and Closets . I pray God it forego not some great evil coming upon you , as before the massacre in Germany it was observed , &c. I proceed . 12. The want of mutual forlearance among Christians Alas , Christians know not how to bear one with another in the least kind of measure . Oh the short-spiritedness amongst Christians , they cannot bear one anotherb●…rdens , they cannot bear with one another . 'T is very sad , that we that stand in need of so much forbearance , should express so little to our Brother : 'T is an Argument we know not of what spirit we are of ( as Christ told his Disciples . ) Oh! how unlike to are we that God whom we profess to be our God ? He is long-suffering , patient , full of goodness , gentleness , mercy , &c. we can bear nothing , we can suffer nothing one from another . 13. Our great murmuring against Reformation and Reformers ( God hath heard the voice of our Murmuring , Exod. 16. ) As if there had been nothing that would have undone us but Reformation : and truly God seems to speak such a word as that was , Numb. 7. 5. in displeasure and anger , I will make your murmurings to cease : I will take away ▪ the cause of your murmuring : I would have reformed you , and you would not be reformed : As Christ to Iernsalem , I would , but you would not , Mat. 23. The time may come when we would , and God will not : when we shall cry , Other Lords have had dominion over us , &c. Isa. 26. 13. but thou , Lord , set up thou thy government : rule thou over us : and God may say , No , 't is too late ▪ I would have healed you , and you would not be healed . 14. The great neglect of the care of our Families . Truly 't is not the least sin that threatens the removal of our Candlestick . How generally have the duties of Religion been let fall in our Families ; reading the Word , singing Psalms , &c. Time was , when one could not have come through the streets into London on an evening in thee week-day but we might hear the praises of God , singing of Psalms ; now it 's a stranger in the City , even upon the Lords own day . Oh! how have Governours of Families cast off the care of the souls that God hath committed to them ? How careless are they of the souls of their yoak-fellows that lie in their bosoms , of their children , the fruit of their loins ; Masters of their servants , & c ! And in the mean time are ready to stand up and justifie themselves with the boldness of Cain , to say to God , Am I my brothers keeper ? Am I the keeper of my yoak-fellow , children , servants , souls ? yes , thou art the keeper , &c. God hath put them unto thy trust , and if they perish through thy fault , they may die in their sins , but their bloud shall be required at thy hand . God will say to thee , as he did to Cain , Thy brothers blood cryeth in my ear . 15. Our indifferences as to matter of faith and doctrine : That we have not been more zealous for the truth of Christ , that great trust and depositum which hath been committed to us : We have accounted it no matter of what opinion or judgment men be in these latter times . 'T is an universal saying , No matter what judgment men be of , so they be Saints : as if truth in the judgment did not go to the making up of a Saint , as well as holiness in the will and affections : As if Christ had not come into the world to bear witness of the truth , which was his great design : as if it were no matter , if God have the heart , so the Devil be in the head : as if no matter , that be full of darkness , so the heart be for God . 16. The unsutableness of our conversations to the Gospel of Christ : 'T is the only thing the Apostle puts the Philippians in mind of , and commits to their care , Phil. 1. 27. And truly , in these unhappy dayes , it hath been the only thing men have neglected and despised . How little care , that our conversations should honour the Gospel ? &c.

17. Our living by sense , and not by faith . Surely ( my Brethren ) among all the sins in England that the people of God have cause to be humbled for , there is not any whereby we have more provoked God , than by that sin of Unbelief . Murmuring , and Infidelity , have been our two great sins , for which , it is the wonder of Gods mercy that he hath not caused our carcasses to fall in the wilderness : He may take up that complaint of us , that he did of Israel , Numb. 14. 22. Because all those men which have seen my glory and my miracles which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness , and have tempted me now these ten times , and have not hearkened to my veice ; surely they shall not see the land , &c. And this is the lamentation we may take up , that truly to this very day we have not faith enough to carry us from one miracle to another , from one deliverance to another , from one salvation to another : let one deliverance pass over our head , and no sooner one wave rises higher than another , but we are ready to cry out with Peter , Lord save m●… , I perish : and well were it , if our fears did issue into tears and cryes after Christ : we rather are ready to cry out , as those in Ezek. 37. 11. Our bones are dryed , and our hope is lost , we are cut off for our parts . We are a people that never knew how to honour God in any distress God hath brought us into ; never learnt to glorifie God by believing : if we cannot see him , we cannot believe him : surely that which God hath done for us , in such a succession of miracles , it might well at least have been food for our faith during our sojourning : In our pilgrimage we might have learned by all that we have seen to believe God : we might have made experience to be the food of our faith : and upon all the providences of Divine Power , Wisdome , and Goodness , we might have discoursed our selves into belief , as David , 1 Sam. 17. 37. The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the Lion , and of the Bear , he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine . So Paul , He hath delivered , and doth deliver ; we trust , he will also deliver .

Oh my Brethren ! we dishonour God , and starve our faith , by forgetting our experiences , while we proclaim by our own Unbelief , That we have a God that we dare not trust . If we perish , we may thank our selves for it : surely , if we miscarry , that account may be given for it which we find , Mat. 13. 58. Because of their unbelief . There is a Rest of God before us ; if we do not enter in , it is because of our Unbelief .

18. Want of sympathy with the bleeding , gasping , groaning , dying Churches of Iesus Christ They have been in great afflictions round about ; have call'd unto us , Pity me ! Oh! pity me my friends ! for the hand of God is gone out against me . We cannot look any way , but we see cause of bitter mourning ; but we have not laid the bloud of Germany , Lithuania , Piedmont , &c. to heart ; therefore God may justly lay it to our charge . Want of fellow-felling with our Brethren in their afflictions , it is a kind of Persecution , a kind of being accessary to their Sufferings . That we have not mourned , wept , bled with them ; that we have not lyen in the dust , smote on our thighs , &c. God may justly say to us , as Amos 6. 6 , 7. They shall go captive with the first that go captive ▪ because they are not grieved for the affliction of Ioseph . The word in the Hebrew signifies , None of them have been Sick for the affliction of Ioseph : Oh my Brethren ! when did we go to bed sick for the afflictions of Gods people abroad ? when did their miseries cost us an hours sleep ? or a meals-meat ? when did we lie in the dust , and cry out , Ah Lord ! their Glory ? Because we have not shed tears for their bloud , God may justly say , The next turn of Persecution shall be yours , Because you have not been afflicted in the afflictions of my people , &c. 19. Our grievous unsensibleness of Gods Dishonour . Religion never suffered the like , as it hath done ▪ these latter dayes , by the pride and hypocrisie of some Pretenders to it ; Gods name hath been thereby blasphemed by an evill and hypocritical generation ; the people of God have lien under the greatest reproaches and contempts that ever any did under the heavens ; and yet all this while we have not been concerned in it : carryed our selves as if unconcern'd in the reproaches of Religion ; Blasphemies reflected upon the name of God . Who , in these times of Blasphemy ▪ have gone in secret ? lyen in the dust ? and cryed with holy Ioshuah , What wilt thou do unto thy great name ? Josh. 7. 4. We have not laboured to preserve in our own Souls , or stir up in our Brethren , a holy sense of Gods name , as those primitive Saints , Mal. 3. 16. Where are they that have been affected with , and afflicted for , the sufferings of the name of God ? Oh consider ! how little is God and Religion beholden to us for our tears , sighs , or groans ? What is become of that Child-like spirit , that was wont to possess the spirits of Gods people ? 'T is perished , and with it , without special timely Repentance , we shall perish also . 20. That Epidemical sin of Self-seeking , and self-pleasing . Oh my Brethreu ! we may revive that complaint of the Apostle , All seek their own , not the things which are Iesus Christs , Phil. 2. 21. This , This hath been the source of all our miseries . While some had power in their hands to have done great things for God , what did they do , but neglect the interest and trust in their hands , and fell a feathering their own nests , and building to themselves Houses , and Names , that they thought would continue for ever : and to divide the spoil among themselves , as if their own game they hunted : and others in inferiour stations began to divide , and every one began to snatch , as if the dust of the earth would not serve every one for a handful ; and in the mean time , a sea of Errour , like an inundation , hath been ready to overturn us . Yea , all men seeking to be pleased , not to please ; whereas our duty is , to study to please , not to be pleased , &c.

You see , in all this , I have not mentioned one of those grosse prophanesses that stare Heaven in the face , as Drunkenness , filthy and abominable Whoredome , Fornication , poured out in every place ; horrible Blasphemy , contempt of God and Religion , prophanation of Gods Sabbath , &c. because I speak now to those that are Professers . I have been giving in a Catalogue of the sins of those that professe the name of Christ , that relate to Christ by a special Engagement and Relation ; these have been the sins of Gods family .

And if we would have God repent of the evill of punishment , we had need to make haste to repent of the evill of sin : We have been a long time in sinning , we had need be a long time in repenting . I tell you Christians , we have been these last 20 years doing nothing else but sinning against God ; and , should God let us live twenty years more , it would be too little to weep for the provocations thereof . Learn to lay these and other sins so to heart , that God may never lay them to charge .

The third advice Christ gives here for the prevention of the removal of her Candlestick , is , Reformation , [ Do the first works . ] Reformation , that indeed is a fruit and evidence of sound Repentance : Repentance is nothing else but the breaking of the heart for and from sin .

I have spoken of it merely as it is the contrition of the Soul for sin ; I come to speak a word of the other part , as it consists in turning to God , and doing our first works .

This is the method God prescribes his people , Lam. 3. 39. Wherefore doth a living man complain , &c. under Gods asflicting hand , instead of reforming ? Men are prone to fall a complaining , not only naturally , as Irrational creatures may under some pinching extremity ; but sinfully , i. e. when their natural grief is let out in a distempered and inordinate manner ; when natural groans are accompanyed with unscriptural affections , which vents it self .

1. Sometimes upon the affliction , as if but one intolerable burden in the world , and God must needs lay that upon them , Lam. 1. 12. & 3. 1. & 5. 10. 2. Sometimes of instruments ; thus Esau complains of his brother ; Is he not rightly called Iacob , a Supplanter ? of his Father , Hast thou but one blessing , &c. Gen. 27. 3 , 4. of any thing rather than of himself ; he doth not say , Am I not rightly called Esau ? What a wretch am I that have despised and sold my blessing ? Mostly , we complain of that which deserves no blame , the guilty of the innocent ; 1 King . 18. 7. Isa. 10. 5. Ier. 8. or we pore too much upon second causes , or complain of instruments ; not of our selves ; or of wicked men , not of wickedness ; of their Cruelty , more than of their Blasphemy ; of their injuries against us , more than as Gods enemies ; or more of revenge in our Complaints , than murmuring ; our complaints concerning their afflicting us , not accompanyed with our Prayers for their Conversion , &c. 3. Sometimes of God himself : not as one of his children , who complains , 1. To God , not of God ; thus Christ , My God , my God , &c. 2 , With a holy Considence , My God , my God ; two words of faith , for one word of fear , &c. 3. In his complaints , is very tender of Gods glory ; affraid to think or speak a hard or uncomely thought , or word , of God . 4. Carefully distinguishes between what God doth , and what man doth ; observes and separates the unrighteousness of men from the righteousness of God . 5. With humble inquiry what cause there may be of this dispensation , Iob 10. 2. & 34. 31. 6. With a disposition to bring up his will to God ; not that God should bring down his will to him ; if it be possible , let this Cuppass ; however , glorifie thy Name , provide for thy own glory , and do with me as thou pleasest . But a sinful Creature , is sometimes ready to call Providence in question , Ezra 8. 12. or to break forth and charge God foolishly , either of too much severity , Ez. 18. 2. 25. or of too long delay , Isa. 49 , 14. or their mournings are turned into murmurings , Numb. 14. 27. or their complaints are mixed with unbelief , Psal. 78. 19. or their punishment , not for their sin ; and nothing will satisfie them but deliverance .

Now this is not the way ; for this way of complaining is ,

1. Fruitless ; a House on Fire is not quenched with tears ; Murmuring will not scatter the Clouds .

2. Causeless ; Thou hast thy life for a prey , Ier. 4. 5 , 6. What a living man and complain , and that when 't is for the punishment of his sins ? This kind of complaining is causeless ; if you compare sin and punishment together , there 's no proportion , for sin is a transgression against an infinite God ; punishment but an affliction upon the finite Creature : Sin is an evil-against God ; punishment an evil against the Creature : Or , if you consider what sin is in its nature , 't is a contrariety to Gods nature●… God is holy ; Sin impurity ) A contradictiou to God's will ; ( God saith , Do this ; the Sinner saith , I will not : God saith ▪ Do not this abominable thing which I hate ; the Sinner saith ▪ I will : It is the transgression of God's pure and holy Law ; nay , it is a practical blaspheming against all the Names of God ; the rape of God's mercy , and the dare of God's Iustice , the challenge of God's Power ; Sin gives the lye to God's Truth , and the fool to God's Wisdom . And what can Sin do more than to take away God's good Name ? God's Being ? and that , Sin would do . Or , 't is causeless , if you consider against whom sin is , i. e. God himself , who is a jealous God ; now a Sinner takes another Lover into his bosom before his eyes ; yea , he is a holy , righteous , omnipotent , almighty , living God : Thoughts of this may well keep us from complaining . Indeed , whatever our affliction be , we have as much cause to give thanks as to mourn ; whether you consider , whatever the punishment be , it might be worse ; or do but look well into it , you will see more Mercy than Affliction , Psal. 119. 75.

3. Sinful . There is in it , 1. Unthankfulness ; while we complain of one Affliction , we overlook a thousand Mercies ; whereas true Grace is ingenuous , and can see a little Kindness mingled with a great deal of Severity . The Church of God in captivity comparing her afflictions with her mercies , breaks forth ; It is of the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed , Lam. 3. 22. Blessed be God , it is not yet so bad , but it might be worse ; 2 Cor. 4. 8. We are troubled on every side , yet not distressed : though laid wait for , beset on every side , put to strive aud struggle , yet we escape ; God gives an issue in the Temptation : we are perplexed , but not in despair ; we are not so helpless that we know not whither to turn our selves ; we have a God to go to , as bad as things are ; the name of the Lord is a strong Tower : persecuted , but not forsaken ; we are shaken out , but not to shivers ; persecuted , but not conquered ; our God hath not utterly forsaken us : Cast down but not destroyed ; Ps. 118. 13. we are cast down , but not cast off . Thus Luther , They may thrust me back ; but they cannot thrust me down ; they may crush me , but they cannot kill me : or , they may kill me , but they cannot hurt me ; they may shew their teeth , but they cannot devour . Is it a Feaver ? it might have been eternal flames ; Is it Scarcity ? it might be universal famine ; Is it the danger of losing the Gospel ? 't is the mercy of God , it is not gone already : Are we in Captivity ? we might have been in Hell ; Are we in Prison ? it might have been Tophet : The Lord hath chastened me sore , but he hath not given me over unto death , Psal. 118. 18. Though men have lost their Bowels , Gods compassions fail not ; God's as faithful as ever ; he hath taken away some of our mercies , but he hath not taken away all ; he hath left us more than he hath taken : They are new , they are renewed every morning ; when old mercies are spent , God sends us new ; he is the Father of M●…rcies , begets new mercies every moment . Who can number or measure his mercies of one day ? whatever our Fears are , Oh blessed be God , he loads us with mercies .

Now the Complainer over-looks all these ; there 's much unthankfulness in it , and that 's ▪ a kind of Atheism , She knew not that I gave her corn and wine , &c. Hos. 2. 8.

2. Pride ; Only by pride comes contention ; men never quarrel with God about their Condition , but 't is long of the pride of their heart . Proud man would fain sin , and not hear from God ; would take liberty to sin , but would not have God take liberty to punish , I say 8. 3. God must take notice of our Duties , not our Sin●… . God shall hear of it , if he take not notice of our prayers ; but it shall be by complaining , if he take notice of our sins . A proud man whatever he hath , it is no more than his due ; and whatever he wants , God 's his debtor , Hos. 6. 13.

The want of a Complement undoth them in the midst of honour : If we want but one thing our hearts would have , surely Nature is proud and ready to pick quarrels with God on the least occasion ; nay , if he will not give that mercy we would , take all , &c.

3. Rebellion ; God strikes him for sin , he strikes against God , Ier. 31. 18. God draws one way , and he another , &c.

4. Unbelief . He that complains of his punishment , never believed sin to be so great an evil , or God to be such a One as revealed in the Word .

5. Interpretative Blasphemy .

1. While we dispute our afflictions , and wrangle with the present dispensation , what is it but to make our selves wiser than God ? We seem to tell God how it might have been better , and so we do as it were give God Counsel : When he calls for Obedience , is not that Blasphemy to set up our wisdom against God's ? 2. While we complain of Punishment , we take Sin 's part against God ; we do as it were justifie sin , and judge God : God is unrighteous to punish such a sin as this with such grievous Afflictions . 3. By complaining we do as it were summon God to our Bar , to come & give an account of his actions at our Tribunal . What poor miserable Creatures are we , that in our Afflictions are so far from helping our selves , that we commonly add to our own misery !

No Affliction is intolerable , till Sin come in it .

The yoke God hath made easie , we make intolerable , and make God to be our enemy , while he by Affliction would become our friend .

Now this being found , not to be the way ; that which God counsels and advises , is ,

1. Self-Examination : [ Let us search and try our wayes . ] Sin and Hypocrisie lies close and deep ; therefore we must take pains , dig to the bottom , set up a Tribunal in our own Conscience , summon , try , judg our selves over ▪ and over , in Gods presence : He stands at our Close●… Doores , to hear what we will say , Ier. 8. 6. before execution ; what Indictments we will bring in against our selves .

We can tell what such a Drunkard , such an unclean person , &c. hath done ; but no man saith , What have I done ? My pride , my unthankfulness , my unfruitfulness , &c.

2. Reformation : [ and turn again to the Lord . ] Sin is aversio à Deo & conversio ad creaturam , Reformation is a turning again from the creature to God .

3. Frequent and fervent Prayer : [ Let us lift up ] There 's the frequency , let do nothing else but pray ; le ts be continually lifting up our Prayers ; make your houses houses of Prayer : Thus David , Thou foughtest against me without a Cause ( Did he take Counsel against Princes to be disloyal ? To take up Arms ? No. ) But I gave my self unto Prayer , Psal. 109. 4. Therefore if you prayed before , now do nothing else ; it notes habitual and constant Prayer . [ our hearts with our hands ] to crave , and as it were to pull down mercy , as if we would wrestle with God , and say , Nay , I will not let thee go , until thou bless me , Gen. 32. 26. it notes our fervency : And for our encouragement , it is [ unto God in the Heavens . ] which expresses his Soveraignty , Omnisciency , Omnipotency , Everlastingness , &c.

4. Judging our selves , or Confession of sin [ We have transgressed . ]

5. Aggravating our sins [ and have rebelled ] ▪ i. e. we have turned sin into Rebellion ; Rebellion hath been the aggravation of our sins ; we have sinned against the clearest light , dearest love , &c. Nehem. 9. Ezra 9. Dan. 9.

6. fastifying God [ thou hast not pardoned , ] A word , not of murmuring , complaining , or accusing God of hard dealing ; but by way of justifying God ; we have transgressed , therefore thou hast not pardoned : Why should'st thou repent of the evil of punishment , when we have not repented of the evil of sin ? Thou hast punished us less then our Iniquities deserve .

So in the Text [ Do the first works ] . Sin is a departure from God ; Repentance a coming back again to God . Turn thou to him from whom the Children of Israel have deeply revolted . The soul hath many turnings and windings ; but that 's the best motion of all , when the Soul ( with the Dove ) returns to God , from whom it came .

Apostacy is the loss of our first love : Repentance is the Recovery of it , and Reformation is the doing of our first works . I have not time to enlarge , as I desired ; I shall only offer a few things , that may help to quicken you to this great duty .

My Brethren , we have no great cause to boast of Englands first love : Never so good as it should be , yet many can remember when England hath been much better then ' t is .

Time was , when Doctrines have been more sound ; Discipline more exercised for the suppressing of sin and profaneness ; Ordinances kept more pure from sinful mixtures ; when London kept Sabbaths better then now ; loved their Godly Ministers more then now ; honoured them that were set over her , for their works sake ; would have thought nothing too good for a faithful Minister ; when Christians loved one another with a dear hearty fervent love ; when there was less Complement , but more real love and affection among Christians ; when Christians improved their meetings , converse , Christian Conferences , and other soul-duties to better purpose then now ; not to foolish disputations , or wanton sensual excesses , but to their mutual edification ; when they improved their time for comparing their evidences , communicating their experiences , and building up one another in their most holy faith ; when there was more industry in Professors than now , to bring in Converts ; when private Christians thought it their duty to be subservient to the work of their Ministers , to bring in others to Christ , especially their Family .

Time was , when more care of Young Converts then now ; when none could have looked out after Religion , but some or other ready to lend them their hand , and shew them the way , explaining it clearly to them ; but now Young Converts may be snapt into separations and errour , and none looks after them .

Time was , when more care of the truly godly poor ; when errour was more odious ; when Popery was more hated then now ; when the name of a Toleration would have made Christians to have trembled ; when Christians were better acquainted with their Bibles ; when more time spent in secret Prayer ; when more tender of one anothers Names and Honours , would heal one anothers Reputations , and would spread the lap of Charity over those mis-reports and scandals that might be cast upon them ; when Christians rejoyced more in one anothers good , and mourned in one anothers sufferings ; when Christians did more earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the Saints , &c.

Oh do you , not onely your first works , but our fore-fathers first works : Be as zealous for God and his truths , as tender , mutually careful of one another , as they .

Our fears be very great , but truly our provocations be greater ; our dangers are great , but our sins greater : yet here is a word , here is matter of encouragement , that yet there is Balm in Gilead , Physick of Christs own composition , for the reviving and healing of a back-sliding people . Christians , Christ Jesus is become your Physitian , he hath prescribed you a potion made up of these 3. ingredients , Self-Reflection , Holy Contrition , Thorow Reformation . Christians , now take this Receipt , Christ advises you , if you will not , there is no way but one , Or else I will come unto thee quickly , and will remove thy Candlestick .

There is yet a means or two I find in Scripture for the preventing of threatned ruin that hath been very near , that God hath prescribed for a people or person in great danger , when ready to be cut off and destroyed .

Now that which I would commend unto you , in reference to what you should beg of God for England , is ,

First , In your addressing your self to God for that mercy your souls are set upon , and you wrestle with God for , that you would make some special Vow to God . I find the Saints have done so , when reduced to great Straits , not knowing what to do : Thus Iacob vowed a Vow , saying , If God will be with me , and will keep me in this way that I go , and will give me bread to eat , and raiment to put on , so that I come again to my fathers house in peace ; then shall the Lord be my God . And this Stone which I here set for ●… pillar , shall be Gods house , Gen. 28. 20 , 21 , 22 , The specialed thing Iacob vow , is , that he would continue in the pure worship of his forefathers , that he would still honour God as his God , in that way he would be worshipped ; the special thing is , that he would build a house for the worship of God ; here he would erect a place of publick worship . And thus Israel vowed a vow unto the Lord , and said , if thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand , then I will utterly destroy their Cities . Numb. 21. 2. They vowed a vow they would not spare any of the enemies of God , it he would deliver them into their hands . Thus Iepthah , Hannah , David , &c. Iudg. 11. 30. 1 Sam. 1 11. Psal. 132 , 1 , 2. Certainly in times of great distress , 't is not improper or uncomely , but that which God may expect and take well , that you make some special Vow , if God would prevent your fears ; if God would continue forfeited mercies , dearer to you then your lives , you would set apart some special thing for God , something for the propagation of the Gospel abroad , for the maintenance of a godly Ministry at home , for setting up the preaching of the Gospel in the dark co●…ners of the Kingdom , &c. This must have some cautions with it ; as

1. We must be sure our Vow be of what is in our own power ; we must not make vows of that which is none of our own , I hate Robbery for burnt●…offerings . We must not make a vow . to God of that which hath been unjustly or untighteously taken away , or withheld from any . 'T is Sacriledge instead of a Sacrifice . 2. It must be of things warrantable and justifiable by the Word . 3. It must be of such things that we are not bound to do , before vows , by the standing obligation of Religion , and of our Profession ; but of something that is in our own choice , that we will voluntarily make a free-will offering to God . 4. We must take heed that we do not entertain a fupe●…itious thought of our own Vows , as if we had merited a mercy at Gods hands by our vowes ; God looks for some special vow at our hands , that we may shew how much we prise and value the mercy we would have , that we would be content to part with any thing , though to the half of our Estate , for it .

2. Another thing I find , is , that in the mean time we should do something by way of extraordinary bounty and charity to the relief of Gods indigent Servants . Thus the Prophet Daniel , Wherefore , O King●… let my counsel be acceptable to thee ; Breakoff thy Sins by Righteousness , and thine Iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor , if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity , Dan. 4. 27.

The Prophet advises him to break off his sins by righteousness , there 's Reformation ; & besides Reformation , that he would do something in an extraordinary way to the relief of the poor . Mercy to the poor , what 's that ?

Interpreters conceive , by the poor here , he understands Gods poor , i. e. the poor Iews , that were now in the Babylonian Captivity ; he advises he would do something by way of sympathy to the Iews , to ease their yoaks and oppressions ; break off thy iniquities by pitying & shewing●… mercy to thy poor Captives under thy power now at this time ; take off their yoak , ease their burdens , and restore them to their liberties again . Thus do ye to those that have been the instruments of your Conversion ▪ or Edification , set apart something extraordinary for their relief and supply . The Prophet Daniel seems to advise this to the King , as it were , by way of satisfaction .

The●…e be two things in Repentance ; in wrongs we have done there must be Confession , and Satisfaction or Restoration : He seems to advise this to make up compleat Repentance ; namely , to make Restoration and Retribution of what he had injuriously taken from the Iewes . Oh then ! let me say , without breach of Charity , that whatsoever , except it be in this case of extraordinary supplyes for his poor , it will be found but making Restitution and Satisfaction . It may be upon a two-fold ground .

1. With some it may be truly Restitution and Restoration of what he hath taken away by unjust means , God knows how ; that 's between God and their own Souls , what unlawfull means hath been used to augment the heap , and swell their Estate .

If there be any that hears me this day , whose Consciences shall tell them , that they have increased their Estate by undue and unwarrantable means ; Oh Restore●… Restore , break off your Iniquities by shewing mercy , &c. by making Reparation as you can ; it will be but like Zacheus giving half his goods to the poor , and restoring four ▪ fold , &c. in a liberal Contribution to the poor .

2. It will be Restitution in another sense , in reference to an unjust withholding ; some have got injuriously , and I am afraid too too many have kept injuriously : Have we not rob'd the poor by an unjust denying of what God hath commanded us to distribute to their necessities ? There is that withholdeth more then is meet , &c. Prov. 3. 17. & 11. 24. It may be God hath given you so much ; there 's God's share , there 's the Ministers portion , &c. Now all that you have withheld beyond the Rule of Scripture , is all stoln goods , and , like a Wheat-sheaf on fire , will burn down the whole ba●…n of Corn.

That which I would exhort you to , is , Every one to set apart some considerable part of your Estate , and account it as a hallowed thing , dedicated to God , as a thing which to touch were Sacriledge ; that you may be ready on all occasions in all regular and due wayes , to bring out for the relief of the Poor ; you know objects abounding in every place , and you may expect warrantable means for dispensing of what God shall put into your hearts in this matter .

Mr. Sclater's Farewell Sermon . 1 JOHN 5. 1. & ●…1 .

Whosoever believeth that Iesus is the Christ , is born of God ' and every one that loveth him that begat , loveth him also that is begotten of him .

Little Children , keep your selves from Idols .

THis General Doctrine I have already delivered unto you from this Text , which indeed is the marrow and substance of the whole Chapter , That Gospel-believing is a Duty , which they that really perform , are highly priviledged by , to their greatest advantage●…

I have spoken concerning Gospel-believing , and that it is a duty , and that they that do really perform it are highly dignified and priviledged by it , as hath been made to appear from the Chapter ; that which remains to be done , and shall be , as God enables the work of this morning , is , to make improvement of this Doctrine , which is one of the most material and momentous Doctrines that can be preached to us . Gospel-believing it hath most precious priviledges entailed upon it ; whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ , that Jesus is the Son of God , that Jesus is come in the Flesh , is bor●… of God , knows God , and shall be eternally blessed of God , and with God ; surely then , the World runs upon a very great mistake . I have hinted something already to that purpose , but I have left the more full discussion and discovery of the matter untill now . Why , who is there among the generality of common Professors that is not very pregnant to hold forth this to be their Faith ? If so be that it should be put to the Question ; Friend , What is your Faith , what Belief are you of ? Why , not one in a thousand , I think , but will be apt to say , Why truly I will give you this Account : There is a Gospel which is preached among us , and in the World ; and this Gospel doth hold forth this for true Doctrine ▪ That Iesus , the Son of Mary , that was born at Bethlehem ▪ is the Christ , is the Messiah which was promised by the Father , and which the World did live in expectation of so long ; This Iesus , I believe is the Son of God , this Iesus I verily believe is come in the Flesh , and he is come to be the Saviour of the World ; this is the Belief , and that which is the common profession that is made by the generality of people . Why , but will you consider now this Text , and other Scriptures which speak fully to this purpose , Whosoever doth believe this , That Iesus is the Christ , the Son of God & that he is come in the Flesh , whosoever believes this , is of God , is born of God . And it doth clearly appear , and may be most convincingly made out , that many thousands that profess their belief concerning these things , yet notwithstanding are not born of God . Why certainly , there must needs be a great and gross fallacy in the business ; Gospel-faith and Believing , it is not so common a thing as many take it to be ; and therefore if this be Gospel-faith , and that which doth interest persons in such great and precious priviledges , truly it concerns us to look well to it , that we be not mistaken concerning this Belief . Now this I would say , there is something in it to be considered with respect to the time wherein Christ appeared visibly to the World , and the after-times wherein the Apostles did hold forth these great Doctrines of the Gospel concerning Christ . And this we are to say , that in such a time as that was , when this was the Critical point , as it were , the discriminating thing ; in such a time for any to make this profession , and to hold forth this to be their Faith , and Belief , that Jesus is the Christ , the Son of God , it was of high signification , and might very well , as to man , beget a comfortable confidence and hope concerning such persons ; that certainly they were born of God , as to man , and according to rational Charity it might be very probable , that in such Persons as did thus believe , and professe this to be their Faith and Belief , there were some blessed beams upon their Souls ; for , mark ye , it hath been thus in the World , and among the people of it , concerning matters of God and Godliness , that there hath been such and such a Truth , that hath been the Critical Truth , as I said ; that hath been , as I may so say , the Shibboleth whereby people are distinguished one from another . I allude to that passage in Iudges concerning the Gileadites : they made a profession of themselves to be such and such , and they were put to it to pronounce Shibboleth ; they that could not speak out the word , and clearly pronounce it , they were not judged to be the persons that they professed themselves to be ; but they that could do it , held their liberty : so , sometimes such and such a Doctrine is ordered out to be a distinguishing point , upon the account of the desperate opposition that the World makes against it ; and upon this account the Priests and the Rulers , and the rest of the World were desperately bent against Christ ; they called him Jesus , but could not endure him to be called Christ the Son of God ; it was an Act and Decree amongst them , That whosoever should confess Jesus to be the Christ , should be put out of the Synagogue , should be excommunicated . Now for persons at such time , wherein it was as much as their Liberty , it may be their Lives were worth , to own that Jesus Christ was the Son of God ; for persons now at such a time to own this Jesus , that was in so mean a condition , to be the Christ , there is very much in it , infinitely more then for persons now to take up this profession . Why ? because this Doctrine hath obtained in the World , and it is a Doctrine among Papists as well as Protestants ; there is no such danger now for Persons to be of this Belief . But shall I say this , That for all that , to believe this really according to the right account , and true genuine interpretation of Gospel-believing , the Case is the same with them and with us at this day , setting aside the consideration of time and times ; the danger then , and the encouragement now ; the Case is the same : Gospel-believing of these truths according to a genuine interpretation of Gospel-believing , it is the same now as then , and then as now : And therefore we must consider and look further .

I would put these few things to your consciences : You profess this to be your faith , you believe that Jesus is the Christ , the Son of God , that he is come in the flesh ; these things you profess to believe , and if you do so indeed , you are highly priviledged people , blessed of God , and shall be to all Eternity . But do you not mistake ? Do you believe this , that Jesus is the Christ ? How came you by this belief ? What account can you give of it ? How were you brought over to this Belief ? Did you not come to this Faith and Belief by common report ? You were born to this Doctrine ; You look upon it as that which is the benefit you have by your being born in a Nation , and among a People that profess the Name of Christ , and this hath been instilled into you by education , and upon this account you take it : Did you ever buy this truth ? It is a truth that Jesus is the Christ , how came it to be yours ? Did you ever buy this truth ? Buy it ? I say buy it ? For the very truth is , we are never able to make out a good Title to any Gospel-truth , untill such time as we can say we have bought it : How ? why , by serious meditation ; studying the Scriptures , searching into them , seriously pondering and weighing of them , crying mightily to God , that he would manifest them to us , and encountring temptations from without , from within ; being at a point willing to engage liberty and estate , and life , and all , for this truth's sake : Can you say , We have pondered , and are so fully satisfied about it , as that if all the world should come in a way of contradiction , and rise up in opposition to us , and come with fire and sword to beat us out of this truth ; yet we are resolved to stick to it ? Can you give such an account of your selves , that you have not taken it up on a common report , but are able to say , there hath been an inward Revelation made of these things to your souls , that there hath been a sanctified work of the Spirit upon your understandings , that you come to see into the mystery of these Gospel testimonies ? Is there an habitual frame of spirit wrought in you , whereby you are carried out to close with every truth of God , and to close with it upon this account , because of a divine authority stampt upon it ? When we give assent to common truths , but not with a common spirit , but in the strength of an inward conviction , we assent to it upon the account of an unction that we have received from the Holy One ; and we assent to this and that truth upon the account of a divine authority which we see to be stampt upon it , and withall we find that there are suitable workings of our heart in the loves and desires and delights of them to these truths ( as there will be a kindly working of the heart , where there is a right assent suitable to the truths assented to ) as , If there be a threatning , the Soul assents to it , and will tremble before God : If a promise be made , or a Gospel-revelation , it will be accompanied with a holy rejoycing in God , that ever he should make such a Promise or Revelation ; and then there will be a holy resolution of spirit , Come what will come , I will never part with this truth . I have bought the truth , that was my duty ; and having bought it , I will never sell it , that is my duty too : Can we give such an account as this ? But then withall let me a little further improve that which I have already spoken from the Chapter .

You say this is your belief , That Jesus is the Christ , the Son of God ; but , can you give an account of those priviledges that are entailed upon this belief ? For you must know that the priviledges which belong to such , will serve as Evidences that they are such .

Now if you believe , it is your priviledge to be bo●… of God ; and this being born of God must be the evidence of this belief ; Can you give an account of you being born of God ? If you are not born of God , you do not believe , That Jesus is the Christ . Can you giv●… an account of your overcomming the World ? Are yo●… such as are enabled to stand out in opposition to th●… e●…rors , and heresies , and corrupt doctrines and pract●…ses that are in the World ? Can you be●…r up agai●… the lust of the eye , the lust of the flesh , and the pri●… of life ? If you are in slavery to the world , in bondage to the beggarly rudiments of the world , you are mistaken , That Jesus is the Christ : For he that believeth according to a true interpretation of Gospel-believing , That Jesus is the Christ , doth overcome the world , and by vertue of this belief he is enabled to get a conquest over the world , and over corruptions that are in it through lust .

And then again , You profess to believe that Jesus is the Christ , the Son of God : Oh! but you are able to give an account that you have believed into this Jesus , and upon this Jesus ? for that is it the Text holds forth ; He that believes that Jesus is the Christ , doth believe on Jesus the Christ ▪ Are you , by vertue of this believing which you profess , drawn out to a closing with Christ ? do you roll your selves upon him ? own him for Righteousness and Salvation , and are willing to yield your selves up in subjection to him ? You believe , Jesus to be the Christ ; but do you believe on that Jesus whom you profess to be the Christ ? Now this being thus laid down as a Foundation , I would infer thus , and so go on to a farther branch of this Application ; Either you do really believe with a Gospel-believing these Truths and Doctrines concerning Christ , or you do not ; Why , they that profess they do , but in truth they do not , there is a clear and manifest contradiction which this profession meets withal , and that upon the accounts I have formerly given : As alas , this Profession suffers contradiction generally ; generally , the Professors of this Faith , that Jesus is the Christ , do clearly make a flat contradiction ; and I am very confident that there are thousands , that , if they should be put to the Trial , Will you stick to this Truth ? If you do , it shall cost you the loss of your Liberty , and Estates ; nay , your Life shall go for it . Oh I am very apt to think that you shall have thousands that will turn their backs upon this Profession , renounce this Profession . Now concerning such , this I would say .

First , that the Condition of such persons as are not right in Gospel-believing , is a most mournful and miserable Condition ; however it may be with them in other respects , yet it is sad to think what a Condition they are in ; for consider first of all , they that do not perform this Great Duty of Gospel-believing according to the truth and reality of it , I will tell you what they do , they do give God the lye , they do by interpretation tell God to his face , that he is a very Lyar ; and what higher blaspheming can there be than to give the lye to the God of Truth ! every one will be apt to bless themselves , and say , Oh far be it from me , God forbid that I should be charged with such an horrid impiety as this ! Oh but , Brethren , the very truth is , it is a very common thing , by interpretation to give the lye to God ; and all that do not believe according to that Gospel-believing that you have heard , do tell God to his face that he is a Lyar. How doth that appear ? Why take a little help , such as I am able to give you ; To profess that Jesus is the Christ , the Son of God , that he came to be the Saviour of the world , is ordered out to be our Righteousness , is sent of God to preach Liberty to Captives , to heal diseased Souls , and to deliver poor Creatures from the bondage of the Devil ; these things People generally profess to believe ; but mark you now , they never come to Christ , nor never set in with him upon this account , and to this purpose ; Oh Lord thou art the Jesus , the Annointed of God ; I come to thee for life , I am a poor dead Creature , I am in a state of unrighteonsness , and thon art given to be for Righteousness ; Lord , I fly to thee for it , I am a poor diseased creature ; the Plague is upon my soul , and thou art appointed to heal the Soul of the Plague ; I come to thee for healing . There is not one of thousands that come thus to Christ . Will you now see how the lye is given to God ? I profess for my part , saith one , I know no such matter ; Jesus is the Christ , and I profess to believe so , and he is appointed of God for such and such things ; he is sent to preach liberty to the Captives ; I know not that there is any such bondage . Christ came to save sinners ; alas I know no need of any such salvation by him ; he came to heal diseased souls ; I am well enough , what need have I of Christ ? What is this , but to give the lye to God ? He that receiyes not Christ , makes God a lyar ; for he doth in effect say , Lord thou sayest so and so concerning the World ; I know nothing of all this ; and so the lye is given to God ; And is it nothing , to give the lye to the great God , the God of truth ? And I tell you while you profess this Jesus to be the Christ , the Son of God , and in the mean time flye not to him ; you believe him to be the Son of God , and that all Authority is given unto him , and you will not subject to his Authority , why you give the lye to God , and is this nothing ?

2. Consider the sad condition of such as believe not according to a right Gospel-believing ; they are such as are lyable to the dreadfullest touches from the Devil that possibly can be ; He that believeth is born of God , overcomes the World , and is enabled to keep himself , that the wicked one doth not touch him with a mortiferous touch ; but I tell thee whatever thou art , that art under the powerof unbelief , thou art in danger of a dreadfull touch from the Prince of darkness ; and if thou livest and diest in a state of unbelief , thou wilt fall under the power of condemnation . Remember what our Saviour speaks , and consider well of it , You stand out in opposition to my Doctrine ; but I tell you , Except you believe that I am He , you shall dye in your sins ; A dreadful word ! you shall die in your sins , and what then , be damned eternally . This is the condition of all such as are in a state of unbelief : but then , on the other hand , in case we be able to give a good account of our believing that Jesus is the Christ , the Son of God , and of our believing on him concerning whom these Testimonies are given , Oh what cause have all such to rejoyce in their condition ! The condition of such persons is happy beyond all expression and comprehension , who have owned these Truths , owned that Jesus of whom the faithful Testimonies are given .

Now all the Chapter , according to the account I have given you , comes in to the purpose of comforting and rejoycing the heart of such Persons . Here is your comfort now ; really believing according to a right interpretation of Gospel-believing , this is your priviledge , you are the Persons that are born from above , you are the Persons that shall be enabled to over come the World , to bear up against all opposition that Men and Devils can make against you ; you are the Persons that have the Witness within you , and you shall be able to bear up against all the contradictions of Sinners ; you are the Persons that have Christ , and have eternal life by him : you shall have it ; nay , you have it already . He that believeth on the Son of God , hath eternal life ; he hath it in the beginnings of it , and shall have it in the compleat state of it ; being brought over to Gospel-believing , you may come with boldness to God in a way of prayer , with holy confidence that whatever else you ask believing , you shall have a good account of it ; God doth not neglect any believing prayer of a believing soul : And all the Priviledges of the Gospel are entailed upon you , and you are entitled unto them ; and you shall have the Benefit of them while you live , and when you die unto all Eternity . Well may it be said of such a Person , Blessed is he and she , that hath believed with a Gospel-believing Gospel-Truths and Testimonies concerning Christ , and on Christ , on whom those Testimonies are given ; for there shall be a full and perfect accomplishment of whatever God hath spoken with his mouth concerning such .

And then lastly , If the Grace of God hath brought us over to a closing with Christ , of whom these truths and testimonies are given ; why , the last Branch of the Application is but this , That you would but justifie your Believing , and labour to manifest the reality of your Believing according to the Gospel by a suitable walking ; This is that that shall be the cloling up of this Application .

Oh Brethren , Let us consider well : our Saviour tells us in Mat. 11. Wisdom is justified of her Children . Why , if ever we mean to approve our selves to be Wisdom's children , our care must be for to give in our Justification of Wisdom's sayings , and for to carry it in a congruousness and suitableness unto that Gospel-believing which we profess to be by grace brought over to . Why , but what is that , you will say ? Why , consider the Text , and see what remains of the Chapter . I shall make it out , give it up to you in this way :

Why , First of all this is one special Duty that lies upon you , That you would study your Mercy , and know what God hath been to you , and done for you , and how highly you are dignified , and not to be alwayes in a fluctuating state ; and upon the questioning and disputing point ; but to come to some well grounded confidence ; that you may be able to say , We know that this and that is our condition , and this and that is our dignified priviledge that we are planted under .

Do but mark how the Point in hand doth charge this upon us , in the thirteenth verse of this Chapter , These things have I written to you that believe on the Name of the Son of God , that you may know that you have Eternal Life . Here is your duty according to what the Text it self doth charge upon you ; if you be such as by grace are brought over to a Gospel-believing , the Apostle Iohn that did write this Epistle , and I , from it , preach unto you into the Name of the Lord , and by authority from him , tha●… this is your duty , to know that you are Persons that have Eternal Life , that you are such as Christ by his blood hath made a purchase of Eternal Life for ; that he hath by his blood once for all entred into the Holy place , that is not made with hands , that he might prepare for you , and that youmight have , the possession of those blessed mansions that he hath made preparation of .

Eternal Life it is yours , and you may be bold to claim it , and you are bound to hope and rejoyce in the expectation of the full enjoyment of it , and not to be alwayes upon the question , and disputing point , but to go on with a holy confidence towards God , according to what the Apostle expresses , 1 C●…r . 2. We know , that when this Earthly Tabernacle shall be dissolved , we shall have an house not made with hands , &c.

But then a second thing that I have to charge upon you , is this ; That you would acknowledge with all thankfulness and enlargedness of heart to God , the riches of his mercy , and grace to you , that hath been pleased to cull you out of an unbelieving world , and bring you over to the Gospel , and to the participations that are by Christ , according to the Gospel : Oh! This you should set your hearts upon , by admiring the riches of God's grace ; and say , Lord , Why shouldst thou manifest thy self to me , and not to the world ! That many thousands should live and die in the total ignorance of Christ , and the Gospel-mysteries , or else live and die in an empty profession ; and yet that God should be pleased to pitch upon me ! This is that that the Text doth hint unto us in the nineteenth verse of this Chapter . Oh! saith he , in a triumphing manner , We know that we are of God , and that the whole world lies in wickedness : Oh! our mercies and the riches of grace that hath appeared to us , while the whole world that lies in wickedness , is put into the Malignant evil One , lies in the Devil ; for he is the malignant evil one , while the whole world lies in the Devil in malignity ! Oh! It is a sad condition infinitely more sad than for a man to lie in the most noisomest stinking ditch , or in the loathsomest kennel ; why this is that that heightens the mercy to poor souls that are called by grace according to the purpose of God , that while the whole world lies in wickedness , and so are like to lie ; yea , and to lie in hell to all Eternity , that God should please to lay you in the bosom of his Son , and to take you into the arms of his mercy ; this is that that should heighten our thankfulness . I may make use of that expression which we find in Acts 14. when . Paul and Barnabas came unto a company of Heathens , and they saw what great things were done by them , and took notice of the gracious spirit that they discovered ; sure ▪ say they , The Gods are come among us in the likeness of men . Considering the state of times , and what an height of wickedness many at this day are grown up unto , the dreadful swearing , blaspheming of God and his ways : Truly , judge of it your selves , Whether we may not say , The devils are come among us in the likeness of men . Why now , oh ! How should we heighten our love and thankfulness to God , that should please in free grace to bring us over to close with Jesus Christ !

But then fourthly , As many as are brought over to Gospel-believing , this is your duty , To study and endeavour , what you can , your advantages in Faith ; and so the Apostle gives it in charge here in the Chapter in verse 13. These things have I written to you that believe on the Name of the Son of God , that you may know that you have eternal life , and that you may believe on the Son of God . This is that you should set about . If God hath brought you over to a closing with Christ , and an embracing of the testimonies concerning him , believe more and more , labour for your advancement , and let it be your Prayer , Good Lord increase our Faith : Labour that you may be clear in your apprehensions of Gospel-mysteries , and that you may be more strong in your adherence to Christ , of whom those Gospel-testimonies are given , and that you may not only come to have an adhering-faith , but to an assuring-faith ; that you may not be like waves tossed and tumbled up and down ; but that you may come to be rooted , and established , and grounded in your faith ; that you may not come to be unsetled by ▪ Heresie , corrupt Doctrines , or the Apostacy of others , but that you may be stedfast and unmoveable .

Yet further , fifthly : This is to be given in charge to such as do believe according to the Gospel , that they carry it sutably to a believing state , as in those particulars that I have insisted upon , so in a deportment congruous and sutable to the priviledges which belong to believing : You are born of God ; carry it as men and women that are so indeed : What! Born of God , the Sons and Daughters of God ? What! and not live according to God ? and not study conformity to God ? I remember , what he speaks there concerning Amnon , How is it , that thou being the Kings Son , art lean from day to day ? How is it , that we that profess to be the Sons and Daughters of God , are lean and lank , not more improved ? that we do not shew forth God , and express Christ ? This lies in the beginning of the Chapter , If you be born of God , remember that you be born of him that is the God of Love ; And therefore you are to manifest this birth , and your believing , and your being born of God , by loving God , and by loving them that are born of God : He that believeth is born of God ; and he that loveth him that begat , loveth him that is begotten of him . The God of Love , doth beget a People of Love ; a loving God , a loving People : And this is that that you should express your Believing by , and your Adoption by ; by the Love you bear to God , and the children of God .

A hatefull spitefull spirit , where it doth discover it self , speaks those persons not to be born of God , but of the Devill , carry it as Believers , as persons of God , by studying a conformity to God , and by keeping his Commandments , subjecting your selves to his Authority ; not living according to your own Lusts ; but according to the Lawes and Rules which God hath given you : saith the Apostle here , This is the Love of God , that we keep his Commandements :

It is not love in Word , and in Tongue , but in reality ; a love discovering it self by a consciencious care to hold conformity to all the Will of God : And if any should object , This is a hard saying , Who can bear it ? saith the Apostle ; No such matter , there is never a Believing Soul will say , The Commandements of Christ are grievous or burdensome ; no , they are leight to them that are brought over to the faith of the Gospel .

And the last thing I have to charge upon you , upon the account of your Gospel-believing , and being brought over to a closing with Christ , it is this , ( and so , upon the matter , I have given you an account of the substance of this precious Chapter , having reduced it to that general Doctrine I propounded before : ) I say , the last thing is this , That you would walk suitable to a Believing state , by being very carefull concerning your Worships that you do perform , that they be according to God , and according to the Gospel ; and this is that which the Apostle closes the Chapter withall , in the 21 Verse , Little Children , keep your selves from Idols , Amen . As I take it , in the former Translation , it was Babes , Babes , keep your selves from Idols ; Here it is , Little Children .

I observe , in this Epistle , the Apostle makes a distinction of Believers into three Ranks , as you shall find in the second Chapter , I write unto you Little Children , I write unto you Young men , and I write unto you Fathers ; in the close of the Epistle , he concludes with this Charge , to Little Children . Now , whether he includes all the rest under this Title of Little Children , I forbear to dispute : But sure I am , it is a duty lies upon one and other , whether they be Babes , or Young men , or Aged Fathers in Christ ; Whatever our rank and condition be , I am sure of this , This is a great Duty that lies upon all that will approve themselves in Godliness , and to be brought over to the faith of the Gospel , that they look to their Worships , and that they take heed of Idols ; as if he should say , He that is born of God , he keeps himself that the wicked One doth not touch him . Oh Little Children , shew forth that spiritual Ability that by grace you are furnished withal , by being able to keep your selves from Idols .

It might be said , What is this to us ? Are we in danger of Idols ? True , well might the Apostle give in such a Charge to them in those times , when the greatest part of the World were in a state of Heathenism , and in estrangement from Christ , and the mysteries of the Gospel ; But this I say , It doth really concern Christians in Gospel-times , that have had the breakings out of the Gospel-light , and the knowledge of Gospel-mysteries , to be careful of this Charge , that they keep themselves from Idols . There were the Idols of the Heathens ; grant it , and so still there are a generation of People that our Souls should mourn over to consider their state , that are wrapt up in ignorance of God , know nothing of the true God , and of our Lord Jesus Christ ; and it is the state and condition of the Jews at this day ; and what a sad condition are they in ! Grant it , that they do not worship Idols after the manner of the Heathens ; yet they worship not the true God , because they worship not God in Christ : for , saith the Apostle , Whoever sins , and abideth not in the Doctrine of Christ , he hath not God ; He that abides in the Doctrine of the Christ , he hath the Father and the Son : And so the Jews at this day , they not abiding , not owning the Doctrine of Christ , they have not God , because they have not the Father and the Son ; this is their condition : And thus , I say , there were not only the Idols of the Heathens , Oh! but sadly be it spoken , there are Idols among Persons pretending to Christ , and Gospel-faith , and the Doctrine concerning Grace by Jesus Christ .

How many Idols and Idolaters are there ? I might tell you , the Covetous person 〈◊〉 an Idolater , the Voluptuous person ; and the Self ▪ justit●…ary sets up his own Righteousness , and Idolizeth that : But I say this , there are Idols among Christians ; Pap●…sts hold forth the Name of Christ ; but yet what woful Idolatry there is among them ? There was the Dragon-worship in the time of the Heathens , and in the room of that , there is come up the Beast-worship , and of that Worship the generality of the world runs upon ; and it concerns us to keep from Popish Idolatry , it being the grossest Idolatry that ever was , because there is the fairest pretence of worshipping JESUS , and yet they turn him into an Idol . What else means their worshipping and bowing to Images , their breaden gods , and the like ? Oh! therefore it concerns us to keep our selves from Idols ; And there is a Scripture , if it were but well studied , would cause trembling of Heart , and make all that have any care of their Souls to look about them ; that Scripture I refer you to , it is in Revel. 13. compared with the 20th . In Revel. 13. 11. whereas before there was Dragon-worship , it is said here , I beheld another Beast comming out of the Earth , and he had two Horns like a Lamb , and he spake as a Dragon , and he exerciseth all the Power of the first Beast before him , and causeth the Earth , and them that dwell therein , to worship the first Beast , whose deadly wound was healed : now look at the 8. verse , saith he , And all the dwellers upon the Earth shall worship him , whose names are not written in the Book of life , of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world . Oh! it is a terrible word , and that that should make us to fear and tremble , lest in any kind we should be drawn into the Worship of the Beast ; for as many as were not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb , they were drawn into the Worship of the Beast . This is that that should make us keep our selves from Idols , from whatsoever hath but so much as a Tincture of Superstition and Idolatry ; and the rather , considering that other Scripture in the 20th . of the Revelation , and the last verse , And whosoever was not found written in the Book of life , was cast into the lake of fire ; All that are not written in the Lambs Book of life , are prevailed to perform the worship with the Beast ; and not being writ there , must be tumbled into the Lake for ever .

This therefore concerns us , to keep from Idolatry , from whatsoever hath a tendency that way , and that hath any tincture of Superstition upon it ; and consider with your selves , that our Duty is in matters of Worship , and in things concerning the Worship of God , to see to it , that we keep a humble dependance upon God , that we walk not according to the will of men , but according to God ; You were bought with a price , be not Servants of Men. We are to walk by a Line , by a Plummet ; and what is not warranted by the Word of God , or maintainable by Arguments drawn from it , we should not close with .

And for the closing up of all , do but consider how this Chapter , and the things that I have spoken to you , and preached from it , how they do all influence this Exhortation , Little children , keep your selves from Idols , see to it , that you approve your selves in holy worship to God , and the Lord Jesus . Do but argue thus , You profess to be Believers ; and is it not your duty to answer to this profession ? Your Faith is a pure Faith , and an obediential Grace ; it is a Grace that will tutour you to hang upon Christ , and his Appointments , and Institutions : And therefore , being Believers , study to keep your selves from Idols , and whatever is not consonant to the will of God concerning Worship .

You believe that Jesus is the Christ , the Son of God ; keep your selves from Idols in this respect ; for he is come into the World , and hath shewed the pattern of his House : And then , You are born of God ; carry it like a people that are born of God , that are high-born , and credit your holy Profession , by keeping a dependance upon that God of whom you are born : And then , being Believers , you are born of God , and have overcome the world , and therefore shew forth your Heroick spirit , by standing out in opposition to Idols , and whatever is contrary to sound Doctrin , and the power of godliness .

You have an Unction from the Holy One , and this engages you to look to it , that you keep your selves from Idols ; And then we know ( saith he ) that the Son of God is come , and hath given us an understanding , that we may know him that is true ; and we are in him that is true , even in his Son Iesus Christ And thereupon he brings in this , Little children , keep your selves from Idols : as if he should say , This is the true God , God in Christ , Jesus Christ the Son of the Father , this is the true God , and he hath eternal life with him ; other Gods are false gods , and what benefit will you have by following them , and performing worship to them ? Nothing but eternal death ; false gods can bestow no eternal life upon you ; but this is the true God , and he can give you eternal life ; And therefore , Little children , keep your selves from Idols .

And now yet one word more . I would not occasion any discomposure of spirit that is not becoming you ; But this I must say , for ought I know , You have the words of a Dying man ; and we use to say , that the words of Dying men they are 〈◊〉 to take somewhat a deep impression ; I mean , a Dying man , not in properness of speech according to nature ; and yet , if it should be so , I hope there would be cause of rejoycing on my part ; But I speak the words of a Dying man in respect of Ministerial Office .

I suppose you all know there is an Act come forth by Supream Authority ; and it is not for us to quarrel at all , but to submit to it , and hold correspondency with it , so far as we can with a good Conscience ; and there being many Injunctions that many , besides my self , cannot comply withall , therefore we are willing to submit to the penalty inflicted .

This , I say : You have for many years had the benefit of my poor Labours ; I have fulfilled near up towards 40 years , and have performed my service to God , Christ , and his People , and I bless his Name , not without acceptance and success . My Work , so far as I know , in this course , and in the Weekly course , is now at an end ; my Desire is , that you whose Hearts have been inclineable to wait upon God in the way of my Ministry , may be kept faithful to God , and that you may have the blessing of the everlasting Covenant coming upon your Souls , and that you may have the power of this Doctrine , held forth in this Sermon , put forth upon your hearts ; that as you do believe that Jesus is the Christ , that Jesus is the Son of God , that as you profess these things , you may carry it suitably to your profession , that you may walk in Love to God , Love to Christ , and Love to one another ; that you may labour to manifest a noble generous Spirit in overcoming the world in Errors , Corruptions , false Doctrines , and unwarrantable Worship ; that you may in all things labour to approve your selves : And , Little Children keep your selves from Idols .

Amen .

Mr. Baxter's Farewell Sermon . COLOSS. 2. 6 , 7. As ye have therefore received Christ Iesus the Lord , so walk in him , Rooted and built in him , and stablished in the faith , as ye have been taught , abounding therein with thansgiving .

O Mitting the division , and in part the opening of the words , the Observation is this ;

That those that have received Christ Iesus the Lord , must accordingly be rooted , built up in him , and stablished in the faith ; and walk in him as they have been taught , and abound herein with thanksgiving .

This receiving of Christ signifies to believe in him . It is not only to receive his Doctrine or Benefits , but to receive his Person , to receive him as related to us , for the uses and end for which he came into the world , and for which he offers himself to souls by the preaching of the Gospel . Sinners have lost and undone themselves ; Christ comes to be the Physitian of souls ; he will not save the unwilling and despisers of his grace , while they continue in their unwillingness . He will save them by the way of covenant ; while he consents and tenders them his grace , he will have them consent to the terms of his covenant . The consent of the heart exprest by our covenanting with him , is this receiving of Jesus Christ . He is willing to be our Physitian , and when we take him to be so , we receive him . He is willing to save us from the guilt and power of sin , willing to be our Lord , Head , Intercessor with God , Justifier , and All unto us ; and if we consent to this , and take him as offered , this is receiving Christ ; with whom his benefits are also received , the remission of sins , in-dwelling , renewing , comforting-Spirit , title to everlasting life , &c. In the receiving Christ , all this is received .

Receiving of Christ contains these two things , or these two things are essentially contain'd to make up the nature of saving Faith : i. e. to believe the Doctrine of the Gospel concerning Jesus Christ to be true , and to consent that the goodness , that is therein revealed and proposed , shall be ours . To believe what Christ is , and what he hath done ; so far to believe it , as here we are resolv'd to venture our souls , ( though there may be some weakness through our faith's imperfection ) and believing this Gospel to be the certain Word of God . Then next , to entertain the Christ that is offered in this Gospel to be ours , with all the benefits that accompany , and to all the blessed ends to which he is revealed : Thus , the water of life is freely tendered to all that are athirst , and there is no more required but , Come and drink .

Then there is two things implyed , that are the immediate products of this saving Faith , and inseparable from it : i. e. trusting on him as the Redeemer , and obeying him as a Lord . To rest upon him as a Redeemer , Rom. 15. 12. And here , as far as the soul feels entertainment and encouragement by Christ , overcoming his doubts that Christ will reject him , &c. so far he hath quietness of soul in Christ , and will trust his soul upon Christ . And then , the obeying of him in order to our full recovery , ( as a Patient must obey his Physitian ) in using his remedies , and means he prescribes for killing our sins , restoreing our souls to Gods love , and being with him to eternity .

The nature of Faith is , to receive Christ ; the sincerity of it lies in the suitableness of the act to the object ; that we receive him as He is : Now in Christ there is something essential to this act ; that he be a Saviour , and our Saviour , &c. And there is something makes unto the well-being , and fuller attaining of the end ; The first are the objects of Faith it self , as 't is of absolute necessity to Salvation : The second sort are , the objects of Faith , as it is strong , and makes to the well-being of a Christian. All that is essential to Christ , as a Saviour , and Redeemer , is to be believed by him , that will approve himself a true Believer . And thus to receive Christ as the eternal Son of God , made Man , the Redeemer of the World , ruling us upon the right of Redemption , justifying us before God , bringing us to God , and interceding for us : And thus Christ must be received according to his Offices , and as those uses , for which he is given to the soul , do import and and imply .

For the Application of this point .

First , let us begin with those that our business at present doth not mainly lye on . Must men walk in Christ as they have received him ? What shall we say to those that have not , will not , receive him , that stop us at the door , that we can't bring in the Doctrine of Christ ; that will not receive the principles of Christ ? How can we bring them , and build them up , that will not suffer the Foundation to be laid , the seed to be received ? Hast thou not received Christ ? Then thou hast refused Christ , been a despiser of the Gospel of Christ , which will prove thy great condemnation . What is it for thee to bear the Name , and not to have the Spirit of Christ ? Do not go upon conjectures : It 's one thing to number thy self with those that are Christians , as to outward appearance ; and another thing to open thy heart , and deliver up thy self to Christ's Government ; and as a lost sinner , to receive him to those ends a Saviour must be received . And remember , this was no small Work , God's sending Christ into the World ; no small thing , to fetch thee from Hell and Satan , to wash guilty Souls from all their sins , and to bring them to everlasting glory . If these great things be rightly understood and believed by thee , if Christ be understood well as Christ , it must be done with a wakened , humbled , self-resigning heart , making the greatest matter in the World of these things : Hath thy soul been seriously taken up about thy own recovery ? And hast thou received Christ as a man that was ready to be damned ? as one that had a load on his soul heavier than all the Mountains of Earth , to ease and deliver him ? As one , that was under the frowns of God , in an estate of enmity , receives reconciliation ? Hast thou received Christ , as if thou hadst received Heaven in him ? Believe it , these are great Transactions , and will affect thy heart ; and it is not a sleepy or jesting matter thus to receive Christ . Consider what it is to receive Christ .

First , If you have received Christ , you have received the great Reconciler , that binds up the broken-hearted , quiets those that tremble under the threatnings of God , for fear he should forsake , and cast them off for ever .

Secondly , If thou hast received Christ , thou hast received a perfect enmity to all sin , that will never let thee rest in sin , but be perswading thee from it , and conflicting in thee against sin in thy soul : If thou hast received Christ , thou hast not received a friend for sin , that will plead for , or give thee leave to commit sin : but one , that though he bear with thee in thy weakness , yet abominates thy sin . If thou hast received him as a Lord and Master to rule thee , to be consented and subjected to him , and to be ruled by none but in subordination to him , who will break those in pieces that refuse his Government . Obedience and not verbal Profession is the thing he requires . Hast thou entertained Christ to be the Master of thy words , thoughts , and deeds , whose Government thou livest under , more than under any in the world ?

Thirdly , If you have received Christ , you have then received the beginning of felicity and full contentment to your souls ; having found none in your sins , you have it discovered to you where it is ; therefore with gladness you go on : and so far as you have hopes of attaining it , so far you have great contentment , &c.

Fourthly , In a word , If you have received Christ , you have fallen out with sin ; subjected pleasures , profits , and honors to him ; and you have received his Spirit , and this Spirit hath made you new , and maintains a War within you against the flesh , &c.

If this be not thy case , Oh that thou knewest what a case thou art in ! For then ,

First , What the better art thou for all his blood shed as yet , if thou wert this day to dye ? What would Christs blood do to the cleansing and saving of thy soul ?

Secondly , How canst thou look thy sins in the face , and think on what thou hast done and art ? How canst thou look inward into thy defiled heart , and not tremble , when thou hast no more shelter from the wrath of God ?

Thirdly , How canst thou look God in the face , who is a hater of sin ? How canst thou read his Attributes , think on his Threatnings , &c.

Fourthly , How canst thou think to have any duty accepted , any prayer heard , or rewarded ? &c.

Fifthly , How canst thou think on the day of Judgement , on the time when thou must receive thy final sentence , if thou hast not received Christ ? Oh what a thing is a Christless heart ! &c.

Quest. What shall I do that I may receive Christ ?

Answ. First , Till Christ be thine , and hath brought peace from Heaven to thy soul , let no peace be there to keep him out : I do not say , Overwhelm thy self with sorrow ; but , let sorrow dwell there , and let holy cares and solicitousness about thy spiritual state be there till Christ come , and quiet and reconcile thee to God .

Secondly , Read and believe the Gospel ; see there what Christ is , and thy necessity of him : Believing will open the door to entertaining of him ; assent will procure thy consent .

Thirdly , Keep up no Idol in thy heart against him : Turn out that that keeps out Christ . How dear soever it seems now , at last thou wilt see it more necessary to detest , than keep it .

I come now to exhort all poor weak Christians , that they would make after confirmation , and grow to a greater measure in Grace , as they have received Christ . It is not enough to be conceited that you have been converted ; and it will not be enough to the assurance of your conversion , or safety of your souls , that you think you are converted , and sit down there : he that is content with the opinion that he hath Grace , and therefore desires to have no more , because the promise of salvation is made to the Truth of Grace , it 's a sign he never had Grace ; strength in Grace , is your own felicity , 't is part of your happiness : Your eternal happiness will partly consist in your personal perfection ; and without personal perfection , all heavenly glory will not be a perfect felicity . If you have fixed your Anchor in Gods Promises , this engages you to look up , make after , and proceed , &c.

Take these Motives .

First , Consider , there is the same reason to move thee to grow and proceed , as there was to move thee to thy first believing . Why did you become Christians , but because of the necessity of the riches and excellencies of Christ , and that there was better things in Christ , than in the World ? And are they not so still ? Is the case changed ? If Christianity was reasonable then , it is reasonable now ; if it was necessary to begin , it is necessary to hold on ; and proceed in your Race , till you have obtained the Crown .

Secondly , Your receiving Christ essentially , contains in it an obligation to proceed and go further , actually to trust and obey him , whom you have taken for your Lord and Saviour from the very offices and relations of Christ received .

If I be a Father , where is my fear ? If I be a Master where is my Honour ? If I be a Saviour , where is your Confidence in me , Submission to my saving-work , Obedience to my healing Precepts ? If I be your Lord and Master , why do not you learn of me as your Master , & c ?

Your first Covenant engages you to proceed in fulfilling the things promised in your Covenant , &c. Better not to have promised to be his people , than to promise and break this promise . The very Mercies also you received from him , pardoning your former sin , entertainment in his Church , and all the blessings there found , are as so many obligations to proceed .

3. Ever since we came home to Christ , we have had an addition of Reasons , besides the first Reason we had to believe : Every day brings in new , &c. Certainly , if a little were desirable , more were more desirable : If the people that stood afar off , and never tried what Christ and Grace is , were bid to come in , those that have tried and tasted , are bound to proceed much more : You have the Spirit of God , experiences of his love , tasted the bitterness of sin , have had some trial of the truth of such things of which we speak , when others have eyes , and see not , &c. And will you turn back that have tasted ? &c.

4. Consider how much hath been lost upon many a soul for want of care to take rooting , and to proceed ? How much labour of the Ministry , mercies of God , pains and care of their own ? I speak of those that have seemed sincere , not been indeed so ; that have many times comforted the hearts of their Ministers and Friends , and have had some kind of comfort to themselves in that taste they have had of the good Word of God . How many times hath the Preacher been gladded to see such a one come to him , seemingly with a broken heart , seeming to set himself in the way of life ? yet the flesh prevailed for want of Confirmation . How many years have some spent in duty , in hearing , prayer , gracious society , profession of Religion ? yet afterwards the World hath drown'd all . What cause have you to see , you lose not the things you have wrought ?

5. Consider , how much of the Work of your own salvation since you are converted , is yet undone . Though you are sure your conversion is true , how many temptations to resist , enemies to conquer , duties to perform , and Heaven to be taken upon all those terms , as is the tenour of your Christianity ! therefore you had need to stand fast , and having done all , to stand ; you had need not only to believe but to wait and be patient in believing , and to proceed in the way you have chosen .

6. The want of strength and building up , makes the lives of many full of lamentable languishingweaknesses , scandals unto others , pain , calamity , and trouble to themselves . How long in healing ? And how much smart and pain , while the fruit of their own folly is cured ? How easily , and how frequently do temptations prevail ? And hence , as in a Wilderness , they are going one step forward , another backward , no evident keeping in God ; and all through the fruit of their own languishing weakness . The fruits of the sins of Professors have been such , that it should make you do all you can possibly , to escape the troubles at home , and reproaches abroad .

7. A life of spiritual weakness is usually a burden unto him that hath it ; it doth not only occasion his falling into sin , and so renews the wounds of his soul , but is a constant burden to him ; not that any measure of Grace is troublesome , but that which consists with so great a measure of remaining corruption , this is the burden : Sickness is burdensome though there be life . Methinks you should not then be reconciled to your fears : you should methinks see so great a difference between the sick and well , that for your own peace-sake you should seek after confirmation : Every duty they do is their pain , which is anothers pleasure : prayer , &c. their burden ; sometimes tired , wearied , dull , &c. presently overwhelmed with temptation : every duty is a grievance to them , through the weakness of their grace , and by their corruption .

8. Christians that are weak and not confirmed , lose abundance of the fruit of Gods Ordinances , that are improved by others : How many a truth that tasts exceeding sweet to others , hath no great relish to them , nor growth by it ! A healthfull man hath more relish in ordinary fare , then a sick person in varieties : The full stomack loaths the Honey-comb .

9. The weak and unconfirmed Christian is unprofitable , comparatively unto others : not that the Church would wish the weakest Member out ; but comparatively , unconfirmed Christians are very unprofitable unto others : like little children in the family , that must be looked to , make work for a great many more about them . What doth a sick person ? but the work of others is to feed , support , and be a help to him . The Church of God hath need of strong Christians that can pray in faith & fervency for others , and you can scarcely pray for your selves . Consider when the Church needs a great deal of help , will you sit down with low attainments and little things , when so many hundreds about you need so great assistance ?

10. Weak persons are many times the troublers and very dangers of the Church ; many calamities have been occasioned by them . The sinnes of Professors have occasioned the displeasure of God on the Church : their Errors hindred Truth , and made Divisions . When Christians have not so much strength as to know Truth from Error , that hearken to every one that speaks with likeness : What have these Christians done in the Church ! What mercies have been driven away ? so far , that I think the Church of God , since the Apostles dayes till now , hath suffered more by the sins of Professors , then by the malice of their enemies . And how canst thou expect God will save thy soul , when thou hast set the Church on fire , and been so great hinderance to others , that many should perish occasionally by thy example ? &c. The greatest sufferings of the Church have come from the miscarriages of the Church .

11. Such have been the great dishonourers of Christ , and the Graces of ancient Christians . The glory of their profession , their charity , self-denial , heavenly-mindednesse , patience , &c. preached the Gospel to the World more effectually then ever their words could doe . God expects your Lives should be a considerable means for the Conversion of wicked men : the same God that hath commanded Ministers to teach others by their Doctrine , hath commanded you should live for the conversion of the World ; that your zeal , humility , patience , charity , self-denial , should win souls to God . And if it be a sin to give over preaching when we may , surely so to give over living , &c. If woe unto me if I preach not the Gospel , then wo unto you if by your lives you preach not the Gospel . How many sinners have you about you , and how do you wrong and rob the ungodly of that Ordinance God hath appointed for their conversion and salvation ? You are persons that take the bread out of their mouths , the means that should save them out of their hands , while you deny them one of the commanded means of salvation , i. e. the eminent example of your lives : And if it be so great a sin to stop Preachers mouths , how great a sin to neglect this Ordinance ? Nay , are you not a dishonour to the Church ? Is it not because of Professors ill lives , that the prophane deride Religion , while they see not that glory in it that should over-power an unbelieving and denying soul , and should indeed effectually manifest it's excellency ? Are these the Professors , that are proud , stubborn , passionate , censorious , self-conceited , as contemptuous , and envious as any others ? I know the World is apt enough to slander , and the Servants of God bear a world of unjust reproaches : but oh that there were not this occasion , &c.

12. Those that are not confirmed and established in grace , the Devil , when he hath prevailed by a temptation on themselves , can easily make them his Instruments to draw and tempt others from their duty , to discourage them in their Religion , and to do that mischief in the world he hath done by temptation on their own soul. 'T is ordinary for Satan to make use of lapsed , distempered Christians , to be the instruments of his temptations to those that are better , &c. An honest Christian will not so easily hearken to a drunkard , or swearer , as to a Professor he had good thoughts of , Gal. 2. 13.

13. For want of strength and establishment in grace , poor weak Christians are a very great encouragement to the carnal hopes of wicked men . I think , scarce any thing in the world hinders our preaching more then this ; when the wicked see those that make the greatest profession no better then themselves , and in some things worse ; this hardens him against all the convictions that can be brought against him : Tell him he cannot be saved without conversion , he looks upon Professors , sees them contentious , worldly , peevish , passionate , &c. sees some sin or other ; this makes him think , he is as well as they : Must there be so much ado to bring men to this state ? Is this the difference ? ( say they ) &c.

14. Methinks it should be some trouble to an honest heart , that yet we must be so like to the children of the wicked One : and the weakest christians , are the likest to the wicked : I do not mean weaknesse in gifts , or knowledge , &c. but a weakness in practical saving knowledge , love of God , self-denial , mortification , heavenly-mindednesse , &c. they that are in these the weakest Christians , are the next and likest to the wicked : And doth not this grieve thee , that , though thou art not a child of the Devil , thou art so like one ? We should not be conformed to the World , nor like to them in any thing , no not in outward vanities : but to imitate the fashion of the World , as to inward corruptions , to go in their garb when a palpable vanity , to have so much of their pride , peevishness , malice , worldlinesse . Oh , look upon thy heart with humiliation .

15. Consider what a dangerous and lamentable standing those have , that be not established , &c. You stand , but it is as unrooted plants or trees that stand shaking in the wind : beholders are alwayes looking when they fall : you stand , but it is as a sick man , wavering , reeling , like Lot's wife , looking back , and alwayes upon every occasion ready to repent : You have been Believers , little things perplex and trouble you ; little tribulations and afflictions discompose and disturb you ; little temptations make you question the Scripture , the Providence of God , his love and care of his people , and the great foundations of Religion : Foundations seem to shake , because you are shaking and tottering , &c. And what is like to become of such a soul ? If thou stands shaking under small temptations for want of confirmation , what wilt thou do when a Papist , or Quaker , &c. shall so speak concerning Religion , which thou art not able to answer ? and so the surest foundation seems nothing when thou hast so weak hold : Our greatest afflictions , next to the misery of the ungodly , is , to think of our weak ones , what will become of them : and ●…e ily we do expect a considerable part of our Congregations should be carried away : those that are Christians and know not why , yet have not humility enough to make use of others , and to keep close to those that should assist them . Remember when you see such times when seducers are able to say the worst , shall make the strongest assaults on the weak ones , how many will be like to fall ? Again , sichness , death , dying times will come , when you shall find a little grace will not easily do your work ; and though you perish not , yet you may faint , and to your sorrow finde the want of confirmation . You cannot but know how the strongest are put to it in trying hours , or at death . Will slack and unsetled hopes of another life , such distempered hearts fight and encounter with such tryals ? Never think of dying comfortably , if you follow not after confirming grace .

16. It should humble you the more , that you have been so long , so many years in the School of Christ , and love God , &c. no better : Should not you in this Appren●…iceship have learned better your Religion , and been ●…eachers of others , when perhaps , if in the principles you are assaulted , you will show your weakness as soon as any . May not Christ say , Have I been so long time with you , and yet have you known , liv'd , &c. no better ? reached no higher ? attained no further ? weaklings still ? Nay consider in this time what advantage have you had for growth ? A tree planted on a barren wilderness , may not grow so much as in a fruitfull place : but you have had the plenty and power of the Ordinances of God , the choisest of the means and helps of salvation .

17. Consider , the nature of true grace tends to this : will you cross the nature of it ? shall we be such weaklings in Religion , which crosse so the nature of grace ? For grace , the more it 's exercised , the more it encreases .

18. Heaven it self is perfection , and the work of a Christian is to press towards heaven , and therefore 't is to press towards perfection . You should make towards the end , in a manner and way that is suitable to the end . Persons that enjoy so much already , and hope for so much greater , should not put off God with such little things .

19. Little grace shall have but little glory . You know not how great a difference there is between the least and highest in the Kingdom of God . Nay , 't is not only for a Christian to desire to be glorified , but to enjoy the highest degree in glory : to serve God with the best , and improve his Talent to the utmost , that his heavenly reward may be according . A Christian should not slight it when 't is tendred to him , and in his eye .

Quest. But how shall I know I have attained this confirming grace ?

Answ. These signs following shew a Christian confirmed and strong in grace , which I will name , that you may know what to aim at , and what to desire . There is not so great a difference between a King and a Beggar , between the greatest health and sicklyest man , as between a strong usefull Christian , and a poor l●…nguishing so●…l , &c.

1. A confirmed Christian is one that can resist many sub●…il and strong temptations , not only a single temptation , but when Satan assaults on every side , with errors on both extremes , with importunities of several parties , with temptations of prosperity offered , of adversity felt or feared ; strong temptations that seem to lay a necessity of yielding on a weakling , that makes him say , I must do it to save my liberty , family , life , &c. A strong Christian can say , there is no necessity : he can make light of those temptations that seem to be a necessity to other persons : he can confute a subtil Sophister , and deal with a cunning Adversary : Satan cannot so easily go beyond and out-wit him .

2. He can do great , excellent , and useful works , is serviceable to God if he have opportunity in business of greatest consequence ; he doth not serve God only in some little and inconsiderable things , but in his place sets himself to the Work of God , doth the great Work of his Majesty faithfully : The service of God to him is more easie and delightful , as to go ten miles is more easie to the healthful , than one to a sickly person ; he can go through God's service with pleasure , ease and delight , without tyring , fainting , siting down , or giving over .

3. He can digest the hard Truths aud Providences of God , that are ready to puzzle , perplex , and overset the stomach of a weak Christian : He hath laid his foundation , to which he reduces all things of difficulty , and by the help of those great truths he hath received , he can easily see through the difficulties of all that are yet before him . He can tell how to reconcile those things in Scripture that seem contradictions : where he meets with a difficulty , he can easily discern the cause is in himself , and that there is an undoubted way of reconciling them , though he hath not attained to it . He can easily quiet his soul under the most difficult providences , and interpret them so as is consistent with the truths of God , which must expound them : he reconciles Promise with Providence , and Providence with Scripture : whereas a weak Christian is ready to say , A hard saying who can ●…ear this and that ? And it is the difficulty of these kinds of Truths , that make so many turn their Religion , because not able to digest the hardest . Truths of God . Cross providences makes them question God's love , & c.

4. He is one that can exercise various graces without setting one against another , destroying or contradicting one another . He can do many works , believe many Truths , perform many Duties at once . He can rejoyce and sorrow at once , and make his sorrow an help to his joy , and his joy an help to his sorrow ; and so exercise both , in that nature as will not directly hinder or weaken one another . He can tell how in such a time as we are in , to rejoyce , yet to be humble : to be cast down at God's feet in the sense of the sins we have committed , and of God's displeasure , & c. yet to rejoyce in the mercies we have , and do expect to possess . He doth not look all upon sin , all upon affliction , or all upon mercy : but can eye every thing , and give every thing its part : can exercise graces methodically , gives truths and providences their proper place in his meditations and affections : and this makes his life orderly , beautiful , regular and useful : whereas a weak Christian , let him set himself against one temptation , he is taken in another : if he humble himself in soul , he can do nothing but humble , weep , grieve , fear , and be ready to cast away all comfort , all sense of the love of God : if he set himself to the consideration of the grace of Christ , he is apt to forget Humiliation , and to be puffed up with spiritual Pride , & c. Thus he hath not skill , strength and ability to carry on all the whole work of grace together .

5. A strong Christian sinks not under those burdens that would press down and overwhelm a weak Christian : he can bear heavy burdens , and more easily away with them , making it a recreation to bear some things that another would sink under , and cannot bear . It is thy weaknesse that makes thee make such a stir , when God layes on thee personal , family , publique afflictions ; that makes thee shrink under them : strength of grace would enable to see God and glory in the midst of them , and to say , All shall work for my good : it would enable thee to get advantage , and be bettered by them . Hadst thou strength enough to improve them , thou wouldst take comfort from them , and support thy self under them : but when thou hast not strength enough to understand God's meaning , to see the Duty then called for , to improve all for God , to do that service to God thou shouldst do in such a condition ; no wonder if thou have not grace to support and comfort thee in that condition . Whereas the confirmed Christian by strong faith , love , and patience , can carry great burthens , & c.

6. They are helpful to many , and troublesome unto few . They are the useful Persons in the family and place where they live : it is they can counsel others in their doubts , help them in their straits ; that can bear up the weak when ready to sink , that can hold others by the arm when not able to go upright ; that tend God's little ones ; And , if it were not for these , what would God's little ones do ? They are so furnished with patience , which God hath given them for the use of the weak ones in his family , and though they are troublesome , or do that which might be a disturbance to them , they will not thrust them out . It is they that comfort the feeble , support , provide for , strengthen , and confirm the rest ; and , were it not for these , what back-sliding hearts should we have ? & c. And they are comparatively , troublesome to few , ( though , while corruption cleaves to them , they shall sometimes be : ) It is not they that are censuring their Brethren , that are stirring up division , and make all that feud , that is in the Church : if they might be hearkened unto and regarded , there would be quietness and composure ( for if ever there be peace , it will be by the strong ones : ) But weak ones in grace are the burdens and troublers of the family : you may know they are the weak ones in God's house , in that they are those that are alwayes crying ; complaining , making fire-work in the family , back-biting , censuring their Brethren , quarrelling with one or other , & c. these peevish , troublesome souls are the weak ones , & c.

7. The strongest in grace are the best able to stand , work , and suffer alone . Though in duty they should not be alone , when they can have society ; and though they are most humble ) therefore sensible they need of others ) and will not throw away any of their helps , yet if all forsake them , they will stand to it still : they go not to Heaven meerly for company sake : they be not Christians meerly because such and such are Christians : If all the world forsake Christ , they will stick to him , unless Christ leave them to their own weakness . But the weak Christian hath a great deal more need of comfort and support , and lives a more dependent life : they cannot stand , work , suffer alone : if their Minister fall , they fall : if their Relations change , they change ; if there be not some body at hand to confute an Adversary , they yield : if there be not some body to keep life and warmth , they grow cold in every duty : in affliction they can step on no longer then led by the hand , & c. have Christians to support , and to quiet , and moderate their passions , and to teach them the Doctrine of patience : they can hold up no longer than they are refreshed with cordials : What would become of you , should God let you stand by your selves ? & c.

8. The strong Christian is one that can best live without creatures upon God alone ( and a weak Christian is one that hath most need of the creature , and can least live upon God alone ) under the censures of the godly , frowns of the wicked , without riches , honours , pleasures ; can have quietness and contentment in God , whether he have any thing or nothing , where-ever he is , & c. The more necessity thou art in of having something besides God for thy consolation , the more weak thou art : there must be comfortable provision in the family , health , ease , liberty ; there must be supply ; I know not how to be poor , disgraced , & c ! This impatient soul is the feeble soul : Impatience is nothing but the fruit of weakness . The strong Christian can live upon God alone : therefore if men make as if they were undone , if lost in their estates , 't is a certain sign of a lamentable weakness of a sick soul.

9. That is the best and strongest Christian , and most confirmed in grace , who is most employed and abides in love of God , in love to God : That hath the fear of God , but goes beyond fear , and loves most , and abides most in the love of God : That makes it his great business to feed upon , and study the love of God to him , and to return love to him again . The more God's Love is on thy heart , and the more thou livest in the fruit of that love , the stronger Christian. But he that lives most by a kind of constraining fear , though he may be sincere , he is but weak : where there is nothing but fear and no love , there is no sincerity ; but where there is some little measure of love , fear is such a tyrant that it will many times cloud it , so that almost all his life seems to be moved and managed by fear : and in this there is much lothness and unwillingness , and they had rather do otherwise then they do : According to the measure of love is the strength of grace .

10. He is the strongest Christian that hath most pure and most universal Love to others , that can love all men , even an enemy , with true , unfeigned love , even with such love as belongs to a Christian : that can love every Christian , and not a party only , with the pure and fervent love which belongs to Believers : that can love every child of God , and not those only that are of his own opinion , or have done him good , but all because they are children of God , with a sincere and special hearty love . That is the weak Christian that picks and chuses , that is staggering when he comes to loving an enemy : that takes in those that agree with him in judgement , and makes those almost the only object of his love ; that would confine his affections to some narrow society , some little Sect , party , or parcel of Believers , and cannot love Christians as Christians : And hence it is , division is the effect of enmity , or of weakness in grace , for want of the universality of love . I would make no question to prognostick the healing of all divisions within this Nation , could I but advance all that are concerned in it , to the right temper of Christian love . 'T is the weak Children in Christ's Family that falls out , when we have not enough love to reach to all , and to love a Christian as a Christian , &c.

Quest. What must be done by those that are converted to keep them where they are , to help them unto growth , to make them letter , to further their confirmation , to secure their salvation , that they may after all attain to the Crown ?

Answ. I shall leave with you twenty Directions ; and as many as there are , there are not more then you must practise ; and take them as if they were the last Directions I should give you ; and take them as practicals , not as notionals , that you must live upon as long as you live .

First , See that the foundation be soundly laid in your head and heart in matters of your Religion . In your head , i. e. that you well understand what Religion is , what the Christian Religion is : what God is : what it is for God to be yours , in his Attributes and Relations unto you : what he is , and will be unto you : what you are and must be unto him : what sin is , how odious , wherein its evil consists : what is sin , and what not : what sin hath done in the world , and what state it hath brought transgressors into : what Christ is , what he hath done for man's recovery and redemption : what he hath wrought , gives , and offers to the world : The end and design of God in the work of mans redemption : The tender of the Gospel-Covenant of grace , freeness , largeness , and excellency of the grace of this Covenant : The end of our Religion : the everlasting glory that is revealed in the Gospel , what it is , how sure , and how great . When you understand these things , get a sound and radicated belief concerning the Truths of the holy Scripture revealing all these things : And think it not enough that the Scripture is true , or that you are resolved so to believe , but get the best grounds for your belief , be well established on those grounds : Read the Scripture much , till you are acquainted with , and relish the matter and language , and feel the power , until all be delightful to your souls in reading . And be not ashamed to understand the Fundamentals : look to your Catechisms : The Fundamentals of Religion you must understand and receive . And when you have got them into your head , be sure you get them into your heart , and never think any truth received as it ought , till it hath done some special work on your heart ; till you believe that God is Almighty , Just , Holy , &c. and all the Attributes of God have made their holy impression on your heart : that the sanctifying knowledge of God hath warmed your affections , captivated your souls , that God be inthron'd in your hearts , by the belief and knowledge of your minds : Know your selves so as to be humble : know Christ so as he may be sweet unto you , and exalted by you : set up Christ in your souls nearest to your hearts : know sin so as to hate it , &c. 'T is the entertainment of the good things of the Gospel by the Will , that is the principal part of your Religion . 'T is a matter of lamentable consequence in all your lives , when there is not a sound work at the heart : how little life will there be from any truth in reading or hearing ? The Fundamentals of Religion must be so received , as not only to have an old heart mended , but a new heart made . Thus understand , believe , and give up thy heart to that thou believest and understandest .

2. Know and remember , the work of your Salvation must be as long as you live ; and that you have never done , till you have done living . I give this direction , because I find something in Christianity , the remainds of Carnality is apt to hinder , &c. and some Professors , when converted , they are reconciled to God , and safe , &c. but there 's a great deal to be done after , &c.

3. Understand well , Wherein it is your confirmation , stability , rootedness , and growth in Religion doth consist . The chief part of your growth in Grace is not , to know more things then you knew before : but to grow in the knowledge , belief , entertainment , and improvement of the same truths , that at first you did receive : ( not that you may not or should not know more , for the clear knowledge of the Fundamentals guide you unavoidably to the sight of many other truths ; which a darker knowledge of those Fundamentals will not discover to you . ) 'T is not an addition to your former knowledge , but the clearer knowing , sounder believing , heartier entertaining and improving of the truths you knew at first ; as the health of a man consists not in having every day variety of food , but in the partaking and digestion of the same food , that 's fittest for him : get but a more perfect conviction , or concoction of what you knew before , and this is your growth . You may grow in the knowledge of Gods attributes by knowing them more clearly , orderly , distinctly , satisfactorily and believingly then before . There is a world of difference in the manner of knowledge , between a dark and a clear knowing of things . Grow in greater love to them , and greater skill in entertainment , improvement , and practise of them .

4. Grow downward in humility , and inward in the knowledge of your selves : and above all , maintain a constant abhorrence and jealousie of the sin of Pride : grow in humility , and fly from Pride ; keep a constant apprehension of your unworthiness and weakness , of the odiousness and danger of the sin of spiritual pride ( so called , because exercised about spiritual things ) of being pufft up with pride of any thing in your selves , of being too confident in your selves . Below in own , and expect not , nor desire others good thoughts of you . Humility lies not in humility of opinion , speech , garb , or carriage : but in opposition to high thoughts of our own parts , gifts , godliness , when we think of these above their worth : still remember Psal. 25. Prov. 26. 19. Isai. 57. 15. Ioh. 22. 29. As ever you would grow in grace and be confirmed Christians , keep a low esteem of your selves ; be mean in your own eyes , be content to be mean in others ; and hearken not to secret flatterers that would puff you up . Take heed of any thing that would puff you up , &c.

5. You must understand that you are Disciples in Christs School , where Ministers are his teachers and guides : the Ordinances his means for his peoples good ; and the Scripture , the Book you must learn : therefore keep in this order : keep under these Guides , commit your souls to those that are faithful , and fit for souls to be intrusted with . And when you have done with humble submissiveness to their teaching , keep in this School under those officers in their Discipline , and dwell in the Catholick Church and Communion of Saints , and understand the duty of Pastors and People , Heb. 13. 17 , 18. 1 Thes. 5. 12. Obey them that have the Rule over you . If God had seen the poor Christians sufficient to support themselves , he would never have made it the duty of all , to be marshalled and rank'd in several Schools , Ranks , Orders , and all to walk in this Order to Heaven . If you withdraw from under Christ's Officers and Ordinances , you are in danger of being snatcht up as straglers .

Quest. What shall we do ? Whom shall we take for our guides , if God take them away , & c ?

Answ. 'T is not the denyal of publick liberty that loses that loses that relation between a Pastor and his Flock , nor any word from man should cause a poor soul to trust it self for guidance of Salvation to one that is not able : a man's soul is not to be hazarded upon damnation , by being deprived of the Officers and Ordinances of Christ , and cast upon the conduct of a blind guide , meerly for the pleasuring of a meer man .

6. Be sure you understand the nature of Church-union , and necessity of maintaining it , and abhorr all wayes that are truly Schismatical , that would rent and divide the Church of Christ . As you must not , under pretence of avoiding Schism , cast your soul upon apparent hazard of damnation ; so you must maintain the necessity of Church-Union and Communion : when Christ's members walk in Communion with Christ's members , supposing that which is singular to the generality of judicious men . Take heed of any thing that would withdraw you from the Communion of the generality of those that are sound in the Faith . Take heed of withdrawing from the main body of Believers . Christ is the Head of his Church , he will never condemn his Church ; walk in those substantials Christ's Church hath walked in . Divisions among Christians is a sin God hath described , as odious , and tending to the ruine of Christians . Be very suspicious of any that would draw you from the main body of Believers , and keep Communion with the Universal Church of Christ , with the generality of the godly in love and affection , &c.

7. Be sure your own hearts and ways be the matter of your dayly study ; and when hypocrites have their work abroad , let yours be much at home ; while they make it their business to censure this and that man , let the main of your business be in dressing the inward of your own hearts , in keeping all right between God and you . Observe your hearts inclinations ; if any inordinate inclination after any thing , set a special guard : mark which way your thoughts go , that you may know your inclinations by your thoughts . In an especial manner , preserve tenderness of Conscience , fear of sin , loathfulness to displease God , let truth have the mastery , maintain such a Conscience that dares not sin to save your lives ; be sure you sin not willfully , obey the light .

8. Be sure to keep up continually a lively apprehension of the state and place of your everlasting happiness , to live by faith upon the unseen world . Know where your happiness lies , and what it is , that you grow not to carnal apprehensions of your happiness . Live upon Heaven , and let that be it that shall animate your faith to duty : and all that you may still be weary of vexations , and sensible of the vanities here below : Let your conversation be above . Be confirmed in your apprehensions of the certainty and excellency of eternal blessedness ; grow more in Heavenly-mindedness and in satisfaction of soul , in the hopes you have of these things .

9. Understand the nature , method , and power of temptations how to resist them , and live in watchfulness . Be not a stranger to Satan and his methods of tempting , what you have to watch against and oppose , where you must be armed . Understand the nature of Christian watchfulness ; keep up a constant resolution and courage in resisting , especially the temptations you carry about with you , of your calling , constitution , company , and of the times ; set them down , remember them , keep a special Observation of them all : and say , This and this it is I am in danger of ; and 't is my integrity and salvation that 's in danger , and here place a special guard , and make it your business to resist . The principal cause of Christians negligence in this , is the security of their Consciences , and love of their Sins : did you know your danger , you would better look after your safety , 2 Cor. 2. 11.

10. Especially understand how much the flesh and carnal self is an Enemy to God and your souls : and how much you are engaged by the Christian Covenant to live in a warfare against your selves , and against your flesh . You must not think the life of self-pleasing is consistent with Religion : understand how you are bound to take the flesh for your enemy , to watch against it , and to live in a continual combat with it , Col. 3. 5. The flesh is your chiefest enemy : the very senses themselves are all grown inordinate , and the work of faith is very much seen in its exercise this way ; if you get an opinion that you may eat , and drink , and cloathe , &c. and do all things to gratifie your selves , &c. then no wonder if you find but little increase in spirituals , while you grow so carnal . Understand and practise the duty of Self-denial . Self is the very heart of sin : Humor it not , under pretence of liberty in Religion .

11. Give not way to a formal , heartless , seeming Religiousness , Customariness , without the life : but keep your souls in a continual seriousness and awakedness about God , Immortality , and your great Concernments . If one duty be dead , take heed lest that incline you to a deadness in another , and so grow to a customary deadness ▪ Take heed of spiritual slothfulness , that makes you keep your hands in your bosom , when you should be doing for your souls : stir up to , and in , duty , when you have but little time for life eternal : do not pray as if you prayed not , or hear as though you heard not : but , when upon duty , doing Gods service , do it with all the seriousness and vigour you can ; To grow lazie and negligent is the declining way : Use such considerations as may stir you up , Rom. 12. 11. Tit. 2. 14.

12. Remember alwayes the worth of time , and greatness of your work , and therefore so value time , as not negligently or slothfully to lose a moment : it will quickly be gone , and when you are at the last you will better know its worth : harken to no temptation that will draw you to any trifling , abusing , wasting of your precious time . If thou hast no argument against thy sports , trifling pleasures , &c. but this , It loses my time , take it for a greater argument then if it lose thee thy money , friends , or any thing in the world : especially value the preciousest of your time , your Youth , your morning hours , especially the Lords day ; lose not any part of it , but improve it with your selves and families : lose not a moment of the Lord's-day , nor any of thy precious time thou canst spare and redeem : if thou hast lost any , be humbled for it , and be carefull to redeem the rest : look back , Do you approve of the time that is past ? could you not have spent it better ? remember what you have lost , let that quicken you ; look before you , remember what is to be done , and do that first which must be done , and then leave trifles to that time you have to spare . It is ignorance and idleness , and not want of work , that makes any think they have time to spare . Eph. 5. 16. Col. 4 , 5.

13. Make a careful choice of your company ; you cannot travell well to Heaven alone , especially when you may have company : Thrust not your selves into every company , Eph. 5. 7. converse as much as you can with those that will help you , that are warm when you are cold , knowing where you are ignorant , believing when you are doubtfull , &c. Especially for your constant companions , live with those that will be a frequent help to you : Masters chuse the best servants that fear God : Servants , chuse to live with those that will help you in the fear of God : for Husbands and Wives , make choice of those that will intend upon Religion ; take heed of being unequally yoaked , and of thinking to get well to Heaven , while you presume to unite your selves with those that with great advantage will hinder , not help your Salvation .

14. Keep a constant guard upon the Tongue , especially take heed of those common sins that disgrace hath not d●…iven out of the world , but have got some kind of credit amongst some professors : namely idle talk that wastes precious time , makes us unfruitful to one another , backbiting especially , can they put but a Religious pretence upon it , or if they backbite those that differ in opinion . Remember that terrible passage , Pro. 18. 21. ●…Ia . 1. 26. & 3. 5 , 6. Psal. 39. & 35. 28. Avoid idle talk , backbiting , &c. Watch over your tongues : and if any are by nature addicted to a laxity of tongue , and multitude of words , there lies a double obligation on you in point of danger and necessity , above all others to keep a careful watch over your tongue , you should rather speak fewer words then others : and if you find your selves inclined to speak against any behind his back , reprehend your selves and avoid it .

15. Learn the holy skill of improving every condition that God shall cast you into ; learn how to live to God in every condition : ●… you have skill and heart , there is advantage to be got by all ; that prosperity may strengthen you in God , encourage you in his service ; that adversity may wean you from the world , help you to repentance , raise you to God , and give you more then it took away . Know the danger and duty of every condition , study them before they come upon you , that they do not surprize you : learn to know what 's the danger , duty , and ▪ particular temptation of every condition , and in that condition ▪ you are most likely to expect a fall into : prepare for affliction as the common lott of the Saints , take it as no strange thing when it overtakes you : know how to abound and how to want . A great deal of a Christians safety and comfort lies in this , to study the temptation and duty of every condition before it come , that so you may have your remedy at hand , and fall to your work and commit your selves to God .

16. Be as conscionable and strict in the duties of your relations , and dealings with men , proportionably as in the duties of holinesse , more directly to be performed to God ; make as much conscience , care , study , diligence , about being just , that you wrong no man in buying or selling , as you do in duties of holinesse , hearing , praying , receiving . In your trading make conscience of justice and faithfulnesse as well as in the worship of God , and in your own personall behaviour ; in your calling be diligent , not slothful in businesse , &c. And so in the duties of your relations : Oh that Parents knew what a charge lies on them concerning the souls of their Children , &c. So Masters , look to your servants , and be as conscionable in doing your duty for their souls good ▪ and being faithful to them , and compassionate over them , as in your duty to God : keep up family duties with life , seriousnesse , dilige●…ce and vigor : the life of Religion in the world must be kept up very much in families .

17. Make it your study and care to do all the good you can in the world ; let doing good be the principall part of your businesse ; think that the safest and happiest life in which you can do greatest good : suffer not opportunities to slip out of your hands ; take them where you have them , and seek where you may have them . Look not only where you may get good , but where you may have opportunities to do good to others : every Talent must be answered for ; your knowledge , health , &c. cause it as you will answer for it ; and know 't is one of the greatest Mercies in the world , for God to give you hearts in doing good with that he hath given , Heb. 13. 16. not for applause ; but be good Husbands for God , and consider which way you may attain your ends best , by what you give or do . Thus , be rich in good works .

18. Live still as before the living God , approve your hearts to him , as knowing you stand or fall unto his Judgment . Avoid carefully all offences unto men , for the Lords sake , and their conscience sake ; take heed of scandal ▪ and receive all the good from ▪ others you can , but stick not too much on mans approbation : disregard not suspitions or reproofs of Godly men , but make not mans praise to be any part of your reward ; it is a small thing for me to be judged of men . Be not much troubled at it , if you cannot please all : the bawlings of the malicious should not disturb a soul that is quietly housed with God : that soul is not well stablished in faith that can be so disturb'd and distempered by the wrath or words of malicious men . Remember , God himself pleases not all ; the most of the world are enemies to their Maker upon the acco●…nt of his Holiness , Justice , &c. and canst thou think to please all ? Appeal from the world and your selves unto God , for the consolation of his approbation , and for your felicity : this will save you from hypocrisie , and keep you from the temptations and vexations of the censorious world .

19. Be every day as serious in your preparation for death and judgement , as those that are alwayes certain that it will come , and know not the moment when it will come ( Mat. 24. 49. ) : Use often to think seriously before-hand , what Death is ; what thoughts , what trials , death will put a man upon : what temptations usually accompany our approaching death : what you shall most need at such a time as that : what thoughts are likeliest to possess you then : what you are likeliest to wish for , when you must needs die , about spending your time , expending your estate , conversing with others , &c. Ask your selves , What will I wish I had done or been , when I come to die ? Think what will be most dreadful to a dying man ? for thus you have time to escape his judgement : will it not be sad , to think on a life lost in vanity , drench'd in wordliness , unreconciled to God , or at least in utter uncertainty of his love ? God hath not foreshewed what will be a dying man's terror to torment thee , but to get out that terror ; that which will be most terrible at death , conquer and destroy it presently . They that were ready went in with the Bridegroom , and the door was shut , ( Mat. 25. 10. ) Oh happy thou , if while the door is open thou be found ready to go in : woe , if when the door be shut , thou hast thy preparation to make , thy graces to seek . Bethink , what you will either wish or fear when you come to dye , and when you will say , This should have been done , &c. Let it now be done .

20. Rise speedily after every fall by sound repentance , and a fresh recourse to the blood of Christ , Covenant of Grace , and his intercession . Lie not secure in any sin into which thou art lapsed : take heed of delaying and trifling , when thy particular repentance should be exercised . Renew thy Covenant , and after thy rising , deal faithfully with thy self and God , favour not thy sin , nor flesh , go to the quick , leave no corruption at the bottom ; If called to make restitution , to shame thy self before men by confession , stick not at it ; take the plainest course , that is the way of God : And let not any thought of shame , dishonour , or losse hinder it ; for the more it costs thee to rise from sin , the likelier it is thou art sound in thy conversion , and the more comfort wilt thou have ; otherwise the fears and pains of thy disease will be upon thee , when the through Cure would have prevented it ; quarrel not at any man's Reproof , though they miscarry in it , have mentioned thy faults with passion , &c. take that which is good and be thankful . And after every fall sit not down in perpetual distress , but , as Christ takes the honour of thy cure , take thou the comfort of thy cure , when recovered . See thou art truly risen by repentance , and returned to him whom thou hast dishonoured — . Thy care must be to see thou be sincere in thy return , and then walk comfortably . See that Satan make thee not to walk so as to rob thee of thy comfort , and God of his honour .

Thus having given you twenty Directions , I shall reduce all to these eight Particulars .

1. Do not think , strength of grace will be got with ease : you must do that , that in other things is done for the attaining of strength , increase , and confirmation . A man cannot attain Knowledge in Law , Physick , or any Art , without studying , diligence , unwearied labour and patience , through that time that is necessary to attain it . Set your selves to the reading of the Scripture , and other good Books ; study good Truths : Think not to attain mastery in a day : And if ever such a conceit come into your minds , that you are strong confirmed Christians , do not easily entertain it : there must be time , industry , and diligence : ordinarily , suspect the conceit you may have of strength and confirmation ; you must grow by degrees : God's Method is , to begin like a grain of Mustard-seed : we are not born men . Labour in the proper means with patience : infused gifts are given according to the manner of acquiring them : God gives , as if our acquisition did attain it : never think of having this without patience , labour , and diligence .

2. Grow up in the Church of God , and under his Officers , and Ordinances , and among his people : Do not transplant your selves from the garden and Vineyard of the Lord , if you will thrive : no prospering in the Commons where weeds will choak , &c. Keep within the Church of God , in the communion of his People , among his Servants , under the guidance of his Ministers , for that is the duty of Ministers to bring up , train up , and help the weak ones , till they grow to be strong : they are to be God's Nurses , and helpers of the weak in the House of God : Do not think to prosper by breaking over the hedge , under pretence of any right of holiness whatsoever , following any party that would draw you to Seperation .

3. Make it , amongst others , the principal study of your lives , to study the love of God in the Redeemer , the nature of the new Covenant , and the infinite goodness revealed in the face of a Mediator : how it was his design to attract the hearts of men to the love of God , by revealing his infinite love in the Redeemer ; unto what end Christ came for , even to represent God's goodness in sinners hearts , of their being reconciled to him , and ravishing them with his love . Study the glory and ravishing love of God , and unspeakable goodness in a Redeemer .

4. Live not by sense , or upon wordly hopes , nor in the exercise of it : See that you live a mortified life : take heed of glutting your selves with creatures , or letting your hearts out to any creature , or letting any creature be too dear to you : live not too much on any sensible thing , or upon any worldly hopes or expectations . Shut your eyes to the world ; let not your desires run out to the world , and live as much as you can upon the 〈◊〉 to come .

5. Let 〈◊〉〈◊〉 - suspition alwayes make you fear●… of temp●… , and keep you out of the Devils way : Would you keep your standing , grow better and strong in grace ? Let not the pride of your hearts , or confidence of your strength , make you to meet among any unlawfull communion , see any enticing spectacle , or thrust your selves upon temptation : you are never safe , if you thrust your selves upon temptation : Think with your self , My weakness is great , I must not gaze upon this entising object , lest my heart take fire ; I am not so strong as to be able to stand against such , &c.

6. When you cannot attain unto that heat of internal affection you should , be sure to walk uprightly with God : sin not wilfully ; keep your garments clean : Set his Law before your eyes , sin not wilfully for a World : be but found in the way of duty , and God will blesse you , and meet you in that way : be as exact in obedience , as if you had that frame of soul you desire .

7. In a special manner , keep all your bodily senses and desires in subjection ; mortifie the flesh , keep under your carnal desires in due subjection to the Spirit ; let none of your senses take the reins out of your hands : Keep a dominion over your Senses .

8. Lastly , All your life long be longing to die : let the work of your life be , to learn to dye . Consider what necessity to the safety and comfort of death it is to consider frequently , what assaults will be made upon dying men , that you may every day fortifie against it ; to consider what graces and duties will be most needfull and usefull then , that you may be most conversing with , and exercising those graces and duties . He that hath well learn'd to die , is no weak Christian. The strength of your grace lies in the exercise of these things , faithfully practise them and you will stand when others fall : you will have comfort , when others cast away their comfort ; you will die in peace , when others die in horrour .

Mr. Jenkins's Forenoon Sermon . Heb. 11. 38. Part of that verse . Of whom the world was not worthy .

THe Apostle in this excellent Chapter , that by some is deservedly called a little book of Martyrs , doth discover to us the triumph of faith : the noble victory of this excellent grace against all the difficulties , oppositions it meets withall , therein sets down a threefold excellency of faith , one is , that it doth assent unto truth , though never so improbable .

2. That it doth put men upon duties , though never so irrational , or against carnal interest .

3. That it enables us to suffering , though never so afflicting and difficult ; and this third part is that which my Text speaks of . These worthy men of God they overcame all the bitterness of the world , as well as the sweetness of it .

Now in these verses the Apostle doth these two things .

1. He here sets down the greatness and the smartness of their sufferings , which are by some learned men reduced to three heads .

1. Those sufferings that were to tempt them and to drive them from God , and their holy profession by those pains and tortures they were to undergo . 2. Those sufferings they underwent in dying , and the cruelty of those deaths that were laid upon them . 3. Their sufferings in reference to their wandring and leaving of their worldly comforts rather then they would loose God . But we need not be so curious in the distribution of their sufferings it may suffice us that they were steadfast in the midst of all , and would never be brought to forsake God and his truths for any of them .

2. You have here the ex●…cies of the sufferers , and that is here in that expression which I shall , God willing , make the subject of my discourse this morning , that these men , these persons when they were under all the distresses and troubles that they were under from the world , yet they were such of whom the world was not worthy .

Brethren , this excellency of these Saints and servants of God under their trouble is considerable in my Text two ways , that we may proceed clearly and distinctly .

1. In reference unto the world , unto the wicked , and so it is said their excellency was so great , that the world was not worthy of them . 2. It is discovered from that estimation that judgement that the Apostle doth here pass upon them , who tells us that he accounted them to be such as though they were under all these troubles and distresses , yet they were a people of whom the world was not worthy .

I shall pass by the former of these , and onely mention it as it falls in with the latter , and that is this .

The due estimate that this blessed Apostle doth raise upon this holy persecuted company of Saints , when they were under all their troubles , yet this holy man of God who was enlightned by the Spirit of God , and so was able to pass a right estimate , and due judgement upon things and persons , he tells us the world was not worthy of th●…m , and then from the second I draw this observation .

That a godly man ▪ one truly regenerated , doth see an extraordinary beauty , worth , and excellency in the people of God in the bitterest of all persecutions and troubles that doth b●…fall th●…m , or that a godly man , a gracious heart , one that hath spiritual spectacles doth see an excellency and worth in the people of God in the midst of all trouble and persecution that can hefall them . I know you judge this to be both a necessary and seasonable point ▪ In the prosecution of it , I shall first handle it Doctrinally , and then come to those profitable and useful Improvements of it , by way of Application , that the Point deserves .

1. For the Doctrinal explication of it , two things must be spoken to .

1. Wherein the high esteem of a gracious heart doth appear , wherein it doth discover it self to the Saints and People of God in their sufferings . 2. Whence it is , and how it comes to passe , that godly men have this high and honourable esteem of ▪ the Saints and People of God in this trouble and distress of theirs .

For the first of these wherein it doth appear that they have so high and excellent an estimation of them ▪ I shall give it you in five or six particulars .

1. It doth appear in this , in that they are not ashamed of them in their troubles ; they are not ashamed to own either their persons , or the faith that they do professe in their troubles : the s●…ciery of the People of God , and the fellowship of their very faith ▪ and their professio●… , is that ●…hat is highly respected by a gracious heart , let the Saints lie under never so great distresse : You shall seé this concerning Moses in the 25. and 26 verses of this Chapter , th●…t he ch●…se rather to suffer affliction with the pe●…ple of God , then to enjoy the 〈◊〉 of si●… for a season : the meaning is this , he rather chose to be looked upon as an Israelite , and with them to be afflicted as an Israelite , then to enjoy all the pleasures of Pharaohs Court . The profession of the true God , and the owning of the true Faith that Israel was to stand up for and to own , this was that that Moses could not desert ; and thence it was that he would not desert their persons and society ; and therefore you may re●…d it at large in the story of Exodus , that he went and visited his Brethren when they were in their afflictions , and their Brick kills : so that there is the first thing ; they are not ashamed of their faith or society .

A second Discovery , wherein they show so great a valuation and estimation of the Saints and people of God , is this , They sympathize with them , and have a fell wfeeling with them in their sufferings : If it goes ill with the Church and People of God , all the comforts they have are as nothing to them , if one Member suffers all the rest suffers ; and if i●… goes well with the Church of God , it goes well with them . You have an excellent example of this in Nehemiah , in the first and second Chapters of his Book , that when that holy man had the greatest favour of one of the greatest Princes then upon earth , yet he looks with a s●…d countenance , because of the afflictions of the people of God . I might give you many Instances of this ; that is a famous one in Psalm 137 verse 5. If I forget thee , oh Ierus●…lem , let my right hand forget her cunning : A common resembance of this is very good : As it is with two strings in an Instrument that are tuned together if one be struck at the other trembles : so if one Servant of Christ be in a suffering condition , another suffers with him ; and this , as one saith , is the damp of all a Believers worldly delights , he suffers with him , if not by him , he transfers their troubles to his own soul.

3. Herein is discovered the high valuation that the people of God have of suffering Saints , in that they can plead for them , and take their parts , when they are never so much despised , dispraised , abused , and out of favour .

That I may give you some clear Instances of this , you may see it in the case of Ionathan , how he pleads for good David before his cruel father Saul , though Saul by reason thereof , calls him a cursed son , and fell foul on his Mother , telling him he was the son of a wicked woman . So you shall see it in the case of ●…sther , that though it was death for her to go in to the King , and plead for her people , nay it was death by a Law , yet saith she , If I perish I perish ; I am resolved , let what will come of it , in I will go , and speak a good word for the people of God , I can but die , but I cannot be silent .

4. Herein is discovered the high valuation that the people of God have of suffering Saints , in that they will relieve them , and help them , and supply them with all those needful good things that they can ; and if they cannot do for them what they would and should do , yet they will do what they are able to do . You have a famous Instance of this in Ebed-melech , in Ieremiah 38. verse 8. and so on ; that when the King and his Princes was so angry with Ieremiah , as that they had thrown him into a dungeon , this good man doth nor only go to plead with the King for him , but would never leave him until he had gott●…n him some enlargement : and at verse 11. He took with him thirty men , and went into the house of the King , under the Treasury , and took thence old cast clout●… , and old rotten rags , and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Ieremiah . and Ebed-melech the Ethi●…pian said unto Ieremiah , put now these old cast clouts , and rotten rags , under thine arm-holes , under the cords .

Mark how witty this good man was in his loving contrivances , for fear the cords should hurt the arm-holes of this good man , he lines them with rags , though indeed they were lined more with love than with rags , but these ro●…en rags was not fo●…tten by God , and therefore God pro●…ises that he should have a merciful deliverance , and that he should not partake of the sword , and those other miseries that were to fall upon that people for abusing of Jeremiah : You have another instance of Obadiah in 1 Kings 18. 4 King Ahab was a great persecutor of the Saints and people of God , now at the 4. verse , When Jezabel cut off the Prophets of the Lord , Obadiah took an hundred Prophets and hid them by fi●…ty in a cave , and fed them with bread and water : I will not undertake to Prophesie to you this day , but it may come to that , bread and water may be very good commons for an honest Prophet , and faithful servant of Iesus Christ : for this was their condition , while the false prophets and Idol Priests was feasting at Iezabels Table : Here note the gracious disposition of good Obadiah , as well as the providence of God in this Act. I will name you one Instance more , and it is a most excellent one that will make all the people in the world in love with Gods Saints , especially Gods Ministers above all the rest , It is in 2 Tim. 1. 16 , 17 , 18. you sh●…ll there finde that blessed Paul , the excellentest servant that ever Christ had , one of them in the world , he was thrown into bonds and imp●…isonments , all forsook him , but saith he a●… verse 16. The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus , for he oft refreshed me , and was not ashamed of my chain : ●…ow did he shew it ? why at ver. 17. when he was at Rome ( which was the place where Paul died , and where the cruellest Nero ( as some conceive ) then Ruled ) yet notwithstanding , Nero was my enemy , and Cesar resolved my death , and all men were against me , this good man sought me out : [ he did not meet me in a by ▪ lane , or a narrow corner , where he could not misse me ] but he sought me out , and was troubled until he could find me , now saith Paul , The Lord grant unto him that he may finde mercy of the Lord in that day : I profess Sirs , I had rather have the prayers of Paul , then all the preferments of Pharaohs Court : It is the greatest treasure thou canst have in all thy house ▪ to have the prayers of Gods people ; It is more then to have all the preferments that thou canst possibly have in the world : And you that have shewed your great and liberal love in the late Collection to some of Gods servants , I do from my soul blesse God for it , and pray that you that have been willing to part with pebbles for Christ , may receive pearls from him ; truly Sirs , y●…a , that whatever you have done for his , may be ten thousand times made up by him , mercy in that day , and that you may have that will be something worth .

Shall I adde another discovery of the love of the people of God to other Saints in their troubles and sufferings , and that is their great and deep supplication to God for them , never do they go to pray unto God , but Zion is in their thoughts : I am confident it is so with some , and am perswaded it is so with all , they never pray that God would give them their daily bread , but they pray likewise that his Kingdom may come : David was a man under great trouble , as in the reading of the 51. Psalm ; I believe you will finde he was under the greatest and forest troubles that ever was , under trouble of conscience , soul-trouble , which is the soul of trouble , and yet they could not make him forget Zion , as you may see at the 18. verse of that Psalm , Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion : And though they sit in cieled houses , yet so long as it is ill with the people of God , they must pray , and if they cannot overcome men with their prayers ( which yet they must endeavour ) yet they will endeavour to overcome God with their prayers , and Ierusalem is never out of their thoughts when they come to pray to God : And therefore as one observes , though the sufferings of the people of God be precious in his sight , so also in the sight of his Saints too . I come now to open the second thing , to shew you whence it is that there is this high estimation in the people of God , of the people of God , when they lie under their troubles , and there are two heads of Reasons for it .

First in regard of those people of God that do behold their troubles , and them under their troubles : And , Secondly , in regard of those people of God that are under their troubles , and thus beheld by them .

First , in regard of those people of God that are thus , that do behold those that are under these troubles and distresses , in regard of themselves , they have this high valuation of them , and that in these three regards .

1. The people of God that look upon others in the time of their trouble , they are such as though differenced from them in regard of their outward estate , they may be honourable themselves , and well themselves , yet they have an interest in the same head , and belong to the same body that they do , they are not wooden legs , not glasse eyes of that body , but they are real , and true members , they are not in Christ by way of visible profession , but by way of invisible implantation ; now , if so , saith the Apostle , If one member suffers , another doth , so that now they are interested in the same common Saviour , and belong to the same common head , and therefore Christ tells you he is called the Saviour of the body , and the head of the whole : And faith that lays hold upon Christ , is called the like precious faith , because the faith of one believer doth as truly lay hold upon Christ , though not so strongly as the strongest faith doth , and in this regard it is that they set such a high valuation upon the people of God : Outward disproportion as to their birth , and education , and preferment puts no difference in a spiritual sense between Believer and Believer . A King and a beggar ▪ all one in Christ ; a Iew , or a Greek ; a great Schollar , or a poor ignorant man , as to their spiritual state all one , all made happy the same way : all are of the same head , as to their spiritual relation and condition , they are all under one 〈◊〉 of happiness , though may be on shall have a greater and another a lesser degree , yet they are , as to the kind of it , all m●…de partakers of one salvation . And then another thing is this , because they look at spiritual excellencies , and 〈◊〉 able to discern spiritual excellencies : they have a renewed judgement , and a new eye , as they look upon their old sins with new eyes , so they look upon their company with new eyes ; those waies and practices that they looked upon before as lovely and excellent , now they look upon as vile and base , Prov. 12. 20. and those that they looked upon as vile and base , they look upon as lovely and excellent : those that they cared not for their company , they look upon as more excellent then their neighbour , as David saith , in Psalm 16. My goodness , Lord , extendeth not to thee , but to the Saints that are in the earth , and to the excellent , in whom is my deligh●… : Here was now the renewed estimation that God bestowed upon Davids judgement , to see these the excellent ones of the world , which worldlings despised : A carnal eye sees no glory , but in carnal objects and persons ; worldly men see no beauty , but in worldly men , they bless the covetous whom the Lord abhors , and they will speak well of a man when he doth good to himself , when he is in his worldly grandeur and glory , but now a spiritual eye , he discerns spiritual excellency in the meanest Saint .

Brethren , observe this notion , it is an easie thing for a man to discern glory and lustre in a Picture , or the like , but not so easie for a men to understand true work : Now a skilful eye discerns a great deal of curiosity in the holiness of the lives and wayes of gracious hearts , but wicked men want this way of discerning ; there is a workmanship in the people of God . You are his workmanship , s●…ith the Apostle , now this workmanship of God , so far as it is expressed in the life , a godly man is very much taken withal , not with the worldly grandeur and gaudiness of a child of God , but with the workmanship , the spiritual excellency that is in him : A beast can see the shining of a Diamond , but knows not the worth of it , it will rather lick up a lock of hay then a Diamond , though of never so great a value : a wicked man wants a spirit of discerning : The four Monarchs of the earth are expressed by four beasts , which shews their cruelty , not their curiosity , in observing that of God which may be observed : As a child is taken with the gayness of his lesson , but a learned man is taken with the learning of his lesson : so a wicked man is taken with the gayness and trappings of Religion , but a godly man is taken with the spiritual excellency that is in Religion .

Thirdly , a child of God is one that imitates God , he esteems and judges of the people of God as God judges of them : As a childe you shall see , he esteems as his father esteems , if the father cannot endure to have such a one come to his house , if the child sees that man come , he will not love him , and so if the father loves such a man , the childe will love him too : As now the Courtiers , they follow the example of a King , and whom the King favours they honour and cringe too ; why so whom God favours , a godly man favours , God doth not judge of men as men do , by his gay apparel , or gold ring , or great birth , alas , he that wants bread is more highly esteemed of in Gods sight then such , and so he is in a godly mans account : A godly man is conformable to God , and a follower of God as a dear child ; now you shall see what an estimate God puts upon his people : God is more taken with one humble broken hearted sinner , and one humble contrite breathing of a soul , then with all the gold and silver in Solomons Temple , not many noble , not many mighty doth God set his heart upon , but where he sees his Image ; he who hath the Image of God , he hath the love of God ; there is the first reason in regard of the people of God , that are beholders of others .

A second reason is taken from the people of God that are beheld : and here I shall name you five or six Considerations .

1. The people of God , they that are truly such in the midst of all their present distresses , let them be what they will , yet their end shall be happy : now men do not regard men according to what they have in present possession , but according to what they shall have ; the poorest man here in the world that is rich in faith , he shall be rich in glory and honour , the people of God are heirs of glory , and therefore they are said to be heirs of God , and co-h●…irs with Christ , 1 John 3. 2. Beloved , now are we the Sons of God , and it doth not yet appear what we shall be ; The people of God are to be looked upon according to what they shall be , not what they are , here they are Princes , though under a disguise , they are coming , though not come to their Crown , those , saith a Saint , that are now scorned , reproached and buffeted , and libell'd , shall shine in heaven , when Christ shall appear , they shall appear with him in glory , they are heires born to great Estates .

The second reason is this , They are for the present very useful and beneficial to the world , they are those for whose sake the world was made , & they are the very pillars of the world , to hold it from shattering about your ears ; they are the great common blessings of the world , as the Sun and Stars are the common blessings of the world , and fire and water , so these are the common blessing●… of mankind for which he will spare the world , those that are pulled down by the world , are they that keep the world from being pulled down ; they are the soul of the world , the wicked are but the carcass of it ; and if God had gathered in all the world of his people once , the world should not continue one hour , as Sodom was destroyed when Lot was taken out .

Third Reason is , The highness and excellency of their performances , and of all the good things they do ; there is a worth in every holy work , in every supernatural employment , in every holy prayer , in every thing a godly man doth there is such a goodness in the work , that all the wealth in the Indies cannot recompence ; and therefore saith Luther , I had ratber do the least truly good work then obtain all the Conquests and Victo●…ies of Cesar and Alexander . Now if their good works shine so before men , is it possible a gracious heart should see it and not be taken with it ? There is nothing doth so much take with holy men as holy performances : and therefore as a man that is learned , when he sees another learned man make a learned Oration , he wishes he could do so too ; so a godly man , when he sees another man can pray and live holily . Oh , saith he , that I could do so too , and be so holy as he is .

4. A fourth Reason is , The present priviledges of the people of God , not only what they have in reversion , but their present priviledges : Why but are the priviledges of the people of God so great ? Yea ▪ the very present enjoyments of the Saints and people of God , the explanation of them would deserve many Sermons ; they shall be freed from all evil , there shall nothing hurt them ; their lusts may be destroyed , but their souls shall never be destroyed . What a priviledge is this for a man to be shot-free ; do with him what you will you can never hurt him ; you may disgrace him , you may torture him , kill him , but yet you cannot hurt him ; whatever befals them turns to their benefit ; they may be afflicted , but not hurt by affliction ; the greatest hurt the world doth to them tends to their greatest good : worldlings may take away their head , but they cannot take away their crown : there is nothing of evil can be evil to him that hath a good God : this a Child of God hath for the present , and not only so , but there is the real communication of a saving interest in all that is good ; all that God is , all that he hath , and all that he doth is theirs : Is not this a glorious priviledge ? The power of God is his to protect him , his love his , so as to be set upon him ; the righteousness of God his , so as to acquit him from his sins ; the very righteousness of God is a very great blessing and happiness to the Children of God , and they may not only appeal to the Bowels of Gods Mercy , but to the Bar of his Justice . So that now I say , all that God is , is his ; the faithfulness of God is his , in keeping his Promises ; the care of God , in defending and protecting of him , and so all the providences of God , all that he doth shall tend to the good of his people : as he saith , All is yours , life is yours , and death is yours , and all these things shall do you good : Psalm 25. 10. that is a rare Scripture , All the wayes of God are mercy [ oh sweet ] and truth [ oh very comfortable ] to them that are in covenant with him . Mercy , so that they are enough , Gods Providences shall do them good : and Truth , so as that they shall certainly do them good . In one word , Earth , Heaven , and God and all shall be laid out to do them good ; Is not this a great priviledge ? In this world they may go to God and tell him wherein they are troubled and pained , or afflicted , and they are never so welcome to God in their petitions , as when they ask most from him ; when they come to ask riches , and the like , God will give them to them so far as they may be for their good , but so great is the priviledge of a believer , that God doth delight in him most , when he doth ask most from him , and he will give him whatever he desires that may make them good , or do them good , and may be for his good . God is exceedingly taken with them when they ask peace , and pardon ; peace of conscience , and pardon of sin , strength against sin , power to overcome their l●…sts , and to withstand temptation : the people of God may have from him all that they want , or can regularly wish for .

5. Here is something more considerable , these people that lye under troubles and distresses , they are such now as have an incomparable near and dear relation unto God , they are the elect of God set apart for him , and though God hath a common propriety in , and relation to all the world , yet he hath a peculiar relation to his people , and therefore they are called his jewels , his house , his garden , and his portion ▪ and indeed , as God is his peoples portion , so his people are his portion , they are those that God hath laid out a great deal for , and that he hath been at a great deal of cost to purchase . In one word they are the glory of God , they are his spouse , children , house , treasure , portion vineyard , garden , they are his all , can we look upon these now , and not look upon them as excellent .

Lastly , They are such as have the image of God set upon them , imprinted upon them , and all the good they do , it is an immanation or ray from that incomparable holiness that seed of God that is in them , you read concerning righteousness and holiness that we are renewed in it according to his image , now I remember one observes excellently upon this portion of Scripture an image doth not represent any under excellency in a man , but it doth represent something that is eminent about his body . If you were to take the picture of a man , you would not take the picture of his back , or of his feet , or hands , but of his face : the people of God they discover Gods bounty indeed , in some regards as they are men , and have wit , and wealth , and worldly dignity , but this is not the image of God , the image of God is that which is the representation of 〈◊〉 excellency , as the power of God is the hand of God , and the wisdom●… of God is the eye of God : so the holiness of God that is the 〈◊〉 of God , now the people of God ●…re his beauty , in 〈◊〉 they are the representation of his holiness , 2 〈◊〉 . 1. 4 Be ye holy as your heavenly 〈◊〉 is hol●… . Rom 3. 23. 〈◊〉 likeness to God is a likeness to him in the 〈◊〉 of his excellency , in having the divine nature , in having ●…he life of ●…od , in having the glo●…y of God which is grace , and there is more of God in grace then in all the works that ever God did in the world , there is much of God seen in the making of the Sun , Moon , and Stars , but in giving a man a new nature , in changing his heart , and sanctifying of him , and giving him a principle of regeneration , and the making of him become a blessed Saint , and from a cursed nature to sit him for heaven ; God shews more the excellency of his name in this , then if he should have made ten thousand suck visible transient w●…rlds as we look upon . Thus I have given you the Doctrinal explication of the words , now give me leave to make some little Application , and I would raise these following inferences .

1. What excellency shall there be seen in the people of God in heaven at the day of Judgement , if there be now such a beauty upon them , are they now so amiable when they are in their rags , what shall they be then in their Robes , are they now so amiable upon a dunghill , what shall they then be upon a throne ; and therefore saith he , the Lo●…d Jesus Christ shall be admir'd in all them that believe , as a house keeper is admir'd in his entertainment , so at the day of Judgement the Lord Jesus will so cloath this people with glory , that he shall be wondred at . Oh what a head is he that hath such members , that are so beautifull ! what a Lord is he that hath such attendance ; and therefore remember , the next world is the day of the people of Gods appearance , here they are in their non appearance , it doth not yet appear what they shall be , the very wicked themselves shall admire them .

2. I gather from hence what we are to 〈◊〉 of those that have no regard either for religion or religious ones , either for godly men or godliness any further then it is adorn'd with outward beauty , and 〈◊〉 ornament , there are some that if religion and the ways of God be persecuted , and frown'd upon by the great men of the world , and be not lookt upon with a favourably eye from authority , farewell Religion then , these love the childe for the nurses sake . When Religion is in fa●…hion , then they can come to Gods people , and ●…ringe to them , and the like . But as the shot Deer when i●… hath the arrow sticking in its side , all the rest will run from it : so when godly men have an arrow in their side , and are under persecution and oppression , then farewell Religion . What is this but to look upon Religion as inferiour to worldly grandeur , and dignity . If I love Religion for prosperity , and for the countenance of authority , it is certain I love these things more their Religion . All that I shall say is this , thou shalt never 〈◊〉 communion with those in their glory , whom thou dost undervalue for their grace , if Religion here be your contempt , happiness shall never be your reward , and if the people of God be too bad for you here , they shall be too 〈◊〉 for you 〈◊〉 .

2. I would note the excellency of holiness , and Religion , and godliness above all worldly excellencies whatsoever . If a man be in reproaches and persecutions , he is never the better for all his worldly endowments , these all leave him , but now holiness , the excellency of it lyes in this , that it draws forth an admiration for its excellency notwithstanding all opposition . Set a gyant in a valley , he is a gyant still ; a pearl is a pearl though on a dunghill ; and a holy man is a holy man , though never so much disgraced and contemned by men . But now let a wicked man be never so high and honourable , this man is a base man in the account of God , and in the sight of Gods people . Dan. 11. 21. It is said of Antiochus Epiphanes , who was accounted the admir'd great prince of his time , yet he is called a vile person . And that Iohn the Baptist who had a jeathern girdle , and locusts and wilde honey was his food , yet Christ saith of him he was the honourablest man born of women ; and on the other side , when Herod was cried up , the voice of God and not of man , what was he in the account of God and the Spirit , why he is struck dead , and made meat for worms . There is a silent Majesty and dignity in reproached piety , when there is a silent ignominy and baseness in advanced wickedness ; a poor minister of Jesus Christ when he is cast out by the world , and thinks he shall be counted the scum of the world , yet let him not be troubled ; as it was with Christ , it is with the servants of Christ , the Lord Jesus when he was here upon earth , no man under so much ignominy , and reproach , and persecution , yet all this while Jesus Christ had a secret glory that shined through all these ignominies and disgraces , you read he was laid in a manger ; but then he was worshipped , sometimes you shall read he had no money , but yet then he could command that a fish should be caught , and he could have money , somtimes a weary , and yet at that very time converts a woman . Look through the whole course of his life , there was a secret glory under all his ignominy , when he was brought before his enemies , yet then they fell down before him ; take heed of dishonouring God . Thus it is with the people of God , they are in distress and poverty , but there is a secret dignity that beams forth ; as the Apostle saith , the Spirit of God and glory rest upon you ; If you be persecuted for righteousness sake blessed are you ; on the other side , when rich men are in high esteem is there not a secret disgrace to be in a high place , and yet to be a swearer , a drunkard , a whoremaster .

4. You see the way of it , how a man may get a good name : would you be as those holy men are said to be that obtained a good report through faith ? I will tell thee the way , be a holy man , take heed of sinning , take heed of dishonouring God , this will make thee that thy name shall never rot , and God will have thee in everlasting remembrance .

5. I note from hence the certain happiness of those beholders that do see this excellency and worth in the people of God under worldly contempt , and under worldly ignominy and disgrace : for the comfort of these let me tell them , if there be any thing in the world a sign of a gracious heart it is this , to love holiness , for holiness sake when it is advanced is good : but to love holiness when it is upon a dunghil , and is spit upon and persecuted , that man shows the truth of grace , and the strength of grace too : It is a sign not only of a true sight , but of a strong sight , to pierce so as to see a godly man beautiful in sufferings , and remember this for certain , the Lord will have an eye to thee . There is a great deal of comfort may come to thy soul in all thy distresses , here is a ground of comfort .

First , In thy infirmities : Dost thou love holiness when it is compassed about with sorrows , and troubles , and persecutions ? Certainly Christ will see the truth of thy grace in the midst of all thy infirmities , and he will know a little of his own in the midst of a great deal of ours ; but then in our outward trouble there is comfort ▪ Do you think if you regard not Gods people in their sufferings , that he will regard you in your sufferings ? If you remember the godly poor , God will make your bed in your sickness , God will remember what you did at such a time , such a visit thou gavest to such a one of mine in pri●…on ▪ and such a time tho●… didst so ●…nd ●…o ; those that have k●…pt close to ●…od in their outward highness ▪ he will never c●…st them off for their lowne●…s ; you ●…an see nothing of grace in our selves , nothing but hypocrisie ; yet c●…st ●…ou say , Lord , I love thee in thy Image , I love the Lord J●…s Christ in his wo●…st 〈◊〉 , I love him in his Members ; this hath brought many a servant of God comfort in the ●…wangs of his conscience : But then there is abundant comfort to the people of God at the last day , when they shall appear before all the world , when they that have persecuted Christ , and his Church , and ●…eople , do fear and tremble , yet then mayest thou say , Remember , Lord , what I have done , it is a token I am one that thou in●…endest good too , because thou hast kept me faithful to thee and thy cause : Do you think a Judge will condemn that man that hath saved the life of his dear W●…fe ? but when you shall appear before the Judgement seat at the great day , and every pot of water , and every rag that thou h●…st given to the Spouse of Christ , shall be remembred , do you think he will not reward it .

To conclude all , let me note but this one thing ▪ that now the people of God from hence should learn , and that is , not to be discouraged in any outward re●…roach or trouble that can befal them in this world ; remember at that very time God hath a good opinion of you , though you be never so mean and low in 〈◊〉 account of the world ; yet the Saints of God , who are the only wise men in the world , these have a good opinion of you , and love you , and pray for you , and pitty you . I profess the love of one Saint is that that makes amends to a gracious heart , for all the hatred and persecution that he endures from all the sinners in the world : and then remember , that even the wicked themselves will have a good opinion of you , when you do not comply with thei●… superstitious wayes and practises ; and if all this will not comfor●… you , remember your own consciences , which is as a thousand witnesses , will one day comfort you , and though you are under disgrace ▪ and contempt , and reproach from wicked men , yet remember , no man is a miserable man for any opinion another hath of him : so long as God keeps thee close and faithful to him , either thy conscience doth comfort thee , or it shall , and it is a good conscience that will give the best acquittance .

And then to conclude all for thee , to have the whole number of God●… people to look upon thee to be an unworthy and vile man , I look upon it to be a greater disgrace , then to have all the ignominy and disgrace that the world can lay upon you ; remember , when godly men are ●…fraid of you , you have very much cause to be afraid of your self ; and remember , there is much reason for you to put you upon the looking and narrow enquiry into your own hearts and wayes ▪ when the people of God , that God hath given his Spirit too , stands at a distance from you , and are afraid to come nigh you .

Mr. Jenkins's Afternoon Sermon . Exod. 3. 2 , 3 , 4 , 5. And the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a Bush ; and he looked , and behold the Bush burned with fire , and the Bush was not consumed . And Moses said , I will now turn aside and see this great sight , why the Bush is not burnt . And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see , God called unto him out of the midst of the Bush , and said , Moses , Moses , And he said , Here am I , And he said , Draw not nigh hither ; put off thy shooes from off thy feet , for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground .

LET us take a short view of the foregoing Verses ; and that this may be the more useful and profitable ●…o us , we may take notice , That as in the former Chapter ther●… is described Moses's preservation to his future employment ; so in this Chapter there is described his preparation , ●…nd his sitting for that employment , i. e. by a Vision , or ra●…her a suitable Apparition , in which God discovered unto Moses his care of the people , of whom Moses was to be a speedy deliverer . You have here in the word●… read unto you , the preparation afforded to Moses for the great work , of being called to be Israels deliverer , and in this preparation you may take notice of these three principal parts .

1. An Apparition that is here presented to the view of Moses , A burning , though not a consumed Bush. 2. Moses care to observe it , I will turn aside and see this great sight , why the Bush is not burned . And then , 3. Gods Monitory Precept , or Admonition , which he afforded unto Moses , when he was drawing near to see this wonder , in which we have principally considerable two parts . 1. This Precept propounded , 1. Negatively , That be should not draw near . 2. Affirmatively , That he should put off his shooes from off his feet . 2. You have considerable the Reason or Argument , whereby God doth back this Precept or Admonition , i. e. Because that place whereon he stood was holy ground , The time would fail me if I should go over all these parts , we shall only touch on the two former , the Apparition which Moses saw , and Moses's desire to observe it , of which I shall only speak transitorily , and insist on the latter more fully which I chiefly intend .

1. For the Apparition , or emblematical discovery of the estate of the Church in the burning , and yet unconsumed Bush. And herein take notice of three things .

1. The lowness and weakness of the Church , represented by a bush . 2. The cruelties of the Churches enemies signified and represented by Fire . 3. The eminency of its preservation , though in the fire , yet unconsumed .

And in this only take notice , that the Church is compared to a bush for two reasons : 1 ▪ In regard of its deformity , and blacknesse , and uncomlinesse . 2. In regard of its weaknesse and brittleness . The Church is uncomly in regard of sin , and weak in regard of suffering , and God see●… it best that it should be thus with them to humble them , and to shew his goodnesse to accept them , and to love them , and make them long for their future beauty , and hereby God makes them more conformable to their Head , hereby he makes them endeavour to look after inward beauty and glory , hereby he puts them on a life of faith , and takes them off from living by sense , and creature comforts , and from being entangled with creature comfort , and hereby he shows how little he regards the beauty and glory of this life , which he denies to the best of his people : And hereby he shows , that there is a better state of appearance and glory approaching ; and therefore the people of God are not to be censured under their blackness and deformity , either in regard of sin or suffering ; their happinesse is not to be judg'd by its outward appearance , because this life is but the obscurity of the Church ; we see them like the Tents of Kedar , but we do not see how like the Curtains of Solomon they shall be . 2. The people of God should take heed of expecting that glory of this world , which is not promised to them , and to set their hearts on Heaven . And you may see the reason , why wicked men stumble so much at the outside of God's Worship because there is no outward bravery and beauty to allure them to the true Worship .

2. The Church is compared to a Bush , in regard of its weaknesse and brittlenesse ▪ Note , That it is not compar'd to a strong sturdy Oke , but to a weak brittle Bush. God loves to bring his Church into a low and weak estate and condition ; as it is here compared to a Bush , so other ▪ where to a Vine , a Dove , a Lamb and a Sheep , all weak creatures ▪ Somtimes the Church is said to be fatherless and destitute ; and as our Lord Jesus Christ , the Head of the Church , was said to be weak , a worm and no man ; and as the Apostle said , Suffered through weaknesse . And this makes them to trust in God , and puts them to rest on his strength ; When we are weak , then are we strong , outward weaknesse will make us look the more to Christ for spiritual strength ; the weaknesse of our state doth shew the spiritual strength God gives to his people for the upholding of them . And this weaknesse of his Church doth exceedingly confound his enemies , when so weak a company shall be delivered not only against , but by the strength of men ; and hereby God doth gain to himselfe the greater glory in their deliverance , for remembering them in their weak estate . Hereby the people of God , a●…e made the more thankfull , both for their preservation in , and deliverence from their powerfull adversaries . You ●…ee , here is a large field opened unto me , for the discoursing upon the Church's weaknesse , which whether it be more sutable to the Text , or to the Times , I leave to you to judge . But ,

2. Consider the cruelty of their opposition : that is set forth and ●…epresented by the fire that burned in the Bush. Afflictions , and especially persecuting o●…es , are in Scriptu●…e f●…equently set out by fire , as , The fiery tryal , the fire of Affliction . This doth not onely discover the rage and cruelty of men , but also the benefit and utility that comes to the Church by Affliction ; for the Afflictions of the Church are not as consuming , but trying fire ; as the fire in a Furnace is to Gold , it only takes away the dross ; nor like the fire of hel , which hath heat without light , but the School of persecution hath light as well as heat , the School of affliction is the School ▪ of teaching , God teacheth his Saints excellent Lessons by the light of that fire , But I passe by that , I might now insist upon the third thing . —

3. Consider the eminence of their preservation , It was not consumed ; the Church of God was hot , but not altogether and wholly consumed ; let the fire be never so hot and spreading , the Church of God shall have a being ; if the Church be lesse in one place it will be greater in another ; what it loses in one place it gets in another ; and God will have a Name among his people on earth ; A man may as well attempt to blow out the light of the Sun with a pair of bellows , or batter it with snow-balls , as to root the Church out of the world ; for it is impossible to root Christ's Church out of the world ▪ And if you take notice of particular Believers , it is not consumed , in a way of hurting and destroying them ; and consider , their graces are not consumed , their welfare is not destroyed ; this fire cannot burn them up , though it burn upon them : But as he will mittigate and allay the fire , so as that it shall not decrease their strength , so he will cleanse his people by the fire , so as that it shall burn up nothing but their drosse , and what makes them offensive unto God , and what may make them hurtful one to another . But I passe it by , these things to the second general Part , viz

2. Moses care to observe God's admonition , That he would turn aside and see this great sight , why the bush was not burnt . Moses was an excellent Naturalist , and yet here he was posed ; he could see no reason in nature by all the learning of the Egyptians , how this thing should come to passe that a flaming fire should be in a brittle bush , and yet the bush not consumed ; And yet I do not conceive ( as some Jesuitical Expositors upon the place do ) that Moses did turn aside so much out of curiosity , as to understand what it was that God did intend by it , and would have him to learn by it . And doubtless when Gods works are great , our observations should not be small ; when his providence is eminently lifted up , we should no be cast dawn ; when the hand of God is upon us , we must not shut our eyes , I am very far from being a Phanatique , and to give credit or be led by unscriptural revelation ; but let me tell you , the times wherein we live are strange times , in regard of strange sights and apparitions , and I question if there have not bin some as wonderfull as this in our times , but I shall not now mention them ; though it be a forfeiture of your modesty to give a reason for them , yet they do portend some strange things ; the hand of God is not to be neglected , though it cannot be perfectly conceived ; and it is the nature of a Wicked man to have Gods works far out of his sight ; be sure to lay them up in your hearts , And thus far you may take notice of them , To trust that God that hath all the Elementary Meteors in his power , and at his command ; and this learn to tremble and dread before that God that hath you in his power , and can do with you and all other things as he pleases .

3. You have here considerable the Admonition of God , or the Monitory precept God lays down to Moses , i. e. he forbids him to draw nigher , and then bids him to pull off his shoes : the reason of the former will be easily understood in the opening of the latter ; I shall therfore in it briefly take notice of two things .

1. An Injunction , put off thy shoes . 2. The Argument whereby he doth back this , Because the place wheron he stood was holy ground .

For the opening of the former , the Injunction , put off thy shoes , I shall not give the divers glosses and divers Interpretations which men , with more wit then weight , have endeavoured to make of this Scripture ; he plain meaning is this , which is given us by Thed●…et , put off thy shoes , God's scope , and drift , and i●…ent he●…eby was , to require of Moses reverence , when he was to receive a Message of very great concernment and importance about his Church ; the design of God was in this to prepare him to obedience , therefore God requires that of him then , which servants were wo●…t to do when they came to their Lord and Master , to shew their reverence to them , servants used to come barefoot to their Masters , to testifie reverence to the commands of them on whom they waited : Nudare pedes signum reverentiae . And the putting on the shoes is in Scripture , as well as among other Writers , held as a token of domination or masterly Power . Hence some conceive , Iohn spake of Christ as one that had his shoes on ; and of himself , as one hat was unworth●… to unty his shoes . And the P●…phet Isaiah , by a sign of putting off his shoes , is commanded by God to put off his shoes from off his feet , and to walk naked and bare-foot ; and he did so , Isa. 20. 2 : which denoteth the servility of the People , in token that God's people were to be in a low condition in captivity . So we read of Mour●…ners in Ezekiel , chap 21. 17. that were of a low spirit , they are said to go without shoes , or unshod . And , my brethen , on the other side , when God would show the freedom of his people , and their deliverance from servitude , he is said to put shoes on their feet , Ezech. 16. 10. And the reception of the Prodigal into his Fathers house , and the freedom and priviledge his Father intended him , ( acording to some learned men , intended by that expression in Luk. 1. 22. ) is set forth by putting on shoes upon his feet . So that I take the meaning of this command to be so much ; Shew by this thy reverence , thy humility , thy due submissiveness , thy subjection of spirit , together with thy servile readiness to do whatsoever I shall command thee . Calvin hath this Note upon the Text , if so excellent a servant of God as Moses had need to be quickened to reverence and obedience by such a ceremony , certainly we that are more backward to hu●…ility and obedience , should by our reverent behaviour , when we come into the presence of God ; signifie 〈◊〉 the reverence of our souls by our outward expressions , and likewise quicken and fortifie the inward graces of our souls by the outward gestures of the body , ( especially in prayer ) as kneeling , and lifting up the hands , uncovering of the head , and the like ; for the presence of God is great , and it 's the presence of the great God indeed ; we that are not only by the Law of Creation so infinitely below him , but also in regard of that illegal Law of sin , so much against him , should testifie our humility before him , and subjection to him , when he calls for it by our reverence .

2. The Reason by which this is b●…ckt , Because the place wheron Moses di●… stand was holy ground . The meaning I take to be this . I●… is holy in regard of that visible and miraculous taken , symbol , and sign of my presence that is here discovered in this Place , not because the place was ( as I ●…o not understand how any place is ) of its own na●…re holy , but God did testifie , that that Place being the place of his special presence , had thereby a holinesse , there being now a sign given by God to Moses , that he was extraordinarily and miraculously there . And thus I have opened the second Branch , whereon this Injunction was backt ; This place was holy ; so it was then . Now I do not understand how I can discourse of this so profitably unto you , concerning the holiness of places , unless we take notice of the holiness of places now in the time of the Gospel , and consider , whether , and how , in these times , one place may be said to be holy or holier then another . And truly I am not put on this employment willingly , nor the handling of this subject ; and if it were not extorted from me by something , I do not say that I have seen , but that I have read , that was written by men , and those none of the meanest neither , the learnedst of the Papists , I should not now have chosen to have entred upon this task , concerning the holiness of places , in opposition to whom , I have entred upon this discourse : I will give you two expressions , which one of the devoutest , and the other of the learnedst of them hath ; the learnedst of them , accounted so at least ( though , blessed be God , his weapons have not been formidable to the Church ) is Bellarmine , his words are these , Templum consecrandum merito venerabile & divina virtute praeditum est , The Temple consecrated is deservedly holy , and venerable in worship , and endowed with divine virtue and efficacy , the Temple ought to be looked upon as honourable and venerable . And for the other , Durandus , he tells us , So great is the Religion and Holiness of Churches , that those things should be , and may be forbidden to be done in them ( he means perpetually , or else he saith nothing , for we grant as much ) which in other places may duly and lawfully be done .

In the handling of this Question , How we are to judge and conceive of the holiness of places in the times of the Gospel ? I shall endeavour , first , to explain it , and then faithfully and truly endeavour to resolve and determine the same .

First then , for Explanation , I shall here endeavour to open these two things to you ; first , what it is for a place to be holy , or wherein the nature of the holinesse of places consists : secondly , what that is that is the foundation or cause of the holiness of places , and both these must in our discourse , and likewise apprehension , be accurately distinguish'd .

I. What it is for a place to be holy , this is two wayes to be considered : 1. generally ; 2. more particularly .

1. More generally , The holiness of a place doth consist in the separation thereof , the setting it apart , the distinction and discrimination in the way of some excellent preheminence , or the exa●…ting of it before and above all other places : Thus the notion of the holiness of places is taken in Scripture , Exod. 30. 31 , 37 , 38. you shall there read , that the Lord tells them in the 31. verse , concerning the oyntment that he prescribed , and likewise the composition of it for his service , This shall be an holy anointing ●…yl unto me throughout your generations . Now see how God doth discover this to be holy , On mans flesh it shall not be poured , neither shall you make any other like it after the composition of it . Here was a discrimination as well to the using of it , as to the making and composition of it ; as none was to 〈◊〉 such an oyntment as this was , so none was to use it in their ordinary and common employment : so that now the holiness thereof did consist in the distinction and disc●…imination of it from other uses , and likewise from all other oyntments . And this is further expressed concerning the holy perfumes in the 37. and 38. verses , there was to be a difference between this and other perfumes ; and this was the holiness thereof . And so you shall find it , not only concerning holy things but likewise concernig holy persons , Levit. 20. 24. 25. I am the Lord your God , which have separated you from other people ; you shall therefore put a difference between clean beasts , and unclean . 〈◊〉 , herein is the holiness of the people , that they were a diffe●…ced and severèd people . And hence it is you read in Deuteronomy , chap. 26. 18 , 19. that God is there said to avouch his people , openly to discover himself to assert it that they are his people ; their holiness was a discrimination , a separation from the rest of the people . And in Deut. 7. 6. and 14. 2. you have there the very same things described and discovered to you . And now for this I shall desire you to take notice of comparing two places of Scripture , which discovers the holiness of places , in Deut. 19. 2 , 7. Thou shalt separate three Cities for thee in the midst of thy land , which the Lord thy God giveth thee to possesse it . And at the seventh verse , Wherefore I command thee , saying , Thou shalt separate three Cities for thee . Now you shall have this again propounded to you in Ioshua . chap. 20. 7. And they sanctified Kedesh in Galilee in Napthaly , and Sechem in mount Ephraim , and Kiriath-arba ( which is Hebron ) in the mountain of Iudah . Mark the Scripture , that that was called Separation in Deut. 9. 2. 7. is here called Sanctification ; therefore the word in the Hebrew is , And you shall sanctifie , or , make holy these places ; that is , holy , by the separation or them unto that employment that I shall appoint . Hence a thing is said to be unholy in Scripture when it is common , is not separated and set apart to holy employments and services , and from every thing that is of a civil concernment . And hence you read in Acts 10. 14. in the Vision that Peter had , God bids Peter kill and eat . But Peter said , Not so Lord , for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean . That that is unclean and unholy , in a way of legal unholiness , is said to be common , not set apart . Heb. 10. 29. you shall there read this notion clearly discovered to you in the New Testament , Of how much sorer punishment , suppose ye , shall he be thought worthy , who hath trodden under foot the Son of God , and hath counted the blood of the Covenant , wherewith he was sanctified , an unholy thing . An unholy thing is a common thing . So that now what is sanctification in the former part of the verse , is called commonness and uncleanness in the latter part . But not to give you any more instances of this nature , the general nature of holiness is discrimination , or separation .

2. To answer it more particularly , this setting apart , or discrimination , or separation of places for holy uses , must have these two properties .

1. A place that is holy , it must have such a separation from other places , as that it must be alienated from all uses but holy uses , it must not at all be employed to civil uses , for the employing of it unto civil uses must be looked upon as sinful and unlawful . Thus in the Scripture , when times , things , or persons are reputed as holy , they are to be exempted from common employment ; the Sabbath day , a holy day , In it thou must not do any manner of work . The Vessels and Utensils of the Temple were holy , and therefore were not to be used to ordinary uses ; and this , as some think , was the great sin of Belshazar , that he would offer to drink in the Vessels of the Temple . And so the garments of the Priests were holy , and not to be used by secular persons . And the Tabernacle and the Temple were holy , and not to be used in civil employments .

2. More particularly , concerning this holiness , I desire to shew you what it is , by shewing you , it must be such a holinesse and separation , as that the service done to God in those places must be accounted and looked upon as a better service , and more accepteble , then if so be it had been done elsewhere , more acceptable to God , and advantagious to our selves . Now as places are said to be holy , in regard they are only to be for holy services , so ,

2. Holy in regard that holy services are only to be done there , with acceptation or advantage , at least with so great acceptation . And therefore I desire you to take notice , that places in Scripture were said to be holy , which did sanctifie the Worship which was done in them , and sanctifie the Worshippers , and so the very places are part of worship : and so not only places in which God was worshipped , but by which God was worshipped . And thus the Sabbath was sanctified , and so the performance of Gods worship therein , made Gods service more acceptable and sanctified . And so the Altar , when it was holy , it made the gift the more holy and sanctified , and so the more acceptable , the Altar sanctified the gift , M●…t. 23. 18 , 19. And so the Incense was acceptable to God , as being put into such a Censor . And so the service done to God in such Garments was more acceptable , because done in them which God had instituted and appointed for Aaron and his Sons to wear . And so I have opened the first thing in the explanation , and that is to shew you , wherein ho●…iness consists , and how it is that places or things may be said to be holy ; and I think I have sufficiently cleared the notion to you .

2. To shew , what the cause or the foundation of this holinese is ; for this , my Brethren , I shall desire you also to take notice of it more generally , and then more particularly .

1. More generally , That the cause and the foundation of a place , or any other things holiness , it is its belonging to God , Gods peculiar relation to it , and propriety in it , declared as he shall please : And therefore to be holy , and to be Gods , are words of the like importance , or equivolent , its being Gods , and his having a relation to it , is the foundation and cause of its holiness . And therefore if you look into Exodus 13. 2. you shall there find God commands , that they should sanctifie unto him all the first-born , it is mine ; there now is that which is the cause , and reason , and ground of its being sanctified , or holy , it is God himself , God hath a propriety in it . And therefore I desire you to look into Luke 2. 23. it will open this notion to you ; there you shall see , that this command is again repeated , but yet in other words , and therefore ye saith , As it is written in the Law of the Lord , Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord ; that which is said in one place to be sanctified or separated , is here said to be holy ; and therefore holy , because separated to God , Levit. 27. 30. All the Tithes of the land is the Lord●… , it is holy unto the Lord ; it is holy , and therefore holy because because it is the Lords . So that here is the general answer . This is the foundation , ground and cause of its holiness , Gods peculiar propriety in it , it is the Lords .

2. More particularly , That the declared propriety that God hath in any place , or his relation to a place , or its belonging unto God , that is the foundation of its holiness . This belonging unto God , or Gods propriety in it , is declared two wayes .

It s belonging unto God is declared . 1. From his presence . 2. From his Precept .

1. By his presence . Now the presence of God that was the foundation of the holiness of a place , was twofold . 1. Extraordinary . 2. Ordinary .

1. The Extraordinary presence of God was by his miraculous Apparitions . and discovering himself by some miraculous token , vision , sign , or manifestation of his presence , as now here in this burning , and not co●…sumed ●…ush ; here was a miraculous ●…oken of Gods presence . We shall and in the fifth of Ioshua , ●…nd the last verse , God commands Ioshua to put off his shooes , Loose thy shooes from off thy feet , for the place whe●…eon thou standest is holy ground . And Ioshua did so . And therefore , as I conceive , hence it is , the Mountain in which Christ was transfigured is called , The holy Mountain , 2 Pet. 1. 18. And this voyce which came from Heaven we heard when we were with him in the holy Mount . Why holy ? Not as if it were holy at that time when the Apostle writ that Epistle , but it were manifest , there was an extraordinary manifestation and sign of Gods presence , and so long as this extraordinary manifestation of Gods presence continued it was called holy . And this miraculous manifestation of the gloriousness of Christs Godhead ceasing , the holiness of that place ceased also . And remember this place now , of Gods extraordinary miraculous manifestation of himself in the Bush , was holy for that time , and no longer , wherein he did manifest himself ; for otherwise , in the time of the Law , it were unholy to offer up sacrifice there .

2. As the presence of God was extraordinary , so it is ordinary , which is two fold . 1. The presence of his standing residence in a place , by some visible or external Symbole ; or else , 2. The presence of God is a spiritual presence , in the religious services and performances of his people , in the place of their Meetings and Assemblies . Now concerning the first of these .

1. The presence of God , by the more visible and lasting tokens of his presence , which was chiefly afforded in the time of the Levitical Pedagogue ; so the Altar , Temple , Ark , and Mercy-seat , were symbols of Gods presence among that people , by them God signified his presence ▪ he recorded his name there by those visible tokens of his presence ; and therefore the Ark was said to be Gods face : and when the Ark was lifted up , it was said , Let God arise ▪ and let his Enemies be scattered . Hence they so much rejoyced when the Ark came int●… the City of David , because it was the sign of Gods presence , and mourned when it was taken away captive . And God is said to deliver his glory into captivity ; that is , the token of his glorious presence : and as long as this continued , God was looked upon as there present ; and thither the people went to pray , and offer Sacrifice . And thus God more fixedly declared his durable relation to a place by these tokens , and while these continued in a place , he was looked upon to be there .

2. Gods ordinary presence is considerable in the Religious services of his people , and this I call the rather the more spiritual presence of God ; this is that presence of God in the Ordinances , which we have , we hope , this day , and which Christ did promise , Mat. 18. 20. Where ever two or three are met together in my name , there am I present in the midst of them ; not in the midst of the place , but of them , when they do perform holy and institute worship . This spiritual presence of God is that that is afforded in the use of those Ordinances of Praying , Hearing , and Administration of Sacraments ; his presence is there to accept of these , and to bless them , and make them operative , and to assist in these , and to enable both Minister and people to go through their duty by his own power . Nor can Gods presence be ordinarily expected , but in this his own way . Now then ,

2. You must know , that as the presence of God is the foundation of a places sanctity , and as it is several , so you must know , Gods propriety in , and relation to a place is declared by his Precept ; the precept of God is Gods propriety in a place , as well as his presence ; thus it belongs to him by command to make it holy , he may do what he will , and choose out what places he will to be holy . He to whom all things belong , surely may have some places and things more proper to himself and peculiar ; so the Temple of old , and the Tabernacle , those places of Levitical and Ceremonial worship , was separated and set apart by God , by Divine Institution . Hence we have many commands .

1. God commands , th●…t such a House , and such a Tabernacle shall be built , and this had been unlawfull to do , had it not been commanded . 2. He directs the manner , and the mode , and that all things should exactly be done according to the pattern in the Mount . And , 3. God doth command it should be in such a place , in the thrashing floor of Arumnah the Jebusite , and that place that himself had chosen . 4. He commands that he will be served in these places peculiarly , rather then in any other place , he would not have these places changed for others . Herein this place typifi'd Christ , one that is onely able to make our services acceptable ▪ Hence it is said , Ex. 23. 17. Three times in the year all the M●…ies shall appear before the Lord . And Act. 27 the Eunuch there went unto that place that God had commanded . 5. He doth command , that he would have these places reverenced , and no civil employments used there when the holy service was doing , and that after the service was done , at that very time the place should be only for God . 6. And lastly , He annexed a promise unto that place , that he would accept of a duty done there rather then in any other place , even because it was done there ; hence they prayed in the Temple , rather then in their private houses , Lu. 2. 27 and when they could not be present , by reason of Gods providence , in the Temple , if they do but look to the City and the Temple God accepted of their duty , 1 Kin. 8. 44 48 So that God did promise , that that place that he had instituted for his worship and service , that the service performed there should be more acceptable to him then elsewhere . This shews the reason and foundation of a places holiness the precept of God , & the promise & presence of God . And thus I have open'd to you the second thing . Now having thus explained and opened the Question to you .

2. I come to resolve the Question , according to what I think in my conscience to be the truth of God ; and this I shall do two ways .

1. By granting that which must not be denied . 2. By denying what must not be granted .

1. By granting what must not be denied ; and here I grant willingly these four things .

1. That in the time of the Gospel , it is not only lawful , but it is often very commendable and necessary , to design and dedicate places unto God . Now when I say , it is lawful to design them , and to dedicate them . I pray you bear me witness , I do not say it is lawfull to consecrate them , or to sanctif●…e them ; and say , it is lawfull to design and dedicate them . Now for this take not●…ce , that between 1. the designing and appointing of a place ; 2. the dedication of a place : and 3. the consecrating of a place , there are these differences .

1. Concerning the designation of a place ; Then is a place designed , when it is appointed to be made use of for the most convenient for such a service , as Tuesday and Wednesday may be appointed for Lecture-dayes , not consecrated . Now you must know , that this designation of a day may be altered , and so may a place ; if such a place be designed , it is in our power to make use of it , so as to leave off the use of it when weplease .

2. As to dedication , I mean so lawfully to dedicate a place , which is of our own right to dispose of ; so to dedicate it , as not again to be able to revoke it , or call it back from such a use and purpose . It is lawfull and commendable for a rich man , to dedicate so much ground or money , for building a House for a Free-School , or for the poor , and to give it away from our selves , and from our own right and power ; and if so be that a man hath power or propriety over a place or thing , it is lawful for a man to alienate such a thing . And yet this you must know by the way , that this Dedication that now is in the time of the Gospel , doth very much differ from that Dedication of Free-will-offering unto God in the time of the Law ; for they were dedicated to God in the time of the Law immediately , that is , to his immediate Worship ; it was part of Gods Worship , it was a part of Religion to do that thing : whereas it is not now dedicated to the immediate worship of God , but it is dedicated immediately to such a Parish , or Minister , or Place , or company of People , that we have a good will to gratifie ; and so it more remotely redounds to God's glory , not immediately : For God hath not declared in his Word the same acceptation in the Gospel of things done in an immediate way , as he had in the time of the Law , of which acceptation now we have no such promise . And therefore it is observable , as one speaks concerning that Benefactor in the Gospel to the Iews , He hath loved our Nation , and builded us a Synagogue , it is not said , for God ; but for us ; This man out of love to us hath bestowed these things to God ; which , though a giving our selves out of our own power , yet it doth differ from the Free-will-offering in the time of the Law . Ay , but now , Sirs , ye must know , that sanctification , or consecration , that is a great deal more ; when we sanctifie a thing , or consecrate a thing , this thing that is so consecrated , it is so holy , that there must nothing at all of unholiness , or of a civil or secular employment and concernment be done in it . Now we do not dedicate a thing , but there may be secular things in an ordinary and civil way done in them ; and our services are not more acceptable for the place , nor the places less holy because of those civil employments . There is the first concession , that in the time of the Gospel there may be a designment and dedicating of places , and it is not onely lawfull but commendable .

2. I grant , that in times of the Gospel , some places are to have Religious services performed in them , rather then in other places ; I mean , places of natural conveniency and fitness for the meeting of people together , whereby they may be free from disturbance , from the violence of Enemies , and from tempestuous weather . As publick meetings , whereby we have the society of Gods people , their examples to stir us up to zeal , and their joynt help in Prayer and holy performances , to go along with us , that we may joyn our forces together and with a great force wrestle with God , and overcome him which is invincible . And therefore , my Brethren , I desire you to bear me witness this day , that I plead for publick Ordinances , and for the purity of Gods Ordinances to be administred in publick places , rather then other places , so that I do here profess , that I do avowedly and openly declare my judgement to be for publick meetings in publick places , and the purity of God's Ordinances , if they may be enjoyed without humane mixture , which may hurt and pollute them .

3. I grant , that in the time of holy service , we are not then to use secular employments at that time in those places , as eating , drinking , and talking , it being unsuitable to the work in hand , and howsoever they may be lawfull at another time , yet unlawfull then , because against the Apostles command , Let all things be done in decency , and in order ; and that which is unsuitable to the commands of God , the taking his Name in vain . My Brethren , I will go further with you , we are to abstain from all other Religious services , when not in season ; and therefore when the Minister is in Preaching , we must not run into our places and kneel down , as some people do , and fall a Praying . And I cannot but wonder , that they that do so much cry up Uniformity and Sanctity of places , that yet they should confute their judgement by their practice , that they should pray secretly when the whole Congregation is a praying vocally ; and it may be the Congregation is singing a Psalm , or the Minister Preaching , and then they go to their Prayers ; I pray where is the Uniformity , Decency , and Order they so much stand for .

Lastly , I grant , that after the performances of holy duties , in places wherein we meet for the worship and service of God , it is our duty to abstain , not onely from filthy and indecent actions of a natural or moral filthiness , unseemly , as looked upon by men against God's Law ; but from all those civil , moral , lawfull actions , at other times , that may reflect any dishonour upon the work that hath been done , or upon the work that shall be done , or that may render the place unmeet for religious services afterwards : And this is that that one calls a Negative , or a Privative reverence , a reverence , or not doing something , not because the place is more holy , but for decency and order , considering the religious duties performed in that place . So that things subservient to Religion call for a Negative reverence , and are not so to be used , as that the Religious services which are there performed and transacted , should be made disgracefull and dishonourable ; as the Bread of the Sacrament , after the Sacrament is done , is not lawfull to be cast unto unreasonable creatures , because it reflects dishonour upon the religious service which we were before doing ; so , dirty water is not to be put into the Communion Cup , not that the Cup is holy , but because it is a reflection of disgrace upon that holy service wherein that Cup is made use of ; and that Cup is not to be made use of to drunkenness . But in all this bear me witness that I say , all this is but a civil reverence , and so due to any place where there is any honourable Convention , as in the Parliament-house , or presence-Chamber , or the like . Having yielded this .

2. I must come now to deny what must not be granted ; and I likewise deny four things .

1. It is not now in the times of the Gospel in any mans power to set apart a place for Religious duties , so as that it should be unlawful upon a due occasion to use it for civil imployments , or that it should be alwaies unlawful to alienate to other uses , besides those uses that are Divine ; the Bread and Wine sanctified by Gods own institution by the Minister , after the publick use and administration of them in the Ordinance , are not only holy but they may be eaten in a civil use and way as our ordinary and common food : The Synagogues among the Jews were as holy as our Churches , they were for holy duties , as Prayer , Preaching and the like , and dedicated to Gods Worship , and yet you must know there are civil imployments used in those places after the Religious Worship was done ; and therefore in Matth. 23. 34. saith our Saviour , some of them you shall scourge in your Synagogues . Hence we use to keep Courts and Consistories in Churches amongst us , and some of them none of the best , and and we use here among us in this City constantly in our Churches , ( and I doubt not but it is lawful ) for an Alderman in his Ward to meet about secular business , as to choose Common-Council-men , or the like . But where there hath been a dedication of a place to Gods worship , it is only God that can make it so holy , as that it should be sinful to employ it to other uses , and if the Governours of the Church upon due occasion and reason shall substitute other places more fit then the former for Divine Worship , then the former places may return to their former proper uses ; but it is not so in things consecrated by God : If the Font , Table , or Pulpit wax old , they may be laid aside and looked upon as common things , and may be used for other imployments ; and suppose the Surplisse be a lawful garment in Gods worship , ( which yet I am perswaded none of you believe ) doubtless it is not to be burned when it is old and past wearing , and the ashes put into a pot or some such like thing , and be buried under the Altar , but it may be used as other linnen may . And so the common Utensils , as the Cup and the like , when they are come to be old , they may be used to other imployments without fear of sin . And therefore it is an excellent speech of one , saith he , so to Consecrate moveable or immoveable goods , as that it should be a sin for the Church to use them in any secular imployments , it is an execrable and abominable Superstition : God hath not consecrated any thing in the Gospel so , as that it is a sin to use it otherwise . It was a sin in them to make use of the Cups in the Temple in any secular way , but it is not so for us : the reason is , because those things were set apart by Gods own Institution : but there can be nothing so consecrated by men , as that it may not be made use of in secular things without sin .

2. A second thing I deny is , That no place now in the time of the Gospel hath such an holiness either from the Institution or Use , as to sanctifie or make more acceptable or effectual the services therein performed : This is not in the time of the Gospel : God is present at places of Religious performances , not with respect unto the Place , but the performance by him instituted and injoyned ; and therefore he doth not say , Where two or three are met together I will be in the midst of that place , but among them . God will be present in the place for the Duties sake , not among them for the Places sake , but the Duties sake in the place , to bless the Ordinance for his own Institutions sake ▪ Prayers and other Duties in the Ceremonial Law were regarded for the places sake , but now we must abhor this piece of Iudaism ! For a man to set a place apart by Consecration , that this place makes the duty any thing the more excellent or acceptable to God , this is to make the Traditions of men equal to the Institution of God . The Temple sanctified the duty , but not the Synagogue , and the Altar did sanctifie the gift , and the person , and service , because it was by Gods Institution , and so the Temple and Altar did add efficacy and worth to the work ; but for men to consecrate the Church , it is to make the appointment of men equal with the Institution of God . Our Churches and Meeting-places are not holy ( if they be holy at all ) without relation to the duties performed , but our duties are holy without relation to the Church or the place . None but God can consecrate a place to be an effectual means of worship : The Jews worshipped God by the Temple , but we worship God in the Church ; as the place doth afford a natural conveniency for our meeting together ; the place then hath no influence at all upon our duties , and if any of you should think so , you erre exceedingly : It is but only a Physical Act of duty , or a natural Adjunct of duty , which is but at most helpful to the bodies conveniency .

3. The third thing I deny is this , That there is no place so holy as to exclude another place from being as holy in a way of proper sanctity and holiness , which we have been now opening . God now makes not one place properly more holy then another ; there is not now properly any religious difference of places . We have not now the Precept of God to sanctifie and separate one place from another , to prefer one place before another ; we have not now the miraculous presence of God , his appearing as at the bush . God hath not given us under the Gospel those Symbols of his standing presence and residency , as by the Ark , and Mercy-Seat , and Altar of old he gave unto his people . And as for his Ordinances , if they make a place holy in regard of performance of duty to God there , and his spiritual presence in that place , then my Parlour , Chamber , or Closet are holy where I use to pray , and where God doth afford his assisting blessing and comforting presence : So that if you make the spiritual presence of God to make a thing holy , in regard of Gods spiritual presence going along with those services , then your Houses are holy , and the Field is holy where you walk when you meditate , and praying by the River side makes it holy ; Humane consecration makes no place truly holy . If the spiriturl presence of Christ makes one place more holy then another , then the Communion-Table and Font are more holy then another place in the Temple . And so when Gods presence hath been enjoyed at the Font , that is more holy then the Communion-Table , and so when the presence of God hath been enjoyed at the Communion-Table , that is more holy then the Font , and so you must bring in Iudaisme . If the presence of God makes a thing holy ; a new Communion-Table upon which the Sacrament was never administred ▪ cannot be so holy as the old Table . Nay , by this the mouths of the Communicants are holy , having eaten the Bread and drank the Wine which was dedicated to an holy use , and so it will be finful for you to eat any other food . I conclude all with this , That the difference and holinesse of religious places in the times of the Gospel , is not given but taken away by the Gospel . 1 Tim. 2. 8. I will therefore that men pray every where , lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting . You may pray , and that with as much acceptableness to God in one place as in another . John 4. 21. Christ saith , The time comes when you shall neither in this Mounta●…n , nor yet at Ierusalem , worship the Father : That is , Gods worship and service shall not he confined and limited to those places , as if others were not as good and holy as they . 1 Cor. 1. 2. To them that are sanctified in Christ Iesus , called to be Saints , with all that in every place call upon the name of Iesus Christ our Lord , both theirs and ours . One place for the calling upon Christ is as good as another , and therefore , Where two or three are gathered together , I will be in the midst of them . And this is foretold in Zeph. 2. 11. and in Mal. 1. 11. So that this is the sum of all , Gods institution makes the Sabbath holy : And the Bread and the Wine set apart by Gods own Institution , after the duty , may be used in secular uses . But lastly , to name no more , no place is so sanctified by God , as that after the ceasing of that presence of God , any holiness should belong unto it ; as now , when the signs of Gods presence ceased and was gone , the holiness of that place was gone , and then it was lawful for Moses to put on his shooes . And so when Gods presence ceased in the Ark , the Altar , and Mercy-seat , the places became no other then secular and civil . And now for us to go about ( as the Papists do ) a Pilgrimage to Ierusalem , as if that place had any more holiness then others , is a foolish and abominable thing : How many bloudy Battels have been fought , to the disgrace , as well as losse of Christianity , for the re-gaining of the Holy-land .

Nay let me add , those places where the presence of God hath been formerly , when it hath been taken away and those places have been used to Idolatry , they are the worse , and the more unholy ; for this is turning the House of God into vanity .

The conclusion of all is this : whatever places are in holy duties , out of them they loose and leave all their ●…oliness , and therefore I say , it is boldness for us to go about to tye Gods presence to a place where God hath ●…ever tyed it , I cannot but wonder how it is possible for 〈◊〉 of reason and learning to be so blind , as to hold ▪ 〈◊〉 the Lords day ( which was set apart by God for the Sabbath , as you may see in the fourth Commandment , and afterwards by Christ and his Apostles which doth amount to no lesse then an Institution ) is not holy after the Service or Sermon is ended , but then you may go to play at Foot-ball , and Cudgels , and Drinking , and what not , and yet that they should say , that the place of performing religious duties in , is so holy after religious performances , as that you cannot come into it without bowing the knee , and putting off the hat , and bowing to the Altar and Communion-Table , and the like ; this I cannot apprehend how it should be , and I wish any of you that are of this mind would in private give me your reasons for it , why it should be so .

Now having explained the point , and given you a resolution of the question , in these prrticulars , give me leave to wind up all wich some Uses .

First , We infer the great difference that is between sanctity of places under the Old Testament , and sanctity and holiness of places under the New Testament : they under the Old Testament had the immediate presence of God , the standing Symbols and visible signs of his presence , so long as these lasted : which was set apart by Gods special Commandment , and so they were holy , though they were not employed in a way of worship , but you cannot say so now , our places for performance of holy duties have no such holiness , places now differ from places then .

Secondly , By way of inference , I note the great goodness of God to give us such a sweet and gracious indulgent dispensation in the time of the Gospel under the New Testament , as that he doth not tye us to Ceremonies or places , he doth not bind us as he did the Jews , to go three times in the year to the furthermost part of the Nation to worship : No my Brethren , no Land , 〈◊〉 ground is now unholy , as famous old Dr. Raynolds said , every place is now a Iudea , no Coast but is a Iudea , every house is a Ierusalem , every Congregation is now a Zion : see here the goodness of God in indulging of us so far as to take any service done by us in a solemn and real manner , as if it had been done in those places which were formerly appointed for it to be done in .

Thirdly , I infer hence , there are several persons to be reproved .

1 We find hereby that all the holiness of reliques of Saints doth fall to the ground : and we see the folly of those that make Pilgrimages unto Saints and Reliques as the Papists do : there was a time ( say they ) when such a Saints reliques were laid up in such a place , and these are more holy then other places : so that this you see falls to the ground in it self : I might tell you concerning their lying about their Reliques , as one aid , that there were as many Reliques as would fill an hundred Carts : but supposing so , all that would not make the place the more holy .

2. Hence the Superstition of those is to be reproved , which put holiness in places of burial ▪ and make it more holy to be buried in one place then in another : it is more holy ( say they ) to be buried in the Church then in the Church-yard , and more holy under the Communion-Table then any other part of the Church .

3. This reproves them which cannot pray any where but in the Temple , and they that use private prayer in Churches : If you have houses and rooms at home , what is the reason that if Pauls ▪ or any other Church , stand open , you must run in thither , and drop down behind a Pillar to say your Prayers ?

4. This reproves them that have reverence towards any place more then another , as if they did deserve more holinesse in one part then in another , as bowing to the Altar or Communion Table , or the like .

5. It reproves those that have reverence for scituation of these places , they must stand East and West , and why not North and South ? all these things fall off like fig leaves ; if what I have said be true , that there is no holiness in places , and this I have made known to you not only as my judgement , but as my duty .

Now for Exhortation , I shall desire you to take notice of four things , and I have done , and shall leave you to God , and commit you to the word of his grace . If this be so , that there is no holiness in places , then first of all be the more encouraged to serve God in your families , in those places where God hath set you , where God is as well pleased with your service as in publick places ▪ serve God upon your knees with devotion , humility and reverence . And therefore , though I am against Superstition , and Popish practises , and those wicked cursed traps of Innovations , that the men of the world have disturbed the Church of God with : yet I am against putting on your hats in Prayer , and sitting in Prayer . Those that are for holiness of places , do not , with Abraham , in every place they come build God an Altar . But let us in every closet and room build God an Altar ; let no morning nor evening go without a prayer in thy family , pray often , and pray continually , let your houses be as so many Churches , as you read in Rom. 16. 5. Likewise greet the Church that is in their house : and in the second verse of Philemon's Epistle , To the Church that is in thy house ; there the houses of the Saints are called Churches . This will bring a blessing upon your families : And if you be not willing to have that curse denounced against you , ( in Ier. 10. 25. Pour out thy fury upon the Heathen that know thee not , and upon the families that call not upon thy name ) then neglect not family prayers ; be much in prayer , and pray with frequency and encouragement , because God binds you to no place .

The second Exhortation is this , Labour to promote personal holiness , as well as family devotion : I am against local holiness : As one said ( that I heard once when I was a youth ) Happy are those garments that can carry away any of the dust of the Temple ; but they think not that many of their garments are unclean in wallowing in the mire of sin . But I say , do you labour to promote holiness in your lives , in your hearts and conversations : The holy Ghost saith , Unless you be pure in heart , you shall not see God . And therefore put away sin , for if you regard iniquity , God will not hear your prayers : It is not your ducking , or bowing , or cringing , never so much or your going with your hat off through the Church , that will make God hear your prayers ; these will but dishonour you , because you live not accordingly .

5. Love the holiness of the living members , be not so much in love with the holiness of wood and timber , bricks and stones ; but wheresoever you see the Image of Christ , be in love with that soul ; whereever the presence of God shines , and whereever thou seest one that gives up himself to God in holy duties , do thou say , Oh! my soul , delight to come into the company of these men . The righteous is more excellent then his neighbour . If there be a heaven upon earth , I tell you it is in the company of godly men . I remember a famous man hath this expression , saith he , When I was in the company of the Saints and people of God , I was as a living coal ; but when I was separated from them , and was among the wicked , swearers and drunkards , me-thoughts there was a spiritual coldness and frozenness went over my soul. Though the people of God are best companie in heaven , yet they are very good companie here on earth : And Christians should stir up one another , and be provoking one another to love and good works ; and where ever you have grace , be sure to impart it . Endeavour to love the holiness of Saints , and be willing to impart your experiences to others , for this is your duty . Do not make a Monopoly of holiness , but carry company with you to Heaven .

Lastly , to name no more , labour to preserve the holiness of Gods true Institutions , those things which are of a divine consecration . What is humane consecration without divine institution ? The Sabbath day is of divine institution , labour to keep it holy ; this is a holy-day indeed , and this labour to keep your families from profaning of ; but for other holy dayes and holy things , they are much alike for holiness : The Lords day is a holy day indeed , and for shame do not let your children gad abroad on this day . Truly , I do verily believe , that though here be a great company of people in the Congregation , yet they are but a handful in comparison of what are drinking in Ale-houses , and whoring , and walking in the field , that one can hardly get home to their house for the crowd of people that are going thither . For shame let not this be told in Gath , nor published in Askelon . What! shall we stand up for the holiness of places , and yet oppose the holiness of the Lords day , which God hath enjoyned and instituted ? Oh! that the Magistrates of London ; O●… ! that Englands King ; Oh! that Englands Parliament would do something for the reformation of this to oppose wickedness and prophanesse , which will otherwise bring upon us the judgement of Sodom and Gomorrah , and make us guilty and worthy of a thousand punishments . And labour by prayer in your families to overcome that flood of prophanesse , which you cannot by your strength prevent . And then for the Sacraments of Christ , Baptisme and the Lords S●…pper , these are Ordinances of Gods appointment , they are holy , and therefore should not be given to those that are unholy ; and yet those who are so much for the holinesse of places , do not care who come to the Sacrament , if they have but a nose on their face , they shall come and partake of the Ordinances , let them be what they will ; this is to prefer mans institution before Gods institution . And then for the Lords Message and Word , that is a holy thing , and therefore love his Messengers : the Messengers of God ▪ delivering his Message with fear and reverence , you are to hear them with the same fear and reverence , and resolution to be holy , as if Christ were present . And for the Word of God , it is not enough for you to have a choice Sentence written upon the walls of your Churches , but let Gods Law be written in your hearts and consciences , and practised in your lives , that all the world may see you live as men dedicated to the true God , in all the duties of his wayes and obedience . Many of these things might have been inlarged . What I have given you with the right hand , I pray you , Christians , do not take with the left , for if you do ; you will make your selves guilty of a double sin .

First , Because you do not obey the truth you hear . And secondly , For putting a wrong construction upon it .

But I have better hopes of you , my Beloved Hearers , and hope that the Lord will be better unto your souls then his Ministers , Word , or any thing else can be . God blesse you and his Ordinances , and discover his mind and will at this time to you .

Dr. Manton's Farewell Sermon . Heb. 12. 1. Therefore seeing we are compassed about with so great a Cloud of Witnesses , let us lay aside every weight , and the sin which doth so easily beset us , and let us run with patience the Race that is set before us .

IN the former Chapter you have a Spiritual Chronicle , or a Catalogue of the Lord's Worthies , and all the emi●…ent effects of their Faith , and now the Apostle comes to make use of this History that he had produced through ●…o many successions of Ages , of all the holy men of God ●…at excelled in Faith : Wherefore seeing we are compassed about with so great a Cloud of Witnesses , &c.

The Text is wholly Hortatory . In it observe :

1. The premisses or principle the Apostle worketh upon , seeing we are compassed , &c. 2. The practical Inferences which are deduced from ●…ence , and they are two . 1. One concerning the privative part of our duty , ●…et us lay aside every weight , &c. There is something external and without , like to clog us in our way to Heaven - ●…very weight ; and something within that will hinder and ●…ouble us within ; therefore he saith , and the sin which ●…h so easily beset us . 2. Here is the positive part , Let us run with patience 〈◊〉 Race that is set before us . There 's motion [ Run ] the manner [ with patience ] the stage or way [ the Race that is set before us . ]

My purpose is to give you some brief thoughts upon this usefull and practical inference of the Apostle , from the Histories of the faithfull before recorded . Therefore I will sum up the whole Text in this point .

Doct. The people of God that have such a multitude of examples of holy men and women set before them , should prepare themselves to run the spiritual race with more patience and chearfulness .

There are two things in this Doctrine ; the Encouragement and the Duty . I shall open both with respect to the circumstances of the Text.

First , the Encouragement , A multitude of examples , or as in the Text , Seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses : Mark , here are witnesses , a great cloud of witnesses , and these compassing us round about .

First , here are witnesses ; by that term we are to understand those worthy Saints mentioned and reckoned up in the former Chapter , Abel , Enoch , Noah , Abraham , Moses , &c. all the Saints of God that have had experience of the goodness of his providence to them , and the fulfilling of his promises ; they are all called Witnesses ; Why ? because they depose a Testimony for God , and speak to future generations to be constant , as they did , that they might receive the like reward . This witness was partly in their faith , and partly in the fruit of their faith .

1. They witnessed by their Faith ( Iohn 3. 33. ) He that hath received his testimony , hath set to his seal that God is true . A man that hath soundly digested the promises , that expresses his faith by chearfulness and patience under all difficulties , troubles , delaies , and those sundry trials that he meets with , he gives it under hand and seal , proclaims it to the world that he hath to do with the true God . And ,

2. They witnessed in the fruits of their faith , as they give us an instance of Gods fidelity towards them that faithfully adhere to , and firmly believe in his prom●… , so it is said ( Heb. 6. 12. ) Be not sloathfull , but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promise : Let faith but set patience a work , do but hold out a little while with God , and you may learn by the example of all those holy men we shall inherit the promises ; they shall be made good to a tittle , and not one thing fail of all that the Lord hath spoken ; as these holy men were exercised and tossed to and fro , but it succeeded well with them at the last . Oh! then let us hearken to the deposition of these worthy witnesses that are recorded in the Scripture , and with such an invincible resolution as theirs was , let us hold on our course towards true happiness : If we do not , they that are now propounded as witnesses to us , will at the day of judgement be produced as witnesses against us . And pray also let us remember that we are to continue and keep afoot that Testimony to succeeding generations ; for not onely the Prophets and holy men of God , were witnesses , but all Gods people also are his witnesses ; ( Isa. 43. 10. ) by their faith , patience , diligence , constancy , and a chearfulness under afflictions , they are to give it under hand and seal to the world , that God is a true and faithfull God . But now , if we either by our sinfull walking , or by our drooping discouragements , discredit Christ and his profession , then we are witnesses against him ; we deny that Religion which we would seem to profess ; and cry up ( Tit. 1. 16. ) They profess they know God , but in works they deny him : and the more dangerous , because deeds are more deliberate then words , and so a greater evidence of what we think in our hearts . If we by drooping discouragements and sinfull walking discredit Religion , we deny it , and do in effect put the lie upon Christ . Therefore let us remember they were witnesses , and so must we .

2 By a figurative speech they are called a cloud , [ hav●… a cloud of witnesses ] why so ? I might trouble you with many conceits Interpreters have had of this word cloud ; say some , because of the raisedness of their spirits , because clouds fly aloft : Clouds for the fruitfulness of their doctrine , as clouds send down fruitfull showers upon the earth ; and clouds , because they cool and cover us from the heat : so some would gloss for our comfort : others with more judgement say , a cloud with allusion to the pillar of cloud which conducted the Israelites to Canaan ; yet neither doth this come up fully to the scope of the Apostle ; for the Apostle speaks not of a cloud that goes before us , but of a cloud that compasses us round about , and therefore a cloudy ; the reason why 't is called so , is the number and multitude of those witnesses , as a cloud is made up of a multitude of vapors gathered together , and condensed into one body ; and so the expression is often used , ( Ezek. 38. 9. ) thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land , &c. noting the increase of the people when God would restore them , the multitude of converts : and so in profane Authors , Livie hath such an expression , an army of men is called a cloud ; but this is enough to shew the intent of this expression , that there are a multitude , a very great number : though the godly comparatively , and with respect to the wicked are a few , yet considered in themselves they are a great number ; for if the Martyrs , and those glorious instances of heroick faith , and that under the Old Testament , when God's interest was more confin'd to one people , if there were such a Church then , of so great a number ; what will the whole Church of the Old and New Testament be when we shall meet together in Heaven ? We are often discouraged with the paucity of Professors , and are apt to think our selves to be left alone , 1 Kin. 19. 10. But let us remember there is a Cloud of Witnesses ; we are not solitary now , and certainly we shall not want company when we come to Heaven , To the innumerable company of , &c.

Again , it meets with an ordinary and strong temptation which Satan suggests to the hearts of the godly , that they are singular , and matchless in their afflictions , that none of the people of God have ever undergone such difficulties as they are expos'd unto ; and this makes them question their Father's affections , and put themselves out of the number of his children . I but all these things are accomplished in the Saints of God before you ; here is a Cloud of Witnesses that have been exercised and tried to purpose , ( 1 Pet. 5. 9. ) They are troubled with a busie Devil , a naughty World , a corrupt heart , all have had their trial from God's correcting hand ; The same afflictions are accomplished in your Brethren that are in the world . So that we have many fellows ; our lot is no harder then the Saints of God that have gone before us , for there is a Cloud of Witnesses .

3. Observe the Apostle calls it a Cloud ; compasses us round about ; i. e. We have instances for every trial , Temptation , duty that we are put upon : Here we have examples of those that have fulfilled the Commands of Christ on this side with an undaunted courage ; and the examples of those that have borne the Cross of Christ with an invincible patience : Here we have examples of those that have conquered right-hand Temptations , that have despised the delights of the World , and there of those that have conquered left-hand Temptations , that have not been broken and affrighted with the terrors of the World , all the Saints of God have trodden that way , the same paths wherein we are to walk after them ; we cannot look this way or that way , but we have instances of Faith , confidence in God , and patience , We are compassed about , &c. In short , here lies the encouragement that Christians should propound to themselves .

1. That there are examples ; Christians of later times have more to answer for their Infidelity , than those of former ages ; they that first believed the promises , believed without such a cloud of witnesses , or multitude of examples ; many have gone before us that have broken the Ice , and that found good success from their own experience ; they have commended God to us as a true and faithfull God , and will not you go on ? When Ionathan and his Armour bearer climbed up the rocks of the Philistins , then the people were encouraged to go up after ; So here are some that are gone before you , and it hath succeeded well with them .

2. These examples are many ; not one or two that might be supposed to be singularly assisted , and to have eminent Prerogatives above the rest of their Brethren , but many in every age , a whole cloud of them .

3. There are examples of many rare and excellent men , the best that ever lived under Heaven . Take ( my Brethren ) the Prophets for an example , &c. Jam. 5. 10.

4. They are propounded to us , not for their words only , and for their profession , but for their deeds , for their bitter sufferings ; and they abundantly manifest to us , that there is nothing impossible in our duty , or any thing so difficult but may be overcome through Christ's strength enabling us : They all had the same nature we have ; they were of the like passions with us , flesh and blood as we are , of the same relations and concernments ; and then on the other side , we have the same Cause with them , the same recompence of reward to encourage us , the same God and Saviour to recompence us , he suffered for us as well as for them ; therefore we should follow in their steps , and hold fast our confidence to the end , for they have shewed us , that poverty , reproaches , death it self , and all those things that would look harsh , and with a ghastly aspect upon the eyes of the World , are no such evils but that a Believer may rejoyce in them , and triumph over them . I say , they have shew'd the blandishments of the World have not such a charm , but they may be renounced without any loss of considerable joy and contentment ; and that the duties of Christianity are not so hard , but that a little waiting upon God will bring in Grace enough to perform them : Therefore saith the Apostle , Seeing we have a Cloud of Witnesses , let us lay aside , &c. And so I come to the encouragement , to the

Second thing , and that is the duty here pressed . 1. Here is the privative . 2. The positive part of our duty : Here is mortification and vivification ; Mortification , Let us lay aside , &c. Vivification , Let us run with patience , &c. In both the branches he alludes to terms proper to Races : In a Race you know men strip themselves of their Cloaths , and whatever is burdensome and heavy , that they may be the more light of foot ; and so the Apostle bids us lay aside every weight ; and they did withall diet themselves , that they might have no clog from within , 1 Cor. 9 25. Every man that striveth for the mastery , is temperate in all things &c. They took care that they did not clog and indispose themselves for the race they were to run ; but they verily run onely for a corruptible Crown ; we for a Crown that is incorruptible and glorious ; so according to this double practice of Racers , we are to cast aside every weight from without , &c. So here 's a double object , laying aside every weight , and of sin ; There 's onus externum , the weight without , that presseth us down , and hinders our speed ; and then there 's impedimentum internum , there 's sin , that which weakens within : By reason of the former , we make little speed ; by reason of the latter we are often interrupted , and therefore we must do as they , that they might be swift and expedite , lay aside every weight , and be more temperate in all things . Herein a Runner in a Race differs from a Traveller ; a Traveller strengthens himself for his Journey as well as he can , his clothes on , sometimes carries a great burthen with him ; but a Runner of a Race makes himself as light as he can . But to come more particularly to the words .

First , Lay aside every weight : By weight is meant those things that burden the soul , and make our Heavenly Progress more tedious and cumbersome ; and by weight is meant ( I think ) the delights and cares of the world , the multitude of secular business , all our earthly contentments and affairs , so far as they are a burden to us , hinder us in our way to Heaven ; these must all be put off , Lu. 21. 3 , 4. saith Christ , Take heed to your selves , lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness , and cares of this life , &c. The heart that is deprest cannot be so free for God , and the Offices of our Heavenly Calling , when we give way to surfeiting , drunkenness , cares of this World .

1. The heart may be overcharged with the delights of the World ; Surfeiting and Drunkenness must not be taken in the gross notion ; you must not think of spewing , reeling , vomiting , as if to avoid these were a full compliance with Christs direction ; the heart may be overcharged when the stomach is not ; there is a dry drunkenness , and a more refined surfeiting , and that is when the heart grows heavy , unfit for prayer , relishes not the things of the spirit ; when the delights of the flesh clog the wheel , abate that vigor and chearfulness that we should shew forth in the Worship of God , and holy actions , when the delights●… the flesh withdraw us from that watchfulness and diligence that is necessary in taking care for our souls , then the heart is overcharged : Voluptuous living is a great sin , it 〈◊〉 the seeds of piety so soon as planted in the heart , so that they can bring nothing to perfection ; it brings a brawn and a deadness upon the Conscience and affections , there is nothing that hardens the heart so much , as the softness of carnal pleasure , Iud. 19. sensual , having not the Spirit . Sensuality quenches our natural bravery and briskness of spirit that becomes a man ; much more doth it hinder the sublime operations of the Spirit of God . Well then , remember Christians , you are not only Travellers by the way ; but Runners in a Race : If we were to speak to you only under the notion of Travellers in a way , this were enough to wean you from the delights of the flesh . 1 Pet. 2. 11. As strangers and Pilgrims abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. The more you indulge these fleshly lusts , the more you hearten & strengthen the great enemy of your souls , and starve the better part ; but you are as Runners in a Race ; by this Metaphor the duty is more bound upon you , much more should you beat down the body , and keep it in subjection ; the Apostle hath a notable word , 1 Cor. 9. 27. I keep under my body , and bring it in subjection , &c. I beat down my body ; you must either keep under pleasures , or pleasures will keep you under ; for a man is soon brought under the power , dominion and tyranny of evil customs , and some bruitish pleasure , by indulging the lusts of the flesh , 1 Cor. 6. 12. Be but a little addicted to any one thing , and you are brought under the power of it . The flesh waxes wanton and imperious and slavery grows upon you by degrees , The more you conquer carnal affections , the more they increase upon you ; and therefore you must hold the reins hard , exercise a powerfull restraint . Solomon in his Penitentials gives us an account of his own 〈◊〉 , and how fearfnlly he was corrupted this way , Eccl. 〈◊〉 . 20. Whatsoever mine eyes desired , I kept not from 〈◊〉 ; I with-held not my heart from any joy , &c. 〈◊〉 was that which brought him to such a lawless excess , and at length to fall off from God . When we give Nature the full swing , and use pleasure with too free a license , the heart is insensibly corrupted , and the necessities of life are turned into Diseases ; and all that you do , 't is but in compliance with your lusts ; your eating and drinking is but a meat-offering and drink-offering to lusts and carnal appetite , I remember Solomon saith ( Prov. 29. 21. ) He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a Childe , shall have him become his Son at length , i. e. Allow a servant too much liberty , and he will no more know his condition , but grow contemptuous , bold and troublesome ; so it is here : We are all the worse for license , natural desires , unless they feel fetters and prudent restraints , grow unruly and excessive ; And therefore it is good to abate the liberty of the flesh , that the body may be a Servant and not a Master ; when you deny your selves in nothing , but satisfy every vain Appetite , a custom grows upon the soul , and intemperance proves a Trade and an habituated distemper , so that you cannot when you would , upon prudent and pious respects , refrain and command your desires : And therefore 't is good sometimes to thwart and vex the flesh , as David poured out the water of Bethlem that he longed for , 2 Sam. 23. 17. not to deny our selves in what we affect and covet ; lust grows into a wanton , and bold and imperious ; and so prescribes upon us , and we are brought under the power of these things .

2. The businesse and cares of this World : For these immoderately followed , and not in obedience to God , are a sore burden , and makes the soul heavie , and allows no time and strength for God and his Service , and those happy opportunities of private communion with him ; When we are incumbred with much service , we neglect that one thing necessary , Luke 10. 42. and therefore Christians must take heed that the lean Kine do not devour the fat ; that Sarah be not thrown out of doors in stead of Hagar ; that Religion be not thrust to the Walls , which should be our prime and chief businesse , while every businesse hath its time and course . The Scriptures knowing the pronenesse of our hearts to temporal things , deals with us as we do with a crooked stick , we bend it so much the other way , and therefore sometimes they forbid necessary labour , John 6. 28. Labour not for the meat which perisheth , &c. the meaning is , not chiefly ; but it bends the stick another way , Set not your affections on things on the Earth : A man must have some kind of affection to his Work here below ; but we had need to be bent the other way : We may gather this from this Precept , 'T is better to incroach upon the world , then the world should encroach upon godliness . In short , Things are a burden and clog to us , according as our delight and scope is : If the pomp and encrease of the World be our end and scope , then Religion will be looked upon as a burden : that will be a weight , and all duties of godlinesse as a melancholy interruption , as they , ( Amos 2. 8. When will the Sabbath be over ? The exercise of godlinesse will be a troublesome thing , and we shall go about the Work of Religion as if we went about it not : But , on the other side , if Heaven and Heavenly things be our scope , then the World is a burden , and then we shall use it in the way , but not abusing , as taking up our rest here , 1 Cor. 7. 31 , 32. Man hath a body and a soul , and he doth provide for both , but for one in subordination ; the soul is the chief , and therefore we must not so look after the interests and concernments of the bodily life , as to forget the interests of the soul , or to neglect them . Many will not so grosly Idolize present things , so as to renounce things to come : I , but they so often follow the things of the world , that they neglect their eternal concernments . The happinesse of a people lies in communion with God ; and therefore that must be looked after ; we must take heed that the cares of the world have not such a hand and power over us , as either to divert us from , or unfit us for these higher and nobler pursuits , the enjoyment of God in Christ . This is the first thing the Apostle speaks to these spiritual Ra●…ers , to lay aside every weight , i. e. the delights of the flesh , and the cares of the world .

Secondly , The next thing to be laid aside is sin , which doth so easily beset us . As we must guard against things without , so we must mortifie our corrupt inclinations within , or else it will soon make us weary of our heavenly Race , or faint in it . Sin you know is twofold , Original and Actual ; Actual sin is not meant primarily , for that is not peccatum agens , sin that easily besets us , but peccatum transiens , the sin that passes from us ; and Original sin is that which is emphatically called sin , Rom. 7. 8. Now this original corruption may be considered as meerly native , or as acquired and improved into evil customes and habits ; for according to mens tempers and constitutions , as they are severally disposed , so by the corruption of nature they are inclin'd to one sin more then another ; as the channel is cut , so corrupt nature finds a vent and issue ; in every man there is some predominant sin ; and in every regenerate person some relicks of that sin , from whence is the greatest danger of his soul ; thus David speaks of his iniquity , Psalm 18. 23. Well then , this is that sin that doth easily beset us : Original sin improved into some tyranny or evil custome , which doth encrease and prevail upon us more and more ; Now this is said [ easily to beset us ] for three reasons : Partly because it hath a great power and restraint over us , and implies the whole man ; the members of the body , the faculties of the soul ; so great an interest hath it acquired in our affections , it doth easily beset us , it hath great power and command over us . Partly , because it sticks so close that we cannot by our own strength lay it aside . Ier. 13. 23. Can the Ethtopian change his skin , or the Leopard his spots , & c ? A man can as ●…oon change his skin , as lay aside his customes , that are so deeply engraven as the blackness of an Ethiopian , or the spots of the Leopard . And partly , because it mingles it self with all our motions and actions , Rom. 7. 21 &c. It easily besets us , 't is present with us , it impels us , and solicites us , and draws us to sin further and further , and make us negligent in what is Gods : we cannot do or speak any thing , but it will infest us in all our duties of piety , charity , justice ; on every side it is interposing , vexing , thwarting the motions of the Spirit , and so abates our strength , vigour , and agility , and retards our course towards heaven and glory ; therefore lay aside , as every weight , so every sin , &c.

Quest. Now what is it to [ lay aside ] or how can we lay aside , since sin sticks so close to us , and is engraven in our natures ?

Ans. Certainly something may be done by us ; for this is every where pressed as our duty , Ephes. 4. 4. 22. Put off the old man ; and 1 Pet. 2. 11. we may put it off more and more , though we cannot lay it aside . Then we are said to lay aside the sin that so easily besets us , when we prevent and break the dominion of it , that it shall not raign over us , Rom. 6 12. Let not sin reign , &c. Though it dwells in us , lives in us , and works in us , yet it should not overcome us , and bring us into bondage , and so it will not be imputed to our condemnation ; and at length , when the soul shall be separated from the body , we shall be wholly free from it .

Quest. I , but what must we do that we may so repress it ? ( the question returns ) that we may break the domonion of it ?

Ans. I answer , this is the work of the Spirit of God ; but we must know , the Spirit of God doth work the work of mortification two wayes : By Regeneration , and after Regeneration ; By Regeneration , and so he doth immediately without any co-operation of ours , mortifie the deeds of sin , gives sin its death-wound : That which is left is as a thing mortified , it is broken ; the Scripture often speaks of this first work of Regeneration , Rom. 6. 6. Col. 2. 11. First , when we are planted into Christ , then we put off the body of sin ; and though it doth not presently dye , yet it is weakened , that it cannot reign , though it be not destroyed .

2. After Regeneration the Spirit doth more and more destroy sin , the reliques of sin , this crucified body of sin , till it dieth wholly away ; this he doth in us , but not without us , Rom. 8. 13. Through the Spirit mortifie the deeds of the body : Not the Spirit without us , nor we without the Spirit , but ye through the Spirit , What is then required of us ?

1. Seriously purpose not to sin , and promise to God to yield him unfeigned obedience . Especially should we make this promise in the use of those solemn Rights , by which the Covenant between God and us is confirmed . Take up a solemn purpose not to grieve the Spirit , nor to break his Law , Psal. 119. 106. I have sworn , and I will perform it , that I will keep thy righteous Iudgements : This purpose of heart is the root of all good actions : therefore in the confidence of Gods help , in the sence of thy own weakness , Psalm 119. 32. we cannot lay Wagers upon our own strength , yet it is our duty to engage our hearts to God : To sin against the light of our own Conscience , and illumination of the Spirit and the chastening and instruction of our own reins , that aggravates our sin ; but to sin against , and besides our fixed purpose of not sinning , that lightens sin , for then it is a sin of weaknesse and infirmity , not of wilfulness and malice ; and then we can say as Paul , Rom. 7. 19. when the heart is fixedly bent towards God , The evil which I would not that do I. Two wayes may we be said to sin against purpose , either when we are over-born besides our purpose , our purpose still remains to please God : As when the water breaks over the bank , the bank remaining ; in such a case the fault is not in the bank , but in the violence of the flood . Or secondly , when we break off our purpose , or consent to do evil ; as when we cut through the bank , the water may easily make through . There is a great deal of difference between sin dwelling in us , and sin entertained by us , between sin remaining , and sin reserved ; and when you have a firm purpose against all sin , there is sin remaining ; but it is not reserved , but it is not kept and allowed .

2. Watch over thy self with a holy self-suspition , because thou hast sin within thee that doth easily beset thee ; therefore consider thy wayes , Psal. 119. 59. Guard thy sences , Iob 31. 1. but above all , keep thy heart , Prov. 4. 23. Conscience must stand Porter at the door , and examine what comes in , and what goes out ; watch over the stratagems of Satan , and seducing motions of thy own heart .

3. Resist and oppose strongly against the first risings of the flesh , and the tickling and pleasing motions of sin that doth easily beset us , when it doth intice us away from God , or do any thing that is unseemly and contrary unto the duties of our heavenly calling . Oh! remember we are not debtors to the flesh , Rom. 8. 20. Thou art tyed to the Lord by all obligations and indulgence : therefore break the force of sin by a serious resistance ; check it , and let thy soul rise up in indignation against it , my businesse is not to pleasure the flesh , but to please the Lord .

4. Bewail the involuntary lapses and falls with penitential teares , as Peter went out and wept bitterly , Mat. 26. 57. Godly sorrow is of great use for laying aside of sin , as salt potions kill wormes ; when children are troubled with worms we give them salt potions ; so these bitter penitential tears are the means God hath appointed to mortifie sin ; that is the reason the Apostle saith , 2 Cor. 7. 10. Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation , not to be repented of : 'T is not only a part of repentance , but worketh persevering durable resolutions , a walking closely with God ; 't is a means God hath blessed to this end and purpose .

5. Recover from thy falls , renew thy combate ; as Israel , when they were overcome in battel , they would try it again and again , Iudges 20. 28. Take heed of ceasing for the present ; for though thy enemy seems to prevail , though the flesh seems to prevail against the Spirit in the battel , yet thou shalt have the best of it in the war ; by the power of grace thou shalt have the victory .

Thus I have gone over the privative part of our duty , Let us lay aside every weight , and the sin that doth so easily beset us : I should have come to the positive , Let us run with patience the race that is set before us ; there is the duty , Let us run the Race that is set before us ; and there is the manner of the duty , Let us run with patience . I should have shown you , That a Christian-life is like a Race from Earth to Heaven , in a way of holiness , and exercise of Grace . This Race it continues as long as we continue in the world , from our nativity to our death ; after death the strife is ended . Now in this Race we must run , and so run , that we may obtain the Crown , 1 Cor. 9. 24. Running is a motion , and a speedy motion ; there is no lying , sitting , or standing , but still there must be running : We must make a further progress in the way to Heaven , Forgetting those things which are behind , and reaching forth unto those things which are before . Phil. 3. 1. 3.

The Runner was not to enquire how much of the way already was past , but to strain himself to overcome what was yet behind : And so should we consider what sins are yet to be mortified ; what duties yet untouched , almost untouched ; what hard conflicts are yet to be undergone , and still to hold on our way without twining aside , or halting because of difficulties , discouragements , stumbling-blocks . And there are fellows and co-partners with us that run this Race , with whom we may strive , in a holy emulation , who should go forwardest , who should be most forward in the course of pleasing God : Oh Christians ! there are many contentions amongst us , but when shall we have this holy contention ? Heb. 10. 24. In a Race there is the Agonotheta , the Judge of the sports ; so here God observes all ; no matter what the standers by say , the Judge of the sports must decide who must have the Crown , 1 Cor. 14. 3 , 4. And then , at the end of the Race there is the Crown , 2 Tim. 4. 7 , 8. I have fought a good fight , I have finished my course , I have kept the faith , henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of righteousness , &c. In a race there are spectators , so there are here , God , Angels , and Men , 1 Cor. 4. 9. We are a spectacle to the world , to Angels , and to men , &c.

Thus for the similitude of our Race in our way to Heaven . Now wherein it differs .

This is a Race , not undertaken out of wantonness , but out of necessity : God hath called us to this course ; and if we run not in this Race , we are undone for ever . And in other Races , but one had the Crown ; here all are crowned , 2 Tim. 4. 8. though they be not so eminent as the Apostle ; here all are crowned that run in the manner God hath required ; Henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of righteousness , which the Lord , the righteous Iudge , shall give me at that day , and not to me only , but to them that love his appearing .

2. For the manner [ with patience ] Let us run with patience . Patience is necessary .

1. Partly because of the length of the Race , and the distance between us and the promised Reward : Our Race cannot be ended but after some degrees of time ; long waiting is troublesome to the flesh , and therefore we have need of patience . 2. Because we meet with many impediments , troubles and temptations by the way ; there are spiritual adversaries with whom we must fight ; for we go on , we not only run , but fight , therefore run with patience , &c. 3. Because the spectators will be ready to discourage us ; We are set forth , not only as a spectacle to God and Angels , but to the world , and they will be ready to deride , scorn and oppose us for o●…r zeal to God , and our forwardness in the wayes of God , to discourage us by bitter mockings , &c. therefore let us run with patience the Race that is set before us .

Mr. Lye's Forenoon Sermon . Phil. 4. 1. Therefore my Brethren , dearly beloved and longed for , my joy and crown , so stand fast in the Lord , my dearly beloved .

MY Beloved , I do very well remember , that upon the four and twentieth day of this instant month 1651. I was then under the sentence of Banishment ; and that very day did I preach my farewell Sermon to my people from whom I was banished , because I would not swear against my King , having sworn to maintain his just Power , Honour and Greatness ; and now behold a second tryal : Then I could not forswear my self , the God of Heaven keep me that I never may . I am apt to think I could do any thing for this loving Congregation , only I cannot sin . But since , beloved , there is a sentance gone out against us , that we that cannot subscribe , must not subsist ; this is the last day that is prefixed to us to preach ; I shall now speak to you ( God assisting me ) if my passion will give me leave , just as if I would speak if I were immediately to die , therefore hearken my Brethren , dearly beloved and longed for , my Ioy and Crown , so stand fast in the Lord , my dearly beloved . Paul was now a Prisoner at Rome for the Gospel of Christ , it was his second imprisonment ; and he was not far from being offered up a sacrifice for the Gospel he had preached . This Gospel the Philippians had heard him preach ; and the godly Philippians having heard of his imprisonment , they sent from Philippi to Rome to visit him , and to supply his wants ; a gracious temper , which , I hope the eternal God hath given the Saints in London , and for which , if for any thing , God hath a blessing in store for them . Paul is not so much concerned in his own bands , as in the Philippians Estate . Epaphroditus tells him , that there were Heresies and false Doctrines got in amongst them , but yet the Philippians stood fast ; and herein Paul rejoyces , writes this Epistle , bids them go on , stand fast , keep their ground , and to be sure not to give an inch , but to stand fast , knowing that at a long run their labour should not be in vain in the Lord .

A most melting Compellation , and a most serious Exhor●… . 1. A melting Compellation , My Brethren , dearly beloved , &c. 2. A serious Exhortation , and in it 1. the matter of the duty , stand , and stand it out , and stand fast . 2. The manner , 1. So , stand so as you have stood , stand fast : 2. In the Lord , stand so , and stand in the Lord , in the Lords strength , and in the Lords Cause ; to stand in your own strength , would be the ready way to fall , and to stand in your own cause , for your own fancy , would be the ready way to expose your selves to all manner of temptations : Therefore my Brethren , dearly beloved in the Lord , stand , and so stand fast in the Lord , my dearly beloved .

In the next place , by way of observation from the words ; and if there be any wicked catchers here , let them know , that I shall speak no more then I shall draw from , and is the mind of my Text ; I would not give occasion to be a greater sufferer then I am like to be . But for the words .

First , For the melting Compellation , My Brethren , my dearly beloved . Paul was an Apostle , and an high Officer in the Church of God , and he writ unto the Philippians , to all the Philippians , to the poorest of them , and see how he bespeaks himself unto them , my Brethren : From hence take this observation , That the highest Officers in the Church of Christ , though they are indeed by office Rulers over them , yet by relation they are no more then brethren to the meanest Saint . Here we have no such Rabbies to whom we must swear , because they say we must swear it . Paul calls them Brethren , and so writes to them , Col. 1. 2. and Iames , a Scriptural-Officer , one of the highest Apostles Christ ever made , saith , Hearken my beloved Brethren , Iam. 2. 5. so Peter an Apostle of Christ , Wherefore the rather Brethren ; and Iohn the beloved Disciple , Brethren , I write no new commandment , &c. 1 Joh. 〈◊〉 7. Well then .

3. If this be so that the highest officer in the Church of Christ , such as Christ approves of , are but brethren to the meanest Saint : then certainly they are but brethren to their fellow-Officers : If no more relation to the toe in the body , then no more to the eyes . If there be any of a light spirit will bear rule , that love to have the preheminence , I would desire them to read two Scriptures ; the first is Luke 22. 26. the second Mat. 20. 26 , 27. doth Christ say , Whosoever will be chief among you , let him be one that will domineer over your estates , over your persons , over your consciences , doth not Christ say so ? no , but whosoever will be chief among you , let him be your Minister , — let him be your servant . Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministred unto , but to minister , and to give his life a ransom for many . You have this also , Luke 22. 25. And he said unto them , the Kings of the Gentiles exercise Lordship over them , i. e. over their slaves , over their vassals , but ye shall not be so , but he that is greatest among you , let him be as the younger , and he that is chief , as he that doth serve . Sure if Paul be but a brother to Philip , then he is no more to Timothy .

2. If the highest Officers in the Church of Christ be but brethren to the meanest Saint , then it is not for those brethren to Lord it over their fellow-brethren , Lord it over Gods heritage : Remember , 't is Gods Heritage . I hope your consciences will bear me witness , that I have laboured as much as in me lies , to be a helper of your joy , not to Lord it over your faith , 2 Cor. 1. 24 to presse or cause you in believe this or that because I believe it : if this be allow'd then may I turn Papist tomorrow . Saith Christ to him that would have had him speak to his brother to divide the inheritance with him , Man , who made me a Iudge over 〈◊〉 , Luke 12. 14. So say I , Man who made thee a Tyrant , a Lord over thy fellow-brethren , 1 Pet. 5. 3. Neither as be●… Lords over Gods heritage , &c.

3. If the highest Officers in the Church of Christ be but Brethren , and no more , then there should be no discord between those brethren , Behold how good and pleasont it is for brethren to dwell together in 〈◊〉 . And truly I may comfortably speak that , and it is one of the greatest comforts I have in the world . I hope we have lived together in love , blessed be God : Let us not fall out , saith Abrahim the elder , to Let his younger Cousin , for we are brethren . Beloved , the discords between Pastor and people have made the best musick in the ears of the Jesuits .

4. Are Pastors , nay the highest Officers that Jesus Christ hath , and doth own in his Church , but Brethren ? Oh! then let those brethren , if they will appear before the Bar of their Father in Heaven with comfort , take care of offending the souls of their Brethren ; for at the hand of every Brother God will require the soul of his Brother ; Ezek , 33. 6. His blood will I require at the Watchmans hand . We that are called by some the dogs of the flock , what shall we prove dumb dogs ? What a comfort will it be to my dying brethren this day , if they can but say , Lord , we are clear from the blood of our Brethren ? The Officers of Christ should never behave themselves so , that they should give their people occasion to say , We are brethren to Dragons . But Ier. 9. 4. Take ye heed every one of his neighbour , &c. I would commend one Scripture to all my Brethren in the Ministry , 1 Cor. 8. 13. A Scripture that I would have writ in letters of gold on the lintel-posts of all Ministers doors : Wherefore if meat make my brother to offend , I will eat no flesh while the world stands , left I make my brother to offend . Rather then to endanger his soul , I 'le away with all these toys and gew-gaws .

5 From the terms of dearest affection , dearly beloved , longed for , &c. Take this observation , that , It becomes the highest Ministers , much more the lowest , to bear a most tender , vehement , ardent , strong melting affection , towards that st●…ck or people that God hath committed to their change . Thus Paul to the Philippians in the Text , My Brethen , dearly beloved , &c. You shall find Paul in all his Epistles in a thawing frame to his people , melting in love unto them : The Corinthi●…ns were so in his heart , no●… only to live with them , but if God called him , to die for them , so abundantly did he love them , 2 Cor. 12. 15. That he would very gladly spend and be spent for them , carried them in his heart , and longed after them all . As for the Thessalonians 1 Thess 2. 8. He , as a Nurse , tendreth and nourisheth them as children , and is so affectionately desirous of them , that he is willing to impart them , not only the Gospel , but his own soul , because they were dear to him . Then ,

1. Is this so , ought the Pastors so to love their people ? Give me leave to bespeak you in the words of Iob ( in respect of those hundreds of Ministers that are to be plucked from their people : ) Have pity upon me , have pity upon me , oh●…ye my friends , for the hand of God hath touched me , Iob 19. 21. What will nothing serve but plucking out our very eyes ? our very heart , ( being so much the objects of the Peoples love . ) How sad is it for the Father to be plucked from the Childe , the Shepherd from the Flock , the Nurse from the Childe , this is a Lamentation , and ought to be for a Lamentation : That there must be a parting between David and 〈◊〉 , who loved one another as their own Souls , this cuts them unto their very heart . And this I may say with respect to my self , I blesse God , I cannot say , as she of her Husband , A bloody Husband hast thou been unto me , but a loving Congregation have you been unto me . I know none of you have desired my destruction , nor to taint my name ; never did I hear three in this Congregation speak of pressing any thing against me , that was contrary to my conscience : nor can I say , that there are four in this Parish that did ever deny to pay me my legal dues , blessed be God for such a people , you have not encroached upon my conscience , as I hope I have not upon yours . Pastors must love their people , do not blame them if their hearts be almost broken , when they are to part with such a people .

2. Must the Pastor love his people ? then the people must love their Pastor . 'T is true , it lies in the power of man to seperate the Pastor and people , but not to separate their hearts ; I hope there will never be a separation of love , but that will still continue : if we do not see one another , yet we may love one another and pray for one another ; I hope a husband doth not cease from loving his wife because she is absent from him . But oh ! for my Brethren , hundreds of them think that you are undone , though you cannot see as far as other men , you may live in love , and keep your consciences quiet .

3. Must Pastors love their People ? then you see from hence , what should be the grand object of the Pastors affection , i. e. the people ; not what the people have ; this is great inquiry , what is the benefice worth ? What 's the preferment ? Do they pay well , &c. Whereas we should not seek so much the Fleece as the Flock , we should not take oversight of a Congregation for love of their pay , but of their souls ; nor , 't is an excellent good living , as one said I have heard of , Let me have their Tythes , and let their souls go to the Devil ; but as the Apostle , I seek not yours , but you , 2 Cor. 12. 14. And I hope there be many hundreds can say , it hath been the peoples souls they have more loved and affected , than any thing what the people had .

4. Once more ; We must love them , and love them tenderly , Why , and yet leave them ? Yes my beloved , We are so to love our people , as to venture any thing for them but our own damnation . I come not here to throw firebrands . I bless God I have a most tender affection for all my Brethren in the Ministry ; and though I am not satisfied my self , yet I condemn no man , I believe there be many of them do as conscienciously subscribe , as deny to subscribe . I protest in the fear of God I cannot subscribe ; perhaps it is because I have not that light as others have ; for he that doubts ( saith the Apostle ) is damned : My beloved , I hope you would not have us sin against God and our Consciences . It is not my living that I desire , but my office to serve my Lord and Master , but if we should ( to keep communion with you ) lose our communion with God ; this is the ready way to have all our labour and pains lost ; but as David said ( and oh that I could speak it with as good hopes as David ) Zadok , carry back the Ark of God , if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord , he will bring me again , and shew me both it and his habitation : but if he thus say , I have no delight in thee , behold here am I , let him do to me as seemeth good unto him , 2 Sam. 15. 24. Brethren , I could do very much for the love I bear to you but I dare not sin ? I know they will tell you , this is pride and peevishness in us , and that we have preacht against it , and are tender of our reputation , and we would fain all be Bishops , and forty things more : but the Lord be witness between them and us in this . Beloved , I prefer my wife and children before a blast of air of peoples talk : I am very sensible what it is to be reduced to a morsel of bread : Let the God of heaven and earth do what he will with me , if I could have subscribed with a good conscience , I would , I would do any thing to keep my self in the work of God , but to sin against my God , I dare not do it .

3. My joy and Crown , therefore my dearly beloved and longed for , my joy and Crown , my present joy and future Crown : my joy which I value more then a Crown , my principal joy . Hence observe this Doctrine , that , The fixed , standing , flourishing growth of Saints in Gospel-practice and Gospel-obedience , is , or ought to be matter of transcendent joy to their Pastors . It was so to the Apostle Paul ; Paul heard how they stood : though there was a plague amongst them , yet they were not infected ; and though he was in the Gaol ready to be beheaded , yet this was his joy and Crown , that his people did stand , and I hope , my Brethren , it will be our joy and Crown to he●…r of your standing and growth in Gospel ▪ knowledge , and Gospel-profession . And

1. If this be so , as Iohn said , I rejoyced greatly that I found of thy Children walking in the truth : It should be the prayers and endeavours of all Pastors really to love the souls of their people , and to pray for them : that when they cannot look after the souls of their Children , yet that good Nurses may be looked out for them . What a joy was it that Moses Mother was made his Nurse ? and who can tell , it may be thought , not out of any merit of ours , yet of their own clemency , our Governours may give us to be Nurses over our own Children : but if I cannot nurse my Childe my self , I will wish it well , and as good a Nurse as I can : far be it , that those that are to succeed should not prosper : Lord , it shall be the prayere of thy Servant , that those that are to succeed may have a double and treble portion of thy Spirit , that he may be both painful and faithfull , &c.

2. If the peoples growth in grace and knowledge be matter of joy to a faithful Pastour ? then what do you think of those that hinder their thriving . I shall give you two Scriptures , Iohn 12. 19. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves , ( they durst not speak publickly ; but who was it against ? why , it was against Christ ) perceive ye how ye prevail nothing , behold the world is gone after him . But we will order him for that , we will be sure to lesson his Congregation ; if we cannot do that , we will shut the doors against him ; see Matth. 23. 13. Woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees , Hypocrites , for ye shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men : What! shut up the Kingdome of Heaven against men ? What the Pharisees ! that pretended they had the Keys of Heaven , and to be the Guides ? I , that is it . because there is nor room enough in Heaven for us and them too ? No , saith Christ , there is no such matter ; For ye neither go in your selves , neither suffer ye them that are entring to go in . I dare not tell you at this time what it is to shut up the Kingdome of Heaven against men , you may better imagine it t●…en I can speak it ; but this did the Pharisees they would not go in themselves , nor suffer them that wer●… 〈◊〉 to go in . I remember , when I was a Childe , we h●…d ●…uch 〈◊〉〈◊〉 , that would one Lords-day preach up 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 next Lords-day would preach against the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

And now , my 〈◊〉 , I am come in the next place to speak to ●…he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stand fast ; and because I see a Hurricane a 〈◊〉 ●…eep your ground , stand fast , and live in the Lord here , that you may live with him hereafter .

Mr. Lye's Afternoon Sermon . Phil. 4. 1. Therefore my Brethren , dearly beloved and longed for , my joy and crown , so stand fast in the Lord , my dearly beloved .

FRom this Scripture you have had these 3. Doctrines : 1. That the highest officers of the Church of Christ , though they are Rulers of them , yet they are but brethren to the meanest Saint . 2. That it becomes a true Scriptural Minister of Christ , to have a most veh●…ment , ardent , strong , melting , tender affection to that Flock or People which the Providence of God hath committed to his charge . 3. That the fixed , standing , flourishing , and thriving of that Flock in the profession and practice of Gospel-knowledge and obedience , is matter of transcendent joy and triumph to such a godly Pastor . The fourth , which is that I would now prosecute , is this , That it is the grand and indispensible duty of all sincere Saints , in the most black and shaking seasons , to stand fast , fixed and stedfast in the Lord .

This is the grand thing St. Paul had to say to his Philippians when he was ready to have his head cut off , for so it was , he was beheaded for the testimony of Jesus : this is all he had to say when in Jayle , when in bonds , and that under Heathen Romans ; you are now my Joy , you are now my Crown , oh ! do but stand , and my joy , which is but two notes above Gamut , will get to Ela. Oh! do but stand , and my Crown 's studded with Diamonds : We live if you stand , though we die when you stand . It is the great and indispensible duty , &c. Whether these are black and shaking seasons , I have nothing to say , but I am wholly now upon your duty , beloved ; and for God's sake let the words of a Civilly dying Minister prevail with you . There is a kind of a Maxim among some , that in case a person dye seemingly , and revive again , that the last words that was heard of that person when in a rational temper , are the only things that that person will remember when brought to life again . It is most probable beloved , whatever others may think , but in my opinion ( God may work wonders ) neither you nor I shall ever see the faces of , or have a word more to speak to one another till the day of Judgement . Therefore I beseech you hear me , as those that would and may live with me to eternity . Mark your duty ; I have spoken something concerning the Pastors duty in the morning ; now for the Peoples : It is the indispensible duty of all sincere Saints , to stand fast , &c. I confess , I have a love for the whole Auditory , I have a Mess for them ; but my Benjamin's Mess is for those I once called my own people ; you are my Benjamins , I wish I had a greater than a fifth for you . This Proposition I shall

1. Prove , and then 2. Improve .

In the worst of times , in the most shaking seasons , and if I do not greatly mistake , there is an hour of temptation threatned by God , now beginning to be inflicted ; if ever you would stand , stand now , and for your comfort , let me but hint , that a Christian may stand comfortably , when he falls sadly ; that is , he may stand by God when he falls by man . I knew that a great many years ago .

First then , 't is your duty to stand . There be Scriptures more then enough to prove this to be your duty , Col. 4. 12 Stand perfect & compleat in all the will of God Ph. 1. 27 Only let your conversation be as becometh the Gospel of Christ , that whether I come and see you , alas poor Paul ! thou come & see them ! thou wast beheaded before thou couldst come & see them ; but ( or else be absent , I may hear of your affair●… , that ye may stand fast in one spirit , with one m●…nd , striving together ( not to pluck out one anothers throats , no more of that ; but striving together , not against one another , but ) for the faith of the Gospel . So 1 Cor. 15. 58. Therefore my Brethren , be Steadfast , unmoveable , always abounding in the work of the Lord , forasmuch is you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord . 'T is our duty to stand . But.

Secondly , Wherein must we stand steadfast ? I have no new Doctrine to preach now , I shall but mind you of what I have formerly spoken when you would not believe . I confess I do not begin to be of a new judgement now ; and should I be continued in the Ministry , ( a mercy I can hardly hope for ) I should be of the same judgement , and preach this doctrine , Stand fast .

God will certainly bring the people of God in England to his own terms , or else ●…are them well for ever . What 's that we should be steadfast in ? I would advise to a steadfastness .

1. Of Iudgement . 2. To steadfastness of Resolution . 3. To a steadfastness of Faith . 4. To a steadfastness of Conscience .

So stand fast in the Lord in your Iudgement , in your Resolution , in your Faith , in your Conscience .

1. I would advise to a steadfastness of Iudgement . Strange Doctrines are the greatest fetters that do assault a sound judgement ; they are like waves , if they do split , they will shake the Ship to purpose : therefore your way is , to cast anchor well , to stand firm on the rock of truth , I had almost said all in a word , Protestant truth ; though the market may rise somewhat high , yet stand firmly there while strange Doctrines like so many impetuous Waves , are beating upon you , break themselves in pieces they may , but if you stand , can never hurt you , I am not now to begin to warn you against P●…pery , not that I have the least reflection on any thing in the world , but on the Scriptures . I am apt to think the wound of the beast must be healed : however , do not you spread a plaister for the Beast to heal his wound : Be no more children tossed to and fro , carried about with every wind of Doctrine , with every wind , or windy Doctrine , by the slight of men , and cunning craftiness , that can cog the Die , notable Gamesters there are in the World , but you must stand steady in judgement , you must be firm to your principles : I would have you Stars , not Meteors , for Meteors are carried about with every blast of Wind. I hope better things of you ; I shall pray God would make you steadfast in Iudgement : 1. Be sure to get good principles ; and secondly , Be sure to stand in those good principles that you have got . And though I cannot say but some Tares are sown among this Parish , ye●… I bless the Lord for the generality , I hope I may say , I have an Orthodox Ministry .

2. 'T is not enough to stand i●…●…udgement , but we must be steadfast to our 〈◊〉 ; 1 〈◊〉 15. 58. Be steadfast ▪ immoveable , such as stand firm on some Basis and foundation , that doth not totter and stagger : if they find you staggering , to be sure the next moment they look upon you as falling . Be as they say of one or both of the Poles of the Heavens , though all the world turns , the Poles are immoveable . If I mistake not , you may see a great turn in the World ; ●…nd behold at this day , the greatest turn that ever was in England ; but yet you must not move , you must not stir , be true to your Resolutions , be just to your first love , go on in the Lords Work , let nothing take you off . If I have preached any false Doctrine among you , witness against me at the day of judgement ; but if the things I have preached be true , stand to the truths , if you do not witness against my Doctrine ( mine 't is not ) but rather witnesse for it , remember , if you leave it , that very Doctrine will witnesse against you at the day of Judgement . Oh! that excellent Heroe , Queen Hester , thus and thus I will do , and if I perish , I perish . You cannot imagine against how many thousand temptations a stadfast resolution will guard you .

3. There 's a steadfastnesse of Faith too , when we so believe as that we do not waver , or do not hesitate . Will you give me leave to propose to you ( my dear Friends , though my Congregation I cannot call you ) that question which our Saviour did unto the Jews . ( whom he hated , though I love you ) The Baptism of Iohn , whence was it ? from heaven , or of men . The doctrines you have heard , have they been from Heaven or from men ? Answer me , if from men abhor them ; man is a false creature , man would make merchandize of your faith and souls , but if from Heaven , why then should you not believe them ? I blesse the Lord , my conscience bears me witnesse , I never did so far propose a doctrine to you , I would have you believe without Scripture . If the doctrines have been from God believe them , if not , abhor them , and any of those that shall dare to bring a doctrine , but dare not bring the authority of the Scripture to warrant them . You may not be like those in Iam. 1. 6. that mavereth like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed . The most godly man may stumble in his way , i. e. tread awry , but a wavering minded man is never settled concerning his way . Blessed be God I am not now ( on this day that looks as like my dying day as can be in the world ) to begin to fix upon a Religion , to fix upon my way , I know my way , If God will but keep 〈◊〉 steps , and guide me in that way . If God be 〈◊〉 ( I appeal to your consciences ) worship him ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God , worship him ; do not stand disputing and doubting , do not , say shall I ? shall I ? if the ways you have found be the ways of God , follow them ; God hath but one way to heaven , there is but one truth ; if Baal be God follow Baal , do not stand wavering ; do not consult with flesh and bloud ; 't is an infinite mercie that God will give any of us to leave Relations , Estates , Congregations , any thing for Christ : 't is an infinite mercy we do not split upon a rock . Be sure to be either for God or Baal : a godly man many time , halts in his way , but never halts between two opinions .

4. Steadfastness of Conscience . Indeed the genius of my ministry hath lyen this way : and here I could easily launch out , but I must be short . I would speak a word in season to those that are weak , it becomes you to be steadfast in conscience ; then have a God decreeing , a Christ redeeming , a spirit quickning , a gospel promising , a heaven prepared , a God infinitely more ready to save him , then he can possibly be desirous to be saved by him . Be steadfast in conscience against the guilt , the filth of sin , against the temptations of Satan , &c. Let us draw near , with full assurance of faith ; you can never believe Gods love so much , as Gods love doth engage you to believe , &c. I might adde .

5. You must be steadfast in conversation : 't is not the Running well , but the Running out ; 't is not the sighing but the conquering that gives you title to the Reward : for you to give a great deal of milk , and to throw it down all at length with your foot , may argue you to have a good dug , but a bad foot . Never give those be●…sts of Babylon occasion to say , that a man may be a child of God in the morning , and a child of the devil at night ; that we contradict that Doctrine by our conversation , that we assert in our profession .

But why must we be stedfast ?

Alas ▪ why ; would you have me marshal up all the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 me count the stars , or number the sands on 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . There is no●… an attribute in God , not a precept , 〈◊〉 , or 〈◊〉 in the word , not an ordinance ▪ 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 ; there is nothing in God , or 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , or ourselves , but all would give a con●…ribution of 〈◊〉 to prove the Saints 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 I must but h●…nt at a few things .

First , I would argue from Iesu Christ Believers you love Christ , and therefore you love the honour of Christ , now the honour of Christ is highly engaged in your stedfastness . We never cast a deeper blot on the honour of Christ , then when we grow unstedfast : I need not tell you so , the Jesuits , those me●…k Papists will tell you so , those that delight in nothing more then in the milk of the Virgin Mary , and in the bloud of Saints : they have enough : if you be unsteady . 1. You dishonour Christ in his sufferings : Pray tell me Believers , why did Christ swear bloud ? why did he dye ? why did he undergo what the wrath of Devils could inflict , but for this end , to make you steady , to give you the conquest of all spiritual Enemies , and to make you stand in that conquest triumphing . Thus I remember as Ioshuah . Jos. 10. 24. Come , put your feet upon the necks of these k●…ngs , and they came near , and put their feet upon the necks of them . So , Christ hath dy'd , that you might live , that you might stand ; and what dishonour to the eternal Saviour of the world , to a dying Sav●…ur , to see a flying Christian. 'T was never heard of , that souldiers should ●…lye before a conquered enemy , whose legs were cut off , whose arms were broken , whose sword taken from them . 2. 'T is a dishonour to the spirit of Christ : The same spirit that was with Christ in all his Agonies , this very spirit he hath given to believers that he might bring them through with some victory ; therefore , when we stand not , 't is a high dishonour to Christ's Spirit . 3. 'T is a dishonour to Christ's truth : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 what a dishonour doth it bring ●…o the Truth ▪ 〈◊〉 but thought of some late experiments of poor 〈◊〉 that I h●…ve he●…rd of , carried about in triumph , look here 's the man , here 's the man that hath done this , that , and t●…other thing , and now look here 's his — I cannot excuse Noah from his drunkenness , yet me thinks 't is the part of a Cham to shew his fathers nakedness . I remember that one hath told me , ( 't is a great Truth ) That Religion never s●…ffers greater wounds , then by the hands of her professed friends ; Oh? what advantage have the wicked Papists taken against us by the falls of English Professors , both in principles and practice . 4. ' I is a very great dishonour to Christs all-sufficiency . Tell me man , is thy Christ able to protect thee against all evil ? and is he able to supply thee with all good ? or is he not ? if he be not , then deny him , and whatever thou hast said concerning him , if he be , then stand close to him , in the mount he will be seen .

2ly . I would argue from Saints , the infinite advantage that at a long run ( I do not say presently ) will redound to those that are steady in judgment , in resolution ; in faith , in conscience , in practice , so far as all these are conformable to the word of God , and no further . The greatest advantage appears upon these four grounds .

1. Whatever thou thinkest , a steady condition is the safest condition . 2. The fullest condition . 3. The strongest condition , 4. The freest condition .

Oh! that I could beat this into my heart , as well as ●…tis in my head . The safest condition in the midst of dangers ; the fullest condition in the mids●… of wants ; the strongest condition in the midst of assauts , and the freest condition in the midst of straights . I profess in the presence of God , I have felt these things , and knew them to be true many years ago .

1. It is the safest condition : never do the Saints take hurt , but by declining , moving from their center : while at their center the Devil cannot touch them ; departing thence , is like the poor Bird from her nest , every one hath a fling at them . Remember this , let but a man once leave his Scriptural station , and what temptation is he able to stand against : it is just like a man thrown down from the top of an house , no stopping till he come to the bottom . 1 Joh 5. 18. He that is begotten of God keepeth himself , and the wicked one toucheth him not .

2. It is the fullest condition . Oh! my Brethren , Saints living steadfastly on their foundation , are continually supplied by God , as the fountain doth continually issue out it self into the streams . I know 't is best living upon a single God . How many thousands be there yet living in England , that can tell you , they never enjoyed more of God , then when they enjoyed least of the Creature . Some have professed to me their prison was to them as a palace , that were troubled more with these things then ever you were , and the God of heaven grant you never may .

3. 'T is the strongest condition . A man that stands steadfast , is like a man on a Rock , the waters come , they may dash themselves in pieces , but never shall be able to dash him in pieces , he is fixed on a Rock , and therefore stands . A man that stands steady to his Scriptural principles , is like Sanpson with his Locks about him , let all the Philistines come , what cares he , he is able to conquer them all .

4. 'T is the freeest condition . A man that deserts his principles , is a slave to every condition , afraid of every humour , of every Aspine leaf in the world , thinks all those are informers that converse with him , is afraid of some promooter or other . But he that stands fast , where the Spirit of God is , there is liberty and freedome ; such a man in chains , as Paul at Rome , is in a far freer condition then others not in that restraint . Well then , 't is rational that you stand , but it may be your l●…st and interest can hardly swallow these things : if we stand we shall not fall ; nay if you do not stand , be sure you shall fall at last . The next thing I would do is to apply this truth .

Is it the most important duty of all sincere professors , in the most shaking seasons , to stand stedfast in the Lord ? then

First , by way of Lamentation , and that

1. Over our own souls . 2. Over hundreds of Congregatio●…s .

Lord , must , do we say hundreds , nay thousands of Congregations that are this day , though they do not accompany us in person , yet mingling tears with us , and especially as I hear , on the West of England .

1. Over our own hearts . We must stand ; that 's our duty : oh ! how should it cause us to lie low , by reason of the instability of our hearts , and their cursed declining from the true foundation every day . Alas , Beloved , this is that that God complains of , they are a generation whose spirit is not stedfast with God ; and therefore we have very much reason to complain of it : oh ! that this sin might be forgiven : oh , what an unsetled people have we been ! to day we have been apt to cry Hosanna , Hosanna to the Son of David , to morrow our note is changed , crucifie him , crucifie him , give us Barabbas ▪ to day the Lord is God , to morrow Baal ; any thing is God , provided we may keep our Estates . Oh Lord ! what w●…lt thou do with such a people as this ? certainly it is a lamentation , and ▪ ought ●…o be a lamentation . Believe it Beloved , I can now count seven years , if not something more , wherein I have most clearly expected the daies I now see : no way , but the severest waies to be taken with such a false people as we have been . Judge in your own thoughts , whether we have been true to God or Man , to Saints or Sinners , to the Churches of God at home , or abroad : whether or no this be not matter of lamentation .

2. With respect to our Congregations . ( 't is not against the Law yet to call them our Congregations . ) This I confess , I can rather weep then speak to , I cannot speak , my heart is too big for my head here . Lord , is it the duty of people , of Saints , to stand , to be stedfast ? how then should we mourn over those poor souls , that because their pillers are taken away , must needs for ought we know fall , unless thou dost support them ? What , Lord , dost thou complain of a flock of sheep that are scattered ? oh ! there 's no wonder in it , their Shepherd is gone . Do you look on it as a strange thing , to see a poor Ship to be tossed here and there in the Sea , when their Pilot is destroyed ? why Mother , is it a strange thing for your Children to fall and knock their Arms , Legs , their Brains out ? why their Mother is taken from them oh poor people ! good God provide for this Congregation , I , and this City , that ( let defacing , abominable wretches say what they will ) is certainly one of the best Cities God hath in the world , and therefore they hate it so desperately because God loves it , and because they hate that God that loves it . I bless God , I can speak of my own people , they are not a mad pestiserous people , for the most of them . How many thousands have their hearts at their mouthes now at this time before God in England : alas , alas , that we should ever have our Seers carried away from us ! but what think you , when poor people shall be exposed to greater temptations , to an Ulcer in the very Kidneys , to a Plague in the very Heart , or Head : you now fear it , but when you feel it , what then ?

2. By way of Exhortation : Beloved , I remember good Iacob , when he was come into Egypt , and ready to die , calls his children together , and before he dies blesseth his children . I cannot say you are my children , but I can truly say in the strength of God , You are dearer to me then the children of my own bowels : I remember what poor Esau said , Hast thou but one blessing , my Father ? Bless me , even me also , oh my Father . Oh! beloved , I have a few blessings for you , I have a few words of Exhortation for you : and for Gods sake take them as if they dropt from my lips when dying ; 't is very probable we shall never meet more while the day of Judgement , what ever others think , I am utterly against all irregular waies . I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bless the Lord ) never had a hand in any change of Government in all my life : I am for prayers , ears , quietness , submission , and meekness , and let God do his work , and thi●… will be the best done when he doth it . Therefore be exhorted to stand f●…st in the Lord : My own people , hear me now , though you should never hear me more ; be exhorted to stand fast in the Lord ; you are not a Schismatical , Heretical people , I do not know the lesst person among you enclining to Pope●…y : Therefore be exhorted , as ye have been a people that have waited upon the Ordinances of God , that have not persecuted your poor , Minister : that have made it your design and business to live lovingly , quietly and as it becomes Christians , ( I am confident a Minister may live as comfortably among you , as among any people in England . ) So be ye stedfast , unmovable , alwaies abounding in the Work of the Lord , for as much as you know that your lahour shall not be in vain in the Lord . Here I had prepared , I confess , several arguments to have moved you to this stedfastness .

1. I could have told you , that with drawing of any one of you back , you will meet with great temptations which will very much unfit you for Heaven . If any man or woman draw back , my soul ( saith God ) shall have no pleasure in him : I could have urged you with examples from the Heathens ; Alexander being in India bid them tell him the greatest rarity in their Countrey : Sir , go tell them , say they , when you come to Greece , there are many here that cannot be forced by the prowess of Alexander , to change their minds . I know there are some here that cannot be easily perswaded to change their Religion . Saith Lactantius , our very women torment their tormentors . I would never desire a more able disputant , than a woman against a Monk .

2. I could tell you of those enjoyments God hath put on you , our miseries have been great , but our mercies have been greater : I could tell you of six troubles , and of seven ; of six wherein God hath stood by , and of seven wherein he hath not forsaken , and the truth is , he cannot forsake his people ; he may forsake them as for comfort , he will never forsake them as for support : let him lay on a burden , he will be sure to strengthen the back .

3. I hope 't is not dangerous if I tell you you are ingaged to God : there are vows upon you , Baptismal vows , to say no more , you have sworn to God , you have lifted up your hands : you are those that have undertaken that you would be true to God to your lives end : if these vows have been any way strengthened , Oh! remember Zedekiahs case , Ezr. 17. 18. 19. Seeing he despised the oath by beeaking the covenant ( when lo he had given his hand ) and hath done all these things , he shall not escape : therefore thus saith the Lord God , as I live , surely mine oath that he hath despised , and my covenant that h●… hath broken , even it will I recompence upon his own head . Remember it , you may play fast and loose with man , you must not think ever to carry it away by playing fast and loose with God .

4. If you should not stand , you loose all you have wrought ; all your prayers , tears , professions , practises , sufferings are all gone if you give out at last , &c.

5. While you stand by God , God hath promised to stand with you : and the truth is , if I have but one God , 't is no great matter for all the tyles in worms . There be a 1000 devils , but all those devils are in one chain , and the end of that chain is in the hand of one God : oh ! God will shew himself strong , 2 Cor. 1. 69. For the eyes of the Lord run too and fro●…through the whole earth , to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him .

Quest. But what shall I do to stand ?

Ans. 1. If ever you would stand , if ever you would be firm standing Christians indeed , take heed you be not light and proud Christians : a feather will never stand against a whirlwind , Errour and Prophaneness are most apt to breed in proud hearts . The Proud and Blasphemers are put together , ( 2 Tim. 3. 2. ) Be but humble Christians , that 's the way to be standing steady Christians : if ever you would be steady in your stations , you must be low in your own eyes : do not you go and judge . And now , we shall have another kind of Religion come up , as we have had it a great while ; such a man cannot be an honest man , alas , he is a Presbyterian , he 's an Independant , he 's an Anabaptist , &c. Now , all our great business will be , such a man cannot be a good , an honest man , for he doth not conform ; on the other side , he cannot be an honest man , for he doth conform : These are poor things : I bless God , I lay not the stress of my Salvation upon these : t is true , I cannot in conscience conform , but I do not lay the stress of salvation on it as I did not lay the stress of my salvation on my being a Presbyterian ; I confess I am so , & have been ; it hath been my unhappiness to be alwaies on the sinking side ; yet I lay not the stress of my salvation upon it . 'T is my conscience , but it may be I have not so much light as another man ; and I profess in the presence of God , could I conform without sin to my own 〈◊〉 , I would ; if I should do any thing against my conscience , I should sin , and break my peace , and conscience , and all , and never see good day : do not then spend the strength of your zeal for your religion in censuring others . That man that is most busie in censuring others , is alwayes least employed in examining himself . Remember good Iohn Bradford , he would not censure Bonner nor Gardiner , but saith he , they called I. Bradford , the hypocritical I. Bradford , &c. I do not speak this , as though I can , or did in conscience approve of those things for which I must suffer , that I cannot approve of them , but to take off people from those things that are so far from the foundation . Look you but to the main things , and look but into your own hearts , examine them , and then you need not be much perswaded to look about to others .

2. You must take heed you be not loose Christians : will you remember one thing from me ( the God of Heaven grant you never live to see it verified ) A loose Protestant is one of the fittest persons in the world to make a strict Papist . Tell not me of his Protestantisme , being a drunkard , it is because his King o●… Countrey are Protestants where they live . There is no Religion in a loose liver , if ungodliness be in the heart , it is no difficult thing for error to get into the head . A loose heart can best comply with loose principles , see if they will not be of any Religion in the world that is uppermost ; let the Turk●… prevail , they would soon be of his Religion .

3. Take heed of being worldly Christians : oh ! this is the David that hath ●…lain his ten thousands . A worldly heart will be bought and sold upon every turn to serve th●… Devils turn . Come to a worldly heart , and but promise him thirty pieces of silver he will betray his Saviour . The temptations of the world are great upon us at this time , you that are husbands and parents know it ; the world is a 〈◊〉 temptation , but if we be overcome by the world , and the world not overcome by us , we shall never be able to overcome any one temptation that is offered to us . Therefore that 's an admirable support . In the world you shall have tribulation , but be of good cheer , I have overcome the world : I have overcome the world for you , and likewise I have overcome the world in you . Oh Lord , if thou wilt but overcome the love and the fear of the world , if thou wilt but arm us against the smiles of the world , then come what will , we shall stand stedfast .

4. Take heed you be not hypoeritical Christians , i ▪ e. take heed you do not receive the truth , and only receive the truth , and not receive the truth in the love of that truth , 2 Thess. 2. 10. You have received truth , but have you received the truth in the love of that truth which you have received ; want of this is that damnable occasion to Popery ; And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth , that they might be saved ; and for this cause God shall send them strong delusions , that they shall believe a lye , that they all might be damned , who believed not the truth . 'T is just with God they should fall into errours , whose hearts did never love real truths . Better never receive the truth , then to receive it , and not in the love of it .

Take heed of being venturous , and God tempting Christians : what 's that ? when do I tempt God ? I tempt God when I do run into a Pest-house , and say , God will preserve me from the Plague . Take heed of running upon temptations to sin , whether it be in principles or in practice . I could tell you of two spiritual Pest-houses in England if I had time , for principles one , and for practices another , I do not say that I mean Play-houses on the one hand , or Mass-houses on the other hand : Certainly Bret●…ren , I read of Iulian that wicked bloudy Apostate , that he sunk into that his Apostacy first , by going to hear Libanius preach , mistake me not , I am not against your hearing the Ministers of Christ , for a man may be a true Minister , though he be a bad man ; all the world can never answer the instance of Iudas , who was a true Minister , though a bad man ; while I plead for the truth of his Ministry , I do not spread a skirt over the wickedness of his life . The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses Chair , hear them . But that which I mainly aim at , is this , do not you go , and run , and venture your selves upon temptations : you have heard of superstitious or Idolatrous worship , you have a months mind to see this , and what if so be when you are found in Satans way , Satan should lay his ●…aw on you , and claim to you , what do you there in Satan's ground . Would you be found when you come to die in a Play-house , or in such a place where the true God is Id●…latrously worshipped ? 'T is a great truth , if you would not be found in the Devils power , do not be found in the Devils pound . Brethren , we must know , Satan is b●…sie enough to tempt us , we need not go to tempt him : Eve lost all that she had by hearing one Sermon , but 't was from the Devil . Therefore , if you would not have your pockets pickt , do not trade amongst Cheaters : 1 Tim. 6. 3 , 5. If any man ●…each otherwise , &c. ( then that ye have received , and we preached ) from such withdraw thy self ; that 's a good , honest , laudable separation , from such withdraw thy self .

6. Where God doth not find a mouth to speak , do not you find an ear to hear , nor an heart to believe . [ pray mind it , this I am sure is of concernment ] This is one of the grand points in my Card or Compass , on which I hope I shall venture all If any man come with a Doctrine not according to the word of God , let him carry it whither he will , what have I to do with it ? Either you come from God , or no , If you do , shew me his word , and I 'le believe it ? if not , open your pack where you please , &c. where God doth not find a mouth to speak , where you have not a precept , promise , threatning or example in the word of God , let them talk their hearts out , 't is nothing to me , to my Religion , to my salvation .

Object . But what ground have you for this ?

Ans. Iesuit . I will tell you my ground : this is my great hold I have against Popery . Could they convince me of this , that I must believe with an implicite faith , because they say it , I think it would not be long before I turn'd Papist .

Quest. But why must I not believe it with an implicite faith ?

Ans. Look you into those three great Scriptures , Mat. 15. 2. Why do thy disciples transgresse the traditions of the Elders ? The Jewes come and tell Christ he was not a true Son of the Church of the Jewes , he was disobedient to the Church of the Jewes ; why ? thou hast Disciples that walk not as they ought ; what do they do ? they commit an unpardonable sin , They transgresse the Traditions of the Elders , they break one of the greatest Commandements . What 's that tradition ? They wash not their hands when they eat bread : This was the great sin , and they charge it on him , eat with unwashen hands : why ? why bring you in this tradition ? what have you to say for it ? what 's that to the purpose ? prove Iesus Christ that there is any thing in the Word of God that is against 〈◊〉 ? But , prove you out of the Word of God where they are bound to wash before they eat ? If you will give out your imposition , make out your institution ; and let me tell you , you talk of tradition , but first you set up an Altar God never thought of , and secondly , you pull down Gods Altar : Why do you also transgress the Commandment of God by your tradition ? For God commanded , saying , Honour thy Father and Mother ; and he that curseth Father or Mother , let him dye the death : But ye say , Whosoever shall say to his Father or Mother , It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me , and honour not his Father and Mother , he shall be free ; thus have ye made the Commandement of God of none effect by your Traditions : Ye Hypocrites , you are told of it long ago ; well did Esaias prophesie of you , saying , This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth , and honoureth me with their lips , but their heart is far from me . They draw near , wash their hands , wash their cups , and have filthy souls ! They honour me with their lips , &c. But though their principles , their heart is bad , their worship is good , is it not ? No , In vain they do worship me , teaching for doctrines the commandments of men . So then , my Brethren , remember , all those that teach for doctrines the precepts of men , in vain do they worship God ; Here 's an innocent command , You must wash before you eat ; if you do not wash , you do transgress the traditions of the Elders ; but let you starve Father and Mother , if you give but to the Church , to a Nunnery , Friery , &c. 't is all one ; so that all those that will for doctrines teach the traditions of men , will render the commandments of God of none effect ; in vain do they worship me . Look therefore , whereever God doth not find a tongue to speak , do not you find an ear to hear , nor an heart to believe . Christians , if you expect Christs benediction , always call aloud for Christs Institution ; so Col. 2. 18 , 19. one of the greatest steps you have against Popery , Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary h●…mility , and worshipping of Angels , intruding into those things which he hath not seen , vainly puft up by his fleshly mind , &c Deut. 12. 32. What thing soever I command you , observe to do it , thou shalt not add thereto , nor ●…minish from it . There are no Wens in the body of Gods Precepts , therefore none of them to be cut off . You must not deal with Gods Ordinances , as that Tyrant Proc●…st●… did with men if they were too long for his Bed , he would cut them shorter ; if too short , he would pull their limbs out of joynt to make them longer Never think your selves in Conscience bound to lend an ear to that which God doth not find a mouth to speak .

7. Would you stand fast , beware of shaking doctrines : what are those ? there are a great many of such doctrines that are shakings ; give me leave to instance in three or four . 1. As you love your souls , beware of all doctrines that tend to , and preach up licentiousness , loosness , and prophaneness . Should any tell you , you may lawfully violate and prophane the Sabbath , do not believe it ; the doctrine of the Gospel is a doctrine of godliness ; it teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts , and to live soberly , righteously , and godly in this present world ; therefore if you find any doctrine at any time that should have the least tendency to incourage you in any sin , know , 't is a doctrine against the Gospel .

2. Whereever you find any doctrine that shall tend to the lifting up of mans free-will , and debasing of Gods free grace , know , 't is a wicked doctrine , and against the genius of the Gospel . Perhaps the Papists will tell you , we are aliv●… ; Paul tells you , we are dead . They say that we can do any thing many things that we talk to the World we cannot do ; they say , that we can save our selves , and those with Christ if we will ; whereas the Apostle tells you , 1 Cor. 1. 14. The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God , for they are foolishness unto him , neither can be know them ▪ because they are spiritually discerned . It may be they will tell you , a natural man may love God with his heart , really as so , & savingly ; whereas the Apostle tels you . Rom. 8. 7. The carnal mind is enmity against God , for it is not subject unto the Law of God , neither indeed can be . Remember it , in all those Doctrines wherein we do agree with those whom we call Pelagians , and their brood the Arminians , so far we agree with the Iesuits , and the worst of Papists .

3. As you would avoid Hell , avoid all those Doctrines that would lift up self-righteousness , and debase the righteousness of Christ . I fear I shall never be in that capacity that I would , to stand you in stead in this particular . I confess I am against forty things in Popery , but my whole soul is here ingaged : if that Doctrine be a truth , I never expect salvation by God : either I must be saved by Christ alone , or else I must not be saved by Christ at all : though Christ will never save me without sanctification , yet Christ never intended my sanctification should merit his salvation . Be as holy as you can , as if there were no Gospel to save ; yet when you are as holy as you can , you must believe in Christ , as if there were no Law at all to condemn you . Come and tell me of the Merit of Saints , &c. I will believe that truth , when I believe the Whore of Babylon to be Christs Spouse . See Phil. 3. 9. 2 Cor. 5. 21.

8. Would you stand ? you must be praying Christians . I confess when most of my strings are broken , there is yet one holds , there is a spirit of prayer ( remember Atheis●… ) among the Saints of God , I can pray yet : and I had rather stand against the Canons of the wicked , than against the prayers of the righteous . Oh! pray that you enter not into temptation ; or , if we enter into temptation , Lord , let not the temptation enter into us . Pray , If possible , let this Cup pass from me ; but , if not , let it not poyson me , but let me be bettered by it , and in due time deliver me from it . I believe it would be a great temptation to you , if it should be said to you , you shall trade with no man any more , &c. you have enjoyed these and these comforts , bid them 〈◊〉 for ever , you shall have no more to do with them , this would be a temptation . Temptations and trials are great , and certainly where they are so , prayer should be strong . There 's no relief to be expected on earth , all our relief is to be expected from God , and that is to be obtained by prayer . Pray , that God would be pleased above all things in the world to make you sincere ; would you be stedfast in your profession , you must be sincere in your practice : To him that hath shall be given , that is a comfort ; to him that hath but truth of grace , to him shall be given growth of grace .

9. Would you be steady Christians , then make it your great work to attend the Ordinances that God hath prescribed to make you steady Christians : You were told of this many years ago concerning attending the Ordinances of God .

Quest. Pray what are those ?

Ans. 1. There are secret Ordinances . It may be thou canst not be so much in the Pulpit as thou wouldst : Oh! be more in thy Closet : it may be thou shalt not have so many opportunities to hear so many Lectures , be more consciencious in thy meditations in secret ; it may be thou shalt not have that freedom with God in publick , be more earnest with God in private .

2. Mind your Families more then ever ; you have your Children and Servants call aloud upon you . How many grave faces do I see at this time , that can tell me , Sir , I remember some twenty or thirty years ago , you could not pass the streets , but here was one Family repeating the Word of God ▪ another singing the praises of God , another praying to God , another conferring concerning the things of God ; at that time we had not so many foolish absurd excursions into streets and fields as now . O for the Lords sake begin to take them up now : Let the Amorite , Perizite and Iebusite do what they will ; but oh ! for you and your children , and your servants , do you serve the Lord ; up again with those godly Exercises ; when we cannot hear a Sermon , then read a Sermon ; if we cannot hear a Sermon well preach'd , our godly Parents would engage us to read Sermons well penn'd ; if nothing new , let the word be repeated and meditated , call to mind what you have heard ; oh ! reduce your selves to your Christian frame : let the debauched Athiests know , they have something among you that is to be feared , that is your prayers ; let them know , that though you have not those opportunities you have had , yet you will improve those you have . And you Masters of this Parish , for Gods sake keep in your servants on this day more then ever ; you are to be accountable for their souls , and they will give you a thousand thanks when they come to age , especially at the day of Judgement ▪ Oh then , blessed be God I had such a Master , blessed be God I had such a Mistress , blessed be God I had such Parents .

Quest. But then for publick Ordinances , what would you have us do ?

Ans. 1. Wherever Christ doth find a tongue to speak , I am bound to find an ear to hear , and an heart to believe . I would not be mistaken ; I bless the Lord I am not turned out of my Ministry for being a Schismatick . I know Schism is a sin , nor know I any of my Brethren that are so , do not mistake us , therefore do not go and tell the Iesuits we are Schismaticks , for we are none ; but this I would advise , ( I speak as though I were dying ) do whatsoever lies in your power , to hear such whom you think to be godly ; beg of God , be earnest with him , that he would give Pastors after his own heart , and whom God hath sent ; not such as may daub with untempered morter , and not such as may prophesie lies in the Name of the Lord ; not such as may be clouds without water , but such as may be guides of the blind , burning and shining lights , faithful Stewards . What shall you do ! what did you do twenty or thirty years ago ? What did the good old Puritans do ? they were not Schismaticks . But as much as lies in you possible , hear them , whom in your conscience you judge God doth hear : Oh! then expect the Word of God should come to your hearts when you have ground to believe that it comes from your Pastors heart : I must confess I intend to do the fame , when put into the same condition with you . I acknowledge I am bound in conscience to hear the Word of God , but I must take care whom I hear ; hear those by whom God speaks ; I hope God will grant several such .

Take but this advice more , and I have no more to say , Whatever abuse you find either in Pastor or people , or where-ever you find it , do not you go , as your old use hath been , to rail , calumniate , back-bite , and speak behind their backs ; this is wicked and ungodly , but do every one according as God prescribes us that are members of any visible Church ; what is that ? if I know any thing against my brother , do not go and make a sputter and noise , and back-bite , but take the rule of Christ , If thy brother shall trespass against thee , go and tell him of his fault between him and thee alone ; if he shall hear thee , thou hast gained thy brother ; but if he will not hear thee , then take with thee one or two more ; and if he neglect to hear them , tell it to the Church , and leave the blood at their door ; thou hast freed thine own soul. I hope by Gods grace I shall do so .

Thus I have spoken something from this Scripture : I cannot speak what I desire ; for besides the exhausting of my spirits , there is something to be done after , viz. a Funeral Sermon . I shall say no more but only this , The God of Heaven be pleased to make you mind these plain things ; I can truly say this , I have not spoken one word ( that I remember ) which I would not have said to you if I had been just a dying , and been going to God as soon as gone out of the Pulpit ; and the God of peace ●…e with you ; only mind that one thing , When God doth not find a tongue to speak , do not you find an ear to hear , nor an heart to believe .

Mr. Collin's Farewell Sermon . Jude . v. 3. Contend earnestly for the faith , &c.

THese words contain two parts : 1. A Duty exhorted to . 2. The manner of the management of that Duty .

The Duty exhorted to , is , to retain the faith delivered to the Saints : The manner of its management is , that we should earnestly contend to keep it .

I opened the termes , What 's meant by faith ?

It is not so much the grace of faith , but the doctrine of faith ; not special faith , whereby we apprehend special mercy upon a promise made to the Elect , but the Fides quae creditur , the whole substance of the doctrine of Christ as to things that are to be believed , and duties that are to be practised .

But why is it said , The faith that was once delivered ? ( that is ) invariably , irrevocably , once for all ? Delivered , respects the priviledge the Saints of God had in the faith that God had left : it is the faith of the Gospel , committed as a Treasure : And the Church is called a Candlestick , not only to hold out the light , but to hold the light : whence the Church is called the pillar , or the ground of truth : not that they are to make Doctrines , but to hold forth the Doctrines of Christ even as Tables and Pillars , upon which Proclamations are hung and held forth to be made publique : so is the Church of Christ , it is that in which the Truths of the Lord Jesus are kept , and will be kept from one age to another .

But what is the import of the word [ Earnestly contend ? ] It is a word used only once in the new Testament in the Composition : The word in the root is frequently used , and imports a strugling with might and mair , as those that use to run at games . It is used for Iesus Christ in his sufferings , He was in an Agony ; the same word from whence this word is compounded . The Apostle would imply such a contention , such a struggling to keep the faith of the Gospel , as one word in the English is not able to express it , and Interpreters very much differ what is the import : the best center in this , that we should so contend for the faith , as men that would contend to keep their very lives .

The Proposition is this , That it is the duty of the Saints of God to maintain an earnest contention , to struggle for , and to keep the faith that was betrusted with them . Wherein this Contention doth cons●…st .

1. It is not a carnal contention ; the weapons of our warfare are not carnal , but spiritual ; the Saints are not called to contend for the faith with carnal weapons , with carnal power and force : ( not by might and power , but by the Spirit of God ) force , and power , and a fleshly arme , prisons , pillories , and chains , and taking away of mens comforts and estates upon the account of the faith of the Gospel , hath been the usual way of Errors defending it self : Prayers and Tears are the Churches weapons .

2. 'T is not a contention of uncharitableness : This contention allows no murthering either of the bodies or souls of men : Christians are so to contend against error and sinful practice , as to love their persons , and pitty those they contend with . There are some opinions , that there is no way to shew a holy way of zeal against , nor be able to destroy them , but by a holy separating from the persons : there were such to whom it was not lawful to say , God speed , or receive them into their houses : but yet this is in order to the saving the soul : Saving some , plucking them as brands out of the fire .

But positively , this holy contention it consists in these four things .

1. In managing the Sword of the Spirit , the Word of God , against error and sinful practices , to be able to confute them mightily , as Apollos did , out of the Scriptures , shewing the Jewes that Jesus is the Christ . 2. By Prayer : for to pray down sinful opinions and practices . That we mean when we pray , Thy Kingdome come , that the Gospel may run on and be glorified : that these nights of darknesse may be dispelled : that Truth may shine to the perfect day . 3. By holy practising against them : by holding forth the Word of life in your conversation : by striving together by a mutual provocation for the faith of the Gospel in respect of holy walking . 4. By being able to suffer for them ▪

The Reasons of the Point I gave you .

I shall now sum up all in a word of Exhortation , to presse every one that bears the name of a Saint , to take up this Exhortation of the Apostle , Earnestly to contend for the faith that was once delivered ●…o the Saints The sum of all is , to beg that you would be vali●…nt for th●… truth of Christ ; that whatever hath been delivered to you consonant to the truth , agreeable to the saith delivered to us , that you would struggle might and main by all Christian courage , by argument , practice , prayer , by suffering , rather then let go those Truths that God hath taught you by his faithful Ministers : that Christ that hath been preached to you . those Scriptures you have in your hands : those Doctrines you have learned by experience , by prayer , by searching the Word : those wayes of worship God hath taught you : those patterns of his house , and out-goings , and returnings there that he hath taught you : be exhorted to hold them fast , and not to let them go : ( Contend earnestly for the faith , &c. )

It is to be lamented , that there is so sad a spirit of indifferency among Christians , as we find at this day . Many do so carry it , as if there were nothing in the Gospel of Christ that were worthy the owning by practising , or worthy the owning by suffering . This luke-warm indifferent temper hath done the Church of God a great deal of mischief formerly ; and if admitted now , will do you as much mischief again . It hath been one of the sins which the Lord at this day is judging and punishing his poor people for , that our zeal hath been so hot against one another for meer circumstances , and so cold when we are like to lose the substance : that our contentions rise so high in matters hardly of any moment , and our spirits work so low when they are to gain the great things for which Christ suffered , and which he delivered to us . It is my work therefore to beg you , that you would put on a holy resolution , that there may be no contention among us ( for we are Brethren ) but only that contention , who may most retain , and evidently witnesse the Faith that is delivered to us : It is the trust God hath committed , and he doth expect and look ●…ow we will manage it with courage and confidence , to keep the faith of the Gospel . There are very great oppositions against you , and there ought to be great resolutions of Christians to maintain themselvs against such oppositions . It is a very sad thing that Christians should see the Faith and the wayes of the Gospel of God , as it were taken from them at any time , and they have not one word to speak , nor any thing at all for to venture in suffering for the wayes and truths of Jesus Christ : Moses had such a holy zeal , that when Aaron was an example to the people to lead them to Idolatry , he contended with him earnestly to his face . The zeal of Gods servants is so small now , that though Balaam be about the work , we have not a word to speak ; Though the false ▪ prophets of Antichrist be about the businesse , yet no Christian hath courage to speak . The holy Apostle Paul , when Peter walked with an uneven foot , and began to Iudaise , he tells us he did resist him to his face : shall Paul resist Simon-Peter , and shall not the Saints of God resist Simon-Magus ? shall they resist Hymenaeus and Philetus ▪ and shall we not contend with Alexander the Copper-smith ? 't is but sutable to what God expects ; and the Exhortation here given us , That we should maintain it with might and main , as that which is our Treasure , which we will not let go , the Faith once delivered to the Saints .

To put you upon this , I might encourage you with several things : all the Reasons mentioned as are so many Motives to this holy spiritual contention : Shall I tell you of three words further ?

1. The mercy of Gods delivering the Truth to you , should engage you to this holy contention : 't is such a mercy as is a non-such mercy , Psalm 147. the two last Verses , He that hath given his Iudgements to Iacob , and his Statutes to Israel : He hath not dealt s●… with every Nation . How many of the greatest part of those that we call Christians , in the world , are put like Sampson to grinde among the Philistims ? Superstition , Popery , Idolatry , Will-worship , such things as Jesus Christ never delivered to his Saints , having both their eyes out ; the Scripture ▪ light that should have shewed them the truth taken from them ; and their Consciences that should teach them , carried in the pocket of some base Priest , that dare not think any other then what he will tell them . How many are there , even of the very reformed of the world , who onely get upon some broken plank of Ship-wrackt truth , whereby they swim to the Lord Jesus ! But God does not deal thus with us : you have had the whole Counsel of God revealed to you , a glorious light set up in the Nation for a hundred of years past , which hath been like the light of seven dayes : for these twenty years past the running to & fro of men hath increast knowledge : you have learned the truth from Gods faithful Ministers : you have received it with much affliction , with many temptations : it hath cost Jesus Christ dear to send it , it hath cost you dear to receive it , and will you let it go ? Your sin above all others will be most provoking to the Lord Jesus .

2. I might tell you that 't is a time , wherein many let go the faith ; and methinks the Lord Jesus does by his poor unworthy messenger speak to this great Congregation , as sometime he did to his Apostles , Will ye also go away ? There are many that have been forward and eminent professors of the faith delivered to the Saints , that have made ship-wrack of faith and good conscience ; will you split upon the same rock ? God hath kept the truth for you , and kept you in the truth hitherto , and is coming to see whether you will leave it , and keep it or no. We have been sucking at the breasts of the Ordinances , and dandled upon the Knees of providence , and gone on in a smooth way of profession ; but what will you do now when you must come possibly to suffer persecution for it ? to keep the faith , you may lose your Liberty , Life , Estate . And there 's a great deal of hazard upon this account , because it hath pleased God so to dispose it , as that those that should be your guides into truth , the Lord is removing them into corners . Possibly while they have been with you , you have kept the faith ; but what will you do when they are gone ? While Moses was with the people , they cleaved to the Lord ; when once he was gone into the Mount , they fell to their Idolatry , and worshipped a Calf . While Paul was at Ephesus , the flock was kept pure , but ( saith he ) I know after my departure , grievous Wolves shall break in , not sparing the flock , &c. So while you have heard of God , who sends voices and warnings to scare away the Wolves and Foxes from you , possibly you may keep the faith ; but what will you do when God removes them ?

3. God hath ever had in all ages of his Church , a word of his Patience to be kept to try his Saints , and therefore it does concern you for to be valiant for the truth . In all the series of Gods dispensations with his Church , there hath been something or other of the faith of Christ , that hath cost them resisting to blood , to sacrifice their lives , to lay down all that they have for it by suffering : Now even as they , so we ; if not in the same thing , yet in the same faith : we have still some word or other of Gods patience to keep ; therefore we need to have on the Armour of Light ; you must wrestle with the fierie Tryal , for there is some Jewel that Jesus Christ puts upon you to wear , that Persecutours , Persecutions , 〈◊〉 , Hereticks will scratch at , which you must hold out with lo●…s of life to keep ; and this must be till the latter part of the rage and reign of Antichrist is out ; and even as you keep that , so will God keep you , Rev. 3. 10. As you honour the word of Gods patience , so God will honour you ; As you are faithfull to him , so will he give you the Crown , and no otherwise : Hence therefore it concerns us all to be armed with a holy confidence and resolution , as to this spiritual warfare , in contending for the faith delivered to us .

But the great thing I shall speak to , is , Wherein may Christians be helped in this holy strugling and conten●…ion ?

I shall onely mention five or six things , some to fit you for it , others to help you in the management of it : I shall name them mixtly , and not distinct .

Rule 1.

First , bring all Doctrines that are offered you to believe , and all Practices that are put upon you to practise , to the Scriptures ▪ the word of God : try them there whether they be to be retained , or to be rejected : You will have this double advantage by it : 1. To discover what is right and what is wrong . 2. To have on the best part of your Armour , whereby to contend against it .

1. To discover what is right , and what is wrong ; for the Scripture alone is the Touchstone of Doctrines , and the Tryal of Spirits : The Scripture does discover it self , and doth discover all things that are contrary to it : when you are bidden to try all things , 't is not by practising all things , as some poor giddy-headed Christians of late dayes have done , who have made the practising every opinion to be their trying of it , till they have run themselves into all opinions ; but 't is by the Scripture you are first to try , and then to practise ; who are like the Noble Bereans , that were more noble then those of Thessalonica , because they searched the Scripture . To bring the Truths that have or shall be taught you , or the Doctrines that shall be imposed upon you , to the word of God ; to see whether they be according to the Truth , or no : for false Doctrines , and false Worship , of all things they hate the Scripture most : they are like fal●…e coyn , or false Jewels , which go best in the night : false coyn will not endure the Touchstone , nor false Jewels the day : no more will false Doctrines the Scripture , therefore it will be a great way to discover them .

2. It will be a great way to vanquish them , Eph. 6. Above all take the sword of the Spirit ; the word of God is the sword of the Spirit , by which we slay Heretical Doctrines , and by which we are to slay sinful practises : All those stones that the Davids of God have flung at the Geliah's of Error , they have been taken out of the brook of the Scriptures : therefore reduce all Doctrines offered you to believe , all worships that are taught you to practise , to the word of God .

1. All Doctrines that are taught you to believe , reduce them thither ; there 's no profession of faith to be built , but the stones must be fetched from that mountain : If you believe divine truths , but not because the Scripture propounds them , your faith is but humane : If you believe any thing the Scripture doth not speak , your faith is Diabolical : the word of God and your faith must run parallel : All that is written , you must believe , and you must believe nothing but what is written : This was the Rule of the Old Testament : Isa. 8. 20. To the Law and to the Testimony ; to the Law ( that is ) to Moses : and to the Testimony ( that is ) to the Prophets : if they speak not according to these , there 's no light in them . When any thing was offered to Christ by way of enquiry , his common answer was , How readest thou ? Luke 10. 26. How is it written ? When the holy Apostle Paul would redresse the abuse of the Lords Supper , he does not carry the Corinthians to these and these Fathers , to this and that use and custome , but brings that , how it was delivered from the Lord : he reduces them to the institution . What I have received from the Lord , that I have delivered to you , The word of God is perfect , in respect of Doctrine , and in respect of worship . So that whatsoever is offered you to believe , you must try it by the perfect rule ; for 't is given by Divine institution to make the man of God perfect and wise to Salvation : it is such a Canon about Doctrines to be received , as nothing must be added nor taken from it : Rev. 22. Therefore it 's called a Testament ; Now no man dares add to another man's last Will and Testament : who shall dare to add a faith to the Faith of Gods Elect , to that which Christ hath delivered ? I will give you this as a certain observation , that there never was any thing of false Doctrine brought into the Church , or any thing of false worship imposed upon the Church , but either it was by neglecting the Scripture , or by introducing something above the Scripture .

2. Bring hither all practice of worship , as well as Doctrines to be believed : try the wayes and forms of Christs house , by the word of Christ : he shews us the patterns thereof , the outgoings and returnings thereof : he was faithful in all his House , even as Moses was who did not leave a pin of the Tabernacle , but did appoint it . There is nothing decent and comely in the Church , which is so much pleaded for , but what comes in by Christs institution . Whatever you worship without a warrant from the word of God , or by whatever means you worship without a warrant from the word of God , you worship you know not what , Ioh. 4. 2 ) . 't is Will-worship : and by the same Rule you receive one Will-worship , you may receive twenty : 't is vain worship , it will never reach the end of your Communion with God : ( for he is a Spirit , and seeks such worshippers ) it will never bring you to the enjoyment of God : therefore in point of worship , bring it to the word of God , and as to faith and worship say , Hitherto my faith and my worship shalt thou go , and no further . This rule rightly improved , it will dis-intangle you from the hooks , and take you off from the baits of those cunning Fowlers ( for to such the Apostle doth compare them in the New Testament ) who seek to betray souls from the simplicity of Gospel-faith . Never any did invent false doctrine , but to put up them , they put down the Scripture , and they put out the eyes of Christians to make them bend to it : before they use other means to compel them , their great work is to darken the light of the truth , and in the room of the Scripture to be your rule , they set up other Rules : which , because there are three marvellous Popular , I desire to mention them in opposition to this Rule I have given you .

There 's a three-fold Rule men would set up to deceive poor souls : The name of a Church : Ancient Customes : The Generality of those where they live .

1. The specious Name of a Church , to make that a rule to Doctrine and to worship . It was the plea of the Popish party in the Marion daies , What ? will you not believe the Church ? hath not the Church power to make Institutions and Canons about this , and that , and the other ? will you not believe the Church ? will you go out from the true Church ? Thus do men that go about to deceive ; nothing like it as to the catching and deluding many poor souls , by making the Church their rule . It was the way of of the Popish party of old , and if Antichrist ever hath power again over the Church of Christ in that measure and degree it has had , you must expect it again : therefore let me caution you against it . Can we enquire who this Church was ? It was only the decree of the proud Church , Antichrist of old , and the Antichristian Clergy , who ( as you may read in their Stories ) would Lord it over the Faith of Gods heritage . I must tell you , the name , and custome , and way of the Churches of Christ , is a reverend holy thing , even of that that is a true Church : 'T is a weighty Argument , when the Apostle saith , We have no such Custome , nor the Churches of Christ : And therefore I do fully close with him that said , No sober man will go against Reason : No Christian against the Scripture : and no peaceable minded man against the Church : But then the Church must shine by a Divine Scripture Light : If that be a rule it must be ruled by the Scripture ; the Churches power is not Authoritative , as to give Laws against the Laws of Christ ; it 's only Ministerial : we do believe the Scripture for it self , and not because of the Church ; we receive the Scripture by the Church : Hence therefore when we set up the name of a Church , let us see whether that Church walks in the way of Christ , whether she be his Spouse or no , whether she doth act according to his Institutions , whether they bring his light , yea or no ; then submit : for it is not what a Church practises , but what they are warranted to practise : not what they hold for a truth , but what they are warranted to hold as the word of truth : The word was written afte the Church ; but as it is the word of God , it s before it . This therefore will break the snare if you be set upon by the specious name of the Church ; look that the Church hath warrant from Scripture Institution , and then submit to Church Institution .

A second Rule I observe men would set up to betray poor souls from the faith once delivered to them , is Ancient Custome : ( Our Fathers worshipped in this Mountain ) when they would hold forth that which the Scripture is short in , they will send us to such and such Customes , of so many hundred years standing . It is to be bewailed that the date , the standing of false Doctrines and false Worships is so ancient ; for though at first they were but Invocations , yet to succeeding Generations they become old : And 't is a very great truth , that That is the most ancient , is the most true , and therefore there lies a great snare in this . Therefore when Antiquity is pretended , if you find not their hoary heads in the way of Righteousness , there is little reason for you to reverence them , or comply with them ; no more then there was reason so suddenly to be taken with the Gibeonites mouldy bread , and clouted shooes : When matters of Antiquity are pretended , say as Ignatius , Iesus Christus est mea Antiquitas , Jesus Christ is my Antiquity ; so say , Truth is my Antiquity : for though an opinion have been practised a thousand years , yet men may have the word of truth in their hearts that is ancienter then all .

A third Rule that men would set up , is , The general course of the world , or place , the generality of those where they live : This was that the Popish Party did often mention to the Witnesses of Jesus Christ ; what ? will you be wiser then others ? can't you do as others do ? must you be singular ? And this is a taking rule for to make you conformable to those things possibly the word of God will not warrant , if you bring not this custome to the word of God : 't is not what the most do , but what we may do : 't is not what is the practise of all in general , but what ought to be the singular care , and strict holiness of Christians in particular , that the word of God will allow : Christians are not to be conformable to the present world , Rom. 12. 1. The word will tell you it is no more safe to follow a multitude to do evil , then it will be sweeter to be in Hell with a great company : The word will let you know the secrets of the Lord are with a very few , and those them that fear him : as for the whole world , it lies in wickedness : The word will tell you , The waies of Jesus Christ , and the profession of Jesus Christ , is commonly called a Sect ; it is every where spoken against , and men hate it every where : Therefore set up this Rule in your hearts , in your houses , in your meditations , in your practise .

Rule 2.

Be very well rooted and established in the faith that hath been delivered to you . I observe it 's one of the great reasons why Christians so easily let go the profession they have made , is , because they were never well built upon it , nor established in it . There are many Christians that through their own itching ears , heaping up Teachers to themselves , have never been rooted or established in the truth ; the Lord pity them and keep them this day : Many Christians that have attended to establishing means , yet never seriously considered , nor laid things to their heart , but are like those the Apostle speaks of , Heb. 5. 12. that had need to learn the first Oracles of God . How many among us profess with the highest , but have little ground for their faith ? only ( with the Jews ) the Traditions of the Elders , the custome of the place , Education , and because such a party of men say so , because no body denies it , because Ministers commonly preached it ; but to take any solid and serious ground , they are yet to seek . 'T is not wi●…h the things of God as with other Arts , as Logick , Rhetorick , Astronomy ; in these Arts the principle is presupposed to be proved ; no man goes about to prove there is Reason , that there is Number , that there are Heavenly bodies , because sense and experience shews it : But 't is quite otherwise in the things of God : for you are not only to run away with the notion , that there is a God , that this God is one , and that these are his word and his works ; but you are to know this by experience ▪ because the knowledge of these things comes in by infusion , by faith , by a belief that God is : For by Faith we believe the worlds were made by the word of God , Heb. 11. 2 , 3. It is that therefore I would press you to , that you would labour for an established spirit : Do not only hear the things of God , but see them ; the first will but blind you , or at best leave you at great uncertainties ; the last will settle you . What was the reason of the holy Apostles zeal when they were under the greatest threatnings of the High Priests ; and were forbid to speak in the name of Christ , and to speak of Justification by faith , and the Resurrection of Christ from the dead , and forgiveness of sins by him ? ( things that are furthest remote from sense and reason ) the Apostle will tell you , Act. 4. 20. We cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard . Hence it is that poor silly women , that in respect of their Imbecility and Infirmity of sex , the terrours of the fire and faggot , might have been such to have brought them to Apostacy , yet they confounded the great Doctors and Rabbies when they were brought before them ; they were able to burn , though they could not dispute , they beheld things that were invisible . It is an excellent thing not to take up the word upon notion , upon opinion , but to have an established heart through grace . I shall direct you in two words .

1. Get the Lord by Prayer to teach you every truth what Jesus Christ teaches once , is everlastingly taught ; no word is abiding but what the Lord Jesus teaches himself . Look as it is with Satan , when he comes to seduce men from the truth , he will present such a fine notion without , and commonly he darts in some dazling light within , so that you never knew a Heretick take up a false opinion , but it was with a marvellous deal of sweetness and comfort : so when the Lord Christ teacheth by his Spirit , he comes with that light , that sweetness , savour , and relish of truth , as will be impossible for you to let it go : Hence when Christ would confute the Pharises , that had the witness of his ●…ather in his works , he saith , Ioh. 5. 37. Ye have neither ●…ard his voyce at any time , nor seen his shape : It 's an excellent thing to see the shape , and hear the voyce of God .

2. Be well rooted upon Christ , or else you will never be established in any truth of Christ : If you misse the Lord Jesus by the grace of Faith , you will never hold fast the doctrine of Faith : you are built upon the doctrine of the Apostles , ( not their persons ) upon which the Lord Jesus is the corner-stone : he that does not know Jesus Christ himself , will certainly lose his faith : What is the reason the stony ground in time of persecution fell away ? why they had not root , they were not planted upon the Lord Jesus .

Rule 3.

Thirdly , those truths that God hath taught you , and those wayes of worship God hath committed to you , love them as your lives , love them above your lives , for no man will ever contend to hold them , if he do not love them ; things of low price and esteem are presently let go ; he that loves the Word above his life , will let life go rather then the Word : if you receive not the Word out of love , every Impostor and false Prophet , every fear and terror of men will rob you of it : Hide the word in thy heart , saith Solomon , love the truth dearly . It was a great speech of Calvin , Never did any one apostatize from the truths of Iesus Christ , but it was because he did not love the truth : And I add this , That never did any apostatize from the wayes and truth of Jesus Christ , but it was because they did not receive them in love , or else they have lost their love , for there is a decay of affection , as well as having no affection : if you love them , what will you not suffer for them ? ( but more of that by and by . )

Rule 4.

Fourthly , Guard all the truths of God , and those wayes of God that have been taught you ; guard them strongly , especially truths that are most material and fundamental : for leading truths are like Captains of Armies , if they be routed , the whole rout follows them . There is great opposition that will be made against your faith . The whole power of darkness , of Antichrist , of his seducing spirits , likely and probably enough , will over-spread the whole face of Christianity once more , that she must sit as a Lady , before she be desolate and forsaken for ever . The Apostle bids you beware of Dogs , beware of the Concision , beware of evil-workers , guard your selves against them , guard the truths you have learned by Argument , by Scripture , by Reason , that you may have wherewithall to confute them by the word of truth mightily , out of the Scripture , as the Apostles did .

Three things you are to guard against .

1. Your own deceitfulness , especially in a rash and sudden forsaking of those waies that have been taught , and the profession you have taken up ; for Christians would never be so mad to Apostatize , were they but seriously deliberate about the weight of them , Gal. 1. 6. O foolish Galathians , who hath bewitched you that you should not obey the truth ? &c. I marvel what ailed you , that you are so soon turned away to another Gospel : One would have thought they might have spoken with Paul first , and sent to him , and reasoned the case with him : There 's a marvellous bewitching in false Doctrines , and false Worship , to take men presently , who are not watchful over themselves . It is in disputations and practising truth , as it is in contentions : if you make a Judgement before you hear both parties speak , you judge unrighteously : if you forsake the waies and truths of Jesus Christ , before you hear what can be said for them , you do unrighteously .

2. Guard them against the lusts of your own hearts . The great work of a Christian is contention ; it is not so much against Antichrist ; those that are without him , as that that is within him . If all Heretical Doctrines and waies were rooted out of the world , not only the being , but the memory , the heart is bad enough in one day to set them all on foot again ; therefore guard the truth : Men of corrupt minds will presently grow Reprobate , as to the faith , 1 Tim. 3. 6. Such Doctrines and Worships as shall sute with our lusts , as shall sute with exalting it self , and laying Christ low , as shall sute with an easie way to Heaven , when the Scripture saith , straight is the Gate ; as shall sute with self-preservation : So I might secure my Estate , my Liberty : I would suspect such Doctrines as these , before I take them up for the waies of Christ .

3. Guard the truth against false teachers , such as shall come among you in sheeps-cloathing , yet are Wolves in heart ; men that creep in at unawares among you , to subver●… souls : I will not here describe them , you know them well enough by their fruits : only this let me tell you in opposition to those ; though you cannot come at the publick Ministry , or those God hath set over you , yet make conscience for to take fences , to take defences from them , as you may by their counsel , prayer , help and assistance , for to guard you against false teachers . When the Church of Christ is in the Wilderness , you will finde this is that the holy Ghost advises them to , Gant . 1. 8. You are to guard your selves by communion one with another ; as to go forth by the footsteps of the flock , so also you are to go and feed your Kids besides the shepherds tents ; for though 't is not the work that God calls for , to pin your faith upon their sleeves , yet 't is your duty to enquire of the Lord by them ; for he is the messenger of the Lord to you .

Rule 5.

Arm your selves with Resolutions to suffer for the faith of the Gospel , and for the wayes of Jesus Christ ; as you should love the truth above your lives , so labour to be made willing for to part with life , estate , liberty , any thing for to keep the ways of Jesus Christ . It is not the honour of the Gospel of Christ , to hear Christians to break out into murmurings , passions , discontent , contentions that are carnal and sinful : your work is humbly , meekly , and patiently to lie under the hand of God , and under the hand of man too , that becomes Christians : suffering is that that will restore the glory of Religion , that will keep the truth delivered to you , that will honour the cause of Christ best of all : follow the example of blessed Paul ; his expression is worthy of consideration , 2 Tim. 2. 9. he gives a charge of Keeping and propagating one of the most glorious truths , ( that Iesus Christ was risen from the dead ) yet a thing that is farthest off from sense and reason , ( wherein I suffer trouble ) mark , Paul does not say , wherin I make trouble , no , but wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer unto bonds , but the word of God is not bound : If this blessed and glorious Apostle would have had the faith of God bound , and have contented himself with sinful silence , and not propagated the Gospel , Paul might have been free ; but Paul would not have the word of God bound , therefore Paul would suffer for it : Shall we go higher a great deal then this ? You have the glorious commendation of the Lord Jesus Christ upon this account , that he gave a free and full account of the Doctrine of his Father , and of his glorious person , before Pontius Pilate , a bloody Persecutor : It was not by saying to his Disciples , Fight , nor by saying , my Kingdom is not of this world , but that he gave a glorious confession before the face of Pilate of the righteousnesse of his truth , Doctrine , Gospel , and of his person . Fear to ensnare the freedom of the truth with your own liberty ; do not ensnare it to your own lusts , nor to the will of any man ! O that we could study , and improve these Scriptures more ! it would make us fear God more , & man lesse ; this is that that would make us say as holy David , Ps. 119. 161. Princes have persecuted me without a cause , but my heart standeth in awe of thy words : for he that hath the most fear fear on you , and upon you , you will be more afraid to fall into his hands . It is a childish thing for a Christian , to tread down the belief of any Doctrine , or practice any worship for fear of man , who hath no more power to hurt us , then we give him our selves by our fear ; Fear not him that can but kill the body , &c. It was the way of Gods people formerly , that they came to divide between duty commanded by God and commanded by man , you may read in all the dayes of Antichrists persecution , from the beginning they came to divide in matter of obedience to God and his truth , and worship and obedience to man . Christians , nothing but a suffering spirit will help you to this , for there is no other way of Obedience in this case to authority , but to suffer under it meekly ; Patiently , as lambs : This made the three children to divide between the command of God : What sayes Nebuchadnezzer ? Every knee that bows not , shall be cast into the Furnace : very well , as for that matter say they , O King , we are not carefull to answer thee ; for we will not bow down , &c. What , will they not Obey him ? yet they will obey him by suffering , as becomes Christians , as is the example of Christ ( as if they should say ) Truly we are terrified with hell too : We are terrified by the threats of the great King : and we are likewise terrified by the threats of the great God : he is able to deliver us out of your torments : you are not able to deliver us from his torments : so in the case of Daniel : Arm your selves with this Resolution of suffering and lying down patiently and meekly under those things that you cannot do , so that God may be honoured by your holy resolution upon this Account : for truly you never do contend successfully for the faith of the Gospel , till you contend by suffering , for it is said , They overcame by the blood of the lamb : you never make Religion your businesse till the world see you can let such great things go , as life , estate , liberty , to keep it : Then wisedome is justified of her children : You never glorify the truths of God so much by practice , or writing , as by suffering for them . Those glorious truths against Popish justification , mixing of works with faith ; Transubstantiation , Purgatory , Idol-worship , against all those things that were superadded contrarie to Gods justification , there is such a glory upon the truths that it is hard for the Popish power ever to darken them again , because we see them written in the honourable and blessed scars of the witnesses , and burnings of those glorious Martyrs . If you would take one another by the hand when God takes away our faithfull guides , and say , Brethren , Sisters , Friends , come let us hold together , there 's no way in the world to hold on together like suffering for the Gospel really would get more advantage by the holy , humble sufferings of one gracious Saint , meerly for the word of righteousnesse , then by ten thousand Arguments used against Hereticks , and false worship . Compare Phil. 1. 12 , 13 , 14. with the 27 , 28 , and 29. verses , How is Paul's bonds a furtherance of the Gospel ? Paul no doubt was called an evil doer , one that sowed Heresie , and was hated every where , ( saith he ) Many of the Brethren of the Lord waxed confident by my bands , and were much more bold to speak the word without fear . Here 's the great encouragement : and then he comes to give you a precept , and that 's in the 27. verse , and he speaks it as one that was leaving of them , Onely let your Conversation be as becometh the Gospel of Christ , that you may stand fast in one spirit , with one mind , striving together for the faith of the Gospel , and in nothing terrified by your Adversaries ; for unto you it is given , not onely to believe , but also to suffer , &c. It is given to you as a duty , given to you as a priviledge . O that you would confirm one another , and in slippery times hold up one another by the hand ; do it in going after Gods call , and in this way , suffering for those truths you cannot otherwise hold and maintain . Truly Christians , you had need be armed with Resolution ; for the world is alwaies counting the things Gods people have suffered , for very little , and they count it prudence not to meddle therein . Those men that have easie , soft terms to comply , that they have a latitude to do any thing , I believe some Christians are of that opinion ▪ that they would even think the Saints of God were ill advised , to venture their all upon those truths they see others died and suffered for .

It 's a sad thing , many Christians study to draw out the lines of obedience as far as the honesty of the times will give them leave , but no farther : that they would go on with the Lord Jesus to the High Priests h●…ll , and there deny him : or that would be willing to do anything for Christ , but are willing to suffer nothing for Christ : you very little honour Jesus Christ in this , and you will very little honour your selves at the last . It is upon this account that Christians if they see even against plain conviction of Conscience , and the word , that there are super-instituted things broke in , as in Conscience they cannot submit to , yet they can comply , why ? they may be used lawfully , though not superstitiously : But saith the Apostle Paul , Do I yet strive to please men ? Gal. 1. 6. Am I then the Servant of Christ ? You cannot be the Servants of Christ , if you strive to please men : Wo be to you that please men , and displease God : He that would be my Disciple , let him deny himself , and take up his Cross , &c. ( What 's that ? ) deny Wife , Children , Learning , Relations , Comforts , he must be willing to go out of all : Those duties the Lord Jesus Christ is most glorified in , they are either those your slothful hearts are most unwilling to do ; or that our fearful hearts are most unwilling to suffer for : Therefore arm your selves with resolutions to suffer .

I intended to have taken up four Appearances and coverings that Saints usually take up for to hide themselves , as under a covert , to beat down the Gospel warrants and commands , to suffer for the Faith delivered .

1. The notion that a Christian hath of indifferency of things , that they are but toyes and trifles , that they may be done or not done . It is not my work to tell you what is indifferent , or name any thing in particular . As I remember , in the Book of Martyrs the usual argument was , Why cannot you worship the Idol ? why cannot you bow down as well as others ? it's a small matter : cannot you shew your outward reverence , and keep your heart to your self ? Indeed if there were any thing that 's indifferent , a Christian hath a marvellous latitude in point of Doctrine , in point of Worship : I would caution you therefore . The term of indifferent , I suppose 't is devised as a pillar to rest the conscience on , which otherwise would startle , and look with a broad face upon them : Things that come under this notion , had need well to be weighed and considered : If they tell you plainly they came out of Rome , and had the plague of Popery upon them , they ●…ame from Hell , were hatched there , and the curse of God is upon them ; no body would entertain them . They must pretend they came from the Church , from the Apostles , descended from the Scriptures ; and hence they are entertained with that freedome and willingness , as that most Christians take no notice , but fall down under them ; and so the very power and life of Religion and holy practise is eaten out . The Devil hath three waies whereby he makes men seek after him . 1. Commonly he doth cover holiness with other names ▪ 2ly . He perswades that sins are but little . 3ly . That they may repent hereafter . The first is suitable to my purpose , That vertue or grace is covered with other names : therefore if a man be holy , he is called precise ; if zealous , he is said to be rash ; and if it be really a sin , it shall come under the name of indifferency , a toy , a trifle , and things of that nature : therefore you had need be cautious ; for 't is no matter what name the sin is , what title it goes under , as what it is really . As to things of Doctrine and Worship , I know there is no medium ; every man must give an account to the Lord of what he does , therefore I do not tell you what is indifferent , and what not ; but search the Scripture , take heed what you receive for indifferent .

The second thing Christians will say , is , I hope without danger I may comply with them , considering I bear them as my burthens . This is very like the Young man in the Gospel ; he came to Christ , and would have him come up to his terms ; and when Christ told him , Yet he lacked one thing , Go sell all , &c. he went away sorrowful : So , many Christians they would follow Christ , but they cannot , because there is not such security in it , but they will go away sorrowful : Thou Hypocrite , art ●…hou willing to forsake all for Christ , yet cannot leave life , liberty , and some of these small things ? Will you wound the name of Christ , and pretend to be sorrowful for it ? I conclude , thy pretence shall not excuse thee ; for so was Pilate loth to crucifie Christ ; and as a means and expedient , he calls for water and washes his hands , saying , I am innocent from the bloud of this just man : But do you think God excused Pilate ? no more will he you : Whatever is brought to you , is either forbidden , or commanded by God : If forbidden by God , why do you meddle with it ? If commanded of the Lord , why are you burdened with it ? why do you it heavily ? for the Lord loves one that is chearful in his service : neither man nor God is pleased with such .

A third thing it is which satisfies many , That they may follow in some things the opinions of wise men , holy men , and good men ; That they may do as they do . I shall say but these two words . First , Many men are reputed good , wise , and honest , that are not so . A man may be accounted an honest man , that yet may be covetous : he may be accounted a very good man , yet be really corrupt in heart , and in his lusts ; therefore 't is good to try men : I dare not trust mine own heart , ( unless God give strength of grace , and assistance every moment ) least I should betray the truth of Christ upon some advantage : when the Devil would set abroach an evil opinion or practise , it 's his common way to tun it up in some clean Vessel , men of civil honesty and goodness . You read the old Prophet drew the young one in , though expresly forbidden by God himself : When you do not fear a young Christian , it may be the example of an old Minister shall draw you ; therefore 't is good to mind who you follow . Secondly , Grant they are all good and real , they are men fearing God , ( as there are some ) yet God will not let his people know all his mind . There are some that would , but cannot know all his mind and will ; the Lord is free and voluntary , he reveals things necessary to salvation ; but for o●…her things he withholds . But what is your rule ? Call no man Master : you are to follow no man further then he follows Christ : And indeed for a man to follow the example of others , wherein they sin and do not know it , it is just like the case of holy Noah ( who was a gracious man ) and knew not the strength of the Grape ) he was drunk with his own Vineyard : But what is the fruit of it ? His son Cham saw his nakedness and discovered it : If good and holy men taste of the intoxicated Wine that is too strong for them , and know it not , will you sip after them ? unlesse you will discover your nakedness , and proclaim it from generation to generation , and make your selves Chams , not sons of the Prophet : Therefore I know not what warrant you have to follow such examples .

The fourth thing is this ; Christians usually they do no good by standing out .

Answ. Whether we get , or do good or no we are to do our duty . The Lord will honour you for suffering for the truth , 2 Thes. 1. 3 , 4 , 5. And by suffering you shall confirm the Saints , and bear testimony , you shall witness against all false doctrines , and false Worship , before the whole world . By your humility and patience , when you suffer not as evil doers , but as those that suffer for the word of Righteousness , the word of Truth , for holding fast the Lord Jesus and his Faith , that is more precious then Heaven and Earth , then any created thing : this will make your name as a sweet savour to all generations ; when those that apostatize , persecute and oppose Jesus Christ , their memories shall be left as a curse to the people of God .

Mr. Calamy's Sermon at Mr. Ashes Funeral . Esay 57. 1. The righteous perisheth , and no man layeth it to heart , and merciful men are taken away , none considering , that the righteous are taken away from the evil to come .

WE are here met this Evening to perform the last Office of Love for an eminent and ancient Servant of Jesus Christ , and excellent Minister of the Gospel , Mr. Simeon Ash , one who hath formerly performed this office for many other Ministers , and now we are met to perform this office for him ; and it is not long before others will meet to perform the same office for us , so frail , so brittle , and so uncertain is the life of man .

Now the Text that I have chosen , is suitable for this occasion ; for this Reverend Minister was first a righteous man ; he was righteous in an Evangelical sence , he was one that was justified and sanctified . Secondly ; He was a merciful man both in an active and passive sence ; he was one that shewed mercy to the distressed Members of Jesus Christ , and he was one to whom God shewed mercy ; this righteous and merciful man is now perished as to his outward condition , not as to his everlasting condition ; but as to his outward bodily condition he is perished , and he is taken away : The word in the Hebrew is very emphatical ; Merciful men , Colliguntur , are gatheted ; it is the same word that is used concerning Iosiah , 2 King , 22. 10 ▪ Thou shalt be gathered to thy fathers , and go to thy grave in peace , and shalt not see the evil that I will bring upon this Nation . This godly and righteous man is now gathered as ripe Corn in the Barn of Heaven he is taken away from the evil that is to come , from the beholding that evil that is coming upon the sinful World he is taken away in mercy , that he may not be troubled with the troubles that are coming upon many ; he is taken away from the evil to come .

And thus you see how suitable the Text is to the occasion ; there is only one particular that I desire may prove unsuitable ; for the righteous and merciful man , in the Text , perisheth , and no man considers , nor layes it to heart ▪ These words are verba Commentantis & objurgantis ; the words of the Prophet bemoaning the spiritual security of the people of Israel , chiding and reproving them for their spiritual Lethargy . Now I desire that this part may not prove suitable , but that all of you may lay to heart the death of this ancient , merciful , righteous man

The observations from the words are these six .

First , That the righteous man must perish as well as th●… unrighteous . Secondly , That the perishing of a righteous man is nothing but his gathering to God , Christ , and the blessed company of Saints and Angels . Thirdly , That a righteous man as long as he liveth is the preservative of a Nation , and the supporter of a Kingdome , the Chariots and horsemen of a Nation . Fourthly , The death of a righteous man is a warning-piece from heaven , a Beacon set on fire to give notice of evi●… approaching . Fifthly , That God doth on purpose take away righteous men , that they may not see the evil that is coming on a Nation . Sixthly , That it is a great and common sin not to consider and lay to heart the death of a righteous man .

First , It is a common sin , and therefore it is set down in the greatest latitude ; the righteous perisheth , and no man layes it to heart ; that is , very few : and merciful men are taken away , no man considering ; that is , very few .

Secondly , It is a great sin , and therefore the Prophet Ieremy in the former Chapter calls to all the Beasts of the Field to devour , that is , all the Enemies of the Church to destroy the Children of Israel , because they drank strong drink , filling themselves with merriment , and promised themselves happy dayes , but did not consider that the righteous were taken away from the evil to come .

I shall begin with the first , That the righteous perish as well as the unrighteous .

How is it that the righteous perish ? not in their soul , they cannot perish so ; nay , the truth is , they cannot perish properly in their bodies ; for the bodies of the Saints never totally and finally perish ; for the very dust of the Saints in the grave is precious in Gods sight , and they are asleep in Jesus , and by the power of Jesus Christ they shall be raised again glorious bodies : Nothing perisheth of a righteous man by death totally and finally but sin , and therefore the meaning of the word is , as Musculus and Iustin Martyr observe perit , perisheth , that is , not according to the truth of the thing , but according to the opinion of the world ; and the proper language of this expression is this , The righteous perish , that is , the righteous must die and go down to the house of rottenness as well as others , and that upon a four-fold account .

First , Because the righteous are included within the Statute of death as well as the unrighteous ; statutum est , Heb. 9. 27. It is appointed for all men once to die , the righteous as well as the unrighteous . Indeed it is true , Jesus Christ hath taken away the hurt of death , but not death it self ; Jesus Christ hath disarmed death , made death like the Viper that fastened upon Paul's hand , but did not hurt him ; he hath made it like the brazen Serpent that hath no sting , but a healing power in it ; Christ hath sanctified death , conquered and sweetned death ; at present we are all under the statute of death , but at last this enemy shall be destroyed , 2 Cor. 15. latter end .

Secondly , The righteous consist of perishing principles as well as the unrighteous ; the righteous are earthly vessels , made of dust , their foundation is in the dust ; their lives are a vapour as well as the lives of the unrighteous .

Thirdly , The righteous must die as well as others , because they have a body of sin that they carry about with them ; for there is no man so wise , that lives and sins not , Eccl. 7. 20. Wherefore there is that which deserves death in a righteous man .

Lastly , and especially , The righteous must perish upon a peculiar account ; For if we had hope only in this life ( saith the Apostle ) we are of all men most miserable ; and therefore they must perish to keep them from perishing ; they must say as Themistocles , Periissem nisi periissem ; they must die , that they may rest from their labour , for hera is not our rest , Mich. 2. 10. there remaineth a rest for the people of God ; there is no rest in this world ; the word [ quiet ] wants the plural number .

Secondly , The righteous must die , that they may have their reward , their Crown of glory that God hath laid up for them ; they must first fight the good fight , and finish their course , and then they shall receive a Crown of glory .

Thirdly , They must die , that they may be free from sin ; for they shall never put off the body of sin , till they put off the body of flesh .

Fourthly , They must die , that mortality may be swallowed up of life , that corruption may put on incorruption .

Fifthly , They must die , that they may be perfect in grace .

Lastly , They must die , that they may see God face to ●…ce , and be for ever with the Lord , which they cannot do till they die ▪ therefore blessed be God that the righteous must perish . If a man should bring news to a righteous man , That he should alwayes live on earth , alwayes be young , rich , and healthful , it would be unwelcome News ; for while we are in the body we are absent from the Lord , and subject to sin ; and therefore when Peter asked Christ what should be done with Iohn , Christ ●…ells him , If I will that he tarry till I come , what is that to ●…ee ? from henceforth there went a report abroad that Iohn should not die , Iohn 21. 32. Now the Apostle himself was much displeased with this report , & looked upon 〈◊〉 as a geeat affliction that he should not die , and therefore ●…e himself confutes it , But yet Iesus ( said he ) said not ●…hat he should not die ; as if he had said , God forbid that ●… should not die .

Before I come to the application of this Point , give me leave to speak something to the second Point , and ●…o I shall apply them both together .

The second Doctrine is this , That the perishing of a righteous man , is nothing but a gathering of him to God , Christ , and the blessed Society of Saints and Angels in Heaven .

This is contained in the second expression , merciful men are taken away ; the word in the Hebrew is Colliguntur , they are gathered , it is exegetical of the former ; ●…hey did not perish , but they are gathered to God and Christ ; there is a great deal of excellency , and a Maga●…ine of sweetness in this expression , They are gathered : It ●…mplies two things ,

First , That the righteous are in a scattered condition while they are in this world , and that three wayes .

First , They are scattered among the wicked and ungodly of the world , as Sheep among Wolves , as Limbs among Lions , rent and torn in pieces , forced to wander up and down in Sheep-skins , and Goat-skins .

Secondly , The righteous are scattered in the world one from another , and that two wayes : 1. They are scattered by their different habitations ; for the godly are forced to separate one from another , as Lot from Abraham . 2. They are scattered one from another by the cruel persecution of wicked men ; and therefore you read Acts 8. that at that time when there was a persecution against the Church at Ierusalem , that they were all scattered abroad .

Thirdly , The godly are scattered in this life from the glorious presence of God in Heaven ; indeed they are never scattered from the gracious presence of God , but sometimes they are scattered from the comforting presence of God , and as long as we live in this world we shall be scattered from the glorious presence of God ; for while we are in the body , we are absent from the Lord .

Secondly , This implies a bringing of Gods people out of this scattered condition ; it is a gathering of the righteous out of this world into another , from a sinful persecuted world into a sinlesse glorious world , from diversity of dwelling on earth , to dwell altogother in one heaven ▪ it is a gathering them out of the reach of men and devils : a gathering them not only to the gracious , but to the glorious presence of God and Christ , and to the souls of just men made perfect , and to the general assembly of the first-born , and to the City of the living God , the heavenly Ierusalem , where they shall live together , never to be scattered again . To understand this the better , let me offer three things to you , shewing you that the godly are gathered to God three wayes : In this life , at death , and at the day of judgement .

First , The righteous are gathered to God in this life , and that is at their first conversion ; for by nature we are all Aliens and strangers to God , scattered from any union or communion with God ; not only scattered from the glorious , but from the gracious presence of God . God made man at first to enjoy communion with himself ; but Adam lost this by his sin , and now we are all Cains and Vagabonds , scattered from the love of God , and from union and communion with God ; but when God converts any of the Elect , he gathers them home to himself ; for conversion is nothing but Gods gathering them to himself in the second Adam , that were scattered from him in the first Adam ; the first Adam was a root of scattering , a root of separation from God ; but the second Adam was a root of union and conjunction . Christ is the head , and all the Elect are all gathered together in him , Ephes. 1. 10. that he might gather together in one all things in Christ ; so that conversion is nothing but a gathering of the Elect of God to Christ by faith , and a gathering to one another by love and charity .

Secondly , Gods people are gathered at death ; here they are gathered to Christ by grace , but at death they are gathered to Christ in glory ; here they are gathered to God by hope , but at death by fruition ; here Christ is gathered to us , he comes down and dwells with us , but at death we shall be gathered to him , we shall go up , and ●…e joyned with him . There is a great deal of difference between esse cum Christo , and esse in Christo ; esse cum Christo , to be one with Christ is a Christians great security ; but esse in Christo , to be one in Christ , it is a Christians great felicity : In this life we are gathered to God by ●…aith , but at death by vision .

Lastly , We shall be gathered to God at the day of Judgement , it is called the day of the gathering of the Saints together ; a day when all the Saints that are , have been , or shall be , shall all be gathered together . 2 Thes. 2. 1. I beseech you brethren , by the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ , and by our gathering together unto him at the great day : At the day of judgement we shall all be gathered together , and shall be all taken up to Heaven , I mean all the Righteous , and be ever with the Lord : And so much for the opening of the Doctrine .

But here it may be objected , Are not the unrighteous gathered by death as well as the righteous ?

I answer , it is true , the unrighteous are scattered in this life , and gathered by death as well as the righteous , but with a great deal of difference .

First , The wicked are scattered in this life , but they are scattered from God ; but the godly are scattered for God , and for a good Conscience many times , as they at Ierusalem were scattered . The godly are scattered from the glorious presence of God in Heaven , but the wicked are scattered from the gracious presence of God on earth . Again , the scattering of the wicked is a curse to them , and it is threatned as a curse , Levit. 26. 32. I will scatter you among the heathen , and draw out my sword after you : And wherever the wicked come , in what part soever of the world the wicked are scattered , they bring the curse of God with them , and they bring the Judgements of God on Towns or Cities where they are , as Plague , Famine , and Sword , and all miseries . But the godly when they are scattered , they are scattered as a blessing , into what Countrey or Town soever they come , they come as a blessing , they come like a ship laden with Corn , to a Town ready to perish with Famine ▪ they come as a blessing four wayes .

First , By their Prayers , to pray down a blessing on the place where they come .

Secondly , They come as a blessing by their holy life and conversation ; that is a Loadstone to draw others to holiness .

Thirdly , They come as a blessing by their holy advice and counsel that they give to the place where they come .

Nay fourthly , their very presence is a blessing : as long as Lot was in Sodom , Sodom could not be destroyed : so long as Paul was in the Ship , the three hundred could not be drowned . So that the godly come as a blessing where-ever they are scattered , but the wicked are as chaffe scattered by the wind , and they are scattered as the dust of the earth . You know when the dust is scattered it gets into mens eyes , and blinds them , and falls upon their clothes , and sullies and defiles them ; so the wicked wherever they are scattered , they defile the place where they are scattered . The godly are as Planets , that wander and move from one part of Heaven to another , carrying light to the world .

Secondly , As the wicked are scattered while they live , so when they die they are gathered ; it is true . But how ? Not to God , and Christ , and his Angels , but they are gathered to the Devil and his Angels , and to damned spirits ; not as bundles of Wheat into the Barn of Heaven , but as bundles of Tares to be burned for ever in everlasting fire .

Now , if the righteous perish as well as others , and if their perishing be nothing but a gathering to God and Christ : Then

First , Learn hence the preciousness of every righteous man ; the great God will not gather things of no value : great men do not use to gather chaffe and straw ; and therefore when God saith of Iosiah , I will gather thee to thy fathers , it was a sign he was a precious Pearl , worth the gathering , and of a high value and account in the sight of God ; and so is every true Childe of God ▪ s right dear and precious are they in the sight of God , both living and dying ; they are bought with a great price , not with gold and silver , and other corruptible things , but they are bought with the precious blood of the Son of God : They are as precious to God as the apple of his eye ; so precious , that he hath given Christ for them , and to them ; so precious , that he called them his Jewels , his peculiar treasure , his Iedidiahs , and therefore God will not suffer them to perish , but gather them to himself before the evil day come , as the Husbandman gathers in the Corn before the beasts go out into the field .

Secondly , Learn here what reason we have to be comforted in the death of a righteous man or woman ▪ because their death is not a perishing , but a gathering to God , and Christ , and the society of Saints and Angels . The death of a righteous man is no more , then if a Merchant that hath abundance of Jewels in a far Countrey , he should send for them home . Why death to a righteous man is nothing but Gods sending for his Jewels home . Such a phrase there is in Mal. 3. 17. In the day that I make up my Iewels they shall be mine . In this life they are imperfect Jewels ; they are like Gold in the oar mingled with a great deal of drosse , and death is nothing but a perfecting of these Jewels ; death is nothing more ; and God doth nothing by death , but , as a Gold-finder , gather up all his ends of gold and silver : It is nothing but just as if a Father should send for his Son home that had been a long while absent from him to his own house ; it is a carrying us to our Fathers house : And therefore let us be comforted when our righteous Friends die ; though their death be matter of sorrow to us , in regard of the losse that we sustain by their death ; and because their death is a warning-piece of evil to come ; yet in regard of them we have no cause to mourn . I speak this to those that are related to the righteous when they die : Did you ever see a Husbandman that mourned for the carrying of corn into the Barn ? or a Jeweller mourn for making up of his Jewels ? Let us mourn rather that we are left scattered among the wicked of the earth , and from the glorious presence of God and Christ : and let us mourn for those that are scattered from Christ , and from grace ; and for those , that whilest they live are scattered , and when they die are gathered to the Devil and his Angels . Let us not mourn for those that die in Christ , but let us mourn for those that live out of Christ ; let us not mourn over the body that the soul hath left , but let us mourn over the soul that God hath left .

The third Use is of Consolation to all the people of God , in reference to evil times that are coming upon us , or to the evil of times . Whatever befals a Child of God in this life , though he be scattered by wicked men from England into forreign Countries , though be wander up and down in Desarts and Wildernesses , though he be scattered from house to prison , yet there will be a gathering time shortly , there will a time come when all the Saints shall be gathered to Christ , and to one another , never to part any more . The death of Gods people is not a perishing , but a gathering ; comfort your selves therefore with these words against the fear of death , look upon death as a gathering , as a gathering to Christ : You are here as Daniel in the Lyons Den , as Ieremiah in the Dungeon ; yet there will come a gathering ; and if you dye in a good cause , you shall not perish , but be gathered to Christ , to his Saints and Angels .

But you will say , If I were sure when I die , that I should be gathered to Christ , to live for ever with him , this would be matter of great consolation to me ; but you told me , the wicked are gathered by death as well as the godly ; how shall I know whether ( when I come to dye ) I shall be gathered to the Devil and his Angels , or to Christ and his Angels ? How shall I know whether I shall be gathered at death as a bundle of tares to be burned in Hell , or as a bundle of Wheat to be carried up into the Barn of Heaven ?

I answer , you may know it by four things .

First , If you are righteous , then you shall be gathered to Christ at death ; for the righteous shall go into everlasting life : Heaven is entailed upon righteous men ; by righteousness I mean the imputed righteousness , and the imparted righteousness of Jesus Christ : I wave the explication of them , because time will not give leave . Know you not ( saith the Apostle ) that no unrighteous man shall inherit the Kingdome of God ? Damnation is entailed upon unrighteous men .

Secondly , If you are merciful ; the merciful man shall be gathered to Christ : If you are one that is full of bowels of compassion to the distressed Members of Jesus Christ , for Christ hath said it , Blessed are the merciful , for they shall obtainmercy . Now if you are hard-hearted , covetous , worldly-minded , remember that Text , He shall have judgement without mercy , that shews no mercy .

Thirdly , He that is gathered to the second Adam by faith in this World , shall certainly be gathered unto Christ by vision in the other World ; Christ Jesus will save all his Members ; and you must know , that Faith is a transplanting Grace ; it is not only a heart-purifying , but a World overcoming Grace , it takes a man out of the old Adam , and puts him into the new Adam , it takes a man out of the root of scattering , and puts him into the root of union and conjunction : wherefore you that are now joined to Christ by faith here , shall be joyned to Christ in glory hereafter : But now you that are Vagabonds , Cains and Aliens from the life of God , and from the life of Grace : You that are wooden members , wooden legs in Christs body , that have no real conjunction with Christ , you shall not be gathered to him in glory .

Lastly , If you are gathered here to the Saints by love , then you shall be gathered to the Saints in Heaven , and to the everlasting enjoyment of God with them to all Eternity . Consider this ; Every man shall be gathered ( when he dies ) to those whom he delights , and chooseth to keep company with while he lives in the world : if you are gathered to the wicked in love and affection here , you shall be gathered to them at death in Hell and destruction ; for it's pity companions should be parted : Wheat must to Wheat , and Tares to Tares ; for Wheat and Tares shall not be bound together at the last day .

The last Use is of Exhortation : If the righteous must perish , and if their death be nothing but a gathering , then take this threefold Exhortation .

First , Let us labour to make the best use we can of our godly friends and Ministers before they are gathered , let us do as Elisha did ; he was told that his Master Elijah was to be taken up to Heaven , and therefore he would never leave him till he had got the spirit of Elijah doubled upon him : If Elisha had not thought that Elijah would have been taken up that day , he would never have followed him so punctually and inseparably as he did . O beloved , did you believe that text , Zach. 1. 5. of which we have often had experience , Your Fathers where are they ? and the Prophets , do they live for ever ? Indeed if they did live for ever , we might get good from them when we please , because we are sure never to lose them ; but they live not for ever , but must perish , and be taken up to Heaven : And therefore whilest we have them , let us make what use we can of them , before they be taken away from us . It is a great fault among the people of God , that they make no more use of their godly Friends und Ministers . I have known many that have godly Relations that have died , that it hath been the greatest burthen on their Consciences , that they got no more good by those godly Relations while they lived . Many of us deal with our Ministers as we do with a strange sight that is to be seen near our doors , we are not much ; we are not much solicitous when we see it ; but a stranger that comes from a far Countrey , is curious and very careful presently to see it . So do we in this City especially ; I have had experience of it by being here many years , strangers that come out of the Country , many times get that good by a Minister , that his own people do not , because they think their Minister is continually with them : But a stranger knows he is there but for a day , and he hears so , that he carries Christ home with him , and a great deal of consolation also . Beloved , this is a great fault ; I beseech you remember , the righteous must be gathered ; let us therefore do with them as we do with Books that are borrowed ; if a man borro vs a Book , he knows he must keep it but for a day or two , and therefore he will be sure to read it over ; whereas if the Book be a mans own , he laies it aside , because he knows he can read it at any time . Remember , your Ministers are but lent you , they are not your own , and you know not but God may take your Elijahs from you this night : Therefore make what use you can of them , while you have them .

2dly . Must the righteous be taken away ? Then let the righteous make conscience of doing what good they can before they are taken away . Beloved ; if it were possible for the godly to grieve in Heaven , this would be their greatest sorrow , that they have done God no more service here upon Earth . Be wise for God , O ye righteous ; do as old men do that have rich places and offices ; they labour to buy the reversion of their places for their Children ; so must you to whom God hath given great gifts and graces , labour to propagate your gifts and graces , that there may be no loss by your death . Observe the c●…re of S. Paul the aged in his exhortations to Timothy , 2 Tim. 4. 5 , 6. Watch thou in all things , endure afflictions , do the work of an Evangelist , make full proof of thy Ministry ; why so ? for I am now ready to be offered , and the time of my departure is at hand ; and therefore work thou , see that thou endure affliction , preach the Gospel as becomes a Minister of the Gospel , that there may be no loss by my departure , so in 2 Tim. 2. 2. The things that thou hast heard of me among many Witnesses , the same commit thou to saithful men , that shall be able to teach others also . Hath God committed any thing to you ? a treasure of Learning or Grace ; commit it to young Ministers , that they may commit it to others , that so there may be a succession of gifts and graces . Do as Physicians do , that labour to communicate their skill to their children and to others ; so should we , that so there may be a succession of godly ones , that godliness may be entailed upon us and our Relations .

Thirdly and lastly , Let us all labour to be such , that when we dye , when we come to be gathered , we may be gathered to Christ and his Angels , and not to the Devil and his Angels . And for that purpose , let us labour to be merciful and righteous , and let us be gathered to Christ by faith , and to one another by love and dear affection , and then we shall be gathered at the great day to Christ , and the blessed company of Saints and Angels .

There are four observations yet behind , but I must wave them at this time .

I have now another Sermon to preach , and I cannot without injury to you that are alive , and without wrong to the memory of my dearly beloved Brother , but speak something of him at whose Funeral we are met this evening , not so much for his commendation , he needs it not , but for our imitation ; it is pitty , great pitty something should not be said , that this Reverend Minister , though dead , may yet preach this night ; and I have so much to say of him , that I know not where to begin ; and when I have begun , I hardly know how to make an end . I must confesse , the little time allotted me for the providing for this solemn Work , and the necessary avocations in this little time , have hindered me from informing my self about his breeding and manner of education at Emanuel Colledge under Mr. Stooker , and his excellent carriage and converse with Mr. Hildersam , Mr. Dod , Mr. Ball , Mr. Langley , and other Ministers famous in their generations ; and the many pressures and hardships that he suffered in those parts and times , for the keeping of his Conscience pure from that which he counted sin , and therefore I must draw a vail over that part of his life , and confine my discourse onely to the time since his coming to live with us in London , which is about the space of twenty two , or three & twenty years ; all which time , I have had the happinesse to be intimately acquainted with him , insomuch as that I can freely and clearly professe , and that with a sad heart , that I , and many others , have lost a real , wise , and godly friend , brother , and fellow-labourer in the Lord j the Church hath lost an eminent member , and choice pillar : and this City hath lost an ancient , faithfull , and painfull minister , who by his prayers and holy life , did seek to keep off the Judgements of God from falling upon us ; and the lesse sensible the City is of this losse , the greater is the losse . I fear we may too truly repeat the words in the Text , The righteous perisheth , and no man layes it to-heart ; and mercifull men are taken away , none considering that the righteous are taken away from the evil to come . I have read of Philo the Iew , and by chance met with the same in the life of S. Ambrose , that when they came to any City or Town , and heard of the death of any godly man , though never so poor , they would both of them mourn exceedingly , because of the great losse that place had by the death of that godly man , and because it was a warning-piece from God of evil approaching . But we have had many godly men , and godly ministers , taken away of late , and yet I fear me , but few lay it to heart ; and therefore as I said , the loss is the greater to this City , because it is so little sensible of it . It is a great loss also to his relations ; his wife hath lost a dear and loving husband , his sister a dear brother , his parish and congregation a faithful pastour .

The ministerial excellencies of many ministers were collected and concentred in one Simeon Ash ; he was a Bezaleel in Gods tabernacle , a master-builder , an old disciple , a Polycarp , a Christian of long standing in the school of Christ , a burning and a shining light , one whom many ministers and other good Christians called father , insomuch that it was a common proverb in this City , father Ash ; and I believe , many experimentally lament over him , as the King did over the Prophet Elisha ; My father , my father , the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof ! For he lived desired , and died lamented ; not only in the City , but I believe in very many places in the Countrey where he was known . But more particularly , there were twelve excellencies that I observed in this Reverend Minister , and my dear brother , that were as twelve Jewels or precious pearls in that crown with which God had crowned him : I shall name them for your imitation and benefit , he needs them not , for he is above our Eulogy .

The first and chief Jewel that did beautifie and adorn this our brother , was his sincerity and uprightness of heart , which indeed is not a single grace , but the soul of all grace , and the interlineary that must run through all grace : for what is faith if it be not unfeigned ? what will love to God profit you if it be not without dissimulation ? what is repentance worth if it be not in truth ? as the body without the soul is a rotten carkass , so is all grace without sincerity ; this is the soul of all grace , this is the girdle of truth . Sincerity is that which girts all our spiritual armour together , and makes them useful ; what advantage is it to have the brest-plate of righteousness , the shield of faith , the helmet of hope , if they be but painted things ? it is the girdle of sincerity that makes all the other parts of our armour useful . Now this excellent grace of sincerity was eminent in this our dear brother ; he was a true Nathanael , in whom there was no guile ; I mean , no allowed hypocrisie ; and this was that which carried him throuoh the pangs of death with a great deal of comfort ; for he was able to say with Hezekiah , Remember , O Lord , how I have walked before thee in truth , and with a perfect heart . He could say with Paul , This is my rejoycing , the testimony of my conscience , that in simplicity and godly sincerity , I have had my conversation in the world .

Secondly , another Jewel was his humility ; this is a grace that he was cloathed withall , and it is a rare grace ; for God dwels with the humble ; he resists the proud , but he gives grace to the humble . This reverend Minister was low in his own eyes , and therefore very high in Gods eyes ; he had a mean esteem of himself , and therefore he was in high esteem with God . He was as Iacob said of himself , less then the least of Gods mercies , and therefore he was made partaker of the best of Gods mercies . He was like an ear of corn full of fruit , bowing down in thankfulness to God .

Thirdly , another Jewel was the fruitfulness of his discourse , for it may be said of him , as it was of Christ , he went about doing good ; wherever he went he scattered his goodness ; this all that knew him , know to be true . He was full of good discourse wherever he came . When I was with him in his sicknesse , he took occasion to complain much , and not without just cause ( God grant his complaint may make impression upon our hearts ) he complained that it was a great fault among Ministers , that when they met together , they discoursed no more of Christ , of Heaven , and of the concernments of the other world ; and professed , that if God should restore him , he would be more careful in his discourse , and more fruitful then ever yet he had been .

Fourthly , another Jewel that beautified this righteous man , was his mercifulnesse : He was a merciful man , which he manifested , not only in his charity to the Members of Jesus Christ , but in his frequent visiting of sick persons , and persons that needed his spiritual Physick . I know not any Minister in the City more careful in visiting the sick , then he was .

Fifthly , another Jewel was his prudence and spiritual wisdome ; he was not only a pious and godly , but a wise and prudent Minister , that had zeal for God , but knew how to mingle his zeal with discretion ; discretion indeed without zeal is nothing but carnal policy ; but zeal without discretion is nothing but frantick fury ; discretion without zeal will quickly eat out the heart of religion , and eat religion out of the heart . Zeal without discretion is not a coal from the Altar , but a coal kindled by the wild fire of passion , that is able to set a Nation on fire ; but this Reverend Minister had zeal sweetly tempered with discretion .

Sixthly , another Jewel was his patience ; God 〈◊〉 pleased to exercise him with long and great afflictions by reason of the Gout , that did often , especially of late years affix him to his bed , and afflict him with great pain ; but God was pleased to put his everlasting Arms underneath him , supporting him under all his pains , and giving him a great measure of patience , insomuch that in patience he did possesse his soul , and patience had its perfect work in him .

The seventh Jewel was his high valuation of Jesus Christ ; a written copy for us to follow ; and for you his people also . Being with him in his last sicknesse , he exhorted me and other Ministers to preach much of Jesus Christ , and to speak to him of Jesus Christ ; and he said , When I consider my best duties , I sink , I die , I despair ; but when I think of Christ , I have enough , he is all and in all . I think these were his very words . I desire ( said he ) to know nothing but Iesus Christ , and him crucified : I account all things dung and dross that I may be found in Christ To this effect he spake in the morning before the evening in which he died , speaking much of Jesus Christ .

Eighthly , another Jewel was his diligence in preaching the Gospel in season and out of season ; in the time of his health he was a painful , laborious Preacher ; one that did not preach to tickle the ear , to wound the heart ; not to please , but to profit ; not seeking the applause of the people , but the salvation of their souls : This all know to be true .

Ninthly , another Jewel that did beautifie and adorn this Reverend Minister , was his excellent gift in prayer , and herein he was very eminent , and did exceed many , nay I may say most of his brethren : As Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures , so was he ( as you all know ) mighty in prayer ; he was a Iacob , very skilful in wrestling with God , like Moses he often stood in the gap , and at ●…ost Fasts in the time of his health , he was the Mini●…r that was chosen to conclude with prayer ; and this ●…rightens the losse that we sustain by the death of this godly Minister , because we have lost the benefit of his prayers , which is an invaluable losse ; for though I doubt not but he prays in heaven for the Church in general , yet I believe he prays not for any in particular , as not knowing what our condition is , For Abraham knows us not , for the Saints in heaven know not what is done upon earth . The losse therefore is the greater , because we have lost not only a preaching , but a praying Minister : And give me leave to add , that this excellency in this Minister , is sufficient to prove , 1. That there is a gift of prayer , which some against all reason do deny . 2. That conceived prayers when uttered by one that hath the gift of prayer , are not vain To●…tologies , or empty repetitions , and a rate of non-sence ; as some unjustly charge men with ; but they are the breathings of Gods spirit , that pierce not only into the ears and hearts of the hearers , but into the ears and heart of God himself .

Tenthly , the next Jewel was , he had great acquaintance and communion with God ; for he was of a long standing in the School of Christ , and a good proficient in that School . Much acquaintance he had with God , he was often in the Mount with God , and came down with his face shining , though he in his modesty did not see it ; and when he came to die , he was able to say as Dr. Preston did when he lay a dying , I shall change my place , but not my company .

Eleventhly , another Jewel was his comfortable passage out of this world , dying with a great deal of calmnesse and serenity upon his Conscience ; The morning before he died , I heard him say these words , It is one thing to speak of Christ , and of Heaven , and another thing to feel the consolations of Christ and of Heaven as I do , clapping his hand on his breast . Another time I heard him say , The comforts of a holy life are real , soul-supporting , and that he felt the reallity of those comforts , and that by him we might know it was not in vain to serve God . And I cannot forget his speech the morning before he died , I am a little strained , but I care no more for my life , then I do for this fillip : That which was said of old Simeon , Luke 2. may be said of this Reverend Minister , Mr. Simeon Ash , who was a Simeon , a just and devout man , an old Servant of . Iesus Christ , one that waited for the consolation of Israel ; one that dyed , though not with Christ in his bodily Arms , yet with Christ in the Arms of his Faith : and when he died , could say as it is there , Now Lord , lettest thou thy servant depart in peace , for mine eyes have seen thy salvation .

Lastly , another Jewel was his constancy and perseverance ; he was not a Reed shaken with every wind , but as firm as a Rock , an immovable Pillar in Gods House : he was unchangeable in changeable times ; in Religion he was a house built on a Rock , not on the sand : and as he lived , so he dyed holily , even as the ancient Patriarks that dyed in the Faith , and endured faithfully unto the death .

Now this excellent Minister of Christ thus beautified with these Jewels , is now perished as to his outward man , gathered to God to Christ , and the blessed company of Saints and Angels . The application that I shall make of this Discourse is this ,

1. To us Ministers . 2. To you of this Parish and Congregation .

First to us Ministers . God hath of late years taken to himself many famous men : Seven of the Lecturers of Cornhill are dead , Mr. Burroughs , Dr. Bolton , Mr. Sedg●…wick , Mr. Whitaker , Mr. Cranford , Mr. Vines , and now Mr. Ash. I might name many other excellent Ministers that are dead , as Dr. Gouge , Mr. Walker , Mr. Gataker , Mr. Marshal , Mr. Robinson , and lately Mr. Cook , with many more : Now all these are warning-pieces from heaven of judgements approaching ; For the righteous perish , and no man lays it to heart ; and merciful men are taken away , none considering that the righteous are taken away from the evil to come . Thus Methuselah dyed a year before the Flood : now Methuselah in Hebrew signifies a Messenger of death . Thus Austin dyed a little before Hippo was taken ; and Pareus a little before Hiddleburge was taken , and Luther a little before the Wars in Germany began The death of the godly is like the separating of the Israelites from the tents of Corah and his company , like the taking of Lot out of Sodom . When the Israelites departed from Corah and his company , the earth swallowed them up : and when Lot departed out of Sodom , God rained down fire , and brimstone upon them . Let the thoughts of these things cause us to provide our Arks , to get our Zoar's . Let it teach young Samuels to rise up in the room of old Elyes ; young Elisha's in the room of old Elijahs : and young Timothies in the room of Paul the aged ; that there may be a succession of Gospel Ministers to hold forth the Word of life to this Nation . And let us labour to be inheritors of of these twelve Excellencies , that beautified this our reverend Brother .

Secondly , Let me speak a few words to you of this Parish , the Auditors of this worthy Minister . There is scarce one man of a hundred that understands the tie and obligation that is betwixt a Minister and his people . O the love and affection that ought to be betwixt them ! Paul●…ells ●…ells the Galatians , that they could a pluckt out their eyes for him if need were . Chrysostom tells us , that when Mile●… was taken away by death from his people , their hearts sunk with sorrow ; and such love had they to him , that they called all their children by his name , and got his picture engraven on their rings . And I have read of Chrysostome , that when he was banished from his people , there was not a corner in the City , but was full of people weeping and lamenting . The losse of a godly Minister is a publick losse , therefore there ought to be publick mourning ; it is a soul-losse , and therefore , methinks , every one of you should weep and mourn ; you have lost your common father ; you of this congregation have lost your spiritual father , your spiritual shepherd ; you have lost your eyes , your guide ; and indeed it is you that are his flock that must commend your Minister , by practising that which he preached : said the Apostle , 2 Cor. 3. 1. Do we again begin to commend our selves , or need we , as some others , Epistles of commendation to you , or letters of commendation from you ? Ye are our Epistles written in our hearts , known and read of all men . As if the Apostle should say , do we need letters of commendation ? is it necessary that we should spend time in commending our ministry ; you are out letters of commendation , your holiness and piety commends a Minister above all other things . As when a man comes into an Orchard or Vineyard , said Chrysostome , and sees every thing skilfully handled , and neatly ●…fimmed , he need not spend time in commending the Vine-dresser , or Carpenter , the work it self commends them . So ought it to be among you : when we preach the Funeral Sermons of Ministers , we must look into his Parish or Congregation , and see what letters of commendation there are ; whether the proficiency of the Auditors commend their Ministers . I grant , it is not alwayes true , God doth not alwayes give successe to a godly Minister , but the worst is yours ; I had almost said the curse is yours , but I will speak modestly , the worst is yours . Tell me how many of you are able to say , I blesse God that ever such a Minister was sent among us ; blessed be God that ever we heard him preach ; what seal of his ministry is there here among you ? he was in another , and another place in this City , and it may be here are people from all places that have been his Auditors ; what seal of his ministry is there now to be found among you ? how many souls hath he pluckt out of the snares of the devil ? how many of you have gone away weeping from a Sermon , knocking your breasts and pricked at the hearts for sin , crying out , Men and Brethren , what shall we do to be saved ? your tears and mourning for sin , these are the Auditors that commend your Ministers . Go home now , and think with your selves , what can I remember of all the Sermons that I have heard from Mr. Ash ! and give me leave to tell you , woe be to you , if as your Minister be dead , so all the Sermons that he made die with him : For as Abel being dead yet speaketh , so shall the Sermons of this worthy Minister , at the great day speak for you , or against you , for they are spiritual talents that God hath betrusted you with , and you must be accountable , both he and you shall appear before the Tribunal of God ; your Minister shall be examined how he can free himself from the guilt of soul-blood , and you shall be examined , what fruit you have brought forth , answerable to the means that you have enjoyed ; and if it appear that you have been unprofitable and unfruitful hearers , Ch●…ist will say , Cast the unprofitable servant into utter darkness . But I hope better things of you , and things that accompany salvation . Whatever was good in this reverend Minister , let it live in you ; and though he be dead , yet let not his Sermons that he preached die with you , but let them be in you , that at the great day , when he and you appear before God , he may be able say , Here am I , and the Children that thou hast given me .

Dr. Horton's Sermon at Mr. Nalton's Funeral . Rich Treasure in Earthen Vessels , &c. 2 Cor 4. 7. But we have this Treasure in earthen vessels , that the excellency of the power may be of God , and not of us .

THere is nothing so excellent or compleat in this world , but hath its diminishment and qualifications , and something that doth disparage it , and abates of the excellency thereof ; not the things of this world only , but spiritual things in some sort , as to enjoy them , and partake of them in this life , have their inconveniences and disparagement annext , and are mingled with something that abates of their worth : an instance of which we have here in this present Scripture , which the Apostle Paul signifies to us concerning the enjoyment of the Ministry of the Gospel of Christ . He had in the verse before the Text , told us the great priviledge that both Ministers and others had in having the glorious Gospel : viz. The light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ , shining into our hearts , the consideration of which is of great encouragement to us : yet adds this as a qualification of it , viz. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels , &c. That which doth qualifie it , is , That this excellent treasure hath its conveyances through weak and mean persons , men of frailty and mortality . In the words there are two main parts . I. The Dispensation it self . II. The Account of it .

I. The Dispensation it self , This Treasure we have in earthen Vessels , &c.

II. The account of it , That the excellency of the power may be of God , and not of us .

I shall begin with the first , the Dispensation it self , which hath two branches . 1. The Depositum , the thing laid up . 2. The Repository in which this Treasure is laid up .

First , The Depositum , or thing laid up , which is a Treasure ; and what is this Treasure , but the Gospel of Jesus Christ ? The Gospel is a Treasure according to a twofold consideration :

In respect of the 1. Matter of it . 2. Ministry of it .

Both make up a treasure . The Matter of it , the things of the Gospel are rich things , and the conveyances of it ; the Ministerial gifts and ability , by which the Gospel is administred , do make up the Treasure : 'T is a treasure in both respects .

2. In respect of the matter of it : therefore it is we read of the Riches of Christ , of the Riches of the Gospel . The Scripture makes mention of three things wherein the Gospel is agreeable to a treasure .

2. A Treasure is a thing of dignity and worth , it is not a company of pebbles ( though many ) that will make up a Treasure : a Treasure consists of things of worth and dignity : and thus is the Gospel : in it are contained excellent and admirable truths , the Mysteries of salvation by Christ : the doctrine of the Gospel brings glad tidings of peace and reconciliation with God in Christ : there we have the gifts and graces of God , there we have glory and immortality , &c. and those things in the Gospel Gospel are administred to us : there is no science in the world brings such treasure as this .

2. The Gospel is a treasure for variety , abundance , and plurality . 'T is not one thing of worth , but many that makes up a treasure : if few , yet much worth must be comprehended in them ; so in the Gospel we have the manifold wisdome of God , the rich Treasures of Wisdome and Knowledge . The Gospel , though it be but one for substance , yet 't is many for improvements ; 't is a chain of many links , one saith , but divers articles of it ; so it is a treasure in that respect .

3. 'T is a treasure for its closeness ; we do not open a treasure to every one , but it is kept close , The Gospel is a secret mystery , hidden not revealed to every one : it is not discovered to carnal worldly men , though it may be revealed to them in the outward proposition , yet not in the spirituality of it . But where shall wisdome be found ? and where is the place of understanding ? saith I●…b ch. 28. v. 12. The peace of the Gospel is a treasure hid in the field , not found by every one .

2. The Gospel is a treasure in respect of the Ministry of it ; so the Apostle hints , 't is not only light , but a shining light , which hath shining into our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God , &c. 'T is a treasure in this respect , viz. in the discovery and shining of it , the conveyances , the several gifts and graces of the Ministery , by which the Gospel is conveyed to us , makes up a treasure , and as the Ministry is a treasure , so the opportunities and advantages thereof are . Thus the Gospel and the Ministry thereof is precious , and ought to be esteemed and made use of by us . We should highly account of the Gospel , and put a high value on it , for it is a treasure ; yea , it is a treasure in the want of other treasures , they are rich that are made partakers of it : Silver and gold have I none , ( saith St. Peter to the Cripple ) but such as I have I give it thee : this is the priviledge of Ministers ; though it may be , poor in respect of themselves , yet are rich to others . These excellent riches are committed to us , and accordingly we must not only make use of them our selves , but make them known to others ; the Gospel is a treasure not for us to keep , but to discover , reveal and manifest to others : to give the light of the glory of God , &c. This is the work of the Ministry , We have indeed this treasure , but not for our selves only but for others : so we are to keep it , to preserve and maintain it , but so as to be diligent to impart what is committed to us for the edification of others : Every Scribe instructed in the Kingdome of Heaven as a good house-holder , bringeth forth things new and old .

The Gospel is a treasure , therefore we ought to carry our selves answerable to it : As

1. We must labour for it , be diligent in the search of it , dig for it as for hidden treasur●…s . Lift up thy voice for understanding , &c. Prov. , 2. 2 , 3 , 4. Dig for it : you know there is a great deal of pains taken , and labour used to get worldly treasure . Wh●…t would not men venture for it ? they will go over Sea and Land , go through fire and water , expose themselves to all dangers for earthly treasure , make unto themselves Friends of the Mammon of unrighteousness , pass away a great deal of time , and take a great deal of care for it .

2. Esteem this treasure , this heavenly wisdome , this Evangelical knowledge , even the Gospel of Christ : labour to understand it , and have the efficacy of it wroug●… it upon your hearts .

3. Rejoyce in it ; how do men rejoyce in earthly treasure : so should we , as the Merchant in the Gospel when he had found the Pearl of Price , rejoyced exceedingly ; so we ought , as being made partakers thereof . I rejoyced at thy word , even as one that had found great spo●…ls . ( saith David ) so should we rejoyce alwaies in this treasure . 'T is said of those that sate under Iohn Baptists Ministry , that they rejoyced but for a while , and that is the condition and misery of many . The City of Samaria when they had received the Gospel , 't is said they had great joy , Act. 8. 9.

4. Be careful to keep and preserve it , for it is a treasure , and therefore we must treasure it up in our hearts ; and the rather because it will keep us . It keeps ( as Chrysostome sath ) the house where it is ; 〈◊〉 treasures cannot secure themselves , but if we keep this treasure it will secure us . Discretion shall preserve thee , and understanding shall keep thee , Prov. 21. 11. thus you see the excellency of this spiritual wisdome . So much for the first thing considerable in the first branch , viz. the Depositum , the treasure .

The second thing considerable is , the Repository , i. e. Earthen Vessels , or Vessels of Earth , earthen Pitchers : these are the Repository , but we have this treasure in earthen Vessels , &c. Earth is a word of diminution , and disparagement , and that in three regards ; 1. In regard of its meanness and baseness . 2. In regard of its fulness and pollution . 3. In regard of its frailty and transitoriness .

'T is passing away in all respects ; these earthen vessels in the Text , is to be understood , the Apostles and Ministers of Jesus Christ , in regard of their outward man are so called , and are so according to this threefold notion .

I. In regard of their meanness ; their outside is mean , either for person , or sometimes for estate of body , and outward deportment . This was the condition ( you know ) of the first Ministers of Christ , mean and ordinary persons outwardly God made use of . Nay our Master , our blessed Lord and Saviour was mean 〈◊〉 regard of his humane birth , and reckoned of by most men according to his birth and parentage . So it is with the servants of Christ , they are in their persons generally base , mean , low , ●…nd accordingly rendred despicable to the eyes of the World .

II. In regard of foulness and pollution ; Ministers are called earthen Vessels , they have many weaknesses , they are men subject to the like passions as others . 'T is true the Ministers of Christ have greater advantages then others , in regard of their education , knowledge , gifts , and employments , being more free from those defilements and snares that others are intangled in : yet through the remainders of the flesh in them , they have many infirmities : so Satan watches them more then o●…hers , lays more snares for them in regard of their parts and imployments ; so that they are more subject to his temptations then others . Satan hath a desire to sift them ( as the Apostle Peter ) as ▪ wheat , because he knows they will draw many after them : so that they must needs be subject to many weaknesses and infirmities . Sometimes God makes use of the worst sort of men , even the most vicious and malicious ; first he changeth them , and then makes use of them as instruments of glory . The Apostle Paul was a Vessel of Election to carry the name of Christ unto the Gentiles : yet in times past a great persecutor . So it pleaseth God to make use of such , that the excellency of the power may be of God , &c.

III. Ministers are called Earthen Vessels in regard of the frailty & mortality of their persons , and earthen Vessels are soon crackt and broken . Ministers are subject to many infirmities of body : This Heavenly light of the Gospel shineth often through Lanthorns of glasse , which are soon broken . Ministers have weak and frail bodies ; Timothy had his bodily infirmities , and Trophimus was left sick at Miletum , 1 Tim. 4. 20. and Epaphroditus was sick nigh unto death , Phil. 2. 27. and Paul had need of Luke the Physician , probably in regard of his weakness ▪ Thus the servants of God are subject to many infirmities . Besides the reason in the Text , there are other reasons why God will have it so .

1. That they may be more compassionate , and more sensible of the weaknesses of others ; for likeness of condition breeds sympathy in affection .

Men are apt to pity those in the like condition with themselves ; so our Lord took our nature upon him , that he might pity us ▪ he took flesh and bloud upon him , he was tempted in all things like unto us , but without sin , that so he might succour those that are tempted . So his servants many of them are much tempted , which may breed in them a sympathy of affection to others that are in such a condition .

2. God will have it so , that Ministers may have the more experience of the truths they preach to others concerning an afflicted condition ; those that have had no sicknesse or other affliction , cannot preach from experience of such truths that concern such a condition ; they cannot preach so feelingly and savoury as others ; when they have been under affliction , they will know what affliction is , both in the nature of it , and the comforts of it , and Gods gracious assistance therein , and so they may speak comfortably , and be enabled to comfort others , as the Apostle Paul speaks .

3. God is pleased so to order it , sometimes for their humiliation , to keep them low , that so they may not be lifted up by reason of extraordinary manifestations and impartments , thus St. Paul had given him a thorn in the flesh , that Mess●…nger of Satan to buffet him , lest he should be exalted above measure , 2 Cor. 12. 7. A thorn was given him , &c. ( 't is twice repeated , both in the beginning and end of the verse ) that so this thorn in the flesh might keep out pride in the heart , that so they may have a more low , meek , and humble frame of spirit , and thereby fitted and prepared for greater services . And

4 : That they may be also more conformable to those they have to deal with . Israel desires Moses to speak to them ( and not God ) why ? because he was like unto them , and would therefore compassionate them ; from whom they therefore desired to receive the commands of God . Thus it pleaseth God to deal with his servants , that as they may pity those they have to deal with , so likewise to draw the affections of their people unto them , to make them more loving , and the more to attend on their Ministry , seeing they are so fleeting , and going away ; it pleased God that Epaphroditus should be sick even to death , to endear the Philippians more to him , chap. 2. 25 , 28. that their love and tenderness may be drawn forth the more by the discovery of his frailty , Let us improve this .

Use 1. First , as to Ministers , see how the condition is with us in our Calling , We are Earthen Vessels , taken out of dust . We should often consider our frailty , to make us more humble , more meek , and more compassionate to others , more diligent in doing good , that we may make amends for our frailty and natural weaknesses that are upon us : We must not think much of it , it being no more then in former times ▪ it was the condition of the Apostles themselves , they were Earthen Vessels , they had such weakn●…sses , men subject to the like passions as we .

Use 2. Secondly , As for the people , this may improve in all the notions and considerations of an Earthen Vessel .

First , In regard of the meanness ; you must not esteem the Gospel according to the vessel , according to the disparagement of the Vessel a Vessel of dishonour in respect of its matter , may be a Vessel of honour in regard of the Gold that is in it ; those Members of the body that are weak , and in themselves lesse honourable , we afford a great deal of honour upon them , in decking and cloathing them . So the Ministers Work and Employment , and the Doctrines they bring , are excellent and of great use ; when all is done , we have that we serve for : according to the employment we are put to , we are honourable , though outwardly mean . Wicked and base men are called fil●…i terrae , they are sons of the earth , Iob 30. 8. Children of fools , yea children of base men ; they are viler then the earth , i. e. Men of no account ( as one saith ) the earth groans under such ingracious persons , but gracious persons are Vessels of honour ; as it was said of the Giants of old , so it may be said of these , They are men of Renown , and so we should esteem of them . Worldly men look at the outside , and so esteem of them ; so was Christ dealt with , Is not this the Carpenters Son ? So those Teachers in Corinth , endeavoured to render St. Paul his presence weak , and his speech contemptible , 2 Cor. 10. 11. that so they might make his Ministry contemptible also . But this glorious Treasure is in Earthen Vessels ; You know ( saith St. Paul ) Gal. 4 13. that through infirmity of the flesh I preached the Gospel unto you at first . This was their commendation , v. 14. But my temptation which was in my flesh , you despised not , nor rejected , but received me as an Angel of God , even as Iesus Christ .

All his weaknesses , and whatever was matter of discouragement , they did not despise , but honourably entertained him even as Christ himself . So it was the commendation of the Thessalonians , 1 Thess. 2. 13. that they received not the word as the word of man , but ( as it is in truth ) the word of God , looking to the mighty God to make it effectual : so should all others do upon this consideration .

2. Seeing Ministers are earthen Vessels in tegard of moral infirmities which adhere to them : in respct of their corruptions and weaknesses judge of them as men : but esteem of what is righteous in them ; though they have great advantages against sin , and be very carefull against sin , yet notwithstanding they are not totally exempted and freed from sin ; as they are Ministers , so they are men .

3. In regard that Ministers are earthen Vessels in respect of their frailty . Seeing then they are so ●…rail and transitory , therefore accordingly you should make use of them , deal kindly and affectionately with them , in that they are quickly broken . What is sooner broken then a Glasse , or an earthen vessel ? Ministers are quickly taken away , and therefore you should be tender of them while you have them . Where are all the Fathers . Do the Prophets live for ever , the word of the Lord indeed endureth for ever , but the Preacher of it doth not ; the Gospel is eternal , but the Dispenser is mortal : the Calling is lasting but the Minister is transitory : and therefore you should carry your selves with all tendernesse and respect to them : take heed of grieving their spirits , seeing they are so soon broken . Endeavour also to improve by them , and to get as much good as you can by them . It is a great argument to work while it is day , because the night comes when no man can work : whilst God affords means and opportunities , make use of them , we are but passengers ; therefore this is a great ground for you to endeavour to get all the good you can by your Ministers , seeing they are frail .

Lastly , By way of improvement : Take notice of the wayes of God , as different from man ; God pnts excellent treasure into Earthen Vessels : we keep treasure in strong holds , in the strongest Repositories . Gods ways are not as our ways , he goes another way then we doe ; he makes use of the poorest , meanest , and most frail creatures sometimes ; he layes aside many times men of greater abilities , parts , and quality , and makes use of weaker to do this great Work . Chrysostome makes and expostulation , If it be excellent t●…easure , why in earthen Vessels ? Therefore it is a Vessel of Earth , because an excellent Treasure . Thus Gods waies are unsearchable . This is the improvement .

Now besides this interpretation given of it , there is another that will not be impertinent . Some understand by Earthen Vessels , the expressions , words , and phrases of the Ministry , through which the doctrines and truths of the Gospel ate conveyed ; this is agreeable to what went before : Some false Teachers in Corinth pleased themselves with eloquent and enticing words of worldly wisdome , and so endeavoured to render Pauls preaching despicable , in regard of the plainnesse of it ; therefore ( saith the Apostle ) we have this treasure in earthen vessels , i. e. familiar conveyances , that so we may easily understand it .

Thus I have explained this Earthen Vessel , and so have done with the first considerable part , viz. the dispensation it self , This Treasure we have in Earthen Vessels : and come now to the second , viz.

II. The account of this Dispensation , That the excellency of the power may be of God , and not of us . Which words may be considered two waies . 1. Either absolutely , as lying in themselves . Or , 2. Connexively , to the words before going .

1. Take them absolutely as they lie in themselves , and two things are exhibited . 1. The excellency of the Gospel and Ministry it self , called Power . 2. The Author and Original of it , laid down two waies , positively , of God ; and negatively , not of 〈◊〉 .

1. The excellency of the Gospel and Ministry thereof , called Power : There is a great deal of power and efficacy in the Gospel , it is in its nature powerful and efficacious ; so the ministry of it , Romans 1. 16. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ , for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth . See 1 Cor. 2. 4. Paul's preaching was in the demonstration of the Spirit , and of Power , &c. 'T is called the Arm of Gods Power , the sword of the Spirit , Ephes. 6. 17. 'T is quick and powerful , and sharper then any two-edged sword , piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit , &c. Heb. 4. 12. and many other places . We may conceive it to be so according to the various effects and consequences of it , viz. as to 1. Conviction . 2. Conversion . 3. Consolation .

1. 'T is powerful in regard of conviction , it is a word of conviction ; and one part of the Work of the Ministry is ( by the Spirits co-operation ) to convince the World of sin , to open mens eyes to shew them the vilenesse of their wayes , to discover such courses to be sinful : the Conscience is awakened by the Spirit in the Ministry of the Word , herein it is powerful and efficacacious . There are divers instances in Scripture , how powerful the Word hath been in point of conviction : in Foelix , the Apostle Paul preached to him of righteousness and judgement to come , &c. He trembles : The Judge on the Bench trembleth at the word delivered by the Prisoner at the Bar : So powerful is the ministry of the Word , as to discover our sinfulness . So the Disciples going to Emaus , their hearts burnt within them when our Saviour opened to them the Prophets , &c. So it was with St. Peters Auditors , Acts 2. they were pricked in the heart when they heard this : he did preach to them in the power and demonstration of the Spirit , and plainly discovered that sin that they were more especially guilty of , and when they heard that , they were pricked in the heart , &c.

2. It is a word of Conversion also ; Conviction is one thing , and Conversion is another . Sometimes men may be convinced , but yet have no change wrought in them ; therefore conversion is another work , it is a turning men from darkness to light , from the power of Satan to God , &c. to receive an inheritance among them that are sanctified . Herein is the Word powerful , viz. in regeneration , I have begotten you ( by the Word ) to a lively hope , &c. of his own will hath he begotten you &c.

4. It is a word of comfort and consolation , it is a powerful word , and able to comfort the heart : and the Ministry is very effectual herein ( when set on by the Spirit ) to quiet , satisfie , and pacifie the consciences of men , which declareth the remission of sin , and whosoevers sins are forgiven , must needs be comforted . Indeed it is not in the power of men to forgive sins ; yet they can speak a word of comfort in season , by the administration of the promises ( the Spirit of God going along with them ) and then they are not only declarative , but operative . Where ( I say ) it pleaseth God to blesse and sanctifie the Word , it is effectual for quieting of the mind , for pacifying of the conscience , and setling of the troubled soul. Thus you see how powerful the ministry is ; and seeing it is so , this should teach us how to behave our selves under it ; it is powerful in it self , and powerful in its dispensation , and hath none of that weaknesse ( mentioned before ) of the dispenser of it , I was with you ( saith St. Paul ) in much weaknesse , and in fear , and in trembling , 1 Cor. 2. 3 , 4. and my speech — was in demonstration of the Spirit , and of power . These may seem to be contradictory ; but 't is answered , the Word is powerful in the demonstration of the Spirit , though delivered by one of humane weakness , as before is declared . This spiritual power we should look at , and labour after ; which power doth not consist in matter of elocution , the inticing words of mans wisdome , nor in matter of voice , which indeed is a good thing , and sutable to the nature of the Matter ! a quick and powerfull delivery is of great efficacy , and power , for the setting home of truths . Yet this doth not make a powerfull Ministry ; for a whisper in the ear may cause a thunder-bolt in the conscience ; the power lyes first in the nature of the matter ; the matter consists in the nature and condition of mankind , the certainty of Judgement the necessity of Christ , the covenant of Grace , and the Graces and priviledges thereof , &c. These carry a great deale of power and efficacy with them , when they are carefully and frequently dispensed , and Gods spirit going along with them , so they become powerfull ; for the Ministry consists not in empty notions and speculations that will onely tickle the fancy , but never reach the conscience . Morall discourses , though they be of great use , yet if we rest in them , they leave us as they found us . Evangelical truths ( which are manifold ) are to be delivered in the Ministry . Now as the matter of the Ministry must be powerfull , so the expressions must be powerfull ; there should be sutablenesse of expression to the matter , h. e. with gravity , sobriety , and affection , &c. Strong lines make but weak preaching , and take away the efficacy : but delivering truths in the demonstration of the spirit and in power , that is most effectual : when we speak feelingly and from our hearts , it comes then ( through the blessing of the Lord with it ) with power . This is then to learn us of the Ministry , viz. 1. Use.

Let us be careful that the matter of our Ministry be powerful , so that the handling and dispensing thereof be powerful , that so it may come home to the conscience ; thus we should deale with all : the words of the wise are as good , and as nails , fastned by the Masters of Assemblies , &c. Eccle. 12. 11. So our words should have a force and power in them . This as the Apostle sayes , is mighty and powerful to the beating down of strong holds , &c.

Use 2. Secondly in reference to hearers ; seeing the Ministry is powerful , you must then submit your selves to the power of it . Many people are Sermon-proof , and think to stand it out against the power of the Word ; but if it comes in power to the conscience , they will not be able to resist it ; as it is said of them in the Gospel , they were not able to resist the spirit by which he spake ( viz. Steven ) And for those that desire the conversion of others , what course should be taken by them for that end ? but by good counsel , instruction , prayer , and good example , to endeavour to convince them , and more especially to bring them to the Word and administrations thereof , which God hath sanctified for this end .

So much for the excellency of the Gospel , viz. The excellency of the power , &c. I come to the second .

2. The Author of it . 1. Positively , it is of God . And 2. Negatively , it is not of us .

First , Positively , it is of God , and that in all the considerations of it , in the full extent of it , it is of God . So the ministerial gifts , the performances of it , and the success of it , are all from God .

First , Ministerial gifts are from God ; it is lie that makes us able Ministers of the New-Testament ; there are ( saith the Apostle Paul ) diversity of gifts : to one is given the Word of wisdome , to another the Word of knowledge by the same spirit , &c. 1 Cor. 12. 4 , 5 , 6. It is God that bestows every good gift .

Secondly , The performance also is from God ; his grace concurs and assists therein : the habit and the act are both from him ; God gives gifts to men , and he enables them to dispence them . Ministerial employments are not onely for generall , but particular applications , and so need not onely general , but particular assistances ; That I might be enabled ( saith St. Paul ) to fulfill the work , &c. the Lord stood by me and strengthened me , that my preaching might be fully accomplished .

It is God that makes the work powerful , efficacious and successful : Alas ! when we have used our best endeavours , all the success is from him , he must make it effectual ; it is said , our Saviour went about doing good , for God was with him , enclineing him to the work , and assisting him therein : So he is with all his servants : their gifts , employments , and successe thereof , are all of God , not of us .

Object . But it may be objected , Is all from God , and nothing from us ? Are we not said to concur with him ? and is not then the power partly ours ?

Ans. I answer , No : 't is of God , and not of us : we are indeed subjects of the Ministry , the Recipients thereof , persons employed in the Work , and therefore are said to be workers together with God , 2 Cor. 6. 1. but the power and efficacy thereof is from God alone : Paul and Apollo are but Ministers , 't is God that giveth the blessing ; 't is not of us in two respects . 1. 'T is not merited by us , 't is not of our deserving , nor of our procuring ; 1. 'T is not of our deserving ; the best and most accomplisht do not merit it : I receive a mercy ( saith Paul ) to be faithful : he accounted it a mercy to be employed , and to be faithful therein . 2. 'T is not of our procuring , we do not obtain it by our own power , as Peter said in the recovery of the lame man , It is not by any power and holinesse of ours , that this man is restored , &c. And so it is not our gifts and industry onely , that will make our Ministry powerful ; and therefore in this Work let us be looking up to God , and desire him to assist us , as Moses said , If thou goest not , O Lord , up with us , wherefore should we go hence ? so say I , if the presence of God be not with us , what can we doe ?

And further , when we do partake of any measure of ability , see where we must determine it : Not unto us Lord , not unto us , but unto thy name be all the glory : We must not sacrifice to our own net , nor give the honour to our own industry , but wholly give the praise to God , because the excellency is of God .

2. But in the second place , if you look upon the words reflexively , or as having their connexion to the words going before , and so they will agree and hold together , and thus you may read them : Therefore is this Treasure in earthen vessels , that the excellency of the power may be acknowledg'd to of God , and not of us : If it were in Angels , or had we never so strong bodies , yet the excellency of the power of God would not be so cleerly seen , as it is now , being laid up in poor , fraile Vessels : Here 's the power of God , here 's the lustre and glory of God most manifested ; for so much the more apparently it will be seen to be from God , by so much the weaker the instrument is , that is employed by God : therefore if any thing doth act beyond it's own power , it must have some foraigne powers for the producing such and such acts ; therefore when we see any greater matter done by poor , fraile and contemptible Persons of earthen Vessels , this doth plainly shew the excellency of the power to be of God , and not of Men , therefore look from man to God , it is God that doth these things ; we should over-look earthen vessels ; we should ( I say ) over-look men that are these earthen vessels , and look to God that makes the Ministry powerful in such conveyances as these .

Furthermore , It may satisfie us of the Ministry , in that we are vessels , viz. men of frailty , &c. we are apt to be discouraged , and to think hardly that we are followed with so many weaknesses , that we have a hard matter , that when we have taken such pains in the work of the Ministry , we should be thus rewarded ; but this should satisfie us , the more weaknesse in us , the greater honour will come to Christ : This Treasure we have in earthen Vessels , that the excellency of the power may be of God , and not of us . The weaker the Vessell , the more honour will redound to Christ .

Furthermore , This may take of the servants of Christ from unwillingnesse unto those works and performances which God calls them unto , by reason of their weakness : Thus it is when God calls to any work or employment , the servants of God are apt to plead their own inability ; Moses sayes he is not eloquent ; Ieremiah sayes he is a child ; Ionah sayes he is a man of unclean lips . Thus we have their delayes , their excuses , whereby they endeavour to discharge themselves from that Work that God calls them unto , by their own weakness , &c. but God refuses such excuses ; for who makes the blind to see , the dumb to speak , but God ? It is he that toucheth Isaiah's Lips , it is he that said to Ieremiah , Do not say thou art a Child , for I have sent thee , &c. This I say then is a consideration may encourage Ministers in their Work , that the weaker they are , the honour and glory will redound to Christ ; far he said unto me ( saith the Apostle ) My Grace is sufficient for thee , for my strength it made perfect in weaknesse : Not that it is encouragement or argument for any to take upon them the great work of the Ministry , without sufficient qualifications and abilities : But where there is not that degree of ability as is desired , where there is a true sensibleness of their weakness , this may be an encouragement to them , that God delighteth to shew his power in them , that by so much the more they are weak , so much honour he will gaine . For a conclusion , it comes to this , viz. That we lay no stresse upon any outward things .

There is no stresse or happinesse in these outward things ; those that seem to be of some concernment , as strength of body , and other outward qualifications that are of remark ; yet consider , they are fading and transitory ; this should teach us in the enjoyments of outward things , a great deal of humility : Though we are Vessels of Gold in regard of the treasure and improvement , yet in regard of our selves we are Vessels of Earth , and so should be in respect of humility . Let us look upon all these things as given to us of God even for this very end , That we may be more serviceable to him and his people .

So I have done with the two general parts of the words , and so with the whole verse , viz. We have this Treasure in earthen Vessels , that the excellency of the power may be of God , and not of us .

Do we begin again to commend our selves ? ( saith the Apostle Paul , 2 Cor. 3. 1. ) or need we Epistles of commendation to you ? ye are our Epistle in our hearts , &c. But this is applicable to the present sad occasion now before us .

This Reverend and blessed man of God , Mr. Iames Nalton , was a person of great Note and ●…enency among us , one well known in this City , and in this place , where he spent his labour and pains many years . I could give large accounts and testimonies of him ( if need were ) from my own knowledge of him , having been acquainted with him many years . He was not onely a Minister , but the Son of a Minister , his birth and education suiting together . He lookt upon it not onely as an honour , but as an engagement to be carefull to walk in those steps set before him , and to continue the work of the Ministry begun by his Religious Father . Certainly the Children of godly and holy Parents cannot come off so cheap in their carriages as others ; they have greater accounts to make , as having greater examples set before them , greater advantages of prayer , exhortation , &c. and so greater engagements ; this was thought on , and observed by him . And as he was the Son of a Minister , so when he came to years and was fitted , he took upon him the Ministry : as he was one of great abilities , so accordingly he discharged them faithfully and conscienciously . He was a spirituall , powerfull , consciencious Preacher , he preached by his Life ; for ( as Erasmus saith ) we should not onely love to speak truths , but we should digest truths on our own hearts before we commend them to others , and so they will be the more effectual . He was a man of a very meek , sweet , and humble spirit ; a man of great humility and of great meekness in the midst of great abilities , which was a great Ornament in him ; a man full of tenderness and condescension to others ; a man of a very yeilding and melting fram of spirit , soon dissolved into tears . It was the saying of one , that a good man is full of Tears : so this good man was full of Tears , not affected , but very real , and hearty , drawn from the fullnesse of his Spirit , as the Apostle Paul saith , he served the Lord in much humility and many tears . This was remarkable , that in these times our Reverend Brother was full of tears in delivering his Doctrine , which was sutable to the age we live in , being full of sin and calamity ; there is much need of a bewailing spirit to bewaile the iniquities and miseries of the times ; they that cannot bewaile themselves , need the tears of others . He was a man of great integrity , and single-heartednesse ; in his exhortations he had much of the simplicity of Christ , as the Apostle Paul speaks . In reference to the Ministry , he had no worldly and base affections , he had no carnall designes therein ; but his chief design was to bring souls home to Christ , that was his chief businesse . As the Apostle saith of himself , may also be said of him , that in simplicity and godly sincerity , he had his conversation in the world , not walking in craftinesse , nor handling the word of God deceitfully , but by the manifestation of the truth ▪ commending himself to every mans conscience in the sight of God , 2 Cor. 4. 2. He was a man that had ability to speak a word in season , he was very compassionate to a wounded spirit , he himselfe having been much afflicted . He was a man much in communion with God , and had much acquaintance with God , and was carefull in improvement therein : he was a Iacob in wrestling with God , a Moses that stood in the Gap , an Elijah that prayed earnestly : the whole Land was the better for such a Person , being much with God ; he made many addresses to him , and had much holy familiarity with him . And as in his publick performances he was very faithful and beneficial , so in his family and private he was very fruitful and serious . In a word ( not to multiply much in this kind , you need it lesse in this Auditory , but onely by way of grateful memorial ) there was much of God and Christ in him , and he was a great example to his fellow-servants ; there was much of his Treasure ( spoken of in the Text ) in this earthen Vessel ; as in the matter of it , he was one of a Gospel spirit ; and in the conveyances of it , he had great abilities for the work of the Ministry , and discharged it with a great deale of successe . As he had this Treasure in an Earthen Vessel , so his Vessel , his fraile body was no disparagement to him , but the advancement of the Treasure , in setting forth the power to be of God ; his outward man was much weak and worn away , but his inward man was upheld by the grace of God . His first work in the Ministry was in that place where my self have relation to ; he was an assistant to my predecessor ( being then past labour ) Mr. Richard Couder , and performed the work so well , that he was exceedingly beloved of Mr. Couder , and well beloved of the Parish , and other places . He left a good impression behind , and I found good effects by the foundation there laid . The Apostle Paul indeed desired not to work there where another had laid the foundation , but I thought it a great advantage that the foundation was laid by such a Master-builder . He was called into the Country to Rugby in Warwick-shire , there he continued very fruitfull , and did much good . For some occasion he removed and returned into the City , and came into this place , where he continued about 18. or 19. years , discharged the work of the Lord carefully . I need not say much of his carriage in this place , I appeal to your own Consciences . I may say of this servant of Christ , as the Apostle Paul said of himself , 1 Thes. 2. 10 , 11. Ye are his witnesses , and God also , how holily , and justly , and unblameable he behaved himself among you , as you know how he exhorted , and comforted , and charged every one of you ( as a Father doth his Children ) that ye would walk worthy of God , who hath called you unto his kingdome and glory . Therefore there lies an engagement upon you to walk answerable to the truths he delivered , and to follow his steps , considering the end of his conversation , I shut up all in the words of the Apostle Paul to the Phillippians , Ch. 4. 9. Those things which ye have both learned , and received , and heard , and seen in him , Do : and the God of peace shall be with you .