CHAP. I. The Nature of our Souls . The Eternal State , they are design'd for . The Means God hath made use of , to fit Men for Everlasting Bliss . All these Means ineffectual without Consideration .

THat we are design'd for Nobler Employments , than Eating , and Drinking , and Sleeping , and Playing , and following our Trades , and Businesses in this World , a happiness which Beasts arrive to as well as we ; the great Souls which we carry in our Breasts , do evidently demonstrate . These being capable of knowing God , of delighting in him , and conversing with him for ever , we may rationally suppose , That those , who suffer the Profits and Pleasures of this present World , to engross their Affections , go astray , and Err from the great End of their Creation .

While the Atheist laughs at the immortality of his Soul , and the Prophane selis his better part to the Devil , the Religious , who will prove the onely wise Man in the end , and who hath none of those clouds and mists , the other are troubled with , before his eyes , sees clearly what a Treasure the bountiful hand of Heaven hath bestow'd on him , in shedding so excellent , so angelical a Being into his Body . A Soul that can build it's Nest among the Stars of Heaven , walk through yonder Mansions , and taste of the Rivers which make glad the City of God . A Soul which can wing it self into the Clouds , and survey the Crowns and Scepters laid up for those that dare despise the World , and have their Conversation in Heaven . A Soul which can enjoy a Paradise , while the Body is in trouble ; and rejoice in him , who is All in All , while the fierce Winds are whistling about her ears .

The vast reach of these Souls , we have , their fitness to receive Divine illumination their strong desires after Immortality , their secret actings without the help of a Body , their hopes of Heaven , their fears of Hell , all proclaim , the certainty of an eternal state or condition , they are intended for .

This eternal state imprinted on our Natures , discover'd to the Gentiles , proclaim'd by the Son of God , preach'd by Angels , confirm'd by Apostles , reveal'd to Christians , believ'd in the World , as it relates either to Bliss or Misery , to Joy or Torment , to Honor or Dishonor ; so how to enjoy the one , and avoid the other , must in all probability be the great object which God design'd Mens Souls should be chiefly employ'd about .

For as there cannot be a thing of greater moment than Eternity ; so he must be a Sot , a Beast , that can imagine , that God , who ever intends the noblest Creatures for the noblest Ends , will give Men leave to busie themselves altogether about picking of straws , and pleasing a few sensual Lufts , when he hath given them Souls capable not only of labouring and seeking after , but obtaining a Kingdom which fades not away . And when we sweat , and toyle , and labour , to make provision for twenty , thirty , forty years , what do we do , but proclaim our obligation to be infinitely more concern'd , how to provide for that state , which must never have an end ?

And as it was the goodness and wisdom of God to make us capable of an everlasting duration , so we should be injurious to both , if we did not suppose that God hath order'd and appointed means , whereby it 's possible to save our selves from the wrath to come .

He that takes a view of Gods proceedings , and dealings with Men , ever since the Creation of the World , cannot but stand amaz'd at the cost and labour , and pains , and means , and motives , and arguments , God hath us'd to make Men sensible of their everlasting interest , and to engage them to a serious preparation for that World , they must live for ever in .

This serious preparation must necessarily be a holy , blameless , spotless life , for the means must ever be sutable and agreeable to the nature of the end . And Heaven being a holy place , perlect holiness reigning there , it 's not to be imagin'd , how perfection of holiness can be enter'd upon , without a considerable progress in holiness here , no man reaching the highest step of a Ladder without the lowermost ; and one might as well flatter himself , that his Trade by such a time will bring him in Ten thousand pounds , when he is so far from minding his Trade , that he contrives only how to run with others into excess of Riot .

And indeed to plant this holiness in Men , the means have been so various , so numerous , so potent before the Law , under the Law , and under the Gospel , that one may justly admire , the whole World doth not stand candidate for Heaven , and all the Inhabitants of the Earth do not take the Kingdom of God by violence .

Before the Law , the continual pleadings of the long-liv'd Patriarchs with sinful Men , to improve the light of Nature , that Primar of Divinity , the many Visions , Revelations , Dreams , Signs , Wonders , Voices from Heaven , the Ministry of Angels , Gods Patience , Forbearance , Long-suffering , and sometimes Exemplary Justice , the Examples of holy Men , Gods love to those that honour'd him , the signal blessings he bestow'd on those that made him their highest , and chiefest good , what were all these but so many calls and entreaties , that Men would by holiness prepare for a future happiness .

Under the Law , God was so far from being weary of using means , and taking pains with Men in order to this end , that he seem'd to have reserv'd those Ages for larger and fuller Demonstrations of his Power and Munificence ; and if the people of Lystra had any ground for their exclamation , the Jews had far greater reason to cry out , Acts 14.11 . That God was come down to them in the likeness of men . For while other Countries were left in darkness , and like Moles , suffer'd to wander in the shadow and vally of death , they , as if they had been made of purer Clay , seem'd to be the Darlings of Providence , and the Favourites of Heaven . Heaven bow'd to them , and under its protection they went , as under a Canopy of State , and might , with greater reason than the Sultan , have challeng'd that lofty Title , The shadow of God : And with that Persian Emperor , stiled themselves , Kinsmen of the Stars . Their eyes saw Miracles almost every day ; and with their daily Bread , they receiv'd daily Prodigies ; and in the midst of their Rebellion , God , like the Sun when smiling through a Cloud , shew'd them a merciful Face ; not that he approv'd of their Impiety . but because by these Beams he would warm their hearts into obedience . Their Blessings came down upon them not in drops , but in showers ; and their Prosperity , like the Cinnamon Tree , was so fragrant , that strangers might smell it a great way off , before they saw it . The Waters of Life were continually flowing into their Bosomes ; and though God now and then frown'd upon them , ( what Father would not sometimes chide his Son ? ) yet his Indignation , which , like Flints , sent out Fire , upon their penitential Tears , strait way return'd to its former coldness . The Rocks poured them out Rivers of Oyl , they wash'd their Feet in Butter ; and one might say of their Land , as he * * Aen. Sylvius . of the Isle of Rhodes , They were bless'd with a continual Sunshine . Their Prophets , what mighty , what powerful Men were they ? Men that , like Lamps , consum'd their own Oyl , to light their Auditors to Heaven ; or like Silkworms , spun out their own Bowels , to deck their Hearers with Garments of Righteousness . Where words could not prevail , Tears were the means to supple and affect them ; and , it seems , there is not stronger Rhetorick in the World than these ? Here one Prophet spoke like an Orator , there another like a Logician . Here one endeavour'd by Eloquence to charm them , there another by clear Reason to convince them . Here one threatned , there another promis'd . Here one wooed , there another thundred . Here one came with a Scepter of Love , there another with a Trumpet of War . Here one offer'd his hand to save them , there another made bare his arm of revenge . Here one offer'd an Ark to those that desired mercy , there another rain'd down floods of Curses to drown the obstinate . Here one represented God with his Sword drawn , a smoke going up out of his nostrils , Psal. 18.8 . and devouring fire out of his mouth , there another follow'd sinners to the very gates of Hell , with offers of mercy in his hand ; and while Vengeance was knocking at the door , and the Sword was at their heatts , call'd to them , Turn ye , Turn ye , why will ye dye ? And what was all this , but to lay invincible obligations on Men to Reform , and by Reformation of their Lives , to arrive at last to that Harbor of Bliss and Immortality , which the great preserver of Men hath prepar'd for those that fear him .

Under the Gospel , as if beyond this there were no other remedy to engage Men to holiness , the Son of God himself comes down from Heaven , and turns Preacher . He that commands all the powers of Light and Darkness , appears in a Pulpit . He by whom the Worlds were made , leaves the brightness of his Fathers glory , to tell Men , what a Monster Sin is , how odious , how loathsom in the eyes of God ; how lovely , how amiable , how beautiful the wayes of God are : confirms the sayings of all the Prophets of old , assures Men ( and certainly he could not tell a lye ) that all those Messengers of old were in the right , when they profess'd , That Iniquity would be Mens ruine , and that at yonder gate no unclean thing should enter , and that God must be prefer'd before all the Riches , Honours and Pleasures of this World , a favour for which we want expression , and which we must draw a vail over , as Timantes the Painter did over the face of Iphigenia's Father , because we cannot reach it with our colours . If a King should send a Messenger with a Pardon to a Malefactor that 's ready to be turn'd off of the Ladder , there is no Man but a stranger to pity and compassion , but would speak in commendation of the Royal mercy ; but should the King himself approach the place of Execution , and absolve him , it 's like the unexpected bounty would cast the Malefactor into a Swoon . And then , when the great God of Heaven and Earth made his favor exstatical , went out of the common road of mercy , stept beyond all precedents and examples , encreas'd his kindness into perfect miracles , miracles which the Ages before cannot parallel , and the Son of God made his way through all the Clouds of Heaven , to tell Men how God long'd for their society and happiness , we cannot suppose a possibility of greater condescention . And that which still encreases the Wonder , this Son of God entreats , wooes , and beseeches Men to bethink themselves , and dress up their Souls for the next Worlds glory . He that might have come ( as one day most certainly he will ) with flames of fire , and taken vengeance on the obstinate , and terrified and startled them into seriousness , and might without a Metaphor as it is , Psal. 45.3 . girded his Sword upon his Thigh , and look'd stern on the Rebels , that would not have him reign over them , and frown'd them into Hell . That this Son of God , this Sovereign Prince , whom all the Elements serve , at whose command the Waters drown , and the Fire burns , and the Earth swallows up , that he should come , and draw near the City , and instead of consuming , weep over it , as if he meant to quench the fire of Gods indignation against it ; and instead of dooming it outright to eternal vengeance , wish , O that thou hadst known in this thy day , what belongs unto thy peace ! Call like a tender compassionate Father , How often would I have gather'd you , as a Hen doth gather her Chickens under her wings , and ye would not ! That he should bear affronts , and in the midst of those injuries , entreat Men to be reconcil'd to him , and seek for a Pardon ! That he should conjure Mankind by Tears , and Wounds , and his own Blood , by those very Torments and Agonies he endured for them , to have mercy on themselves , to take a view of the burning Lake beneath , and run away to look upon the joyes above , and be ravish'd with the sight ! That he should court them by the sweetest invitations , and the kindest calls ; by the greatest offers , and the softest promises ; promises of assistance , and of his holy Spirit , of peace and joy in the Holy Ghost ; and seal his strong desires and longings after their holiness with his own death , and after his death , being risen again , sends Apostles , and whole Armies of Confessors and Martyrs , to establish those desires , ordain a Function of Men , that might preach those Desires in Mens ears to the Worlds end , this indeed is a condescention , which the great ministring Spirits in Heaven stand amaz'd at , and may justly be look'd upon to be one of those things , the Angels desire to pry into .

By such astonishing means hath the great immortal God endeavour'd to effect that holiness in Men , that Seriousness , that Piety , that Heavenly-mindedness which he hath appointed to be the only way to endless bliss . Glorious means indeed ! But then they are no more but Pearls thrown before Swine where Men consider not how far they are concern'd in the heavenly Call . And what can be the meaning of all these arts and stratagems of Divine compassion , and what should make God thus sollicitous and careful to procure mans happiness , and how dreadful it must be to neglect so great a salvation ? To lay all this labour and industry , and indefatigable pains of God before their eyes , where they will not fix their contemplations on the Remedies intended for their recovery , what is it , but to make a learned Oration to a flock of sheep , to talk to a blind Man of Colours , to discourse Mathematicks to one in a Fever , and to prepare Elixirs , and Cordials , for Men depriv'd of life and sense ? Without Consideration , we have little but shape and speech left us , to distinguish us from Beasts ; and God clearly loses the virtue of his exhortations and entreaties , except Consideration sets them home , digests and applies them to the Soul , and the inward thoughts , like Sun-beams in a burning Glass , unite and continue so long upon these spiritual objects , till they set the heart on fire .

CHAP. II. Consideration no transitory view of spiritual things , imports laying the heart and mind close unto spiritual Concerns ; resembles magnifying Glasses , which discover things imperceptible by the naked eye . The great Ingredients of it , Self-Examination , Expostulation , and strong Resolution .

HOW Consideration , Thinking , Pondering , Meditation , Contemplation do differ , is not material to enquire . Consideration includes all these , and is nothing , but exercising and improving that rational Faculty , the great Architect hath bestowed on us , to the glory of God , and the felicity of our immortal Souls . The character St. Bernard gives of it , may help to illustrate this Description . It distinguishes , saith he , things confus'd , collecteth such as lie dispers'd , searches and dives into such as are conceal'd and hid , examines probabilities , reflects upon what is done , resolves what to do , and presses towards the mark , for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus .

The Schoolmen are in the right , when they call it , employing the whole understanding about a thing ; for indeed a flash of Thinking is no more Consideration , than a few wandring sparks can be said to warm a spacious Room : and as in cold Weather Men do not get themselves a heat by a step or two , but by such exercises , as put the Body into a violent motion ; so neither will a careless thought now and then , heat the heart within , but Consideration , which puts the Soul into a strong and vigorous motion or agitation , is that which must kindle the holy fire , and shed life into all the faculties of the inward Man .

Not to mention here , that the word was originally us'd to express the industry of Astronomers , who , by diligent contemplation , and observation of the stars , their Motion , Position , Conjunction , Influences , &c. gave a judgment of the several Phaenomena , or appearances they met withall , from whence it was afterward applied to Men who seriously and attentively ponder things of moment , whether Civil or Sacred . The Scripture usually expresses it , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hagg. 1.5 , 7. by laying our hearts close to our wayes , as if it were with Consideration , as it is with Mens listening to a confus'd noise , and laying their ears close to a Wall , with design to get a more distinct knowledge of it .

And indeed without Consideration , Eternal Life , and our Duties in order to it , appear no very great attractives . Consideration clears up those Notions , dispells the Clouds and Mists that dwell upon our Reason , wipes away the Dust , discovers unknown Worlds , and makes even such things as were vulgar obvious before , look with a new face , they being found upon Consideration things of greater consequence , of greater comfort , of greater necessity , of greater virtue and efficacy , than before they were believed to be .

It is much with Consideration , as it is with Microscopes and Magnifying Glasses ; what contemptible Creatures do some little Animals ▪ and the smaller sorts of Plants appear , while beheld with our naked eye , but view'd through Dioptrical Glasses , what curious Fabricks do we spy ? How inconsiderable an Insect is a Flie ? How despicable a Creature is a Mite ? Yet he that through such Glasses , beholds in them all the perfections of the largest Animals , the multiplicity of their parts , the variety of their motions , and how curiously every limb is wrought , how mathematically all their little members are framed , and set together , cannot but wonder at the spectacle , and break forth into admiration of the immense Wisdom of their Maker .

Consideration is that Glass , which represents spiritual objects in other colours , than before were observ'd and detected in them . Sin , that look'd but with a faint red before , through this Glass , appears all Scarlet , and Crimson . Gods Laws , which before were hardly regarded so much as humane Injunctions , through this Glass , appear so beautiful , so rational , so wise , so wonderful , so suited to an intelligent Nature , that a Man with David cannot hold , but must cry out , O how I love thy Law , it is my meditation all the day . The New Jerusalem , which look'd but like an ordinary Building before , when view'd through this Glass , the Towers and Bulwarks of it are seen glittering afar off , the Pearls and precious Stones , it 's paved withall , shine with more than ordinary lustre ; and that which look'd but dull and weak before , now dazles the Spectators eyes with its oriental brightness .

But this will further appear , if we enquire into the essential parts , or necessary ingredients of these spiritual Opticks . Consideration , as it is the Sun , that enlightens this Microcosme Man , and irradiates the benighted faculties of the Soul so , that it may have this virtue , there is required ( and it cannot be Consideration without it ) Self-Examination , Expostulation , and strong Resolution .

I. Self-Examination . That man , who examines not his spiritual estate or condition , whether he is that sinner , that shall be everlastingly miserable ? whether the threatnings of the Gospel concern him ? whether he finds those qualifications in himself , which the Son of God requires of all that shall be Heirs of glory ? whither he feels those things in his Soul , which men that have a title to the great Inheritance are sensible of ? and whither he walks in that strait way , and strives to enter in at that narrow gate , the Holy Ghost doth speak of ?

He that with Gallio , cares for none of these things , is so far from considering , that he doth not believe the immortality of his Soul , or another World . For were his heart season'd with a sound belief of that future state , he could not but enter into his Closet , and reflect . In this Bible , in this Book , which I do believe contains the Oracles of God , and his peremptory Will , concerning the salvation of men , I find stubborn , careless , unconverted sinners adjudg'd to eternal torments ; I find God protest , he will know none in the last day , so as to shew them favor , but such as dare deny themselves for Heaven , and heartily endeavor to do the Will of their Father , which is in Heaven ; I find God swear , that men who prefer their Farms and Oxen , and secular Concerns , before his Injunctions , and Commands , shall never taste of the great Supper of the Lamb.

Am I one of these stubborn , unconverted , careless men or no ? Why should I be afraid to ask such a question , when there is no less than Eternity in the case ? If I am none of this number , 1 Sam. 15.14 . What means the bleating of Sheep , and the lowing of Oxen in mine ears ? What means my earthly mindedness ? What means my living in wilful Contempt of so many commands of the Son of God ? I take no pains to be sav'd ; some little formalities and complements of Religion serve my turn , and satisfie my Conscience . I can put off the great God of Heaven with the Worlds leavings , and throw him a dull heartless prayer at night , when I have been wallowing in sin all day . I am for no devotion that 's either expensive or troublesom to flesh and blood , and such ejaculations as do not molest me in my pleasures ; and as my flesh can easily spare without any detriment in its satisfaction , I am willing to lay upon Gods Altar . I feel little or no sorrow for sin , no remorse , no compunctions , when I offend a gracious God . A temporal advantage affects and revives me more , than all the joyes of Heaven . If I do sometimes resolve , to leave either my grosser vices , or my more secret iniquities , the next company or divertisement takes me off again ; and I make no more of breaking my solemn promises of better obedience , than if God were a meer stock , or stone , that takes no notice of affronts , and injuries . Self-denial I am so great a stranger to , that I know not what it means . The graces and fruits of Gods Spirit , Love , Joy , Peace , Goodness , Faith , Temperance , Meekness , Patience , Long-suffering , have so little of my desires and affections , that I think it but time and labour lost to bethink my self how to be Master of any of them . Why should I flatter and deceive my self ? Why should I sooth my self into kind thoughts of my condition , that is so apparently dangerous ? Thus it is with me , why should I deny it ? Why should I call light darkness , and darkness light ; put bitter for sweet , and sweet for bitter ? Whom do I cheat all this while , is it not my own Soul ? And what shall I gain by it in the end ? Shall I think my self sufficiently holy , when I am so little acquainted with the first rudiments of Holiness ? Shall I think my self a Child of God , when that which I do , is fitter for a Child of the Devil , than for a Favourite of Heaven ? Conversion , or turning to God , which the Holy Ghost doth so often and with that vehemence and earnestness inculcate , implies an universal change of my disposition , and inclinations . And where is that alteration , that renovation of the Mind , Will , and Affections ? My Affections are carried out after Froth , and smoke as much as ever . My Love is set on Trifles , and is regardless of the highest and chiefest good , as much as ever . I hate Seriousness , and delight in childish , impertinent Gayeties as much as ever . The promises of the Gospel are as inconsiderable in my eyes , and the riches of this World as glorious and ravishing as ever ; and I can dispense with the want of spiritual consolations , while I have but my share in these outward comforts . My feet run in the wayes of destruction , and my eyes are dazled with external pomp and grandeur as much as ever . An amorous Song is more pleasing to me , than the most harmonious Psalm . The Word of God is but a dead Letter to me , while a Romance , or a Book that Treats of Folly and Vanity , Transports me into more than ordinary content and satisfaction : And what I must eat ? And what I must drink ? And wherewithall I shall be cloathed ? Are questions I have a far greater desire to be resolved in , than to know , what I must do to please God , and to be happy for ever ? If I have made light of the Thunders and Threatnings of Scripture , I do so still . If I have prefer'd my secular Interest , before Gods Honour and Glory , I do so still . If I have feared Men , more than God , I do so still . If I have been loth to do good with the Temporal blessings God hath confer'd upon me , I am so still . And what Sins I leave , it 's more because I have no inclination to them , or because I am afraid they 'll spoil and blemish my Reputation in the World , than because I love that God who made me , and hath obliged me by a thousand Favours to esteem and prize him above all . And is this the Coat of the Sons of God ? Is this the Livery of a Christian indeed ? Is this done like a Man that lives upon Gods Bounty , is fed by his Charity , supported by his Alms , and maintain'd from his Store-house , and cannot subsist one moment without his Concourse , and hath not a better Friend in all the World than him , who is the Fountain of living Waters ? Consideration , one great design of it being to know how the case stands between God and our own Souls , such a Self-examination must of necessity be the Corner stone of this spiritual Building , and comparing our Lives with the Rules of the Gospel , and the proper characters of such as are in a likely way to enjoy God for ever , may justly challenge the first Seat in this intellectual Paradise . But then as building of a stately Gate without a House answerable to it , doth but expose the Builder to derision and contempt ; so Self-Examination , without a serious Expostulation with our own hearts , is but to make the Accuser of our Brethren laugh at our vain attempts , and God scorn the endeavour , that could be crusht in the Bud , and tired before half its Race is run .

II. Expostulation rouzes the Soul from her Slumber , and drives it away from the soft Doune it would have rested and repos'd it self upon , and gives the first blow ( for Self-Examination only threatens it ) to that Tree of Death , I mean , to the reigning power of Sin ; and I see not how Sin can shelter it self any longer , or what excuses it can make for its stay and continuance , where the Soul doth summon it to appear before the Bar of Conscience , and enters into such reasonings and interrogations as these : Are these things so , and do I stand trifling with my salvation ? Do I run the hazard of everlasting flames , and do I lie playing in the Suburbs of destruction ? Either I believe an eternity of Torments , that shall attend a careless sinful life , or I do not : If not , why dare not I profess my denial ? Why do I play the Hypocrite , and make the World think I do believe it ? What 's the reason that I cannot shake off the fears of it , if I would never so fain ? Why does something within me check me , when I would be so profane as to deny it ? Can I ever be serious , and not believe it ? But then if I believe it , what a mad Man am I to loyter , when the Candle I am allow'd to work by is almost burnt out , and I know not how soon it may please my great Master to extinguish it ? Do I lead a life which is the readiest way to eternal Vengeance , and shall I not step back and prevent it ? Can I imagine God will blow out that everlasting Fire , to gratifie my vicious temper ? or destroy that Tophet , out of tenderness to my Lusts and Corruptions ? Can I conceive it possible , that God will go from his Word , to please a stubborn Sinner ? or prove a Lyar , that I may go with greater ease to Heaven ? Do I know that I shall be miserable , if I continue in that course I have held on in hitherto , and am I in love with eternal ruine ? Am I certain that Iniquity will be my confusion , and am I resolv'd to dye ? I have all the reason in the World to believe , that it was the Son of God that was the Author of those Threatnings and Comminations I find in the Gospel : Do I believe him to be the Son of God , and can I imagine that the least tittle of his words will perish ? I have run up and down in the World these many years , and hunted-after those Vanities which sensual Men do dote upon : But will these save me when I dye ? Will not the remembrance of my eager pursuit after these Butterflies and Gaudes , fill me with anguish and sorrow ? Have I liv'd in the World all this while , and am not I nearer Heaven than I was some years ago ? Must my body engross all my endeavours , and must my Soul be starved ? I have a Soul that cannot dye , and must not dye , and must shortly appear before Gods Tribunal , and shall not I study its safety and happiness as much as I am able ? Lord God! should Death arrest me before I have made my Calling and Election sure , how fearful , how wretched would my condition be ? should it fall to my share to howle in outward Darkness , how should I curse the day that ever I was born ! should those Tortures the Damn'd feel be inflicted on me , how should I wish that I had liv'd all my dayes in Desarts and Wildernesses , and spent my whole time in praying and praising of God , and given all my Goods to the Poor , and liv'd upon Bread and Water , and undergone the greatest hardships and severities , outpray'd a Saint , and out-fasted a Hermit , rather than ventur'd my Soul in so slight a bottom , as worldly mindedness must necessarily be ! should that burning Lake be my Habitation for ever , O how I should imprecate all my merry Companions that did allure me to run with them into Folly and Vanity ! O how I should wish that my eyes had never seen them ; that my ears had never heard their names ; that my tongue had been torn into a thousand pieces , when first it entertain'd Discourse with them ; that my Arms had been cut off , when they embrac'd those pleasures , which like Syrens cheat men into misery and calamity ! O how I should curse the place where my Sins were committed , the persons that occasion'd them , the hour that ever I thought of them ! O how I should wish that I had improv'd those opportunities I do now make light of , and believed Moses and the Prophets that gave me warning , and turn'd to God , while the doors of Grace stood open , and applied my self to the Ministers of the Gospel , and taken directions from them what I must do to be sav'd ! How should the possibility of such misery fright and terrifie me into watchfulness and seriousness ? Is not Eternity more to me , than a moment of time ? Can that Gold and Silver I enjoy and do so much prize and adore , be any motive to the great Judge of Life and Death to absolve me ? Can the pleasures of Sin be antidotes against Sin ? or my Jollities procure a pardon in that day , when God shall judge men according to the Gospel ? What makes me thus stupid , that I should forgo the Milk and Honey of Canaan , for the pitiful Garlicks and Onions of Egypt ? What Devil doth possess me , that I should prefer Dancing and Revelling for a few hours , before endless joy ? where is my reason ? What 's become of my understanding ? Am I bewitch'd , besotted , beguil'd , that I should believe a few flattering motions of flesh , and blood , before all the Oracles and Inspirations of the Holy Ghost ? Can there be any thing more reasonable than Christs precepts ? What is there in them that should discourage me ? If God had commanded severer things , is not Heaven recompence enough ? I that forbear the greatest Delicacies , shun the choicest Dainties , will not be tempted to eat of the most palatable Dish , when I am sensible it will bring upon me the pain either of Collic or Strangury . Nay , I that lying under a raging painful Distemper , wish my self a Beggar , or the poorest Body alive , and would be content to stoop to the meanest offices , so I might be but freed from the Malady which torments me , can I scruple to obey these Laws , when it is to avoid an eternity of pain and flames ? Was not Dives as stubborn as I can be , and have not I reason to believe if he were on earth again , he would think the Law of Charity the easiest and the reasonablest Law imaginable ? Have not I reason to believe he would go beyond Zachaeus , leave himself but just enough to live on , and study how to do good with the rest ? Have not I reason to believe , that the Lawes of Christ would seem very facil and practicable to him ? Can I think he would say , A Little more sleep , and a little more slumber , and delay his obedience ? He that hath felt the misery of another World , would think nothing too good , nothing too dear , nothing too costly , to sacrifice to him who is the King immortal , invisible , blessed for evermore . God that gave me these Laws , and hath entail'd everlasting bliss on my sincere obedience , certainly knew best what was fit and expedient for me ; and he ●hat is acquainted with my sitting down , and mine uprising , and had a hand in my frame , can I think he would prescribe me any thing prejudicial to my happiness ? These precepts , as they are effects of the greatest wisdom , so they cannot but be highly beneficial , and promote my spiritual interest , for they drop from a God that 's infinitely good , as well as infinitely wise ; so that not to submit to them , is not only to stand in my own light , and to hinder my Soul from its proper food and nourishment , but to make my self wiser than the Almighty , and to extol my reason above his Omniscience , and to accuse his immense wisdom of rashness and folly , and shall I add blasphemy to my disobedience ? Am I afraid God is not enrag'd enough against me , or that his Anger is not red enough ? shall I throw brimstone into the flame , to make that consuming fire more terrible ? Is it such a pleasure to have God my Foe ? Is it such a satisfaction to have him , that can destroy both Soul and Body into Hell , for my Adversary ? such Labyrinths , such Inconveniences do I cast my self into by my sinful life , and are these encouragements to continue in it ? Is this the Wedding garment I may triumph in ? Shall I sing in Chains , rejoyce in Fetters , glory in my Shackles , be proud of the Devils Service , boast of my Slavery ? When is it that I intend to be clean , shall I delay it one moment longer , that know not but I may be in Hell before the Clock doth strike again ? Dull blockish heart , what dost thou mean ? Dost thou stand upon the brink of destruction , and art thou not afraid ? Dost thou see a crucified Jesus stretching forth his Arms to embrace thee , and dost thou feel no warmth , no heat , no zeal , no affection ? Dost thou see the great burning Lake before thee , and dost not thou quake and tremble ? Dost thou see the Revenger of blood upon thy heels , and wilt not thou run into the City of Refuge ? Dost thou see the Angel of the Lord preparing to rain down Fire and Brimstone on thee , and wilt thou not save thy self in Zoar ? What hinders thee ? What is it stops thy progress ? Art thou still in love with that which will undo thee ? Why should Father and Mother , Wife and Children , Brethren and Sisters , Lands and Houses make thee lose a Crown ? Hath Gods Favour no Temptation ? Is there no Charm in his Love ? Hath Heaven no Beauty ? If thou must be miserable , hadst thou not better be so here , than hereafter ? Shall the present Food flatter thee into eternal hunger ? And because the Tree is pleasant to the eye , wilt thou prepare for being expell'd out of Paradise for ever ? Will a few pleasant Cups counterballance thy everlasting Thirst ? Wilt thou venture an everlasting storm , for a present calm ? And run the hazard ▪ of an endless Tempest , for a few months Recreation ? O Wretch that I am ! the Devil was never crucified for me , never spilt one drop of blood for me , never endured Agonies for me ; he never wore a Crown of Thorns for me ; he never tasted of the shameful death of the Cross for me , and shall I flie into his Arms ? How often hath he disappointed me in my hopes and desires , and shall I fawn upon the Enemy ? lay force upon his Kingdom of darkness , in despight of all the Bars and Bolts , and Guards which the great King of Heaven puts between me and Damnation ? I have been abused and cheated by Sin these many years , and shall I be cheated still ? Does not my blood rise at the very thoughts of it ? I that will not be cheated in my Trade or Dealings with men , shall I suffer my self to be imposed upon by a lying Devil ? And when I study how to be revenged on him that hath sold me a Peble for a Pearl , a Bristol stone for a Diamond , and endeavour to prevent the like deception for the time to come , shall I in these great concerns of my Soul , where the Cheat is so apparent , where to discover it , I need do no more , but open my eyes , where God and his holy Angels , and all the Ministers of the Gospel assure me of the fallacy , where the Cheat is of that dangerous consequence too ▪ borders upon eternal Damnation , shall I be so disgenerous , so base , so low-spirited , as to suffer my self to be thus grosly abused , and deceiv'd ? O Monster ! Why so cruel to my own Soul ? Why so barbarous to my immortal part ? Why so inhumane to my spiritual interest ? Why so mad to run into the fire ? Why such an enemy to my own good ? Have not I enemies enough , but I must make my self my greatest Foe ? Shall I join with that roaring Lyon , and teach him how to devour me ? Shall I give him advantages against my self , first let him deceive me , and then laugh at me ? first let him seduce me into the Net , and then punish me for being taken ? I believe my Children , if they tell me that they have seen such a House on fire ; and believe my Neighbors , if they assure me there are Thieves broke into my House ; and believe a Physitian , who affirms , That such a Powder or Herb is perfect Poyson ; and shall not I believe that God who hath prepar'd , and fore-ordain'd these everlasting burnings I hear and read of , and must needs know the terror of them , shall not I believe him , when he tells me , and protests upon the word of a God , that if I do not betake my self betimes to another course of life , I shall assuredly fall a Prey to those endless burnings ? Shall not I believe that God that feeds me , and protects me , and knows all things , and can do all things , and never intended me any harm , but hath given me such evidences of his kind inclinations to me , that I must deny my own Being , if I question his willingness to have me come to the knowledge of the truth : I choose a present Agony to keep off an After-evil , and am content to prolong torment , so I may but prolong this mortal life ; and shall not I , to avoid those endless tortures , mortifie a silly Lust , subdue my extravagant Desires , and inflict so much Pennance on my self , as to cashier all darling and bosome iniquities ? What means my Conscience , it 's not quiet under all the pleasures of sin , it 's ready to accuse me ; when it gets me alone , it twitches me , I find it is a hard matter to rock it asleep ; and when I think it 's fast , like a Gyant it awakes again , and frights me with flashes of the next Worlds flames , and shall I break through all those Funeral Torches , to invade Damnation ? Such Expostulations , if the heart be not all Rock and Adamant , cannot but startle the Sinner in his Licentiousness , make him stamp with his feet , and force him into other resolutions , which is the third ingredient of this great Art , Consideration .

III. Strong Resolution . This is the necessary consequent of the preceding Expostulations , if they be serious , and not used only out of formality ; and the Soul , that is by this time stung into a sense of its danger , and cryes out , Lord , what have I done ? will soon fall from thence into such resolutions as these . Does the case stand thus , and must my sinful life expire into the Worm that dies not ? must my Frolicks dye into endless howlings ? and must my sport of sin be crusht into never dying anguish ? and my wilful contempt and neglect of Gods Will , be turned into Chains of Darkness for ever ? Is it so as God hath told me ? ( And why should he tell me so , if it were not so ? Why should he fright me with painted fire ? And how could it consist with his Wisdom and Integrity to deceive me with Bugbears , and Chimera's ? ) If this be the fate of a sinful life , then tell me no more of Dalila's , tell me no more of Impediments or Excuses , or Delays . If this be the fearful Exit of Sensuality and Irreligiousness , there is no dallying with sin , I 'll get rid of it , whatever it cost me ; I 'll hearken to its soft Airs no longer ; I 'll be charm'd no more with the lovely looks of that Harlot ; its curious Dresses , its trcacherous Glances shall commit a Rape upon my Affections no longer . I will not for a few jolly hours neglect my eternal safety , Eternity is not a thing to be made light of ; I believe there is such a thing , and why should I be such a Changeling as not to provide for it with all imaginable care and industry ? I am gone . Farewell Applause and Greatness of the World . Farewell ye little shooting flames of sensual pleasures , which serve only to delude , not to revive or enlighten an immortal Soul . Farewell my old Acquaintance , that cocker'd and helpt to please those Lusts I now abhor . Farewell ye dangerous Friends , that would have drag'd me into Hell , and would have had me kind to you even into eternal fire . Farewell unhappy men , who would have had me venture on that burthen of Gods anger , which Devils cannot bear , and tempted me to be miserable for companies sake , I must either have no peace with God , or none with you . The friendship of God and the World are incompatible , and would you have me leave my God , my happiness , my joy , my comfort , my refuge , my hiding place , my riches , my treasure , to follow you to a place of endless torments . I see , I see , what all your follies will come to ; I am convinc'd , that if there be a happiness hereafter , as I am persuaded there is , the course ye take , cannot be the way to that Paradise . Molest me no more , I have sworn , and I will perform it , that I will keep Gods righteous judgments . I see a City which hath foundations , whose Builder and Maker is God , I behold afar off a House made without hands , eternal in the Heavens . Farewell temptations , farewell corrupted deceitful heart , I 'll believe thy false suggestions no longer , I have a surer word of Prophecy to lay hold of . How often hast thou taught me to cover my sins with plausible names , that I might not be forc'd to leave them ? How hast thou prompted me to call my Pride , Decency ; my Covetousness , Frugality ; my Drunkenness , Good Fellowship ; my Revenge , Vindication of my Honour ; my Uncleanness and Lasciviousness , impossibility of resisting the Dictates of Nature ; my slandering of others , saying , but what I hear : as if God did not see my inside , as well as outside , or could be deceiv'd with shadow and varnish , and were not resolv'd to wash away these curious Colours with Rivers of flaming Brimstone . How often hast thou bid me call my greater enormities , little sins , and made me look on them , as men do on objects , through the wrong end of a Perspective Glass , as if God were altogether such an one as my self , and would therefore be contented to call my Favourite Vices Peccadillo's , because my self was loth to call them by another name . How often hast thou flatter'd me with deceitful riches , if I would but give my self that liberty my irreligious Neighbors use . How often hast thou tempted me with the famous examples of prosperous men , that have been strangers to Seriousness , and Heavenly-mindedness . How hast thou disparaged Piety to me , as a sneaking qualification , and represented Sin as the Royal way to Credit and Reputation ? Away with these Fables , I 'll be trepann'd and sooth'd no more ; tell Children of such bables , I know too much to be ravish'd with these borrow'd glories . How often hast thou promis'd me long life , and ease and plenty , if I would stream out my golden years in vanity , and brutish delight ; as if my youth had been too good for God ; and God , when he woo'd me to obedience , came but to torment me , like that evil spirit in the Gospel , before my time , as if I were the great disposer of my time , and could command my age to flourish at fourscore . How hast thou bid me delay my Repentance and Seriousness , and given me hopes that I should find a convenient time hereafter , when I could keep Sin and the World no longer ? as if Repentance were in my own hands , and I could command it to attend me at my pleasure , and as if it were a work to be dispatch'd with a sigh or groan How hast thou tempted me to sin , under a pretence that none should see it ; or if the Sin could not be kept secret , none should know that I had a hand in 't , as if God did not see by night as well as by day , and a private corner could keep out Omnipotence ; or as if God sate like an idle Pilot in Heaven , without regarding how the great ship of this World is governed ? How hast thou , under the colour of a single sin , involv'd me into a necessity of adding another , and been restless till I have added more to support the rest ? And how treacherously hast thou bid me walk in the counsel of the ungodly , when it was but to engage me to stand in the way of sinners , and then to make me sit down in the seat of the scornful ? How hast thou prompted me to palliate my Offences , and to lay them at other mens doors ? How hast thou bid me trust to broken Reeds , and lean on props which were rotten and decay'd ? I have seen enough of thy falshood and inconstancy , I 'll be held no longer , I 'll stay no longer in Sodom . These flowry meadows , this enamel'd grass shall make me lie down no more , I see there is Death in the Pot , and the great day will be upon me for all the seeming delay , before this poor besotted World is aware of .

I come Lord , I 'll stand out against thy calls no longer ; I do hear thy voice , and I 'll harden my heart no more . O my God , wilt thou receive a Wretch that hath sin'd thus long , and trampled on thy Laws , and played with the bread which should have nourish'd him for ever ? Wilt thou take him into thy bosome , that hath been a Rebel , a Traytor against thee these many years ? I know the World will laugh at me for this resolution . But I 'll give them leave to mock ; if I can but get into yonder blessed and everlasting Mansions , laugh on ye mad men , I have a God will honour me . If there be a future judgment , and men shall be rewarded according to their works , and God will be so severe against stubborn sinners as he hath threatned , ( and indeed he cannot be God without it , God , and not be true to his word , implies a contradiction : ) then sure I am , the rich , the voluptuous , the carnal men of this world , that make such provision for the flesh , to fulfill the Lusts thereof , must certainly be in a more miserable condition than I. Methinks I see how they tremble before the Throne . They thought it below them here on earth to make Religion their business , methinks I see how asham'd they are of their folly , how the wretches blush to see that God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise . Methinks I hear them cry out to Rocks and Mountains , Fall on us , and hide us from the face of him that sits on the Throne , and from the wrath of the Lamb. O how their thoughts at that time will all be changed , and all their Triumphs be turn'd into Funerals ? I 'll be wise before it be too late , I will not hazard my Soul as most men do , O how I blame my self for serving Sin and the World thus long ? Had God snatcht me away in that dismal service , how dreadful would my wages have been ? Blessed be God , who hath been thus patient with me , I 'll trespass no longer upon his Long-suffering . Come ye Ministers of the Gospel , teach me what I must do to be saved ; lead me , direct me , I 'll follow , and neither Men nor Devils shall draw me away . I have done with these stolen waters ; I see no felicity that rises from bathing in those dangerous streams ; they may lull and harden for a while , but leave the Soul empty . If any Man had reason to find satisfaction in them , Solomon had , who had Riches and Power , and Lust enough to range where he pleas'd , yet when he had walk'd through the whole Garden of sensual Pleasures , cropt the choicest Flowers , fed upon the most luscious Fruits , left nothing unattempted to know the utmost reach of that Fools Paradise , search'd all the by-places and corners , where they said the treasures of satisfaction lay , unravel'd all the secret Intrigues of sin , ransack'd all the hidden mysteries of it , when he had thus wander'd up and down , and almost lost himself in that unhappy Labyrinth , the Verdict he gives of all , is this , Vanity of Vanities , mighty Nothings , perfect Trouble and Vexation of Spirit ; and then protects , that the only satisfaction that 's solid , and like to last , lies in fearing God , and keeping his Commandments . That 's it , I see , Men are forc'd to confess at last , and too often when it is too late . I see most Men are of another mind when they come to dye , to what they were in the time of their strength , and health , and liberty , and that seriousness , they formerly derided , they then wish for , when the Sentence is passing upon them , Cut them down , why do they cumber the ground ? The Pearl they might formerly have had at a reasonable price , and would not , they now would purchase with ten thousand worlds , if they had them , and cannot . This it is , to turn the grace of God into wantonness , to play with the glorious message sent to them by the great Bridegroom of their Souls , and to make light of invitations to the Supper of the Lamb ! O folly ! O madness ! O monstrous stupidity ! O my Soul , come not thou into their secret , unto their assembly mine honour be not thou united . I 'll take warning by these sad examples . Their Imprudence shall make me wise . Their indiscretion shall make me take another course . I see there are snares laid for my Soul . I am beset with Temptations . If I tremble at the main Ocean , a shallow Puddle is offer'd me to drown my self in . What should make the Devil so busie , so earnest , so industrious to draw my Soul away from the Fountain of living waters , without all peradventure he fees , what happiness it 's capable of , even of a happiness , which knows neither measure nor end . He sees the inclinations and propensions it hath to take up with God alone ; and to divert the stream , he dresses out sin in several garbs , that if one will not tempt me another may . But , O my God , sin shall insinuate into my favour no more , it shall creep into my bosome no more ; I 'll avoid all familiarity with it ; I 'll hugg the Monster no more ; I 'll take it no longer for a harmless thing ; it shall be my Darling , my Benjamin no more , my eyes shall be no longer pleas'd with viewing of it , my tongue shall commend and praise it no more ; I 'll open my door to the fatal Guest no more . My faint oppositions shall be turn'd into stronger resistances , I 'll call up my blood and courage to withstand its juggles ; I have resolv'd , and my heart shall be carried out after this Idol no more . It was resolution made the three Men , Shadrach , Meshech , and Abednego , adventure into a fiery Furnace . It was resolution made St. Paul ready not to suffer only , but to dye at Jerusalem for the Name of Jesus . It was resolution made David's Worthies enter into the Camp of the Philistines , and draw water out of the Well of Bethlehem . It was resolution made Ignatius despise Fire , and Sword , and wild Beasts , to procure the favour of him whom his Soul did love . It was resolution made that Grecian * * Tertullian . Apolog. c. 50. Woman endure the Rack , and when prompted by the Executioner to confess her Associates in the Treason , bite her tongue to pieces , that she might not be in a possibility of betraying her Partners in the Conspiracy . It was resolution made * * Id. Ibid. Mutius stand still , and unconcern'd while his right hand burn'd . It was resolution made Empedocles sacrifice himself to the flames of Aetna . It was resolution made Anaxarchus , when his bones were crusht , make sport with his torments , and cry out , Break , break the Carcass of Anaxarchus , but his mind you shall never break . It was resolution made Regulus fling himself into the merciless Arms of his Enemies , and suffer himself to be stung and prickt to death . It was resolution made Job bear his losses and ulcers with invincible magnanimity , and as * * Tertull. lib ! de patientia . c. 14. Erumpentes bestiolas in eosdem specus & pastus foraminosae carnis ludendo revocibat . he said , play with the Worms that bred in his sores , and as they were crawling out , drive them back into the holes and pastures of his putrified flesh . It was resolulution made David run through a Troop , and leap over Walls , Psal. 18.29 . It was his resolution made these words drop from him , I have sworn , and will perform it , that I will keep thy righteous judgments . I will speak of thy testimonies before Kings , and will not be asham'd , and I will delight my self in thy Commandments ; my hands will I lift up unto thy precepts which I have lov'd , and I will meditate in thy statutes , Psal. 119.46.106 . And why should not my resolution prompt me to the same generous enterprizes ? Why should other Men , to purchase an immortal same , resolve to lose their ease , and lives , and estates , and all that 's dear , and pleasing to them here below , and I not resolve to lose my sins , my lusts , my pleasures , to gain an everlasting inheritance ? My heart is ready , my heart is ready : A gracious God invites me , a loving Saviour calls to me from his Cross , wash ye , make ye clean , put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes , cease to do evil , learn to do well , a holy sanctifying Spirit beckens me . The great God that might laugh at my calamity , and mock when my fear comes , because he hath call'd ; and I refus'd , because he so often stretched forth his hands unto me , and I have not regarded , This great , this tender Father , after all the wrongs , and injuries , and abuses , and insolencies I have offer'd him , is willing to receive me , provided I 'll be faithful to him , run no more after other Lovers , and resign my self to be guided , govern'd , and directed by him . And can I resist that Love ? Can I harden my heart against these Charms ? Can I refuse this kindness ? Spurn at this favor ? Slight this stupendious blessing ? And provoke him to swear in his wrath , That I shall never enter into his rest ! . No , no , I yield , I render myself Captive . I am convinc'd , that Gods service is perfect freedom . He that enters upon it , is under the government of a lawful Prince , his life is sweet and easie , he feels no Tyranny , no Oppression , the King with everlasting kindness visits him , and guides his feet into the wayes of peace , gives his Angels charge to keep him in his going out , and his coming in , and will not suffer any of his bones to be broken . He is with him in distress , and when he weeps , holds a bottle under to catch his tears , Psal. 56.8 . He binds up his wounds , and is a wall of brass to him , that mocks at the flashes of Hell , and dashes all the fiery darts of the Devil . Here men are free from flavish fear , as being under the wings of a Father . Here nothing but Love rules in their hearts , which makes their yoke easie , and their burthen light ; makes the strait gate pleasant , and the narrow way full of delight and satisfaction . Here peace of Conscience reigns , and the Subjects of this Kingdom are acquainted with joy in the Holy Ghost . Here men are freed from the curse of the Law , and their minds are employ'd in the noblest contemplations . Here they dwell in the secret place of the most High , and abide , under the shadow of the Almighty . Here I 'll fix , here I 'll build Tabernacles , for it 's good to be here . Away with all suggestions that would make me unwilling or backward to this work . Away with all thoughts that would discourage me . Away with all imaginations that would possess me with misconstructions of the wayes of God . Ye are all miserable comforters , ye seek not the good , but the loss and desolation of my Soul . I 'll seek the things which are above , where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God ; I 'll set my affections on things above , and not on things on earth ; I am dead to all these sublunary Vanities , and my life is hid with Christ in God ; and when Christ , who is my life , shall appear , then shall I also appear with him in glory .

Without such resolutions as these , Consideration is lame and feeble : it 's practical Consideration that must do the work , and it is these resolutions make it so , the necessity of which Consideration is the next thing I must endeavor to demonstrate .