The parable of the ten virgins opened & applied being the substance of divers sermons on Matth. 25, I-13 wherein the difference between the sincere Christian and the ... hypocrite ... are clearly discovered ... / by Thomas Shephard ; now published from the authours own notes ... by Jonathan Mitchell ... Tho. Shephard, son to the reverend author ...

THE PARABLE OF THE Ten Virgins OPENED & APPLIED : Being the Substance of divers SERMONS on Matth. 25. 1 , — 13. Wherein , the Difference between the Sincere Christian and the most Refined Hypocrite , the Nature and Characters of Saving and of Common Grace , the Dangers and Diseases incident to most flourishing Churches or Christians , and other Spiritual TRUTHS of greatest importance , are clearly discovered , and practically Improved ,

BY THOMAS SHEPARD late Worthy and Faithfull Pastor of the Church of Christ at Cambridge in NEW-ENGLAND .

Now Published from the Authours own Notes , at the desires of many , for the common Benefit of the Lords people , BY Ionathan Mitchell Minister at Cambridge , in NEW ENGLAND . The Shepard , Son to the Reverend Author , now Minister at Charles-Town in NEW ENGLAND .

LUKE 21. 36. Watch ye therefore and pray alwaies , that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to passe , and to stand before the Son of man .

LONDON , Printed by I. Hayes for Iohn Rothwell , at the Sign of the Fountain in Gold smiths-Row in Cheap-side . 1660.

TO THE READER , And Especially to the Inhabitants of CAMBRIDGE IN NEW-ENGLAND .

THat to make sure of Life Eternal , is the one necessary Businesse , that we Sons of death have to do in this world , and without which , all our time here is worse than lost , every enlightned mind will easily acknowledge . This present life being by the Rule of it , appointed but to this end , to be preparation-time , spent in a continual care to make ready , that we might have a good meeting with him who shall be seen in this Aire one day . And whether we look up to Heaven , or down to Hell ; whether we reflect upon our own immortal souls , or turn our eyes toward the Greatnesse and Goodnesse of that God in Christ with whom we have to do ; whether we pace over the time between this and Judgment-day , or send our thoughts to view the Eternity that is to follow after . All things put a Necessity , a Solemnity , a Glory upon this work .

But , Difficilia quae Pulchra : It is one of the Oracles uttered by our Lord with his own mouth , Strait is the Gate , and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life , and few there be that find it . It is not so easie a thing to get to Heaven , nor so broad a way thither , as the slight and loose Opinions of some , and Practises of more would make it , nor as the carnal hearts of all would have it . Though th●t ( if it be examined ) is the common Scope of all Erroneous Conceits ( and how restlesly have the corrupt minds of men laboured therein in all ages , and do in these our daies ) to widen the way to Life , to break down the Boundaries of this narrow Path , and make it broader than ever God made it . Mans carnal heart finds it self pinioned and straitned in the way ( the good old way of effectual Faith and obedience ) that God hath laid out ; hence it breaks out on this hand and on that , and will rather pluck up the ancient Land-marks of Gods Truth , than not make it broader . The Gospel will not afford men a way broad enough , unlesse the Law be quite removed ( not only as a Covenant , but as a commanding Rule of Life too ) and laid flat like an old Hedge , that they may go over it at pleasure , and not attend it any further than their spirit listeth . Justification by Faith is too narrow a path , unlesse they may be justified before and without Faith , it is not free enough ; they complain of it as if it laid them under a Covenant of works . Conditional Promises are of too straight a size , they must be all absolute , and give us peace without any qualification in us , or else they are not large enough . To be solicitous about Sanctification and inherent Grace , is too troublesom ; to seek God diligently in the use of all means , in a daily and hearty performance of holy Duties , in a strict Sanctifying of Sabbaths , in constant watchfulnesse , &c. this must be laid by , as a Legal Businesse . And if the Spirit immediatly will act us and carry us in a Bed of ease to Heaven , without troubling us to act and strive , well and good ; otherwise men will shake hands with the power of Godlinesse , and run a drift before their own Corruptions . But when all Stones are turned , the way to Heaven is and will be found to be a straight way : Truth hath said , it is so , God hath laid it out so ; and it is not all the Notions of men that will make it otherwise . And hence those solemn Counsels of the Scripture , Work out your salvation with fear and trembling , Give all diligence to make all sure , Str●ve to enter in at the Straight Gate , So run that you may obtain , &c. though they be little attended by the loosenesse of these times , yet they are of endlesse Moment and use , and had need be awfully regarded by all that love their everlasting peace .

He therefore that is in earnest about this great businesse , will be glad of any good help to guide him in this way , this straight way to Life . And though there be many choice helps herein already extant , in the precious Labours of sundry of the Lords Faithful Servants , for which this Age hath cause on bended Knees to blesse the Lord , and which will be such a testimony against the wantonnesse thereof , as it will never be able to answer : Yet of those that do clearly , particularly , livelily and searchingly discover and mark out this straight way , with the several practical turns thereof , and shew where they that miss of the end at last , do turn out of it , although they go far therein ; of those that Pilot us , when we come into the narrow Channel , unto the very point of entrance into life , and shew us the Rocks and Shoals on either hand distinctly ; of these ( I say ) there is not too great a number . For to speak any good and useful Truths , is good and commendable ; but yet it is another and a further matter to hold the Candle to the poor people of God ( even to the meanest ) to light them to Heaven , or to take the soul by the hand , and lead if from step to step through all the difficulties , deceits and turnings at which the closest Hypocrites do misse their way and lose themselves ; and to do this so convincingly , throughly and distinctly , as that the secrets of hearts may be made manifest , the secure self-deceiver discovered and awakened , and yet the humble upright Christian confirmed and encouraged .

In this Skill and Work , as the Author of the following Sermous , was known to be among the first Three ; so these Lectures of his , up on the Parable of the Virgins , have been esteemed to excel in this kind ; having left such a relish upon the Hearers , as that they have not forgotten the Ta●t of them to this day . It hath therefore been the instant desire of many that heard them , and of some that have but heard of them , that they might be imparted to the Publick . And surely both the Subject and the manner of handling it is such , being wholly upon those things wherein the heart and life of Religion lies , that we cannot disapprove of their Opinions , who have so earnestly desired it . All the Sermons and Books that speak to the heart of Religion are little enough to feed that , and keep life there , especially in this languishing and dying Age ; wherein though there wants not common light and outward Profession , yet losse of Love and inward deadnesse are as common . The work being somwhat lengthy ; and fitting Scribes not easily attainable in this Wildernesse , it hath occasioned this delay hitherto . But we hope it will now be neither unacceptable nor unseasonable .

These Sermons are now transcribed by industrious and intelligent persons , and have been carefully reviewed and corrected . They are written out of the Authors own Notes , which he prepared for preaching ( only about a Sheet himself wrote out in his life-time , having thoughts it seems of yielding to their desires who were earnest for their publishing ) by means whereof , though the Reader will often meet with Curtnesse of expression , and though some lively passages that were uttered in preaching may be wanting , yet you will have this benefit to have much in a little room . It may also easily be observed that nor curiosity of words , but weight of things was here studied by , and flowed from the heart and pen of the Author , which yet produceth the best and truest , i. e. a real Rhetorick . In summe , although many imperfections incident to such post-humous Editions cannot be wanting , yet we doubt not but the work will speak for it self , to the intelligent and serious Reader .

We are not ignorant that there be some who somwhat differ from this our Author in the accommodation of this Parable , and Analysis of some part of the Context , referring it to the times about the expected calling of the Iews ( and if so , the substance of the work may be accounted to be in a more than ordinary manner proper and seasonable for these times ) But therein every man is left free to his own further disquisitions . Neither is it for the sake of the bare exposition ( much lesse Chronical Accomodation ) of the Text so much , that we publish these things ( in that kind the Labours of others do abound ) but for the spiritual , practical , lively , soul-searching truths and applications thereof that are therein contained , the substance of which Truths the impartial Reader will easily acknowledge to be clear both from this and from other Scriptures .

These Sermons preached by the Author , in a weekly Lecture , were begun in Iune 1636. and ended in May 1640. In which time there was a Leaven of Antinomian and Familistical opinions stirring in the Country , as the world hath already in Print been informed : By occasion whereof of the Reader will meet with sundry passages tending to reprove and refute some of those conceits and to establish the contrary truth ; which we have not expunged , but let them passe mostly as we found them ; seeing it is no more then the world already knows that there were such things then among us ; and though that storm be ( as to it's open influence ) comfortably blown over with us , yet the like errours are ( if not latent among some here ) spread elsewhere by the New Lights of these times , whence these helps against them are still needful . And we doubt not but the substance of the Truth here defended by our Author will stand and abide the Trial. Yea I suppose I may freely take liberty to say , that among the many excellencies wherewith the Lord endowed this precious instrument of his , this was none of the least , that God taught him , and helped him to teach others the true middle way of the Gospel between the Legalist on the one hand , and the Antinomian ( or loose Gospeller ) on the other , with much and sweet clearnesse , as was evident in the whole course and way of his preaching , and may in some measure appear both in his Books formerly printed , and in the following Sermons . Other passages also of special application to this Country and to those first times of it , we willingly permit to passe the Presse , because they may be profitable to others in like cases elsewhere , and of special benefit to the New-English Reader , For why should we not desire and hope that the sutable solemn counsels and warnings here given to these Churches by this Seer in Israel , in reference to the main matters of life and godlinesse , may now be of living , awakening and soul-instructing use to them ( Oh that it may be ! ) unto many Generations !

Reader , if thou comest ●ither to carp and cavil , or to criticise upon each circumstantial imperfection , this work is not for thy turn ; but if thou bringest with thee a serious and humble heart , desirous to have thy soul searched to the quick , the sores thereof lanced , thy spiritual work and way directed , and the interest of thy eternal peace furthered ; if thou desirest to walk with God in good earnest , and escaping all the snares of a slight and slumbring Generation , to stand before the Son of man with comfort in the day of his Glory , then maist thou here find that that will sute thee , and which thou wilt blesse the Lord for , even words that are as Goads and Nails fastned by this Master of Assemblies , given from that one and chief Shepherd . The Lord fix and fasten them in all our hearts , that abiding and being engrafted there , they may be instrumental to further our Salvation , that neither deficiency in the main , nor sloathful security , may hinder us from our desired end ; but when that chief Shepherd and that Heavenly Bridegroom , who now sends to us by so many Servants and Messages of his , both in Word and Writing , shall appear himself in the Glory of his Father , and of all his holy Angels , we also may receive a Crown of Glory that fadeth not away , and ( for the last consummation of this happy Marriage ) may go home with him to his Fathers House , there to abide in his Rest , in the Fulnesse of his joy , and drink down his Pleasures for evermore .

And you that somtimes were the Flock of this Shepherd , and have heard these things from the lively voice of this Soul● melting Preacher , whom you never can forget ; let it be a welcom Providence to have these Truths thus revived to you , and put into your hands , that he who is dead , may yet speak to you and yours . Get them into your Houses to read , nay , into your Hearts to feed upon , as a choice and precious Treasure . And let them still be a living and continual warning to you to watch and keep alive the power of Godlinesse , the daily practise of working out your Salvation with fear and trembling , the love of the Truth , the hatred of every false way , the esteem and improvement of Gods Ordinances , and the true , humble , heavenly Life of Faith in Christ Jesus .

Ionathan Mitchel .

To the READER .

IF thou art one who knowest what 't is to be serious in the great business of providing for Eternity , 't is very probable thou maist be no stranger to the Name of this Reverend Author , now with God , whose Name in both the Englands is as an oyntment poured forth ; and then thou wilt be eagerly desirous to peruse these following Sermons , in tendency to the further increasing thy stock of spiritual oyl , and when thou hast read them , and suckt forth the sweetness and nourishment contained in them , and by the assistance of the holy Spirit turned them into good and healthfull nutriment to thy soul , we question not but it will inhance the Authors worth in thy thoughts and estimation . But perhaps thou hast never lighted on any of those Flowers which this Holy man hath planted in Gods garden , and then we are confident thou wilt meet with such savoury sweetness in this Discourse , as will make thee wish Christs Church had longer enjoyed so choice and skilfull a Workman . If thou beest one who hath hitherto little considered of God and thy soul , and the concernments of Eternity , or only now and then had some morning dew thoughts of that which deserves and requires the choicest and most vigorous workings of thy soul , we wish thou wouldst so far comply with Gods goodness in bringing this Book to thy hand , and gratific thy self , ( we mean thy Soul , thy better self , ) as to read over this Treatise , in which thou wilt meet with those serious and soul-piercing Truths , which by Gods blessing may be as poyson to thy lusts , and awaken thee to a serious and hearty engaging in that work which none ever yet repented of . For the occasion of publishing this Piece , we refer thee to the larger Epistle of our Reverend Brother , and only adde , that though a vein of serious , solid and hearty piety run through all this Authors Works , yet he hath reserved the best wine till the last . The Lord help thee and us so to reade and improve these and such like labours of Gods Harvest men , that we way with the Wise Virgins have the Lamps of our souls trimed and furnished with oyl , that when the Bridegroom shall come we may be ready to enter with him into his Kingdom . Which is and shall be the prayer of us , who are hearty well-wishers to thy Soul ,

Decemb. 24. 1659. William Greenhill , Edmund Calamy , John Jackson , Simeon Ash , William Taylor .

THE PARABLE of the TEN VIRGINS UNFOLDED ; Out of MATTH. 25. from the Ist Vers. to the 14th .

1. Then shall the Kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten Virgins , which took their Lamps , and went forth to meet the Bridegroom .

2. And five of them were wise , and five were foolish .

3. They that were foolish took their Lamps , and took no oyl with them .

4. But the wise ●ook oyl in their vessels with their Lamps .

5. While the Bridegroom tarried , they all slumbred and slept .

6. And at mid-night there was a cry made , Behold the Bridegroom cometh , go ye out to meet him .

7. Then all those Virgins arose and trimmed their Lamps .

8. And the foolish said unto the wise , Give us of your oyl , for our Lamps are gone out .

9. But the wise answered saying , not so , lest there be not enough for us and you , but go ye rather to them that sell , and buy for your selves .

10. And while they went to buy , the Bridegroom came , and they that were ready 〈◊〉 in with him to the marriage , and the door was shut .

11. Afterward came also the other Virgins , saying , Lord , Lord , open to us .

12. But he answered and said , Verily I say unto you , I know you not .

13. Watch therefore , for ye know neither the day , nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh .

CHAP. I.

SECT. I.

THese words are part of our Saviours Answer unto two solemn questions which his Disciples propounded unto him , Chap. 24. v. 3. The first was concerning the destruction of the Temple at Ierusalem . The second concerning the sign of his coming , and so of the end of the world . The first seems to be occasioned by our Saviours speech , c. 24. v. 2. The second from his speech , c. 23. v. 39. To the first therefore he answers , from the 4th v. of the 24th ch. to the 23d v. of it . To the second he answereth from the 23d v. of the same chap. to end of this 25th chap. Wherein he acquaints them ,

1. With some things which shall be before his coming , viz. subtill and strong delusions , mixt with sore tribulations and oppressions , especially in the time of Antichrist's raigne , as also great confusions , in all hearts and Churches , if not throughout all the world after the tribulation of those daies ; And then ( saith he ) v. 30. shall appear the sign of the Son of man , and he shall be seen coming in power and great Glory ; but if you desire farther to know the day and hour when this shall be , 't is such a secret as my Father revealeth not to any , no , not to the very Angels in Heaven , and therefore you need not know it , nor yet should seek to know it ; 't is sufficient for you to know that before my coming there shall be lamentable and sad times , and that when they are at their worst , that the Sun and the Moon ( through the horrours of mens hearts , and the universal confusions in the world ) shall seem to be darkned , &c. that then it is time for me to come , and set all in order again , then the time of my coming drawes nigh : Now this Christ doth from v. 23. of the 24th chap. to v. 37.

2. Having thus spoken concerning his coming , he breaks off his speech in describing his coming , and fals to discovering the state of the times toward , and about the days of his coming , and this he doth from c. 24. v. 37. to c. 25. v. 31. by the consideration of which he perswades to watchfulnesse against his coming . 1. Either ( saith he ) the times will be very sensuall and degenerate , as in the daies of Noah , in some places of the world , c. 24. v. 38. which he illustrates from two Parables , perswading therefore to watchfulnesse , to the end of the 24th chap. 2. Or there will be great security in other places , and among other persons ( not given up to sensuality as in the daies of Noah , but ) who are the chast , Virgin , pure Churches of the world , not defiled with the whoredoms in the world ; and this our Saviour unfolds in this Parable . 3. Or if any be awakened ( as some shall ) to look for Christ's coming , yet among these , some through hard conceits of the Lord Jesus , shall be wilfully carelesse , and not improve their Talents for the sake and use of the Lord Jesus , and this is set down in the next Parable of the ten Talents , from v. 14. to v. 31. You see therefore where this Parable stands , and to what purpose it is brought in . In which are two things .

SECT. II.

1. THe Parable it self , concerning the ten Virgins , from v. 1. to v. 13.

2. The scope of the Parable , v. 13. which is to perswade not simply to watchfulnesse , but to continuance and perseverance in it from a prudent foresight of the coming of Christ .

1. The Parable it self is set down , agreeable to the custom of those times wherein our Saviour lived , wherein their Marriages were usually celebrated in the night time , she that was the Bride was attended with sundry Virgins to meet the Bridegroom ; these Virgins ( it being night season ) took therefore their Lamps with them ; those that were ready , and met the Bridegroom , were admitted to the Marriage-Room and Supper ; those that came after that time , if once the doors were shut , weresurely kept out , though they knockt hard to come in . All this , those who are acquainted with Iewish Histories and customs know to be true , which we are to attend , because it gives not a little light to the true and genuine explication of this Parable .

In which Parable note these two parts .

1. The Churches preparation to meet with Christ ( called here the Bridegroom ) from the 1 to the 5 vers.

2. The Bridegroom 's coming forth to meet them , from the 5 to the 12 vers.

SECT. III. The first part of the Parable .

FIrst , I shall speak of the preparation made by the Church to meet with Christ Jesus . Wherein also note these three things .

1. The place where this preparation is made , viz. in the Kingdom of Heaven , vers. 1.

2. The time when it shall be made , set down in the first word , Then , v. 1.

3. The persons that shall make this preparation , they shall not be corrupted Members of degenerate Churches , where mens profession is grown foul through length of wearing ; but they are Professors of some eminent strain , some whereof are truly sincere , others secretly unsound . And there is a double desription of them . 1. From some things wherein they all agree . 2. From some other particulars wherein they manifestly differ ;

First , Those things wherein they all agree are three .

1. They are all Virgins ; Virgin-Professors .

2. They were all awake and watchful for some time , ready to meet the Bridegroom , and hence it it is said , They took their Lamps .

3. They all had so much Faith as to go out to meet the Bridegroom . Secondly , Those things wherein they did differ , are ,

1. Generally , five were wise , and five were foolish , v. 2.

2. Specially , the foolish took Lamps but no Oyl , the wise did both , v. 3 , 4.

This is the rude draught of this first part of the Parable , the sum whereof is this , That the state of the Members of some Churches about the time of Christ's coming , shall be this , they shall not be openly prophane , corrupt and scandalous , but Virgin-Professors , awakened ( for some season ) out of carnal security , stirring , lively Christians , not preserving their Chastity and Purity meerly in a way of works , but waiting for Christin a Covenant of Grace , only some of these , and a good part of these , shall be indeed wise , stored with spiritual wisdom , fil●'d with the power of Grace ; but others of them , and a great part of them too , shall be found foolish at the coming of the Lord Jesus .

I come therefore to handle the first Particular in this first Part , viz.

CHAP. II. Of the Visible Church of God .

SECT. I.

1. THE place where this preparation to meet Christ shall be made , and that is not in the Kingdoms of this world ( earthy Kingdoms ) but in the Kingdom of Heaven , and therefore'tis said , The Kingdom of Heaven shall be like , &c.

I will not trouble you with telling you how many waies the Kingdom of Heaven is taken in Scripture ; by Kingdom of Heaven here , is not meant the Kingdom of Glory in the third Heaven , for there shall be no foolish Virgins at all there , no unclean thing shall enter thither ; nor by it is meant the head of this Kingdom , viz. Christ Jesus , for how can he be like to ten Virgins ; nor by it is meant the Gospel of the Kingdom , ( which Mat. 13. is call'd the Kingdom of Heaven , and compared to a draw-net ) for how can it be like unto ten Virgins ? nor yet the internal Kingdom of grace set up in the heart of every believer ( which is called a grain of Mustard-seed , Mat. 13. ) for how can any foolish Virgins be there ? or what share have they in that ? Therefore I conceive 't is clear , that by the Kingdom of Heaven here , is meant the external Kingdom of Christ in this world : that is , the visible Church , or the estate of the visible Church , which is frequently called in Scripture , the Kingdom of Heaven , as , Mat. 8. 12. & 21. 43. In which Kingdom some are wise , some foolish , all professe Christ , look for the coming of Christ , for salvation from Christ , the estate of this visible Church shall be like ten Virgins .

SECT. II.

AND hence I shall note this one thing .

That the visible Church of God on earth , Doct. 1. especially in the times of the Gospel , is the Kingdom of Heaven upon earth .

For look upon the face of the whole earth , there you may see the Kingdoms of men , and the Kingdom of Satan , sin and death , which the Apostle saith , Rom. 5. reig●eth over all men ; here is only the Kingdom of Heaven , upon earth , viz. in the visible Church ; 't is not the place only which makes either Heaven or Hell , ( though there is a place for both ) but the state principally makes both , one may be in Hell upon earth , as Christ was in his bitter agony , and a man may be in a kind of Heaven upon earth , as Christ tels his hearers , that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand ; a man may be under the Kingdom of Satan and darknesse upon earth , Col. 1. 13. which is a kind of Hell ; and why not as well under the Kingdom of God on earth , which is a kind of Heaven , especially ( I say ) now under the Gospel , wherein the Lord hath begun to fulfil , that which was but only promised under the Old Testament to be fulfilled in the fourth and last Monarchy , ( Dan. 2. 44 ) in the time of the New : In the state of Christ's visible Church , which should by little and little beat down all other Kingdoms of the world .

SECT. III.

1. BEcause the same King that is reigning in Heaven , Reas. 1. is reigning here , is present here , Psa. 2. 6. And here the Saints are commanded to rejoyce , to shout , and to be glad with all their hearts , because of the presence of this their King among them , Zeph. 3. 14 , 15. 'T is true indeed he is King over all the world ; the immediate execution of all Gods common , as well as special providence , is put into the hand of this King , the Lord Jesus . But as for his Enemies , and other creatures , he reignes over them as a King of power , but he reignes not for them also as a King of Grace and love , for thus he reignes among his people in his Church , Deut. 33. 26 , 27. The Lord is present with every one of his people , severally , but much more joyntly , when two or three of them are met together in his Name .

2. Because here are the Lawes of Heaven , Reas. 2. Heb. 12. 25. Take heed ( speaking of the Ministry of the Gospel in the Churches ) that ye refuse not to hear him who speaketh from Heaven , which Lawes are not only here promulgated ( as they be among the enemies of this Kingdom ) but accepted and received also , without which Lawes what Kingdom could there be ? Christ's Kingdom in this world is neither tyrannical , nor arbitrary , to govern without Law ; no , no , but if he be our King , he is our Law-giver also , Isa. 33. 22. Nay the same Lawes by which we shall be ruled in Heaven , we have here , and we are now under : That as our Divines say against the Papists , though before Moses his time , there was not scriptio verbi , yet there was verbum scriptum , which the Patriarchs had before the Floud , and afterward until Moses his time : So I say here , though in Heaven the external Letter and scription both of Law and Gospel , shall be abolished , because they need the● not when the day-star is risen , 2 Pet. 1. 19. Yet the living Rules of both for substance , shall remain ; the end of the Ministry is to bring us to the unity of Faith in a perfect estate . Eph. 4. 13. Therefore Faith shall not cease , when Ministers shall , and that perfect man shall come . Our Faith indeed shall not then by such glasses see Christ , nor adhere unto Christ , by such means of Promises and Ordinances as we do now , but without them we shall both see , and for ever adhere to him who is our King at that day ; and though indeed the Law is now abolished , as a Covenant of life , yet it shall ever remain as a Rule of life ; perfect subjection to it , is the happinesse of Saints in Heaven , 1 Ioh. 1. as a heart contrary to it is the greatest misery of the Saints on earth , Rom. 7. 24.

3. Because here are the Subjects of Heaven , Reason 3. Eph. 2. 19. Fellow-Citizens of the Saints , not only on earth , but as Paul speaketh , Phil. 3. 20. Our conversation ( or , as it may be rendred , our free Burgesse-ship ) is in Heaven . God himself hath canonized all the true Members of visible Churches with the name of Saints , throughout the who●e new Testament , here are the great heirs of Heaven , nay , possessours of Heaven by Faith , as others are by feeling , as near and dear to God ( in some respect ) as those that be in Heaven already ; because the same motive which makes him love them , makes him love these , though poor abjects , and our-casts of the world ; there is but a paper-wall of their bodies between them and Heaven , only here is the difference , they there , are Subjects in their own countrey ; these here , are the same Countreymen , only strangers for a time here upon earth : Some define a Kingdom to be dominatus regis in populum subjectum . If Christ ( the King ) was present , and his Laws published , but there were no people to be subject to him , there could be no Kingdom ; but when the King , Laws , and Subjects of Heaven are here met together in the visible Church , here is now the Kingdom of Heaven .

4. Because here is the very Glory of Heaven begun , Reason 4. that look as the same Sun which fils the Stars with Glory , the very same beams touch the earth also , so the same Glory which shines in Heaven , shines into the poor Church here , 1 Pet. 5. 10. God hath called his people into his eternal Glory . And 〈◊〉 30. whom Christ hath justified , them he hath glorified , i. e. he hath begun it here ; 〈◊〉 in a special manner is the presence of the Angels in Heaven , Eph. 3. 10. Here the pure in heart see God , and that after another manner , than many times they can in their solitary condition , Psal. 63. 1 , 2 , 3. And what is this but Heaven ?

SECT. IV.

1. SEE therefore hence their happiness and honour , Use 1. whom God hath called out of the world , and planted in his Church : What hath the Lord done , but opened the way to the Tree of life , and let you into Paradise again ? Nay ( which is more ) What hath he done but taken you up into the very Kingdom of Heaven it self ? where you have the Lord of glory to be your King , the Laws of Heaven made known , his heart opened , where you have the heirs of Heaven your companions , and the Angels of Heaven your guard , desiring to look into those things which your eyes see , and your hearts feel , 1 Pet. 1. 12. Where you have the love of a Father appearing , the Son of God inhabiting , and the Spirit of Heaven comforting . Lord what is man that thou art thus mindful of him ! That when the Lord seeth it unmeet to take you out of this world up unto Heaven , that Heaven should come down into this world unto you , who were once enemies to this Kingdom , shut up under the Kingdom of death and darknesse , strangers to the Common-wealth of Israel , without God and Christ in the world , without promise , without hope . I do not cry the Temple of the Lord , nor Idolize Order and Churches , but I tell you what your priviledge is , and thereby what Gods goodnesse is : I know the world neither seeth not feeleth any such Heaven on earth , but soon grow despisers secretly of all Ordinances , who if they were in Heaven it self with their carnal hearts , they would not abide there with much contentment , yet verily Heaven hath been , and is found here by Gods hidden one ; even such things which eye hath not seen , nor ear heard , and if it be not thus with thee , blame thy self , and mourn the more , who in the midst of light art in utter darknesse , and in the place where Heaven is begun to some , it should be made a little Hell to thee .

2. Take heed of defiling secretly the Church of God : Use. 2. For what do you do thereby , but pollute the Kingdom of Heaven it self ? And the better any thing is , the greater is the defilement cast upon it . It is said , 1. Pet. 1. 4. that the Kingdom of Heaven above is an inheritance unde●iled * * Some think from thence that the lapsed Angels did not fall in the third Heaven , but in some place in the earth ; for that is an inheritance undefiled . , never yet the subject place where any sin was committed , and this is one part of the Glory of it . Take you heed of coming into Church-fellowship with defiled hearts , and so defiling Gods holy things , for do you know where you are ? I know it is not in that Heaven where you cannot sin , but yet 't is in such a Heaven where you should not sin , much lesse defile the Church of God . It was one of Gods heavy inditements against the Church of the Iews , that when the Lord had brought them out of a land of pits , into a plentiful countrey , yet they defiled his Land , neither Priests nor people said , Where is the Lord ? Ier. 2. 7 , 8. It will be much more heavy another day with you , that walking in the fellowship of Gods people , shall be found guilty of defiling the Kingdom of Heaven it self , which you should be careful to keep as an underfiled inheritance , which 〈◊〉 whether spiritual or sensual , as they stain the very glory of Heaven it self , so they keep you from feeling the Truth of this Doctrine ▪ even of this Heaven upon earth in your own experience .

3. Let all Members of Churches hence learn to have their conversation in Heaven , and walk as men come down from Heaven , Use 3. and returning thither again , and that are as it were already in Heaven . Paul did thus , and wept to see so many that did not thus , but did mind earthly things , Phil. 3. 19 , 20. Do not only forsake , but even forget your Countrey , and your Fathers house , so shall the King of Glory desire your beauty , Psal. 45. 10 , 11 , Let the reproach of earthly-mindednesse cast upon the face of Christians , be wiped off by your carriage , being heavenly , holy , loosened from things below . Art thou in Heaven with an earthly heart ? Is not Heaven good enough for thee ? Cannot that content thee which many have desired to see , and could not see , even the Lord Jesus , the King of Glory in his beauty , in the assemblies of his Saints ?

4. Take heed of pulling down this Kingdom . Use 4. Loyal Subjects will rather lose their lives , than their Prince shall lose his Kingdom . Fear not enemies without , but your selves at home . The enemies of the Church , did never yet hurt the Church , but the Church's sins , Zach. 7. 14. Oh consider what mercy the Lord hath betrusted us withal , that unlesse the Lord should carry us to Heaven it self , immediatly on the wings of Angels , he can shew us no greater outward favour , in this world , than to bring us into this his Kingdom of Heaven on earth . I professe one daies fellowship here with a number of broken-hearted Christians , either mourning together , or rejoycing in their God and King together , it our-bids the many years Glory of the whole world , ( howsoever 't is hidden from the world ) And will you betray this Kingdom ?

SECT. V.

Quest. VVHat are those things that may pull down this Kingdom ?

Answ. 1. Ignorance of those sins which may hurt and ruine it . There are common infirmities which all the faithful have in common , for which the Lord pities his , but there are some that are proper and personal to some particular persons , Psal. 18. 23. for which the Lord is angry even with his own ; so there are some sins which are common Church-infirmities , for which the Lord will not cast off his people , but there are sometimes in several Churches proper Church-sins . Now the Rule here is , if these be not seen and lamented and removed , if the Lord be angry for these ( as verily he will ) and yet they do not so much as know all this while what it is that hurts them , these sins will canker the roots , and blast the most flourishing Churches . Ephesus , Rev. 1. 4. had her sin ; Sardis , Rev. 2. 1. had her sin . Laodicea had her sins , Rev. 3. 16. Now what if they never know these , nor repent of these , you know then Ephesus Candlestick must be removed , and Laodicea shall be spued out of Christs mouth . Oh this hath been the bane of Churches , while they enjoyed their liberties , they could not , nay ( in truth ) would not know their aile , in the day of Christs visitation of them , and hence came their ruine , the cause of which they saw not ; only it may be the remnant that escaped , to whom the Lord shewed mercy , could read their sins in their plagues . It is a lamentable spectacle to behold the ruines of Germany , and that after such great slaughter and effusion of blood , they cannot tell the thing that hath hurt , and doth still wast them .

2. Self-seeking , a Spirit of self . Look as it is in a Kingdom , if there be a common enemy , and the body of the Army which should encounter with them , be every man taken up , and taking thought how he may preserve his own Tent , and do not joyn their forces together for common safety , it must perish , and the Kingdom will be easily conquered : Or as it is with the body , if every member seeks to preserve it self alone , and not that which preserves them all , ( viz. the Head ) the body will drop down and die shortly . Christ Jesus is the Head of this Body [ his Church ] Now 't is certain if ye seek to preserve your own name more than Christ's , to give more content to your own lusts , then to the will and heart of Christ , if more careful of fetching feathers to your own nests , and to shift for your selves , and not to attend ( every man in his place ) the publick good of the Church , and Christ in it ; 't is certain God will forsake you , and all will to ruine quickly , 2 Chron. 15. 1 , 2.

Church-members of publick spirits , are ever prosperous men . They shall prosper that love thee , Psal. 122. 6. That say in their hearts out of sense of Christ's love , Lord , what shall I doe for thee ? How may I be useful to thy people ? But if back and belly , mine and thine , be chief in request , this will ruine you .

3. League and Amity with the enemies of Christ's Kingdom , or peace with our lusts ; it is not sin , but a privy peace with sin , and a secret quietnesse in sin , which overthrowes Christ's Kingdom : The Canaanites that were left alive , because ( 't is said ) they could not drive them out , how often did they vex , and prick , and yoke the Israel of God ? Those sins which you say , you cannot part with , and hence yield unto them , and mourn not under them , those will ruine Churches : Some sins you have forsaken , and could forsake , the danger lies not here . Wrath goeth out against Iehosaphat because he loved him who hated the Lord , 2 Chron. 19. 2.

4. When the Church laies by her weapons . No Kingdom can be kept safe in an ordinary way , where all their weapons are taken from them , or not used by them , when their 〈◊〉 upon their borders : When the Church hang by , and lay aside Faith ( the shield whereby we defend our selves ) and prayer ( whereby we offend our enemies ) what safety is to be expected now in Churches ? Only be strong ( saith the Lord to Ioshuah ) when he went out upon that great service of the Lord , Iosh. 1. 7. Eph. 6. 13. There is no more fearful sign of ruine to a Church , than where the Spirit of prayer begins to fail ; and verily if any people under Heaven are ready to miscarry herein , we ( that have our fill of peace , and our yokes broken off from our shoulders ) are in most danger ; but if it be so , look for such shakings of all hearts , and Churches also , as shall make you find your tongues ; and knees , and eares , and hearts again , if the Lord means to dwell with you .

5. Not bringing forth the fruits of the Kingdom , Mat. 21. 43. Cut that Church down that cumbers the ground , after many years pruning and wetting . That Kingdom where there is Church-trading , but no considerable gain coming in , will consume quickly , and die of it self . Fruit is the last end of the tree : All duties you do , wherein you attain nor , or ( at least ) aim not at your last and utmost end , but make your selves your own end , that is not fruit ; Fruit refresheth others that tast it ; when a Christian walketh so as that another is not the better , [ not much refreshed ] by him , but it may be hardned rather , by a saplesse example , here is no fruit , and this cals for the axe to cut down the tree .

6. Divisions : This puls down Kingdoms without help of foreign enemies . If a Kingdom thrusts swords into each others bellies , this will soon dispatch them . It 's the Jesuits plot to subdue by private divisions , whom they cannot conquer by force of Armes : It was most pleasing to Satan to prevail with Christ to cast himself down headlong from the Pinacle , rather than to fling him down himself . It is the delight of Hell to set & see Churches at variance among themselves , this is the first thing he attempts in the best Churches , and it is commonly prosperous , if the Lord leaves the watchmen to slumber , and not to be watchful , and fearful , and sudddenly sensible of the least beginnings herein . It is a wonderful thing to see what a small occasion of offence will do ; a word , a gesture , a garment , a matter of indifferency , 't is strange to see , how such small matters will gore , if Satans head be in them , and his Horns be set upon them , especially in Churches where men are set at liberty , and enjoy it , one must have liberty to speak one thing , and another , another thing , I am of this mind saith one , I am not of that mind ( Brother ) saith another : 'T is wonderful to see what a fire , a secret smother , and smoak of suspition will do . But oh take heed here , Gal. 5. 15. Love the Truth , receive no opinion differing from the most approved in the Church suddenly , but weep , and pray , and ask councel , and tremble to entertain a thought of contention ; The first sin which brake out in the first Christian Church , was ●urmuring , Acts 6. 1. What followes ? Stephen an earthly Angel , full of the holy Ghost , suffers , and is taken from them , Acts 7. And after this the whole Church scattered , Acts 8. Oh keep the peace of the Church , and rend it not for small matters , love one another sincerely , and you cannot but live together quietly .

CHAP. III. Concerning the Coming of Christ , and the security of Professors .

SECT. I.

THus much of the place ; now let us consider of the time when , this preparation is made , set down in that word Then , which word hath reference to the 37th v. of the 24th ch. viz. to the daies of the coming of the Son of man .

Now when are these daies ? Quest.

We shall read both in Prophetical and Apostolical writings , Answ. that all the time from the Ascension to the second coming of Christ , is called the last daies , Acts 2. 16 , 17. Hence the Primitive Churches did ( long since ) and all the Churches at this day ought , to live in a daily expectation of his coming again , as these Virgins here did . And hence some think , than all this time may be the daies of the coming of Christ , wherein all the Churches either do , or should look out for the coming of Christ . Now although I dare not exclude these daies ( in a large sense ) from being the daies of Christ's coming , as being the last daies , and it being the duty of all to wait for this coming of Christ , as well as those who lived long before us , 1 Thes. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 1. 7. Yet I believe here is meant more particularly the latter part of those last daies : For our Saviour having foretold of many things which shall fall out before his second coming , yet he seems to single out some particular time in these last daies ; to which he doth annexe this [ then ] and that is evident to all that view well the Text , that they are the daies of his coming , for though all the daies of the Gospel may be called the daies of the Son of man , and some daies especially wherein there is some kind of coming of the Son of man , as when he comes to hear prayers , Luke 18. 8. yet to speak properly , they are not the daies of the coming of the Son of man . And look as the daies of Noah were not all the daies from the Creation to the Deluge , but those particular years before the Flood , so 't is here , some special times before his coming , are the daies of his coming .

SECT. II.

BUt what is this Coming of Christ ?

There is a double coming of Christ .

1. His coming to call the Iews , and to gather in the fulnesse of the Gentiles with them , Quest. which is called the brightnesse of his coming , 2 Thes. 2. 8. When there shall be such a brightnesse of the Truth shining forth in the world , Answ. armed with such Instruments as shall utterly destroy Antichrist , long before his second coming , Rev. 19. 19 , 20.

2. His coming to Judgement , Heb. 9. 28. 1 Cor. 15. 23 , 24. When there shall be an universal resurrection of good and bad , 1 Thes. 4. 15 , 16 , 17 , Now although it be true , that at the time of the coming of Christ , to call the Iews , the Churches like chast Virgins shall wait and make themselves ready for the marriage of the Lamb , Rev. 19. 7. Yet the second coming of Christ seems to be the time which is here directly pointed at . Then shall those Churches be Virgin-Churche ; waiting for Christ's coming , both to their particular judgment , but especially to the general judgment , when he shall appear as a glorious Bridegroom to the consolation and salvation of those who in truth have waited for him the second ●ime : For this coming of Christ spoken of in these two chapters , is that coming which is in power and great Glory ( not in the Churches spiritually ) but in the clouds of Heaven , chap. 24. 30. Wherein he shall separate the sheep from the goats , the one to lie among Devils , the other to possesse ( not an earthly Kingdom here for a thousand years , as some from mistaking the meaning of the 20th ch. of the Revel. imagine ) but to inherit the Kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world , Mat. 25. 34. which cannot be any better , not any other , than the third Heaven , where the face of God is seen , and where he hath had an innumerable Host of glorious Angels , his Subjects to serve him , not only since the first time of mans creation , but the first foundation of the world , Gen. 1. 1. Which also Christ himself is gone to prepare for us , Iohn 14. 2 , 3. And which Abrahams Faith only expected , even a City which was not earthly , but heavenly , which hath foundations , whose builder and maker is God , Heb. 11. 10 , 11. So that although this Parable looks most directly unto those times which are yet to come , yet as all examples registred in holy Scripture for time past , are applicable and useful for us , so these that are yet to come , are alike instructive to us , especially in these times and places , wherein the Lord ( according to his manner of working great things usually ) gives among us some small , yet lively resemblance of those daies .

SECT. III.

That in those daies of Christ's coming , Doct. wherein the Churches of Christ , and Professors of the Gospel shall grow Virgin-Churches , all visible Saints , when all Members seem to be espoused Christ , yet there will be found desperate folly in some , and in time great security will fall upon all .

Some there are who think the daies we live in now , are not only the daies of the Son of man , but part of the daies of the coming of the Son of man , wherein the Churches ( especially in these places ) grow to be Virgin-Professours : Our judgments hold it , our practise maintaines it , all Church-members are and must be visible Saints , visible Believers , Virgins espoused to Christ , escaping the pollutions of Idolatry and the world : Take heed the Lord find not many of you foolish , take heed you that are not so , that in time you grow not secure ; you have the pillow of peace to lie on , and the cares of the world to make you dream away your time , and you have no pinching persecutions to awaken you , and if no wrestlings within , look for security there . Folly will be the death and bane of some , hence boast not . Security , a sleeping sicknesse will be the disease of others , if the Lord prevent not : But I intend to anchor here , only to set up markes at these Flats , that you may avoid them and come not near them .

CHAP. IV. Sheweth that the Soul that will enjoy Communion with Christ , must be divorced from all other Lords , particularly from Lusts , and from the Law . The manner of its Espousalsunto Christ .

SECT. I.

NOw therefore to come to the Third thing ; the persons that make this preparation are set forth , 1. In what they all agree in , and that is , first in that they are all Virgins ; What are these ? Ans. To omit the Popish Interpretation of their Nuns , and mock-Virgins .

I shall rather make use of Scripture to give light to interpret this place ; for opening of it , know , the whole Church may be called the Spouse of Christ , and take every member alone , a Virgin attending on this Spouse , Psal. 45. nay the Apostle , 2. Cor. 11. 2. calls the whole Church a Virgin , so that by Virgins are meant whole particular Churches of Christ , together with the several Members thereof . Now Virgins are such as are fit for marriage , and not defiled with any man , as it 's said of Rebecca : so by Virgins are meant those that are not polluted within , or without with the evils of the world , Rev. 14. 4. but more is to be understood here , 2 Cor. 11. 2. when once marriage is come , they cease to be Virgins , and are Wives ; yet when espoused to Christ , now they are spiritually Virgins ; hence these here are only like to Virgins : so that the meaning of Virgins is this ; by Virgins is meant such Churches , or members of Churches as are divorced from all other Lovers , and matcht only to Jesus Christ : these only look for the coming of Christ , and communion with him , these only are received into communion .

SECT. II.

WHoever look for everlasting Communion with the Bridegroom of the Church , Obs. 1. Iesus Christ , must be Virgins Divorced from all others ▪ and Espoused only to Iesus Christ .

Here were indeed foolish ones among these , yet as foolish and blind as they were , they saw that this was the way , to be like the wise , to be Virgins as well as they , Psal. 45. 10 , 11. Ier. 3. 19 , 20. as a Wife departs , so ye ; but how shall I put thee among the Children , &c. you shall call me my Father , i. e. one instead of all other things , and shall not turn aside from me , Hos. 2. 23. there is their communion ; Hence the Lord will , 1. take away the names of Baa●im ; 2. Betroth them to himself .

SECT. III.

WHat is it to be divorced from all other Lovers ? Quest. 1.

Idolatry is called Whoredom in Scripture , and this is one thing , Answ. the Soul must be Divorced from , before it can be match'd to the Lord , Hos. 2. 2. I shall not need to press this here ; but there are two other things which I shall shew , for there are two things that every man doth before he is espoused to the Lord Jesus ; either first he departs and goes a whoring by unlawfully lusting after the creature , Psal. 73. 27. Iames 4. 4. Or 2. He is lawfully married as he thinks unto the Law , Rom. 7. 3 , 4. the Law is there compared to a Husband , from which Christ indeed delivers his , yet some will stick to it : either the Soul takes content in some creature more than in Christ , or in some righteousnesse more than in the Lord Jesus ; Now to be divorced from all other things , is for the heart to be taken off from all worldly contentments . Secondly , from comforting it self in the bosom of its own work and righteousness , and this must be found in all them that look for communion with the Lord Jesus .

SECT. IV.

1 THe heart must be divorced from Lusts after , and pleasures in any creature ; for proof , we must know this :

1. The soul of every man must have something to quiet and comfort it like the stomack , it 's death and hell to want it ( as the Israelites in the wildernesse : ) hence it must have it .

2. That there is nothing that can comfort the thirsty heart , but 't is either in the spring , or cistern , fountain , or bottles , either in God , or in the creature .

3. Hence man having lost God , and all good there , seeks for it in the creature , and because he finds not enough in one , digs for it in another , Psal. 4. Who will shew us any good ? and hence the Soul because it never found that infinite sweetnesse in God himself , hence lusts after , and delights in the creature for it self , loves pleasure for pleasure , delights in creature for the creature , not for God , why should he , seeing he never found content there ? and here the soul of man cleaves night and day , committing spiritual whoredom before the face of God ; now if ever any soul hath communion with Christ , it must be divorced from all creatures thus , for Lust is a desire after , and content in the creature for the creatures sake .

1 Because while the heart is in league with any creature besides the Lord , 't is at deadly enmity with the Lord , Reas. 1. Iames 4. 4. If a man hath a rich commodity , and one comes and offers half the worth of it , he takes it as a contempt ; if it be not worth this , it is worth nothing ; so the Lord is worthy of all our love , our lives , our souls though we had a thousand of them , and will a man not part with his lusts for him ? I tell you the Lord takes himself sleighted , contemned , and loathed ; if not worth all a mans love , he is worth nothing ; now the creature is made a God , because made a mans last end , which is as proper to God , as to make him the Alpha of all . Here the greatest wrath is to give a man his fill of the creature .

2 Because so long the soul cannot see , Reas. 2. nor come by the eye and feer of Faith to the Lord Jesus , Iohn 5. 44. and think Christ better than all ; as Birds in a string may fly high , but when they come to the end of the line , fall down there ; and so though the soul flies to Christ , yet when indeed it comes to the end of parting withall , it falls down , and falls off from Christ . Whole men have no heart nor desire after Physitians ; when all limbs are whole and strong , no desire after Plaisters : so while any thing easeth and contenteth the heart , there is no desire after Christ , Hos. 4. 11. Whoredom and wine have taken away the heart .

3 Because so long the heart if it do come , cannot stay with Christ to do any thing for Christ , Reason 3. Mat. 6. 24. You cannot serve God and riches , i. e. two Masters , who have constant employment , and Christ hath set us such employment . Hence men on sick-beds are tame as may be , promise any thing , because their joy in the creature is gone : Hence on the other side many men after many springings of heart are choaked by thorns of the world .

4. From the abundant love that the Lord Jesus shews to them that ever have , Reason 4. or look for communion with him . Those to whom we shew much love , from those we expect much again . As a man if taken or cast out to be servant , one looks not for love from him ; but when a man hath given himself , and made over all his estate to another , now all love is too little . So 't is with the Lord Jesus , Iohn 6. Will you also depart ?

SECT. V.

2 THE soul must be divorced from the Law , i. e. from comforting it self with the righteousnesse thereof : For explication of which we must consider these things .

1. That the Lord doth not ever give a man content in his sins and lusts , but wounds Conscience for the same .

2. That so long as the Lord wounds a mans Conscience for sin , no creature can give a man comfort or content . A wounded spirit who can bear ? Iudas casts away his silver pieces ; and Belshazzar quakes , who was but even now qua●●ing in his cups . As a man that hath an aking tooth , or broken bones , What can comfort him now ?

3. Hereupon the Law fals upon a man , or a man meets with the Law ; for as all a mans sorrow is upon him because the Law is broken , all a mans care is how he may keep it again . What shall I do ? As a man cast in prison for debt , there all is opened ; an the Law like an earnest suitor , 1. Presleth hard for love and obedience . 2. Promiseth a rich portion , eternal life , if he can keep it ; If not you must be damned ; therefore now forsake your sins , &c.

4. Hence the soul not knowing a better Husband , consents and resolves to cleave to it , Rom. 10. 3. Deut. 5. Whatever the Lord will have us do , we will do it ; and here it stayes , and is comforted , here it rests ; as in Asa his time all rejoyced for the Oath , 2 Chro. 15. Isai. 58. 1 , 2. and if it find not perfect comfort because of imperfect work , it then closeth with Christ for to make up and piece up all , Gal. 5. 1. And now I say 't is comforted in what it hath , and doth , and here it rests ; now from hence it must be divorced : What need I prove it , when the Apostle hath so fully , Galat. per totum , and consider the young man , Mat. 19. Divorced , I say , the soul must be from this .

1. Because he that doth thus , sets up another Christ , and makes himself his own Saviour ; can the Lord Jesus take such a soul into communion with him ? Suppose a Prince be pulled by his people from his Throne , and they set up another pious vertuous Prince to Rule , will this serve the turn to say he is an honest Prince ? so though duties be never so good , yet not to advance Christ , is to pull down Christ .

2. Because such persons do commonly most oppose the Lord Jesus in a way of believing , though not in a way of doing ; the Lord hath more ado if any of these be brought home , to bring them in , they have somewhat to say for themselves , they have stronger forts , &c. The Scribes and Pharisees rejected the counsel of God against themselves , and hence no people lest to such deep desertions as these ; if the Lord intend mercy to them , for they have more need than others .

3. Because hereby a man doth but make a conspiracy against Gods greatest plot that ever he had a foot , viz. to advance his free Grace , Gal. 5. 4. you are fallen from Grace , for nothing makes a man more fit to boast than works , and resting in them ; sin makes a man ashamed , and therefore if they come to Heaven , they have laid a foundation to thank themselves for somewhat ; hence no communion with Jesus Christ in this frame ; no the Lord will tear down this foundation , and make the soul cry guilty , and make this Husband , the Law , to be judge , to examine , and condemn , and now come and ask , what have you to plead for your life and peace , it hath no plea to shew but mércy , &c. it hath its duties evidencing against it .

SECT. VI.

2 THe soul now comes to be Espoused to the Lord Jesus . Quest. How ?

The soul beholding the glory of the Lord Jesus , Answ. 1. makes choice of him , as in all Marriage bonds there is a choice made , and if love be great , there is little standing on terms : let me have him though I begg with him ; so the soul sees such a sutableness in the Lord Jesus , as that it stands not on terms , let me have him though in prison with him , though in the Garden in Agonies with him , though in the Cross in desertions with him , he is enough ; as Peter when he saw Christ on the Sea , desired he might come to him there , Heb. 11. 26. Chusing the reproach of Christ , &c. And look as Christ chuseth the soul , 1. The whole soul. 2. Everlastingly . 3. Above all others : so it makes choice of Christ , whole Christ , Phil. 3. 9. 2. Everlastingly , The Lord is my portion for ever , Psalm 73. 26. And before ever you can look for communion with him , you must make this choice of him , and glad too you may have him on any terms , nay put it to any soul the Lord hath done good to , and ask it , will you have him ? 't is such a mercy I cannot conceive how one so vile as I should have it : have him , the Lord of glory , the Prince of life and peace ; O yes ; Hence Peter said , Master , what shall we have that have forsaken all , and followed thee ? you shall sit with me on Thrones ; and look as Christ now chuseth the soul above others , as well as in Heaven , Iohn 15. 16. so it now chuseth Christ , Whom have I in Heaven or earth ; many when they think of death , or are dying , then chuse him , but not now : or chuse him for outward blessings , not spiritual favour and life , Iohn 6. 26 , 27.

2. The soul hence gives it self like one espoused to her Husband to the Lord Jesus , Cant. 2. 16. I am my beloveds ; servants give work for their wages , and masters give wages for their work , but Husbands and Wives give themselves one unto another ; Suitors also give Tokens to draw on love , not themselves ; so servants in the Church , they do for God in hope of wages , and the Lord blesseth them it may be outwardly , but he that is espoused to Christ , gives himself , Lord I can do nothing for thee , give nothing to thee , but I give my self to thee , that thou wouldst work in me , and by me , Rom. 6. 13. So the Lord is a suitor to many a man that never gives himself to him : he gives them some comforts , some winning , drawing , melting me●cies , but not himself ; they give him some entertainment , and good words , a thousand wishes as Capernaum did , but not themselves ; but this must be , if ever you look for communion with him : hence David saith , I am thine , save me ; hence some made shipwrack of Faith , they were not the Lords ; hence the Lord saith , he knows who are his , 2 Tim. 2. 18 , 19. his send their tokens again : for look as 't is an evidence of much love when a man gives the dearest thing he hath , viz. his whole self to the Lord Jesus , so 't is also an evidence of little love , when he will not give , especially anothers own : thou art none of thine own , thou hast but little love if thou give not thy self to him , without which never look for life and communion with the Lord .

3. The soul hence takes full contentment in the Lord Jesus , as a Spouse hath enough , would not change for all the world , as Peter when he had a glimpse of Christs glory , Lord , let us be here : or as Simeon that had been waiting for the consolation of Israel , when once he had Christ in his arms , Now let thy servant depart in peace : I have enough , now let me dye , and not live to sin more ; and 't is certain as there 〈◊〉 in creatures that contents the heart without Christ in an unregenerate man , so contrary-wise in a regenerate , Iohn 3. 29. if hearing the Bridegroom is joy , what is h●ving him ? indeed they take content in other things , but as coming from the Husband ; and this you must do if ever you look for communion with him ; cannot you be content with the Lord alone in Heaven ? you shall never come there then , lest you quarrel for want of something . Men make nothing of this , to hathe their hearts in the sun , and joy in what they have , and hope to have , but the Lord may be gone , and you grieve not ; why ? because o●he● things ease your hearts ; There can be no communion hereafter if you despite i● now .

SECT. VII .

THis serves to discover the great error , most common and dangerous of the whole ch●istian wo●ld , who think that they may love and embrace the world and the Lord Jesus too , and ●e saved at last by him too , i. e. they may not be Virgins , Use 1. but go a whoring from Christ , and yet partake of Christ , and mercy from him : that look as it was in those sad dayes , Isai. 4. 1. so in these dayes many lay hold on Jesus Christ , they will eat their own b●end , live on their own 〈◊〉 , and wear their own apparel , their own rags , only let us be called by thy name Believers ] to take away our reproach , for that is an open shame not to believe in Christ : For this is the prosessed thought of some ; every one is a sinne ; and I am one , and a great one too , and who can say his heart is clean , none can free himself from sin in this life , and I cannot do it if I would : and hence look on Christ to save them , though sin slee●● in them : you cannot have both ; I would but enquire , hath not every man something that contents him ? what is it ? is it the love , the fellowship of Jesus ? yet , it may be at a Sacrament , and it may be not , for thou maist say , the Lord never yet revealed his love and self unto me , never yet assured me , yet somewhat joyes thy heart . What think you , can you have the Lord , and content your selves thus with other things ? why ? I trust to him I hope so ; it cannot be so . If the Lord Jesus was a Patron of Brothel-houses , a Protector of Stews , you might think so ; some say they cannot pray to him , nor prize him ; why ? something else contents then besides him ; but know it cannot be so : I know a Saint may be taken aside , as David with envy at others prosperity ; but when he considers of it , O what a Beast ! he returns again . The Raven and the Dove we sent forth , the one came again and again , the other not ; therefore as Ioshua 24. brought the people to these thoughts , you cannot serve the Lord , and other gods , as Iunius notes , so bring thy self to that st●ait : O that the Lord would set on this one thing this day ; when I sadly weigh it , it consou●ds me , and makes me say , Lord who then can be saved ! I know with God all things are possible , but this is rare .

SECT. VIII .

HEnce we may learn who they are that never shall have everlasting communion with the Lord Jesus , Use ● . viz. those that never were esposed to him , and you may know this , if never yet divorced from all others besides him , Psal. 73. 25 , 26. I shall stay ●wh●e here , because there is never an unsound heart in the world , but as they say of ●itches , they have some Familiar that sucks them , so they have some Lust that is beloved of them , some beloved there is they have given a promise to , never to forsake ; and also because most men do seem and think they are Virgins espoused to Christ , and look for communion with him , and yet not divorced from all other besides him . I shall shew hence ,

1. When the soul is in league with the creature .

2. When married to the Law . I should account it happy if any be found out .

CHAP. V. Sheweth the Markes and Signes whereby the Soul may know whether he be in league or love with any lust or creature , or married to the Law .

SECT. I.

1 THose that never were in bitternesse and sorrow of heart for the losse of God . Sign 1. For these two things are as clear as the Sun . 1. That the losse of God is the greatest losse ; for 't is the utmost and last plague upon the damned in Hell : My Comforts , my Friends , Means , Heaven is gone , but if God were mine , I could be comforted ; No , God is gone : Hence no sorrow for any losse so much as for this . Saul , 1 Sam. 28. 15. God is departed from me . Hence sore distressed . Nay , the Lord Jesus when the Father departed for a time , and he knew he would return and visit him , cried out , My God why hast thou forsaken me ? 2. That all men living have lost God , Isa. 59. 1 , 2. Psal. 58. 3. The wicked go astray from their womb . Now I would demand why men either seel no losse at all , or if they do , have not so much Grace as the damned in Hell , to mourn bitterly for it , so as nothing can comfort them , or if they do , they are soon eased and quieted before the Lord returns ? Why surely here is the great cause of it , they have some other thing to ease their hearts in the want and losse of God , Ier. 2. 13 , 14. Men must have water to drink , why do men live from the fountain , go not to it , nay not know it ? Because they have broken pits , and wels at their own doors : So here . And hence the damned that have lived at ease here all their life time , assoon as ever dead , then they cry out of the losse of God , when 't is too late , because while they lived , they had somwhat to ease themselves withall . And hence many that have lived long with convinced Spirits and guilty Conscienes , when they come to die , then they are in perplexities of mind , agonies of heart , insomuch as their sweat trickles like water from them , and their doleful outcries for losse of time , strike to the hearts of all that come near them . Oh! God is gone , because now all comforts which were their Gods , and in stead of God before , have taken their final leave of them . Search your hearts therefore all you that hear me this day . Wast never troubled yet ? Yes , I have lost my health , my child , my husband , my goods , and this hathtroubled me : But tell me , Did'st never feel a losse of God blessed for ever ? loss of his light , his sweetnesse , his love , his fellowship , his presence , &c. and this hath been thy intollerable load ? Or if thou hast felt it , hast thou sought and found him ? No , but art jocund in that estate , and now and then it troubles thee a little , then 't is certain and as clear as the Sun , there is some creature or content that thy heart is in league withal , which easeth thee in the want of God , and which is instead of God to thee , and which therefore is thy God . It may be thy apparel , thy wife , child , &c. and if thou die in this estate , never shalt thou have communion with Jesus Christ , The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it .

2. Dost find the Lord a stranger to thee in all his Ordinances , wherein it may be the Lord sweetly and wonderfully and mightily , yet not alway , Sign 2. but seasonably reveals himself to others . Oh but thy heart dries and parches away , and that without much trouble under them all . If so , suspect it , beleeve it that there is some league with a lust . For there is a double life of a Christian. 1. An outward life , which others see : Men see he comes to Church , prayes in the Family , &c. 2. There is a secret inward life ; according to that of Mat. 6. 6. Thy Father which sees in secret , which none knowes but himself , and the Lord ; and this is an ineffable communion with God , vision of God , delight in God , &c. Psal. 45. The Kings daughter is all glorious within . There is an open life of prayer , and hearing , and fasting , and there is an inward , secret life in all these , wherein the Lord acquaints himself with his people , Psal. 63. 1 , 2 , 3. To see thee as I have seen thee . Now there be divers have this open life , yet wanting the secret life . As we love not to live among Tombes , not to have communion with dead men ; so the Lord is a stranger to them . He may secretly sweeten an Ordinance to them , and move them , and shake and trouble them , but himself is a stranger , spiritual miseries not removed , spiritual mercies not conveyed , Isa. 58. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4. Why have we fasted , and thou regardest not ? You took pleasure saith the Lord , and break the bonds of wickednesse , &c. I know Saints may be thus denied , and it may be for some space of time , yet they quarrel not with God for denying them , but are more taken off from pleasures thereby . Thou hidst thy face , and I was troubled , though the Mount stood still . But some there be whom neither good day mends them , not bad day pairs them : Surely there is some content thy heart is bewitched withal . That look as 't is with a suitor to another , let him while he comes to her , professe never so much love , and desire love , yet if when he goes from her , commits lewdnesse with every one , she will lock him out . So 't is here ; never did I know any lockt out from the power and sweetnesse of Ordinances , but because they went a whoring from God out of them . The Lord knowes ( though others do not ) whether 't is so with you . Look therefore upon thy self , you enjoy great means every where in this place . Is it enough to have Ordinances ? the Ark ? No , Do you find the Lord in them ? Blessed be God . But tell me truly , Do you find no want of God ? Yes . Do you find him ? I find more knowledge , strength , &c. But do you find no God usually ? No. Then either some creature contents thee , or if the Lord should refresh thee , thou would'st be content without him . Man and wife will ( if they love ) meet at Meals , Iohn 14. But when no meeting , dead prayers , dry Sermons , saplesse Sacraments , worse then before . If thou beest the Lord's , he will by affictions purge , &c. But if thou continuest so , look for no communion in Heaven .

3. Dost thou find no rest in any thing that thou hast ? Sign 3. For this is clear , ●nothing can give rest to a mans soul but God : He is big enough only to fill it , and then a man hath it , Isa. 26. 3. Now if no rest , 't is a sign thy heart sticks to the creature , yet thou saist I would fain have the Lord : It may be so ; but thou wouldst have creatures too . And hence God will not , and creatures cannot give the fulnesse of rest . Thus it was with Solomon , Eècles. 2. 3. So 't is with thee , thou findest thy soul delighting it self in all things ; yet vanity and vexation , and withal giving thy self to wisdom too . 'T is true , a Saint feels an emptinesse in these things , yet he feels a fulnesse in somthing else . ( He hath better meat which you know not of ) which Solomon did not for a time , yet afterward he did . But thou findest a vanity and trouble , and art never at peace when all is done ; weary of world , But hath the Lord swallowed thee up into himself , in the cloud of his Glory , so that in his favour and presence thou findest life ? No , Then there is some lust thou lovest , and dying thus , shalt never see the face of Christ . Ye● , this will come as a heavy endi●ement against thee , that God hath so wearied thee in thy way . Yet Ier. 2. 25. There is no hope , after thy Lovers thou wilt go . You shall scarce find any but feel the creature vain , and yet get not to rest in God .

SECT. II.

II. DIscoveries whether we are married to the Law or not . And here I shall stay longer . Where I premise ,

1. When I speak of not being married to the Law in stead of Christ , I do not hereby exempt your selves from obedience to the Law , after you are in Christ .

2. Do not think I speak against all evidencing your estates from conformity to the Law ; though I do from some subjection and obedience performed to the Law .

1. If the Law was never dead in thee , thou art married to the Law , Rom. 7. 2. Now look as t is with a husband , if the wife be sick , and he be at home , whoever forsakes her , he will comfort her , and support and chear her ; so that if he chear her not , it s a sign he is dead ; if he doth , it s a sign he is alive ; for the life of the Law , is the comfort and support that the Law doth give for a time . So that if thou wert never brought to that sore straight , that thou hast not felt any one duty to cheer or revive thee , and comfort thee , but hast found some little thing or other to do it , its certain you are yet married to the Law . Ex. gr . It may be thou hast been troubled in mind for thy sins , What hath cheared thee ? I have forsaken them , and cast out Ionah , and there hath been a calm : Why this forsaking thy sins ( which hath not been all but some ) is not Christ , but an act of the Law . Oh but I have fallen again into sins , this hath troubled thee : What hath cheared thee ? I have repented and been sorry for them , and purposed to do so no more . This is the life of the Law still . Oh but you find sins prevailing against you , and you cannot part with them ; and hence dare not resolve against them . Oh but my desire is good though , my will hath ever been against them . Oh ignorance ! This desire is but a work of the Law , 't is not Christ . Oh but I have found no desire sometime : What hath quieted you now ? I have trusted to Christ : You have done it . The Lord never made you feel a need of the Lord , to draw you to trust ; though to be assured of Christ's love . Is this a legal Act ? Ans. As obedience to the Law done by the power of Christ , is an Evangelical work , so to perform any Evangelical work from a mans self , is a Legal work ; and you are under the life of the Law . So that thou hast not been so oft troubled , but the Law hath supported thee ; thou hast not been brought to that passe as the Church , the Spouse was , Isa. 54. 5 , 6. And as one of my best friends , and best men that lives this day in the world , after many wrestlings to find somwhat in himself to chear him , and could not ; Now saith he , if the Lord out of his good Nature , &c. do not help me , I am undone for ever ; for I have a heart and a nature against him , and the more I do , the worse I am . And therefore thither I look . Surely you are under the life of the Law , and are fat enough off from Christ , if not sensible of this . Not that a man is alway thus , for he that cannot feel afterward the Lord Jesus by the power of his Grace working in his heart , I would conclude , he never had any at all . But at first 't is so . For these two things man naturally seeks ,

1. To have a righteousnesse in himself that will ease him .

2. To have it from himself : Kitchin Physick is not far to fetch .

Now the Lords plot in saving his , is , 1. To make them seek it out of themselves in another : Look unto me and be saved , all the ends of the earth . 2. To have all from another , that so , no flesh night glory before him . And to doubt of this , is to doubt whether God hath plotted the Glory of his Grace or no. Hence the Lord empties the soul of both , that the soul saith , Ashur shall not save us , Hos. 14. 3 , 4. None durst , none can comfort it . And now to the wonde●ment of Heaven , and everlasting joy of a poor cast-away , and the eternal honour of his free Grace , now , and never till now , doth he begin to make the match between the Lord Jesus and this poor soul : And as the Lord never comes to him till now , so he never will come to the Lord , while he hath the least good ; as it was with the Prodigal , while any husks , or as it was with the woman with her bloody issue , while any mony to spend on other Physitians , never will try what Christ can do . And therefore those that never yet knew of the de●th of the Law , they are yet married to it , Rom. 2. 17. I know many a soul grieve ; for the de●th of this husband , and now thinks 't is undone , I cannot do this and that , though formerly I could indeed ; I say if there be any love of Christ , now is the time of it . Only understand Gods scope here in it .

2. If a man complains more or chiefly for want of grace or righteousnesse , Sign 2. to remove sin , and not so much for want of Jesus Christ : Then in this case 't is as it is with a woman , that man for whose absence she mourns most , that is her husband : She saith the other is , no but he is not . So this is the estate of many a soul , they have neither Christ not righteousnesse : Now they complain so much that their hearts sink and dye away quite within them : And what is it for ? I cannot do this , nor I do not find nor feel such signs and affections within me . Such a vile heart , I know not the like , such rising in my heart to sin and thoughts of it ; why if you had Christ , all this would be mended . I can do all through Christ But you complain not for want of Christ , nor need of him from these two Arguments .

1. Because the feeling of your sins , does not make you feel a greater need of Christ , as Iohn , I have need to be baptized , &c. but drive you further from Christ , and reason it out against him , And why ? Because you would have a righteousness without him which you stand in need of .

2. Because he that seels a need of the Lord Jesus , shall not when he is offered , need intreating to take him ; as you shall not need intreat hungry men to eat their bread , you shall not need to intreat Zacheus to receive Christ joyfuly . But no commands , no intreaties can prevail with you to take him when he is offered , you have no heart to it . Like women that love their own husbands , grieve so for their absence , that they have no heart to any other offer . Is it thus with thee ? Then 't is with thee , as it was with that young man , that askt Christ what he should do to inherit eternal life ; he liked Christ well , but he did not feel a need of Christ himself so much , as of some more knowledge of the Law , and ability to do it . It s the great plot of Arminians , to make Christ a means only , to make every man a first Adam ; setting men to work for their living again ; for they grant all Grace is lost , all comes from Christ , Christ gives all , and to Christ we must look for all ; and then when we have it , use it well , thus you shall have life , else look for death : So 't is a misery many a soul is in . Men will trade in small wares , rather than live on anothers Almes . Do you think the Lord takes it well to make him a Merchant for your ends ? Oh no , never look to have communion with him in this way !

3. Those that close with , but rejoyce more in a little Grace they receive from Christ , Sign 3. than in all the fulnesse in Christ , more in a little they do , than in all the Lord Jesus hath done , Phil. 3. 3. That is a womans husband , in whom she rejoyceth most . Do you rejoyce more in what you have , and do , than in what the Lord Jesus hath , and hath done ? more in what you receive from him ( for a hypocrite may receive from Christ , Iohn 15. 2. ) than in what there is in him ? It argues a whorish heart . I know a man may rejoyce in what Christ works in him , but 1. not more in this than in Christ himself . 2. A child of God may while he knows not whether Christ is his do so : but you think the Lord is yours ; well , when you feel affections and life , then you are glad , when that is lost then sad ; why is there no life when thou art dead , no glory when thou art base , no wisdom , no communion with God when thou hast none ? Yes , why dost thou not rejoyce in this which is here most fully , which Saints presenting , please the Lord more by , than by giving the glory of Angels infinite millions of years : Oh thy heart is not in love with Christ , but somewhat else , for here is the joy of all Saints , In thy seed shall all Nations account themselves blessed : all Nations , one and another , Isai. 45. 24 , 25. shall all the seed of Israel be justified , and shall glory . Consider therefore this , thou art sometime joyed ; why ? O I find my heart thus and thus , and is this all ? yes , for when this is gone , all joy dies ; and should I not do thus ? yes , else you never felt comfort of it : but not only rejoyce here , but when the beam is gone , the Lord is not gone , Rom. 7. ult. when the bottles are spent , the spring is full .

4. He that performs any duty ultimately to ease his conscience , Sign 4. he is married yet unto the Law , for there are two sorts of duties to the Law .

1. Some are directed to give Christ content to ease his heart , by seeing Gods love in Christ , then love being shed , the heart sheds it on Christ again : and thus saith the Apostle , I through the Law am dead to it , that I might live to God , Gal. 2. 19.

2. Some are to give the soul ease , it sees sin , and fears it must dye and the Devil appears , and when it lies down , it fears it shall never awaken again ; and when it hears , thinks no mercy , but only threats belong to it : and hence having no peace of conscience to think God will love it , it loves duties , doth duties , and now takes these for good tokens and signs of love , and if it feels a need of Christ , 't is only to ease it . Now a man is married to the Law , when he crouds for ease into the bosome of it , Deut. 5. 27. they were in great fear , Whatever God will have us do , we will do it : is it not thus with many ? How shall we know this ?

Answ. Dost find this while fears and terrors of conscience are on thee , so long thou dost seek , and pray , and he●r , and call on God , and when they are worn away by time , or blown over with feeling some good things , and hopes from them , then thy heart is careless again ; 't is certain you are yet married to the Law : as many a man exceeding forward while prest under sense of sin for a year or two . Lord ! how many hundreds drop away by little and little afterwards ? Deut. 5. 29. Oh that there were such a heart alway . Mat. 3. 7. to 13. they saw a wrath to come , hence feared , and hence came to Iohns Baptism to repent and confesse him .

5. No man that is married to the Law , Sign 5. but his fig-leaves ever cover some nakedness ; all the duties ever broodsome lust : there is some one sin or other the man lives in , which either the Lord discovers , and he will not parwith , as the young man , or else is so spiritual he cannot see all his life-time ; read through the strictest of all , and see this , Mat. 23. Painted Sepulchres : Paul that was blamelesse , yet Eph. 2. 3. Tit. 3. 3. served divers lusts and pleasures , and the reason is , the Law is not the ministration of the Spirit , 2 Cor. 3. 8 , 9. which breaks off from every sin , Isai. 1. 11 there is no saw that can give ●ife , Gal. 3. 21. And hence many men have strong resolutions , and break all again ; hence men sin , and sorrow , and pray again , and then go with more ease in their sin ; examine thy self , is there any living lust with thy righteousnesse , 't is sure 't is a righteousnesse thou art married to , and never wert yet match'd to Christ ; hence note thy self , it may be thou hast rested in duties , and since more light came , saw it ; and seeing this , thinking that here is all thy errour , thou hast laboured to see the emptinesse of thy own Righteousnesse , and the fulnesse of Christ , and now thou art come to both , and now well . So then thou hast not found out any lust thou livest in all that time ; nor the 〈◊〉 of thy old nature : no ; why then I pronounce thou art yet ma●●ied to the Law , take and trust never so much to Christs righteousnesse , 〈…〉 the power of a proud heart , an unclean heart still , never speak of Christ .

6. They that are fearful to be troubled at their estate to have it prove ill , Sign 6. which a Saint may do , yet brings it out to the light at last , Iohn 3. 20. When a Woman is married to a condemned man , guilt being upon him , he loves not to be seen abroad in the sight of others ; thou hearest a Sermon , and art loath it should be found out , loath to be troubled ; he that hath righteousnesse in Christ will not only bring it to tryal , before men , but God himself . Now is it thus with any of you ? what shall I say ? shall I say that Christ is or may be thine in this estate ●●uly if I durst I should ; bless thy self thou maist : but remember that the Lord will take thee to do for it ; and what is it to lose communion with Christ , I cannot express it . The Disciples were sad when he went away from them in his abasement , but for the Lord to leave thee , when in his glory , to stand a far off and see him go , never to see him more , when no tears shall ever prevail again ; Therefore if thou hast been found out this day , confess and give glory to God , and let thine eyes be tears , that Christ would overcome and draw thy soul with love , and espouse thee to himself for ever .

CHAP. VI. Containing Motives and Arguments to perswade us unto the Love of Christ , and to be Espoused to him .

IS there no communion to be had with the Lord Jesus , Use 3. unlesse Virgins ? unlesse espoused to him ? Oh therefore here is a match for you , chuse him , get your affections , if entangled , to come off if ensnared to any other thing , and set your hearts , bestow your love upon him . For 't is not a dead Faith , ( but such a faith as is animated by love ) that doth espouse you to him , Gal. 5. 6. Faith which works by love . And therefore as the love of other things ( not worth looking after ) hath got the soveraignty and royalty of thy heart , so this is a conjugal love , when it bears rule in the heart ; let Christ have this love . And as you have loved creatures for themselves , now love the Lord Jesus for himself . And as they have easily enticed you to set your hearts upon them , now be perswaded to set your dearest affections on him . It s said of Iohn Baptist , he was the Bride-groom's Friend , to speak for him , Iohn 3. 29. And truly 't is the main work of the Ministry , to wooe for Christ ; and so to present chast Virgins to Christ . This shall be my work now , which may be seasonable in this decaying time . Therefore I shall chiefly bend my speech to three sorts .

1. To them that never yet loved the Lord Jesus , unlesse it be from the teeth outward .

2. Those that have been striving for this , yet cannot to their own feeling come to this .

3. Those that have so , but their affections are dried up , and love is parched away , iniquity abounds , &c. And my Motives shall be these four ,

1. Consider the Glory of the person , whom I shall be a spokes-man for this day .

2. Consider he makes love to thee .

3. Consider that all he seeks for is love .

4. Consider what he will do for thee , how he will love thee , if thou wilt love him .

SECT. I.

1. COnsider the Glory of the person , for whom I plead for love . What can you love besides him ? Where can you find any like unto him ? I know the Glory of the Lord is not revealed , because the grasse withers not , the flower fades not , the creature appears not in his withering vanity , Isa. 40. But if the Lord would but open your eyes , to see him , this would win your hearts alone to him .

Now I shall single out only these five things , to give you a glimpse of his Glory . Lift up thy heart , and say , Lord hide not now thy face from me .

1. He is the Prince of the Kings of the earth , Rev. 1. 5. The glory of the world is a Kingdom , the glorious Diamond of that Kingdom is a Prince in his Glory ; now for a poor Beggar to have an offer of love from the greatest Prince in the world , would it not tempt her ? Would she not forsake her lovers , and set her heart on him ? Why look what a distance there is between the poorest Peasant and the highest Prince , so base , and a thousand times more are all the Princes of the world to Christ , whose Dominion is from sea to sea , from Sun to Sun , who sets up and puls down Kings like Counters , who rules their Courts , their Kingdoms , their hearts , and they do not do , they cannot do , but what he will . Other Kings are Princes , are Rulers of men , Christ Prince of Kings . Now who would not be glad of his love ? who having tasted death , is set down on the right hand of God , on high , cloathed with endlesse Glory , who hath Kings in his chaines , whose breath is not in his nostrils , whose favour is not for a day , but he lives and reignes for ever . Now doth Christ reign ? Is he a Lord , and in Glory upon his Throne ? Methinks I see Jesus at the right hand of God , your foolish affections have undone you if you love him not .

2. He is appointed by the Father to be Judge of quick and dead , at the last day , Iohn 5. 22 , 23. as well as to rule all now . So that if you do maintain enmity against him , he may let you alone , you may live in health , and die in peace , in the eye of man , and in thine own eyes too : Yet there is a day coming he will break out of Heaven with a shout , and appear in the clouds in the amazing Glory of his Father , with all his mighty Angels , and all the dead shall hear his voice , and you shall appear before him with this body , when the Heavens shall burn round about him , and the earth shall tremble under him , and all guilty eyes mourning and wayling because of him . Then you shall know what 't is to despise him , and wish , oh that I had loved him , Rev. 1. 7. You that say you love him , yet by an im●enitent heart pierce him , you shall wayl , even so , Amen . Men do not see an end of these things , not the Glory of the Lord another day . Hence creatures are loved , and the Lord of Glory is loathed . A great Prince may not be so highly esteemed , untill he appears in his state . Prisoners would give any mony , much more love , for the Judges Favour .

3. He only is the procuter and author of all the good that ever thou didst suck out here , though thou hast neither known him , not been thankful to him . For look as it was with Angels , so it should have been with man ; the wrath of God should have been poured out upon him , and on all the world , and creatures should have been tormentors of him , but that the Lord Jesus begged and bought the world . And hence , 1 Tim. 4. 10. called Saviour of all , but chiefly of the Elect. Micah 4. 4. In his daies men shall sit under Vines and Fig-trees : So that if ever any creature did thee good , it was Jesus that put that sweetnesse in it , out of his fulnesse , and set it awork , sent it to thee , gave it thee to do thee good . Thou shouldst never have had win● of sleep , never restrained from one sin , but lived in blaspheming God , never hàve heard of a Gospel but for Christ : And will you not love him ? Oh ungrateful world ! unnatural generation of men ! Why dost love any creature ? 'T is for the paint of it and good in it . If there be so much in it , what is there in Christ that gave it , that dropt it into it ? Never love him if there be any thing good that is not by him , Psal. 116. 1. The Lord hath heard my prayer , I will call on him as long as I live . Much more when the Lord hath delivered , and thou didst never seek to him .

4. He is the everlasting wonderment of Saints in Heaven ; the Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon , which made her come to see him , but she before imagined but that which now she saw with her own eyes , and that wrapt her out of her self . Here we hear of the Lord Jesus , of his beauty and glory , and this draws Saints to him , and when come , they see that which they never saw before , especially when in Heaven : then fall down in everlasting admiration at this mystery , for the blessedness of Saints is to see Christ in his glory , Iohn 17. 24. Now this lies in an infinite good , this cannot be seen in a finite time : hence Saints shall be piercing their eyes deeper and deeper into this mystery , and shall ever see more and more , but never see all , and this is their joy and glory in Heaven ; Is it so ? what think you , is Christ worthy of your love or no ? look upon all the glory of the field of this world , you may see an end of all perfection , but never here .

5. He is the delights and bosome love of God himself , Prov. 8. 30. Hence Iohn when he came to set Christ out , Iohn 3. 35. The Father loveth the Son . Now is it so , surely though you see not , taste not this good , yet there 't is ; now tell me if this person do not challenge love ! would you not be glad to have him ? you will say , can he look upon such a VVretch , embrace such a Leper as I ? no surely he will never do it .

SECT. II.

2. COnsider he makes love to thee , not one soul that hears me this day , but the Lord Jesus is a Suitor unto , that now you would be espoused to him : He came unto his own , and they received him not . Whatever the secret purpose of Christ is , I regard not : In this Evangelical dispensation of Grace , he makes love to all , Iohn 1. 12. 'T is clear , Mat. 22. 2 , 3. If there be a Gospel in the world , there is this love of Christ yearning towards all ; especially all that have this Gospel of peace sent to them , Luke 2. 10. 'T is tidings of great joy to all people , as Law is tidings of great sorrow to all people , Luke 2. 14. Angels from Heaven preacht this good will towards men . For if the challenge of love from men should be founded on his actual love to some , having died for some , then the offer would be particular . But 't is grounded , 1. On his own worth and Glory , and hence he challengeth love . 2. On this , for ought I know he hath loved me . So that thou art not so vile , but the Lord Jesus his heart is toward thee , and his eye is upon thee for love . But 't is not all love , but only some that overcomes .

1. Now 't is real love . 2. Fervent love , 3. Constant. 4. Pure love he makes to thee .

1. 'T is real love , when the Gospel and Ministers seek for love , the Lord is real in his desires , there is no collusion or dissembling , 2 Cor. 5. 20. in Christs stead , He that receiveth you , receiveth me ; thou thinkest the Lord cares not for thee , not doth not desire thee though he doth others : but

1. Either the Lord would have thee loath him , or love him ; what think you ?

2. If the Lord did not really make love to thee , he would not be really angry for rejecting of this love , but the Lord is really angry for rejecting it , and wroth with nothing so much as that , Psal. 2. 12. here he swears in his wrath , Psal. 95. 11. when he opens his bosom for thee to rest in , and thou wilt not .

3. Look but upon the dealings of God with thee : 1. Hast not oft thought some in Hell better than thee ? why the ruine of millions of men is to win love from thee , Ier. 3. 8 , 9 , 10. 2. Hath not the Lord sent many a mercy to thee , not one but was to win thee , Psal. 81. 10 , 11 , 12. 3. Hath not the Lord with-held many from thee , as here in this wildernesse , Ier. 3. 3 , 4. 4. Hath not the Lord sent many sorrows , terrors , fears , cares , wearisome businesses that thou hast wished an end of life ? this is love , Hos. 2. 6. 5. Hath not the Lord moved thy heart many a time-toward him by perswasions , arguments which have a power to move the heart , this is love , Hos. 11. 4. Cords of a man . 6. Hath not the Lord oft melted thy heart for mercies , as David when he might have killed Saul ; truly you may feel his love which is much towards you ; that which keeps off thy heart from love , is , the Lord intends it not to me , he is not plain with me . But he sends to thee his plain Gospel which thou art to attend unto ; and he takes fittest seasons to speak to thee now in the time of thy heath : and doth he not oft visit thy heart when thou art alone ?

2. 'T is servent , vehement , earnest love : sometimes a Suitor is real , but he is not earnest ; now thus the Lord is : 1. The Lord longs for this , Deut. 5. 29. 2. Pleads for this , Ier. 2. 5. What iniquity , &c. 3. Thinks long for this time , Ier. 13. 27. Ierusalem will not be made clean when shall it once be ? 4. Mourns when he hath not this , Ezek. 6. 9. Broken with their whorish heart . 5. Content to give away any thing for it , all the love of Christ is founded on this . 6. If thou comest not presently , he is content to wait that he may be gracious .

3. 'T is constant and continual , there is not a moment , thou dost not so oft breath , as thou maist see and taste love , Isai. 27. 3. Isai. 65. 2. 1. After all thy whorish departing from God , that if man should do so , no man would own , yet he saith , Return to me : thou seest never a creature but thou hast loved more than Christ , yet return . 2. When God threatens most terribly , and sets his fury on record , yet then there he minds nothing but love , Ier. 36. 2 , 3. 3. When none else will own and pitty thee thou art so vile , yet Ezek. 16. 2 , 3. the Lord saith live , then is a time of love . 4. Nay when thou hast cast away thy self as a forlorn creature , yet Hos. 14. 3. In thee the Fatherless find mercy . 5. When he hath thee in his arms , ready to give thee up , yet then , How shall I give thee up O Ephraim , Hos. 11. 8. I tell thee if one sparkle of his eternal blasting displeasure should fall upon thee , it would be so intollerable that it would sink thee ; his love is as strong as death , no water can quench it ; oh 't is not so with man , or great men , once repulsed is enough : why should the Lord do so here ? many think time is past , 't is not so , 't is the temptation of them that have time , not of them that want it ; take heed this make thee not despise him .

4. 'T is a pure love , others make love for their own ends , but the Lord hath no need of thee , or of thy love : he could raise up of stones children of praise , he could have gone to others , he could have and can fetch his glory out of thy ruine : he was blessed before all worlds ; and by all thy sins thou dost but throw stones against the wind , or snow-balls against the Sun : why doth he do it ? O 't is thy good , he pitties thee as once Ierusalem , to look upon thy destruction and desolation : as 't is with the Elect , they have wrath before their eyes , and hence perswade others , so the Lord Jesus .

SECT. III.

3. COnsider 't is nothing else but love the Lord looks for , or cares for . Love looks for nothing but love , Prov. 8. 17. and this is the end of all Election , to be holy before him in love : and mark it , if it be a stayed love , that constrain● thee to him , you cannot wrong him : As if thou come and perswade one to murder his Child , he cannot ; so if perswaded to despise , oh bowels of heart-breaking love , 2 Cor. 5. And surely 't is admirable love ; What if it were thy Goods ; thy Isa●● to be sacrificed , thy body to be burned , it was nothing , but he desires only love , only thy heart which hath forged so much villany against him : let him never be called upon , or professed , if not worthy of this . After all , is this all ? yes , no Portion he cares for , and when he hath this he hath all . Wonder at this O Angels !

SECT. IV.

4. COnsider what he will do for thee , how he will love thee , if thou wilt thus love him .

1. He will set thee next himself in honour , Psalm 45. 9. that as the Lord Jesus is next to God , sits at his right hand : so here , which is an honour that the Angels have not , who are no where called Christs Spouse : hence never had such an union , hence never shall partake of that honour of Saints .

2. He will enrich thee , as 't is with Man and Wife , all that he hath is hers : so himself , and all his glory , his God , his Father , his Kingdom is thine , Prov. 8. 21. they that love me inherit something , others nothing : no , nothing indeed , only shews of good , and they find it so when they awake , nothing their own , nothing long : that let thy outward man , yea thy inward be never so poor , thou shalt by him be heir of all .

3. He will cousel thee : hence David , Psal. 73. made choice of God , Thou wilt guìde me by thy counsel ; no greater curse than to be left to the guidance of a mans own counsel : but here there shall not be any strait , but the Lord will shew thee a way out of it , either by his prudence or providence ; there shall not be any secret of Christ that thou desirest to know , but as Christ told them , You are my Friends , so you are my Spouse : hence all his secrets shall be opened to thee : there shall not be one act of thy life , but ordered by infinite prudence , and wisdom , and love ; sometimes we are befooled in our own counsels , and left to them to teach us to depend on the Lord the more , yet thereby shall come out such good , that it shall be among us as with Iosephs Brethren .

4. He will dwell with thee as a man must dwell with his Wife , Iohn 14. 23. that the great Mediator that passeth by Kings and Princes , and will not look on them , should come and dwell with thee : this is better than to have the presence of Kings , the guard of Angels , better than Heaven it self , that he should dwel where is nothing worthy to entertain him , only something to grieve him . Now this is ,

1. A constant assistance of the Spirit , that let the Soul go where he will , be brought to never so low an ebb , yet Christ will not out , but some stirrings , sighings , lookings , pantings after Christ ; when heart and strength fail , yet God , &c. when ready to give all for lost , then consider as Psal. 73. 2. If he doth depart , he will not be loug but return again : and those that know his affection , know it so to be , Isai. 54. for a little moment , &c. so the Lord may depart , and when his presence is a little more esteemed , come again with everlasting mercies : as a man may know many weaknesses by his Wife , yet she having not bestowed her heart on any other , he will return : so if thou canst say , yet I am the Lords , he will return .

5. He will rejoyce in thee and over thee , Zeph. 3. 17. as a Bridegroom doth over the Bride : Not because of any beauty in thee , for there is none , but because given in marriage of the Father , and for his own sake . This day thou shalt no sooner set thy heart on Christ , but he falls in love with thee , and will take thee with joy ; thou thinkest he will be angry if thou closest with him and love him , no , it will be the joy of Heaven , of Jesus Christ himself .

6. He will exceedingly comfort thee ; and look as 't is with tender husbands , then they comfort most when most sorrowes be●ide them , for who could endure his wife should be alway drooping ? So even then when nothing doth or can comfort thee , the Lord will , Isa. 54. 6. For the Lord doth not alway comfort , but when in need , as it was with the Patriarchs , Then God appeared , when they were at worst ; and these are abundant comforts , 2 Cor. 1. 3 , 4 , 5. You shall not need to scramble for it as many do , whose hearts do not love Christ in truth as yet .

7. He will put up all Wrongs , and bear exceedingly with thee Many think even when God hath sealed love to them , if any little sin be committed , then they are cast off ; no , if under the Law so indeed , but when espoused to him , 't is not weaknesses , nor wilfulnesse can make the Lord cast thee away , but he will heal the one , and afflict thee for ( yet not cast thee off ) for the other , Psal. 89. 33. My loving kindnesse will I never take away . Yea , he will forgive both , Luke 7. 47. Much forgiven because she loved much . Nay , thy wrongs shall be an occasion to make him love thee more , Rom. 5. Where sin abounds , Grace abounds .

8. He will never part with thee , Hos. 2. 19. Once love him , and he will never lose thee .

1. No sin shall part thee and him ; for Christ when he enters into marriage covenant , doth not suspend his love on our Grace or Holinesse , then he might leave quickly , but on his own Grace to wash away out filthinesse , Eph. 5. 25 , 26. If a husband marries a woman only for so long as she is in health , then when sicknesse comes he may depart . But è contra , if to take away her sicknesses , then they cannot hinder : Nothing but Adultery can part ; Now that they cannot do , for nothing breaks , till covenant is broken : And the covenant here is everlasting , and so undertaken for by the Lord that it can never be broken .

2. No miseries can , Rom. 8. 35 , 36 , 37. Can tribulation ? It makes man leave us , but this is peculiar to Christ , he will not leave .

3. Death cannot , it must part man and wife , though loved never so dearly before ; but here not ; but then he will come himself and fetch thee , Iohn 14. 1 , 2 , 3. Take thy soul to the Bride-chamber , there to be with him for ever and ever , and he will keep the dust of thy blessed body , and not lose one dust of it , and at the last day raise it ; and then when others shall cry out Yonder is him whom I have grieved , then shalt thou lift up thy head , Yonder comes my husband to comfort me , to crown me , that I may dwell with him . It shall be the blessed day to thee . And when judgement is done , thou shalt go with thy beloved from the air up to Hewen with a shout , and live in his love and dearest embracings of thee , and this he will do for thee so poor and vile in thine own eyes ? Now will you have him ? and that now , or no ?

SECT. V.

1. IF the Lord be so desirous of me , Object. 1. why doth he not overcome me ?

If the Lord doth it , Answ. 't is by these cords of love , and if not , the brand of a reprobate is upon thee .

2. But I do love him already . Object. 2.

Is it with such a love as makes you unable to resist him ? Answ. to wrong him ? as the Apostle said , We cannot speak against the Truth , but for it ; for if not 't is naught . There is a natural love to Christ , as to one that doth thee good , and for thine own ends ; and spirituall for himself , whereby the Lord only is exalted : H●st thou this ?

3. But I do not have Christ . Object. 3.

If any man do not love him with a positive love , Answ. let him be Anathema .

4. I cannot love him . Object. 4.

1. What canst thou love else ? Answ. 2. Thou canst not love him so well as thou shouldst , therefore close with him , and love will follow . 3. Get the Lord to overcome thy heart , Ier. 3. 19.

How shall I do it ? Quest.

1. Set him before thee ? Who will commit lewdnesse while her husband look● on ? Answ. Psal. 16. 8.

2. See what content thou givest Christ by love : Smallest duties coming from love are accepted . What makes thee wrong him to please thy self ? Let a thing crosse thee , yet it con●ents Christ Jesus .

3. Get him , and wait by Faith on him to overcome thy heart , and the work is done then . Now will you do this or no ? If not say then you have had a fair offer , and tell the Devils so , when thou goest down to Hell , as it may be thou maiest ere long . Men talk of terrible Sermons , but these sink deepest . Tell me , dost thou love the lord only ? Wil 't keep lusts or Christ alone ? If so , then look to it . In this Countrey a woman killed her child , and she said , when she did it , her child smiled upon her . Wilt thou kick Christs love now when he smiles upon thee . Afterward shee repented , but it was too late . Women when they have a mind to some other , murder their husbands , but if known ; burnt they must be . But wilt have him and love him alone ? Oh if perswaded to this , then happy for ever . Let this day be the beginning of eternal Glory to thy soul , and the God of peace be with thee .

CHAP. VII . Sheweth that a man hath no power in himself to do any spiritual work , but that he must receive all from Christ .

4. HEnce we see a necessity , Use 4. if ever we look to have communion with Christ , to do all spiritual work , all we do ( Theologice ) from the mighty power of Christ , from the life and Spirit of Christ . To bring forth no Spirituall Act but from Christ , and for Christ , ( I shall put both in one , and the latter into the first ; for none act truly from him but it is for him ) for you know if a woman bring forth children to any other but her own husband , that woman hath lost her chastity : So when men shall bring forth the fruits of obedience to any other , from any other , but from Christ , they lose their virginity , their chastity , without which no communion with Christ . For I have ever made two parts or degrees of Christian chastity , ( as 't is in outward chastity . )

1. The soul sets its chief affections on Christ alone , that look as 't is with a woman , though she cannot do much , nor deserve his love , yet her heart is with him , her self is his , Cant. 6. 3. I am my Beloveds .

2. The soul b●ings forth fruits of love only unto Christ , i. e. from Christ and for Christ , as in marriage the woman brings forth fruit of her womb to her Husband ; and this is set down plainly , Rom. 7. 4. The first we have handled . Now a little of this . And that I may presse this which is of much use to you , give me leave to expresse my self in these Conclusions .

SECT. I.

THat all men living nakedly considered in themselves , Concl. 1. have l●st all power to do any thing that is good , Rom. 3. 12. None that doth good , 1. His light is quite extinct , and his eyes quite out : hence said to sit in darknesse , and the shadow of death , Mat. 4 ▪ 16. now a shadow is a privation of some light , this of all light , hence called darknesse it self ; take the blindest Indian , he is a witnesse of this truth , and a right picture of a soul fallen from God : hence because he cannot see , he cannot do , 1 Cor. 2. 14. 2. All that life he had to act well is lost too , Eph. 2. 1. he is dead in trespasses and sins : he cannot breath , not speak , nor think , nor do one thing that is good : I say nakedly considered in himself . And hence look upon a man quite forsaken of God in Hell , there you may see as in a lively looking-glass what every man living is when the Lord leaves him : he can blaspheme him , he cannot love him , he can contemn God , he cannot esteem him : he can wish there were no God to punish him : he cannot submit unto God , though he leaves the most heavy load upon him , and you see not your selves untill you see your selves here , and see your selves thus .

SECT. II.

THat unto some men especially , nay unto all men almost , though vile , yet more or lesse the Lord gives a power to act , Concl. 2. and live , and move , and to do many spiritual duties , or good duties from themselves For as there is a bredth in the wayes of Grace , that every Christian hath not the like measure of Grace , so there is a bredth or latitude in the wayes of sin : every sinner breaks not forth into the like measure of sin , but some are far better than others ; as the three grounds that were bad , yet one better than another . Now how comes this about ? why , the Lord gives that power to act ( as all the knowledg of a God ) by the light of Nature ( falsly so called ) this is the work of God , Rom. 1. 19. Hence all terrors , and comforts , and duties of Conscience are all from God : so the Historical Faith of the Gospel which many have , and so to confesse and professe no salvation but by Christ , together with a readinesse to dye in defence of this truth and Religion , and joy from this , and reformation of life upon this , none of these are natural to this soyl of a mans soul , but all are planted there by God , 1 Cor. 12. 2 , 3. and so that man can act according to the Law , be strict in Sabbaths , frequent in Fastings and Prayers , &c. 't is from God , Rom. 10. 2. And why doth the Lord work this ? 't is else no living in the world among men , and because Christ is the politicum caput , and hath bought all men in the world to be his servants , hence gives them gifts which he turns for the good of his people : but yet this is the nature of all these abilities , that a man acts from the strength and power of them , not from Christ , Mi● . 4. 5. Other Nations will walk in the name , &c. and the reason is ,

1. Because every man is under the guidance either of the first or second Covenant , and power of either : now as the power of the second Covenant is to draw a man out of himself to another , and so to make him act from another : so the power of the First is to drive a man into himself by terrors , and fears , and hopes , and rewards , and so to enable him to act from himself ; hence 't is impossible but they must act ever from themselves .

And 2. Because though many good Gifts , and moral vertues may be said to be supernatural , i. e. above the power of Nature to work , yet never above the improvement of nature : for let God work never so many good things in men , nature , i e an ill stomack when diseased , is strongest , there Nature turns all into the humor , and so a man dyes at last ; so the power of sin in Nature being more powerful than any Grace which by common work is given it . ever turns that Grace into it self , and leads it into captivity , bondage , and service of it self ; so that there is never a Grace but 't is made to serve some lust , as in Iehu , in Iudas , &c. and God complains , Isai. 43. 24. So this I say is the case of thousands unregenerate , who can do many good things , but from themselves , which God 〈◊〉 wrought to : and hence many a child of God hath been long ●indred from conversion , and others not converted at all , because they have thought wicked mon whom God minds to damn , are such as have no good , nor do no good , ●● if they do , they have it not from God ; but 't is not so with me , for I have and do many good things , which I acknowledg come from God , and I thank God I am not as other men . Now mark , 't is true , nakedly considered no good could come from unregenerate men , but yet the Lord gives power to many to do , so the Lord hath done to thee , and thou hast been thankful for it . And this is common , many account themselves great sinners , but yet they can believe : many say they can do little , but their desire and will at worst is to do : tell them these are not right , unlesse they come from the Lord , they will say the Lord doth all , and they acknowledg it , and so I believe , and 't is true , but 't is not such a work of the Lord as is peculiar to the Elect , because when the Lord hath wrought these , you act only from them , and hence never feel a want of these , for the Lord never yet wrought any Grace in his people , but after they have had it , and tasted of it , he hath more or lesse deserted them , and so hath made them feel a want of it , and made them fetch it again with sighs , and groans , and tears ; now it hath never been so with thee .

SECT. III.

THat it 's most pleasing to man , and agreeable to his nature to act only from himself : Concl. 3. As it was with the Prodigal , he desired his Stock in his own hands , and while any thing lasted , he would never come home ; and hence those , Iohn 6. 28. What shall we do to work the works of God : and when Christ spake of Faith , they were stumbled there , insomuch that divers did forsake him .

1. Because mans acting from himself is best able to attain his own ends , to which you know a man is gently and necessarily carried : for no man out of Christ , but his own ends draw him ; now Christ crosseth a mans own ends , and to live on him is to live on him that will confound them of their own ends , or else no life there : Hence they live from themselves . As 't is with a Crafts-man , or Artificer , propounding the gain or credit they may get by being excellent in their Trade , may by their own study and frequency of acts , grow dexterous , and very skilful at last , and hence delight in it , so here , profession and practise of Religion may be a mans trade which he may drive for his own ends and gain , and hence may desire to be excellent , and by endeavour be excellent , and profit exceedingly in many excellent endowments : hence he acts and works for himself , Rom. 1. 14.

2. Because a man naturally knows not how to fetch it from Christ from Heaven , Rom. 10. 3. Hence 't is with them as with a Child cast off by the Father , and put to some hard Master , because they have no Father to maintain them , they most live as they are , and do as well as they can . A man comes to pray , knows not how to fetch strength from Christ , and he must pray , and hence prayes as well as he can .

3. Because it 's so hard a thing to live upon another , it 's easie and sweet to a spiritual heart , but most difficult to any carnal heart , Iohn 6. Christ tells them they must eat his flesh , they say , who then can be saved , and many departed . Men had rather make holes , and keep water in their own house , than have it far to fetch , and when they come to fetch it , to bestow such strength in drawing of it .

4. Because every man thinks he loves and care ▪ for himself be ●● , and sees no God nor Christ caring for or loving of him more than himself ; Hence a man plots for himself , and lives for himself , and all from himself . As when Iosephs Brethren saw their Brother , then they came down and lived upon him , before they came to him indeed , but with their mony , to live of themselves . And thus it was with the young man , Sell all and have riches in Heaven : No , he loved himself , and cared for himself better than so ; hence would not commit and give away all to Christ .

5. Because whatever a man doth from himself , ei●her 't is good , or he thinks it so , or hopes if not , God will accept it . Some evil in it perhaps , but he hath his allowances which will make it go , some good desire● o● Faith in Christ , and hence hopes if not thinks God will accept of what comes from himself . As , Prov. 21. 2. All a mans waies are right in his own eyes . And truly Nature and Satan have ever been Imitators and Ape● of God , to forge and make Grace like true Grace , hence deceived . This being pleasing to men , is the practice of most men , yea , all men out of Christ . And this is one great part of the inward , secret , subtil , spiritual whoredom of the soul. Thus men may force sorrow , when yet there is little true sorrow , and so in other cases .

SECT. VII .

THat all these works though good in themselves , Concl. 4. yet are most vile before the Lord ; as Christ speaks of the Pharisees , Its abomination in the sight of God , which is glorious before man , Luke 16. 15.

1. Because hereby the soul deprives Christ of the end of his coming ; for all men having lost the stock and power to live , the Lord hence will trust no man with it again ; hence puts it into a surer and better hand , that thither poor , blind , dead creatures might fly for life , & when they are there , live there like ●ees on their hony , Iohn 6. 27. & 17. 23. He might never have looked after you , and will you despise him now ? What folly and unkindnesse is this , that when your pits are dry , and bottles empty , and souls miserable here , you will not ( I do not say sip ) when water runs by your door , but not live .

2. Because whatever come● from self , it s ever for self . A man can do nothing from himself , but his last end is self . As 't is with water-works , they rise no higher than the spring , Gen. 11. 4. This Babel I have built , Dan. 4. 30. And a man that hath but common Grace , look as by vertue of that Grace , or gift of God , he may act for God , because it came from God ; so nature and sin being mo●e powerful than that Grace , hence he never so acts for God , but in the last place acts for it self , as in Iehu : And so a man makes himself his own Go● .

3. Because whatever a man doth from himself , he will grow proud of it , Rom. 4. Not of works , lest any man should boast . Hence I●ab sent to David to take the City that he might have the Crown . This robs Christ of the Glory .

4. Because whatever work is not done by vertue of the Lord Jesus , is a dead work , which a living God , and a living Christ , and a living Spirit lo●th , Heb. 9. 14. Sprinkle your Consciences from dead works . Deadly works are sins , dead works are good works done , but not from the principle of the life of Faith , but life of Nature . Now as Conscience is the principle of the life of Nature . So Christ is the principle of a Christian life , Col. 3. 1 Iohn 5. 10 , 11 , 12. For 't is not sanctification that is the principle of life , but the life it self that flows from it , as from union of soul and body , the soul is not the life but the principle of it , hence as soon as it s out , the body is dead : So , &c. And do you not find it thus , whenas you do many duties , how tedious , wearison are they ? yet must be done , this is a dead work . What comfort , what peace is there , when you have done them ? because not from life .

5. Because what come ▪ from self , comes from all sin , 't is dipt and dyed , and tainted and poysoned with all sin in a manner . Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean ?

6. Because when a man will act from himself , and not suffer Christ to act for him , he will not have Christ to reign over him , he pu●● down the Kingdom of God that should be within him . For when a man professeth Christ is King of his Church , he is now a King in name : When a man feels an impossibility to rule himself , and hence desireth and chuseth Christ to rule , now Christ is a King by choice : When the soul after this choice , depends on Christ for what he chose him for , and the Lord works , now Christ is a King indeed . Now if you will not have the Lord to reign over you , you will be found enemies to the Lords Kingdom .

SECT. V.

HEnce it will follow , The soul is to act wholly and only from the Lord Iesus Christ , Con●l . 5. and whatever fruits of love it shows to Christ , to bring them forth from Christ . Which doth not only concern them that never yet knew Christ , and yet pride up themselves in what they have and do , but those that be in Christ in a special manner . For Iohn 15. 2. Every Branch in me that brings not forth fruit . 'T is not meant of one indeed in Christ , for he shall bring forth fruit , but every branch , i. e. by outward profession , so that it brings not forth fruit , but appears fair , and deceives man , God will cast away : And without me , even ye Disciples can do nothing .

1. How is the soul to act from Christ only , Quest. 1. when it hath life , especially the elect ?

2. By what means may this be done , Quest. 2. to get and keep this chastity ?

First , How is the soul to act from Christ alone when there is sanctification within ? Quest. 1.

1. If the soul feel no power to act from Grace received , Answ. 1. as Saints somtimes do , either after Gods deserting them , or their forsaking God long , or after some hardning sin ; then 't is clear the soul in this case is ( though not in a way of carelesseness ) to depend upon the Lord Jesus , that he would quicken and help . As David after his grosse fall , Lord create in me a clean heart . And Isa. 63. 17. Why hast thou hardned our hearts from thy fear ? Oh return ! In this case the soul is not to bring the soul to God , but God to the soul. As many a Christian cannot prize not love the Lord not his waies , he is not to say , I will bring my soul and o●fer it to him ; but look to the Lord that he would raise up my dead affections again . As the Centurion of his Servant , Speak the word , &c. Christ marveiled at his Faith . Men think when they feel nothing , that they must and can work it out ; and hence comes one of these three things .

1. Either the soul cannot love Christ when it sees such Lawes it cannot submit to . And hence a Christian once said to me , If the least thing was left for me to do of my self , I could not love Christ ; but now that when brought low and can do nothing , he brings all the help we need . This makes the Spouse go to the bosom of her Husband , Psal. 116. 6 , 7. Or else ,

2. It cannot do it , for corruption in a Saint is too hard for his Grace , I am but a child , and thy people many , 1 Kings 3. 7. Hence he must be strong in the Lord .

Or 3. If it do , it never hath any peace in what it doth , the duties never so well done . Whereas otherwise the poorest duty done from Christ , witnesse Heb. 11. 4 , 5. as a child bego● of the Father , he will own , but other children not . If any poor tired heart that hea●s me this day , thou hast been making thy Brick , and promises and vowes will not help , now away to the Lord , if ever help now 't is when most helplesse .

2. If you can do any thing savingly good , the soul is bound now ( by the power of Faith ) to stir up it self to act , though not to trust to it alone , for somtimes the soul hath the regenerate part uppermost , and the prevailing Spirit of God , Psal. 21. 3. which comes to him , and gives it power to act before the soul come to it . Now a man is bound to act , because 't is from Christ now . Hence Timothy was to stir up the gift , 2 Tim. 1. 6. Hence complained of them Isa. 64. 8. None stir up himself to take hold on the Lord . A man must stir up himself to believe , as well as other Graces , hence the Kingdom of Heaven is taken with violence , and though corruption is stronger than Grace , yet Grace assisted with the Spirit , is stronger than it , which is never quite out of the soul , but 't is in the soul , 1 Iohn 4. 4. Stronger is he that is in you . And 't is said professedly , He purgeth himself , and keepeth himself , the evil one toucheth him not , 1 John 5. 18. But mark , trust not barely t● this , but when you do this , withall remember , Lord I cannot hold out in this unlesse thou dost help me : But know , Isa. 26. The Lord is the rock of my strength . And if you by the Spirit mortifie , &c. Rom. 8. 13. Therefore ever hold up sailes , but look for a wind . And if a man be not to do this , then when any sinful temptation comes , if a man do not find the Spirit and strength ready at hand to help , if he be not to stir up himself against it , he is to suffer himself to be carried down by it . Hence a man may neglect all duties a long time , if he do not find the Spirit assisting , if so be a man must not stir himself up , and so ( will some say ) a man may . May ? What shall I say to such sluggish soul , but sleep on ? But know it , the Lord will awaken thee , when you shall say , Oh that I had improved the Talent I had ! And if you do find Christ in such a condition , know it they be but the last visits of Christ before he departs . You can do more than you do , and the Lord will have you do it .

But I cannot do it for good ends without Christ . Obj.

Yet do the thing as far as you can , else if you owe another a debt , Answ. and will not pay , because not for a good end , that excuse will not serve : So you owe the Lord your lives , your spirits , your abilities ; lay them out for the Lord , though evil be in them , be humbled for that . Is this good requital to say you find your hearts dead in prayer , and God must do all , and there leave it ?

3. You are to expect and look for power from the Lord Jesus in the use of means , all known means : For Faith fetcheth all from Christ , hence we must go thither where Christ is to be found , and he dwells in his House , in his Ordinances : Therefore there you must depend upon him . As 't is with a Merchant , he wades not over the Sea for Pearls , but gets into his ship , and there he sits still , so here , Mat. 13. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a Merchant man . Hence you that know you can do nothing , being under a spirit of conviction , and hence do nothing , under a spirit of sloth and neglect of means , by vertue of a spirit of presumption , and say Christ must do all , I say you take not the right course for the Lord to help you in . The Lord will never be a slave to thy sloth , but thou shalt be like a shrub , never to see good when it comes , and shalt die in horrour with this , Oh I might have done more ! Hence you are worse than the other , that think if a man fasts , prayes , watches against his distempers , mourns for want of Christ and Grace , and followes God hard here , he is a Legal Christian : Why , these are but his own works , and this is not living on Christ . I confesse bare using them , or trusting to them is not , but he that lives not on Christ in use of means ( these and all other means ) to find Christ , or enjoy more of Christ , shall never have him . Neither do I know what turning Gods Grace into wantonnesse is , if this be not ; and under a conceit of liberty to be a servant of corruption . I know not whether it be thus with any , but if I did , I would pity them .

4. If the soul cannot every moment live on Christ , i. e. for every particular act , have a distinct act of Faith , for this cannot be , yet every fit season that it can , it ought to look up to the Lord for life and fresh strength . Pray as 't is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , every fit season . And as he brings forth fruit , so he goes for fruit in season , Psal. 1. 3. And when the soul doth this , the Spirit of the Lord helps , when the act is ceased .

Now the fit seasons are ,

1. At beginning of any action , as prayer , hearing , reading : All the time a man is in his journey , or in his work , he is carried on by the act of Faith at first setting out : The reach of Faith is long , and continues all prayers , all the duty throughout , the act of faith is short : Now the Lord looks to his people according to the first .

2. When our act beigns to die ; as Moses lifted up his hands , and when they were heavy , Aaron and Hur supported them again .

3. When a man feels himself strong , now apt to be self-confident ; now Lord for an humble heart ! And thus you are to live on Christ , which if done , would make a Christians life glorious , and give infinite content to the heart of Christ . But here is the misery , either hearts are full , and need not , or slothful , and care not for living so . That truly I do not wonder to hear and see so many withering trees , as though blasted by wrath , because you fetch not all out of this stock ; and Christ is such a stranger , because you are so seldom with him to act and bring forth fruit to him .

SECT. VI.

2 COnsider of the means to act from Christ Jesus , and indeed herein lies the skill and life of a Christian , and this is the complaint of many a Soul , Christ is full , and he is not for himself , but for those that want , and I come to him when I want it , and yet I find no help ; and hence many are brought to think either it 's in vain to come to Christ , or else I have no Faith in Christ ; I will therefore premise these three things .

1. That a false , double , treacherous , disloyal heart to Christ cannot expect to receive any thing it comes for unto Christ . As 't is with a Woman , that though others do not , yet her Husband knows she is fallen in league with some other man , he will be strange to her , and will not do any thing for her . Iohn 2. ult. He knew what was in man ; as 't is in grafts , Iames 1. 7 , 8. Let not a double-minded man think to receive any thing at the hands of the Lord , for that is the nature of man under the power of any lust , it makes all serve it , even Christ himself , which he will never do , I am weary of your new Moons , saith the Lord , and you fast , and pray , and have no answer , for you fast for Debate : and therefore I take a man considered as broken off from the power of his lusts , not one that feels himself under the power of it , for such an one may be delivered from it , such a soul as can say , much ado have I had to feel my sin , and to be willing to part with it , but now I am ; here is the Soul I speak of .

2. That the Lord in the dispensation of Grace to his people , is wholly free to give it when he will : for a man that works for his wages , must in justice have his wages when his work is done : but he that begs for his living must be content to stay . We live by Faith , and free gift , not by works and deserts , and hence must wait and stay , Mic. 7. 7. Hence let not any man think sensibly to receive what he goes for to the Lord Jesus presently , as many feel a want of Grace , and think the Lord hath promised to help , and now how would it make for his honour to give , but find it not , and hence grow sad or discouraged , and think it is in vain to seek ? no , no , Christs hour is not yet come , when you think it is , Iohn 2. My hour is not yet come ; and hence many get nothing because they lie out of the way of the Covenant , viz. to think , oh the Lord owes me nothing , and I deserve the contrary .

3. That no man is to look to receive all that which he comes to the Lord for , but only so much as is fit for him : a man feels much straitnesse , and he would have many enlargements ; he finds much deadness , and he would have deep and over-flowing affections , and he comes to the Lord for it , and the Lord gives some , Doth he ●ot ? do you not find it ? can you say you seek the Lord , and attend on the Lord in vain with these Hypocrites , Mat. 3. 14. True , but yet methinks more would be better . How do you know that ? I think so , that it would be more for his honour : you think so , then it seems you have one eye more than Christ , and that he is very carelesse and foolish in raising his own honour : Oh abhor those thoughts , he gives you such a coat as is fit for you , such a sail as fits your boat , such shoes as fit your feet , Psal. 21. 5. Honour and Majesty hast thou fitted for him : therefore do not look to receive any more than is fit for you , and know it , that is best for you . The Physitian prescribes that which is fit , not that which is most desired of the Patients ; if they will not accept of this , he will not look after them , 1 Cor. 12. 7 , 8.

4. Think not to get any thing from the Lord Jesus with ease , I mean to the fleshly part : it hath been an old complaint , I go to Christ , and fish all night , and can catch nothing : and why ? here is the cause , they cannot get it easily , and therefore they cannot get it at all , yea there ' t is . Heb. 11. 6. This is one of the two main handles of Faith , he is a rewarder of all them that diligently seek him , not negligently : and hence at their first conversion how doth Christs Fruits overflow , and his Iordan rise above the banks : and what a deal doth a christian gain , yet not afterward : so in time of great trouble , oh 't is because you seek him diligently : Therefore in prescribing means , do not say this is hard , and so depart as those did upon the very same ground , Iohn 6. 60.

SECT. VII . The Meanes are these .

1. LAbour for a comprehending knowledge , Means 1. what is the love of Christ to thee : there is a double knowledg of Christs love .

1. That he loves me , and this very apprehension fetcheth in warmth and life into the heart , In thy favour is life .

2. What that love is , and that in all the dimensions of it : and beloved this is that which fills a man , Eph. 3. 18 , 19. that as 't is with Women when the fulnesse of the Husbands love is seen , it knits the heart invincibly to him , and makes her do any thing for him , so here . And as we say of Trees , if the Tree begins to wither and dye , the only way is not to cast water on the branches , or to pray for water and dews from Heaven on them , but water the root . Love is the next root of all Grace , love Christ , and you will never be weary of doing for Christ , love him , and he will love you , Prov. 8. 17. Now what kindles love so much as this comprehending knowledg of the Lord Jesus , and his love , this will make a man a burning Beacon of love , make a man melt into love , which is as strong as death , much water cannot quench it , 2 Cor. 5. 14. Love of Christ constrains , Gal. 5. 6. Faith works by love : Faith is our feet whereby we come to Christ , Love is our hand whereby we work for Christ : now let any Chirurgeons servant come to a Chirurgeon with a broken arm , and tell him he can do no work for him , therefore desire him to give him strength to do it , come saith he , let me heal your arm first : no by no means ; let me first do your work , that so you may heal , and I may feel my arm to be whole : It can never be : So 't is many a Christians course , Lord let me do thy work , and hence he cries , Lord give me strength , and then falls to do it , and cannot without pain , because his love is broken . Many say , I will go to Christ , and act for Christ , and then I will think the Lord loves me , but never find it : first see and comprehend the love of the Lord : And truly this is the reason why no heart , no strength to act for God , unlesse it be in a we●risom manner , and why ? oh love is out , and why is that out ? why 't is not comprehended by the eye of Faith , it 's despised by some , other things are sweet to them , or it 's forgotten by others ; men remember not what once they were , and what the Lord hath done , 't is seen a little , and hence a little life and strength , but 't is comprehended by few . O sinful times ! O unkind world ! never was my heart so dead saith one , never so straitned and shut up saith another , never so feeble in all duties saith another : why , you see , and taste , and sip of this love , but you feed not heartily , abundantly on it . Never didst thou think so little of this love ; for though Christ will conveigh rich Grace to his people , yet it shall be by love . Christians will come to Christ , and when they receive and feel the good they come for , they will think of Christs love and that he love ; them , no first come unto the Lord Jesus , being once come , know he will not cast thee away , Iohn 6. 37. then think of this love ; stay here , first feed here and you may act , and then the Lord will conveigh strength and power , and inable you hereunto : For though when a man trusts to his love as Peter without Faith , a man will fall because he trusts to an arm of flesh : yet when Faith imploies love , the work is very great . As a Father hath a child who must keep at home with him , but he hath never a Steward to lay out that estate for him that he means to give him , but when an able Steward , now he gives his Son richly . So here :

Quest. How shall I comprehend it ?

Answ. First , the Apostle prayes for it . Secondly , see what 't is by his description , and meditate on it .

1. The bredth , i. e. the same love wherewith the Lord comprehends all Saints , as Abraham , &c. thou art as dear to the Lord as he or any in Heaven , nay it may be did cost more : not a crosse , not a mercy , but it 's common ( for substance ) unto all Saints .

2. The length , from eternity to eternity , nothing can part , nothing shall part ; all other things are but Summer Swallows that build with us for a time .

3. The depth , that the Lord should look upon thee when in thy Pest-house , when no eye pittied thee , when as low as the Grave , nay as low as Hell , nay lower , for they in Hell would come out , thou wouldst not . Never think to see what infinite love is , till thou seest infinite wrath .

4. The height , to be as happy as Angels , and more to , nay to be all one with Christ , and in Christ , and loved with the same love Christ is , Iohn 17. 23 , 26.

5. When thou seest it thus , yet it 's the love of Christ that passeth knowledg : As children cannot tell how Parents love them , Will you do thus ? 'T is with many Christians as 't is with many Trees , the Tree is good , and the soil is good , and rain , dews , sun , Husband-man good , yet it begins to dye , then now nothing is wanting , but only to be set a little deeper , that it may take more root of the soyl . And so here , there is nothing wanting in many a Christian , but to be set a little deeper , and to take more rooting in the Lords love . Faith roots it self in Gods love , and now prospers by love . The eye is but little , yet can comprehend a mighty world quickly : mans mind is but little , yet can comprehend , though not the infinitenesse , yet an infinite love . If there be this light of glory , see by it all your poor sad hearts that conceive nothing but terror and holinesse in God ; if you see it not , know it here is your work now ; for the first work is to get Faith , then to get love , then to act from Faith by love . Now the Lord hath wrought the first , and thou art busie a doing the third work , not remembring the second .

2. Content not thy self with feeling a want of supply , Means 2. but labour to feel a need of supply from the Lord Jesus , for many a Christian feels a want of Grace from Christ , brokennesse , &c. sees he hath nothing , and is sometime by fits troubled for the want of it : but he can be well content though he have no supply , having somewhat else to ease and content him , he feels no need of supply , so as he cannot be without it , that his Spirit fails unlesse the Lord Jesus in mercy give it , and therefore must have it , there is a necessity of it . Hence he never finds supply , and wonders at it why 't is so : and here 't is , here is his wound , and so brings up an ill report of the Lord , saying he is loath to give , and of the Ordinances of the Lord , 't is in vain to seek , and truly so it is to seek so : for let thy condition be never so miserable , if thou feelest a need of supply , the Lord will make bare his arm , and work wonders , bring Heaven out of Hell , joy out of sorrow , and light out of the thickest darknesse , and floods out of dry ground , Isai. 41. 17 , 18. when the ground is dry and perched away , no moisture left ; now the Lord pours out water on this soul , Isai. 44. 3. Heb. 4. ult. Many come to the Lord for Grace , and find it not , methinks I hear the Lord speaking thus to his people , I love you dearly , and I am content to give you any thing you need , but you do not need my Grace , my Spirit , my presence , i. e. you feel not a need of it , for if you had it now , you would not prize it much , nor keep it long : my precious Grace must not be spilt . Many know their wants and distempers , and know there is no help in themselves , and see all fulnesse in Christ , and hence come to him , but find none , because they can be content though the Lord deny : no nor never shall unlesse you feel the woe of your wants , that your Spirit fails if the Lord send not in supply , Isai. 57. 16. I will not contend , lest the Spirit fail . Hence there God promiseth to dwell , to send and create peace and comfort : for what is the reason that Christians at first beginnings ●eek peace and mercy , and have abundantly then ? why truly I was long time before I had any thing , but when my spirit began to fail , and I gave all for gone , and could hold out no more , now the Lord helped and pittied me ; but where are those comforts , and that presence of the Lord now ? Truly now you think the worst is past , and would be glad of the life of Christ , and Grace from Christ , but if not , you have a little , your state is safe , and so can lie without putting your self to a necessity of it . Is it not thus ? is not this your very wound ? if it be , for the Lords sake then get it healed , and do as people in Christs time , those that were well , and had not desperate Diseases , commonly came not to him , but when the Disease was desperate , you know the Fame of Christ being spread abroad , then they brought their sick and laid them before his merciful eyes , then they looked for the laying on of his hand , or a word of his mouth , and all were healed : so do you , you have heard of the Fame of Christ , and seen others humbled , others par●oned , lay thy ●ick Soul ( but look that it be sick ) before his eyes , and so look for one word of his mouth , as the Woman of Canaan , he may deny for a time , yet she must have it , and the Lord will say , Be it unto thee according to thy Faith , not according to thy deserts , thou wilt have it , I must give it , thou dyest without it , behold I live to revive thee , and therefore to give it . You come to Prayer , and Word , and want many things , but find them not . Oh come therefore , Lord I must have , I cannot go without supply . Not but that a Christian must wait , and be content humbly , but not care●esly : Therefore think within thy self ,

1. What is there that I need but this , the presence of God , the life of God , &c. Is it not enough in Heaven , where 's no wealth nor comforts else ? and is it not suff●cient now ?

2. May I have it o● this condition , [ I must have it , I am resolved not to go without it ] Rev. 22. 17. if you will come , take it . Are the termes so sweet ?

3. Do wicked men thirst more and more after their lusts , and is Christ , and his Grace , and his Presence no better , that I have enough of them quickly ? God forbid there should be such a heart .

4. Doth the least sin so exceedingly go to the heart of my God , and shall I suffer it not only to act here , and tempt here , but remain alive here ?

5. Is not the Lord after all love shewn me , worthy of infinite ( not a little ) honour from me ? and doth he deserve all , and must I not , shall I not give it him before I dye ? it must , it shall be so . Now when here you feel a need , know it that you are at the very door of relief : I conceive this is the great door at which Christ enters into the soul. The root of Faith ( i. e. the author , object , and foundation of Faith ) is out of a mans self , the door of Faith which opens to all treasures is in a mans self : This door is not any good in us , for then we should have somewhat to boast of , nor sin in us , for that shuts out God from us ; nor knowledg of want , for that the Devils have , but sense of want , which when the Saints have , now the door is opened for the Lord Jesus in all his fulnesse to come in . Now if you know these things , blessed are you if you do them .

SECT. VIII .

TO all the Churches of the Lord Jesus here planted in these Western parts of the World , Use 5. to maintain your Church-chastity and Virginity , you have a name of it abroad , pure chaste Virgin-churches , not polluted with the mixtures of mens inventions , not defiled with the company of evill men : pure Ordinances , pure People , pure Churches , which is the cause of the scoffs and enmity of some , but of the desire and joy of others . O if there , how happy I ? and how blessed they ? Take heed you do not defile your selves again . Open whoredoom is too gross , too shameful , to yeild to mans inventious , to open the door for all comers into the Church : but take heed of secret whoredoms and departings from Christ , for think of this speech when you see me dead , that of all Churches in the World , the Lord Jesus carries a most jealous eye over these for whom he hath done such great things ; and I know it , he takes exceeding ill your secret wantonnesse and whoredoms of heart ; the Lord hath kept you hitherto , look you maintain it , for you may be soon defloured again , few Churches retain their purity long , aged , gray-haired purity is seldom seen . I will tell you of the several Temptations ( some at least ) that may prevail to the defilement of you .

First , Spiritual defilement is forsaking of the Husband , a total secret forsaking of Christ ; for here is the temptation to it , viz. Gods withdrawing himself in his Ordinances from his Ordinances . For three sorts of Temptations make men fall back .

1. By Persecution , and there many fall ( though some hold out ) as in the stony land .

2. By Peace , and here many fall like the thorny ground ; like Saylors that in a storm at Sea , every man is ready , and will be pulling his rope , but when a calm , then go to their Cabbins , and there fall asleep , and here many fall in this place , and others stand it out .

3. By the Lords withdrawing from them , as those , Mal. 3. 14. and here the great ones fall . Many come to enjoy Ordinances , and persecution vext them not , world it 's base , it troubles them not , and they think to find much , but do not , but the Lord withdraws , and they can get no good , hereupon their false hearts discover themselves , they draw back from God , and lie still , whereas Saints cry the more after him , and look the more into themselves , and find out the cause of it , and then the Lord helps them , Isai. 63. 17. Oh take heed of this .

1. Shall I forsake the Lord that hath done these great things for my Soul ?

2. Shall I now do it after I am so near Heaven ?

3. Shall I forsake him when he departs from me but for a time it may be , when as he followed me when I departed long from him ?

4. Is it not Hell to dye without him , and shall it not be Death to live without him ?

5. Doth he depart without a cause , he hath no cause to follow me , I have all reason to follow him , the Lord grant you may do so .

Secondly , Secret defilement is by neglect of private communion with him : this is whorish in a Wife . Here is stronger Temptation to neglect private Prayer and Meditation , partly by want of room , partly by multitudes of businesses , and work , and cares hereabout , that being weary in the day , sleepy at night , busie in the morning , Prayer , Meditation , daily examination are sent away as Paul from Faelix , we will speak with these at some more convenient season ; and hence straitnesse of heart toward Christ , and no means do good . Oh Beloved , have you such a Husband as Christ in Heaven that loves thy looks , thy company , thy sighs , thy speeches , and will you neglect him thus ? what no love ? 2. Is he not broken with this whorish heart ? 3. Is that speech worth any thing with you , We shall ever be with the Lord , doth it comfort you to think of being ever with him , and now neglect him ? where are your hearts ?

Thirdly , Secret defilement is by bringing other lovers into the same bed , the same heart with him : and here the Temptation to this is strong , for most men have lost and sunk in their Estates , and it 's hard to live lower than we did , and this is a grief , and here 't is possible to recover estate again , and here grief for losse hath a vent by greedinesse and pursuit after more . In other places men had a very co●fortable estate , hence rejoyced in what they had , and did not greedily desire more ; but now want makes men hungry and greedy : and now when a man hath thought and lookt about him , and seen what he may gain by his labours of many acres , by his Goats and Cartel in so many year ; now he casts himself into the world , and also will not forsake Christ utterly , but bring both into the same heart , Christ shall have some love , some desire , but the world as much , and so the heart is divided : and hence some set high prizes on their corn , commodities , cattel , others look for large wages , &c. and yet Christ too . Hence men cry out of the world because it hinders them from Christ , and yet bring it into , and hugg it in their hearts , because they must have it in the bed with Christ . It was the speech of one , that he never heard of any Saint in Scripture given to covetousness , some to one sin , some to another , but none to that ; I have read of Lot , but God fired him out of his estate at last : and that is all I would say to this .

Fourthly , Secret defilement is by decaying in love to those whom Christ loves , and those are his Saints , and Temptation is strong in this place to this : 1. Because we have multitudes of them ; Even Gold it self being so common as to pave our streets , is despised . 2. Because there wants a common enemy to drive them together . Take several men that never knew one another , yet in time of War they will love abundantly , and then encourage one another , and can with joy lie together : so 't is here , hence arise your petty Duels and jars in Churches , surmisings , cens●rings , &c. and the reason is this , there is little love to Saints , and for want of this , men shall not know whether you be Christs Disciples or no. Be thy Brethren Saints or not ? bear they the Image of Christ or no ? if they do not , why dost not convince them , admonish them ? and if they will not be better , away with them : If they be , Oh bear , Oh love , Oh tender them , as thou lookest the Lord Jesus should tender thee . And therefore let the Image of Christ appear , and then see it , and then love , and then no more breaches will follow : if not , the Lord can and will soon send Wolves to make Sheep run more together .

Fifthly , Le●ting a new Generation of Harlots into Christs bosom , I mean , not greatly caring for Posterity , that they may know and serve this God , for after this Generation is past , our children are to follow , and 't is very rare that they prove right , yet it may be so . Hearken therefore you Parents , if God brought them over for this end , and if they never know God , what a sad thing would it be ? or if they be brought forth to pull down the Temple of God . Oh therefore , 1. Be careful of a pious education of them in Schools , in private , and take some course for that end before others come over , this will draw them . 2. Oh make many Prayers for them . 3. Set Faith awork in Gods promise ; as he said , he would not abate the Lord , ( though he gave it him in 99 ) of that one . Leave in record what the Lord hath done for you , that the Lord may be with them , and that all these Churches may be the glory of Christ , and then you shall enter into the Bride-chamber of the Lamb at last .

CHAP. VII . Concerning a Christians Duty of being constantly and continually ready to meet Christ , and to enjoy Communion with him .

2. Took their Lamps . SECT. I.

MUch dust is raised , and much Dispute is made , especially by Popish interpreters , What the Lamps , what the Oyl , what the Vessels should be ? The gener●l conceit of most of them is : that by Oyl is meant good works , and by Lamps Faith ; answerable to their own conceit , that not Faith but good works chiefly save : Whereas if we consider the thing rather e contra , that by lighted Lamps are meant good works , or external shining profession , according to that of Christ , Mat. 5. Let your light so shine before men , &c. and that by Oyl should be me●nt Faith , because 't is inward , and is the nourishment of works and outward profession . And in this sense some of our Divines do take this Scripture ; and the Rhemists likewise , who understand by Lamps lighted , good works ; by Oyl a good intention : To which 't is answered by Cartwright , ( that burning and shining light of our Times ) that rather by Lamps lighted is to be understood , watchful minds alway lifted up in attending for the coming of Christ , according as 't is ver. 13. And I doubt not but this is one thing aimed at , that they took their Lamps , i. e. were watchful for Christs coming . But when I weigh other circumstances , methinks there is somewhat else more plainly and principally intended , of which I scarce read any Divine , but he gives a hint of , viz. that by lighted Lamps , and taking of them , is meant nothing else but the readinesse of the Churches to meet and to have fellowship with the Lord Jesus . And my Reasons are these :

1. Because the Lord Jesus to teach his people watchfulnesse , and to put them to a narrow search of themselves , borrows a similitude from the custom of those Times , wherein their Marriages were celebrated in the Night , and hence the Virgins ( the only children of the Bride-chamber , and some think their number never exceeded Ten ) being to walk out in the Night , took their Lamps : and when they had kindled their Lamps , ( usually the last thing that is done ) now they are ready to go out , and this is that which Christ aims at .

2. From Luke 12. 35. Let your loyns be girt , and lamps burning ; it 's evident that thereby is meant nothing else but readinesse to meet the Lord when-ever he comes ; for when loyns are girt , then one is fit for travail , but seeing 't is in the Night , hence lamps must be burning too .

3. Because 't is said plainly , ver. 10. when their lamps were kindled again , they that were ready went in ; I know the Word is called a lamp for our feet , Psal. 119. and so by lamps may be meant minds enlightened and kindled by the word . The eminent profession and excellencies of the Church is like a lamp , Isai. 63. 1. and more particularly may be here included and aimed at : but in this verse lamps are spoken of in general , including light , Oyl , Vessels ; and hence I give this general Interpretation here , intending Particulars if need be afterward : So that now I shall only raise this Point .

SECT. II.

Doct. THat all those that are Espoused unto Christ , ought to be in a constant or continual readinesse to meet Christ , and to have immediate communion with Christ .

A Woman may be Espoused to another , and yet she may be sometimes not ready to meet him , her foul apparel is on . So here , therefore 't is not enough to be espoused unto Christ , but being espoused , now you ought to be in a continual readinesse to claspe the Lord in your arms , and to lay your heads in his bosome in Heaven : this is commanded by Christ , Mat. 24. 44. This was the mighty power of Gods Grace in Paul , when others were weeping to think of his Bonds , Why do you break my heart , I am ready not only to be bound , but to dye for Christ , and so doubtlesse to be with Christ ; much more ready to meet Christ when ever he shall come , ready to welcome Death , much more ready to welcome Christ , Acts 21. 13. This also is the end of Iohns Ministry , Luke 1. 17. To make ready a people prepared for the Lord , to meet with Christ on earth ; now he is gone , our work is to prepare a people to meet the Lord in Heaven . Hence this is put in as the difference between Vessels of wrath , and Vessels of Glory : the one are fitted for destruction , the others are fitted , prepared , or made ready for Glory , and the glory of a christian is chiefly to enjoy fellowship immediatly with Jesus Christ . There is many a soul dear unto Christ , and espoused to him , and hath his heart affected to think of the good time that is coming , when we shall ever be with the Lord : but ask , are you ready ●yet for to go to him , though it be through fires , waters , thorns , sorrows , death it self ? who can say yes ? but ( say mens hearts ) shut the Lord out a little longer , let not the door stand open yet ; yet this must be : And therefore for explications sake let me , 1. shew you when the Soul is in a readinesse for the Lord Jesus . 2. The reasons why there must be a continual readinesse .

SECT. III.

VVHen is the Soul in a readinesse to enjoy Christ ?

As there are four things which make a christian unready , Quest. so this readinesse consists in Four things contrary . Answ ,

1. That which makes a christian unready for him , are those strong fears , and jealousies , and damping doubts of the love of Christ to him . The soul happly hath made choice of him , is content with him , melts into wonderment and love to think that he should love him : what me ? and Christ hath writ him on his heart , and on the palms of his hands ; but Israel saith , my God hath forsaken me , my God hath forgotten me , Isai. 49. 14. Is it possible ? is it credible ? one that hath been so ville , one that still hath such a heart , for him to set his heart on me ? surely no : hence the Soul is afraid to dye , and desires too much to live still : and the more he thinks of that time , and blessednesse of following the Lamb where-ever he goes ; the more he sees and fears this may possibly never be my portion : there may be some falseness in my heart towards him that I never yet saw , some secret knot that was never yet unlosed : and hence not yet ready . Hence many a christian saith , if I had a little more assurance , let him come when he will : Thus some think it was with Hezekiah , who though he had walked before God with a perfect heart , yet bitterly complained that he was cut off , Isai. 38. per totum . So therefore then the soul is prepared & ready for him , when he hath some comfortable assurance of the love of Christ towards him , that it can say , if I live he loves me , though he kils me by Death , yet I know that he loves me : nay , then he loves me mo●t , when he puts an end to my sins , and to my sorrows too ? And therefore now saith as one ready to ceive a Prince , now let him come to me , or send for me when he will : why so ? Who can separate me from the love of Christ ? Rom. 8. 35. That look as 't is with a Souldier that is to go to war , where many bullets and arrows are like to fall about him , and hit him while he hath no armour on ; call him to the Captain , and he will say he is not ready yet , but when he hath his armour on of proof , and such armour that he knows let him receive never so many wounds , yet he shall escape with his life , and triumph with his Captain afterward : Now give him but his watch-word he is ready , though never so weak , yet I am sure I shall escape with my life , nay not so much as hurt . So a christian wanting his assurance , wants his armour ; he is weak , and powers of darknesse will assault him , and he is slain by them , now he is unready : but if assured , though weak and feeble , he is now at Christs watch-word , I know I shall live , I may fall , but I shall rise again , this puts courage and spirit into a christian , Dan. 3. 17 , 18. Heb. 11. 35. Others were tormented , ( and so ready ) not accepting deliverance ; why so ? to obtain a better Resurrection , which they are s●id to see by the eye of Faith , and this was by poor weak Women ; therefore labour for this , else not prepared . The Lord would have his people look death and dangers in the face , and triumph in sorrows , and not faint-hearted , ( which cannot be done without this ) that the world may see that there is more than men in them , 2 Cor. 4. 16 , 17 , 18. and 5. 1. who would be without this ? yet may we not complain , as Christ of his Disciples , Oh foolish and slow of heart to believe all that is written , so many promises yet not assured , so many experiences yet not established , and therefore not yet prepared and ready for the coming of the Lord . A man that hath a fair estate and house befallen him , so long as he is in Suit for it , dares not dwell in it , but makes a shift where he is : but then he is ready when quiet possession is given him . So get the Lord to passe sentence for assurance of your everlasting habitation , then are you re●dy to dwell therein .

2. Then a man is unprepared for the Lord Jesus his coming , while he wants affe●tions suitable to the Majesty , and according to the worth and love of the Lord Jesus : Suppose a Woman knows her Husbands love , yet if she have lost her love to him , or if she love him , 't is only as she loves another man , not according to the wo●th of her Husbands person , or the greatnesse of his love : Is she fit now to ap●ear before him , when no heart to receive him ? so although you question not Christs love to you , & thank God you doubt little of it , yet where is your heart ? your love to him ? have you not lost your love , your first love , or second love ? if you have love , is it not divided to other things , as Wife , Child , Friends , hopes of provision for them , and too much care hereupon for that ? or if you do love him , 't is with a carnal love , he hath no more than a lust hath had , and it may be not so much , 't is with a cold love ; now you are unfit for him : hence the Lord , Luke 21. 34. Take heed your hearts be not overcharged , 1 Pet. 4. 7. Now therefore then the soul is prepared to meet Christ , when if the soul hath lost its affections , it recovers them out of the hands of all creatures that stole them away from Christ ; and hence David prayes , Oh spare that I may recover my strength : and when it breaks out with such love unto Christ as is fitting for him , 2 Tim. 4. 8. There is the righteo●s Judge ready to give the Crown , when Christs appe●ring is loved , i. e. they are so taken with him , as that they love the looks of him , it would rejoyce my heart to see , which shall make others tremble to behold him ; Oh it must be a dear love , a spring of running love without measure , for this is the difference between affection● of Saints and Hypocrites to Christ , the one arise●h like a morning dew which is soon lickt up by the Sun , Hos. 6. 4. the heat of affection● after other things licks it up ; but the love of Saints to Christ is like a spring which riseth to everlasting life : a spring is but little , but yet the f●rther it goes , the wider 't is , till at last swallowed up in the Sun , and there is no measure of water : so Saints have but a little love , but the longer they live , the more enlarged for Christ , and there is no measure , but all is too little , they never can , never do love enough , so that look as 't is said in another case , Psalm 102. 13 , 14. ' T is time for thee to build up Ierusalem , i. e. to return to thy people in thy Ordinances , for they love the stones ; so then it 's time for Chri●t to come , and then the set and fit time is come for a ●eople to meet with Christ out of Ordinances , when the set time is come when they love Ordinances , and love Christ much more . When a man is gone beyond Se● , and all his Friends and estate are at home , they long for him , and he is left among enemies : why comes he not to them ? why send not they for him ? why they know he is sickly , and cannot live on the dyet of the country ; hence he is unfit to come , but when that is once come to passe that he can live only on it , then he is ready when-ever they send : so when men can live with , and be content alone with Christ and his love , now they are fi. With what face can a man appear before Christ , when he requires nothing but love , and he hath not that .

3. Then a man is unready for Christ , whiles he neglects the work of Christ , for suppose a man hath some inward love to Christ , yet neglects & hath no heart to do the work of Christ : he is as yet no more fit to meet Christ , than a Steward who hath had much betrusted him , to improve for his Lords use , and he hath let all seasons go wherein he might have traded for him , and gained somewhat to him . How can he appear before him when no fair accounts to be seen ; so the Lord hath betrusted thee with many Talents , time● , strength , means , &c. & you are not Lords , but Stewards of all these . Now do you not let many fair season● and winds blow by , you have ( if espoused to Christ ) every man some work . Now how can you stand before Christ if that be neglected . Oh thus 't is with many christians ; hence those sad ala●●ms of conscience , and shakings of Gods Spirit , after many loose d●yes dipt in some good duties . What dost thou that others do not that never shall see Gods face in Heaven ?

Now therefore then the soul is ready for the Lord , when 't is daily at it , finishing Gods work : hence Iohn 17. 5. I have finished my work , now glorifie me : Christ hath given us our lives , work , dayes-work , every hours work , for Christ hath ever e●ployment ; now though a soul may livelong , and cannot finish its lives work , yet if it finish its dayes work , or hours work , it may have comfort then if the Lord should come . That look as 't is with a Marriner when he hath his Fraight , now let the wind come to drive him out of the Haven , he is ready to depart : so here , 2 Pet. 1. 8 , 9 , 10 , 11. If ye do these things , and abound , an open entrance shall be ministred unto you , i. e. when a christian is ever acting for Christ , and adding one Grace to another in his course , then he is so ready that an open entrance is made for him : Therefore look after this . 'T is with most Professors commonly , as 't is with a Woman that loves her Husband , and begins to dresse her self , but so much businesse to do , that she doth it but by starts ; hence call her never so la●e , she will say she is not yet ready , she hath so much to do she cannot ; so 't is here : Or as 't is in a house where all things are in a lumber , and many things wrapt up and put into holes , so long as all things be in a lumber , there is no readinesse . So many a soul hath a heart fit to receive Christ , but all things are in a lumber , in a confusion , out of place and order , and hence not yet ready to entertain Christ , but when this work is done , then ready . Oh betimes do this work , set things to rights in your souls .

4. Then a man is unready , when having done his work he grows puft up with it : for let all the three former be wrought in the soul , if now the soul be puft up , thinks highly of it self , attributes any thing to it self : as he said in another case , they are too many for the Lord ; so he is too big for the Lord . And truly this we shall find it 's pretty easie to be mean in our own eyes , after we have been indeed carelesse and vile before the Lord ; but when the Lord hath mightily assisted , enlarged , assured , enabled , comforted , quickened , now to be as nothing , this is difficult . Hence Knox on his death-bed had this Temptation of Meriting . When Hezekiah was sick , he was cast down , but when well , and God gave him great Treasures , his heart was lifted up ; now he was unfit . Now therefore when a christian is ready to give all to free Grace , and to adore that , now he is ready for the Lord , Psalm 108. 1. My heart is prepared , I will sing 〈◊〉 give praise . Gods last end is to bring the soul to the praise of the riches of his Grace , not only to enjoy God as Adam . Now the great reason why Christ comes not to his people presently after they are espoused to him , 't is to make them ready to attain that end . Hence he leaves sins , temptations , sorrows , desertions , on purpose that they may at conclusion look back , and see if ever saved , pardoned , it 's Grace . Now therefore when the soul is brought to do this , when he hath this rent in his hand , now the Lord is ready to receive him , and it too , and he is prepared for the Lord : he that hath not his Rent ready , himself is not as yet at all ready to meet with , and see his Landlord . So that you think you boast not , Oh the Lord sees you do , or have not hearts so enlarged towards Grace as you should , it 's certain you are yet unready then , but when empty , and poor , and cast down , and makest an infinite matter of a small sin , and settest a high price on a little love much more on infinite , now you are prepared : Hence David falls a praising when near to death , and the Lord near to come to him .

SECT. IV.

1. THe law of Respect and Love requires this of us : when Peter would expresse his love unto Christ , Reasons . Luke 22. 33. he professeth he was not only ready to go to prison , but to dye with him . Christ hath poor respect and love if men will not so much as be alway ready to receive him : it certainly argues a carelesse heart that sleights Chr●st , that is not ever prepared to receive Christ .

2. Because the time of Christs coming is then when we least look for him , vers. 13. Hence a christian ought to be ever ready to receive him . Many of eminent parts , when the Church had most need of them , then are cut down : Many at their first conversion , before they or others almost could tell what to make of them , the Lord hath cropt them in the bud . Men find their hearts unfit and unready , they think hereupon that hereafter they shall get their hearts into better order and tune , when these businesses are over , but yet will live at liberty a little while : why then it 's most likely is the Lords time of coming , even now when they think least of it , Luke 12. 40.

3. Because the Lord hath set apart every one that is espoused to the Lord Jesus , only for the fruition of Christ , and use of Christ , 1 Cor. 3. ult. You are Christs , and Christ is Gods . A Woman that is not chosen , nor set apart for the fellowship of a Prince , she may go how she will , and do what she will , any base drudgery work ; but she that is chosen to be next unto him , and only to behold and love him , she is not to plead she hath so much businesse to do , and so many Friends to speak with , that she cannot make her self ready : she is set apart for a better person , and for more noble employment . So here men of the world not loved of God , nor chosen and set apart for him , may do what they will ; but when the Lord hath chosen and set you apart of purpose for this end , Ephes. 1. 4. Chosen to be holy before him in love , i. e. to stand ever in his presence before him , with a spirit of dearest love unto him . Hence the Lord hath taken the care of all things else , 1 Pet. 5. 7. that we might mind and do this thing ; It in danger , he will deliver , if in want , he will provi●e , if weak , he will strengthen , only no● be ready for the Lord , Psalm 45. 10. Forget thy Country , and thy Fathers house , so shall the Lord desire thy beauty . You are not now free to love and follow whom you please , the Lord hath bound you to himself by love , and you have bound your self by promise to the Lord again : Therefore now a christian after once espoused to Christ , is better than all the world , being the Bride of the Lamb ; and he hath a better and greater good for to enjoy : therefore he should scorn and abhor to march himself to , or to do any thing for any other creature ; and therefore methinks should sit as one upon a watch-tower , looking out , and telling the clock now day is near , waiting only for Christ , Oh let it be so : If in Heaven , you shall have only Christ ▪ Oh prepare for him much more now . As a Woman that is Ma●cht to a rich man , all the servants attend on her , and follow her , she is wholly and only for her Husband : so it should be here .

4. Because he hath prepared and made all things else ready for the soul , it 's hard if he hath prepared a place in Heaven , and Grace in Heaven , not to prepare an heart , and make it ready for him , Iohn 14. 1 , 2 , 3. his Kingdom was ready long ago , and his Father ready to accept and entertain thee , and his heart loves and desires , all are ready after thee : hence be ready to meet with him . I am my Beloveds .

SECT. V.

HEnce see the great unkindnesse of many a soul immediatly after his espousing to Jesus Christ , Use 1. who having once given himself to Christ , and received comfort thereby , presently grows more carelesse than before he was matcht unto the Lord Jesus , who should now stand in a holy watchfulnesse and readinesse to receive Christ , as 't is Psalm 85. 8. Let them not turn again to folly , because they are very apt so to do . Many say when in some distresse , and after long waiting , if the Lord would pitty once , then happy I ; I would give away any thing , all I h●ve unto him●●well , the Lord pitties ; the soul when in its low estate , and then it blesseth God , but like the Israelites , soon forgets his works , his love , and after great peace from God , comes greatest carelesnesse : can this stand with Grace , and Christ ? very hardly ; but yet it may , for there are Two things that make for it .

1. Because at first conversion there is much see●ing of Christ , for healing the horrour and smart of sin , as well as for the curing of the wound and scar of sin : hence when espoused , and horrour being past , that wheel being broken , a man draws more heavily now , and neglects seeking ; now the Knife is out of his heart he cries not so earnestly .

2. Because when espoused , and much affected , commonly a man trusts to his affections , when he hath a fulnesse of them : hence the Lord lets Satan prevail , Luke 22. 31 , 33. Satan hath desired to winnow thee as wheat , and I ( saith Pe●er ) am ready to dye with thee ; but you see he fe●l , and then when the Lord looked upon him , he went out and wept bitterly : How shamefully hast thou fallen , should any love him more than you if ever he pitty ? well , for his Name-sake he hath done it . But how oft hast thou broken Covenant ? how forgetful of the Lords kindnesse ? The Lord looks upon thee this day , why hast thou so soon forgot me , and forsaken me ? have I not took thee from the Dung-hill , nay from Hell ? and whereas I had so many thousands to set my love on , I chose thee ; and whereas thou couldest not love me when I offered my self , thou couldest not return me love again , I gave it therefore to thee , yea and have given my self to thee for ever : Hast thou thus forgotten me , when as I take little wrongs from thee more heavily than great ones from others ? Oh that this might make you go out and mourn bitterly : so if ever you have tasted that love as Peter did , Christs looks will humble you .

Hence see the reason why some Godly People dye so uncomfortably , Use 2. and with such distresse of spirit ; why they have not lived in an expectation of Christ , and hence they cry out of themselves , not knowing whither they go , insomuch as some have not been comforted by all former experiences , and by all present consolations of Ministers : Oh no , 't is now too late to speak , they thank them for their love , but God hath otherwise thought of them ; yet if any hope be given them 't is ever pickt out from some word , and they cry , Oh I thirst for a little mercy , and then dye ; and what is the reason of it ? what need I speak ? Themselves will tell you , and have done it , Oh I have lived thus and thus before you , but my heart in secret hath gone after the world , &c. I have neglected the Lord secretly , I have seldom thought of , or prepared for Death , and I had thought to have been better , but the Lord hath met with me : I know violence of Disease may do it sometime , but I s●eak how 't is many times ; whereas otherwise an open entrance should be made , 2 Pet. 1. 8. 9 , 10 , 11. And as it hath been with some , so take warning lest it be so with you ; you may be saved alive , yet to suffer wrack on the shoar is uncomfortable , and know it if your conscience be awake , it cannot but be so . Therefore do not conclu●e they were damned without Christ , but they were not made ready for Christ ; and it may be your time draws ●igh , and what have you to say ? now a world for half an hour will a dying distressed man say .

Is of a Four-fold exhortation , Use 3. to all those especially that the Lord hath espoused to himself .

CHAP. VIII . A Four-fold Exhortation to Believers .

SECT. I.

TO quicken up all those doubting , Exhort . 1. drooping , yet sincere hearts , that much question the love of Christ to them , Now to use all diligence to make their Calling , and Election , and the love of Christ sure to them , not but that it 's sure on Christs part , but make it sure on your part too ; else how can you be in a readinesse to meet the Lord Jesus ; while the strong man keeps the Palace , the Goods be in peace ; but when Christ hath once driven Satan out of his Throne , ●●en nothing sometimes but war , but doubts and fears ; Satan told God to his face , Iob served him for nought , much more will he accuse the Soul it se●f : and some Divines think the very first ingredient of Satans poyson , and the first assault on Christ himse●f , Mat. 4. was by seeking to make him doubt of his Sonship , If thou be the Son of God , &c. And his wiles are here very great , that hence very few living christians have any setled comfortable evidence of Gods eternal love to them in his Son : and hence many sad events follow . How can any blesse the Lord for that love which he knows not of ? many times 't is with a mans doubts drooping from his mind , as 't is with his continual dropping on his Lungs , there is a daily consuming of what once was ; that many a christian doubts away his life , his heart , his strength , and when all is wasted , glad now to return to that where he should at first have begun . And hence in one word , he is made every day unready for Christ . Oh therefore quiet not your selves in that estate as I fear too many do ( at least for a time ) it 's one of the most dangerous estates that can be , to be troubled with weak fears , and yet rest in uncertain hopes ; but bring it to a conclusion , Is the Lord Jesus mine or no ? and if he be yours , and his love yours , see it , that you may trample on the neck of death , and triumph over hell , and the grave , and long to be with the Lord , and love the appearing of the Lord , and go away with joy unspeakable and full of glory out of this world , as to your Wedding , and if there be any hope of getting it , who would be without it ? Some of you it may be have a long time been carelesse in seeking for it , hence want it , some of you have been traders with the Lord long , and yet doubt ; some of you have not clear evidence , but content your selves without being thankful to the Lord for what he hath done for you , hence still doubt . Others have gray hairs on your head , or at least are near your Graves , the battel is near , your armour is not on , you are not yet ready , and so still doubt . I remember what Christ said of Maries Box , she prepared that for his burial , it may be that these Truths may be prepared for your approaching departure ; and therefore light your Lamps at this fire , and light of the Lords love to you , and see that indeed he loves thee .

But why do you perswade to this , Object . till the Spirit comes and speaks it ? How can I see it ?

1. 'T is true the Spirit only can do it , Answ. but yet the same Spirit that seals the Elect , the same Spirit commands the Elect not to sit Idle , and dream of the Spirit , but to use all diligence to make it sure ; and you shall never have it ( unlesse you lay hold on a Fancy for it ) on those terms .

2. Though there is an immediate witnesse of the Spirit , of the love of Christ , yet it doth most usually and firstly witnesse by means . And hence I shall give you means looking only to the Spirit of Christ to set them on . Evangelical Precepts have a power : For Gospel-ministration of the Spirit consists not only of stories and promises , but commands , and the Elect feel them : Hence carnal men under the Law , yet pretending Gospel , will professe the Law is preached when they are pressed to any Evangelical duty , because they feel not the power of the Gospel , being not yet under it . And the means I shall mention , are only general to establish the hearts of some .

Make a sad enquiry first of this , Whether the Lord hath loved thee for his own everlasting Names-sake or no , Means 1 ▪ for if the Lord hath loved Thee for this cause , then thy great Objection will be answered , and that deep valley will be filled . How can the Lord love me that am thus vile before God , and fallen from God ? why if the Lord for his own sake hath loved thee , then as no good in thee moved him to love thee , so no sin which he did know was and would be in thee can quench that love ; and if he hath manifested his love to be grounded on this , though but once , that same Name when thou changest is not changed , but is still as dear to him , and ever before him to move him to love thee still , Rom. 11. 2. The Apostle answers a Cavil , Will God cast away his people ? no saith he , none that he foreknew ; and who are these ? vers. 5. A remnant according to Grace as with us , i. e. God hath for his Grace-sake chosen and called without respect of any thing else : Hence that is to be understood , 1 Sam. 12. 21 , 22. For there are two sorts of people in the Church ; 1. Servants . 2. Sons , Iohn 8. 35. Hence there is a double love the Lord manifests to men .

1. Some he loves as servants , that as we hire some men to do our work , and give them meat and wages , and then turn them out of doors , or let them go : so God hath work to be done , for his Son and Saints , and for many reasons hires wicked men to it , either by giving them reward in this life , or hopes of reward hereafter , and when the work is done , and use made of their Gifts , Graces , Spirits , then turns them out of doors .

But 2. Some he loves as Sons , even the most foolish and weak in the world sometimes : hence not for any service they can do , but for his own sake he will give them an Inheritance , and love them as sons , because he will ; these abide ever in the Lords love : Hagar and Is●mael cast out , Sarah and Isaac stay in the Family .

How shall I know that ?

1. If the Lord loves thee for his Name-sake , it will draw thee to that fellowship with it self , Quest. that what-ever thou wantest , thou wilt seek for it hence , by presenting that Name of God , that for his own sake he would supply : Answ. I know the Lord loves for Christs sake , but why should Christ help ? for his Name-sake : For thus many hypocrites think when they see Gods anger against them for their sin , they seek to remove that 〈◊〉 , and when that is done , think God is at peace , and now all is well . They see the Lord is delighted with the obedience of his people , hence fall to that work , and now thin● the Lord is pleased with them . But if ever the Lord loves any man , he will first stop his mouth , whether Jew or Gentile , Rom. 3. 19. and make him on his Knees know there is no reason for it , nay all reason against it . Now hath no● the Lord brought thee to this ? and hence having nothing to quench Gods anger , but Christ , hast held up him before God , and having nothing to move Christ , hast held up his Name before him , and here hast rested thy wearied heart looking to him , if any Grace be begun in thee , that he would perfect it , i● none , that he would begin it ; if unfit and unworthy , to prepare thee for it , only for his own good pleasure : this is one evidence of it . As 't is in some Seals , you can hardly perceive in the Seal what is engraven there , but set it on W●x , you may see it evidently : so here , hardly can you see the Lords love , look on thy heart if it loves him ; his choice , see if thou chusest him , his love for his own sake ; if thou cleavest with dearest affection to this love for its own sake , there thou art safe , Prov. 18. 10. The name of the Lord is a strong Tower , &c. and this not only at first conversion , but ever after all duties , all enlargements , Ezak . 16. ult. And this doth evidence love .

1. Because if thou had'st the righteousnesse of Angels thou would'st think it a good evidence , but this of Christ is a thousand times dearer .

2. This is a setting of God against himself , i. e. to answer himself , and hence Saints in all their straights and sorrows , hither had recourse ; I speak not now of Temporal Blessings , but of Everlasting love , and all the Fruits of it , that here it hangs . Now I say you are built in a Rock higher than all powers of Darkness ; now a Key is put into thy hand to unlock all Gods Treasure ; now thou art in the very lap of love wrapt u● in it , when here thy heart rests : and if not Beloved , the Lord would never let thee lean thus in his bosom : and therefore if this be thus , see it , and wonder his Name hath moved him to love me .

2. You shall find this , if the Lord for his Name-sake loves thee , there is no● any carriage or passage of Providence of him to thee , but he gets himself a Name first or las● by it : for if this be Gods end , every passage of Providence is but a means to this end : hence he will attain this end by every act of his Providence towards thee : hence you shall find that those very sins that dishonour his Name , he will even by them ( and if by them , by all things else ) get himself a Name : he will be so far from cas●ing thee out of his love , that he will do thee good by them . Those very sins that God damns others for , he will make to humble thee , empty thee . Pharisees persecuted Christ , and lost all for it , Paul was so , and it humbled him all his life , Not worthy to be called an Apostle , because I persecuted the Church of God , and it made him lay up all his wealth in mercy , I was received to mercy , 1 Tim. 1. Mary sins much , and God forgives much , and she loves much ; others sinned much , and God hardened much ; Iudas betraies Christ , and repents , and hangs himself , and flies from him ; Peter denies him , and weeps , and hence he is the first that Pre●cheth him . And this is certain , in the best Hypocrite , sins left in him , either never make him better , but blind and harden him , and he hath his distinctions of infirmity , &c. that he sleights them day by day , till all his dayes are run out , or if any good , 't is no more than Iudas , or Cain , some legal terrors , or other light flashes of comfort , but to be more humble indeed , &c. this he findeth not . Now is it not so with thee ? Doth not thy weaknesse strengthen thee with Paul ? Doth not thy blindnesse make thee cry for light ? and those cries have been he●rd , out of darknesse , God hath brought light . Thou hast felt venome and risings of heart against Christ , and do they not make thee loath thy self more ? that thou thinkest never any so beholding to Grace ? do not thy falls into sin make thee more weary of it , watchful against it , long to be rid of it ? and so sin abounds , but Grace abounds : Why should this be so ? for his Names-sake , because he will love thee ; hence 't is so great and unmatchable , that he will make thy poyson thy Food , thy Death thy Life , thy Damnation Salvation , thy very greatest Enemies thy greater Friends . And hence Mr. Fox said , he thanked God for his sins more than for his good works . I have marvailed at Gods dealings with his people , they depart , and stay long , and care not for returning again ; in that time a mighty power teacheth , humbleth , brings back , when they never thought of it . Oh the reason is , God will have his Name : now if thus , your assurance will be strong and constant , but if you build thus , I have done this , &c. I have that , your assurance will not stand ; Means 2. therefore look and see if it be not thus with you .

Take heed you do not build your assurance from a mingled Covenant of Works and Grace , for this is the frame of divers when they lye under the first Covenant only of doing , they will not take this as any evidence , as they have no reason so to do , Rom. 9. 31. Nor when a man lies under the Second Covenant of Believing barely , and if it be a dead Faith , they have no evidence or reason so to do . Hence they mingle the Covenants , and think thus . If I can believe in Christ , and perform universal obedience to all the commands of God , I shall be safe ; hence set upon the observance of both , and finding they can never do them , especially the latter , hence are ever troubled , and never have any setled peace . Hence those Galatians Paul writes to , perverting and mingling the Covenants , were troubled , Gal. 1. 7. & 5. 12. Not ( beloved ) but that whoever beleeves and performs universal obedience Evangelically to the whole Law , he cannot but do well ; and he that doth it not , but lives in any one sin , let him evidence his Faith if he can . But I speak when a man submits to it , sub forma faederis , if I can do it , and because I cannot do it , hence doubt . Hence gather your evidence of Gods love primarily and chiefly from your subjection to the Second Covenant , Gal. 6. 16. Peace on them that walk according to this rule ; for Adams righteousnesse that did tye him to God , it brake ; hence no life , nor evidence from that , but Faith is an everlasting invincible Grace , upheld by the mighty power of God , and hence here will be everlasting evidence and peace , 1 Pet. 1. 8. Whom though we see not , yet believing we rejoyce . Object . Is a Christian then free from the Law ?

Yes , Answ. he is free from it as from a Covenant : hence though it be broken by him , he is not cast out of Covenant , or favour , but he is not free from it as a Rule , from which if he swerves he is to call himself , not Gods love into question : Why ? because it hath pleased the Father in another Covenant to offer life , give life , and hence only to evidence life . What-ever the Law requires I have , at that instant I did believe , I performed it in a Saviour by Faith : and that I my self may do every tittle of it , I come unto a Saviour for it by Faith ; so that when Satan objects you have no Christ , nor love of a Christ , because no Faith , and no Faith because you cannot do this or that . Answer , I cannot do it indeed , I never undertook it to have life or love thus , but I have done it in another , and I can do all things by Christ , if he will help me , under whose Grace I lie , and hence will be so far from doubting , that I will rejoyce in mine infirmities , that I am a fit subject for the power and Grace of Christ to shew it self upon . Thus retire to the Second Covenant ever if ever you would get any setled peace . And from neglect of this flows a worl● of unpeaceablenesse in many a spirit , ever complaining , and why ? I cannot do this or that , never peace now ; but cannot you lye under the Lord that he would help ? keep here , and keep your peace here .

But many a Christian that retires hither hath no peace , and so have I done , yet find none ? Object .

It 's then upon a double ground which you are to avoid : Answ. either , 1. Because you have Faith , but you imprison your Faith , you put out the eyes , and shackle the feet of Faith , for Faith will conquer and triumph over all sins , and fears of the world , if at liberty , 1 Iohn 5. 4. like a Master in a Ship , if he cannot save the Ship one way , let him have liberty , he will by another . As if it be Objected , You have departed from Christ , what have you to do with him ? I 'le return saith Faith to my first Husband . Ob. But he is angry with you . Ans. If he b● angry for my departure from him , I will not provoke him more by staying here , who knows but he may repent ? Ob. But you cannot go to him with all your heart . ● Answ. True , yet I 'le look to him to draw me . Ob. But you feel nothing . Ans. Yet I will wait . Ob. But you will wait in vain . Ans. Still I 'le look he would keep me from that . Now stop at any of these , trouble comes , suffer it to shift it will find rest . As 't is with the Anchor , let it down but little ▪ ●he ship drives , but let it down at full length , it will ride in storms ; then , 't is 〈◊〉 of Faith that gets the Blessing , where opposition makes the Soul take faster hold ; as it was with Iacob . The Woman of Canaan got it thus .

Or 2. 'T is because they look for another kind of Faith , and hence own not this , as the Iews the Messiah , they made account to have received him in state , and he came low ; so men look for a superlative Faith , but want it . But thus the Soul espoused to Christ , so long as Marriage-Covenant lasts , she may conclude of love .

Do not fear the love of Christ is not toward you , because he hides his face , and departs some times from you ; Husbands remain so when they depart , Means 3. and leave the house for many a day , and 't is simple to say he is not my Husband now . So here the Lord loves his people , yet departs , Isai. 54. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7. and truly 't is very hard when inward blows , and sad desertions , and outward miseries , and no Christ found , though sought for . But how shall I then know and discern his love ? Answ. Many things might be said this way , only one thing observe , whether thy love remains still to him for himself ; for it's rule that most commonly a christians purest and dearest love appears in Christs absence from him . As 't is with Friends , while with us we love them , but when gone , we feel that love mo●e quick than before . Ierusalem lies in the dust , and now the very dust is beloved , Psal. 102. 13 , 14. and if it be so , it 's certain we love him because he loved us , and we continue to love him , because he continues to love us ; now look then if thy love do not appear , 1. In mourning for his absence . 2. In longing for his presence . 3. In blessing him for a little that is left of himself , as seeing such want of him ; and is not this for himself to have his company again , that though God gives thee all other things , yet when thou comest to consider the Lord is gone , this strikes near , as when Christ departed away , Iohn 16. 5 , 6. But because love may be benummed , and lye dead , therefore try it a time of parting , and put thy heart thus to it ; if he be none of thine , then take thy fill in thy sin , and forsake him : no Beloved , here you shall see the heart will yeild and melt , Iohn 13. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , &c. and it will say , Lord let me never sin more against thee , though never saved by thee . And take it for a rule , do not think the Lord hath left off his love to you when you depart from him , and he from you : but lying in your Departures , Oh that is sad ; but return again , it comforts the Lords heart , especially when 't is for himself , not for peace and salvation , but though he never saves me , Oh yet I will look after him .

Look to the tender-heartednesse of the Lord Jesus , Means 4. for ( Beloved ) all the doubts of Christians arise chiefly from this head , from a hard opinion of Christ , which Satan suggests , as at first , Gen. 3. 5. that so they might take in his wares . Gods people do not know the tender-heartednesse of the Lord Jesus ; Satan presents him only in wrath , when any threats are spoken , all these are mine saith the soul , &c. And now if any Woman lives with a man that is of a hoggish churlish disposition , she will be ever doubting of his love . Men do not know it I say , and hence when any misery or trouble comes , they grow jealous of him , which the Lord takes exceeding ill , Deut. 1. 27.

Quest. How shall I know that tender-heartedness of Christ ?

Answ. By his carriage towards men when he was here on earth , for now he is in Heaven in Glory , and we know not what his disposition is : therefore his life on earth was the living looking-glasse of his heart for ever . In Four Things .

1. Never any came to him that he cast away , whatever their sorrows or sins were , but healed them every one if they came to him with their miseries : for in healing their miseries , he did but shew his readinesse to heal them of their sin ; hence Matthew applies that , Mat. 8. 17. He bare our infirmities .

2. When men came to him for by-ends , not for himself chiefly , he rebukes them for it , and shews he was more ready to give himself , than bread to them , Iohn 6. 27.

3. Those that were lost , and sick , and miserable , and came not to him , he went up and down to seek and save them , the lost Sheep , Luke 19. 10.

4. Those that would none of his love , he pittied and had compassion on their misery and sin ; as on them that were sheep without a shepheard ; he mourned for the hardnesse of their hearts : he wept over Ierusalem . Now look upon Christ the same still : thou comest to him in secret to take away all iniquity , to give thee himself ; tell me , dost think the Lord if here would reject thee ever . 2. But I dare not receive him . Ans. Thou wilt take Bread from him daily , and he is more willing to give himself . 3. Thou canst not come to him , nor find him , but only sometimes , nor see him ; well , but then he will seek thee out . 4. Oh but I oft reject : yet he pitties thee still . O think of this compassion of Christ , and make him as if present ; 't is a special means to establish the heart in Believing .

Learn to know when you are bound not to give way to your fear of Gods love ; Means 5. for sometime it is the case of many a precious soul , that he hath clear evidence of Gods love to him : and what is there against it ? nothing but a fear , what if I should be deceived when all is done ? and hence the heart sinks exceedingly . As some Women that have special love , if once they take a jealousie of their Husbands love , it 's never removed ; So here .

How shall I know this ?

First , Quest. If those fears thou hast drive thee farther from Christ , it 's clear you are then to cast them off : Answ. those fears that cause sin are sinful , but to be driven from Christ is sinful , Luke 5. 9 , 10. Lord depart from me , I am sinful : fear not saith Christ , 1 Sam. 12. 20. they were ready to cast off all , Fear not , saith he ; think of this , what 't is you get by nursing up those fears , they hinder your joy in , and your love to Christ , your blessing of Christ , cause a dead discouraged heart : nay though they drive you to Christ one way , if they drive you from Christ another way by questioning his care ; concluding against his Truth , never doubt they are vile , Mat. 8. 26. Why did ye fear O ye of little Faith . So far therefore as fear drives us to Christ , 't is good , otherwise to be cut off .

2. If the Lord hath drawn thy heart to come to Christ , and when undone , every way secretly perswaded thy heart that thou shalt have help if thou come , and by coming hast received healing Vertues of thy lusts and vile affections from the Lord Jesus , fear not now , 't is a sin to fear I shall not have help , as Mark 5. 33. the Woman with the Bloody-issue , she was afraid she had presumed , hence came trembling , but the Lord told her , Now fear not , be it unto thee according to thy Faith : only thy Issue is but begun to heal . What say you , have you never come to him , never received any healing from him ? that is hard . Surely 't is so , that I would not be in my lust again for a world .

If none of these prevail , Means 6. but the Lord follows thee with fears on fears , as wave on wave , then see if there be not some guile of spirit in thee , i. e. some sin you have or would give way to if you had assurance of Gods love . It was the speech of one to me , next to the Donation of Christ , no mercy like this , to deny assurance long ; and why ? for if the Lord had not , I should have given way to a loose heart and life , but , &c. so if the Lord should deal so with thee , it may be thou would'st lye in thy sins , if thou had'st pe●ce there , and it may be you have had it , but sinned , and not confessed , not lamented , not opposed : Thus it was with David , Psalm 32. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4. Hence when he confessed , the Lord forgave in his Conscience his sin . Men will withdraw their love from their Wives if it make them wanton , and deal sharply with them : so one that never restored , could never get peace ; some ever complaining , never setled , because they have their Truces with sin , and would have peace with Christ , and it cannot be . And this is a rule I have long held , in them that have clear light of the Gospel , long denial of assurance is like fire to burn out some sin , and then the Lord will speak peace , Iudg. 10. 16. And therefore take this counsel , and God will tell thee thy sin , if thou art desirous that he should find it out , but get this mercy from him , Zach. 13. 9.

Bring thy heart to a straight , either to reject or receive him to be thine , Means 7. he is offered to be King , and Saviour , and Lord , and Husband ; now thou shalt have his heart , his hand , his Spirit , his Father , his Kingdom , his Ordinances , his Angels , himself if you receive him , or else if not , you shall lose him , and then woe to thee when any mercy , any misery , any Ordinance befalls thee , for all shall suck thy Blood , consume thee , and fit thee for eternal ruine : and then wish , Oh that I had taken him , but then too late ; therefore receive him or reject him : Oh I cannot ; that 's another matter : However we propound these Evangelical commands that may come with power , and therefore know , that if they do not now , they shall arise again in time .

SECT. II.

THis is not all that which makes you ready for Christ , unlesse your love is set and fixed on him : Exhort . 2. and therefore look that it be ready . I doubt not but that there is glowing in your hearts , some love to the Lord , it cannot be that all should be quenched , that all his kindnesse should be forgotten , but remembred many times with some affliction : but know it , if it be so , your lamp is not yet in your hand , nor your Souls ready to meet the Lord : For look as 't is with a mighty Prince that shall set his heart on some poor servant , and he requires no portion but to love him the more , and she cannot bring her heart to love him more than other mean Fellows , is she fit or ready to be Matcht unto him ? So here : hence . Mat. 10. 37. He that loves Father or Mother , &c. then you are ready when your love is fit for such an Husband ; and therefore though you feel some love under the ashes ( when you stir up your hearts ) to the Lord Jesus , yet if it be not a fit love beseeming his Excellency , and the Glory of his Person , when you can draw out buckets of love , and pour it upon other things , but scarce fetch out a drop for Christ , and yet you hope that will serve the turn ; I tell you no , you are yet unfit and unready for him . Look as it was with their offering the Testimonies of love and thankfulnesse , Mal. 1. 14. so it 's here . And therefore my Exhortation shall be as 't is said in that Psalm , Psal. 86. 7 , 8. Give unto the Lord the kingdoms of the earth . Give unto the Lord the honour due unto his Name : So give to the Lord the love that is due unto him , that love that is fit for him .

What is that love the Lord would have , Quest. which is fit for him ?

1. Beloved , I hope if you think not your Blood too dear for Christ , you will not think any love too much for Christ : Answ. Yet because I would not have you aim at an uncertain mark , and shoot at a venture , I shall single out that love which I hope your own Consciences cannot but say is fit . And ,

1. I had thought to have sought for this from you , viz. Give the Lord Jesus but that love , no more love than thou hast given to thy lusts , the Lord will be contented with it , Rom. 6. 19. As ye have yeilded , &c. so now ; but that it may be you may think this love too base for him , yet give him but this , and the Lord would be contented with it , and accept of it ; and those that shall not , it shall be their Torment in Hell to think of this word : Oh that I had given the Lord Jesus that love I gave to my base lusts , I had had him , and been in Heaven with him . But I wholly presse a Second .

2. Do but love him as he loveth thee , i. e. you cannot answer the greatnesse of his love , but do it for your measure : If you cannot pay him in pounds , yet pay him in pence , and this is fit for him : For 1. He is worthy of love , there is beauty in him why thou shouldest desire him ; there is none in thee . 2. Thy love shall have a recompence , 2 Tim. 4. 8. he never can have recompence from thee .

3. He loves thee first with his own love , now that is unreasonable not to reflect his beams , and return him his own again in similitude , if not in parity .

Wherein appears the love of the Lord to me , Quest. that so I may see how to manifest the like love to him ?

He hath loved thee more than himself , more than his own honour , for he made himself of no reputation , Answ. Phil. 2. 7. more than his own comforts , he left the bosom of a Father , and bore the wrath of a Father for thee ; more than his own life , he saw thy neck upon the block , and Gods Axe up to give the Bloody Fatal stroke ; and he came in thy room , and loved thy life more than his own , lost his own before one hair of thy head should perish , though he knew thee a Traytor to God , and an enemy to himself , Rom. 5. 10. Rev. 1. 5 , 6. if this be not thus , woe to thee living , woe to thee dying . What art thou but a sad spectacle hung up in thy chains in this world for Angels in Heaven to see and tremble at , and for Devils , Sins , and eternal Sorrows , like Fouls of Heaven to Prey upon . Now is it not fit that thou shouldst love him more than thy self ? his honour more than thine , his consolations more than thine own , his Person more than thine own , nay more than thy life ? Rev. 12. 11. I have known them whom the Lord hath revealed this love to , that have thought it too little to do , and hence have wish'd they had been born in those Times that they might have laid down their lives for him : VVhere is now this love ? Doth not self-love swallow up all ? Lord , what self-seeking , self-serving , self-minding , self-honouring , self-pleasing , and the Lord himself and his love forgot , as if there were no Christ , or in him no love .

2. He hath loved thee when he might have passed by thee , and loved others that might have wone the Lord towards them ( I speak after the manner of men ) rather than thee ; men of greater place , greater gifts and parts , greater pomp in the world , but Rom. 9. Iacob shall be loved , Esau hated : he hath passed by Kings with their Crowns , and now set his heart on thee a Babe , when wise ones know him not ; foolish , when prudent ones see him not ; weak , when strong and mighty receive him not . Yea , as the Apostle speaketh , 1 Cor. 1. 28. Base things , and things which are not . God hath made thee nothing in thine own eies . Behold his love , and now do the like for him . It may be somtime thy carnal eye sees more Glory in the creature , than in Christ ; more in the honour of man , than in the honour of a Christ , &c. And hence might'st set thy heart on them rather than on Christ , because strongly tempted so to do , and it may after some scourges be saved at last , yet passe by them , and set thy heart only on him . We judge of a Friend by the times of triall , and of a Christian , by a time of temptation . Now a Balaam , a Witch may not dare in time of temptation , to fall into it . Oh get one strain highe● , and go one step farther than a Witch , though I might let my heart loose after the world , I will not love it , the love of the Lord deserves it , the love of the Lord constrains me to give my love to him and not to the world , though I might hide it , and have pardon for it .

3. He loves thee although thou wrongest him , Isa. 43. 22. to 26. when he is so wronged that he is ready to give thee up , yet Hos. 11. 8 , 9. He is God and not man , nay , which is more wonderful , where sin there Grace abounds . Hence David makes this an Argument , Psal. 25. 11. Forgive because 't is great . And hence Moses , Deut. 33. 9. Because 't is astiffnecked people . Oh therefore love him , though he smites thee , though he forsakes thee , wherein he may seem , but indeed doth no wrong to thee , but love thee ; for chastisement is part of the portion of sons , not of Bastards , Heb. 12. 6 , 8. But do as that woman when she came to the stake , gave away her cloaths , some to one , some to another , Now farewell friends , and world , welcome Love , welcome Christ So if the Lord comes to take away all from thee , the child of thy body , the husband of thy youth , the wife of thy bosom , the comforts of thy life , provisions from thy family , bread from thy mouth , bid farewel to them , give them into the Lords hands , and now say , welcome Christ . It s usual for Christians at first conversion and espousing , the Lord loves them dearly , and tenders them , shews nothing but love to them , and then their love is fresh ; afterward come hard Frosts , and Winter-storms , and cold blasts of displeasure : Christ departs from the Soul , withdraws himself , hides his face , and sends sad afflictions ; now the Soul apprehending anger , and nothing else , it grows discouraged , and so dies : when if it could stay and wait , it should see all from love , and doing it the greatest good . Oh remember this : he doth afflict me , he doth depart from me , he doth fear me with Hell , yet I 'le love him never a whit the lesse : Though the Lord buries all the Blessings he gives me , yet my love shall live , and if it do fall it shall arise .

4. He loved thee when in thy low estate , Psal. 136. 23. even when as no eye pittied thee , Ezek. 16. nay when thou wert vilest , at the height of thy sin , under deepest depths of misery , and straightest captivity , after Friends had almost ceased to counsel , Word and Spirit could do no good , after Conscience had warned thee . Oh love him when he is in his lowest estate , when his enemies persecute him , and his seeming Friends forsake him . Before you came to this Land , you thought Christ and persecution , Christ and the meanest condition , nay Christ and death would be sweet : the Lord it may be doth or will try your love ; and here you find Christ and losses in Estate , Christ and crosses in your Family , Christ and many fears , and toils , and cares . Do you love him now as well as ever you did for all this ? Oh never was my heart worse ! I doubt not but a discerning Christian may see how all the world is against Christ , nay many Traytors in his own Family , who love the bagg more than Christ . Many foolish Virgins who love their sleep and sloth more than Christ ; nay the hearts and Spirits of his own Friends declining , that there is not that life of Christ , that presence , and savour , and power of Christ in Hearts , in Prayers , in Lives , and no complaints of this : Now is the fittest time of love , when no eye sees , when no heart loves him , or cares for him , Psalm 119. 126 , 127. Therefore I love thy commands , when he is shut out of every heart , when none to receive him , if any love it will appear now .

5. He doth love thee constantly every moment , Iohn 13. 1. 2. He hath thee every moment in his own bosom , every moment thou art sinning , and he is pardoning . Sin , and Satan , and Hell , and wrath are every moment waiting to hurt thee , and he is every moment watching over thee , redeeming of thee . Every moment sin and justice cry against thee , and yet he is continually making intercession for thee , Isai. 27. 2 , 3. Every moment he is blessing when thou art sinning . Oh the unknown love of the Lord Jesus ! Oh these fits of love are not fit for him . Love him every moment , delight in him every moment . When a man hath a fire every moment warming him , but still is cold , it 's a sad sign that Death is near : You can love him sometimes in a Sermon , but soon after cold again , or in a Sacrament , and presently heart-dead again : or after answer to Prayers , and some special deliverances , and then the heart is un-affected again , and so a little pang of love must content Christ : if he ceaseth one moment to love thee , and to manifest it to thee , then cease to love him ; if he ceaseth not to love thee dearly , never to leave thee , Oh then ever love him .

But we have such distractions and cares ?

Men in love will follow their work , Object . and Women will do the Huswifry of the house , Answ. and yet love is at notime to seek to their Husbands , and shall the Lord have lesse ?

6. He loves thee with an unmeasurable love , Rom. 5. 20. Where sin , there Grace hath abounded : hence Eph. 2. 3 , 4. Love , and great love , vers . 7. Exceeding riches of his Grace : For there is in Christ .

1. A created love . One man loves another exceedingly , as Ionathan did David . Now he hath the perfection of all humane or Angelical love towards his people put in him .

2. Increated love , infinite love of a God , and hence 't is immeasurable . He thinks nothing he doth too much , nothing he gives too dear : hence when world is slain , Satan cast out , when he is out sin must out ; when some sins removed , the rest must ; when they are out , then death must ; when Death , then Hell . And when there is no life , no Grace , he works it ; it decaies , he restores it ; it cannot act , he quickens it ; it cannot , doth not grow , he waters it . He hath given thee the earth , and the dayes of peace and patience ; those are too little : he calls thee , and when thou canst not come , draws thee , and gives thee pardon : that is too little : he gives earth to thee , that is too little : ( world is theirs ) he gives Heaven to thee , that 's too little ( for they are made Co-heirs : ) he gives promise to thee , that is too little : he gives himself , and Spirit , and can he do more ? Yes , we cannot drink in all that goodnesse and love ; hence he gives eternity to thee , and he shall more and more enlighten thee : not only let thy Soul live to blesse him , but thy poor body , and every dust of it to be raised up to Glory with him . What the Lord promised to Abraham , In blessing I will blesse , that portion is thine . Oh now love him without measure . Oh how I love thy law ! how did David love it ? I cannot tell ; but if he loved the word of Christ , then much more the person of Christ , the presence of Christ , everlasting fellowship with Christ . Oh take heed of giving Christ , and measuring out unto Christ his portion , his allowance , that when the Lord comes to you for more love ( as he doth daily ) you give him that answer which many do in their practice , you have let him have as much as you can : so that you cannot spare any more from your selves , from a base world , from Wife , and Child , and Creature , from a slothful course : you hope the Lord will accept of that little he hath . I confesse a little water in a Spring is better than much that comes by Land-floods , but be sure it be a Spring , else not accepted . Beloved , time was you lived without Christ , did nothing for him : now you do ; and what thou dost this year , did'st last year , and no more : what love Christ had yesterday , the same he hath to day and no more : Will you thus stint the Lord ? Either do more , give more , or mourn you cannot : Oh one life , one heart is too little for him . It hath put me to sad fears of many mens estates to see this frame , a world of sin without measure every day : where is the Christian that loves the Lord the more every day ? how can any then say much is forgiven , when they do not love much .

7. He loves thee now in Glory , there hath prepared a place for thee , Iohn 14. 1 , 2 , 3. where he long● for thee , Iohn 17. 24. You know Pharaoh's Butler when exalted to his place , forgot poor Ioseph . One would think now the Lord Jesus is in Glory , and hath God , and Angels , and his Kingdom to content him , he should never look after such a worm , such a poor helplesse creature as thee . But as the High Priest carried the Names on his breast , and precious stones , so the Lord Jesus hath thy Name writ upon his very heart . Oh now love him when he exalts thee to Glory , to give thee the Kingdom of Heaven on earth , with peace and quietnesse . When Germany lies in blood , and Eastern Churches slain by the Dragon , devoured by the Turk , when Englands lights and lamps are going out , no people have such peace , such glory in so small a time . Beloved , now where is love ? The Churches of Christ never lost their love so much as when they had their peace , and have been 1600 years a learning by A●flictions and Persecutions , h●w to enjoy their peace , and to have their love smell as sweet then , as when be●●en most , and yet have not , but like the Globe without the Crosse in the Emblem rolling and running farther and fa●ther from God , In Cruce quies . Oh unreasonable to love him least whom he tenders most . Doth not Prayer grow cold for the Name of Christ , for the Churches of Christ ? then love grows cold . Doth not plenty of means make thy soul sleight means : when you went many miles to hear , and had scarce bread at home , Oh you thought if once you had such liberties ! but when they are made yours , now what fruit . Dost not fall in affections to Saints ? Oh love dies , Christ deals not so with thee , and who knows but in Rocks and Mountains of the Wildernesse thou maist lament these evils which peace breed now ?

8. He loves thee so as when any evil toucheth thee , he hath a feeling of it , and is grieved at it , Iud. 10. 16. Isai. 63. 9. nay he then comforts thee most , both in them , and by them , Iohn 14. 27. Not as the world gives peace , so give I it to you : Oh then grieve thou for those evils that betide him , the wrongs that others offer him , but especially the unkindnesse thy own Soul shews him , Mark 5. 3. He mourned for the hardnesse of their heart , Eph. 4. 29 , 30. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth , and grieve not the Holy Ghost , Heb. 3. 10. Forty years long was I grieved because they erred ; I confesse you will wrong him , but will you , must you be impenitent too ? Did his enemies grieve him on earth , and shall his Friends grieve him in Heaven , and no sorrows , no secret tears ? he hath shed his Blood for thy sin , it shall never condemn , and wilt not thou shed tears ? Is there no good Nature ? But what is there no spirit of mourning ? It may be many a day and week hast thou grieved him , and not a sigh to any purpose to ease thee of thy sin , but what hath eased thee in thy sin . Oh now comfort his heart again after thou hast most grieved him ; comfort his Spirit that is dying sighing in thee ; as he comforts thee by thy troubles , comfort him by making a right use of all thy sins to be more humble , more vile , to love him the more , and love thy self the lesse , as the Prodigal Son , Luke 15. 18 , 20 , 24.

9. He loves thee so , that though he departs , he will not , doth not stay long from thee , though you may think it long , Isai. 54. 7. Hence it 's wonder to see when heart gone , love lost , life lost , yet suddenly thou art brought down on thy knees : Oh 't is the Lord that doth it : Thou wast in sorrow of heart , he did not stay long , but came and comforted thee ; thou wast in thy sins , it was not long but he delivered thee ; thou wast in want of knowledg of him , it hath not been long but that he hath revealed the Lord to thee ; thou hast been in afflictions and troubles , it hath not been long but he hath heard thee : So give him the like love . I know you will fall from him in love , in delight , in care ; but do not stay long from him . Sometime the baits of the world will draw thee from him when thou hast thy ease and peace , Oh think it was better with me once than now ; when fears drive thee from him , yet return , 1 Sam. 12. 21 , 22. Oh here is that which hardens hearts , breaks your peace , and grieves the Lord so as he is forced to send many sad afflictions , because you lie in your falls : Oh be not long , no● far from him . He returns to thee when thou art most unkind to him : return when he is ever kind . He returns to thee though he hath no need of thee , thou hast of him ; He will not leave thee : Oh leave not him !

10. He hath from before all worlds loved thee , when no reason for it , Ier. 31. 1 , 2 , 3. Thou hast neglected to love him long , all thy youth , nay it may be all thy life ; Oh you beloved of the Lord begin to do it now , when there is all reason for it , when Heaven calls for it , Earth calls for it , Ordinances plead for it , Spirit saith come , and calls for it too . It may be thy life is not long . What not yet ?

But how shall I come to do this , Quest. thus to love the Lord ?

The Lord only can plant , Answ. can water this Grace , yet because the Lord doth it by meanes , I will give you some now .

1. Labour to find out the true sweetnesse , and to taste the bitternesse of the deceitful sweetnesse of all Creatures , for this is a rule in reason , a mans affections like streams must run some way : and 't is a rule in Theology , stop the affections from running to the Creature , and in a sincere heart it will run unto Christ , Hos. 2. 6 , 7. if it be from all creatures : Now then the affection is turned from the Creature , when it finds the bitternesse of the deceiving sweetnesse of it : and Secondly finds out the real sweetnesse of it ; for make it as a rule , when a mans heart cannot love Christ ( unlesse it be when it is benummed ) 't is because he hath somewhat else to joy his heart ; now let the Creature yeild you no more joy , and Christ hath your love : indeed you may and must joy in the real sweetnesse of it , and this will encrease , and not diminish your love .

Quest. What is the real sweetnesse of the Creature ?

Answ. Christs love : Oh see this , if Christ should not love thee , would not thy life be death , thy Salvation from many dangers be Damnation , thy Friends miserable comforters , thy joyes sorrows ? what good would any thing do thee if thou hadst these thoughts , all these I have , but wrath with them ? What comfort can a man take in his Feast , if news were then brought that after 't is done , you must go to the stake to be burnt ? You that joy in your pastimes , one frown of Christ would blast all . Oh see this , Psalm 63. Thy loving-kindnesse is better than life , in thy favour is life . Now joy for this , and this will knit your heart nearer to him . For Jesus sake ponder this Point .

Now 2. Taste the bitternesse of the sweetnesse remaining now 't is distilled ; and Satan shews a Three-fold sweetness , before , in , and after the enjoying of it .

Now 1. Before , remember how they have drawn away and held thy heart from God , done thee more hurt than all afflictions , many a sweet smile hadst thou had from God , but for them .

2. In the enjoying of it 't is sweet , but when 't is sweet to thee , 't is then most bitter to the heart of God ; when thy joy is kindled , the Lords sorrow is stirred up and provoked .

3. After . 1. It will draw thy heart from God : and 2. It will be bitter in thy belly at last . Whatever sweetnesse draws thee from the love of Christ , Oh it will be bitter . Rom. 6. 21. Chew upon this , and see if any thing here be worthy of your joy , and if not , then return to your first Husband .

II. Taste the allsufficiency of the love of Christ : a Woman that is not content with her Husbands love , she will not love him as 't is fit . So when other things make love to us , and the Lords love is not enough , Cant. 1. 4. More than wine : hence the upright love thee . Do but sit down and think what this is : If once he loves thee , what-ever he can he will do for thee , he will order all thy life , not one thing shall hurt thee , every thing in providence shall work for thy glory , sins , sorrows , &c. so as thou shalt say his denyals are better than his gifts , his blows better than smiles , his withdrawings better than his presence , these evils better than joyes , and when once he loves me , he will never leave me , that come life ; come death , I am safe . Oh taste this !

III. See the Lord Jesus now as he is , and ●n truth this were enough to make any prophane heart love him , much more a Saint espoused to him , but the Lord hath hid himself from their eyes , shall he be so , is he so from yours ? 1 Pet. 1. 8. When seeing not with bodily eyes , but with Faith , ye love him , 1 Iohn 3. 1 , 2 , 3. We shall see him as he is . VVhy suppose the day of doom was come , Christ in the clouds , and all creatures before him , all Angels ministring to him , in all the Glory of his Father ; Oh then the love of Christ , Oh one smile , one word of Christ would be precious . Lord that men should be in a Dream ! See Christ a little higher set in his Throne , a place more glorious , though lesse seen , in all the Glory of his Father , all mighty Angels ministring to him , all the world put into his hand , doing what he will , and all he will ; why will you not love him now ? Is the Gospel a Fable ? say so if it be , then love him not if you can . VVhen Simeon and the VVise men saw him , though but in his abasement , they honoured him , much more now if see him in glory . It 's a question whether the beams of the Sun are fire : Some demonstrate it thus , Take a Glasse and gather together the beams , it burns . Therefore so if you would see so as to be affected , gather together the beams of his glory and love ; Thus you see the means to get fit love , and if it be lost , Oh now get it again , lest the Lord strain for it , else you are not fit , and if it be not any love that sufficeth , much lesse no love , as in many of you : but consider 1 Cor. 16. 22. He that loves not Christ , let him be accursed : Oh that this might be won from you , O little love goes out to Christ , who sees it not ? Ordinances of Christ , men are weary of them , the truths of Christ , despise them , the Servants of Christ , they quarrel with them . Now recover your Love , the Lord help you so to do .

SECT. III.

TO do the work of Christ , Exhort . 3. to be daily at it , and finishing of it ; for look as it was with the Head , 't is so with all the Members that are to remain a while in this life , they have some work to do for the Lord ; some common , some special work , and when that is done , now they are ready to return home again . Hence Iohn 17. 4 , 5. I have finished the work , and now he stands at the door and knocks , and is ready for entrance , Now glorifie me with thy self , and you shall find a faithful heart will neither be willing nor ready to go till this is done .

What is this work I am to do ? Quest.

I have answered this else-where at large , Answ. yet these two things I would say .

1. That a mans chief work lies not in facile duties , for though Grace and Christs ●pirit makes duties easie , his yoke easie ; yet there is a contrary Spirit that will make them hard and difficult at first .

2. Least I should leave you unsatisfied altogether , we shall find a christian life is carried with a double motion : 1. In seeking of God in his Ordinances . 2. Or in walking with God out of his Ordinances , these are joyned together , Gen. 6. 8 , 9. Noah found Grace , hence sought it , though not in the eyes of the world : and hence Noah walked with God . Hence we see Christ was sometime in the Mount alone , Sometime abroad going up and down doing good . Moses in the Mount and in the Camp too . Now look as before a man is justified , his chief work then is to seek God in his Ordinances for a principle : so a soul now espoused to Christ is to walk with Christ : now walking implies constant following of another , or a continual work ; so Christ hath work for you every moment . Hence in every company , time , place , temptation , enquire thus , Am I not like to lose my time , my heart , Christs honour ? What work hath Christ for me to do ? hold here , for here lies your work . Look as an ambitious man asks , how serves this for my honour , and Satan how he may dishonour Christ ; so do you ask , how you may honour him , Rom. 6. 19. As you have given your selves instruments of iniquity , &c. And now because we live in times and places wherein men have so much work of their own to do , that Christ is neglected , wherein very few walk with God . Hence men taking mens examples for patterns and copies of their course , content themselves to do as others do : And this being a close act , mainly consisting in what is unseen ; and because men are apt to put off Christ with desires , and serve Satan indeed , and because apt to resolve all Religion into some two or three duties or Graces , and because mens hearts are catching at comforts and promises , but commands tedious and burdensome ; I shall presse this upon these Motives ; only here let me premise when I presse you to this , 't is not to a Covenant of Works , as though you could act your selves , but we look to Christs Blood and Spirit to set on things ; I speak to them under Grace , who have the Spirit without , and Faith within to act and carry them here . But

1. Whose work will you do ? M●t. 1. you cannot cease to do Christs work , but you must do your own work , ( I speak not for idlenesse ) i. e. you must serve your lust ; now consider what good did thy self ever do thee , nay Satan never such an enemy as thy own self : and will you fall down to such an Image ? Shall thy lusts have content more and rather than Christ ?

2. Consider the Lord will take care and charge of thee , to do thy work , to bring about thy ends for thee , do but thou do his . Martha was cumbred about many things , hence forsook the better part : so men neglect , forget Christs work , because of so many distractions of their own . What will become of my hundred Talents ? what will become of my Wife ; Child ? Now do you take care of the Lords work , take that for your charge , and the Lord will take charge of you . The best , readiest , and only way to have your own ends , is to seek the Lords , and forget your own . As in Solomon , his great work and care was to rule a State well , and the Lord gave all the rest . Set thy face to the Sun , and these shadows will follow you . The Servant takes charge of his Masters work , and he need not trouble himself for meat and drink , and è contra .

First , there shall not any evill hurt thee , whereas else thy good things shall , Isai. 27. 3.

Secondly , All Creatures in Heaven and Earth shall serve that man that serves his God , Hos. 2. 21 , 23. whereas else they groan under thee .

Thirdly , Angels shall come out of Heaven to guard thee .

Fourthly , Nay the Lord Jesus himself shall stand at the top of the ladder , that when every thing else shall leave thee , he shall then bring the best wine at the last , he will be a portion to thee , Psalm 16. Phil. 3. 8.

3. Consider that the more difficult any duty is , the more sweetnesse shall you receive if you break through it : Men plead difficulty , I plead gain . Hence he that overcomes shall eat of the hidden Manna : Hence never any so comforted , honoured as Christ , because never any went through so hot a work for the Father as Christ , Phil. 2. You plead the difficulty of a christian life , and taste not the sweetnesse of that life : if you can do no more than what is easie , and pleaseth self , the Lord will never let you taste the sweetnesse of pleasing him . Have you not sometimes found your hearts dead to Prayer , yet you fell to it , and then would not but have took the season for a world .

4. Consider , let the duty be to Nature impossible , yet the Lord is at hand to help , even when no strength , Isai. 40. 29. Nay Heb. 11. 34. Out of weaknesse were made strong . If you had no Christ , no Spirit , no Promises to assure you of help , you might then cease acting , and say 't is impossible I should ever overcome such evils , attain to that measure : but when Promises to assure , and Christ and Spirit at hand , now to plead impossibility , is to reproach the Lord ; to think he will set his people to make Brick , and give them no straw : nay to war against God and to make the Lord war against you , Numb . 14. You know how they cried out of impossibilities , and now the Lords anger rose when they were ready to enter Canaan : So when men are ready to enter upon possession of Christ , and Promises , then impossibilities appear . Consider therefore what the Lord hath done for David , Gideon , Samson , who went out in the name and Spirit of the Lord , and were helped : If you were under the Law , you might plead this , but under Grace 't is horrible to make this excuse .

5. Consider if the Lord do not help ( as he will be free ) yet he will accept thy will , I know he will not accept the wishes of servants , yet he will accept the will of Sons ; neither will he accept the will of Sons in a work they might have strength from him to do , and go not to him for it ; but in that case he will ; as 2 Cor. 12. 9. i. e. 't is enough , I accept thee : and this is very sweet , that for his own sake he should be pleased as well with the will as with the work , for this is that which troubles , I would have help , the Lord gives none ; why the Lord accepts of it as if thou didst it , as in Davids building a Temple : For a Christians work is done two wayes .

First , Sometimes by feeling , when we feel help .

Secondly , Some times by Faith , by going to another for it : and this the Lord accepts most mercifully , for this is his Victory over all sin , even his Faith . When we see a duty hard , and do not go to the Lord for help , then we are overcome properly : For out of the abundance of the heart the person acts for Christ .

6. Consider the Lord will honour thee ( though the work doth not ) Iohn 12. 26. Him will my Father honour , both in this life , Rom. 2. 29. and in that to come . Now as 't is in acting parts , 't is no matter what Fellow-acters think , God is the great Spectator , God will esteem of thee , and Conscience shall witnesse as much when no eye sees , or when men see and judge amisse , yet the Lord approves , and at the great Day before Men and Angels , and all the world , 1 Cor. 4. 5. Then shall every man have praise of God : and hence Mat. 25. Christs judgement is made according to the works of his people : because then they shall not be compared with themselves and their sins , but with the wicked : and hence to set out their glory , he reckons up all they have done . All men in all their acts seek to avoid shame , and attain honour : now if you did know a way for all men in the world to honour you , would you not attend it ? what is their Dreams to Gods honour ? Hence not one act but is now chronicled , Mal. 3. 16. and afterward rewarded , 1 Cor. 15. 58. Oh then give content to the Lord .

7. Consider the peace you shall have by this means , both while you live , and when you dye : what 's the cause of so many doleful clamours of Conscience , but a loose carelesse heart , the Lord is neglected ; that when one pleads Faith , it will be replyed , the true Faith is the Faith of the Son of God . Now is the Faith of God a carelesse Faith , a secure , worldly , impenitent , dead Faith ? you may sit down , and rise again , and say true , yet I 'le believe , so you may , but it will be with such a trembling spirit as you will find no peace : Neither do I know how any can keep his peace otherwise , for there are children but Still-born ; if born a living Son , thou wilt live to God , necessarily I must do it : But by this means , Oh there is unspeakable peace , Mat. 11. 29 , 30. Hence Paul , I have finished my work , &c. Iohn 14. 21. to 24. you live without God , and walk without God , and Pray without God , but there is a day approaching that you shall appear before the Lord Jesus , you shall wish then , Oh that I had lived so and so : Oh do that now .

8. Consider the Lord will have it done , it must be done , hence Paul said , Necessity lies upon me , and woe to me , &c. the Lord should be forsworn if he should not bring you to it , Luke 1. 73 , 74 , 75. According to the Oath , &c. Beloved you think lasie desires will serve : no , it must be done : you say I cannot , it must be better with you . And hence look for a rod , and that the Lord will bring you into great affliction till all is removed , and so purge you ; and if one affliction will not do it , then worse shall come , he loves you better than so . And remember you have had warning this day : you came hither for the Lords work , and now your own justles it out : look that God will take away the Kingdom from you , or set oppressors over you , or send some stings among you : and then say , Oh I may thank my walking unworthy of God and Gospel for this .

9. Consider else you shall make the Blood of Christ shed of no effect , 2 Cor. 5. 14 , 15. Now wicked men need not fear this , no Blood shed for them . Will you do so ? God forbid : The Jews have killed him , will you drag him up and down the streets , trample on his Blood , and put him to open shame .

10. Consider your time is but short , and you have done but little work , and 't is not long but that your Crown shall be put upon your head . It 's noted of En●ch Gen. 5. that he walked with God three hundred years , ( and that having Sons and Daughters , h●ving Family-contentments , and incumbrances , ) and he lived the shortest time . I am sure Angels are content to come out of Heaven to do the work of God : what not do it here ? Paul thought himself born too soon because for a time he lived without Christ . Oh but now make tryal , and you will find it the sweetest life , that you will say , why have I neglected this so long ? and if thou dost not find seven times more peace therein than in all the world , never set foot here .

How shall I thus do the work of Christ ? Quest.

I. Without Christ you can do nothing , Answ. Iohn 15. 5. The Sun runs still because it's light of it self ; so when the Lord is in you , you will do so . Hence go not out to any duty in your own strength , for then you will either not do it , or not hold out in it : No man can hold out at his work that feeds not abundantly on his meat , so here ; and here note but these two things .

1. Do not only in Ordinances do thus , but out of Ordinances then , as in particular times of tryal ( for the Lord will not give you in an Ordinance as much Grace as shall serve you out of it ) lift up your hearts to Christ , and say as Christ , Father the hour is come , now glorifie thy Name , Iohn 12. 28. So Lord , here is work to do , but a dead heart is upon me , Lord glorifie thy Name . I have seldom seen but the Lord either helped then , or at some other time when thou didst come , and then the Lord puts thee in remembrance that 't is out of respect to that .

2. Thus coming and feeding on the Lord Jesus , believe that he will help , and that shall be so ; some have never got strength against sin till then , but this hath conquered difficulties , Rom. 8. 37 , 38. In all these things we overcome , for I am perswaded , &c. So you coming helplesse to a Christ , all his strength is yours by covenant . Be perswaded he cannot go from his word : but yet we must use other means sanctified by Christ , for Christ worketh by meanes . And therefore ,

II. Find out where the cause of all your negligence and sloth lies in not doing the Lords work , nay of your doing Satans work . It may be you will say you cannot , I know there is that in Saints in part , but this is not the main , therefore I will tell you thus .

1. Before conversion the main wound of men is their Will , Video meliora proboque dexteriora sequor : Hence Iohn 8. 44. His lusts ye will do . Hence Mat. 23. 37. You would not : they say hence we have a Will , I say no. And hence we answer that great Objection for Possibilities to keep all Laws by universal Grace , which t is unjust to punish for not doing that a man cannot do . We answer , There is a double impotency , Ex infirmitate , or Ex malignitate , when men will not , Prov. 11 , 12 , 13.

2. Hence it follows after conversion , though the Will is changed , so that a man would but cannot do many things , Ex infirmitate , yet the great cause why he cannot do more is from the remnant of malignity not yet removed . A man will sleep , he loves it , and secretly loaths the wayes of the Lord : Hence the Church , Isai. 63. 17. complains of this . A man shall find his heart wills the end exceedingly , but when he comes to will the means , there his heart is weary of them , and loath● them ; a man will be carelesse , and this being not seen , is not fought against . Sin is vi●ified , and hence the enemy to all good remains still . It 's an old Rule , Tantum possumus , quantum volumus . Get Christ to help here .

3. Make this your last end , to live unto Christ , and to do his work : Hence Paul did not account his life dear ; this is your last end , for the end of being born by Faith , nay of being redeemed by Blood , 't is to live unto Christ , Tit. 2. 11. When you cry for Faith , and Peace , and Assurance , that is not your end , for he that doth so is a very Hypocrite , and hath a false heart , but 't is to live to Christ : Hence Paul , Phil. 3. 9 , 10 , 12 , 13. sought to be found in him , but further to know him , &c. The Father is glorified in our bringing forth much Fruit. Hence make it your ●ast end , and then your happinesse will lie in acting thus , and that that is a mans happinesse he is carried to with most infinite delight . For presse people to do Christs work , their hearts are dead , tell them the Lord Jesus shall have a Name by what they do for him , yet dead , because though they see it good , yet they place not their happinesse there , because that is not their last end . But come to this , now it will do ; a man cannot bear a crosse , yet let him consider , the Lord shall gain though I do not ; so for Faith , so for any other duty . Men think it good , but not their greatest good . Hence see Christ better than thy self , and his honour better than thy glory for ever . Hence the Lord denies us help , because we ask it for our Lusts , not for himself , Iames 4. 3.

4. Keep those glorious apprehensions of the Lord and his wayes , which you have sometimes in an Ordinance : You are sometimes near the Lord , and you then see a beauty in Christ , in his wayes , and then thinkest shall I ever wrong him more ? then you come out and lose your light , and so you ever lose your strength and life . Hence Eph. 5. 11. 't is as with a man that eats , but he looseth and spends his spi●its , he can do no more work , but faints away : see 2 Pet. 2. 9. Steven can be content to have stones about his ears , when he can say , I see Iesus . And hence when those glorious apprehensions come into your minds , stamp them there , for set up other Images of other things in your minds , and your hearts will bow down every moment to them . Doth not Christs Spirit do all ? yes , but by this medium , 2 Cor. 3. 18. As by the Spirit of the Lord .

SECT. IV.

AFter you have done your work be ever humble , and be ready to give the Lord the honour of his Grace , Use 4 , Of Exhort . that ever he gave any thing to you , that ever he did any thing by you ; for the last end of all the Elect , 't is to admire and honour the riches of Gods Grace , Eph. 1. 5 , 6. Hence the Fall was permitted , never should Grace have been seen , if sin and misery had not come in . Now if this be our last end in Glory , then the heart is ready to have immediate fellowship with Christ there , when 't is ready to act for its last end . Hence it 's frequent in the Psalms , when David was in any strait , wanted any mercy , nay the presence of the Lord here , this is the last end he pursues , the last word he speaks before the Lord , My soul shall blesse thee , as Psalm 63. 3 , 4. and hence when all his enemies were subdued , and he ready to lay all in the dust , he gives the Lord all , 2 Sam. 22. per totum . and 23. 5. Beloved , this is Heavens work , Oh learn this Song before you go there , which none can learn but the Redeemed and Sealed of the Lord , Rev. 14. 3. Iohn 1. 14. It 's writ of Christ , he was full of Grace and Truth ; Do you ever think to meet with him , that get not your hearts full of the sense of it ?

Before I come therefore to presse this , I shall premise these two things .

First ; That the Lord in all his dealings with his people , seeks lastly to bring about the glory of his Grace : he regards nothing men do , if at last they deny him this ; He respects not what sins and evils men have , if at last he gets this , for this is his last end : hence all he doth to his people , for his people , by his people , 't is for this . And hence

1. He leaves them a long time in their Graves and Sins , that they live like other men , which is strange that he that hath loved them so long , should leave them so long to be as bad as any , yet this he doth , because it makes for the praise of his Grace , Ephes. 2. 4 , 7 , 8. Dead in sin , that in ages to come , &c. And this doth so confound Gods people , that they wish not only Heaven , but Earth , and Ages to come may record this love .

2. Hence out of men fallen , he picks out usually the poorest and vilest , the younger Brother lesse loved out of a Family , leaves elder , Rom. 9. 11. and the foolish , and weak things , and things that are not , that no flesh might glory , but in the Lord , 1 Cor. 1. 26 , 31. and this is strange that the Lord should chuse thus , but this he doth to blur the glory of all the world .

3. Hence the Lord saves by Faith , and justifies by Faith , and seals by Faith , Eph. 1. 13. and sanctifies by Faith , and glorifies by Faith , 1 Pet. 1. 3. So that all a Christians life is a Beggars life , and 't is strange the Lord should chuse the basest , poorest Grace to save by ; and the end is the glory of his Grace , Rom. 4. 16. 'T is of Faith that it might be of Grace .

4. The Lord leaves many wants in his people , under which they sit sighing , and that sometime very long , refuseth to hear their Prayers , that they may repair to the Throne of Grace , and so in conclusion blesse Grace , Heb. 4. 16.

5. Hence the Lord takes away sometimes those feelings , those enlargements they had , and baits them with most vexing sins , and pricking distempers , 2 Cor. 12. 7 , 9. and it is to advance Grace .

6. Hence the Lord is sometimes angry with his people , and hides his face from them , that if ever he returns in love , his Grace may be the sweeter , and last the longer , Isai. 54. 7. Nay hence sometimes strips them so of all that they have had , or can do , that if you ask what have you now to say for your selves ? nothing but Grace , their mouths are stopt . Hence Psalm 6. Lord save me for thy mercies sake , Psalm 51. 11. According to the multitude of thy mercies , &c.

7. Hence the Lord speaks peace to his people , that they may say , I was so vile , and yet loved ; Oh Grace ! Oh love ! Ezek. 16. 63. When they see nothing but shame , and shame covers them , and afraid to appear before God , it is for this end . I 'le name no more . Do you not observe it ? Sometime you shall find the Lord so strangely carrying matters , as if he did not love nor care for his people , against the hair and grain of their desires , and when all comes to winding up , 't is to advance Grace . All a mans good dayes , and bad dayes , all Gods frowns and smiles , all the Lords Food and Physick , all God cares for , works , plots for , 't is to do his people no more hurt than this , to advance his Grace in them , and by them . All his hewings and hammerings of you , nay his knocking you a pieces , and new melting , and new casting of you , 't is that you may be Vessels of his glorious Grace , that you may be able to live in the air of Gods Grace , to suck in , and breath out Grace , and let all the power of Hell seek to blur it , yet Grace shall conquer . VVho would not be under Grace ? Oh poor creature , Satan is tempting , sin vexing , yet Grace must reign .

Secondly , This I say , that Gods own people do by strange wayes and courses deny the Lord , and deprive the Lord of the Glory of his rich Grace , for that being the Diamond in Gods Crown , and the beloved Attribute which God intends to advance ; all the policy of Hell is against this ; this is the reason why Satans enmity is so bitter against Faith , as in Peter ; and observe , however there be many Temptations , his end is to crush Faith : the reason is , as 't is with an enemy , if the Besieged hath water brought to the City by Pipes , he cuts off them and stops them , so Faith fetching all from Grace , and returning all to Grace , hence Faith is opposed most ; and hence the unregenerate part will take Satans part , and doth strangely rob the Lord of the glory of this , though I confesse the Lord will have it for all that they seek to scatter it , Isai. 43. 21 , 22. It 's strange to see how few plot for the praise of Grace ; hence how many are straitned , nay do cross Christ in this . As

1. If the Lord give them not what Grace they would , then they sleight what little he bestows ; and if he gives them much , then they solace themselves in it , and grow puft up and proud . It 's the temper of Gods own people to set up such a measure of Gods Grace and Spirit which they would have , and therein they do well : Paul , Phil. 3. 11. lookt to the Resurrection of the dead ; but if the Lord denies them that , ( as he will make his people live from hand to mouth ) they sleight what they have , either as if all were but hypocrisie , or because it is but little , not so much as they would have , and herein they do ill , for here the Lord loseth the glory of some Grace , for it's Grace that you have the least desires after it ; nay that you do but know what it is , and see the want of it , and yet ever complaining , and never rejoycing , for every degree of Grace in Saints , is vertually saving , though formally common . But suppose the Lord fills the bottle full , and gives as much peace , affections , enlargements of heart , as it hath almost required , ( for there are Spring-tides , and over-flowing times of Gods Spirit , now they are ready to swell , and be puft up above measure , as Paul , 2 Cor. 12. 7. Lest I should be exalted above measure , for there is self-love in Saints . Hence they desire an excellency in themselves : hence when they find none of their own , they are apt to deck and set out themselves with what the Lord hath done , and so to joy in this , and now to think themselves better than others of Gods Saints , whereas they should be more vile , and advance Grace the more , Eph. 3. 8. To me the least of Saints . And hence the Lord after greatest deliverances and mercies sends great sorrows , as to them in the Wildernesse . Hence the Lord takes away affections , and they dye , that Grace might be the more advanced .

2. If the sins of their hearts are common , and cannot be removed , and so seem little , then they passe them by , and never take notice of them , God will pardon them , and hence the Lord hath sad times of reckoning ( with a rod in his hand ) with his own people , Ezek. 6. 9. That those loose times are heavy times , this is for my neglect , &c. but hereby Grace loseth Glory ; for how can they see how deeply they are indebted to the Lord , if they see not their Debt ? on the other side , if their sins be very violent , and their distempers so strong , that they think none like me , now their hearts sink , and dye away , and grow discouraged , and all the use they make is this , I think it will never be better with me , and can there be life for me so dead , deliverance , redemption for me in such bondage , love for one that cannot but loath my self , and if others did know me , they would do so too . Can the Lord love me now ? Yes Beloved , that he can and will , Isai. 63. 16. Though Abraham know us not , yet , &c. But here is your sin , when you should make this use of all , to feel the more need of Grace to pitty , and say , the more precious shall Grace be to me for ever : your hearts now sink . The Lord brings his people into very low condition to humble them , and to shew them more of his Grace , Psalm 78. 19. Can God prepare a Table ? they spake therein against God : so 't is here ; for herein the Lords Grace is seen , to love them when Lepers .

3. Grace that hath been shewen , for times past they forget it , 2 Pet. 1. 9. And what is this but destroying Gods Grace ? for why is Grace so precious at first conversion , that Heaven and Earth are too little to hold praises enough for it ? And afterward , the Lord hath little love ; Oh you forget what once you were , and what the Lord hath done , hence 1 Tim. 1. 13 , 14. I was so and so , &c. but now have received abundant Grace . You have had many meetings with God , many answers from God , many consolations and times of refreshing and reviving , and these forgotten and buried , the life of them after a year or two expired . And what is this but eclipsing Gods Grace ? On the other side , as for Grace for time to come , they fear it , especially when worms and no men in their own eyes . Hence saith God , Fear not worm Iacob , Isai. 41. 14. There is a certain Divining Spirit ( as one once told me ) that untill that was pulled out , no honour can the Lord get . Before you come to Word or Prayer , thou wilt fear thou shalt never get any good ; and when the Lord gives any , thou wilt fear thou shalt never hold out ; and what Promise soever is made , thou wilt fear thou shalt never find it . And what doth this but eclipse Grace ? we should go with boldness to the Throne of Grace ; nay hence let the Lord send never so much Mercy for the Present , a Fear will cut off all , that all this will rise up in Judgement against me .

4. When they are most fit to honour Gods Grace by Faith , now they will not believe , not then above any other time : for then a man is most fit to honour Grace , when he feels most need of it : and when hath he most need , but when he feels most emptinesse ? why now above any other time a man will not come in , but will have somewhat in himself first , and then he will , when his heart is so and so sweetly setled , &c. Hence Luke 14. Poor , and blind , and lame , and halt compelled to come in : one would think there needed not that ; but now when fittest , now they will not : for let any man observe what would endear his heart so much to Grace as this : to think if it be the Lords mind to save a poor dead damned creature , then happy I ? This is wonderful , this hath quickened dead love , and dead Faith , and a dead heart . And on the other side , if the Lord delay , if it comes not at their own time , then they distrust it ; Grace ! alas I feel my self never a whit better : For there be two things in Faith ,

First , A coming to Christ , which is our work , i. e. Gods work in us .

Secondly , Receiving what I come for from Christ , which is the Lords work ; Now the first gives evidence he shall have it , Iohn 6. 35 , 37. Hence the Lord will have them rejoyce in what Christ hath , as my Grace is sufficient ; but if it comes not presently , then they cast off Faith , and so cast away Grace , I feel no good : hence Iohn 4. 48. &c. I know there is a seeming coming to Christ , to have the Grace of Christ and sin too , and this you may well cast off : and a coming for his Grace and Spirit only , and you despise Grace , and distrust the Lord if you cast off this , or you seek to put the Lord out of his working by a covenant of Grace , ( where he takes his times as he pleases ) and give a flat lie to all promises of Grace , and refuse to be contented with Christs Grace , that thou mightest have the more attributed to thy self , and the Lord the lesse .

5. Either they think not of the exceeding greatnesse of the Lords love and free Grace to them , and hence Paul bowes to Heaven for this , Eph. 3. 16 , 17. And hence it comes to passe , that look as 't is with sweet things , swallow them down in the lump , you never taste the sweetnesse to purpose , nor never commend them ; so 't is when men swallow down Gods love , and chew not upon it , whereas if they did but think of it , Oh how sweet would it be ! Psalm 63. 5 , 6. Lord , how many dayes and weeks are spent thus ? It 's apparent you have the profession of a Christian life ; but do you taste the sweetness of a Christian course ? No : why if you did think , you would ; But you are weary at Night , sleepy in the morning , busie in the day , dead on the Sabbath : hence think not , hence give not God the glory of Grace : or if they do think of it , and the greatness of it , then they cannot think so great things should be given unto them , or done for them : that God should love me as his Son , make me an Heir of all he hath with him , redeem me that have despised his Blood : 't is too good News to be true . Hence the Disciples believed not for joy , Luke 24. 41. Hence when delivered out of Babel , we were in a Dream ; this robs the Lord of Grace , for the greater the love is , and the more you take , the more love shall the Lord have , it cannot be otherwise , if you come to say this is mine .

6. Either they will pore only on their sins , and distempers , and miseries , and never look unto Christ the brazen Serpent , and search for a righteousness of their own , and cannot find it , and hence pore still . As when men have wounds , they only think on them , that when awakened out of sleep , they complain in their beds like the Israelites , Exod. 6. 9. that would not hear Moses because of anguish . As the impotent man answered Christ , Iohn 5. 5 , 6 , 7. Wil t' be made whole ? he turns his eyes upon his misery , I have none else to help me at the time ; here is but this means , and when I come my self , others step in before me , &c. Now so do men , and never look beyond means , the Lord can , the Lord will , and so eye not him : or on the other side , if they get healing of their wounds , then they eye Christ only , Eph. 2. 6. They were exalted in Heavenly places , yet remember , as vers. 11 , 12. For let any Christian see that he is poor and miserable , but he is not much affected with it , nor afflicted with it , and so eye Christ , and trust to Christ , and ease himself here , & say we must look only to Christ , either you will hear of his fall ( yea and himself shall find a decay ) or he will grow very proud , unfit to give all to Christ . Is there Grace here ?

7. Either if the Lord gives him any thing , himself and mercy , he will now add something of his own to Christ , and pull the vail of the Law over the face of the glory of Christ , Gal. 1. 6. or else do nothing at all for him , unless it be when the good fit takes him , under a pretence Christ must do all ; as here the five wise Virgins that fell asleep : and thus you see how Grace is opposed by the children of Grace . Now therefore my Exhortation is , to take heed of this , and be ever ready to attribute all to the Lord , as they cryed when the Second Temple was building from beginning to the end , Zec. 4. 6 , 7. so that thou wast spared so long , that called by means that the Lord should by Faith accept , that he should speak peace , this is Grace , that though vile , yet he will save me : 't is Grace , that though I can do nothing , yet he will help me , and afterwards Crown me : Oh this is wonderful Grace ! And

First , Do not only give the Lord the glory of Grace to redeem you from misery , for this you may do , and be full ready to give it , yet perish at last , as the Israelites that sang Gods praises did , but that he will save thee from greater , i. e. from sin . And

Secondly , Not only when you feel nothing , but when you feel most , Oh to honour Grace ! And

Thirdly , Not to do it coldly , but with a heart enflamed with sense of it , that I live , I have , I do , I am what I am : Oh 't is Grace . So that now if the Lord shall come and ask you , what will you say if I 'le deliver you from all misery , subdue all sins , passe by all wrong , hear all Prayers , do all good to thee , do much good by thee , love thee every moment , give a Kingdom when thy work is done to thee , and my self better than all ? say , Lord I can never recompence this , I shall be I hope the more vile in my own eyes for ever , and give all to Grace . Oh sing that Song , or get that Song by heart now , for Rev. 7. 10. there is a Song , Salvation to the Lamb , which none else could sing . This is our work , and a great work indeed .

How shall I do this ? Quest.

1. Get a new light from the Lord to shew you clearly the infinite , endless , Answ. unknown evil of the least sin ; Paul was a proud Pharisee until he saw sin , and Ier. 3. 24 , 25. for if sin be seen , one smile , one day , nay a moments breathing-time in this world will be matter of amazement to thee after all thou hast , and hast done : much more when thou seest so many sins , and that in every thing : Intreat the Lord to do this . We walk up and down the world , and say we sin and grieve the Lord ; but Oh 't is not known , happy art thou if the Lord hath discovered it ; then thou wilt say , why doth the Lord do any thing for me ? could not he pick out stones , nay Toads that never sinned against him , rather than me to enjoy him , especially is sin vile in thee , so near God , and so near Heaven too . Angels were hurled down for one sin .

2. Set a high price upon a little Grace ; a man will be exceeding humbly thankful for the giving a little of that which he highly esteems , much more for giving much of what we value . The poor Woman of Canaan , Mat. 15. was glad of crumbs . How thankful do you think she was for loaves ? that made her ready to receive all ; Be it as thou wilt ; so it shall be with you , for if you prize a little , Oh when all shall be given , this will swallow you up into Grace . And it 's certain , there is never a mercy but 't is great , if you consider him that gives it , who receives it , him that bought it . But the most of Gods Grace in us appears to be but small ; hence we prize it not , and hence never ready to give all to the Lord again .

3. Learn to put a difference between your double being : for every Christian hath a double being : 1. In himself . 2. He hath a subsistence in Christ . Now look upon your selves as in your selves , you will ever complain there , ever dead , and never have your hearts ready to bless the Lord . If you only look on your selves in Christ , you will be proud , and never give the Lord honour . I say therefore , put a difference between these two , for men appropriating to themselves what is Christs , they rob Christ of his glory . Hence Paul so humble , 1 Cor. 15. 10 , 11. For if you look upon your self , I am dead , guilty , damned , weak , here will be shame : if any life , or Grace , this is Christs . As a man on a Mount is the same man , no taller , only the Mountain makes him so : so think of thy self . Or as a mud wall , the sun shines on it , but in it self it is a mud-wall still ; all the warmth and lustre is from the Sun .

4. Learn to love Grace ; what we love we will seek the good of more than our own , and commend it .

First , It 's the only first mover of all our good : thou shouldst never have had a dram of peace or mercy . Why hast it ? the Lord will have it so , Grace pleads it may be so ; this is the only Petitioner at Court against the cry of sin , against the cry of Justice .

Secondly , 'T is the only support under the heaviest evills ; sometime God frowns , and Hell smokes , and Satan tempts , and sin rageth , and it may be no feeling of Grace , no reason to shew there shall ever be any ; now what have you done , what will you do ? Fly for refuge to the Promise of Grace , Heb. 6. 18. It is such a Friend as holds up the head when sinking , when dying holds that , when all fails , and against which the gates of Hell cannot prevail . To him that laies hold on Grace , this is wonderful ; Paul was a man taken with Grace : hence he every where commends it , I was received to mercy , &c. 1 Tim. 1. 13 , 14.

5. See how the Lord loves that thou shouldest honour it , for the greatest honour Grace hath is by Faith ; hence they are put for one , Rom. 4. 16. and the great cause why Faith stirs not , is because he sees not how the Lord shall have by it the praise of his rich Grace , nor how the Lord loves it should do so . For if a man did see how by Faith he shall honour Grace , and how the Lord is pleased with it , it would draw the heart to be assured , and to bless Grace ; for when the Soul feels it self at worst , why doth it not believe ? I shall presume : True , if you have this only in your eye to save your self ; but if the Spirit presents the glory of Grace , and this draws your will that you will glorifie Grace , then you will say 't is no presumption so to do , and so to believe , for the Lord loves his Grace , and all means for the glory of Grace . Hence he will use Faith for that end , to honour Grace . Oh therefore see how the Lord loves to have thee honour it . This gives Gods heart full rest ; this is that which he desires most , because 't is his end : This is that which all the business of the world is for : Oh see how he loves it ! and then you will love to act thus . Now set upon this last work : look over all your life , and like Bees gather honey from every flower , and then come loaden home ; so do you , and look over all the Lords love , turn over all the leaves of it : The Lord hath now called me ; why ? it's because Christ hath redeemed ; and why that ? because the Father hath chosen ; and why me ? to glorifie his Grace : And why me rather than another ? No reason , but he would . This I doubt not will be the work of Heaven , I am glorified because called , because redeemed , because elected , for none other reason why , and here astonished . You have not christian hearts in you , that will now have no care to do this work there before you are turned off the stage : you poor doubting Spirits , that see so much vileness , and cannot be perswaded ; be not discouraged . Wait for the Lord , and say , if he shall save , I shall for ever love him the more . Now hold here , an● be ready to do so , and it 's certain thou art a vessel of Glory , ready to sing the Song of the Lamb , and shalt follow him where-ever he goes .

CHAP. IX . Concerning the Souls immediate closing with the Person of Christ , as the proper Object of Saving-Faith .

3. Went forth to meet the Bride-Groom .

SECT. I.

Here needs the Explication of Three Things .

1. VVHo is the Bride-groom ?

Answ. The conclusion of this Parable is the Explication of this , viz. the Son of Man , the Lord Jesus Christ , who according to the several conditions , or dispositions the Church is in , appears to his Church under several relations and titles . The Church is oppressed by her enemies , he appears now to her as her Prince and King : the Church wants wisdom , light , and life , he appears now unto her as an head . The Church hath been seeking of his love , and yielding her self to the obedience of him as her Lord : at last he appears more fully to her as an Husband , or as a Bride-groom with whom she is to have her nearest and everlasting fellowship and communion , and so here . And when Christ comes to shew most special love , and to have most special fellowship with his people , he thus stiles himself , Isal. 54. 5 , 6. So Iohn 3. 29. And when the Church hath tasted that love , she calls him so .

II. What it is to meet the Bride-groom ?

Answ. To enjoy fellowship and familiarity with him .

III. What is it [ to go forth to meet ] the Bride-groom ?

Answ. There are but three wayes of going forth to meet with Christ in Scripture .

1. When Soul and Body at the last Day meet the Lord in the clouds of the air , 1 Thes. 4. 17. Thus the whole Church , the Bride shall appear in glory to meet the Bride-groom .

2. When the Soul only goeth out of the Body by the ministry of Angels to meet the Lord in Heaven , as Paul that knew not whether in or out of the body , 2 Cor. 12. 3. We know it here shall go out of the body : as Christ is said when he went to Heaven , I go to my Father , and your Father ; so it goes forth then to Christ , Eccles. 12. 7. and neither of these can be meant here , for

First , ●his shews the 〈◊〉 of the Jewish Church long before Christs coming , at least among many of them .

Secondly , Because the shutting out , vers. 10. is by and at Death : hence letting in is so too . Now this was before .

3. When the Soul goes out or it self by Faith : hence Iohn 6. 35. 't is called coming to Christ ; and this not any Physical natural departing of the Soul out of the body , but Ethical , supernatural , by the operations of the Soul out of 〈◊〉 self . And look as the whole Soul by unbelief departs from God in Christ , so the whole Soul by Faith comes again unto God by Christ . The mind sees , affections make after him , will fastens on him , and there depends . This is the first work of Faith , or the first Faith , the coming ( as in all motions there are two extreams ) of the Soul from a nothingness , emptiness in it self , to an allness and fulness in Christ : And as 't is in other motions , if there was a vacuum , there would be motus in instanti ; so if there was an emptiness seen in the world , and all the works of it , and in all fears that all mountains were cast down , Faith then would suddenly come by the Spirit to the Lord Jesus , and this coming to Christ is not meant here : For

First , These Virgins were espoused to Christ by Faith already .

Secondly , At the first coming to Christ it goes to the Lord for life in him , and from him ; but here having life already , they go forth to live with him : there the Soul goes out to meet him in the Gospel , in the Promise ; here the Virgins go forth to meet him in Glory . There the Soul goes to be justified by him , here the Virgins go to be glorified with him : and therefore 't is meant of a second going out of the Soul by some special acts of Faith , after that it doth believe , and after 't is ready for him . And for Explication .

From whence doth the Soul go ? Quest. 1.

It 's chiefly going out of this world by trampling this Moon under her feet , Answ. by forgetting this her Fathers house , by a holy contempt of it , and a holy dying to it , and all the glory of it . For 't is a thousand to one if Satan doth not intangle here , if Lot be not taken with Sodom though burnt out there ; and if this going out is to enjoy the Lord in another world chiefly , then going out is from the opposite terme , from this world . Hence Paul singles out this mercy , Gal. 1. 4. Christ gave himself to deliver us from this present evil world . Oh say men , 't is a good world , and good being here . 'T is an evil world : 't is so when Death comes , but for present 't is best . No , 't is a present evil world .

By what acts of Faith doth it go forth ? Quest. 2.

There be two affections of the Soul that chiefly look to a good absent , Answ. yet loving that good , go forth to meet it , and those are Hope and Desire ; like the blind man and the lame , both together can make a shift to go . Hope like the eye goes out and looks , Desire like the feet runs out and longs . The going forth therefore to meet Christ , is : 1. By a real expectation of him . 2. By a longing desire to be with him . Hope gets on the top of the world , and cries , Oh I see him , Desire stands by and longs for him , Oh come Lord . A careless blind world look not for him , nor after him , the Saints do . Heb. 9. 28. An earthly-minded world longs not for him , the Bride doth , Rev. 22. 17 , 20. Oh come Lord Iesus , come quickly ; by love and joy we imbrace and entertain the Bride-groom , by hope and desire we go forth to meet the Bridegroom . Hence many things are to be observed , and yet not all I might .

SECT. II. THat the object to which Faith chiefly looks , Doct. 1. and closeth with , is the Person of the Lord Iesus .

'T is the Bride-groom himself that the Virgins chiefly have to do withall ; they are espoused to him , as in Marriage ; there is a giving of themselves one unto another ; they make themselves ready for him , they go out to meet him : 'T is him they love , 't is him they want , 't is him they look for , 't is him they close withal● . Whorish lovers look not after him , but his : his peace to comfort them when in horror and fear , his mercy to save them from eternal flames ; but Virgins look to him , they look to [ His ] indeed , but 't is himself chiefly they care for , Iohn 1. 12. to so many as received him , he gave power to be Sons , Iohn 6. 27. when the people followed him , but it was for loaves : Labour not for bread that perisheth , bu● , &c. for him hath the Father sealed , Mat. 13. 44. The man did not buy the Treasure , but bought the field : 't is him Faith seeks for , Ier. 50. 4. They shall seek the Lord weeping ; 't is him Faith chuseth , and is contented with , Whom have I in Heaven but thee ? Psal. 73. 25. 'T is him Faith glories in , Isai. 45. 25. In him shall all the Seed of Israel glory .

SECT. III.

'T Is chiefly and firstly the Person of Christ that the Father gives unto the Soul , Isai. 9. 6. hence Faith laies hold on him : Reas. 1. 'T is not seemly to keep● Portion from any , much less Orphans Portion . Faith empties a man so as it makes him the poorest Or●han in the world ; now the Father cannot , will not keep back his Portion , but gives it him : Wicked men have their Portion in this world , Psalm 17. 14. and they think the Lord loves them because he blesseth them : they have many moral excellencies given them , which makes them honoured and lovely in the eyes of men , and they have honour , and that is their reward ; they have bread , but not the staff of bread , they have Ordinances , but not the Lord in them : the Lord gives them answer to many Prayers , but never gives them himself , nor his Son ; this is highest love . But 't is his Son himself he gives to Orphan , fatherless , helpless creatures , for the Lord is their Portion , Lam. 3. 24. The portion of Iacob , Ier. 10. 16. hence 't is him that Faith receives , and pitcheth upon ; so that the Lord may deny them many outward , many inward Blessings , yet they have himself that 's better than all , better as he said than Ten Sons . Children may be Prodigals for a time , but when in want , they will then sue for their Portion . Saints for a time may mispend all Times , Talents , Ordinances the Lord gives , but the Lord will bring them to want , and then they will sue for their Portion , and the Lord will give , and they will receive that .

Because there is no satisfying of the Father without him ; Reas. 2. bring Benjamin with you , or never look to see my face . The conscience of a man can never be pacified until God is satisfied for all wrongs . Now the Lord Jesus hath satisfied , nay perfected for ever them that are sanctified , by once offering up of himself to God , Heb. 10. 14. Now the soul never comes to have setled peace in his own conscience ( though peace was purchased before ) but by offering up of the Lord Jesus by Faith , even Christ himself : the Soul wants him , the Father shews a Ram in the bush , gives Christ ; and that the Soul gives him for satisfaction , and offers him to God again . As the Priests in the Old law , when the Sacrifice was slain , then it was offered . God offers the Soul a crucified Son , Faith takes him and offers him , Lord behold thy Son , Rom. 3. 25. And hence comes Propitiation and peace , peace to see that God is satisfied . Now if by Faith we come to have the peace of the Fathers satisfaction with us , then it must needs pitch upon the person of the Son first . Hence many never have peace , because 't is not a Son himself they look for , but somewhat from him : they are blind , and dead , and hard , and these things they would have helped , but close not with Christ himself .

Because the Soul can neither actually receive , Reason 3. nor expect to receive any thing from Christ , unless it hath first pitcht upon the person of Christ . A man may hope he shall , and presume and think he shall , and it may be receive somewhat out of the common courtesie Christ shews to them that look towards him , but never shall receive any saving-good thing till now , Iohn 6. 53. Unlesse ye eat the flesh of the Son of God , and drink his Blood , ye have no life . Look as 't is in our eating , as if a man should seek to get nourishment out of meat or drink , not by feeding on it it self ; so 't is here : Some said this was a hard saying , and so 't is to a carnal heart , Rom. 8. 32. And hence observe when the Lord promiseth any great thing to his people , Isai. 7. 14. he ever brings in the Lord Jesus , that if he shall be given , then all things also .

Because true Faith ever closeth with Christ by love to Christ , Reason 4. as false Faith closeth with him out of self-love , Cant. 1. 2 , 3. The Virgins love thee : that 's love indeed which is set upon the person . The Lord never puts his Pearl , nor sets it in a swinish faith that contemns the Son : no , 't is a precious Faith that loves the Lord . Hence it carries the soul to the Beloved .

SECT. IV.

HEnce see the reason why the Lord keeps his people hungry , Use 1. and empty , and cuts them short of many spiritual Blessings : 't is that they might ●lose with , and be contented with the Person of the Son . There are three things some of Gods people seek for , and find not , if the Lord intends good to them .

1. They desire the comforts , and conveniencies , and peace of this World , Oh rest is sweet ! and the Lord will give them none of these , or keep them at short commons with these : and why ? that they might lay up their peace , and find all in himself , Gen. 15. 1 , 2. Abraham after the slaughter of the Kings was in fear that he might make the Lord his shield , Hos. 2. 6 , 7. She shall seek her Lovers , but shall not overtake them .

2. They seek for some good to themselves , in themselves , from themselves ; I would fain believe and cannot ; I would fain do ( sayes a man ) but alass he grows worse and worse ; the commandment comes , you will do , there is your task , do it , yet they languish and dye , and why so ? Ier. 3. 23. that they might look for help and righteousness in another , In the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel ; not from the Mountains the strongest helps and means ; in the Lord 't is alone .

3. They seek for Grace , and strength , and peace from the Lord Jesus very importunately , and many times very impatiently , and so sinfully too , and the Lord denies them ; it hath been better with them than now , therefore they wonder the Lord should be so full , and they so empty , and think sometimes to seek no more , and the Lord denies a dole at this door to , that they might content themselves , and lay up their joyes in the Lord Jesus Christ , 2 Cor. 12. 9. My Grace is sufficient ; It 's strange that Christ so able , so ready to help , yet denies : I confess 't is sometimes some lust and stumbling-block the Lord Jesus sees , Oh but against that they seek , and truly here is the cause , that having no good from him , they might place all their happiness and felicity in him . Look as it was with Iacob , a great Famine co●es , and all the sacks are s●ent , and they are used roughly , though not hardly nor wrongfully , and all was to bring them to the sight and embraceings of Ioseph : all the time of Famine was for this . So the famine of Spirit is to last long , and the Lord denies supply , to bring the Soul to see , embrace , and rejoyce in the Lord Jesus : the most flourishing Trees in Gods House shall have their winter season , and cast their coat , that they might preserve themselves in their root . This is the great wound of many a believing soul for a time , to rest more contented with what he receives from the Lord , than to quiet himse●f and his heart with what is in the Lord : Man would have his lost happiness in his own hand , and this the Lord will not suffer his people to lye in long , Gen. 26. 4. and the best and surest course that can be taken , is to cut them short of all ; for Faith is an unconquerable Grace , that whatever it loseth out of its own hand , it will find it and enjoy it in another . And therefore see Gods end , and meet the Lord in this end of his . See all in the Lord , and seeing your blessedness there in all your wants , lay it up there , that if you will boast , here you may do it all the day long : for this is Gods greatest plot to pull all men down that his Son may be set up , to wither all the grass and be●uty of all the flowers of the field , that the glory of the Lord might be revealed . I must here give you a taste , for it doth me good to think , and it will do you more good to enjoy the sweetnesse of this Truth . There are four Things you desire all , which are chiefly laid up in Christ , to that end that you might in all wants quiet your hearts with unspeakable peace there .

1. The free Grace and love of the Father , this is that I hope which you prize most , pray for most , fear the loss of most , would rejoyce in the having of most , without which thy life is death , and blessings curses , and death the beginning of Hell . Would you see this love better than life to thee ? Oh I cannot see it , or but very little of it . 'T is true , look upon your selves you can see but little , many fears , many tears , many heart-sorrows , many temptations , many desertions , many vexing sins , many denyals to your Prayers ; but Oh look up to that Ointment which is poured upon this blessed head , that love that is shed abundantly upon the Son from before all worlds , and look what love , what Grace the Father shews to him , that love is thine ; that love in him is shewn to thee , 2 Tim. 1. 9 , 10. Here stand amazed all ye people of the Lord , you have heard the Lord loves you , and sometime believe it , but being under water , cannot conceive of it , nor see how he loves you , how dearly , how abundantly ; Oh look now upon the love of God the Father in the Son , as he loves him , so he loves thee a worm , a Devill , notwithstanding all thy want , all thy sins , all thy miseries , Iohn 17. 23 , 26.

2. Life : Oh Death is terrible , and a dead heart is woful , 't is the great plague that lies upon men without Christ , that are strangers to the life of God , Eph. 4. 18. Is thy heart ever so joyed as when it 's most enlarged for God , and hath most delight and liberty in the wayes of God : alas thy life is but a lingering sickness , a poor life to that which thou hast in Christ . Oh look up there , Col. 3. 3. You think when your hearts are affected , and warmed , and quickened in Prayer by word , or by Divine thoughts , &c. Oh if it might be ever so , how happy ! Oh but it dyes presently , and thou kowest not how . Look up to the Lord Jesus , he is alive when thou art dead , and his life is thine , and 't is ever thine in him , even e●ernal life , 1 Iohn 5. 10 , 11 , 12. This is the record , that he hath given us eternal life ; alas I find none : Oh 't is in his Son , in whom thou livest a better life than Men , than Kings , than Angels . And I doubt not but the Lord suffers Temptations to rob you of your life , that you might find it when 't is lost here , and rejoyce that when you have none , yet here it is : blessed be God , he will keep our lives as the life of Iacob was knit up , and bound up in the life of the child ; nay that life is ours .

3. Conquest and Victory over all Enemies ; it may be you say often , the Lord hath commanded me to seek for help , and he will help , he hath promised so to do , but I find my Distempers still raging , Satan still buffeting , and winnowing , and vexing , and fo●ling : and as I feel many , so I fear more sorrows before I dye , and then Death and delusion , that at last I may be deceived : Nay the agonies of Hell many times assault me , and then I am put to a loss , that is it possible I should escape ? why Beloved , the Lord Jesus conquered Death , and Sin , and Hell , and the Grave , and Satan , with all the strength of darkness and delusion , and hath spoiled them , Col. 2. 14 , 15. And now he is in Heaven in his Kingdom triumphing over them , that they cannot hurt him . I but what is that to me ? Why this very Victory is thine : hence we are said to be dead with him , Rom. 6 . 8. and risen with him , Col. 3. 1. Nay to sit in Heavenly places as it were triumphing in him , in glory with him , Eph. 2. 6. Nay Heb. 10. 14. He hath by one offering perfected his people for ever that are sanctified : 'T is true , you may rejoyce in that you shall conquer , but Oh remember this , 't is done already in thy Head , and in thy Husband .

4. Immutability and certainty of standing in a happy estate , for this is that which sads the heart , I shall fall at last . How is it possible but I should be so ? no Beloved , look ●pon the Lord Jesus , in him thou art , if he can fall , if he can dye , if he can be cast from the Fathers face , then thou maist ; believe that I live , you shall live also , Iohn 14. 19. Adam indeed was chosen to be head of Mankind , and as when he stood perfect we stood , so ( though mutably ) he falling we fall : so we are chosen in Christ , and as he stands unchangeably , so we stand , and as he was tempted every way , yet did not , could not fall , no more canst thou : so that Oh that the Lord would give you hearts to learn this lesson , when there is noth●ng but want in thee ; Do not shift so much for a little from the Lord , but see Gods end and rach it . Oh rejoyce , glory in , and bless the Lord . This was Paul's life , and the life of the Churches first planted . Oh bless the Lord for all spiritual blessings in Christ ; this will be joy in sorrow , life in death , this is golden Faith , this will answer all fears ; when Satan saith thou hast not this or that , nor canst not do this nor that , and to Hell therefore thou must go : Reply again , 't is true , I have little , I am dead , but Christ lives for ever ; I am under miseries , Christ is triumphing in Heaven for ever : I may fall in my self , I never can fall in him ; that which he hath is mine .

'T is true they may do this that know the Lord Iesus is theirs , but alass I know not that . Object .

If you do not you must wait then untill the Lord make himself known unto you : but tell me , Answ. will you do this , if you did thus know it ? It may be some of you have not done so , unless by force sometimes , and you will find it one of the toughest works of Faith that is : What is a poor man better for anothers wealth ? and a sick man for anothers health , and a naked man when others are cloathed ? Yet Beloved , by vertue of the power of Faith , and our union to the Lord Jesus , a man is the better . A Woman that is matcht to a Prince may have never a penny in her purse , and yet she rejoyceth in that her Husband hath it . It 's the secret nature of Faith to make a man all one with Christ , in Christ , in that manner that I cannot find such an union in the world ; and hence his health , his cloaths , his Grace , his life may be matter of as much joy as if a man had all this in himself . And because many a soul hath Christ , but feeling such emptiness in himself , as that he cannot think so , and it may be would do so if he saw whether he might do so or no : I shall therefore express my thoughts to them thus in these particulars .

1. That all that fulness that is in the Lord Jesus , 't is not for himself , but for them that want it , Iohn 17. 19. he might have been blessed in his Fathers bosom without thee ; why should he therefore live , and do , and suffer , and rise , and glorifie his blessed Nature , but for them that wanted this . He is filled with wisdom , life , strength , because men are blind , dead , weak .

2. But you will say , all the world want it , and yet few in the world shall ever have any share there , therefore all them in the world that hunger after all that good that is in him , they may now in the absence of it content themselves with it , that there 't is in him for them , for the Lord fills the hungry , and so hungry as 't is not something or other that they pick out , but all Christ , and all of that is in Christ : now is the season to eat , if bread and hunger meet , now satisfie your self . 2 Cor. 12. 9. Paul prayed , and the Lord denyed , yet now the Lord bid him feed on his Grace : so that when thy heart asks what hast thou to do with him when so vile ? answer , Yet the Lord hath all , and I want him , and hunger after him . Take heed of despising his Grace ; if thou hast no hunger , the Lord be merciful to thee !

3. If you have so contented your selves with him , as now you place all your felicity in him , to this end , to receive life from him , as a man satisfies himself with bread that he may have life : for as I would not damp the Fa●th of the Elect , no more would I patronize the sloth of the wicked . Many a man it may be may say , I have nothing in my self , and all is in Christ , and comfort himself there , and so fall asleep ; hands off and touch not this Ark , lest the Lord slay thee : a christ of clouts would serve your turn as well . Run not to this Temple to make it a Denn of your thievish heart ; no , do you so content , or will you so content your selves with him , as to account your selves happy here , that all the world is Dung in respect of this ; and this you do to suck and receive more from Christ , and so to be like him : now hold here , and live here , and rejoyce here for ever , Phil. 3. 9 , 10 , 11. Isai. 12. 2 , 3. First , The Lord is my Song and Salvation ; therefore we , will draw hence : if the Lord gives nothing , yet I have it in him ; if he gives any thing , the honour shall be given to him . Oh take this course : 1. Lest you lose Christ and all too . 2. Lest the Lord ever keep you short in a complaining condition . 3. That you may be every day and moment in Heaven , and win the Crown from every Hypocrite who knows not what this life in Christ means .

4. That the Lord may be your glory , for he is not only the glory of God , but of his people Israel too . 5. That you may love your selves the lesse , and the Lord the more .

SECT. V.

HEnce see a necessity of seeing & knowing Christ , Use 2. before a man can believe , or if ever the soul believe ; for if Faith closeth with the person of the Lord Jesus , the same Faith must first see that person : If it takes the Bride-groom himself , it must see and know him first . Did you ever see any espoused together that did not first see and know each other ? the eye must first see , my meaning is , there must precede this act of the understanding to see Christ , before a man can close with Christ by his will : for I aim not at this , whether it goes before in time , but in order of nature it does precede , and absolutely necessary it is : hence Iohn 6. 40. He that seeth and believeth in the Son hath eternal life : this is so necessary to Faith , that Faith it self puts on this name , Isai. 53. 11. By his knowledg , Luke 19. 41. Oh that thou hadst known . Isai. 46. 22. Look unto me and be saved . And hence unbelief in Scripture is exprest by being blinded , Rom. 11. 7 , 8. for though Christ be absent from us on earth , yet that 's the excellency of faith , it makes things absent present , and sees unseen things , Heb. 11. 1. Iohn 8. 56. Abraham saw my day ; and that 's the wonderment of Saints ; there is light in Gosben when all Egypt is dark , when others are blind they see , Isai. 60. 1 , 2.

What is this knowledg or seeing of the Lord ? Quest.

I make this question , Ans● . partly because this is the first chief Evangelical work , as it appears to us , nay indeed 't is in a manner all ; hence Mat. 11. 27. I thank thee thou hast hid these things , &c. If this be right , Faith is right , &c. And if this be not , a mans Faith is but a Fancy ; and a mans Sanctification and Reformation , hopes , desires , are but the works of death and darknesse , if this Sun be not risen . And partly also because all the policy and power of Satan is to blind the eye here , for then he knowes men will stumble at every step , 2 Cor. 4. 4. He will help to beleeve , and joy in beleeving , and reformation after tha● joy , that a man might content himself with this joy and Faith , and look not after the sight of Christ . And if I was to leave the world , I should leave this to be thought of , as Christ told the woman of Samaria , Ye worship whom ye know not , so men beleeve in whom they know not , and pray to one whom they know not , and depend on whom they see not , and hence do not wonder at an adulterous generation rising up that deny all evidencing of a mans justification from his sanctification , and that 't is but a f●ding thing , because they never felt what it meant , because they never knew what the Lord Jesus meant , and therefore listen to it . I say therefore first what this knowledge is not , for every man hath some knowledge .

1. There is a knowledge of the Lord Jesus by report , the fame of a man may come where himself is not seen , so of Christ , there may be a fame spread of him and of some excellencies in him , where he is not savingly known , and this is not seeing of Christ , for a man may live and die a damned creature with this knowledge . The Samaritans had some knowledge by report of the Messiah , Iohn 4. 25. When he is come he will tell us all things ; so many among us hear that Christ is come and risen , and glorisied , and the Saviour of the world and of sinners , &c. But how come they to know this ? By way of tradition and report only . I confesse this knowledge may be a means in the Elect to bring them to saving knowledge , as in the Q●een of Sheba that heard Solomons fame , and the Disciples Iohn 1. Come and see . But Reprobates are not drawn by it , as Herod , Luke 23. 8. heard many things of Christ , but never saw him till he came to judge him . So here , because they can live well without Christ , hence rest content with the bare report . Whereas they that had diseases , heard of his fame , and came to see Jesus .

2. There is a knowledg of Christ from his works , as we know what Trade and what Artificers many men be because these are external things , yet know not the man : so there is a knowledg of Christ by his works , that by him the worlds were made , Heb. 1. and all creatures governed , and a man m●y see him in his trading with others , and himself , all comes from him , that a man may say , the Lord hath done all this and that for me , and yet strangers to Chri●● . And if men be ignorant of him here , he may do such wonderful things before their eyes , that they cannot but wonder and say , this is the Lords work , and yet know him not , Met. 11. 20. He upbraided the Cities where most of his mighty works were done , but they saw him not , Iohn 15. 24. If I had not done , &c. the Lord may work strange temporal deliverances , that you may know all power is in Christs hand to save and pardon , Mat. 8. 27. so as to marvail and not envy ; What manner of man is this that winds and seas obey him ? 'T is true the Saints do know the Lord here , but they are not idle spectators and receivers of them , but Oh that I might see and have that Christ himself , they do him no good , give him no content without him ; as he said , What givest thou me if I go childlesse ? Iohn 9. Christ had opened the blind mans eyes , and yet he cries , Lord , who is he ? vers . 36 , 37 , 38. whereas others see the works of Christ , and vanish , or if affected , an evill spirit comes on them , as on S●●l when he saw Davids love .

3. There is a litteral knowledg of the Lord Jesus by the bare letter only of the Word , and 't is wrought in this manner . A man doth not only take up the knowledg of Christ by report , nor from his works , but he hears , reads , is well Catechiz'd concerning Christ , and all his Offices , and Benefits , that there is much light let in ; hence his mind having those litteral relations , guesseth at them , and conceives of them , and because the mind is carnal , it apprehends them in a carnal manner ( though in thinks it sees Christ truly . ) Hence a man having a form of this knowledg in his head , he may be able to express much , and make a large confession of his Faith , disco●rse of points of controversie , in matters that concern Christ , and justification by Christ , &c. and instruct others , and yet having no more , know not all thi● while what the Lord Jesus is .

First , Because as he was a carnal Jew that had but the form of Knowledg in the Law , Rom. 2. 20. so he is but a carnal Christian that hath but a form of Knowledg in the Gos●el . The Jews were exceedingly versed in Scripture , and boasted they heard God , and saw God , Christ tells them , they never heard his voice , nor saw his face , Iohn 5. 37. i. e. they only saw it litterally , not savingly .

Secondly , This is but a carnal knowledg which letter and fancy beget , 1 Cor. 2. 14. He cannot know them because they are spiritually discerned .

Thirdly , 'T is a dead Knowledg , or will be dead and unsavory ; and hence many that know much of Christ , feed on their lusts and Dunghill delights , because their Knowledg feeds them not , fills them not , as fancies do not feed .

Fourthly , 'T is a f●lse Knowledg , for give a blind man a description of the Sun , or a ta●●eless man of honey , he may set up a false Image and deceive himself , and so doth this . Many set up a false Image of Christ , and trust to that . Or as in the description of another Country , when he sees it , then he sees he was deceived : so Saints see they were deceived , and saw not Christ , nor Sin , nor God ; and so shall men in He●● see ; hence Isai. 6. 9. In seeing they see not : how came that to ass ? they did see , but saw not really .

Fif●hly , 'T is such a Know●edg as hinders from saving-knowledg of Christ , Iohn 9. 39. I came that they that see might be made blind . The wise learned Corinthians must become foolishness , and the light that is in thee is darkness . This light stands in your light : and yet this is the Knowledg that thousand thousands content themselve● withall , and hence catch hold on Christ , and think they have him , when in truth 't is but the Image and fancy of him .

What then is this knowledg or seeing of Christ ? Quest.

There is a seeing of Christ after a man believes , Answ. which is Christ in his love , &c. but I speak of that first sight of him that precedes the second act of Faith , and 't is an intuitive or real sight of him as he is in his Glory . C●rist reveals his wonderful glory to the soul really , as ex gr . A man hears sin to be the greatest evil , and sometime conceives by argument how , but sees not the thing sin , though he sees the word sin : so a man that never travailed into forraign parts , may hear , and read , and speak of Countries : or as Herbalists read of the nature of Plants and Tree● , yet never saw the things , nay trample upon them when they see them : so it is one thing to read of the Sun in a Book , or to know it by relation , another thing to know it by sight . This is therefore the saving-knowledg of Christ , to see the Lord in his Glory as he is : not perfectly , for that is in Heaven ; hence we shall there see him , and be like unto him , but imperfectly , and in part , 2 Cor. 3. 18. Changed here into the same Image . And this appears from these four Grounds .

1. That Knowledg the Saints have of Christ , 't is not by bare word only , but also b● the Spirit . The word relates Christ , but the Spirit is the interpreter of the Word : the Interpreter of Heaven must interpret the language of Heaven . Now the Spirit ever shews us things as they are , even though they be deep things , and mysteries , it makes them plain , 1 Cor. 2. 9 , 10. As the Sun when it ariseth it scatters all darknesse , so when this day●ster ariseth : Not that these things are revealed without the Word : for 2 Cor. 2. 14. and 2 Cor. 4. 4. lest the light of the Gospel should shine : 't is by the Word that the Spirit doth enlighten .

2. Because the sight of the Knowledg of Christ , 't is as the knowledg of a thing in a glass , 1 Cor. 13. 12. Now though you see not the man face to face , yet if you see him in a glasse , there you see him as he is : Quod videtur in speculo , non est imago , as some think . A man may know another by relation , or by some picture , but in a glass that is more full . The Jews they saw Christ , but it was under Vails and Types , and Pictures of him , this was obscure : under the Gospel the v●il is pulled off , aud with open face we see as in a glasse the glory of the Lord . In Heaven the glasse is taken away , and then we see as we are seen .

3. Because that estate the Saints are translated into is a state of Glory . Hence when justified , then glorified . Hence as that sanctification that is in the will is the beginning of the life of Glory , so that light God puts into their mind , is the beginning of the light of Glory . Hence as in Heaven the soul sees Christ by the full light of Glory perfectly , face to face , so in this life the soul sees Christ really as he is , yet as in a glasse imperfectly . Hence we are said to see in part .

4. In regard of that abundant goodnesse and love of Christ to his people . Love cannot lock up secrets , Ioseph hid himself from his Brethren for a time , but his bowels melt , he must tell them that he is Ioseph . Christ may do so , but his love even constrains him afterward , to let them see whom he is , Iohn 14. 21. I confesse its admirable love to reveal Christ in the Word and letter of the Gospel , to hear of him is happinesse , and if the Lord saves you , you will think so too : But this is common to wicked men ; there is a manifestation of himself as he is unto his people . And now he is in Glory , hence reveals himself in his inconceiveable , Glory , that now a mans eye sees the Lord , and such things he never thought of before , which eye never saw , 1 Cor. 2. 9.

How doth the soul see him as he is ?

I in this case , Quest. rather desire to learn than teach , even from the meanest ; Answ. yet what is obvious I shall suggest , in this weighty businesse .

This seeing of him appears in three particulars .

1. True saving knowledge and sight of Christ consists in the sight of the glory of his person , especially now caught up to Heaven , and sitting at the right hand of God , in all the Glory of the Father . Look as at the Judgment-day the Lord shall break out of Heaven in such Glory as shall amaze all the world , and all eyes shall see him , that he shall not only be admired in himself , but in all his Saints , by all that are round about him : just so doth the soul see him now ( though nor by the eye of sense , yet by the eye of Faith ) though not come to judge the world , yet now ruling of the world ; though not in the clouds , yet in Heaven ; though his Humanity only in Heaven , yet his God-heads beams filling Heaven and Earth ; though not yet coming in the Fathers Glory , yet sitting clothed with the Fathers Glory : for if a man looks on Creatures , he sees Gods foot-steps of power ; if on Angels and Saints , Gods Image of Holinesse ; if in Christ , there God himself , 2 Cor. 4. 4 , 5 , 6 , 7. 'T is true then Christs Glory shall be seen by the Wicked , but that 's by sense , not by Faith , that is only in their minds , but there is no shining into the heart , to the kindling of an infinite esteem of him : and this the god of this World hides from people ; Christ the Lord of another world in spight of Satan reveals to his people . Before a man sees Christ , there is nothing more base than Christ , even to the Elect , and then the wayes and work of Christ , I●r. 2. 11. Have any Heathen changed their gods ? these change their glory for that which doth not profit : now the Lord will be , must be esteemed of his people ; hence will and doth reveal this Glory of his to his Saints , whereas here others are blind .

2. In the beholding of the Lord as he come● and appears in the Glory of his Covenant , for when the Lord reveals himself so as to cause the soul to believe , and thereby to make it one of his people , he never makes any a people , but by entring into Covenant with them . Hence he ever appears in his Covenant first , Isai. 49. nlt. Look as when the Lord made him a people at Mount Sinai , Moses came down from 〈…〉 with Tables in his hands , &c. So when Christ comes to make any his people , he comes as Mediator of a be●ter Te●●ament , Heb. 7. 22. On Mount Sion , Heb. 12. 22 , 24. No● look as it was with the Israelites , 2 Cor. 3. they had the Covenant of Christ , and Christ revealed ; but as Moses face was covered , ●o theirs w●s , and Christ the●e was vailed over with the Law , even the Moral Law written in stone . Hence there was a vail on their hearts too , they could not see Christ , the end of the L●w , but only the Vail , viz. the Law , and hence looked for life by that , and hence we●e hadened against Christ , Rom. 9. 31 , 32. So 't is the misery and blindnesse of many people at this day , they see the Lord Jesus , but with his vail on : for people being not able to see and pri●e the glory of Christ immediatly , the Lord appears with the law first , requiring this and that , and they endeavour to do it ; and hence if they cannot , they comfort themselves with this , the Lord accepts my endeavours , not seeing the hypocrisie of them , or else they are never at ●eace , or very seldom ; and why ? because they see not to the end of that which is abolished , never saw the end , the Lord Jesus Chr●st . Now therefore when the Lord reveals himself , the Lord makes himself known without the vail , so that when conscience cries you must do what ever is commanded , or dye , the Lord Jesus now comes and appears , and saith , therefore see what need thou hast of me , who have fulfilled all Righteousness , and done all . Receive m● that have done it , and thou shalt live . Oh but may I now live as I ●ist ? Am I now free from the Law ? No , 't is to be thy Rule and life in Heaven , but I will write my Laws in thy heart , and cause thee to walk in my wayes . Hence the soul sees all done for him ; 1. In Christ . 2. All that he is to do for Christ ; he sees it not in me●ns , nor in himself , but in the Lords promise , and here Faith hangs , and hath peace . For two things trouble ,

First , I have broke the first Covenant of the Law , Christ appears not as one that exacts the Debt , but as one that comes to enrich him when poor .

Secondly , I cannot walk after it as a Rule , Christ appears in this Covenant , and promiseth to cause him to do it ; and hence after all departings from the Lord , he will not depart further by unbel●ef , but sees the end of the Law , which is Christ , that in him he may perform the Covenant , and by him be strengthned to walk with him as after a Rule : For the Covenant of Grace is not , Christ will be rigthteousnesse to thee if thou wilt walk after the Law as a Rule , but Christ will do both : and this the soul sees in it's Glory , else it 's no sight . Hence 2 Cor. 3. Gospel is called The ministration of Glory , which no carnal heart can see , for the vail is taken away when it turns to the Lord , and sees him . The Saints only with open face behold this : 'T is true for a ti●e they may make of Christ a Moses , as Peter , Luke 5. 8. Lord depart from me , I am a sinful man . And the Lord may deal roughly with them to hu●b●e them , as Ioseph did to his Breth●en , but it will not ever hold ; and the Lord ●ppearing thus to them that have been stung by the Law , and that killing letter , now ●he Lord appears in ineff●ble Beauty and Glory ; To others there is nothing in it , they may see this , yet not believe .

3. In seeing the Lord in the Glory of his Grace , or fitnesse for him , and this is the main : for look as 't is in Marriage , there is a respect to Beauty and feature , and that draws . Now a Woman sometimes appears to one so , that though Portion be great , &c. yet he cannot like , another can because God hath a hand in it , and what fits the fancy , that 's beauty : there is a sutablenesse every way . So Christ is presented with a rich portion to many , and yet they cannot like , cannot see a Beauty , because they cannot see a fitnesse and sutablenesse to them , and for them : another man can , because he sees a fitnesse and sutablenesse in the Lord Jesus for him , in res●ect of his misery and sin , and his gracious disposi●ion , Iohn 1. 14. But we saw his glory full of Grace and truth . Psalm 45. 2. Thou art fairer than the children of men , full of Grace are thy lips : which is so beautiful in the Lords eyes , that the Father hence exalts the Son , for all the Grace he shews to his Elect. Now what makes Christ appear fit ? Answ. The knowledg of a mans self , and sense of vilenesse ; hence Luke 7. 29 , 30. The Pharisees despised the counsel of God against themselves , when Publicans justified God , &c. And 't is a Rule , that the saving-knowledg of Christ is dependant upon the sensible knowledg of a mans self . Let a Christian in Christ lye in his sins , and comfort himself in Remission of them without repentance , he may talk of Christ , but no beauty will appear in Christ : So 't is at first , first the Soul feels sin , and that God is holy , and will hate him : then the Lord shews Christ ; come to call such . Yea but I have no good , and cannot help my self ; Christ appears fit to seek out such . Oh but I cannot see , nor believe , nor be affected ; Christ appears one fit to do all , full of wisdom to perform the Second Covenant . Oh but I want all things ; Christ appears all-sufficient . Oh but I shall fall ; Christ appears constant in his love . Oh but he is far to seek ; Christ appears present . Oh but I shall sin ; Christ appears merciful to bear with , and heal infirmities . Oh but I shall believe too soon ; he is fit to prepare and dispose . Oh but all the world will be against me ; Christ therefore appears fit to rule all for me . Oh but Death and Grave may hurt me ; Christ appears fit who hath conquered all : and this is ever in the Saints . Now least you should think you have this when you have not ; and know it not , see the evidences hereof .

1. If ever the Lord hath thus revealed himself to thee , he hath brought this light out of darkness , and made thee sensible of it , 2 Cor. 4. 5 , 6. Oh you that have been a little troubled , and then hear of Christ , and then depend on him , and wait for comfort from him , and now you are well : you never yet saw him . Nay if truly enlightened , you will go mourning to your Graves for your ignorance of him , Prov. 30. 2. and seldom is your darkness seen and felt , but there is some beam let in .

2. It damps the glory of all the world , that a man laies down all at Christ feet , as the Wise-men Mat. 2. As glow-worm-stars go out when the light of the Sun ariseth , so all the comforts , and all the miseries of the world are nothing now , Acts 7. I see Jesus .

3. It makes a man very vile in his own eyes , Isai. 6. 5. Nay his excellency vile as Isaiah his tongue , and wonders that the Lord should look upon him a Worm who is so glorious . What am I that the Mother of my Lord should come to me , &c. He see ; Christ fit , and then sees his Glory , and then saith , What me Lord ? me to stand before thee ? Lord depart , I am a sinful man !

4. It necessitates the heart to believe , not with assurance , but with a clinging to him : Hypocrites have knowledg of Christ , but it never heats the heart ; this as fire necessarily heats , and that which is put to it is heated ; so here , for the sight of the last end doth necessitate when 't is seen , Isai. 55. 4 , 5. They shall run to thee , because God hath glorified thee , Rom. 1. 16 , 17. 't is the power of God , for there is righteousness revealed : that though the Lord bids depart , yet he cannot be gone , nay when he concludes , yet as Ionah 2. 4. so he can see to a Temple through the belly of a Whale . Many say , may I believe ? or I cannot prize him ! I tell you when the Lord appears as he is , you cannot resist that light , but you must cling to him .

5. Where this is , a man rests not here , but sees more and more of him , Iohn 1. 49 , 50. A man sees now his Glory , but after he shall see his love , and after that he shall know his mind , 1 Cor. 2. 9. Eph. 1. 9. The mystery of his will . And then his constant presence , and all his walkings with him and towards him , so as to be familiar with him , that in time of old Age he shall be an Acquaintance of Christs , 2 Cor. 3. 18. From glory to glory ; whereas an hypocrites light goes out or grows not . He●ce many ancient standers take all their comfort from the first work , and droop when in old age . I know the Saints light is obscured , and the Lord ●ides his face , but then they are troubled , and it shall break out with healing in his wings . Nay all their life time they may think they know him not , because they have not those measures . Oh therefore see a necessity of it .

1. You that are vile , and ignorant of Christ , no Faith yet , no Christ yet : And what then ? Thy sins are upon thee now , and wo to thee , for the wrath to come . Oh poor creature ! thou dost not see , nor canst not see , if thou didst , thou wouldst not crucifie the Lord of Glory .

2. You that be Professouts of the Church . Oh deceive not your selves , if the Lord hath enlightened you , Oh blesse him . If Christ were here , he would blesse you , Mat. 13. 16. Nay when he was here , he did it , he doth it in Heaven . I thank thee Father , &c. Mat. 11. 25. Luke 10. 21. But if not , all is unsound , that ever you had . Oh therefore look you be not deceived here , and therefore wait upon the Lord to manifest himself , Who knows but the Lord may help ? Nay when you are feeling of the infinite need of it , and of your own woful blindnesse , 't is begun .

SECT. VI.

SEE the happinesse of Saints ( all you standers by ) and of all Believers . Use 3. You think what are they ? What have they , that I have not ? What get they by seeking , by mourning ? They have the Lord himself , not Kingdoms , nor Heaven , not guard of Angels , no● pardon , nor comfort or Grace only , but which is greater , and than which there can be no greater , the Lord of Glory himself . Is there any thing that is good there ? 't is theirs . I doubt not but Angels stand amazed at this . What hast thou ? Thou hast peace , and ease , and duties , and friends , but no Christ , then poor and cursed thou art .

SECT. VII .

HEnce le●rn to judge of your Faith , Use 4. whether it be of the right make or no ? whether it be such a Faith as will never fail you , but shall in deepest miseries , in sore●t agonies , and most furious temptations ; nay in greatest sins and desertions , be indeed a friend unto you ? Is it such a Faith as pitcheth on , and closeth with the person of Christ himself , and him alone ? So that all the delights in creatures quiet thee not , unlesse thou canst find him through them ; Nay no Ordinances cheer thee , unlesse thou canst see him in them : Nay , Heaven it self will not content thee , but him in Heaven , Psal. 73. 25. And hence 't is him thou seekest , 't is him thou feet , 't is him thou approvest thy self unto , and servest : So that 't is this Rock of ages thou trustest to , Isa. 26. 3 , 4. 'T is his strength thou art strong by , 't is his life thou livest by , 't is the Lord himself that thy Faith fadoms . This is right , 1 Pet. 2. 7. For now what good can the Father deny thee , when he hath given a Son to thee ? What hurt can Satan do thee by all his shakings , when thou hast the Son himself , this corner-stone , this horn of salvation to support thee ? What hurt can the Law do thee , when thou hast righteousnesse in a Son ? What hurt can delusion do thee , when thou hast wisdom ever plotting for thy good , in such a glorious Head as the Son ? What hurt can death do thee , or sin do thee , when thy life is in the Son ? Oh lead me to the Rock , saith David , that is higher than I. Oh here is a rock higher than death , than grave , than sin , than Satan , Who can hurt thee now ? But oh Beloved , how many fall short of entring into this rest ? and closing with this person ? And there are four sorts of them , that spin the finest thread of deceit to themselves ▪ that think they believe when yet they have not the Son .

1. Those that do not close with himself , but only come to him for some righteousness out of himself ( for I shall not speak of them that forsake all , and follow Christ for the bagg and for the loaves ) for 't is with all men living naturally , as 't is with men that have been rich shop-keepers , but now they are broke , and cast into great want ; steal they will not , digg they cannot , begg they know not how ; turn Prentice to another they must not , they have not been used to that life ; hence they resolve to set up their Trade again , though they sell but Pins , and Points , and small Wares ; and because they cannot set up for themselves , they go unto Merchants to help them , and run into their Books on trust , and desire day and patience , and they will pay them all again : now 't is not the man that they respect , but to make up their markets out of him ; but alass they cannot pay their Debts , and hence to Prison they go : so 't is here , God set up Adam with a stock in his own hand , now he is broken and cast into great want , and fears the arrest of Gods displeasure , now sin men dare not , digg and help themselves they cannot , and to begg and live upon the Lord and his Alms they know not how , indeed they will not , they are not used to this life ; hence seek to set up their Trade again , though in never so small duties ; and because they cannot help themselves , hence they go to Christ , not as to an Husband for himself , but as to a Merchant to set them up again : and truly Christ for many ends , and to shew his freenesse to his own , gives many Talents to such , which they receiving hope to please the Lord by ; when I can get the Lord to give me some more knowledg , brokennesse , affections , enlargements , abilities to do , then I hope I shall please him : but either they spend all and fall away to nothing before they dye , or else Death come ; and carries them captive to the judgement-seat of God , and there they see they are run but the deeper in Debt , and not able to pay . Thus it is with Papists who profess that none of their own Works save , but his works in us , and his Blood meriting , that thes● shall save . Hence they trust not to what they do , but to what the Lord does , against which very Faith the Apostle disputes , Rom. 4. 5. Thus it was with the Jews , divers despised Christ , and sought a righteousness of their own ; others cryed Lord , Lord : Lord there be these sins that wring my Conscience , ease me of them , here be these duties I must do , else never saved , and my heart is dead , Oh affect me , and help me to do them : there be such works I am to perform , and have no strength to Pray , to Prophesie , Lord assist me , Mat. 7. 21 , 22. Depart , I know you not , never accepted of you , you thought these things would please me , you closed not with me , Oh now depart from me , from my fellowship , my bosom , my presence : for this is ever their frame , they think to pacifie God by what they do , and though they think his justice cannot , yet they hope there is such indulgence in his mercy that he will accept . Thus it was , Isai. 58. 2. for this is their temper , they are not wounded with the want of Christ himself , but with some jarrings against the Law , for which they fear they must dye . Hence not seeing into the spiritual nature of the Law , they are wounded , not slain by the Law : they hope they shall live if they can leave such sins , perform such duties , feel such abilities . Now having made tryal at home , they go to Christ , and seek him with delight for to work this or that , and then they are well : now if they do not receive at present , then they hope by seeking to find in time , if he doth not help them , then they shall be well . Hence they ever live in some sin , and know it not , as these did , and as the young man , Mat. 19. And thus 't is , as 't is with two Princes , one is in trouble by inroders , he sends for aid to another , but doth not cast down his Crown , and put himself in subjection to the other . So men will be Kings , and hence send for aid against the inrodes of some sin that stings Conscience , but put not themselves under the Lord Jesus . Bring those mine enemies hither , Luke 19. 27. In one word ; as the Wound is , so is my closing with Christ , if one be in outward trouble , now to Christ he goes to deliver ; if pressed with inward trouble for some sins , now to Christ to remove them , and so to pacifie conscience ; if with want of Christ himself , now he goes for himself .

2. Those that close with Promises without Christ himself , and divide between them two , that strip Christ of these his Swadling-clouts , make their gain of these , and let himself go . I confesse all a Christians wealth is laid up in Promises , not in words and syllables , for they are dead things , but Christ in them , and Gods faithfulnesse in them , 2 Sam. 23. 4 , 5. This is all my salvation , for all fulness is in Christ , he is rich , but what am I the better ? nay the more miserable , for all emptinesse is in me ; therefore in the promise lies my peace . And this is a Christians support in all troubles , and hence he casts anchor here ; but here is his frame , he layes not hold on them without Christ , but by them goes to Christ , and there rests , Iohn 6. 45. He that hath heard of the Father cometh unto me . Give children milk in the dish , they cry still , they must have it from the Mother , and there suck : so 2 Pet. 1. 2 , 3. Now there are others that finding some work in themselves without Christ , and thinking that it 's saving , and so a good signe ; hence are mistaken , and close with it without Christ , and now they think it 's well . I doubt not but the Jews that be devout comforted themselves with that promise , He that confesseth , &c. Prov. 28. 13. not understanding of it , Mat. 3. Say not within your selves we have Abraham to our Father , that promise kept them off from Christ , Mat. 22. Some came not to the Feast , some came but without a Wedding Garment . 'T is with these men as 't is with men that come to buy Wines , they taste them , and content themselves with a taste , another buyes the thing : a Saint doth so ; another tastes the sweet , and after falls to the impardonable sin , Heb. 6. Or as 't is with a man that sees corn on the ground , he buye● the field , another he gleans somewhat , and contents himself with that . There is in one word a double error ,

First , When a man shall close with Christ without Promises ; and hence seek to be se●ted without a Promise . Hence say some , you must not gather any evidence from any qualification you feel in your self .

Secondly , When men shall snatch and nibble at Promises , and misapply them , not closing with Christ in them and by them ; I have confessed my sin , and repented , and run away with this without Christ . Oh time will come the Lord will say , how came●t thou in hither ? what hast thou to do to take my Promises into thy mouth ? to arm thy self against Christ by Promises to make a spoyl of Christs grants , and let him be crucified . When Saul rent off Samuels garment , he said , The Lord shall rend , &c. 1 Sam. 15. 27 , 28. The letter kills , all Promises without Christ slay , because they keep the famishing Soul from Bread it self .

3. Those that close not with Promises only , but with Christ himself , but it 's only with the Image and fancy of him , which they think is himself . In true Faith the Father reveals the Son as he is , or the Son reveals himself as he is , and Faith hence closeth with him as he is , Iohn 6. 40. But some there be that hear of him , hence think what he is . Hence a carnal mind imagines of him as it imagines of a King in a far Country , and falls down to his Image , and trusts to it , and depends on it , and joyes in it , untill a man comes to be converted , or to dye : and then he sees the deceit . Or if he did see him , yet he can see no beauty in him to desire him . There is many a man in this case that trusts to , and joyes in Christ , whom if he did know he would loath . Iohn came preaching the Gospel to shew them Christ , they all came to him , and rejoyced in his light , but it was but for a season : for when he came to shew them there he is , Iohn 1. 29. not one man stirs when he shews them Christ , and vers. 35. only two : and chap. 3. 32. No man received his testimony . This is ( Beloved ) the great sin and cause of all the rest , if they had known they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory . Christ is not seen , hence not thought of , hence not esteemed ; hence men boast not in him : Nay 't is the great plague under meanes , that in seeing they see no● . Lord how long : You say Christ never so clearly seen , true , but thou in seeing maist not see ; and if it be thus , then look for ruine , Isai. 6. 9 , 10 , 11 , 12. We say Christians want not light , but life and affections . Oh begg for light that will bring affections , else all affections will dry up if not fed with this Spring , Iohn 5. 37. What people had such means as they , yet they not eyes to see ?

4. Those that do not close with the bare fancy of Christ , but with himself ; but 't is not for himself , and for his holinesse , but only for his peace , and consolations , and joyes . Like a sick woman that comes to the Physitian , not to marry her , but to heal her , cure her , and so comfort her . Or if she doth come to marry him , 't is only to satisfie her lust , or to save her from trouble , &c. In a word , they receive Christ , that he may give contentment to them , and not that hereby they may also give contentment unto him . They close with Christ to make them happy , not to make them holy ; But they thus closing with him , think they have him , and hence rejoyce exceedingly , and hence have a love to him , and hence some kind of communion with him , and hence think they are espoused to him , and more familiar with him than others , and hence veri●y look with these five foolish Virgins to embrace the Bride-groom : That look as a Saint from a false apprehension of Christ , to be none of his , may be very ●ad , lose his joy , nay his very love , in the act of it , nay his communion and boldnesse to go to him , nay his expectation of him ; so from a false conceit that Christ is mine , è contra . Thus a man is grievously troubled with the sight of Gods anger , and with horror , and useth all means , at last he sees only Christ can do it , and hence seeks for and prizeth his love ( for his one ease ) for as horror may be his greatest evil , so love to ease him , may be his greatest good : At last he is fully perswaded . How ? By any work or word ? No , but God hath perswaded , and it s now sealed , hence joy . But now there is matter of more trouble , holinesse , and close walking with Christ , this is troublesome , he cares not for Christ , to help him here ; but deviseth how to keep Christ and joy without holinesse . Hence let a world of sin lie upon them , they be not troubled with that , they look up to Christ ; or if they see and be troubled at it , they take it as a burden , not as the greatest burden . Hence ( say men ) you must not judge of your estate by any thing or qualification you feel in your self , for these may fail your eye-sight in misty times ( But we must follow it then , and not rest till we see and find it , for without holinesse no man shall see God ) Hence also let there be never so many falls , yet say they , never call your state into question , hence they professe , we cannot move till we be moved , and if I do not , it is not my fault . Hence if Ministers do preach any things which are not about the person of Christ , or the excellency of a Christian in Christ , or the emptinesse of the creature to prepare for Christ , ( which are indeed of great use ) and presse to any work or service of Christ , they are Legal Preachers , and bring people under a Covenant of works . Whereas if we preach duties , and leave them as signs , before being in Christ , they are so , but ●ere to preach any duty of the Law , is part of the sweet will of Christ . Tell us ( say they ) what we should do . What can a man do ? He can do all things through Christ : True , but Christ must come to act it . Ye● , But he hath a Faith to fetch it , 1 Iohn 1. 6. many said they had communion with him , 1 Iohn 2. 3 , 4. It seems , they said they had no sin , as now some say , God sees no sin in justified people , God looks to the new creature only , 't is not I but sin : if the Spirit help not , 't is not my fault . Not many dayes since it did lye upon the spirit of one , who seeing Christ hath undertaken all , closed with him , rejoyced in him , not for this end , not from the beauty they saw in holiness , nor bitterness of ●infulness , but because they should be eased of the work . I have known them that have lived in some sin , and promised the Lord shall be blessed if he save them in their sin , and conceiting he would , have loved him ; thus these . In a word , the soul of man desires rest and peace , seeks for it in Creatures , seeks to satisfie it self there , there it cannot ; hence seeks for it ( as many dying men do ) in Christ , not in the Grace , but in the joy of Christ ; not in Christs holy presence , but in his comforting presence ; seeking the utmost perfection of a Christian in the seale of the Spirit , not in the mighty actings of the Spirit for God . Hence he is delude● , and fancies he hath Christ , and hence joy . Sin is the great evill , hence the end of Christs coming is to take it away . Hence if a man close with Christ , to remove horror , not sin , and so hath not closed with him for his holiness , you never closed with Christ for the end of his coming , nor for his , but only for your own ends , and so 't is not him , but his , 2 Cor. 2. 15. The Gospel is a savour to them that perish , if of Death to death . Oh consider of these things if it be not thus . 1 Iohn 5. 11 , 12. Hast the Son for thy portion ? Dost see his Glory full of Grace to accept and sanctifie thee , thou hast life : if not the Son , but only so●ething from him , Oh death and not life ! the bonds of Death ( not life ) are upon thee , which no creature can unloose unlesse the Lord come to they Grave-side and unloose thee .

SECT. VIII .

TO close with the Person of the Lord Jesus : Use 5. Of Exhort . you will think this is not a right course thus to do . We cannot do it . Answ. Yet the Gospel hath commands and entreaties wherewith Christs Spirit goes to the Elect ; and if you could see Christ in the mini●●ry of man , you should feel it ; And hence we look it should be so : and besides , Saints that have Faith and power , are quickened by the voice of the Son of God . Consider therefore ,

1. All men are fallen into a bottomless gulf of misery and sin , though once righteous . Hence Gods truth having said , he that sins shall dye : hence justice comes out to do execution , and when the neck of all men thus lies on the block , yet mercy pities , and saith , Oh spare , save ! Satisfie me saith justice , then I will : hence mercy sends forth a Son , when no men nor Angels could help , and he takes flesh , takes all their sin , fulfills all righteousness , bears their sorrows , and by one offering perfects for ever them that are sanctified ; and having done this , is now at the right hand of God in the Glory of his Father , all creatures subject to him , all excellencies being met together in him : so that now he is the delight of ●od , the joy of Heaven ; so that whatsoever thou canst want , or losest , if thou hadst him , thou shalt find it in him : and also whatever he can do for thee , in his time thou shalt receive it from him , Deut. 33. 26 , 29. Who is like the God of Iesurun .

2. Now there is a universal offer to all people where the Gospel comes ; enemies are entreated to be reconciled ; for though he hath not dyed for all , yet now being King , such is his excellency , that he is worthy of all : Hence commands all to receive him : and if this be a condemning sin to reject him , 't is then a command lies upon you to receive him , and the foundation of this offer is your wants and miseries . You are dead , Oh come to him therefore for life ; weak , guilty , blind , Oh therefore come to him for pardon , peace , and life . Not fulness , nothing but emptiness is the ground of this offer , Ier. 3. 22.

3. Hence there is nothing on Gods part , nor yet on your part that can keep you from him . No sins , no wants , unless it be your will , Mat. 23. 37. Therefore now who-ever will shall have him , let him take him , Rev. 22. 17. There be two acts of the Will , Election and Resolution , I must have him , which if you will , nothing that ever thou didst or canst do can please the Father so much : so that he will 1. Adopt thee to be his Son , Iohn 1. 12. As è contra . 2. Thou shalt enrich thy self with a greater blessing than if Heaven , and Earth , and all glory was put into thy hand , as the Lord himself is better than all ; and hence once thine , ever thine , none shall pull thee out of his hand , 2 Pet. 1. 5. And it shall rejoyce the heart of Christ himself in Heaven , when as his Bride thou givest to him thy good will , Isai. 62. 5. And if you do not kiss the Son he will be angry , Psalm 2. And God knows whether now the last word , the last offer is to be made to thee .

But I find such sins in me , Object. 1. that till they are gone I dare not .

Then you will first remove sin , Answ. and after receive Christ : first be your own saviours , and then make him another : you shall never do it . Oh close with him to take sin away , because sick , therefore receive him .

But I have no will , my heart is endeared to my sin .

Therefore resign up thy self to him to give thee a will , Object. 2. ( put it into his hand as bad as it is , Answ. this is Spouse-like ) and to take away that will to sin , so thou shalt have him , I am my Beloveds , he is mine : For the Father looks to the Law , and saith , Sinner if thou believe thou shalt be saved ; now lie under the Spirit , and you are where you should be ; resist here , you resist the Holy Ghost . Oh but sin is dear . Consider , 1. What good did it ever do thee . 2. Hath Christ shed his Blood or no , if not , Oh the wrath of God is to come ; if he hath , Oh wilt thou offer this wrong to his Blood , that a Lust shall be dearer than it , thy bloody Knives dearer than the life , and death , and mercy of a Son : Oh therefore if any Soul hath any lust dear , I beseech you by all the bitter sorrows of Christ , not to reject so great salvation .

But must I receiv● Christ with my own strength ?

No , Object. 3. you cannot , nor ought not , but if the Lord puts strength in thee , put it● forth . Answ. Many followed Christ for loaves , but none that ever came to him for himself that ever he put away , Psalm 81. 11 , 12 , 13. I shewed much love , but they would none of me ; Oh that they had hearkened . At this instant God may give thee a heart .

But I fear I shall never get my sins removed that I feel , Object. 4. which I think cannot stand with Grace .

Gods Promise and Reason is cross to thy fears ; if a Son , Answ. all things also though many years hence , Rom. 8. 32. If not by receiving , is i● by rejecting that thou shalt attain thy end ? 'T is true , thou hast fallen off by thy sin from Christ , because thy falls have made thee fall off by unbelief from him , and made thee say , either I do not believe , or the Lord intends no good to me : you have had no strength , because not satisfied with meat .

But I may presume . Object. 5.

Is it presumption to honour Christ , Answ. and to have him honoured in thee ? No , Dost think if the Lord shall after all thy sins , and in the midst of all thy miseries give thee Christ , shall he not be honoured by this ? yes , who can ever have such cause to love him as I ? Shall not thy receiving of him by Faith honour him ? yes , Rom. 4. 20. Canst dishonour him so much as by rejecting him ? when he hath laid down his life , shewed his love , offers himself ; now to reject him , 't is to offer greatest contempt to him and his love that can be : hence can you honour him so much as by this ? Do never so much without him , he is unsatisfied : do this , he is well-pleased . Nay after all thy sins , yet he saith , Return to me : Nay , nothing else is such a means to honour him , by doing for him . If so , grant thou art vile , unworthy , poor , yet for the honour of the Lord Jesus do it , who is but little honoured in the world , and stand out no longer : thus receive him , and then know it you are Sons , and rejoyce in it , and do it now while the Spirit is upon thee , and remember now not to change , Ier. 2. 11. As Women , Oh I would not change ; see how happy is thy choice : But Lord who hath believed our Report !

How may the Soul come to close with the person of the Lord Iesus ? Quest.

1. Before any man can close , Answ. i. e. see and say he doth close with the Lord as his own , he must feel a want of the Lord and his presence , not only of his comforting , but of his holy presence , for some people there be that never felt a want of Christ at all , they are great and grievous sinners , but they trust to Christ , and though he kill them , yet they will trust to him : others are in misery , and they feel a want of redemption , and hence close with Christ for that , Psalm 78. 35. O●hers are in horror , and know not what to do , and they feel a want of the comforts of Christ , and hence close with Christ for that , and if they find it they depart from Christ by looseness of life , if not by despair of heart , as Saul , 1 Sam. 28. God answers me not by Urim , &c. Others feel a want of some righteousness from Christ , the having of which supports and sustains them without Christ , till with the Prodigal , when all is spent , then they think of Bread at home , and the want of which makes them to have lesse esteem of , and desire after Christ , but they are full of Objections against the thoughts of closing with him , but hence they close with Christ for that . Others there are that feel a want of the Lord himself , and hence close with him for himself ; so that let a man have all blessings in the world , the purity of Ordinances , never so many illapses , and droppings of divine light , and life , and comfort in these Ordinances , that he wonders the Lord should be so good to him , yet he shall find ( if right ) his soul secretly unquiet and unsatisfied till he hath the Lord himself . As the savour of meat makes a man that wants it , cry the more after it , long the more for it ; so the savour and sweet of all creatures , all Ordinances , all Duties , do not stay , but stir up the soul to seek Christ , when he is himself , Ier. 50. 4. They shall seek the Lord weeping . Hence first they felt a want of him . The full soul loaths the honey-comb . Let the Lord be never so sweet , let him do them never so much good , the more good he doth them , the lesse they regard him , Ier. 2. 6. They said not where is the Lord ? Therefore that soul that truly closeth with the Lord , must first feel a want of the Lord , and say these Ordinances are not bread , these creatures are not bread , all these parts , gifts , duties are not bread , bran , not bread . All this savour , this sweetnesse 't is not bread . Hence I perish for want of bread , I have creatures , Ordinances , Affections , comforts , Duties , but Oh no Christ . Like the Prodigall , Luke 15. 17. Oh therefore do not only see , but feel the want of the Lord Jesus , you that never had him yet ; nay you that have him , you cannot have more of him , but by feeling more the want of him . Oh it was a marvellous expression of Moses , when the Lord began to grow weary of their company , Exod. 33. 15. If thou goest not with us , carry us not up hence , i. e. Let us rather die than live without thee . Mary when Christ was crucified , the carcase of the Lord was gone , she sate there weeping : Oh much more for the Lord himself . It s observed by some for the saddest spectacle , to see a desert Town : Oh what is it to see a desert heart , where no Christ inhabits ? Or a city , and no Inhabitants . And hence its Romes curse , to be made an habitation of devils ; so here . What is Hell , but this , to see not Abraham , but to see Christ afar off ? and thy self shut out . It may be 't is no sorrow now , but it will be . It s a sad thing to see a man rise up early , go to bed late , eat the bread of carefulnesse , and yet gain nothing , Phil. 1. 21. This is very sad . Christ is our gain , all the creatures you have , means you use , duties you do , comforts you receive , they are not gain , nay , the more God doth for thee , the more thou losest , if no Christ , because now thou art full by this means . Oh therefore get a heart sensible of the want of the Lord . Think there is a Christ , whose Glory is the amazement of Heaven , but Oh I see him not . Happy for ever are they that have him , but Oh I have him not . Your hungry bellies cannot want bread , if they do , they are never quiet till they have it . Is the Lord no better ? Lord grant this contempt be not revenged with spirituall plagues ! Some of you know not your want , others feel it not , you can live without him ; worse than Saul , he went to Urim , and lamented in great distresse , He answers me not ! Oh you feel no distresse , because of this , I have him not ! Nay worse than Dives , that begg'd , Oh a drop of water to cool my tongue ! Why cry not you , Oh the Lord Christ to comfort my heart ! Why is not all this fulnesse longed for ? Oh therefore let nothing else comfort , and let nothing discourage , but make this use of all , Oh I want him !

2. To the right closing with his person , this is also required , to tast the bitternesse of sin , as the greatest evil : Else a man will never close with Christ , for his holinesse in him , and from him as the greatest good . For we told you that that 's the right closing with Christ for himself , when it is for his holinesse . For ask a whorish heart what beauty he sees in the person of Christ , he will after he hath looked over his Kingdom , his Righteousnesse , all his works , see a be●uty in them , because they do serve his turn to comfort him only . Ask a Virgin , he will see his happinesse in all ; but that which makes the Lord ami●ble , is his Holinesse , which is in him , to make him holy too ; as in marriage , it is personal beauty draws the heart . And hence I have thought it re●son that he that love ; Brethren for a little Grace , will love Christ much more . Hence if a man feels not the want of Christ , the bitternesse of sin , as his greatest evil , he will never see nor admire Christs beauty , much lesse close with it . Hence Iohn 16. 9. Convinceth the world of sin , because they believe not in me , i. e. of that chiefly . Oh these wrongs done against the Lord ! Why not of wrath and Hell ? Oh sin is the evil , and then it appears exceeding evil , when not against God simply , but against a Son . Paul why persecutest thou me ? Acts 9. Why ? Did he not live in lusts and self-confidence ? Yes , but in all these he saw he persecuted Christ . And after saddest search , I have feared the want of this , is the great cause of all a mans closing amisse with Christ . I would but ask where was Iudas wound ? Was it resting in a Pharisaical righteousness without Christ ? Without Christ , no , for he forsook all and followed Christ . Was it want of profession of him , preaching for him ? No. Was it for want of communion with him ? No : one sin he lived in , he had his bagg . And hence when many went from him , he stuck to him , Iohn 6. Iudas still cleaves to him : yet even then Christ calls him a Devil , which if ever he had tasted the bitternesse of , he would not have lived in , not dyed desparately , some think impardonably without Christ , and so sin more against him . Let any man living shew me how he can close with Christ , and yet love one sin : I 'le be his bond-man , that can say , I close with Christ as my Husband , and yet I love my Whore too . Let any man living close with Christ , and keep his sin , or hide his sin , or let it be hid , his closing with Christ shall harden him in his sin , and so he shall dye without Christ in his sins , as it is writ , Exod. 21. 14. As it was with Ioab , who fled to the Horns of the Altar , so 't is with many men , they sin , and confess and sin under all Laws : why ? they fly to Christ , and this imboldens them , hardens them , why ? because they never tasted the bitterness of sin . I know a mans sin may be crucified before 't is mortified , as it may be buried after 't is dead . Oh therefore I beseech you look to this , you fail not here . Many of you are troubled , Oh take heed of being comforted until you get the Lord to do this for you , or unlesse you depend upon the Lord for this in his time . Some apply comfort when they see no good : I dare not to my self or others : Oh therefore imagine thou didst hear the Lord speaking , Why dost thou persecute me ? why is a man so grieved at any thing that crosseth himself ? because a man loves himself , because he thinks his good lies there most : Oh see thy good more in Christ than in thy self , Acts 9. 4. Oh me , me in whom all good is , oh to persecute him ! Two men hear , and one is in horror , and the other not ; oh 't is because God sets it on : so here .

3. Make the Lord Jesus present with you , and set him really before you , and see him willing to give himself unto you , even to thee in particular . Those that give themselves in Marriage , separate themselves from all company , and get alone together , and give themselves one unto another : so sever thy self from all the world , and 〈◊〉 the Lord really be●ore thee , as David , Psalm 16. 8. and so close one with another . For two things keep from Christ . Either

First , they care not for him , and the cause is , they make him no● present , only have a notion and report of him .

Secondly , They dare not close with him , because they fear he is not willing to close with them , with others , not with me ; so that all the Scriptures they read , all the Promises they hear are very sweet , but they look on them as spoken to others . Hence Acts 2. 39. For the Promise is made to you , and to them afar off ; be thou never so far off , if thou receivest him , he will receive thee , Luke 2. 14. Good will to men : Oh see this good-will in the Lord to have thee receive him , though thou hast no money , nay because dead and vile , nay because not sensible , Rev. 3. 17 , 18. Oh wonderful because senseless of misery , therefore close with him . 1. Is it not his command it should be so ? 2. Is it not a sin to reject him ? will he not be angry with thee to reject him ? 3. Are not his conditions easie , so as he hath undertaken to do all that which thou saist thou canst not ? Why wilt not ? 1. Oh if I were a child , a son in Covenant I would , but because otherwise , hence I dare not . Ans. Ioh. 1. 12. Receive him , he will make thee a Son . 2. Oh but my wants are many . Ans. Receive him he will make thee rich , Isai. 55. 1 , 2. 3. Oh but I find my hearten deared to creatures . Ans. 1 Iohn 5. 4. This is the Victory that overcometh the world , even your Faith . 4. Oh but I shall fall back . No , Ier. 3. 22. Return , and he will heal thy back-sliding . 5. Oh but I shall never be able to do any thing . Ans. Yes , close with hi● and thou shalt . 6. Oh but I am very vile before the Lord after all I do . Ans. Yet Eph. 5. 25 , 26 , 27. He shall make thee amiable , only receive him , set thy heart on him alone . Now do you think he bears a good will toward you ? can you deny it ? Shall not this overcome thee , that the Lord of Glory should fall in love with thee , and bear good will to thee a Leper , and that canst do nothing for him , and yet for all this , Oh this will draw thee , Psal. 36. 6 , 7. Oh how great is thy loving-kindness ; this makes a heart of steel to yield , Ier. 31. 1 , 2 , 3. Oh this will cut you in Hell , Oh hard hearts that despised such Grace !

4. If the serious thoughts of this do not draw thee , at least not so fully ; look up to the Lord to reveal himself unto thee to be thine . For as no man can take Christ until God gives him , so no man can say he is his , untill the Lord shews him that he is his . And as the creature cannot re●●st , but take when the Lord gives : so it cannot but see the Lord when he reveals himself as indeed he is . And look to see him to be yours by some Promise ; for there is a seeing Christ mine in great fulgor without the light of a Promise , and Spirit in it . Is Christ yours ? Yes , I see it . How ? by any word or promise ? No , this is a d●lusion . The other is by promise , & that opened in the Gospel , Eph. 1. 13. 14. He saith not in whom after ye were sealed you believed , but è contra . And how believed ? by hearing the Gospel . Hence Saints return to this , Psalm 51. 8. Let me hear the voice , 1 Pet. 2. 1 , 2 , 3. And this is that which hath knit the hearts of Saints to Christ for ever ▪ Oh thou hast the words of life : For there is a voice of love to the Saints engraven in all mercies , in all afflictions , in all Gods leadings of them , though it be in a Wilderness ; but Beloved , only the Word can tell me the meaning of these words of love . So there is love of Christ revealed according to a Promise , not by it , and love spoken in mercies , but the Word interprets them and clears them to be no delusions ; I mean the Spirit there : This is judged to be a good answer to Papists , who shall be judge of controversies ? We answer that which shall be judge at the last Day , must be judge now : but so , Rom. 2. 16. Iohn 12. 48. So whether doth Gods Spirit seal , or the Devil delude ? It 's a great controversie if you have no● a word to see Gods love by , but think you have a way to see it without , this Word shall judge you . Oh look therefore for the Lord by a word to do it , and say Speak Lord ; and if by word , look not for it without a work on your own heart . Some Christians have rested with a work without Christ , which is abominable ; but after a man is in Christ not to judge by the work , is first not to judge from a word . For though there is a word which may give a man de●endance on Christ , without feeling any work , nay when he feels none , as absolute promises , yet no word giving assurance , but that which is made to some work , He that believeth , or is poor in spirit , &c. till that work is seen , hath no assurance from that Promise . Tell him God hath promised to pour clean water , Ezek. 36. Yes for some , not for me . Secondly , 't is not to judge by the Spirit , for the Apostle makes the earnest of the Sp●rit to be the Seal ; now earnest is part of the money bargained for , the beginning of Heaven , of the light and life of it : He that sees not the Lord is his by that , see ; no God his at all : Oh therefore do not look for a Spirit without a word to reveal , nor a word to reveal without seeing and feeling of some work first , I thank the Lord I do but pitty those that think otherwise : if a sheep of Christ , Oh wander not . Ob. But I have waited long for this . Ans. True , therefore more need to wait still , it may be now 't is not far off . Ob. Oh but it may be he will not , if I knew that I could be quiet . Answ. Down proud heart , Oh take heed of that pride : art ' no● worthy never to hear a voice from God ? Be silent then , and humble , and now hear what the Lord will say , he speaks in a still voice , Psalm 85. 8. do as they in that Psalm did ; Thou hast done thus and thus , Oh hear us , turn us , and then ●ie still and listen : Oh do thus , else you make God a lyar if the word comes , 1 Iohn 5. 10 , 11. and now when thou hast him , Oh change him not .

First , What dost want , and where wilt go to find it but there ? any creature● , and all the excellencies of them are there , and in time of trouble he will be instead of all , and also blesse all .

Secondly , Dost want Grace to honour a God ? it is in him the fulnesse of it . Dost want God and his love ? thou hast him , and now all his love , his care , his wisdom is thine . Oh wonder at thy lot and portion , and say , Lord I have enough . Thus much of the first Doctrine .

CHAP. X. Shewing that True Believers do with hope expect the Second Coming of Christ .

SECT. I. Now they go forth by Hope Of Him and his Coming . Desire Of Him and his Coming .

THat the Church and People of God after they are truly Espoused to Christ , Observ. 2. and made in any measure ready for Christ , they now are no more of this world , but look out of it , and verily expect the Second Coming , and Glorious Appearing of Christ .

'T is true , they look for his coming and company at the last period of their life , but this they look upon but as their welcome in the way , until the last Trump shall blow , and that they shall meet the Lord in the clouds of the Aire , 1 Thes. 4. 18. which is the last and chief time of his Coming they look out for . The Five Wise Virgins did here verily look for him ; the Five Foolish seemingly did so too : That look as it was before the first Coming of Christ , all their thoughts and searchings of heart were after the day , and time , and glory of it , 1 Pet. 1. 10 , 11. And the nearer His Coming was , the more ardently was he expected : Hence such flocking to Iohns Ministry . Hence Simeon waited long for the consolation of Israel . So the Espoused and Beloved of the Lord looks out for his coming now . He hath left them as Orphans in this world , he hath divers of his Elect yet to bring home , and enemies to put under his feet , and then they know he will come , and this day they look for . As Christ expects it , Heb. 10. 13. By the same Spirit they look for it .

This is that which Christ so oft presseth on his Disciples , foreseeing the slumbers of the world , to be ever watching for his second coming ; and hence these alone are accounted blessed , Luke 12. 37 , 38. That let Christ come at any watch , Oh blessed . The duration of the world from the first to the second coming , is but as it were a night divided into several watches ; the Saints are the watchmen of the world , who you know look for day-light , though it be long , 't is but a night ; it will be morning : All the rest are like birds at their chaffe . And hence he tells them the reason of the uncertainty of his coming , makes this the end of it . They are Evangelical commands with which there goes a power . Look through all the Primitive Church in the Golden Age , they had all this stamp , 1 Cor. 1. 7. Waiting . 1 Thes. 1. 10. To wait for Christ from Heaven . Nay , Heb. 9. 28. He professeth those only may know the fruit of his first coming , that now look for him .

SECT. II.

1 BEcause they really foresee , and see such a day , 2 Pet. 3. 3 , 4. Reas. 1. In the last days shall come Scoffers , saying , where is the promise of his coming ? all things are as they were , and hence live in their lusts , die in their own dung , and never look for it . But these foresee it really , and hence look for it . Men that live on land , and love the smoak of their own chimneys , never look out to other coasts and countreys , or to a strange Land , but Sea-men that are bound for a Voyage , and have a Pilot with them that hath seen the coast , that 's it they look for ; so men that live in this world , and are well here , look not after Christ not his coming , but they that have a Pilot , a Spirit to shew them , this day , this coast , and are bound for another world , they look out for this ; they see it two waies

1. By the eye of Faith in the promise , 2 Pet. 3. 13. And this makes the soul see it , when all things seem to be against it , and hence expects it ; for that is the difference between Faith and hope : Faith closeth with Christ , and all the Glory of Christ , in the promises as present , hope hence steps forth and laies hold upon the performance it self as absent . Faith entertains the promise as a faithful messenger , and sees that his message is true . Hope runs out of doors and leaves it with Faith , and looks for the Lord himself , Heb. 11. 1.

2. By the Light of Glory in the thing it self ; for Saints do not only see things in Letters and Syllables , and words , but see things as they are in themselves . The wicked see the word , sin , and Christ , and Heaven ( and in seeing see not ) but not the things themselves . Now the Glorious coming of Christ being a thing to come , yet to be done , how do they see it but by report ? Yes , they have the Spirit of Glory , which Spirit shews them things to come , John 16. 13. Which eye hath not seen . That look as their Head Christ sees this day as it shall be , and his apprehensions are not false , but as he conceives of this day , so shall it be : so the Saints by the same Spirit see it before it comes , and are not mistaken about it , though it be very darkly , yet sometimes when the Spirit of God is not overclouded , they see it more evidently . For this is the great plague of the wicked , they see nothing as 't is , and in Hell they see how they have been deceived . So this is the happinesse of Saints , that though they see things darkly , yet they see things truly , the Spirit creating glorious impressions on the ●ind of things as they are . They know things that the eye sees not , as they are . That look as Abraham John 8. 56. saw Christs day , and was glad , though afar off ; so the Saints by the same Spirit . Now why did Noah make his Ark , and look for a Flood ? Because he saw it really . Did not others ? No , 't is said , They knew not , Mat. 24. 38 , 39. Never knew till the Floud came : The Lord made it not known . Noah did , the other did not . Hence the Saints cannot but look for it .

2. Because they see nothing else in this world worth looking after , Reas. 2. no , not for the present . For if a man sees the day of the Lord , yet hath some prey in his eye , in this world , and his game before him , he will follow his hunting to catch his venison , though he comes too late for the blessing . But the Lord makes his people to see nothing in the world worth the hawking or catching .

1. They see the Glory of another day , another world , and this puts out the Glory of this , and hence makes them look for that ; and hence when Christ would comfort his Disciples , he promiseth nothing here , but tels them , In my Fathers House are many Mansions . I go to prepare a place , and Il● come to you again , Iohn 14. 1 , 2 , 3. And hence they seeing this to be enough , look for this .

2. They see an end of all these things , of all the Glory of them , and that these summer swallows will take their wings , and fly away in greatest extremities . Hence they look to eternal things , the Lord , and his coming , 2 Cor. 4. 18. We look not at temporal things .

3. They find the Lord crossing them of what they look for in this world , somtimes of outward comforts , somtimes of the performance of spiritual promises , And when God thus hedgeth their way with thorns , then they think of their first Husband . Look as it was with Abraham , Heb. 11. 13. You know strangers when their way is uncomfortable , ever and anon look for their home . Abraham was heir of the world , yet he sojourns as a stranger in it , in Tents , because he looks for a City , v. 10. So here , Saints the heirs of all creatures , yet the Lord makes them strangers here , and hence they look for somthing else . The things God hath promised to his people are very great , but not accomplished . Why ? Because full accomplishment is left till the last day , that hope may wait , and that we may live by Faith . God hath promised to take away all tears , Oh welcome that day ! This world cannot do it , and the Lord here will not , 1 Cor. 15. 19. If our hope were only here , we were 〈◊〉 mis●r●ble .

3. Because they see and are sensible of their deliverance from wrath to come : Reas. 3. There hath been much wrath in the world seen , but yet the great wrath is to come , what that is they see . What their escape from it is they see . Hence they look for Christ , when he shall appear like the rising Sun , and like a Bride-groom from his chamber to comfort them , 1 Thes. 1. 10. For the Devils look for this day , and natural men , but seeing wrath , wish themselves under rocks and mountains , and seek to smother it : But Saints seeing themselves delivered , hence calmly look for it . The sense of this love makes them say , Oh when will he come , that I may see him with these eyes ! They fear not ( for why should they ) the terrour of this day .

4. Because the Lord hath given unto them the first-fruits of Glory , Reas. 4. and of that day of Glory , hence they look and wait for it . You know the first fruits were part of the whole vintage , hence they gave thanks for all , because they then looked for all , Exod. 23. Rom. 8. 23. We having the first-fruits of the Spirit , wait for the 〈◊〉 . That look as 't is with the wicked , that have rejected Christ , and counted his Blood ● common thing , and done despite to Gods Spirit , there remains nothing 〈…〉 for of vengeance , so here è contra . Rom. 5. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5. Being 〈◊〉 by Faith , now 1. Peace with God . 2. Accesse by Christ to God . 3. Standing in that Grace . 4. Shedding of love , hence not only hope , but Glory in hope of the Glory of God . There is none espoused to Christ , but tast this love , feel the warmth of his fellowship , feel the abundance of his love , but 't is but in a little measure , in the first-fruits , hence they look for and expect the rest at his coming . They are somtime full of fears , what if shut out at last ? But when they feel the first-fruits of Glory at that day , now they verily look for his coming . Christ dies we know , but it was not possible for him to be held long , and hence rose again , and then looked for Glory , and then was taken up to Glory : So here , the Saints lie dead in the grave of sins and fears , but it s not possible for them ever to be held here ; hence when risen with Christ , they look upon things above , and are waiting for Glory , and at last are taken to Glory with himself . That look as Iacob , Gen. 49. 18. said , My soul waiteth for thy salvation , when the stakes and pins of this fleshly Tabernacle are loosing , and so the Lord is loosing him from the excellency of this world ; though he minds other things , yet he recalls himself , My soul waiteth for thy salvation Oh Lord .

SECT. III.

HEnce let all flesh take notice that there is such a time , Use. 1. and day , and coming of the Lord Jesus . This was the Apostles Argument to prove a resurrection , Christ is risen , and to prove this , and so the resurrection from the dead at Christs coming , else is your Faith vain , i. e. Expectation of him vain , 1 Cor. 15. 14 , & 17. Men think it easie to believe a resurrection , and a second coming of Christ for that end ; but an hoverly sleight work is quickly done , and an hoverly Faith is quickly wrought . But when a man comes to look considerately , Is there such a day indeed ? Is there one now in the third Heavens that will fire this whole world , and gather his Saints to his Glory ? Now it s very hard . It s usual with Satan to pierce with extremities , that when they do begin indeed to close with Christ , and receive comfort from him , to smite them with thoughts : Is there a Christ , and is there such a time of coming ? Now of all the Arguments to convince and perswade , me-thinks none like this , viz. That there be a Generation of men in the world , that verily look for this day and see it , and have the first-fruits and beginnings of it already in their souls . A number of people that once never minded it , heard of it , but looked not for it , now to see it ; flesh and blood could not , Satan would not reveal it , hence God that cannot lie , hath shewn it unto them , so as they are in a manner eye-witnesses of it . Men will believe eye-witnesses of any thing , especially if many . Such are the espoused of the Lord in all ages . The things which we have heard and seen we speak . Object .

But may they not be deceived , Answ. and conceit that which is not ?

True , but Divine revelation of any Truth that cannot deceive , for that is no fancy of the head , nor delusion of Satan . Now this is a secret the Spirit makes known .

1. In that it fils the mind and feeds the heart with it , that it carries unto God with wonderment of blessing him that ever he saw this . Fancies cannot feed , especially in greatest agonies : Now they chuse misery on this ground , rather than present peace here , Heb. 11. 35. Not accepting deliverance .

2. In that it works effects crosse to Nature , nay to all a mans lusts in them . Noah foresaw a Flood nigh , but he might be deceived . No , 't is said he feared , kept close to God and it came , so here .

3. This Light whereby they see , it is not only sweet and Glorious , and cross to heart and lusts , but its sudden , that as with Paul , when going to persecute , suddenly there fell a great Light , and so he saw Christ . So when a man goes on in his sin , and suddenly the Lord reveals this and that by a word ( else 't is a deceit ) which all Angels could not do before , so as to see it , and that none can reveal it as he sees it , especially to bring this light out of darknesse , this must be miraculous power , and no dream . But what do I speak of seeing ? they feel the beginnings of it in the first-fruits of it .

For two great things shall be at that day .

First , Then all the Elect shall have their fill of love .

Secondly , Triumph in Christ when in the clouds with him . Have they not the first here ? Rom. 5. 5. The feeling of which love cannot be a Fancy , fo● it cannot conceive of it nor hold it . This is an infinite love , and that in the midst of the sence of sin and death . That many times they are even fain to say , Lord hold . 2. Triumph , Rom. 5. 3. and that in afflictions , which make them by experience so to feel God in par● , that they triumph for time to come . 'T is ●rue at times they look down the Tower , and so tremble , but while they look up here , then they triumph , having accesse to the Grace wherein they stand , So then look for it , there shall be such a day , and such a coming of Christ , Rev. 1. 7. The Father hath exal●ed the Son to inesfable Glory . But Lord ! Who sees him as these , in his Glory , or to come forth out of his Glory ? 'T is but Table-talk . But behold he comes , and every eye shall see him . The Lord pities you , and holds out bowels of love , and Faith ; Oh receive me , Oh cast away those bloody knive● that have pierced me ; and sends his good Spirit like his hand to draw you . But Oh do you not kick his bowels , do you not pierce his hands and feet daily ? And when you have done no tears ! But he cometh , and you that pierce him shall see him , &c. Consider of it therefore you that doubt of this , you that think not of this , and hence live and lie in your lusts , and despise him . Behold he cometh !

SECT. IV.

HEnce behold the happinesse of all them that be espoused to the Lord Jesus , Use 2. in that their hopes are laid up in another world , at the day of the coming of the Lord Jesus , 1 Cor. 15. 19. If we had hope only in this life , we were of all men most miserable . Because none so foolish , or so sensible of misery as they , but our hopes stretch to another life , to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ . Suppose a man had all the Crowns of the world cast at his feet , but at last to be dragged before the judgment-seat of Christ , and there to stand quaking , What should he be the better ? What though Saints have all the miseries in this world , but at last with these eyes they shall see the Lord , and stand triumphing before him , and have a real sight and certain expectation of this . What people in the world so great as these ?

What do they wait and expect for ? Quest.

Great things which may astonish the whole Creation . Answ.

1. They look for him to change their vile bodies , that this their Husband at the marriage day should take away these rags , & make them like unto his Glorious body , brighter than the Sun ; This was preached about the time o● the Pequot wars . so that burn them , cut them to peices , ( as some by the Indians have been , Lord help ! ) they see Christ loves both , and hence holds sword and soul in one hand , and scabberd in another , &c.

2. They expect he should take away all their sins , and make them like unto himself , engrave on their souls perfectly his own Image , that their enemies they feel now , they look they shall never see them more . 1 Iohn 3. 2. And as no evil like it , no mercy like this ; and no evil to Saints like this , that yet they should grieve the heart of such a Husband .

3. They look he should take away all sorrows and tears from them , for this the Lord promiseth , and begins to execute now , but it shall be perfected then , Isa. 25. 8 , 9. And hence called the times of refreshing , Acts 3. 19 , 20. 'T is true the Spouse and Church is now sorrowful to the very heart many times , but there is a time coming that they shall never sorrow more .

4. They look he should take away all shame from them . For no people in the world loaden with more calumnies and reproaches by the wicked and by hypocrites , and hard speeches from the Godly , and they doubt whether they be Sons or no. Now then the whole world shall see they are Sons , and shall stand amazed at them , and shall not doubt of it , nor themselves , fo● the Lord shall proclaim it , and they shall hear , these are my Jewels . And this they look for , 1 Iohn 3. 1 , 2.

5. They then look for recompence to all their labour of love to him and his . Hence 1 Cor. 15. 58. Knowing your labour is not in vain in the Lord . Hence the Apostle oft defers men for that recompence till now . The Lord shew mercy to the House of Onesephorus in that day , 2 Tim. 1. 18. So that some Hereticks have thought souls sleep till then . They may pray and no answer , seek to do good , and do none . Oh but the Lord will recompence then abundantly .

6. They look then to be ever with the Lord , 1 Thes. 4. 17. Never to be parted from him , never to live without him , nay never to go away from under his wing , out of his bleeding bosom of love and endlesse and unspeakable compassions any more : And being with him to see his Glory , and never see the depth of it , and to have the Lord to serve them , Luke 12. 37 , 38. and giving whatever they call for , and all this when thousand thousands shall at this time be crying for a drop of water , and cannot get it . Now all this they look for , and more too : Which is , 1. Certain . For hope maketh not ashamed . 2. Which fills their hearts with Glory , and unspeakable Glory too : for it makes it so clear and certain , that they have it all already , for though absent , hope makes it as present , Rom. 8. 24. He doth not say we shall be , but we are saved by hope . Faith takes hold on the beginning , hope on the end . Oh the heavy wrath of God upon a world of poor , blind , ignorant men that have no hope , no hope of Christ , no hope of Glory , unlesse a flattering , dead hope . What a sad thing is it to think of a number of men that are buried in the world , and never to awaken until they see Christ in the clouds of Heaven , coming to be revenged on them . Oh me-thinks I see them falling down before the Judgment-fea● , and crying out , Oh that we had known of this day ! Oh alas that I had hope , but not such an hope , but am now deceived . Oh 't is otherwise with Saints , they shall find what they hoped for , and infinitely more . What hurt can any do them ? Let all the world come against them , their husband will come , and will kick them under his feet . Let them load them with reproaches , fill their hearts with sorrows , and their eyes with tears , their Lords coming will comfort them . Let Satan tempt , and a Father hide his face , behold the Lord cometh , that shall deliver and redeem them ! Oh see their blessednesse , and let it draw you to make up the match with Christ , that never did it yet ! He hath bin wooing of you , longing for you , and you wooing of him again , Lord take me ! What hinders you then from striking the match , and concluding it ? To give thy self this day to him , and take him only , rejoyce in him only , when nothing thou dost can be so pleasing to him . And now you may look and believe what one day you shall to your comfort feel . And account your selves most wretched creatures until the Lord be pleased to espouse you to himself .

SECT. V.

OR hence learn what to judge of those that never look for the coming and company of the Lord Jesus , Use 3. Of Exam. but 't is with them , as it was with the Israelites , when Moses was gone into the Mount , and stayed there long , the people made their Calf , and went to their feasting and rejoycing : So the Lord Jesus being gone for the Spirit of life , and to prepare a place of Glory , it being now long since , they make Idols of their Jewels , and of their own excellencies , and of whatsoever is glorious in their eyes in this world . Or as Christ compares the secure world , as it was in the daies of Noah , so shall it be , or as in the daies of Lot , when they never knew nor look't for it , though told of it ; so 't is with them . Do you think these are espoused to Christ ? or made ready for Christ ? whose glorious appearing is never , or seldom , or the least thing in their thoughts , and are far from seeing and setting it before their eyes .

Now because if you ask most men , Do you look for such a time to see the world consumed , and the Lord revealed , and your Glory with him ? Every one will say , yes , because indeed they have a dead hope . I shall therefore give discoveries of it .

1. Those whose hearts prize ( though their heads do not ) Sign 1. and whose eyes are dazeled with the withering Glory of this world . When men lie under ( not for a fit , for Christ's Disciples wondred at the Beauty of the Temple ) a g●eat mistake of all things here , and put that good in them which is not , and that worth upon them which they ought not . For he on whose eyes the Sun of Glory hath risen , and looks for the Glory which shall be revealed ; looks upon a Dunghill world as strangers upon their Inne , and as Travellers do on their Tents , make a shift to rub it out there for a time , but Oh home . Oh that Glory that shall be revealed , Heb. 11. 13. They were strangers , because they looked for a City : Nay they look upon these things , as God and Christ judge of them ( for they have Christ's mind ) 1 Cor. 2. 15. Which stand for Cyphers in the Lords Book : Nay they look upon the very miseries of this world for Christ , greater treasures than the happinesse of it , and hence chuse it and account their scars their Crown , their shame their Glory , their losses their gain , their sorrows their joys , as Heb. 11. 25 , 26. Moses chose to suffer , and esteemed Christs reproach his Glory . And why ? He had an eye to the recompence of reward , and saw the God invisible . And 2 Cor. 4. 17. It works an exceeding weight of Glory . That look as 't is with a man that is born to great hopes of a Crown and Kingdom , and therefore brought up not in the Countrey , but in the Court ; let a poor man offer him his thatcht house , and promise him if he will come and live with him , and serve him in his patcht cloaths , What will he say ? No , be gone to your friends , I am a greater man than you can make me , so here ; A man that is born and begotten to a lively hope of a Crown now by the resurrection of Christ , and brought up under the wings and care of Christ , to the hopes of a better world , offer never so much , promise never so fair , I am greater than all the world can make me , I must not have , if I love Christ , and I cannot have , if he loves me , both ; and hence looks to honour then , and peace and glory then , Col. 3. 1 , 2 , 3. It s clear then thou lookest upon the things of the world as great things ; Oh to have such honour , such an estate , so many Cowes and Goats , so much ground paled in , so many ploughs , lands and oxen fit to labour , so much gain to come in every year , and such parts , & gifts and duties to get me a name , to live before the best men , and to be good signs ( to comfort me ) of the favour of God : This is a goodly thing , the very hopes heat and warm the heart .

1. If you do not find pangs in parting with a friend , a bosom-blessing so dear , you are not dead yet to it , nor risen to a lively hope of better things .

2. He that doth not prize the evils of the world , more than the good in it , his eyes are dazeled with it : If the life of the world be not death to thee , the comfort of the world sorrow to thee , Oh they draw thy heart from God : Hence called lying vanities . Look as 't is with a King or Master that gives Talents to use , they cast them by , and fish for themselves , they look not for the coming of their Masters : So the Lord gives you his Ordinances , and Word to use for him , and you scramble for your selves , to enrich , and honour , and comfort your selves , you look not for the Lord . Factors that go far for wealth , they will not bring home stones and rubbish , which they know will not go in their own Countrey , hence other things that are of more price he spends his time for : So here . What do you do ? You that eat the bread of carefulnesse , sell your commodities dear , and set your buyers on Tainter-hooks ? I look to be rich . You that can speak well , and have parts , and professe fairly ; but go into your Closets , God is neglected in your hearts , your constant union to Christ , dependance on Christ , approving your selves to Christ , is not maintained . I would fain be honoured . You are come far from your own Countrey : Why did you depart thence ? To be free from trouble . And now here , what stay you for ? Oh for ease . Will these Coynes go , and be taken at the last day ? No , you look not for that .

II. They that say they look for Christ , Sign 2. but do not rejoyce abundantly in hope of this time . Sometimes the hopes of Gods people begin to die , and then comfortlesse , but when their hopes are up , and stirring , and not wounded by some sin or sleeping , there is a double joy that now they have .

1. This alone comforts them and fils them , Iohn 14. 1 , 2 , 3. So that they wonder at God , though they have never so little here , to have these blessings now , and everlasting Glory , endlesse compassions and mercy at that day , Iohn 16. 22.

2. This joy is Glorious joy , highest comfort , Rom. 5. 3. We Glory in hope of the glory of God . Disgraced , but then honoured ; hated of men , but then loved of Christ ; poor , but then enriched ; miserable , but then blessed ; empty , but then filled ; fatherlesse , friendlesse , but then glorified . Oh I tell you miseries thus considered , are sweet ! Can it be otherwise ? Now you say you hope and look for this day . Where is your comfort of it ? Where is your glory in it ? Acts 1. 11 , 12. Compared with Luke 24. 52. So thou wilt be in the Temple , nay in the fields rejoycing and blessing the Lord , that ever he should intend to set thee at his right hand , at that great day of his coming . No man but hath something to joy his heart . Is it Corn , and wine and Oyl , and not the Light of Gods countenance at this day ? It s a sign they never look for it . Do the world rejoyce in their hopes , and not Saints ?

III. They that content themselves with any measure of holinesse and Grace ; they look not for Christs coming and company . For Saints that do look for him , Sign 3. though they have not that Holinesse and Grace they would have , yet they rest not satisfied with any measure , 1 John 3. 3. He that hath this hope purifieth himself as he is pure . Christ finds us not lovely , but makes us lovely , by putting on his own garments , imprinting his own Image . Hence Saints content not themselves with any dressings , till made glorious , and so fit for fellowship with that Spouse . And when the Soul sees this Love to be a Son , and then to be proclaimed Heir , Oh this makes them set Christ himself as the pattern to walk by . Now therefore ,

1. When men shall think this way is bad , & another way of some Saints is good , and so take a Copy of his course from them , and now is well , this only is to be pure as man is pure .

2. When a man leaves not till he gets such a measure of Faith and Grace , and now when he hath got this , contents himself with this as a good sign he shall be saved , he looks not for Christ . Or

3. When men are heavily loaden with sin , then close with Christ , and then are comforted , sealed , and have joy that fils them , and now the work is done , and they are past Grace , and past Repentance , and daily cleansing , now they study not what to do for Christ , that neither Family no● Church where they live , are the better for them .

4. When men shall not content themselves with any measure , but wish they had more , if Grace would grow , while they tell Clocks , and sit idle , and so God must do all , but do not purge themselves , and make work of it ( Indeed Saints purge not themselves of themselves , for dirty hands will never wash a foul face ) but by a daily dependance on , and importunity of Faith sigh after the Lord to do it ; verily if not thus , you look not for Christ , 2 Pet. 3. 11 , 12 , 14. For if you did , you would say and think , if to be like him be my Glory , Oh then that I might then have it now . Sons that are born to their hopes in the Court , will go in the Court-fashion : Beggars that are born and brought up under hedges , content themselves with their rags , so here : Lord where is this Spirit ? especially even among us . There is scarce any but either would be honest , and then hopes God accepts of his will , or will be so , & then 't is only so much as will credit or comfort him . Lord where is the man that mourns for this , how far short he falls of Christ , of Christs thoughts , Christs prayers , Christs speeches , Christs meekness , but only patches up his comforts with some ends of Gold and Silver , and shreds of Honesty : He hath heard others teach and preach , and gets some shreds of knowledge , thence he sees what others are , and do , and gets somewhat to be like them . Have we not cryed out , men are too good to be better in our own Land ? And unlesse a few under Affliction or Temptation , who is ? I pray God such a race come not over hither , where God looks you should get a higher pitch ; put off your wildernesse-shoes , get those sins removed that provoked God there ; or else besides the misery of a heart-brand upon thee , thou dost not look for Christ , and therefore art either not espoused , or asleep ; and shalt if not by the Word , by the terrour of God be dreadfully awakened . Oh New-England , New-England , that art now making a conquest of the world , and seekest for the spoyl of it to enrich thy self , to recover thy losses , and therefore makest a truce with thy distempers for a time , and dost not purge thy self as Christ is pure , I dare not yet tell thee what Christ Jesus hath to say unto thee ! Therefore think of this , if not thus , you have no hope , 't is but talk and notion in thy head . And you that do not , he shall come in a time when thou lookest not for him : And hast not so much Grace as the five foolish Virgins had ? This is the frame of men and Professors , what are they ? They were troubled , humiliation is past , they have looked for salvation by Christ , that is past ; they have been comforted , that is past ; What Holinesse ? They will pray in Families , keep company with Saints , get into Christ , receive Sacraments , that is past . What lack they yet ? Many wants , but God accepts their desires for what they want , and that is their Circle of Honesty now , and there rest . Is it not thus ? Is this to purge like Christ ? If any have more , Oh wonder at the Lord for it . But if not , Oh thy doom !

SECT. VI.

OH you espoused and beloved of the Lord , Use 4. look for his coming , look for his company ; the world looks not for him , because they care not for him . Will you also depart ? Hath he called thee as a Virgin forsaken , and not comforted , as a wife of youth , and given himself to thee , and given thee a heart to give content to him , and thy self to him in lieu of his love , life and all , if it might do him any good ? Oh are you born to so great hopes , and are they not worth the looking af●ter ? God forbid . Do this therefore especially in these five Cases .

1. In case of strangenesse felt between thy soul and Christ : It may be thou thinkest , Oh he that hath saved , preserved me , called me , when I never lookt after him , redeemed me when a captive , every moment pardons me , a daily friend unto me , that hath given me Ordinances , given me the comfort of them : But Oh yet to be a stranger to him , this cuts : Oh look now for this time , 1 Th. 4. 17 , 18. When thou shalt see that bleeding heart , that hath loved thee above all Princes and Angels ; that body in the Glory of the Father , and be as familiar with him as thou art with any friend , and see his Glory , and the Father in him , and know as thou art known . Oh look for this , for it shall be so .

2. In case Gods promises are not made good to thee . For at that instant a man beleeves he gives Christ and all things , all Grace , all consolation , all Glory , but 't is in the promise , because he would have them live by Faith a while here , as by sence in Heaven ; and being wrapt up in the promise , they feel it not , only plead with God : Hast not said Lord , thou wilt subdue iniquities , purge me as Gold is tried ? Why then do I go childlesse , gracelesse ? No more Grace , no more Spirit , no better heart for thee ! Oh now the heart calls in question Gods promise or sinks ! Oh now remember this day , for the perfect restitution of all things , perfect accomplishment of all promises is reserved for this time , Isa. 25. 9. Thou prayest for many things , but they come not ; Christ reserves the payment till this day . What a comfort is this ? What a sweet speech was it of Ioshua , Josh. 23. 14. One thing hath not failed , when he had conquered the Land . So then when the conquest is made , to see all the promises made good to thee .

3. In case of Gods absence or withdrawing , or when thou feelest but little of his presence here in his Providences or in his Ordinances , private , publick , and that in New-England too . Thou hast found one half hours time with the Lord , alone , sweeter and better than a thousand worlds . Oh but this holds not ! Thou maist it may be wait on the Lord in his Ordinances , and go away with a sad heart , Oh I cannot see him , and canst not find out the cause why so heavy , and vile , and so loathest thy self , Oh now think of this day , 1 Cor. 15. 28. Then God shall be all in all , then thou shalt have thy fill of love , and fill of God .

4. In case of sorrow for the uproar of the world against God and Christ , and the wrongs done to Christ and his people ; to see Christ crucified , and crying spare my life , and saying , If you seek me , let these little ones depart , yet they are abused , and every one against Christ , as this day the world is coming to the last fit of madnesse against the Lord of Glory . Oh now , remember and look for this day , 1 Cor. 15. 25. He must reign . Lord what a comfort will it be to see Christ King then ? Men come to see him King here , but Oh what will it be when he shall come himself ? To see all secrets open , and the Lord glorified in himself and people , of all creatures . Look for this , to see the great and last plot of God brought to perfection . Oh think that is our day , that is our victory !

5. When you come to die , and to think of leaving thy carcase to rot in the dust a long time ; Oh think and look upon this day ! They that hear shall live . Why do I die ? John 5. 28 , 29. They shall then come out of their graves , &c. Thus look for this .

Motives .

1. All creatures look for this in a manner , Rom. 8. 22 , 23. Nay Christ and Saints in Heaven look for this day , Heb. 10. 13. From thence expecting till his enemies , &c. Nay Devils look for it , but tremble : Only a secure world rockt asleep to their eternal wo , look not for it .

2. This will help you to ride all storms , bear all knocks chearfully . Our Hope is our Helmet . Our Hope is our Anchor , Heb. 6. 19. Eph. 6. 17. You will meet with them here it may be before you die .

3. The Lord hath called you out of this world , he might have left you in it , and given you your hope , your portion here , and then wo to thee , but he hath called thee to this hope , that if Princes of the world knew , they would lay down , nay cast away their Crowns at thy feet for it , and say , Oh that I were in that mans case ! Eph. 1. 18. Hope of his calling .

4. Hope and expectation of all other things shall fail , if God loves thee , he will make you know what 't is to forsake your portion . If not , they shall fail you when you die , this shall not ; it makes not ashamed .

5. Me-thinks this is the Glory of a Christian , that he turns his back upon the world , and lives and waits for the coming of the Lord .

6. Oh this will give Christs heart full content , when he shall come , Luke 12. 37. He will make thee sit down to eat , and serve thee . The Lord Jesus himself shall only then poure out to thee and give thee whatever thou callest for , honour thee as it were above himself . When thou art at rest in Heaven , he will be at work for thee .

7. If not , he may come in an hour thou lookest not for him . Christ may say to thee , from henceforth sleep on .

What Means are there to make me look for him ? Quest.

1. Get some promise that thou maist beleeve the Lord is thine , Answ. else thou wilt never look for him ; or if you do , you will be deceived , for hope is of things not seen . Nay , commonly when the Lord brings any man to his hopes , having given him a promise , and Faith to beleive it , the Lord in the mid-way seems to cross his promise . When the Lord promiseth life , glory , peace , honour , joy , fulness , Heaven , they shall then and never so much before feel darkness , death , shame , trouble , sorrow , Hell . For the Lord tries them by this , and tribulation breeds experience , and experience hope . Hence you must first get a promise of Christ and Glory , before you can hope for it , or expect Glory , and then you may , Heb. 6. 18. For the promise will support hope , when heart , and strength and all shall fail : Nay it will expect contraries out of contraries , Gen. 22. 5. I 'le come again to you . Compared with Heb. 11. 18 , 19. So that soul that hath a promise , may say when he considers Gods power , and what Glory he gives to God by beleeving it , God hath said he will comfort me , he will cleanse me , he will give me Glory , I will have all these out of my sorrow , my sin , my Hell .

Take heed therefore of two extreams .

First , Of hoping without a promise , for that is but Faith scared out of its wits , when it comes to be examined ; I hope so , and I have had joy and perswasion of it .

Secondly , Of not expecting when God gives a promise . Can you live one day without it ? It may be you have no feeling yet ! But Isa. 25. 8 , 9 , 10. Dost wait for the Lord ? i. e. From a sense of emptinesse , for all fulnesse thou shalt find it in part here , and fully then , and say , Lo , this is our God , we have waited for him ! When a mans anchor is strong , and in good ground , he will look for safety , when at anchor in the Harbour . Oh thou afflicted , tossed with tempests , the Lord hath brought thee at last to Christ , after many drivings to and fro , and it clasps about him according to a promise ; if God changeth then thy comfort may not be . If revelations come , I know they may deceive , but a promise cannot .

2. Fear the terrour of the Lord at this day , fear parting from him : I speak not of doubting , but the holy fear of Saints , for that is the nature of fear , it makes a man eye the thing feared : As Iacob when Esau was meeting of him . Noah he fears and looks to safety in and by an Arke , Heb. 11. 7. Lots children took not his counsel , they feared not , but he seemed as one that mocked to them . Paul 2 Cor. 5. 10 , 11. knew the terrour of the Lord , hence looked for him , sought to approve himself unto him . Men that fear not parting with Christ , will never look nor care for him . And let it be a strong fear , else it will never carry you above your cares and surfettings of the world .

How shall I fear thus ? Quest.

1. Unlesse the Lord put it into your heart , Answ. none can ; for the security of the world is not sleepy , but deadly : Men are bound up as strong as with chains of death ; that till they feel the misery , they cannot fear it strongly . Oh look up to the Lord to unchain those chains of death .

2. Know the happinesse of them that shall ever be with Christ , what is the sweetnesse of Christs love , and worth of it . Imagine the last day come , and all the dead raised , Christ with flaming fire , all the wicked on the left hand , and then sent away with depart ye cursed ; all the Saints on the right hand , and then Oh come ! and when all is dispatched , then to go up to Heaven , and when gone , there to be for ever rejoycing , triumphing in the presence of God Almighty ; and now what it will be to be far off from Christ , weeping , never to be pitied more . Oh he that was so full of pity , no heart then to pity , no hand to help ! I can but only paint this fire . Oh that the Lord would help you here , that so you might look out for him . Saylors sleep in calms , and so it may be have many here in this place of rest . Others of you take heed , I le tell you your bar , It may be most estates are brought low and sunk ; when you see that , now you either look back , or look for Lots accomodations , and such an estate as is lost , it may be you will spy some hope of it , and then follow the game , and never look out till you die . The Lord keep you from it ! You then will not look up for Christs coming at the last day , or in his Ordinances ; here : If thou dost so , had it not been better thou hadst been buried in the Sea , or left in sorrow on the Shore ? Oh take heed therefore , look for the coming and company of Christ , and let this be enough , and because you cannot look for him in the the clouds now , Oh look and wait for him in his Ordinances ; and consider if espoused ones look for his coming then , and for perfect knowledge of him , and communion with him , then think , Lord what a heart have I that look not for him here ! But Lord who will believe our report ?

Thus they went out by hope and expectation of his coming ▪ Now the Second thing follows , they went forth with longing desires after his coming .

CHAP. XI . That Believers do long and desire for the appearance and Second Coming of Christ .

SECT. I.

THat all those that are espoused to Christ , Doct. 3. and beloved of Christ , they ought not only to look , but to long for the coming of , and their everlasting communion with the Lord Christ Iesus . For the consummation of their marriage with him , that though he be gone , our hearts may be with him , before our souls be , or before our souls and bodies be ; that though we may die , and lie down in the dust , our desires may live and lie in Heaven , and cry come Lord . Now do not think this point true , and so far good if we could reach it , but this is a high pitch , for you must long for it . God forbid a Christian espoused to Christ , should plead that work too much , which Hypocrites , the five foolish Virgins in their kind attained to . See Presidents for this in all ages : Abraham , and those in his time , who was Father of the Faithful , Heb. 11. 15 , 16. A better Countrey , where they might have fellowship with the Lord , and hence God is not ashamed , &c. As if the Lord were ashamed of all them to be his people , that professe themselves so , but desire not this . In Christ's time , Simeon , Luke 2. 29. with 25. Where he waited for the consolation of Israel , &c. to enjoy more of him . In the Apostles time , 't is also that which they all felt , 2 Cor. 5. 2. In this we groan earnestly , &c. But you will say , It may be this was because of miseries , and want of Ordinances , &c. Therefore see in the last age of the Church , when the new Ierusalem was built , and when peace , and when Christ's face was seen in his House , yet then the Spirit and the Bride say come , Rev. 22. 17. They are the last breathings of Iohn and the Spirit in him . Lord Iesus come quickly . But Cent. 8. 14. The Church there intreats her Beloved to fly away to the Mountains of Spices , that she might enjoy him out of this world .

SECT. II.

1 BEcause they are bound to love Christ and his appearing : Reas. 1. to love his looks when he shall appear to the world , 2 Tim. 4. 8. The Crown of Glory comes as it were by succession , not only to me , but to all them that love his appearing . Now can there be any love of him and his appearing ; and not so much as any desire after him and after it ? Certainly there is no love , or if there be any , it lies languishing : For answerable to our love to any thing , is our desire , what we love only , we desire only ; what we love not at all , or but little , we desire not at all , or but little ; so here . Now therefore to question , May a Christian desire it ? is to question whether a Christian ought to love the Lord Jesus or no. We are bound not to love earth , hence bound to love Christ and his fellowship in Heaven . Let him be Anathema that doth not so .

2. Because the Lord Jesus longs for them , Reas. 2. Iohn 17. 24. Throughout which Chapter he prays as if in Heaven already . Hence I am no more in this world , and where I am , let them be also . He was on earth , but looks on himself as in Heaven . That as it was with the High Priest , he carries the Names of the twelve Tribes on his heart , bese● with precious Stones ; very dear to him , 〈◊〉 the Holy of Holies , so Christ . Not that he sees any beauty in them of their own , why he should desire them , but because he freely loves them , and dearly loves them , as being given him of the Father , and as having cost him dear ; and hence if he loves them , he longs for them : Now if he longs for them , ought not they much more to long for him ? Psal. 27. 8. Thou saidst seek my face , thy face Lord will I seek .

1. He longs for thee now in Glory , when one would think his thoughts and heart should be swallowed up with it , and shall not we long for him here in the valley of Myrtle trees , in misery , on the dunghill ?

2. He longs for thee when thou hast nothing to make him desire thee , he hath all that thy heart can desire , being the very bosom-delight of God himself , Rev. 22. penult. He did but say he would come , and Iohn desires , Oh come . But doth he long for thee ? Now not to long for him . If this love be not worth longing for , truly 't is worth nothing .

3. Because this is our last and ultimate end that we are made for , Reas. 3. chosen for , bought for , called for , sealed for , that at last we might be with the Lord , and be made perfect in one , 2 Cor. 5. 5. He that hath made us for this is God , &c. For the whole Trinity enjoying infinite sweet fellowship with himself , hence desire it might be communicated , in Christ 't is so , and now the last end is attained . Now if this be our last end , ought we not to desire it ? Then we ought not to desire to be blessed , nor to desire the Lord may be glorified . Nay you know that whatever we make our last end , it will swallow up all our desires after any other thing . This is the Center and rest and journies end of our tired weary spirits . And the truth is , when we make it our last end , we cannot but desire it .

SECT. III.

BUT ought not a man to desire to live here in this world as David and Hezekiah did . Object . May not one sin in this desire ?

1. 'T is true , precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints , Answ. not only in regard that they are as precious to him when they come to die , as while they live , as Gold when 't is melting is as precious to the Goldsmith , as when whole , and it may be more too , because 't is then made better ; but also because he will not lightly cast away their lives . He that bottles their tears , and will not let them be lost , will not easily let go their lives , and if God will not , they ought not upon every slight occasion to desire their death , and losse of their lives to be with the Lord .

Now there are two cases Gods own people may not desire to remove hence , where though there be some fire I confesse , yet there is more smoak than fire , more sin than Grace .

1. In case they meet with much unkindnesse from , and many sorrows in the world , and behold the sins of it . Thus it was with Elias , 1 Kings 19. 4. Who when Iezabel threatned his life , fled , and would needs set sail presently and be gone ; so 't is with Gods people , when they see enemies without , the universal rot of Profession , that they think they are almost left alone ; when God hath begun to do good by them , as by Elijah , but they think their best daies are past , there is all they shall do , and God himself it may be meeting them with some crosses in this world ; now presently they grow weary of their lives , and desire to die , which is nothing else but a pang of discontent , truly God will not suffer it , nor you ought not to desire it , to die away in such a snuffe : No , the Lord hath work for them to do , and a journey to go . This desire is naught , and 't is but a weed , and to be pulled up , that growes out of such a root as a discontented heart for crosses . I confesse God useth sorrows as means to smoak us out of our Hive , and we may use them for that end , but not only or chiefly them , nor from a pang or moody fit of discontent .

2. In case they desire death , and not life , before they be ripe for death . Husbandmen desire their Corn in , but 't is folly to desire it before it be ripe , and then they may . I confesse 't is the commendation of some trees , if not only good , but if ripe betimes , and 't is the honour of a Christian , to be ripe for death betimes ; yet still before he is ripe he is not to desire it .

Now when is this ? Quest.

1. While the Lord hides his face and denies full assurance of his love , Answ. in this case as a Christian cannot , so he ought not ( if it were the Lords will ) desire to be gone as yet , and this is one reason why David and Hezekiah desired life , not death as yet , God had broken their bones , and his arrowes were yet in their hearts ; now a man is to desire he may stay a little while longer , that he may sing the Song of the Lamb , and tell the world what the Lord hath done for him , and that he may not set in a cloud and die in horrour . Mariners long to be on shore , but before they come there , they would not venture in a mist , but see Land first , so should we desire to see the Lord in the Land of the living . Nay though the Lord gives his people a promise , which staies their hearts and is a twig to keep them from sinking , nay when he gives them some joy , yet still God hath promised to reveal more of himself and his Christ in the promise , seeing him but darkly now : Now they ought not to desire but wait , as in Simeons case , now let thy Servant depart in peace , having long waited for the consolation of Israel . Children that will be up before 't is day must be whipt , a rod is most fit for them , stay till 't is day .

2. While their work remains unfinished , and the Lord hath got little or no Glory from them , though they may have clear evidence of the Lords love : Christ himself desired it not till now , Iohn 17. 5. If thou couldest scale Heaven before thy work was done , the Lord would send thee down from thence again , as he did the soul of L●zarus , and truly to do the work of Christ one moment here , is better than to have a thousand years felicity in Heaven , nakedly considered in it self , in as much as the Honour of Christ is a thousand times better than our own good . It may be there is much work within doors , many odd distempers to be cashierd , spirituall decaies , &c. It may be there is work without , Christ hath many enemies in the world , many prayers are yet to be spent against them , much good to do for his Church , many tears to be shed for them , for praying trade is past in Heaven . It may be some friends yet to be converted , thou hast been a scandal to them , it may be as yet few have been , or can say they be the warmer or better for thee ; that work is yet to be done : It may be God hath some secrets to reveal by thee before thou diest , stay therefore a while , while your work is done ; 'T is true , thou hast but one Talent , but little thou hast or canst do ; yet God looks you should improve it whilst he is gone . A man that will needs to bed at noon-day , before night comes , what deserves he but a cudgel ? So he that will die before his night comes , and while 't is light to see and work by . When therefore you apprehend your work even done , then as not only Christ , but Pa●l , not only Paul , but Gods watchful servants have secret warnings of death . And as Mariners when they can see no Land , yet by their soundings can tell they are near Land or Sands , then you may desire it , for then you are ripe , but its sin to do it otherwise . And verily happy is that man that accounts not his life dear , but only the finishing of his course with joy . To conclude all , we are to desire our fellowship with Christ , as a man desires his last end , which desire doth not exclude but include desire after all the means and the means first , before the end . Now many things are to be done by God upon us , and by us for the Lord again , before we appear before Christ , which we may desire firstly for this our last end .

SECT. IV.

HEnce we see the vilenesse of the great , Use. 1. yet hidden secret sin of the whole world , which may be in part also in Gods dearest Saints , viz. in their hungry lustings and dropsie desires after the sweet of the things of this world . You shall have many a man that amends his life , reformes his course , forsakes his own righteousnesse , no mans tongue can tell him , his own Conscience cannot bear witnesse against him that he lives in any unlawful course ; and I believe it is so , and may be and will be so . Shall I tell you therefore what hurts them ? They are inordinate lustings after lawful things in themselves , and these they serve , Tit. 3. 3. Partly they grieve them if they do not satisfie and serve them , partly because they pay them with pleasures and delights if they do . Hence serving lusts and pleasures too , these like tops of mountains are seen , now when floods of wickednesse begin to abate , these will continue while the life lasts .

I intend not to shew you at large , but according to my Text the vilenesse of them .

1. They eat out all desire after the Lord Jesus and his fellowship , that he cannot long for the Lord Jesus . For a man can ●ay out no more than he hath , now when his desires are lavisht and let out to other things , How can he lay out any on Christ ? And thus the Lord of Glory comes to bear most horrible contempt , that he is not worth desiring in such a mans Books . Thus it was with them , Luke 14. 18. Every one refused . Why ? Because of their Oxen , and Wives , and Farms , Lawful things , but they lasted too much after these . When a Harlot seeks to satisfie her lusts , she cares not how fat her Husband be off , never desires his coming home ; so here : Many a one complains he cannot desire the Lord Jesus , which I confesse is in mercy to some . But where is the cause of it ? Oh they are running in another channel , and spent on other things : What a heavy curse is this ? Some never think of death once in a Moon , much lesse long for Christ ; desire not his fellowship here , much lesse there . And why ? Because of their lusts that eat out all .

2. Suppose they do not thus , but your heart is divided , so that you long for these things now , and preserve your longing for him against you come to die ; yet these will make you lose his sweet fellows●ip . For a mans affections are precious things , and 't is pity any else should have them , they are all little enough for Christ , and Christ is worth desiring and longing for , and he stands upon it , and will make them know that have him , that all is too little for him , and they shall give him all before he give himself to their comfort . Hence deny him these , and never think to have himself , and his fellowship , Psal. 73. 25 , 26. It s good for me to draw nigh , How ? By desiring , not Earth nor Heaven , but him . Hence he saith , Thou destroyest all them that go a whoring from thee , v. 27.

3. Suppo●e thou shouldst have hi● at last , yet he will never desire thee , never take any delight in thee , until that you come to get your affections unloosed here , Psal. 45. 10 , 11. Dost not find a strangenesse between Christ and thy soul ? Doth he not hide his face ? Doth he not soon depart from thee , though he appears somtimes to thee ? Doth he not let thee lie like a Broom behind the door ? And doth little by thee either within or without . And is not this a sad and heavy thing ? Why saist thou , doth the Lord deal thus with me ? Oh thy heart is yet after thy Fathers house , if thou didst forget it , then he would take pleasure in thy beauty . What pleasure can earth give thee , when the Lord takes no pleasure in thee ?

But may not a man desire these things ? Object . If we may , how far ?

1. A man may lawfully desire them , Answ. provided his desires are not ●w●llowed up in them , but run through them to Christ himself . For 't is not lu●t properly to desire a creature , or any pleasure in it ; but to desire it for it self , and forpleasures sake . For now a man makes a god of it . Thus it was with the Israelites , Exod. 17. Give us water that we may drink ; so give me sleep that I may rest , give me cloaths that I may be warm , give me estate that I may be rich , &c. Now when a heart desires them , but his desires end not there , but run through them to Christ , that he flings down all comforts , and saith what is this to fellowship with Christ : Thus far a man may desire and rejoyce in them , and 't is a sin to do otherwise . Nehem. 9. 35. A man may be content to have a Spring run through his ground to the Sea , to be swallowed up there , but to swell , and rise , and overslow his ground and house , that 's not safe , he may be drowned so : So men come to be drowned in their lusts , that let them swell within doors .

II. A man may desire the● , if he doth not spend more desire upon them than they be worth . A man may desire them for a good end as he thinks , but then he laies out too much upon them . A man may spend too much in his Inne , when he takes it up only as a way to his home .

1. They are perishing things , therefore let them have perishing desires . The world passeth away . They are passengers by us , that stay to rest with us for a time , let them have passengers welcome .

2. They are not necessary things , let them have therefore indifferent desires : I must have Christ , and his Spirit , &c. not these things : They are to be sought not in the first , but in the second place . Therefore say first Christ , now let me have Christ : Men say now these things , then Christ . I say now the Lord Jesus , whether ever you have them or no.

III. Now all superfluity of evil desires are to be crucified , Gal. 5. 24. They that are in Christ , have crucified , &c. Christ was not a dead , but first a crucified Christ before : So no Saint living , but he hath some superfluous desires , but though they live , they do crucifie them , so ought you . There is two things in crucifying .

1. There is extream pain upon the Cross.

2. A looking for death : So then lusts are crucified ,

1. When you tast the bitternesse of your lusts , by putting them on Christs Crosse. Oh the wrongs they have done the Son of God! And do this with violence , say , you shall to the Crosse , he that looks to Christ with a frolick heart to kill his lusts , shall never find him .

2. Now looking and longing for their death , by holding them there . Unless the Blood of Christ slay these , I will never have any death for them . For all the reason in the world will never kill a lust , no more than all the reason will perswade the Stomach not to hunger . The Belly hath no ears .

Thus you are to moderate your desires after these things : Which I speak of ,

First , Because 't is a wilderness-sin , Psal. 106. 14 , 15. Which it may be you feel brings leannesse on your soul. And

Secondly , Because 't is the sin of prosperity and peace which God hath given us , which will grow up and choak the Word , that all Ordinances and Truths will in time be saplesse , savourlesse things unto us .

Thirdly , Because I have had strong fears lately of some unexpected trials among us , and I should be glad if it might not be , if the freedom from them might make us better , else I say let them come . But

Fourthly , Because 't is a rare thing among us to see such burning Lamps as look and long for Christs coming , which when I consider , though there be other causes , yet one great one is this , Oh the heart is gone away by violent lusts after these things here ! Oh therefore take heed of them ! And therefore consider ,

1. You shall have Christ and his fellowship , if indeed you long for him , Iohn 4. 10. That 's his love , you are not so desirous , but he is a thousand times more Thou maist desire these things , and if God loves thee misse of them . God will make thee poor when thou wouldst be rich , base when thou wilt be honoured , and when you would have honey , he will give you stings ; and cause you have to thank the Lord too , that he will not give you your portion here .

2. If th●u hast them , and dost desire them , and God gives them , and thou lettest Christ go , thou hadst better a thousand times be without them , Psal , 78. 30 , 31. The meat was in their mouths , and the wrath of God came upon them . If the Lord gives thee Christ , happy for ever ; if these things when thou dost so desire them , oh wo for ever !

3. The Fellowship of the Lord Jesus thou shalt never lose . Death shall not part thee from that , nothing shall rob thee of that ; but look after and long for these things , they will perish and die away . All flesh is grasse , the Word of the Lord , and the Lord himself much more endureth for ever .

4. Why dost desire these things ? For some sweet in them . Why is not all that in the presence of the Lord Jesus , and enjoying him ? It pleaseth the Father that in him should all fulnesse dwell , so that thou shalt drink as out of a pure Fountain all that is there . If there be any sweetnesse here , he gave it , 't is much more eminently in himself , Exod. 24. 11. They saw the God of Israel , and eat and drank . Had they meat up with them ? Oh no. But the sight of him was meat and drink and all unto them . As therefore you desire Christs fellowship , Oh long no more after these things here !

Hence see death is not to be feared , Use 2. but desired of all Saints . It was an odd speech of a Heathen , 'T is ill to desire death , and worse to fear it ; he meant not because of any good in it , but because we must die : But death brings us into eternal Fellowship with the Lord Jesus . It doth Saints more good than all Ordinances , all afflictions , ( wherein we complain we can get no good ) than all means . It brings us into his Fellowship , 1. Quickly , as Christ was caught up , so the Soul by Christ to himself . 2. Immediatly , for the next thing we shall see is Christ himself , our Husband himself , and then see the Kingdom , and then wonder at the Lord . 3. Everlastingly , never to part more . Oh fear it not therefore , Christ hath sweetned it to you .

SECT. V.

HEnce see a clear foundation and ground-work of longing for fellowship with the Lord Jesus in his Ordinances here . Use 3. This is that I shall exhort to . For

1. You cannot , shall not , must not now go to him in Heaven , nor enjoy fellowship with him , nor meet him in the clouds though you do long for that day ; but in his Ordinances you may meet with him now . And truly those whom we love and long for , if we cannot go to their house , or find them at home , we are glad to meet with them abroad . As with those who stand before Princes , if we cannot be with them on the Throne , or at Court , we will desire to be with them in the Countrey , Nay on the Dunghil . Oh the Spirit of David ! Psal. 27. 4. One thi●g have I desired , and that I will seek for , though I never have it . What is that David ? Is it to wear the Crown in Ierusalem ? Is it to have all thine enemies lick the dust of thy feet ? Is it to have thy Name spread , and thine Honour great through all the Kingdomes of the world ? No , but that I may dwell in the Courts of the Lords House all the daies of my life , and that seeing I cannot , shall not die presently , and so go to see his Glory in Heaven , therefore that I may see his Beauty here , enjoy him here , and that not for some years , but all the daies of my life .

2. Ought you not to long to tast and passe through the sorrows of death , that you may be with him ? And are Christs Ordinances more bitter than death , that you are loath to break through the difficulty of them , that in them you may enjoy him ? The truth is so 't is with many a man , that such is the strength of his hidden contempt of Christ , and his love to his sloath , that he had rather die than pray , and be damned eternally than to follow the Lord in an Ordinance till he hath found him graciously . How come Gods own people to lament this , if there were not this ?

3. I remember a sweet speech of one with God , That a Christian ought to prepare for a Sacrament as he would prepare to die , for , saith he , there is but this difference , when we die we then go to Christ , in a Sacrament Christ comes to us . What he said of a Sacrament , I say of every Ordinance , in every Ordinance Christ comes to us , when we die we go to him . Now ought you to long when you are absent from him to be with him , and will you not care for him , nor long to see him and enjoy him when he comes to you ? And so be worse than poor naked Indians , Christ comes not to them , no dews fall down on their Gilboahs , no Manna at their Tent doors , and hence they live without him , and desire him not ; and when he comes to you , do you see no beauty in him now why you should desire him ? Will you thus requi●e him for his love , ah foolish children and ●●wise ?

4. Truly Beloved , you can have but little evidence you do desire the Lord Jesus company in Heaven at the last day , that long not vehemently after him in his Ordinances now . You have followed me in the regeneration , saith Christ , Mat. 19. 28. therefore you shall sit with me upon Thrones . If Christs presence here , a little of himself be burdensom , What will it be in Heaven then ? Depart from me , saith Christ , I was in prison and you visited me not . Shall you depart for not visiting an imprisoned , persecuted , sick , sorrowful Christ in midst of miseries , and shall not you depart for rot visiting a comforting Christ , a teaching Christ , an intreating , embracing Christ in the midst of his Ordinances . If the Lord tries you with water , with a little of himself here , and you care not for him , long not after him , and hence let all leak out again , How shall the Lord trust you with wine ? with full fruition of himself in Heaven ?

5. Oh Beloved have you ever found him in his Ordinances ? If not , Oh the heavy wrath of the Lord Jesus upon thee : If you have , if ever he hath comforted thee when sad and sorrowful , if ever quickned thee when death and darknesse did lie upon thee , if ever he did deliver thee when distressed , Oh then take heed of despising him in his Ordinances now , but long for him again , That I may see thee as I have seen thee , Psal. 63 . 2. Let them that never found him , deal so with him . Peter when he saw Christs Glory on the Mount , Lord saith he , ' t is good for us to be here . Hath the Lord ever transfigured himself before thee , so as he hath appeared in another manner to thee in his Ordinances than ever thou sawest before ? Then say , seeing Lord I cannot come to Heaven to thee , 't is good being in the Mount , in thy Ordinances with thee , its good being here , 1 Pet. 2. 2 , 3 , 4. I know Brethren you have many employments in the world , and are called away to them , and cannot ever be with the Lord , yet let your longings be there , nay though cast out of Gods sight , yet look to the Temple ; this will give you peace .

6. This if I may have leave to speak plainly , is the great sin , one of them , of New-England . Men come over hither for Ordinances , and when they have them neglect them ; or if it be too horrible to live in a grosse neglect of them , yet who maintains his Fellowship with Christ ? or longing after the Fellowship of Christ in them ? And therefore I shall stay a while on this point . Men that are sick of consumptions have somtimes a mighty stomach after meat , and when 't is brought them , they are weary of the very smell of it , and then say , truly I had thought I could have eaten so much ; so men loath Ordinances , nay the Cooks that dresse , and the Dish that brings , and the Ministry of Christ Jesus that provides the meat , because consuming and pining away in their iniquities . I know many use Ordinances , but are they not indifferent whether they find him therein or no ? Now ,

1. When men had enough by them to live comfortably upon , then God and his Ordinances were desired by them , but here mens removing begetting want , want of the creature joyned with fear and distrust of Gods Providence to provide for them and theirs , either sink their hearts , that Ordinances are not sweet , no more than Moses message to a people in anguish , or meat to a wounded man ; or else makes them hungry after the creature , and hence lavishing out their desires , that they have none after the Lord himself .

2. When men are persecuted by enemies , driven into corners , or to Townes six miles off to find a Sacrament , or hear a Sermon , then the Gospel of peace , and them that brought the glad tidings of peace , their feet were beautiful , and then men thought if one Sabbath here so sweet where Ordinances are much corrupted , if some of them be so comfortable in the midst of enemies , Oh how sweet to enjoy them all among Saints , among Friends ? And so I know they be to some , and I hope to more than I know ; but New-Englands peace and plenty of means breeds strange security ; and hence prayer is neglected here : There are no enemies to hunt you to Heaven , nor no chains to make you cry ; hence the Gospel and Christ in it is sleighted . Why ? Here are no soure herbs to make the Lamb sweet . And if I get no good this Sabbath , this Sermon , this Sacrament , this Prayer , I hope I shall some other time , when my heart is better , and my businesse is over : Not considering that the daies of trouble may be near , or Gods final farewel may be quickly taken .

3. It was a sad speech of a Brother lately , which hath oft affected me , that a man may pray out , hear out all the Grace of his heart : Meaning this , when God begins to work upon a mans heart at first , then prayer and Word is sweet , stay a while they hear out their hearing , and pray out their praying , so as in praying , they pray not ; and in hearing , they hear not ! Would to God there were no● a generation of those men among us , that having been so oft Sermon-trod and Prayer-beaten , that now their hearts are hardned , and being used to Ordinances , and being so long ridden under them , I wish they were not tired , and jaded under them before they come half way home , that they had rather lie & die in the high way , than get up and with mighty groans and invincible wrastlings of heart seek after , and so find the Lord in them .

4. There is no place in all the world , where there is such expectation to find the Lord , as here , and hence men blesse the Lord for our rising Sun , when 't is setting every where else : Here therefore they come and find it not , hence not considering the great and last temptation of this place , whereby God tries his friends before he will trust them with more of himself , viz. deep and frequent desertions , they give in , and therefore care not for , nor desire after those plaisters which they feel heal them not , nor that food which they find nouris●eth them not . 'T is strange to see what a Faith some men have that can close with Christ as their end , and comfort themselves there ; 't is not means ( say they ) but Christ , not duties but Christ , and by this Faith can comfort and quiet themselves in the neglect and contempt of Christ in means , as infallible a brand of Gods eternal reprobation of such a soul as any I know . So that this is New-Englands sin . Is not Prayer neglected , wanting place and heart ? if not in family , is it not in secret ? so that you have none , nor poor servants have none . If any Prayer in secret , yet doth it not die ? Didst ever find thy Spirit so straitned ? Where are the mighty groans ? What is become of meditation ? Dost not let Sabbaths , Sermons passe over , which shall be preacht over again at the last day , and find no Christ , no Spirit in them ; and thus lie famishing , and ●et not cry for bread ? If it be not so , I am glad , God , Angels , Saints , and al the world shall call you blessed : If it be so , I dare be bold to prophesie ruine to this place and people , and that you or your pos●erity shall either in woods , or in the Land , or hands of your enemies in this place lament with tears the contempt of means ; and you even Disciple ; of Christ shall desire to see one of the daies of the Son of man , and shall not see them . Jer. 8. 13 , 14. Let us go into strong holds , &c. I know there are many that do meet the Lord , but are you not apt to fall asleep again ? Oh therefore let me entreat you , if the Lord hath espoused you to himself , if you have any longings after him in Heaven , seeing those desires cannot be fulfilled presently , Oh long to meet him here , and so long to meet him , as that you may indeed meet with him and with more and more of him .

SECT. VI.

VVHat is it to meet Christ , and to have Fellowship with him in an Ordinance ? Quest.

I have been oft asked this , Answ. and for the sake of them that be weak , I shall give you a tast of it .

1. Therefore look as 't is with a man that receives any common mercy from God , from Christ , if he sees not the Lord Jesus really giving it , he enjoyes it , but not Christ in it , though he get some good out of the thing : So let a man receive more knowledge of Truths , and more Truth be discovered , more Promises revealed , more affections and life dropt into the heart , which may do a man some good , yet if he sees them as separated from Christ , if he sees not the Truth as it is in Jesus , if he sees not Promises spoken from Heaven by Jesus , if he l●oks not on all Commands as part of the secret of Jesus , if he receive affections , and by them behold not the Lord Jesus , he doth not at that time enjoy the Lord Jesus . For he now indeed enjoyes his gifts , but by these he doth not enjoy him : And therefore then a man may be said to have fellowship with Christ in an Ordinance , when by all the light and life and comfort there , he comes to see him , and sees them all in him , and seeing a transcendent Glory in him , sees and beholds a hidden Glory in them . This Command is a secret of Jesus , this Promise the sweet voice of Jesus , these Consolations the comforts of Jesus , these Messengers the Ministers of Jesus , these Ordinances the Kingdom of Jesus . And therefore look throughout all the Scriptures , you shall see our Fellowship with Christ both in Heaven and here , 't is exprest by seeing of the Lord , Iohn 17. 24. Psal. 63. 2. & 27. 4. I have oft said to my friends , the great sin of Christians is to see Scriptures , Ordinances , Truths , Commands , Blowes , Kindnesses , as not flowing from and abiding in the Lord Jesus , to see them separate from Christ , and not Christ and them together . And hence Promises comfort not , because you receive them not as spoken by Jesus : Commands awe not , because not as the voice of Jesus : Every Truth is not dear , because you see it not as the Bridegrooms voice . Parents that have had rude children , have turned them out of doors , they themselves have sent them money and cloaths in pity , but themselves have not been seen , that they might seek for a Fathers face at last : So when God is angry with some of his people , he doth send to them in his Providences and Ordinances , because he pities them , but himself is not seen . Why ? That at last they might come home , and seek to see his face again , and say , What good does all this do me , if I see no God ? I confesse he that receives gifts from another , ought to be thankful ; but a heart that loves and longs after the Lord , will say , here is Blessing , Means , Truth , Warmth , but Lord when wilt thou come thy self ? Oh labour for this !

2. When a man feels the power of the Lord Jesus in his Ordinances ; this is the second part of Davids desire , Psal. 63. 2 , 3. That I may see not only thy Glory , but thy power , for there is never a child of God but feels a strong party within him against Christ , so that he cannot seek Christ , cleave to Christ , live to Christ , now you will find in some Ordinances your hearts shaken and troubled for sin , and some desires and consolations stirred up , and hopes never to be as you have been : But Beloved all dies and falls down again : Now I confesse there is somwhat of Christ in all this ; but yet content not your selves with this , because you want a power , or until you find a might power of Christ by little and little subduing sin , for when Christ comes into the heart indeed , he comes with his power , Psal. 24. 7 , 8. The Lord of Hosts mighty in Battel . His flesh is meat indeed , Col. 1. 29. Christs power works in a man mightily . If you enjoy never such comfort , but find not a power pulling down thy lusts , there is no Christ . If a man be sick , and he eats his meat , and great care be had to tend him , but the disease is stronger than the strength of nature and food ; ask him , Do you eat ? Yes , but it doth me no good ; So here : Such comfort , such a Christ doth you no good , unlesse you feel a power . Oh long to meet Christ , and enjoy Christ thus !

How shall I do this ? Quest.

1. Mourn bitterly for the Lords absence as for one of the greatest evils that can befall thee . Answ. For Christs presence will never be sweet to him that can live without him , and can you look for him then ? John 16. 22. You have now sorrow , which he said , filled their hearts , but I will see you again , visit you , come down to you by my Spirit again , and you shall rejoyce , and none shall take it away : And therefore it s noted , the first that had comfort was Mary , when she sate at the Sepulcher weeping , Iohn 20. 11 , &c. And therefore do but observe your own hearts , when your hearts have been soaked in grief , for want of or for the absence of Christ , Oh I have lived without him , and prayed without him , and heard without him , and spoke without him , him that hath pitied me , spared me , overcome me , laid down his life , sent his Spirit to me ! that then you shall more or lesse see the Lord , and feel the power and presence of the Lord . Oh Beloved , shall not Heaven be sweet to you without him , and shall earth be sweeter than Heaven , that you can live here without him ? Beloved , whatever you account of it now , in Hell the sting of all sorrowes shall be this , Oh Christ hides his face ? One frown shall be more bitter than death , than a thousand deaths , and shall it be so in Hell , and shall not many frowns , many daies be more bitter than death ? Shall it be so to Devils , and not to Saints ? Shall the hiding of Christs face from enemies be heavy , and shall not his friends take it to heart ? If you do not , then think not to meet him , but that Word and Prayer shall be dead drink to thee ; but if you do , I tell thee if he manifests himself to any , he will reveal himself to thee .

2. Prize and love his presence , his face , the lifting up of the light of his countenance . Princes will not come , or if they do , not stay , if they perceive their company is a burden , and is not esteemed ; no more will the Lord Jesus . They that are fallen in love together will find out each other though it be at midnight ; prize Christs company , and you will not complain for want of time , and say you cannot , but you will find him out in Word , in prayers , though others be fast asleep , Mat. 13. 44. When the man sells all , now he buyes the field , hath it , and enjoyes it . You would have the Lords company and fellowship , I believe you ; But what will you give for it ? I will tell you . It may be you will give him the hearing for it , and give him a few good wishes , and a few good words , and a little leisure . But will you turn the whole world behind your back , and whatever you have out of doors , that he may come in : That now 't is not honour , nor wealth , nor life , nor ease , nor Heaven , but him , and that not only in Heaven , but in his Swadling-clouts , his Ordinances here , beleeve it salvation is at your doors . Zacheus being a low man of stature , gets out of the crowd , stan●s in the way , and the Lord bids him come down . Do thus when you come to any Ordinance , I tell you 't is better than an host of Angels compassing thee about with praises . Oh that you had the life of experience ! Hast not found him better than friends , than means , than thy self ? Oh that you would believe expetience !

3. Make it not your task but your trade to seek for him , that you may enjoy him he●e . Make this your businesse . Men make it not their main businesse to seek our Christ , but only some work they must dispatch by the by . They make it not their Trade but their Task which must be done . Esau would have the blessing , but 't is his hunting that he delights in . You shall have a man that is a close worldling , come and hear , and joy therein , but his trade his heart is after that , Ezek. 33. 31. Look but on a Christian at his first conversion , what great gains gets he then ? Oh 't is his trade to follow the Lord , afterward he is idle , and then feels little , Mat. 13. 46. Li●e a merchant , he ventures all , and then finds . Now you shall find him , Heb. 11. 6. He is the rewarder , not of them that seek him sluggishly , but diligently . What do you else seek for ? Why spend you your money for that which is not bread ? Or if there be ought else that is necessary , let thy care be for him , and his care shall be for thee .

4. Look before thou comest to an Ordinance , if there be no lust , no stumbling block of iniquity that thou harbourest in thy heart , or sufferest to remain in the sight of God , Isa. 59. 1 , 2. I have know in experience , and seen it in Scripture , many of Gods people and others have taken on that God hides his face , &c. And this hath been found to be the cause , either some sin not yet subdued or mortified , or some sin that they have not gone for pardon of to the Blood of Christ , and so unpardoned . When both these have been removed , the Lord hath appeared , Exod. 24. 10. After the Covenant made by Blood , they saw the God of Israel . Ezek. 14. 3. Should I be enquired of by them that set the stumbling block of their iniquities ? &c. Come therefore to an Ordinance that the Lord would take away thy 〈◊〉 , do not come to it that you may be comforted in your sin , so that though there be sin in your heart , yet the Lord will not cast that in thy dish , when thou comest to him to take it away . It may be you know none . You know not what Spirit you are of . Get the Lord to discover it to thee .

5. Oh be thankful , and cleave the closer to Christ for a little : For that 's the infinite mercy and love of Christ to his people , he lets them see their end , the height of Grace and Glory the Lord will bring them to , but makes them feel the want of it , and tast but a little , but the first-fruits . Now there is Satans policy to make them sleight what they have , because they have not what they would have . Hence Christ estrangeth himself greatly ; Do you thus despise my love ; Oh therefore cleave close to him for that little , and then see , John 1. 50. Thou shalt see greater things than these , the Son of God , and Angels ascending and descending on him . Think that I feel or have the sense of any want of Grace , and peace , and mercy , and Christ , Oh 't is mercy ! That I have the Star , oh this is mercy , this brought them to Christ himself afterward . Oh unthankfulnesse stops Cods heart ! God will never cease pouring out on thee , that art pouring out praises on him ; for else mans kindnesse should exceed the Lords .

Thus you see the Means , now use them , and long for the Lord Jesus in them , and so long as that you may meet him ; and do it presently , else you may seek and not find him , and die in your sins , Iohn 8. 21. A sad and heavy speech . Hath God singled you out of all people in the world to enjoy him , and will you now forsake him , and be eaten up with your Lots , and buried in the bellies of your Beasts , or sit grieving that your estates are sunk ? It may be Hypocrites will forsake the Lord Jesus , but will you also depart ? Others care not for him , others long not after him , others give him no meeting , will you depart ? Lord to whom shall we go ? Oh and long for more of him , forget what is behind , and hear , and pray as if thou never didst so before , as if but new to begin . There is a plot afoot to make you loath Ordinances , that so God may loath you : Men that are sick and like to die , can eat no common wholsom meat , but are now nourished by conserves , and Alchermies , and Spirits of Gold : So when wholsom Truths of God are despised , men are deadly sick , when any new-fangled device shall feed their fancy . The Lord keep you from it . Oh do you love and long for the Lord in them the more , for his Spirit , his love , his Truth , his Christ , his company , his Grace , his consolations , and then when death comes , you shall not need to fear it , but make it welcome , and when Conscience shall ask , Do you think to be with the Lord ? Oh it shall be peace in thy bosom ! Lord thee have I longed for , thee have I sought for , wept for here , because I could not come to thee presently in Heaven . Now Lord let me come to thee , and so go triumphing to Glory .

SECT. VII .

HEnce we see no Christian ought to content himself with any measure of knowledge or fellowship with the Lord Jesus here . Use 7. For if full , perfect and immediate fellowship with him in Heaven and at last day ought to be the mark he aimes at , and journies end of all his desires , then he is not to sit down in the mid-way , but to breath , and aspire after still more and more of him . Thus Paul , though fully sealed with the Spirit , yet he makes this his mark , Phil. 3. 14 , 15 , 16. 1 Pet. 1. 10 , 11 , 12 , 13. The Apostle tels them the Prophe●s looked after the Grace given in their times , therefore gird up your loyns , and hope perfectly for Grace to be given you at the revelation of Christ Iesus . Men that have preferment in their eye , and are to come on by degrees to it , never content themselves with any ( though they will not sleight what they have ) until they come to their highest : You are born to great hopes , sleight not what you have , but look after more , 2 Pet. 3. 18.

Hence three sorts are to be greatly blamed . For as 't is with sinful lusts , so 't is with spiritual , they are endlesse , infinite , and unsatiable , if they want , they are not satisfied ; if they have , they are whe● on in their appetites after more . Oh let it be so here !

1. Some there be that are so far from thirsting after more of him , that they have forsaken his fellowship , and lie still content it should be so . Time was while horrour was upon their Consciences , trouble in their minds , and heat of affection lasted , that their prayers were many , their tears abundant , they could not take their rest in the night , but pray they must , they could not hear of a Sermon , but through wet and dry to it ; and it may be the Lord drew them with the cords of a man , and laid meat before them , and sweetned their labours with great hopes to them ; but the Father not having drawn them with an invincible power , and knit them by an indissolluble union to Christ , they are now fallen off from Christ , Iohn 6. 66. And if you observe it , he looks not after them , speaks not one word to them , because content to be without him . Would to God this were not the temper of Saints that know it was better with you once than now , and God hedgeth your way with thorns , and gives you no rest . But Oh the grievous wracks of Professours ! One can see some Boards and Planks at low water , but that 's all , Ier. 2 . 13 , 14. The Lord will fetch you home if he loves you , by weeping Crosse.

2. Some there are that fall not to forsake the Lord , but like the door on the hinge , and wheel on the pin , hang and turn about where they did . This Gods own people are very apt to do , and hence the Apostle wisheth them to take heed of it , from a dreadful Argument , Heb. 6. 4 , 5 , 6 , 7.

First , Because the Lord at first conversion drawes his people swee●ly , drives them gently ; being weak and young Infants , as yet keeps them in his armes , that they may find a greater good in him than in the world : But afterward he suffers Satan to tempt , himself deserts them , leads through a wildernesse of sinnes and miseries , that they may know what is in their own hearts . Hence now if they will have mercy , they must fetch it , fight for it , and overcome , now hence sloath is apt to prevail for a time , as with the Disciples .

Secondly , Because before they have Christ , they feel a total want , afterward but a partial , & hence apt to be ful & self-confident in what they have , their stomachs are staid by some bits , & hence the Lord is fain to withdraw the feeling of all that which they had before , that they feeling how soon that vanisheth , might hunger after more ; as the Disciples could have been content with Christs being upon earth with them , then saith he , the Spirit will not come , hence away he goes , that they might have more of him in the Spirit . But this is too common with many Hypocrites .

1. When men serve their turn of Christ . There is never a Hypocrite living but closeth with Christ for his own ends , for he cannot work beyond his Principle . Now when men have served their own turns out of another man , away they go , and keep that which they have . An Hypocrite closeth with Christ as a man with a rich shop ; he will not be at cost to buy all the shop , but so much as serves his turn . Commonly men in horrour seek for so much of Christ as will ease them , and hence professe and hence seek for so much of Christ as will credit them , and hence their desires after Christ are soon satisfied . Appetitus finis est infinitus .

2. No Hypocrite though he closeth with Christ , and for a time grow up in knowledge of , and communion with Christ , but he hath at that time hidden lusts , and thorns that overgrow his growings , and choakall at last ; and in conclusion mediates a League between Christ and his lusts , and seeks to reconcile them together : Christ saith out with every Lust , and let more of my self come in ; no saith sin , let me stay here , remember what ease , what honour I bring you , I cannot leave you : Now a man moderates , I 'le keep my Lust because I love it , but I 'le ●eep it as my burden , that I may have Christ with it . Christ calls to seek for more of him , Lust saith no , the work is hard , and duties are difficult . And 't is it may be to no purpose to seek , you have other irons in the fire , many worldly businesses : Now here men moderate ; Do not say thou wilt seek no more after him , nor indeed use means diligently for more of him ; be sure only you give him some desires to be better , and this will serve the turn . The Lord Jesus wooes many a soul whom he never matcheth himself ; one comes and wins the heart afterward , and makes the match : so here , The l●sts of a mans heart grow sweeter than Christ and his Ordinances , and hence there is no heart to seek after more of Christ , when the Match is once made with the world , and affections won , 2 Tim. 4. 10.

3. Some seek for more of Christ , but 't is of an idol christ , not as manifesting himself in and by a Word : for look as any act of obedience is an act of will-worship and imagery , that we have not a particular command for , or is not directly deducted from some rule in the Word ; so that act of Faith is an act of will-worship , which sees and chuseth Christ as his own , when he hath not a particular promise for it , 'T is an imagination of Christ , not Christ ; and you have more of your own imagination , not more of the Lord Jesus , 1 Pet. 1. 25. Monks had sublime● contemplations of God , Luther calls them such as looked upon a Deus & Christus absolutus , — not beholding the beams of his love , and glory in the word . Oh therefore labour for more of such a Christ , as the word holds forth . And look as in Heaven ,

First , They are all one with him in fellowship , the Father in him , and he in them , and they in him , and so made perfect in one .

Secondly , They have his fellowship only : so do you long for more of his fellowship , so as to be made more one with him , and him with you , so as he may be your strength , and life , and peace , and for his fellowship only , otherwise you may go without him at last , Luke 13. 26 , 27. Have we not eat and drank in thy presence , &c. The Jews before Christs coming had Christs presence then , but a greater measure of it is given to the Church since his Resurrection and Glorification , for it was reserved to honour Christ in his first coming . But how many be there that see not the Lord Jesus so as they did under vails ? either get more , or say Christ is not risen , Iohn 14. 16. Christ promiseth to send his Disciples another comforter : who was that ? the spirit of truth whom the world could not receive , because it knew him not : Why had the Disciples no spirit now ? yes , he was in them , but not that full measure , with which though they were not as yet sealed , yet they knew they had him , and that Christ was theirs too . So , hast thou the Spirit of the Lord Jesus , Oh begg for more of it , not miraculous gifts , for that is in vain , but more of the special powerful presence and fulnesse of it , for 't is this that the world cannot receive . I have oft feared it's the great sin of this last age to comfort and settle christians in their weak beginnings , as though there was no more of Gods Spirit to be poured down in times of the Gospel . But consider ,

First , What came you into this wildernesse to see , Reeds shaken with the wind ? No , for more of the Lord Jesus , and will you now forget the end for which you come ? it may be you never found lesse , no but God is emptying of you that you might seek for more . Herod a long time desired to see Jesus , and then despised him .

Secondly , You have here more means to have fellowship with the Lord , and will you content your self with what you have had . If you do what can you look for , but that the Lord should take away Ordinances , if they do you no more good , and ease you of the burden of the Lord of Hosts ; or send sad and he●vy tryals : It 's that I have oft thought of , why are the wicked 〈◊〉 , and Saints deb●sed ? the worst are not bad enough to receive their plagues , nor the best good enough to partake of blessings . You have had so●e me●n ▪ do you so●e good , here you have more , that you may receive more good , more li●e , more of Christ Jesus ; if not , then look for fire to purge you if you be Gold , o● flames to devour you if you be but rottennesse and stubble . But is this thus ? the Jews did long ●o Christ , and when he ca●e they cruci●ied him , they loved the Prophets , they 〈◊〉 have Prophets and their b●ood too , to shy the●● ; you love the Messenger● of Christ , and you would have more of Christ , &c. they have them Lord , but despise them , they have them , but condemn them , they have them , and though they will not cast them out of their place , yet they will so weary the●r spirits , and grieve thy Spirit in them , that they will make the● glad to bury themselves , and leave their places . You shall have Prophe●s , and their Blood too , and their tears and sorrows too . But why do I co●pl●in ? Let me perswade : oh labour for more of Christ in his Servants , in his Ordinances , in his Providences , in his Saints , until at last thy desires break thy vessel , and carry thee up to behold the Lord in Heaven . If there were never saving work of Grace wrought , but thou hast only rested in Duties without Christ , now sell thy self out of all for him . If there be any that the Lord hath setled there on his pro●i●e which never can be shaken , hold your stedfa●tness , but yet still grow in Grace , and in the knowledg of the Lord Jesus .

SECT. VIII .

OH long to be with the Lord Jesus . Before a man h●th Christ , Use 5. Of Exhort . now his desires should be to have him ; when he hath Christ , now his longings should be to be with him . Do thus in this place , especially in this Age. I have oft thought one great end of Gods bringing his own people into this place is to 〈◊〉 them to die , and be with Christ . Men have heard of Christ , and passed th●ugh the waves of death , and stood many a week within six inches of De●th to see Christ here ; well , when you come here , God visits you with troubles , temptat●ons , losses , desertions , fears for future times ; here it may be you see ( as some see ) an end of all perfection , Church-builders , Church-ordinances , Church-professors , &c. or if they find the Lord , 't is soon gone ; why all is that you might long to be at home .

The Lord when he called Abraham out of his own Country to his Friends , M●tive 1. he followed the Lord he knew not whither . You live now out of your Fathers house , and from all your Friends that long to see you , nay are left among enemies , and you know whither you are to go , to God the Iudge of all , and to an 〈◊〉 able compa●y of Angels , and to the Spirits of just men made perfect .

Look but upon the men of this world , they long for things here , Motive 2. though but te●poral , though they have no Christ . Oh long for this though thou 〈◊〉 no world .

When Christ would needs go to Ierusalem , Iohn 11. 16. saith Thomas , Motive 3. Let us go and die with him , and shall not we go to live with him ?

Did Moses forsake Egypts honours , treasures , and embraced the reproach of Christ as far better . Oh if God should se● thee up in a Throne , Motive 4. Oh depart from it to enjoy the glory of Christ himself in Glory !

G●ant Death he dreadful , Motive 5. yet when Soldiers see their Captain upon the walls among the enemies , they will presse hard after to follow , though they die in the brea●h . To part with sin is bitter , or to part with Christ , but to part with the body for a ●ime , and cast off the clothes , this will be ●ound to be exceeding sweet .

Friends that send to us , and provide for us in a desart place , we 〈◊〉 to see them . Now who bath clothed thee , comforted , Motive 6. pardoned , revived , found thee , kep● thee that nothing hath hurt thee ? nay that thy sins have humbled thee , and done thee good : Oh ' ●s Christ ! Wilt not say , who and where is he 〈◊〉 doth all this ?

Oh consider how glad the Lord Jesus will be of thoe , though the world and th●● art weary of thy self , Motive 7. Zeph. 3. 17. Luke 10. 21. I thank thee O 〈◊〉 : so will the Lord say then .

Labour for assurance that Christ is thine , Means 1. else you will fear Death and 〈…〉 follows it , and such an assurance as doth not only chase away 〈…〉 , but fears , at least in the power of them ; for there is many a 〈…〉 find the Proposition true in the word , He that c●mes to 〈…〉 the Spi●it clears Gods work , and his own experience , and saith , 〈…〉 Christ now when he comes to make the conclusion , though ●e 〈◊〉 not sin against clear light and evidence of the Spirit , and conclude , yet I 〈…〉 yet he dares not , nor ●annot for a time conclude fully : why ? because of some fears , what if I should be mistaken , and when I die all prove naugh● and while this fe●● lasts you will not long ( till needs must ) to be with 〈…〉 you fear or suspect Christ as an enemy , you will not hear●●ly love 〈…〉 long to be with him : therefore get these fears removed .

How may this be ? Quest.

●om. 8. 15 , 16. By the Spirit of Adoption only ; Answ. for though I do not exclude the work of sanctified reason from the witnesse of the Spirit , yet this I say , that all the men in the world , nor all the wisdom and reason of man can never chase away all fears , scatter all mists till the Spirit it self saith peace and be still , and puts its hand and seal to the Evidence : till the Spirit not by an audible , but power●● voice shews and ●erswades , Acts 12. 13 , 14 , 15 , 16. They had been praying for P●ter , Peter knocks , the Damsel saith , Peter is there ; now see their unbelief after such a mighty Spirit of Prayer , 'T is his Angel , say they , and could not be perswaded till he came in and shewed himself . So the soul is praying a mans own Spirit goes out and sees there is more unbelief and fear , say no 't is a delusion : well the Spirit still knocks , and the soul opens , and then he comes in , and the soul is astonished . And that you may have it ,

1. See there he no guilt upon thy conscience , no reservation , love , liking to some lost , Heb. 10. 22. For these fears are commonly the fruit of guilt which is not washed away , but by the blood of sprinkling .

2. Pray for the S●irit , Psalm 8 5. from 4. to 9. say they , 1. T●●n us from si● , 2. Turn from thy ●rath , when the Father is angry , then no good word . 3. The end , That our hearts may rejoyce ●● thee . 4. S●ew us mercy . 5. Then they come to listen after it , for many times a Friend speaks not because he hath us not alone .

3. Mo●●n heavily for want of it , Means 2. Psal. 51. 8 and so look for it in a word . Labour to partake of the fellowship of Christs Resurrection , else no desires can be raised up , Col. 3 , 1. 2.

Quest. What is that ?

Ans. Look as we then have fellowship with Christ , and with the Chur●h in miseries , when we from the serious apprehension of their sorrows , condole and 〈◊〉 with them , so with Christ in Glory , when from serious deep apprehensions of his Glory , we reign with him , we are risen with him : for let a man be assured Christ is not his if he knows not what the worth and glory of his fellowship is a man will then never long to be with him : Oh therefore labour to comp●ehend this glory of the Lord Jesus , and that by the spi●it of Revelation , Ephes. 1. 17. 18. The word reveals the Glory of Saints , that there is a kingdom , that they shall be Perfect in one , that they shall have that Glory the Father hath given to Christ , Iohn 17. 22. Oh get the Spirit to shew thee the thing what this means , what this is ; else somthing in the world will make you look back . There are false Spies that vilifie Gods Kingdom to his Saints , Oh say 't is a good God , and countrey , and Christ , and Mercy , and love ; let me go up and possesse it . O● get the Lord to give thee but one glimpse of this !

Thus much of the first verse .

CHAP. XII . Shewing that there are Hypocrites in the best and purest Churches .

V. 2. And five of them were wise , and five were foolish . SECT. I.

FRom this Second verse to the Fifth there is set down the difference appearing between the Virgins , wherein the Lord the searcher of hearts , makes an open discovery of the particular estates of these Virgins , for all the best Churches especially to take notice of , to the second coming of the Lord Jesus . This difference is set down ,

1. Generally , in this second verse .

2. Particularly , in the 3d and 4th verses .

I. Generally in this verse .

1. That some of them were sincere and wise-hearted to the number of five .

2. Others of them were foolish and false-hearted to the number of five more . So that the summe is this , one half of them were indeed Virgins , another half were in appearance Virgins ; the one part were Virgins in the sight of God , who saith they are wise ; the other were so in the judgment of man , and hence called foolish ones . In this general description therefore of them , we may note ,

First , Their description from the number of each sort , viz. five .

Secondly , From their different qualities or qualifications , holy wisdom or prudence in the one , sinful folly in the other . He doth not say five were holy and five prophane ; five were friends to the Bridegroom , five were ●ersecutors of him , but five were wise and five were foolish : Why the Virgins are described by the number of ten , Ispake before , either because it was a perfect number , and so signifies the estate of all Virgin-Churches ; or because it was the custom not to exceed the number of Ten , to honour them at their Marriage . Now why five of them were wise , and five foolish , as though the one half of them only were sincere , the other false , this seems to carry the face of Truth ; but I am fearful to rack & torment Parables , wherein I chiefly look unto the scope , and that is this , that not one or two but a great part of them were sincere , and a great part of them false . And hence the Observations out of these words are these , omitting all the rest .

1. That when the Churches of Christ Iesus prove Virgin-Churches , Observ. 1. and are most pure , yet even then there will be some secret Hypocrites that shall mingle themselves with them . Or , There will be a number of Hypocrites , mingling themselves with the purest Churches .

2. That when the Churches are Virgin-Churches , Observ. 2. the Hypocrites in those times will be Evangelical . Or , The secret Hypocrites of pure Churches are Evangelical .

3. That there are certain special , Observ. 3. saving qualifications of heart , whereby ariseth a great internal difference between sincere-hearted Virgins and the closest Hypocrites .

4. That the Spring or one main principle of Evangelical sincerity or hypocrisie it lies in the understanding or mind of man . Observ. 4.

SECT. II.

THat there is and will be a mixture of close Hypocrites with the wise-hearted Virgins Observ. 1. in the purest Churches .

This I might manifest out of several Scriptures , from several times . Look but upon Iosias time , where there was as great a reformation as under any King before him , 2 King . 23. 25. Yet Ier. 3. 10. & 4. 3 , 4. Look on the Apostles time , and what apostacy afterward . The Apostle complained of it , Every one seeks their own , Phil. 2. 21. Many walk , &c. Phil. 3. 18 , 19. Whom he could not think on without tears . The mystery of iniquity began to work even then . Christ manifests this by divers Parables , Mat. 22. 14. Many are called , and so called as to come in , and so sit and not to be known , till the Lord looks on them . And here the wise-hearted could not discern and keep out , but opened the door for the five foolish . Look as 't is said , Job 1. 6. There was a day the Sons of God presented themselves before the Lord , and Satan came in also , so here . I shall not , do not speak of every particular Church , but of the state of the Churches in general . For its possible there may be a Philadelphia , a new Ierusalem which comes down from Heaven , a Golden Foundation , and for a time no hay nor stubble built upon it : But this is rare , and not usuall nor general .

SECT. III.

FRom Satan , Reas. 1. the ancient enemy of the purity of the Church ; he being an unclean creature himself , if he could he would make Heaven it self unclean ; but that is beyond his reach ; hence he seeks to make Heaven on earth unclean ; hence he will get into Paradise , and if he cannot come in the shape of a man , yet in that of a Serpent to beguile and pollute innocency there : He will follow Christ into the wildernesse , and tempt him there , and hence will seek to get into Churches , to pollute them . And if he cannot pollute the Church by unclean Ordinances , he will then seek to defile it by unclean persons , Mat. 13. 25. The Tares be in Iudea like the Wheat , yet indeed annoy the Wheat : And how come they there ? They are sown there , i. e. hid for a time , and mingled , and die there too , Who doth this ? Why the enemy did it , so that Satan will do it . If there be a Devil in the Church , he will sow his ta●es .

Obj. But we see him not .

Ans. No , 't is therefore said he went away , his care is over now they are sown . Look as 't is Jesuits policy at this day , the end of their Order is to raise up the collapsed ruines of Rome , and to bring all Christendom ( and if it be possible all the world ) to the Hellish bondage and blind obedience of the See of Rome . Hence some Kingdomes , because they cannot conquer them by power , they seek to do it by craft ; hence they seek to lay their Leaven and make their party within , from whom they may have intelligence , and hence they shall do well enough with them : So Satan seeking the ruine of the Church , seeks to make his party within the Church , for one of these three ends chiefly .

1. Either that he may divide the Church , that when any Errour shall be hatched , he may have his party to maintain it , and his faction to plead for it . Or

2. That he may corrupt it , if he cannot divide it , that the Tares may suck out the heart and life and power of Godlinesse in the hearts of the Elect ; for you know 't is not the Briar but the Iv● that sucks out the life and sap of the tree , and 't is not prophane pricking persecutors , but seeming friends to the Church , that suck out the heart and life of it . It was not Ieroboams greatnesse , but the old Prophets gravity and seeming Piety that suckt out the Spirit and Sap of the young Prophet , 1 Kings 13. That so by this little Leaven he may defile the whole lump , and so provoke wrath against them all .

3. If he cannot do either , yet that he may blur and stain the Glory of the Church : For the greatest Glory in the world is to see a Temple built , not of sto●●● of Gold or Pearl , but of living precious Saints , holy to the Lord only and his Son , and the sight of which in Heaven shall be one part of the Glory in Heaven . Hence Satan will do what he can to blur it ; that though the greatest Glory God hath , shines in his Church , yet that he may blur it : And hence Iude saith , Some that crept in unawares , were Spots in their Feasts . And 2 Pet. 2. 2. By reason of whom the way of Truth shall be evil spoken of .

2. From the Officers chiefly of a Church , Reas. 2. who when they should be full of eyes , as they are described , Rev. 4. And these eyes should be ever watching , they are then sleeping , Mat. 13. 25. For 't is not the having , so much as the acti●g of Grace that helps men to read and understand the Book of the Scriptures , and the Book of mens hearts and lives , 2 Pet. 1. 9. Hence in affliction and temptation we know the Lord , and his mind , and our own hearts , and the world best : When Ionathan eats the honey , his eyes are open : Now somtime the watchmen are not acting or watching , but sleeping , and hence those are taken for wheat , that indeed are but Tares . The Book hath a fair Superscription or Frontispiece , and they so sleepy they do not read it through , and so either see no fault at all , or if any , they be but Errata in the Printing , and weaknesses to be 〈◊〉 with ; or if they do , yet the man is commended , and hath a Name to live when indeed he is dead , and so this serves the turn , and though he comes in , yet they shall do well enough with him , though indeed they herein have but a wolf by the ears .

3. In regard of Hypocrites themselves , who must be like themselves , Reas. 3. ever to act for their own ends , for they ever have an evil eye ; now it makes for their ends , to joyn themselves to the purest Churches of the Lord Jesus .

1. Sometimes it makes for their honour : Hence you know the Church of Sardis lost her power of life , for that is a burden , yet kept their name to live , for that is an honour . For if men live out of Church-Fellow●hip , that is a great shame , and now they have little love from Saints ; Indeed the wicked may honour them , but what is that to the honour of the whole Church ? Who would think Saul should have cared for Samuel , that dealt so plainly and sharply with him ? Yet Oh honour me before this people ; that 's the businesse . There are many excellent gifts Christ poures down upon his Church : Simon believes also , Acts 8. and would give any money for those gifts , that he might be wondred at , as he was before . A man seeing others gifts , and the love they have thereby , even a Simon may desire such gifts , and a mighty power of Grace to animate those gifts , and would give any money for this , that be may be wondred at . Some refined , polished Spi●its scorn honour of base men ; and hence fish for it else-where .

2. Their gain , 't is strange that Iudas follows Christ for the bagg , that was so poor , ye● he did , until he saw after three years and a half waiting , so little came in . So 't is ●●ange men should seek to joyn to poor Churches for that , yet they do and will so long as they have any lots to give , or purses to lend , or hearts to take care and provide for those that are joyned to them . You shall have many poor Christian men , that be but kind and boun●iful to them , you may lead them into any errors , catch them at your ●leasure with a silver hook , until they see their g●in grows little and respect lesse , and then they fall off .

3. Their comfort for union to the Church of God , 1. Covers their sin , and hides it from the eyes of the world . Theeves walk without suspition in true mens companies , and thus they make the House of Prayer a Den of Theeves , and this is some comfort . For Hypocrites if they can carry it cleverly that none see , though God see 't is no matter . It will not be thought that a Member of a Church dares do such a wickednesse , yet so it is sometime● . 2. Comforts their conscience in their sin ; men love their lusts , but what , no respect to Ordinances of Christ ? yes , and so conscience is quiet , and sin lives too , Ier. 7. 3. Because there is much comfo●t in Gods Ordinances , and in attending on God there , not only verbal , but the visible Gospel is sweet , the Sacraments : hence they joyn themselves as in Iohns Ministry , You rejoyced for a season , not only in Christ , but in communion of Saints , especially in dangerous times , that a man fears the judgements of God will come in those places where ever they live without them . And now they are quiet when got into the Cities of the Levites , from the pursuer of blood .

4. In regard of the Saints themselves . Reas. 4.

First , There is seen many times a Divine Majesty and excellency in them , which hath a drawing vertue with it , that many out of respect to that , close with them , as Gen. 26. 27 , 28. God makes Balaam to see Israels glory in his Tents , and he cannot curse ( if he might have all the world ) but must bless them .

Secondly , There is much charity which thinks no evil , that where they see evils , they cover them ; where there is but little good appearing , they hope there is more than they see , the Kings Daughter being all glorious within .

Thirdly , There is a spirit of humility in them , to think others that appear fair better than themselves , until God discovers them , especially if they are yet unsetled .

Fourthly , A spirit of desire to have all as near the Lord as they can , and though there be evils in them , yet they hope that will make them better .

5. From the Lord himself : who hath , Reas. 5.

First , Reserved this exact separation as one part of his own glory at his Second coming : Then he shall separate sheep and Goats .

Secondly , Because some are very serviceable to his Church , and so to Christ , as Caput politicum , both in regard of outward means of subsistance , and also with edifying gifts : hence into his Family he will let them come , being servants , and like Carriers that carry anothers money and wealth to him , and then turns them out of doors .

Thirdly , Because of a certain real , yet not thorow work of the Lord , whereby he draws them to some fellowship with the Church , the Members , and some kind of fellowship with his Son ; yet it not being a thorow effectual Almighty drawing , they prove unsound , Iohn 6. 65.

Fourthly , That the Lord might manifest the exceeding greatness of his wrath in some , for Gods last end in all the wicked is to shew the greatnesse of it , Rom. 9. 21 , 22. yet in some more than others : and hence raiseth them up in the Church to great eminency of profession , and parts , and honour , that all the Saints also may admire Gods Grace to themselves the more , that when Two in the field , one should be taken , another left , that they should sit in the same seats , and yet some called , others left , and of them that are called to leave many , and love me , and that men of great parts , and I a poor simple one to chuse such a base thing , to confound the wise , the mighty . But as it 's said of Pharaoh , what meant all the miracles ? all the humblings of heart ? and yet he would not let them go : For this cause have I raised thee up , Exod. 9. 16. Of all that thou hast given me ( saith Chri●● ) not one is lost , but the Son of Perdition , that the Scripture might be fulfilled . So here .

SECT. IV.

THis serve● to cle●r us in this Country from a soul aspersion that is cast out of the mouths of Pulpits upon us , Use 1. that we hold the Churches of Christ to have no Hypocrite in the● . We answe● , that though if Hypocrite could be openly and Ecclesiass●ally disce●ned , they should not be received in , no● kept in , because 〈…〉 Church are not fit to make a Church : yet we say there will be Tares and Whe●t , there will be chast and corn , there will be wise and foolish Virgins , there will be good and bad mingled together in the Churche ; until the worlds end .

To the Watch ●en of the Churches ▪ nay to all that professe themselve to be their Brethrens keepers ; Use 2. to 〈…〉 Virgins , Of Advice . not to lavi●h your cha●●ty too far , it 's a precious Grace , and you have little enough for 〈…〉 , but to bear a jealous heart , and to labou● for a quick discerning eye to find out them that will 〈◊〉 themselves among you . This was the commendation and honour of the Ephesians , Rev. 2. 2. I confesse it ●s a sinful extream to cry do●n all the virgins as foolish , when there be Five wise . Satan will seek to ●reak he ●ond of Brotherly-love by so●ing false reports , and horrible suspitions : and 't is a hard thing fo● a Pa●● after the Lord hath wrapt him up to the Third Heaven in Revelations , not to be pu●tup , and in seeing himself at a distance from other men , not to despise and conde●n them that have not risen so high as he , especially in a discontented spirit nothing will please them . A false heart when , he sees more than others as he thinks , now thinks highly of himself , as so he great reformer of Churches and world , especially if men of shallow heads ; and ●ence such do censure and conde●n all that do not magnifie them , and reverence their Judgements , and the dust of their feet . And yet 't is another sinful extream to swallow down all flies that be in the cup , and to think too charitably of every one that doth pro●esse . Children that have no children themselves , will make children of clouts , and then love the● ; and hence many a soul lies blee●●ng to ●eath because they have such tender Friends as will not search them . An I doubt not but many in Hell ●ay say , Oh that I should live among such and such , and they never de●● faithfully with me .

If a man walk ●airly , Object . should I censure him ?

No , Answ. but yet maintain a holy jealousie over them , as Paul did over the Gal●●hiansa 〈◊〉 stands with love , as it was with Iob ch. 1. 5. As 't is with Chirurgions , 't is love to cut to the quick . Love the● because they appear to be Christs , and are so to thee , and this shall have a reward ; but yet be jealous in love , because there may be that hid which was never yet seen .

1. It may be thou maist save a soul , and they will love thee ; or else thou shalt clear justice by being a witnesse against them .

2. 'T is the chief work for Christ here , there being no prophane ones among us , to overthrow the kingdom of hypocrisie , as well as of civility and prophanenesse .

3. You will save the Lord a purging and cleansing time , for when Christ purgeth not with the Holy Ghost in his Saints and Ordinances , he will with fire . Here I might give rules for discerning mens spirits , as

〈◊〉 , Mark their speech , for by thy words thou shalt be justified , and many times one word will give a light to see all , as in Simon Magus : as with men in a labyrinth found out by one thread .

Secondly , Mark them that you see not grapling with Sin and Temptation , for if we see them without that , they are not yet tryed , therefore observe them here , here is their trial , when time of Temptation comes .

Thirdly , Get thy self to stand at a distance from sinful men , from all the world ; We know we are of God , 1 Iohn 5. 19. As men that are in the water look only to themselves , but standing safe on shore ; they see others drowning : I speak this because I fear the Churches are so busie about their own things , that their 〈◊〉 not kept : if they see no grosse sin then all is well .

Hence be not offended , Use 3. if you see great Cedars fall , stars fall from Heaven , great Professors die and decay : 1. Do not think they be all such . 2. Do not think the Elect shall fall . Truly some are such , that when they fall , one would think a man ●ruly sanctified might fall away , as the Arminians think , 1 Iohn ● . 19. They were not of us ; I speak this because the Lord is shaking and I look for great Apostacies towards , for God is trying all his Friends through all the chris●ian world : in Germany what profession was there ? who would have t●ought it ? The Lord who delights to manifest that o●enly which was hid secretly , sends a sword , and they fall ; others in other places receive the Word with joy , the Lord sends Persecution , and fearing men more than the filth of sin , and anger of Christ , they fall : others stand i● ou● there , and suffer and venture hither , and Isac●ar-like see rest is good , and crouch under their burdens , and so they fall . Others have had sweetnesse in Ordinances , the Lord departs , and so they fall . Others have corrupt hearts , and received the truth in the form , not in love , and stood in deferce of the truth , not love of the truth , the Lord lets ●rrour loose , and they fall . Well , never be offended at this , I am not , because I never knew man fall but he loved some lust , and was never broken from sin , and although this is not seen when they do fall , it offends not me .

Oh therefore search your own hearts : when Christ said to the Disciples one shall betray me : Use 4. Lord is it ● ? say they : so when not one , but many , Lord is it I ? Oh many a christian lies fast asleep , never comes to a thorow search , a strict wa●ch . Do but consider this : 1. That in Churches , nay purest Churches many may lye hid nor discerned . 2. Thou maist be one . 3. If thou beest , that of all men living none shall so deeply sink in Hell . 4. That all Ordinances shall tend to this end , and all thy joyes , all thy afflictions : and therefore Oh search befo●e the Lord search , and say , Lord , as no mans punishments and plagues can be like 〈◊〉 nor sins , if I ●erish , so if pardoned , loved , never any shall have such cause to blesse thee● and therefore take not up with weak and groundlesse hopes , but love that hand that smites and wounds thee , for this discovery is to awaken thee : but you have so much businesse you will not , cannot , &c. Consider what a fearful thing 't is to be 〈◊〉 up as for a gazing-stock to Saints , so an everlasting terror to the damned themselves .

CHAP. XIII . Containing a Discovery of Gospel-Hypocrites .

SECT. I.

THat the most hidden hypocrites of the purest Churches under the Gospel are Evangelical , Observ. 2. or Gospel Hypocrites .

For these that were foolish were not such as in appearance rested in the Law , or in a Covenant of Works , but they had escaped those intanglements , and now were Virgins that plead their interest in , and their communion and fellowship , and love-knot with Christ , they had now their Lamps ready , and made much preparation for him , and they did wait for him , and verily looked to have eternal fellowship with him their Beloved , infomuch that they took their flight so high towards Heaven and Christ , that they passed for a time the discerning of the wise : for you must know that where the Gospel comes , there are two sorts of enemies against it .

1. Open , and those are your Justiciaties , that seeking to establish their own righteousnesse , and being pu●●ed up with it , can with pretended good consciences in doing God service , oppose the righteousnesse of God .

2. Secret and subtil enemies , yet seeming Friends , and these are your carnal Gospellers that cry down all their own righteousnesse , and cry up Christ , and see nothing in themselves , as there is good cause so to think , and look for all from Christ , and yet these when the Lord comes to search are found false ; and these are the worms that grow in this wood , in this building , in these Churches . Thus it was in Christs time , the Church of the Jews had left their grosse idolatries , yet this was their stumbling-stone , they sought to establish their own righteousnesse , and hence he came to his own , and his own received him not , and hence were cut off for this their unbelief , but others ( divers sorts of them ) did receive him , beleeved in him , Iohn 2. 23. Many took hold on Christ , and he took no hold on them , wondred at him , and entertained him when others did reject him , as Capernaum did , yet under his woe . And these are the spots of Evangelical purity , wenns in the best bodies of the best constituted Churches . Look but upon Christs own Family : Iohn 6. 69 , 70. The Disciples professed when others departed , Lord , to whom should we go ? thou hast words of life ; yet saith he , I have chosen you indeed to be for me , but one is a devil , viz. Iudas the Deacon stood not on his own righteousnesse , but was for Christ , and followed him , and yet in this Evangelical Angel without , is a Devil within , because he still harboured his lusts within . This the Apostle Paul fore-saw , Acts 20. 29 , 30. Some Wolves without should come , and also some cankers within should fret , that should draw many Disciples after them ( in a Church bought by Christs own blood ) speaking perverse things , pretending to draw Disciples after Christ , but 't is indeed after themselves ; and Paul laments this , Many walk , i. e. professe Christ and his Crosse , yet enemies to it , Phil. 3. 19. This Christ foretels , Luke 13. 25 , 26. Many seek , many knock , and at last cry Lord , Lord open , and in their life-time they pleaded communion with Christ , yet Depart ye workers of iniquity . Iude 4. Certain ●en are crept in turning Grace into Lasciviousnesse ; for that is the very form of an Evangelical hypocrite , in denying his own righteousnesse , to establish his sin , 't is advancing Christ to advance his Lust. The Epistles of Iames and Iohn are antidotes against this kind of poyson , and I look on them as lamps hung up to discover these men , not but that these men are indeed under a covenant of Works , for there be but two sorts of men , and two ends of all men , hence but Two Covenants ; hence those that are not indeed under Grace , are under the Law , and under the Curse ; but because the most subtil hypocrites ap●ear or seem to be under Grace , and their external operations are chiefly Evangelical , hence I call them Evangelical Hypocrites .

SECT. II.

IN regard of the power of the Word and Gospel of life and spirit in such Churches : Reas. 1. For the Gospel where it comes , as it advanceth the glorious and everlasting righteousnesse of Christ , so it knocks under-foot all mans , as a means subserv●ent to that end , and it coming with power and light , it would be too grosse for Hypocrites to maintain life by Works : hence Christs is that which they look unto ; for Christ when he preached , not only many believed because of his Miracles , but when they heard his Word , Iohn 8. 30. Mat. 13. In the Parable of the Sower , the Word came with much power , that they received it with joy , and did believe , but fell by their Lusts. And look as 't is with the Sun , there comes light and heat with it , so there comes

1. Truth to the mind , and conquers the judgements of Hypocrites , that there is no life , good , righteousnesse , but in Christ , nor salvation but by Christ .

2. There comes some goo●nesse of the Gospel to the heart , that men hearing and seeing Salvation wrapt up there , Oh that is sweet and good ! and hence their affections and hearts are in some measure conquered by the power of the overdazeling truth , and hence Hypocrites being thus conquered , partly being of this opinion , partly tasting some good of it , desire it out of self-love , expect it out of self-delusion , and professe themselves Virgins out of these Principles .

In regard of power of Evangelical examples in the five wise Virgins : Reas. 2. for look as 't is with living men when the Sun shines upon their heads , they cast their shadows that follow them ; so when the Lord Jesus shines upon the souls of his own people , almost every honest sincere-hearted man will cast his shadow that will be like him ; hence Hypocrites in those Churches which are commonly rather led by example than by rule , will be very like them , and imitate them : if they should not , what communion could they have with them , or what love could they receive from them ? for there is a mighty power in eminent examples to overbear Hypocrites , that if they will turn themselves into any form , they must into theirs , as in Ioash : for there are two things in the carriage of the Saints .

1. There is a condemning power in it ; hence men fear to live unlike them .

2. There is a winning vertue in it , an attractive vertue ; hence men endeavour to be and live like them , to be of the same mind , the same heart with them : and hence others take them , and they take themselves to be sincere , and hence they are Evangelical Gospel Hypocrites that lye hid in these Churches : Hence Zach. 8. 23. Many shall take hold of a Iews skirt ( I doubt not but some false ones , ) we have heard God is with you . And as Christ when lifted up and risen , so Saints draw Hypocrites to them .

Because the Gospel brings the greatest and sweetest consolations with it . Reas. 3. Hence a man under the terrour of the Law , and sence of curse for his sin , will make his last refuge hither , and hide himself under the wing of the Gospel , not so much out of love to Christ , or Gospel , but because they serve his turn , and give him ease . Like men scorched with hea● , and almost ready to die , the shadow of a Tree is now very comfortable , and therefore there they sit ; so these : Or as men with scalded arms , they put them into wate● , which gives them ease , no cure ; but because it gives them ease , there they keep them , so here : Men have been scalded with wrath , Oh now Gospel is very sweet , and so are e●sed 〈◊〉 it , never cured by it . Therefore here you shall find them disclaim all Works , and cry up Grace only ; where the purest Churches are , there are usually great awakenings , there God is very near men , and made most manifest to mens consciences , and there are most soul-plagues , contempt of the Spirit of Grace , and hence most dreadful torments of conscience , and fearful lookings for of Judgement . Now hence it comes to passe when Christ is offered , and general notice given to mens minds , that yet there is hope and mercy for great sinners , this fills them with joy and peace , as Iohns hearers , Iohn 5. 35. and hence they beleeve as the stony ground that had some plowing , and hence received the Word with joy and believed , Psalm 66. 3. It 's a Prophecy of the Kingdom of Christ , Antichrist he tormented the consciences of men , Rev. 9. Men have no peace within or without . Luther is raised up , and preache●h the Doctrine of Free Grace , which a world of men looking to their ease , others in truth receive it ; for some time before his death he cries to God that he may not live to see the ruines that were coming on Germany for their contempt . The Law is the Ministry of Death , the Gospel propounds great priviledges , with much more sweetnesse to sinners , and hence hither men fly .

4. Because the Gospel yields the fairest Colours for a mans sloath , Reas. 4. and strongest props for that . Hence you shall see them w●lking in this garden . For the last sin God conquers in a man is his sloath . When the swine have no s●ill to eat , yet you shall find them in the mire of sloath ; this slaies the foolish . Hence the best Hypocrite will plead the Gospel , its troublesom to the flesh , to bear a daily sense of the sins and wants of the soul. Hence you shall have Capernaum receive Christ , and wonder at his Doctrine ; and yet Christ upbraids them , they repented not , Mat. 11. 20. It s troublesom , nay impossible for a man to break his chaines and get his soul loosed from his lusts , and free for the Lord . The Gospel shews all fulness in Christ , & that he must do all , a sloathful false heart there●●●e closeth with Christ as the end , but neglects him in the means . Why ? Christ must do all , say they , and hence if Christ do drop upon their hearts , well and good , if not , 't is Christs fault , he is a hard Master that gathers where he did not sow , and hence wrap it up . A mans false heart is weary of the yoke of Christ , and hence would fain be eased of it . Now the Gospel promiseth libe●ty from the bondage and curse of the Law , and a sloathful heart can find out reasons to free himself from the Rule of it , as part of Christian liberty , this is our Liberty in Christ Iesus , 2 Pet. 2. 19. And they rejoyce exceedingly that the Law is dead , as they did , Rev. 11. 10. for the death of the witnesses , because they tormented them : I say again , they rejoyce not because the Lord makes them like himself , and because of his Image restored by the Gospel , and because they feel the power of it , but because they are free from the power of it . It s an old deceit , yet subtil , to rejoyce , and love , and blesse Christ , because he will pardon sin , though I lie and live in them . Or if they do not free themselves from it , the Gospel shews the Law within closing with the Law without , to be an evidence the Lord will not impute it , and that 't is not therefore they , but sin in them . Hence a sloathful heart will continue in his sloath , and to ease himself of trouble for sin and obedience too , say 't is not he , but sin . And hence Arminius makes a strange interpretation of Rom. 7. Because he saw German Professours plead that for themselves . The Israelites entred not into Canaan , unbelief caused it : And why did that shut them out ? Oh there were walled Towns and difficulties , and this was the last shock , and hence they fell off ; so 't is in Hypocrites now . The safest place to lie asleep is in Christ Lap.

5. From the mighty cunning of Satan , Reas. 5. the strength of whose Kingdom is made and continued by peace , Luke 11. 41. Hence he will turn himself into an Angel of light , and suffer men to go to Christ and Gospel , to avoid the search , that they may be Christs in appearance , and his indeed , 2 Cor. 4. 4. He hath a mighty power over men to blind them : For there be three things which trouble men usually , and make them question their estates , and the Gospel quiets and absolves them from all .

1. Conscience , that cries dolefully sometimes , these sins shall have these woes . Yes , unlesse I believe ; but I believe , and trust to Christ , and flee to Gods Mercy .

2. Ministry , that cries and searche●h into the deepest windings of mens hearts , that men cannot but see that Christ hath eyes of flaming fire to see through the● . Now hence men avoid the stroke and power of all Ministry , thus it is with me , thus it is will be with me , but I believe and trust to Christ . And hence men bea● back like Brazen Walls all Blowes .

3. Gods judgment-seat . What though men see you not , yet God seeth . Why , they have sinned they confesse , but Christ hath suffered , they have sinned , but they trust , &c. Micah 3. 11. Is not the Lord among us ? Look as it was with Ioab , he runs to the Horns of the Altar , yet there he perisheth , there he would die , there was the last refuge from search and death , so here .

SECT. III.

HEnce do not think your estates good , Use 1. because you look only for justification by Christ , and look only to Gods free Grace , and count of Grace in Christ . It s a common errour for men to think , being they be of this opinion , only to look for Grace in Christ , to think that therefore their estates are safe , and they are justified by Christ . Why there may be such a power of Word and Spirit to conquer their judgments as those Papists that have been pleading against it , have been overcome by it . Thou maist receive the Notions of it thy Head , but the power of it never into thy Heart .

Obj. 1. But my heart hath been affected with this , to see when my sins deserve death ; yet there is mercy for the vilest in Christ .

Answ. Thou maist tast and joy , and yet fall off at last .

Obj. 2. But I have Fellowship with the Lord Jesus .

Answ. Thou maist eat and drink in his presence , and yet be bid Depart , I know you not , a worker of iniquity .

Obj. 3. But I have escaped the pollution of the world , 2 Pet. 2. 20. And that through this knowledge of Christ , his love hath much moved me to part with my sins .

Answ. It may be so , and it may wash thee from all external pollutions , and yet thy swinish nature remain still hidden from thee , but seen of an all-seeing God .

Obj. 4. But I look for Christ , and wait for him and desire him , and all that are wise think well of me .

Answ. You may do all this , and yet you may be found foolish for all this . Evangelical work which is accompanied with Salvation in some , it may be Hypocritical in thee : And therefore take heed you do not take shews for substance . For look as in the Gospel Gods utmost perfection of wisdom and love appears , so the most hidden and admirable delusions of Satan are Evangelical . There his power is employed to undermine , and so to keep his head . Oh that we could but imagine and set before our eyes the amazing condition of such a man ! whose plagues shall be made wonderfull , that hath been troubled with sin a long time , at last looks to Christ , and there rests , and so hears all Sermons , and there still sleeps , and considers often that his waies are evil , but never suspects his Faith to be evil , then he comes to die , and then looks for Christ ; at last the week or snuff dies , and Sun sets , and darknesse approacheth , and then suddenly slips into Hell , where he sees Christ and Saints afar off : And what hath deceived them ? Oh their Faith hath deceived them , to see Christ shaking them off as dust : Oh they wish , Oh that I had known or feared this before ! and will you not fear now ? as for you prophane ones that can scoff , and drink , and break Sabbaths , and live idly , your judgement is writ upon your foreheads : but Oh take heed you that have escaped these pollutions , lest you deceive your selves here . To shew you that deceit particularly , it 's not my time yet , but go alone and think sadly of it , I may look for justification by Christ , and wait for Christ , and yet perish . Oh let me be sure I get such a Faith as will not deceive me here : Should not a man you will say trust to Christ ? yes when you can in truth ; but thy Trust may be but Presumption .

II. Take not up therefore every Opinion and Doctrine from men , Use 2. or Angel that bears a fair shew of advancing Christ , for they may be but the fruits of Evangelical Hypocrisie and deceit , that being deceived themselves , may deceive others too , Mat. 7. 15. Beware of them that come in Sheeps clothing , in the innocency , purity , and meeknesse of Christ and his people , but inwardly are Wolves , proud , cruel , sensorious , speaking evil of what they know not ; by their fruits you shall know them . Do not think Beloved that Satan will not seek to send delusions among us , and do you think these delusions will come out of the Popish pack , whose inventions s●el above ground here ? No , he must come , and will come with more Evangelical fine-spun devices . It 's a rule observed among Jesuites at this day , If they would conquer Religion by subtilty , never oppose Religion with a crosse Religion , but set it against it self ; so oppose the Gospel by the Gospel : and look as Churches ple●ding for Works had new invented devised Works ; so when Faith is preached , men will have their n●w inventions of Faith ; I speak not this against the Doctrine of Faith where 't is preached , but am glad of it , nor that I would have men content themselves with every form of Faith ; for I beleeve that most mens Faith needs confirming or trying , but I speak to prevent danger on that hand . For it was that which Christ did fore-tell , Mat. 24. 24. Many false christs should arise , i. e. such as should misapply Christ , that had a spirit for Christ , which was a spirit against Christ , and would deceive if it were possible the very Elect ; for coming with Christs Spirit , they dare not oppose them , lest they oppose the Spirit of Christ ; the only remedy is to hold to Christs Word , and not to depart one hairs bredth from it , Rev. 3. 10. and to a Word well understood , and then dispute no more . Satan comes to Eve , and bids her eat , no , God forbid , yet eat to be like gods ; He dazeled her eyes with that which was not : now she fell . Take the truth from what the Word saith , and depart not from it .

III. Here see the dreadful estate of all them that be found false-hearted in the purest Churches , Use 3. and that in these three respects .

First , That they should so horribly forsake and blaspheme the Name of God , to make the glorious Gospel of God , and all the sweet Doctrines of Grace a cover for their hypocri●●e and sin , as indeed it is , for were it not for this , they might be found out in their sins , but now they are beyond the discovery of all men , or means .

Secondly , That they should be so lamentably forsaken of God , as to be left ,

1. To the most subtil and spiritual Hypocrisie in the world , which being most crosse to God , shall receive most fierce and searching wrath . For as Divines say of Christ , he was forsaken in Soul , because man had sinned with his Soul : so Gods wrath will ●earch deep in their hearts , whose hearts have guilefully departed from the Lord .

2. That he should lead them so far , and yet in the main forsake them ; Oh this is heavy wrath , for a man to be lead in the day-light of the Gospel , almost to the end of his journey , and at last the Sun sets , and he left to wilder .

Thirdly , In regard of the cries of the very Gospel it self against them . Oh that the precious Gospel of God coming with so much Peace , Love , Grace , mercy , should win them to be Hypocrites , but never to be Friends . Beloved as there is vengeance of the Law , and of the Temple , so there is vengeance of the Gospel when the soul shall be drawn before the Tribunal of Christ , and shall stand there quaking , all sins set in order before you , and your mouth shall be stopt . What say you then for your life ? Oh Grace and mercy Lord , Oh now shall the Gospel come forth and say , all this I did , I spake , I strove , I comforted , I terrified , and yet he hath opposed the Lord , and me , he hath made a cover for all these evils , and therefore Lord let him never be comforted more , Iohn 3. 19. Oh Christ hath heavy things against these Times , that take light of the Gospel to see to commit their sin by ! And therefore lament your present estates you that know your selves naught , never yet drawn to Christ , never yet humbled at the feet of Christ , and look up to the Lord what-ever misery he inflicts , not to suffer thee to be deceived here ; not only to have such a Faith as may catch hold on Christ , but he on thee , and come unto the light to manifest the hidden enmity there . Never was yet man deceived , but he that was willing to be deceived , that would not use the means , and search .

SECT. IV.

ALL you therefore that live under the light of the Gospel , Use 4. consider if it doth not nearly concern you to search and try your selves whether you , or some of you may not be Evangelical Hypocrites ; the time is coming that you shall stand before the Tribunal of God , wherein the hidden things of darknesse shall be brought forth to light , and it will be too late to know your selves then : Oh therefore search now . No mans misery will be so great as this , if your heart be found false . I shall speak in a manner but generally now .

1. Those that do believe , Sign 1. and yet fail in respect of the efficient cause of Faith , it never had the right maker , never came out of the right shop , nor mint , it was never a Faith of Gods making , but a faith of your own making , so that it 's a base bastard Faith , that though it be born in the House , it shall never possesse the inheritance , because it was never begotten of the right Father , the Lord never wrought it , but themselves , for many a man is convinced by the Law , and spirit of bondage that he must die , and that he is a most grievous sinner , and that when he hath done all he is unprofitable , but yet he trusts to Christ , and Gods mercy , and so believes , he finds no great difficulty in this , nor no great need of the Almighty power of the Lord to work this , and all men living shall never make him think but that he doth heartily and truly beleeve : but ask him , have you no doubt of your estate ? and of Christs not taking hold of you when you take hold of him ? Yes , but seeing he hath been troubled about his estate , and repented of his sin ( in his fashion ) and reformed himself and Family , and loves the best things , he believes without question , and so misapplies promises to himself , never feeling a need of the revelation and donation of Jesus to him by the Father ; and thus the Lord finds this man a Christ , and this man finds the Lord a Faith , and the Lord Jesus redeems this man by price , and this man redeems himself by power , and so the Father shall have some Glory for providing a Saviour , Christ shall have some Glory for paying a price , and the Spirit of Christ which only can draw to Christ , shall lose his Glory , and so this man may take it to himself . And is this good think you ? Col. 2. 12. Risen with Christ through Faith of the operation of God , 1 Pet. 1. 3. The same power that raised Christ from the dead , must raise you to a lively hope . Mat. 22. 1 , 2 , 3. One man came from his hedges and High-wayes to the Feast of the Promise , and Ordinances of the Gospel , till the Lord saw him without Christ ; but Iohn 6. 64 , 65. Unlesse the Father reveals Christs face , the Father perswades thee of Christs love , you can never come to Christ , men know not thy Hypocrisie , thou dost not , but Jesus doth , and what good will thy Faith do thee then ? It was a sweet speech of Christ , Thy Faith hath saved thee . Oh heavy when it shall be said , thy Faith hath damned thee , that which I thought to be the way of life , is the way of death ; truly so it will if you do not fetch it out of Heaven .

II. Those that do believe , Sign 2. but they fail in the object , i. e. they close with Christ , but they know not who he is : that as the Woman of Samaria that had some lookings to the Messiah , she did worship whom she knew not : so men beleeve in one whom they know not , only have heard the fame of . For there are two things in the Gospel . 1. The outward words and letters . 2. The things contained in those words : Hence there is a double knowledg of Christ .

1. A fantacy knowledg , as a man that hears of any thing absent , presently fancies the thing in his head .

2. There is an intuitive know 〈◊〉 hereby the soul doth not only see words and fancies , but beholds the things themselves : Hence it comes to passe that many a man hearing the Fame , and receiving the fancy of Christ , beleeves in him , but not seeing him indeed as he is , therein he beleeves in one whom he knows not : and hence the Lord Jesus may be a hid thing to many a man , and the Gospel a sealed Book , though he lives and remains in the very light of the Sun , and that all his daies : Hence Christ laments Ierusalem , Oh that thou hadst known , but now hid , hid ; and yet Christ Preacht . Yes , Deut. 29. 4. You have heard and seen , and yet the Lord hath not given a heart to see to this day ; So 't is with many a soul , you have heard with your ears the great things of the Kingdom of God , yet the Lord hath not given you eyes to see : you have seen deliverances on Sea , yet the Lord hath not given you hearts to understand : and if so , all your Faith is naught , and profession and affection vile , and estates miserable , 2 Cor. 3. 18. All we with open face , &c.

But many see it not so .

I confesse some may see more darkly , Object . Answ. and be mourning under it , ye● he that doth not in part , he to whom it is hid , 2 Cor. 4. 3 , 4. is one of them that be lost , whose eyes Satan hath blinded , Iohn 6. 45. He that hath heard and learn'd of the Father : Many hear , but never learn of the Father ; hence never come truly unto Christ ; 't is in this case as 't is with a Traytor , he comes to the King for his life , and prayes for his Sons sake ; the King sends for him , and saith , here is one that beggs for your sake , do you know him ? For my sake ! I wonder on what acquaintance , he is a stranger to me , and therefore I regard him not . So here .

III. Those that have some kind of sight of the Object , Sign 3. and see Christ , but there is a wound in the subject , because their Faith ariseth and springs out of an ill soyl , it 's in such a party that never was yet throughly rent from his sin , and here is the great wound of the most cunning Hypocrites living : for there are two things in him ,

1. A carnal heart , which cannot be satisfied with a spiritual good with Christ ; hence he must have his Lust.

2. A convinced conscience , which cannot be quieted without Christ and mercy ; hence men close with Christ , and their Lusts too . Look as it was with the stony ground , and thorny soyl , they beleeved , but had a stone at bottom , but 〈◊〉 of bitterness , &c. These men can sometime plead acquaintance with Christ , Luke 13. 26 , 27. yet workers of iniquity , 2 Pet. 2. 19 , 20. Some had escaped the pollution of the world , that you may do , but a swinish nature lasts , that they never felt , or grew not in the feeling of it , and loosening from it : as with Apricock-trees rooted in the earth , but leaning on the wal● ; so they on Christ . Oh consider of this , let a man be cast down as low as Hell by sorrow , and lye under your chains , quaking in apprehension of terrour to come , let a man then be raised up to Heaven in joy , not able to live ; let a man reform and shine like an earthly Angel , yet if not rent from Lust , that either you did never see it , or if so , you have not followed the Lord to remove it , but proud , dogged , wordly , sluggish still , false in your dealings , cunning in your tradings , Devils in your Families , Images in your Churches : you are objects of pitty now , and shall be of terror at the great day , for where sin remains in power , it will bring Faith , and Christ , and joy into bondage and service of it self .

IV. Those that beleeve , Sign 4. yet fail of saving Faith in regard of the very act of beleeving and closing with Christ , viz. they close with Christ , but 't is without a high esteem of him , or love to him , they have some , but right Grace consists in a kind of summity , or excellency , else 't is not right , 1 Pet. 2. 5. To you that beleeve he is precious , and hence it comes to passe ,

1. That some never come to find or enj●●●hrist , because they will not come off to the price of him , to sell themselves 〈…〉 for him .

2. Some sell him away again in time of Temptation , like Esau that sold his Birth-right , and never make any thing of it ; because the Bond is not strong enough down , they fall from him .

3. Hence comes all a mans uneven carriage .

4. Hence comes sometimes the unpardonable sin , Heb. 10. 29. Many a man laies claim to Christ and his Blood , and righteousnesse , that never knew the worth of it ; and this is Christs complaint me thinks in Heaven , ( and of Saints on earth ) He comes unto his own , and his own esteem him not , his own love him not , his own receive him not : him that is the glory of Heaven , the beauty of the Father , the delight of Saints , the wonderment of Angels , he I say is not esteemed by many a man , that in his judgement esteems him , and in his heart doth despise him . There are two parts of this esteem . 1. To esteem him only , Iohn 5. 44. 2. Him ever and alway , Psalm 73. 26. Thou art my portion for ever , Many say they esteem Christ , but to be ever loving him , ever looking on him , this is not their frame . Oh think of this , fail here of your valuing of him , and you fail every where .

V. Those that beleeve , Sign 5. but they fail in their end ; and these may for a while in a ho● fit prize Water , prize Christ and mercy above all things in the world , but their end is naught ; so that men here may ask and never have , because of their Lusts : As a man that lies on his death-bed , or in a Sea-storm in fear of Hell , he may now prize and take hold on Christ to save him . A man lies upon the Bed of horror of heart , he may prize Christ to comfort him , and getting a conceit of it , be wrapt up almost in an extacy of joy , that a man would think he was sealed with the Spirit of Christ , and yet his end being naught , Christ only to comfort him , misseth of Christ in conclusion ; for when a man beleeves indeed , he receives Christ for the end the Father sent him , viz. to be King and Soveraign of the whole man as well as Saviour . Psalm 24. 7. Open your gates that the King of Glory , &c. Rom. 8. 38. I am perswaded nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ Iesus our Lord ; our Lord as well as Jesus . Indeed Iohn 6. 15. some did receive Christ to be King , but it was that he might be their cook , he provided loaves for them ; so here . Psalm 66. 2 , 3. Because of thy power thine enemies shall flatteringly submit : ●tis but flattery , not Faith ; look to it therefore .

VI. Those that beleeve , but fail in regard of the use of the Gospel , Sign 6. and of the Lord Jesus , and these we read of , Iude 3. viz. of some men that did turn Grace into ●●nt●nnesse , for therein appears the exceeding evill of a mans heart , that not only the Law , but also the glorious Gospel of the Lord Jesus works in him all manner of unrighteousnesse ; and 't is too common for men at the first work of conversion , oh then to cry for Grace , and Christ , and afterward grow licentious , live and lye in the breach of the Law , and take their warrant for their course from the Gospel ; I shall not name all the wayes that men do so , but I will only speak that which conscience and compassion moves me to ; not to begin , but if possible to still division , and what I shall speak shall be by way of prevention .

1. Take heed of making Graces in a christian the weaknesses of a christian , for this is to make darknesse light , and Grace wantonnesse indeed : Is it not ? Take heed then of thinking or saying counterfeit or false Sanctification consists in feeling something in a mans self , as love to , delight in the Lord and his wayes : True Sanctification , in seeing nothing , no love , no delight : why the Apostle Paul ●new that in him , i. e. in his flesh dwelt no good thing , but he calls it flesh there , and groans under it , yet he felt a Law within closing with the Law without , and blessed the Lord for it , and that was himself . Do you think the Holy Ghost co●es on a man as on Balaam , by immediate acting , and then leaves him , and then he hath nothing : Yes Beloved , know you not Christ is in you ( 2 Cor. 13. 5. ) as well as out of you ; in you , comforting , dwelling , sanctifying , preparing the heart for himself . Indeed to be puft ●p with Grace , or rest in it is a sin , yet that Grace is not that sin .

2. Take he●d of making weaknesses Graces or Duties : as

First , To make poverty of spirit , the sight of nothing in a mans self ; why , he that is poor hath Heaven for his , and so Christ and Promises his , and hath Faith his , at least some seeds . Now to see nothing now , is to see an untruth , and to tell a flat lie to God , and Men , and Scripture too . Indeed a man that is poor doth usually see nothing , but that is his weaknesse , not any Grace .

Secondly , To say there is no difference between Graces of Hypocrites and Saints . Why so ? Because I cannot see any . Is this your weaknesse or your wisdom ? you can see no●e , and will you make your weaknesse your Religion ?

Thirdly , That a man must not evidence his Justification by his Sanctification , I speak of that which accompanies Salvation . Why so ? Because then there will be comfort to day , and sorrow to morrow , grant it , but then consider , 1. That is either a mans weaknesse and ignorance that he doth not see it , or 2. his wickednesse and carelesnesse that hath stained that work : And will you make this a D●ty , a Grace ? Oh but many have been deceived here ; grant it , and will you 〈◊〉 your wret●hed basenesse of heart the foundation of this conceit ?

Fourthly , That a man must see no saving work , nor take comfort from any promise until he is sealed : No , why so ? Because many tall christians have deceived themselves so , and deluded themselves there , and been kept off from Christ , and truly I believe it in part . But what of that ? Shall mens weaknesse be my Religion or work ? No Be●oved , for a man beleeves before he is sealed , Ephes. 1. 15. And hence Christ is his , and now for him to deny Christ to be his own , 't is to make Christ a lyar , 1 Iohn 5. 10 , 12 , 13. not that I would have christians content themselves here ( it 's a sign you never knew what Christ meant if so you do ) till he shall send a more full gale of his Spirit .

3. If you do account them weaknesses , yet take heed your closing with Christ do not cause you to make a light matter of sin , either not to take notice of sins at all , only look to Christ , ( 't is not I but sin , as being the act of the outward man : one calls this to unknow a mans self ) or not to be deeply sensible of them , and so use Christ as your shoe-clout to wipe them off , Oh this is dangerous ; the Spirit of joy never quencheth the Spirit of Sorrow . Capernaum entertained Christ , and yet perished , Oh she repented not ! What must we repent after we be in Christ ? Yes , Ier. 30. 19. After I was turned I repented : It argues a bold conscience , when men as they look to no good in themselves , so to no sin in themselves , but wholly to Christ .

4. Take heed of those Doctrines which in shew lift up Grace , but indeed pull 〈…〉 any part of it , as

First , to think that the letter of the whole Scripture holds out no more than a Covenant of Works , a most prodigious Speech , though coloured with advancing a Spiritual Covenant of Grace , and no Word but Christ .

Secondly , Under a shew of advancing Gods Grace in doing all , to say the Ordinances are not means , but only occasions of conversion .

Thirdly , under a shew of giving all to Grace , to abolish that plain truth , as to say we are not justified by Faith , which though it be true , not really , i. e. not simply , by Faith in it self considered as a work , yet to say [ not relatively , as the Lord is apprehended by it ] it is false . If we cast off the power of the truth , yet let us not cast off the form of it : keep the form of wholsome words as well as truths .

Fourthly , Take heed of maintaining that a man until sealed is not to be perswaded to beleeve , under a shew of letting the Spirit of Grace do all . And Brethren , doth not the Spirit of Grace accompany the word of Grace ; are not Evangelical commands part of that Word ? is there not a power going along with them ? what is this but to take from Gods Book , and he that so doth , God will blot him out of the Book of Life , Rev. 22. 19.

Fifthly , That a Christian is to gather no assurance from particular conditional Promises under colour of receiving all from Christ and Grace . True , them that have nothing to do with them , ought not ; but for those that have to do with them as their Inheritance , not to apply and make use of them for their comfort , 't is to trample under-foot Christs blood that purchased them for that end , and 't is to rase out in our practise the greatest part almost of the Covenant of Grace .

Sixthly , That the Law ought not to be our rule of life under a shew of being freed from it by Christ , as though Christ came to set Hell-gates open for men to do what they please . Shall I say any more ? I am weary with speaking , I desire rather to go aside and mourn , and to think there is somewhat amisse why the Lord lets these out . You that are sincere , search and keep close with Christ , and fetch more life from him , and though accounted under a covenant of Works with men , yet rejoyce , you know it is better with you in his sight . And you that are weak , beware and take heed , and do not consider what I , but the Holy Ghost hath cleared this day : and as for all them that do turn Grace into Lasciviousnesse , not intentionally , but practically , not in all things , but some things : consider this Scripture , Iud● 4. Men ordained to this condemnation ; they thrive and have no hurt , and they joy , Oh but they have condemnation enough upon them . Do but consider ver. 12 , 13. Twice dead , dead in Adam , then quickened by Christ with common Gifts and Graces , then dye and turn Grace into wantonnesse , for whom is reserved the very blacknesse of darknesse for ever . They bring in painted prophanenesse .

Oh take heed then , Use 5. lest you fall short of Christ by unbelief , Heb. 4. 1. Christ must do all ; Oh but take heed , use meanes , and then put the work into his hands to make Faith right , Heb. 12. 1 , 2. Looking to Iesus the Author and finisher . Suppose Christ was here on earth , and thou should beg it , would he deny thee ? Oh no , begg hard therefore now .

CHAP. XIV . Shewing that there is a vast difference betwixt a sincere Christian , and the closest Hypocrite .

SECT. I.

THat there is a vast and great internal difference between those that are sincere indeed , Doct. 3. and the closest Hypocrites . Or , There are certain qualifications within , and operations of God upon the Souls of the faithful , which make a very great difference between them , and the closest Hypocrites .

For the Lord Jesus here sees the difference , and shews the difference , though but generally I confesse in this Verse ; some were wise , others were foolish ; wisdom and folly are different qualities , and though these keep their residence chiefly in the mind , yet the Lord never did infuse any true wisdom into the mind , but there was a great change of the heart , nor never was any man left unto his own folly , but it did not only argue an evil heart , but did ever arise from thence , Ephes. 4. 18. so that Christ nor only sees , but discovers to the Churches a vast difference for them to take notice of : I confesse the difference was only in regard of open prophanenesse , or common conversation in living like men of the world , yet a difference here there is . For the opening of this Point , I shall open these Particulars .

1. That the Lord doth make this inward difference .

2. That 't is so great that the faithful do see it .

3. That 't is so great that others cannot receive it when 't is offered .

4. That 't is so great that they cannot understand it .

5. The reasons why the Lord makes this internal difference .

1. That the Lord doth make it : only some Scriptures now , Eph. 5. 8. You were darknesse , now are light . Ephes. 2. 1. You were dead , now are alive . It 's true there is a life Hypocrites have , which puts much difference between them and others , but if that doth , what doth the life of Christ in a man , arising from the death of every sin ? Acts 26. 18. The Lord turns not only from darknesse to light , but from the power of Satan to God , together with which ariseth remission of sins . What is this then but a greater change than from Hell to Heaven ? Is it not worse than Hell to be under his , not only Temptations , but power ? and is it not better to be with God , than be in Heaven ?

II. 'T is so great that the faithful do see it . I confesse at first work it's like a confused Chaos , they know not what to make of it , but afterwards they can and do , 1 Iohn 5. 18 , 19. We know we are born of God , free from the dominion of sin , of which he speaks , and that the whole world lies in wickednesse . Before a man is born again , he sees no difference between him and other men , but now he doth ; and hence 't is frequent in Scripture for Saints to expresse their experience of their double estate , Tit. 3. 2 , 3. and they are commanded to try themselves , and may not only see Christ out of them , but Christ in them , except they be Reprobates , 2 Cor. 13. 5. and hence commanded to give thanks for this , Col. 1. 12 , 13. which commands being Evangelical , have a power to all the Elect.

III. 'T is so great that others cannot receive it when 't is offered , they are so far from having it in them , or counterfeiting , or making this inward work , that they cannot receive it , no not when the Spirit it self comes to work it , Iohn 14. 17. The Spirit of truth which the world cannot receive , it doth receive Propherical Gifts , and common Graces ; but there is a higher and more Divine work which they cannot receive , Rom. 8. 7. 'T is not subject , nor can be subject to the Law of God , where the holinesse of God appears .

IV. 'T is so great that they cannot understand it what it is spiritually , only in fancy , 1 Cor. 2. 14. neither can he know them , and hence men lie groping all their life for Grace , and ask and have not , because they know not the thing they would have , Iohn 4. 10. If thou knewest thou wouldst ask , and he would give . A Beast cannot conceive what a life a man leads .

V. Now follow the Reasons why the Lord doth make this internal difference , or shewing that there is this difference .

SECT. II.

IN regard of the infinite love of the Father which he bears to the meanest Beleever Reas. 1. above the most glorious Hypocrite that ever lived . It 's an everlasting love , and it 's like that love he bears towards his own Son , Iohn 17. 26. Now if the Lords love be not common to both , neither is the work , or fruits of his love common in both , but a great difference there must be ; for as 't is with men , so 't is with the Lord . There are three expressions of love . 1. Their looks . 2. Their Promises of Love . 3. Their works of love : so the Lord doth ,

1. Create in his people glorious apprehensions of his blessed face appearing in the glasse of the Gospel , Rev. 22. 4.

2. The Lord makes many Promises of love unto his people , which go to the very heart to chear them , Hos. 2. 14.

3. The Lord con●ines not his love to looks and words , though it 's wonderful to have the least of them , but you may read his love in his works of love . Now those works peculiar to them , are first and chiefly the donation of Christ , for a man in redemption , to a man in vocation : and then the peculiar fruits of this love exprest in peculiar operations upon the Soul , and in the Soul , which Gods truth in the New Covenant promiseth , and Gods faithfulnesse executeth , Ier. 31. 33. & 32. 40. to take away the stony heart , to write Laws in the heart , to put fear into the heart ; these are the peculiar effects of this New Covenant , and they are operations in a man , which only the Elect feel and wonder at Grace for , Ephes. 2. 4 , 5. According to his great love hath he quickened us together with him : there is a kind of Resurrection of a mans soul when 't is brought home to Christ . And look as the bodies of the Saints shall be different at last day , so when God raiseth their souls from the Dead here , there is a difference now .

2. In regard of the Death and Blood of the Lord Jesus , Reas. 2. which was shed not only that he might be a God unto them , but that they might be a peculiar people unto him , Tit. 2. 14. He gave himself for his people , not only to justifie his people , but also to cleanse his Church , Ephes. 5. 26 , 27. for this hath been Gods great plot : first to perfect his people in their Head ; and then lest there should be a golden head , and feet and hands of iron and clay , and because the Church is not found lovely , therefore the Lord makes it lovely by little & little here , until it appear without spot or wrinkle at the last day . Do you think Brethren that Christs Blood was shed to work no more in his people than in Hypocrites ? was it only shed to take away guilt of sin from Gods sight , and then to let a man wallow in the sins of his own heart ? 'T is true there is a work of Sanctification which Hypocrites have , which Christs Blood purchaseth , for I beleeve all common mercy and patience comes by Christs Blood , and so all common Gifts and Graces ; but yet Beloved there is a vast difference , their wills were never changed though their minds were much enlightened ; hence they sinn'd wilfully . The Lord never was dear to them , hence secret despight grew up , that at last they committed the impardonable sin , Hos. 10. 26 , 29.

3. Because those Graces or Qualifications , Reas. 3. together with the Operations of them which are in the faithful , are the same with Christs , the same in kind and nature , Ioh. 1. 16. From his fulnesse we have received Grace for Grace ; hence we are said to bear his Image , and because it 's but little at first , hence from Glory to Glory , 2 Cor. 3. 18. Now the Lord Jesus had not only the Spirit which he had without measure , but also he had many Divine qualities , habits , or Graces , which it is blasphemy to think that they were hypocritical or common , which the faithful receive from his fulnesse , and wherein they are made in their measure like unto him : so the Saints have not only the Spirit , but also those peculiar operations of it wrought in them by the Spirit , whereby they come to be made like unto the Lord Jesus : Hence as there was an infinite distance between the Lord Jesus , and the best Hypocrite , so the likenesse that they have of the Lord Jesus , makes a difference now . And look as there is a difference between a Plant and a Beast , a Beast and a Man , so there is a glorious life which Saints have begun here in this life , which none have but themselves , 1 Pet. 5. 10. They have the First Fruits , &c. the which is meat and drink which no man knows of that lies in his hypocrisie and sins .

4. If there should be no difference , Reas. 4. then these evils would follow : 1. This laies a foundation of contempt of Grace , and of the Beauty of Holinesse in the hearts and lives of Gods people : for look as 't is in the work of the Son in Redemption , if Christ should have dyed as much for Iudas as for Peter , and suspended the act of Faith to apply this on the Free will of either , then Iudas had as much cause to thank Christ for his kindnesse as Peter : and Peter had no more cause of blessing Christ for his love in redeeming him , than Iudas , and what cold praises will he then give him : So if the Spirit of Christ should sanctifie or call a Saint no more than an Hypocrite , then the one hath no more cause to be thankful for the work of the Spirit than the other : and when a man comes to look upon the work of the Spirit , and the Graces of it , there is cold water cast upon those ; this is no more than what a Hypocrite hath . Christ hath not only redeemed by price , but also by power , from the power of Satan , Sin , Darknesse , Delusion , and not to be thankful for this , is not to be thankful for the Redemption of Christ : Thou shalt never have it then that dost despise the Spirit of Grace , whereby thou art but commonly sanctified .

2. Because this abolisheth the use of all conditional Promises made in the word : for you know they are made to some qualification or work of the Spirit in a man , some to Mourning , Poverty , Faith , Hunger , Lostnesse , &c. now if there should be no difference between seeming works in Hypocrites and these , then 1. the truth of the Promises is destroyed , for the Lord saith , They that hunger shall be satisfied . I 'le answer , Hypocrites may hunger , and yet not be satisfied . 2. The use of these Promises should be lost , for why should a man then cast his Soul upon Gods faithfulnesse in the Promise , when 't is but common love to him and Hypocrites : If it be replyed the one hath Christ , the other nor . I answer , 't is very true , but then I ask , Who is he a Christ to ? it must needs be to a particular People described in the Word by their peculiar qualities , flowing from their forms and subjects by which they are known ; and now consider Rev. 22. 19. Is God a God of the dead ? and not of the living only ?

3. Because this makes the most holy men that ever lived deceivers of themselves and others ; only look upon Iohn Christs beloved Disciple , and bosome-companion , he had received the anointing to know him that is true , and he knew he knew him , 1 John 2. 3. But how did he know that ? he might be deceived ( as 't is strange to see what a melancholly fancy will do , and the effects of it ; as honest men are reputed to have weak brains , and never saw the depths of the secrets of God . ) What 's his last proof ? because we keep his Commandments , i. e. we have them writ in our hearts , and keep them , though we cannot fulfil them , it makes us every way more holy : Christ doth not keep them only , but we through his Grace keep them ; thus he proves it by a work in him . Now thus I reply , if all works in the souls of Saints be common to Hypocrites , then Iohn went upon false grounds , deceived himself , and all that heard him , and all the Churches that ever were to this day .

SECT. III.

TO the Papists , Use 1. who in their writings seek to shame the Churches of Christ , saying that they deny all Inherent Righteousnesse or Graces , Of Confut. making a man just by the righteousnesse of Christ , and in the mean while to remain like a Carkase or Ghost , or a painted Sepulchre full of rottennesse within . Three or four of these Archers that have shot these arrows I have met with , whereby they wound the heart of Profession , and keep the people in professed enmity and opposition against the waies of Gods Grace : Now we do not only deny this , but we professe that the Lord doth not only out of the riches of his Grace accept us in Christ , but out of the same love sends down the Spirit of Grace , not only to make us civil and moral , or hypocritical , but that the Lord works thereby such a change as is not to be found in the most refined Hypocrites breathing . And we professe though our Justification doth not consist in this , yet who-ever hath not this is not justified ( what-ever he may imagine ) in the sight of God . And the Lord grant the Churches of the Lord Jesus may never open the mouths of those Blasphemers of his Name , in denying all righteousnesse in our selves at all ; Deny it to justifie , deny it not altogether .

Of an old Ar●inian error ; Use 2. for they hold and maintain an Inherent Righteousnesse , but that there is no difference between the Graces of Beleevers and Hypocrites , Of Confut. only in their continuance , and that is by chance too , and doubtful , viz. if they hold on , and for this purpose cite many Scriptures , three especially , that of Ezek. 18. 24. If the righteous man forsake , &c. which is spoken of rotten Pharisaical Hypocrites falling far short of what the Saints have . And the Parable of the Seed , Mat. 13. They all sprang up : where 't is manifest the soyl was naught out of which they that fell away did grow . And Heb. 10. 29. Blood wherewith they were sanctified , which is meant of such as had some inward enlightning , and lasting , and external profession really , not in appearance only in them , yet not any saving and effectual work , but thus by making Grace common they make it vile , and under a colour of making all men watchful , they destroy all Faith in Gods faithfulnesse and Promise , especially until a man come to die . Divines have many strong arguments against them , and shew however there may be decaies , and relapses , and winter-seasons of the Saints , yet ever there remains in them the Seed of God , 1 Iohn 3. 9. Iohn 4. 14.

The main ground of this their conceit hath been double .

1. False observation , in beholding many fall off that were not Stars , but Snuffs , glorious Professors for a time ; and lest they should be mad without reason herein , they search the Scriptures , and in four thousand years find but four or five that fell away , David , Solomon , Hymeneus , Alexander , and D●mas , none of which if examined will serve their turn .

2. A great mistake of the work of Grace , together with their own experience , for they conceiving Grace to be but a mean thing , and not understanding it , because they never felt it in themselves ; hence make no difference between one man and another , and hence maintain apostacy from Grace . I hope I need not stir you up to abhor this conceit , considering what hath been said . I grant indeed a man may fall away from Grace , considering Grace without Christ to keep it . But yet 't is in it self such a living Fountain , as in it self doth not perish , though it may ; and in respect of Christ , it cannot .

Obj. Did not Adam fall from all his Grace ?

Answ. Yes , because he had neither the Covenant of Grace , nor the Spirit of Grace , nor power of Grace to support and keep him ; but its Gods covenant now to write his Law , to ut his fear in the heart , never to depart , and to give the Spirit of Christ , who is now risen from the dead . Because I live , you shall live also , Iohn 14. 19. And power to keep us , 1 Pet. 1. 5. So that though 't is Christ that keeps a man from falling , yet the truth is , he that doth fall from Grace , as though it was a common fading thing , or doth fall from Christ , he never had Christ at all , John 4. 14. The water that I shall give , shall be a Spring of living water , not of dead Graces , yet quickned by the Spirit , and helped continually . And it s kept till life of Glory comes , where 't is swallowed up in the Ocean of persection .

Hence we see the difference between the Graces of Hypocrites and Saints Use 3. doth not only lie in the efficient cause , viz. the Spirit of Christ barely considered in it self , for then there should be no difference at all , for there are not two Spirits , and the same Spirit that works in the Faithful , the same Spirit is in the unfaithful , to work many strange works in them , 1 Cor. 12. 3 , 4. Neither doth supernatural power of the Spirit distinguish ( I mean that which is above the strength of nature , not that which is above the use of nature , for nature crooks all Gods works to it self ) for the gifts of Prophecy and common joy are above the strength of meer nature , but the difference lies in the work it self . As 't is in creation , the least speer of grasse hath the same power to make it , that made Heaven and Angels , Is there no difference then ? Yes , it lies in the very work or effect of that power . And as 't is in a Cedar and a Fly , there ●● more excellency in the former in some respects , but the latter hath another life , which the other hath not : So the meanest Believer is better than the most glorious Hypocrite . And look as it was with Saul , when he was anointed King , there was a new Spirit came upon him , the Spirit of a King , which common Subjects had not ; so when God makes us Kings and Priests unto Christ , there comes another Spirit upon us , which common men have not . I know there is the Spirit it self in the Saints , as 't is not in other men ; But how is it there ? I know 't is there by Faith , but not only by this , but by certain peculiar effects which are not in other men . As 't is with the soul , 't is in the body , hence works a life which is not in any bruit creature , so 't is here . And hence 't is said , The world cannot receive it , Iohn 14. 17. Mal. 3. 2 , 3. Who is able to bear his coming , because he comes to purifie , &c. Yet still the Spirit barely considered in ●● self , puts no difference , unlesse it be in respect of the work it self . Oh therefore look to it , do not say , I have now the Spirit and Christ . But what doth Christ work there ? Iohn 15. 1 , 2. There are but two sorts of Branches there , fruitless , and fruitful ; the difference is in the very fruits of them , &c.

Oh then terrour to them that content themselves with common works , Use 4. and so think their estates good . You have been terrified , confessed , and repented , Iudas did so . You have reformed many things , and take delight to draw ●igh to God in Ordinances , those Hypocrites did so , in Isa. 58. You have seen nothing in your selves , the Devils do so . You have had great ravishments , and seen the Glory of Heaven , of Saints , Bal●●● did so . You have beheld and seen the Lord Jesus , as if present on earth ; Many saw him , heard him , and were lifted up to Heaven by him , and shall see him at last in Glory indeed . Oh but my desires are good ● Many shall seek , and not enter . Oh therefore consider of your estate , and tremble , and set before thee all the mercy the Lord embraceth his people with ! and say , Oh that mercy for me ! and follow him till he hath done it .

SECT. IV.

HEnce it may appear that the tr●e Believer may know the blessednesse of his estate , Use 5. by the ●eculiarnesse of a work within him . For if indeed there should be no difference between those Graces that be in Hypocrites and in Saints , if no difference between Love , and Faith , and desire in one , and that which is in another , then none could know the blessednesse of their estates by any work ; but seeing that the Lord hath made a vast and a known difference , so that God knows it , and themselves know it , as hath been proved , and all the world might know it , but that they want eyes to see mens hearts , and they shall know it at the last day to their eternal anguish , when the hidden things of darknesse , and the secrets of all hearts shall be opened , then it must needs follow from the knowledge of such a work , a man may conclude his blessed and safe estate . By work , I mean , no Popish good work , nor consider a work without a peculiar word of promise made the eunto . If we should ask a woman married to another Husband , how she knows such a one is her husband , she would manifest it by those peculiar acts or works or manifestations of a husband to her . She hath known he hath forsaken great offers , and come to her : Her heart that was most opposite , was at last overcome to forsake all , then they entred into a peculiar bond of covenant , so that they cannot part , and though they do depart , yet they stay not long . So here : If you should have asked the Israelites , how they did know they should be saved from the destroying Angel ? Why the Lord hath promised to save us . You that do what ? That sprinkle the door-posts with the Blood . So the destroying Angel of Gods presence shall destroy millions of people , and that in the night-time , when they least suspect it . Notwithstanding all deliverances ; miracles , plagues and repentances , Shall you be preserved ? Yes , the Lord hath promised it , and reveal'd it . To whom ? To them that have their door-posts sprinkled with Christ's Blood , apprehended by the work of Faith , Rom 3. 24 , 25. Heb. 10. 22. If one should have asked the Lord Jesus himself , whom he loveth ? he would Iohn to answer , his sheep , for for them he layes down his life ; be they feeble or strong . If one should ask further , who are his sheep ? he would describe them by several properties , as he hath done , Iohn 10. Such as know me , as hear me only , as follow me . So if you ask a believer that question , How do you know you are loved ? Is it good to answer with Christ , I am his sleep , for whom he hath laid down his life , when I was lost an went astray . But how do you know that ? Is he now to answ●● like Christ , by these properties wrought in me , or no ? If you say , No , because all these an hypocrite may have , then the Lord Jesus hath done very weakly in describing his own sheep , by such properties to be his , which discover them no more than so : It s true an hypocrite hath somthing like all these , but not these indeed . If you say , yes , then a man may know his blessed estate by these . The promise is , Prov. 8. 17. I love them that love me . But how do you know you love the Lord ? There is the question , If Satan and blind carnal reason ask this question , you will be filled with accusations , and never satisfie them ; for he that accused Iob to Gods face , will much more to their own faces , accuse Saints of hypocrisie . If uncharitable men that never had the love of Christ abiding in their hearts , you will never satisfie them ; but if the Lord ask the question in his Word , hold there , and the work is so clear , that though there hath been much decay , yet after recovery , the soul dares eye the Sun , and say , Lord , thou knowest all things , thou knowest that I love thee , Iohn 21. 17. Hence by this work you may come to know your safe estate .

1. A man may know his blessed estate in respect of time past , by a work , i. e. with a word or promise made to it , and the Spirit revealing of it , viz. the everlasting thoughts and election of God toward him , Rom. 8. 28. Them that love God , who are called according to his purpose , notwithstanding all their miseries and sins ; yet love him , and so called according to his purpose , for so the Apostle raiseth up his thoughts . I know the world is full of want of love , and think it easie so to do , and like the Devil , are very kind to the Lord , as they think , while the Lord ple●seth them ; who yet when the time of patience is out , shall be eternal blasphemers of him . But there is such love whereby Saints may raise up their hearts thus to see Gods love , 1 Thes. 1. 4 , 5. Knowing your Election of God . How so ? Immediatly ? Some Divines think Angels see it not so , and that its peculiar to God so to do : But mediatly , for our word came in power and in much assurance to make you enlarged for God , to turn you from Idols unto God , and to wait for Christ in Heaven , seeing him here , but as in a Glasse . And by the same Spirit Paul saw it , by the same Spirit they might much more see it , and so the Elect may see it . And ●f experience may be added to the Truth ; How many of Gods people dayly , knowing their work of vocation and glory , ascend from these lower stairs of the Lords Ladder , to the highest of Election , and there are swallowed up with eternal wonderment , filling their hearts with that joy and peace , that the weak . Tabernacle of flesh and blood cannot be at the weight of that Glory long ; That by works see the promise , and by the promise of love behold e●ernal thoughts of love : And hence promises are said to be given to Saint● , before the world began : Because promises to them that thirst , mourn , believe , &c. are not bare words , but eternal counsels , in which you see Gods purpose .

2. In respect of time present , by it we know our present union to the Lord Jesus , 1 John 2. 4. He that saith I know him , and keeps not his Commandments , is a Liar . Yes , that is true negatively , but may a man , ought a man to see or know his union positively by this ? Ans v. 5. Many said , they did know and love the Lord , but he that keeps his words , Oh they are sweet ! It s Heaven to cleave to him in every command , its death to depart from any command . Hereby know we that we are in him . If it were possible to ask of Angels how they know they are not devils ? they would answer , the Lords will is ours : So here . How do you know you have not the nature of Devils , and so in state of Devils bound there till the judgment of the great day ? Because God hath ch●nged our vile natures , and made our wills like unto his glorious will , &c. So for forgiveness , Luke 7. 47. Much is forgiven her , &c.

3. In respect of the state of Glory for time to come . We may know our blessed est●te by a work , 1 Cor. 2. 9. Eye hath not seen what the Lord hath prepared for them that love him , Psal. 31. 19. Oh how great is thy goodnesse laid up for them that fear thee ! 3 Cor. 5. 3. If cloathed with Christ , whole Christ , v. 5 , 6. He hath fitted us for this , and given the earnest of the Spirit , which , Rom. 8. 23. are first-fruits of Glory , therefore we are confident .

Obj. But if you look to your selves , you will have peace to day and sorrow to morrow .

Nay , we are alwaies consident , and yet Paul did not now go on in a Covenant of works . Now whether a man first comes to know his estate by a work , word , and spirit , so that there are three things to evidence our happy estate , or whether by two things only , viz. a ge●eral word and spirit , I intend not to dispute , because it makes nothing against the truth in hand : Only this I say , it s very dangerous to limit the Holy One of Israel , especially in his freedom of working , to breath light , and life , and divine consolation , when and by what means and promise , and in what measure he will . Christ when he was here on earth , would say somtimes , thy sins are forgiven , Mat. 9. 2. Somtimes be it unto as thou believest , Mat. 9. 28 , 29. Nay , be it unto thee as thou wilt , Mat. 15. 28. If in these inferiour things , much more in greater . Christ is now gone , and we have no immediate speech with him , but in his Word , and he is free to speak to his people according as he pleaseth , and when they need . And therefore let me entreat Brethren to be wary in their speeches in dashing all promises in pieces . What Christian heart can see Gods Truth mangled , without being angry and mourning for the hardnesse of mens hearts ? The Lord hath spoken peace to some mens hearts thus , he that is lost shall be found , He that believes in me shall never hunger , and he that comes to me shall never thirst ; and seeing this , they conclude , the Lords Spirit helping them ( for somtime they cannot do it ) peace . For the Major is the Word , the Minor Experience , and the Conclusion the Lords Spirits work quickning your spirits to it . Now say some , how do you know this ? Thus you may be mistaken , for many have been deceived thus . Grant that , And shall a child not take bread when 't is given him though dogs snatch at it ? What should one do then ? Bring their work to the light , to the triall of the Word , which you know doth but two things .

Shews that God is . And

2. What man is , and so discovers and describes all hypocrise of men , and all grace of men , now if it will not bear the trial of the Word , convince them they have gone on in a covenant of works indeed : But if it will , hold there , take heed then of false witnesse against the Truth of God ; so that do not condemn the work of Christ in any man , where 't is of the right stamp , and hath Christs Image upon it , and so pluck men from their claim to Christs love revealed in his promise . But learn to difference it once , and then I am perswaded the sad differences that begin to appear , would soon be ended among all them that love the Truth in Christ Iesus , 2 Pet. 1. 4. Whereby are given to us that have precious Faith , exceeding great and precious promises , The Lord gives little to his people , Oh but he gives them rich promises ! Bonds , and Bills , and writings to shew for rich Grace , and riches of Glory , and riches of peace . Oh but these promises Hypocrites may have ! they may be lost , and hunger and thirst , and believe . What as those do that have their interest in these promises ? Why are they called precious Promises ? Precious promises are not common things . Precious promises are not the portion of a base world . Precious things God never gives to dogs , and believe me , you may come to know the price of them in the times of your horrour on death-bed , that account them common now . Oh but many rest on promises without Christ ! That 's all one , the faithful by them come to partake of the Divine Nature , of Christ , of his Spirit , of Divine Consolations , Peace , Grace , and this is not building on a work , or resting on a bare promise , when it carries you to Christ and the everlasting embracings of him . It s no matter what promise gives peace , so long as it lands us in Christ . And therefore a man may know his blessed estate by a work , only let me put in three Cautions .

1. Take heed you do not in your judgment or in your practise go about to move the Lord to love you by your work , though it be of his making . For all works are fruits , no causes of the Lords love , for this is Popery indeed , and 't is Hypocrise , Isa. 58. 3 , 4. Why have we fasted , and prayed , and delighted to draw near unto God ? &c. but look upon the work and promise , and be the more vile in thine own eyes , that the Lord should promise , or do any thing for thee . So that when you feel any saving work , go not to God with expectation of any good in the name of that work , but in the name of that free Grace and Faithfulnesse of God , which hath moved him to make such precious promises to such as those are that have it . Hast not said Solomon shall reign ? 1 Kings 1. 13. So here .

2. Take heed you do not sit down contented with the work , and quiet your selves with that , never looking to behold his face that gave it , that wrought it . The poor blind man , Iohn 9. had a mighty cure upon him , and some seed of Faith ; the Lord wrought the work , but hid himself : He wondred at the great change , was affected with his love , at last the Lord Jesus comes himself , Dost thou believe ? saith he , Lord who is he ? I am he ; then he worshipped him , v. 36 , 37 , 38. So 't is with the Lord in his way of working Grace : Oh therefore long to see him here in his glasse , and in Glory , in his face fully ! Truly there is no work of Christ that 's right , but it carries the soul to long for more of it , and to be with him that hath done it . Many Christians when they have the work , run away with it as a good sign , and look to the promise , Oh but long not , look not to behold the Lord ! Do ye thus requite the Lord , Oh ye foolish people and unwise ? Were it not enough that your sins make ? but will you make works & promises also a partition wall between the Lord and your souls . I professe the Lord will fire such work about your eares , and drie up all your pits , that you may long for to drink out of the Well of life it self . And 't is a black mark of Unbelief that shall keep thee from rest , Heb. 4. 3 , 10 , 11. Oh but when you long to see him , Oh when shall I appear before God! Psal. 63. 2 , 3 , 4. Then the Lord will fill thee . As Leaden Rings with a Pearle , so Promises and Christ put together ( not divided ) are exceeding precious .

3. Do not look to see the work or promise yours , nor receive any consolation from either , unlesse the Lord appear in both , John 10. 16. They shall hear my voice ; for so most men bring home Humane , not Divine consolation from a work . But Oh fetch it you from Heaven ! as in Peters redemption , Acts 12. You reason , and others tell you , and yet you are full of fears and doubts ; and thou criest , Lord perswade me , Lord perswade me , yea , hold you here , now you are where you ought for to be . Do you think Christ is filled with Grace and Life for you , and not with Consolation for you too ? Only use means , and so look up to him .

SECT. V.

OH therefore content not your selves with any hopes your estate is right , until you find this difference , for the Lord speaks peace only to his people , Use 6 and his people are differenced from all others . Hence how can you say peace is yours , till this be cleared up unto you ?

I shall speak to two sorts of people .

1. Those that content themselves with any thing that may stop and quiet Conscience , any slight work , any poor desires , any hedge-Faith , any moral performances , any groundlesse conjectures will serve their turn . And being full , they can hear all Sermons , no wind will shake them , no searching , threatning Truths concern them ; they are so good , that they think the Lord means not them . Well , I say no more to you but this , know it that the time is coming that the Lord Jesus wil try you , and examine you to the very Bran ; and will descry all thy paint , and open all thy lusts and thoughts , and thy nakednesse , and shame , and confusion shall be seen of all the world .

II. Those that content themselves with the revelation of the Lords love , without the sight of any work , or not looking to it . I desire the Lord to reveal himself abundantly more and more , to all that have the Lord savingly revealed unto them . For this is the misery , Christ is a hidden thing , and so is his love : Yet consider ,

1. God reveals not his love to any Hypocrite , but to his people , that have a work far beyond them .

2. That the testimony of the Spirit doth not make a man a Christian , but only evidenceth it . As 't is the nature of a witnesse , not to make a thing to be true , but to clear and evidence it . And therefore whether the Spirit in the first or second place clears Gods love , I dispute no● , because 't is doubtful ; ye be sure you find out the difference , viz. some work in you , that no Hypocrite under Heaven hath : Else what peace can you have ?

1. Hereby you come to prevent the strongest delusion that Satan hath to keep men in bondage to himself , viz. to give men great peace , and somtimes great ravishment , while they are in their sins , that so he may harden them there still , Luke 11. 21. Now by taking this course , and going to Christ to untie the knots of Satan , you do now undermine the main plot of Satan , you break his head , having recourse to Christ to do this . His policy is , Let you heart alone , let Christ alone with that . But now you may be sure all your consolation is of the right make .

2. Otherwise you quench the Spirit , and resist the testimony of the Spirit , at least one great part of it . For the Spirit when it doth come to witnesse Gods love , i● answers all the doubts and objections of the soul that it had before . Now the great doubt of Gods people is not only , Am I elected , am I justified and accepted ? But am I called , am I sanctified , are not my desires , my Faith , my love counterfeit ? which I may have , and yet go to Hell ? Now the Spirit when it comes , clears up all doubts , not fully , but gradually , for 't is the most clearing witnesse , and therefore , John 14. 18 , 19 , 20. At that day you shall know that I am in you , and you in me , and I in the Father . The Spirit doth not only say Christ is out of you , in Heaven , preparing and interceding , but in you , sanctifying , preparing thee for Glory , that art a vessel of Glory ; and you in me by Faith , by Love , desire , &c. Now when a man shall say , I look to no work , but only for the Spirit to reveal the Lords Love ; in seeming to desire the Spirit , he doth resist the Spirit of God .

3. Otherwise you shall be deprived of all that abundant consolation which the Word holds out before you . For suppose you say , I look not to the work of God in me , to receive any consolation from that , or any promise made to that . I look only to the revelation of the Spirit .

Ans. 1. There is never a promise but the Comforter is in it , and they are given for that end , to give strong consolation , now if you look to no work , nor no conditional promise , nor to find the condition in you ( which yet Christ must and doth work ) Lord ! what abundance of sweet peace do you lose ? Rev. 7. 17. The Lamb leads them to the living Fountain of waters , and God wipes away all tears : And for ought I know you shall die for thirst that refuse to do it . Oh slow of heart to believe all that the Scriptures have writ ! all that God hath spoken ! Ought you not thus to be comforted ?

But 2. If you look to a Spirit without a work , whilest you do seek consolation from the Spirit , you cannot avoid the condemnation of the Word . You say the Spirit hath spoken peace to you . But do you love Christ ? I look not to that , but to the Spirit . Why the Word saith , He that loves not him , let him be Anathema . So , Is the League between your sins and your souls broken ? Ans. I look not to that . Why Iohn saith , He that committeth sin is of the Devil , 1 Iohn 3. 8 , 9. Are you new creatures ? I look not to that . Why the Word faith , Unlesse you be born again , you cannot enter into the Kingdom of God . And the Lord knows , but on your death-beds , thus Satan may assault you , and then will the Lord say , nay , look to your self . The Word shall be B●lshazzars terrour . Consider , Psal. 32. 1 , 2.

4. Look to it , else you shall be deprived of further manifestation and communion with the Lord Jesus . The Lord reveals not all of himself at once , the day dawns before the Sun riseth , and there is a further manifestation of the Lord in this life to his people , not for , but when they indeed maintain such works before him . John 14. 21. I will manifest myself unto him . How ? Oh saith Christ , I le come and sup with him . Never think the Lord will dishonour himself so far as to come into a filthy heart . Sin doth and will grieve Gods Spirit , that he will only accuse , not speak peace to you , till all is mended .

5. Else you may fall everlastingly away , as those , Heb. 10. 29. They had received the knowledge of the Truth , and were sanctified , but their wills and hearts never changed . Oh take heed there be not left only a fearful looking for of vengeance ! You stand on the brim of destruction every moment , that do it not . For 't is plain hypocrisie , not to bring works to the light ; 't is not ceasing to go on in a covenant of works , Iohn 3. 20. And if the Lord do●h love you , and you will not take the counsel of the Word , the fire of the Lord shall try you . And when that comes , and Conscience shall ask , wherefore comes all this great evil upon me ? when your miseries shall be great , Oh it shall be said , this was because I loved not the Lord , I forsook the Lord , &c. Oh therefore look to the Lord now to cleanse you ! Zac. 13. 9.

'T is true , there is a difference , Object . but is it possible to know it , seeing that a false heart may go so far ? especially to know it in it self ?

'T is true , 't is difficult for men , Answ. Ministers , or Angels to reveal it , yet 't is easie for the Lord Jesus to reveal it , and this he doth do . This light discovers hidden things as they are , his Spirit leads into all Truth . And this is a peculiar priviledge and honour , as for God to know , so they partaking of the Divine Nature , for them to know their own hearts , Ier. 17. 9 , 10. And although it be an easie thing for hypocrites , that never knew what Grace meant , to be mistaken , yet after the Lord hath made it known to the elect , 't is no easie matter to deceive them . As 't is with Apothecaries , that know when they meet with counterfeit drugs ; or Jewellers , that know the difference between Bristow-Stones and Pearls . As the blind man saith , whereas I was blind , now I see , so I was dead , now behold I live . Old things are passed away , all things are become new . 1 Pet. 2. 9. They are called out of darknesse into marvellous light . If they could not know a difference , why would the Lord command them to add one Grace to another , and grow in Grace ? May they not well reply ? Alas Lord I know not Trash from Treasure ! I know nothing thou hast commanded me to do , but hypocrites may have and do . I say therefore the work may be seen in it self , and that by a three fold light .

I. The light of the Word , which is a Divine Revelation of or concerning God and man , and of man , not only as fallen in Adam ( which discovers all his sins , their nature , their end , &c. ) but as risen again and recovered in Christ , the birth , being , breeding of the new creature . It discovers all hypocrisie of the heart , so that they shall be forced to say the Lord hath found me out , and Saints shall say the Lord hath done me good . As if the question be , Whom doth the Lord Jesus love ? You need not go to Heaven for it , the Word is nigh thee . Those that love Christ : Who are those ? Those that keep his Commandements , &c. So that the Word is a light to discover Truth from falshood , the work of Grace from the work of hypocrisie ; and by this light Saints may and do know what the work is . And it argues dreadful unbelief and Hypocrisie not to do thus , Iohn 3. 19 , 20 , 21. And this all the Saints are commanded to do , 2 Pet. 1. 19. We ( sealed with the Spirit ) have a sure word of prophesie , &c. Which is a light in a dark place ; both to reveal Gods heart and our hearts unto us ; hence it makes us wise to salvation .

II. The Light of the Spirit going with the Word , reveals the work ; without which the work cannot be seen , no more than a Book written in the fairest hand or print , can be seen without light to see it by : And hence Gods people cannot presently read what the Lord hath written , &c. 1 Iohn 3. 24. That look as 't is with Scriptures , Papists say they are obscure , and how do we know them ? We answer , there are Divine Characters of Majesty and Glory stampt upon them , whereby we by the same Spirit that writ them , see them , and are perswaded of them ; so here . Or as t is in the work of Creation : How can any see God in it ? We say , in the very workmanship appears his Power and Eternity , Wisdom , Goodnesse , &c. Now although Atheists cannot see these , yet others do and can , So in the workmanship of the Elect , 't is so . It s the Glasse of Gods peculiar mercy and love ; now they that never had it , know it no● , but the Saints do , by the Spirit especially . Thus far we grant the Spirits Testimony , that it must reveal it .

III. The Light of experience and sense : For Saints have an experimentall knowledge of the work of Grace , by vertue of which they come to know it as certainly ( as we dispute against the Papists ) as by feeling heat , we know fire is hot , by tasting honey , we know 't is sweet . Now this is diversly apparent to experience .

1. By meditation of the work , in comparing it with the Rule , for no dead creature can perform one spiritual living act of life , no not a good thought , though they may think of good things . Now the Lord hath given to his people a most exact Rule of life , hence by meditation they may see how far it agrees or disagrees with the Rule , and judge of a living act by it ; and so of the God and Lord of life to be there . Hence try your selves , know you not Christ is in you , &c. And hence I never knew yet a thinking Christian deceived , and hence I fear all that make not this their trade , will be to seek , and so to begin again : Oh the Lord teacheth his people hidden mysteries by this .

2. By the operation and working of it , for Grace may be in the heart , and yet lying asleep , and raked up under the ashes , not seen , not felt , but in the operation of it , it may , which is peculiar as the form is . For how do we know we love or delight in any creature ? By the operation of love and delight . How did Christ manifest to the Pharisees that they were of their Father the Devil ? Why his lusts they would do . So how can any tell he knows the Lord , or loves the Lord , or beleeves in the Lord ! The operation discovers it , Iames 2. 22. And hence , Gal. 5. 6. Faith which works by Love . And though hypocrites act like them , yet there is a peculiar vertue in the one that is not in the other .

3. By their temptations and trials , Deut. 8. 2. The Lord hath led thee forty years to prove thee and shew thee what was in thy heart . Rom. 5. 4 , 5. Tribulation breeds experience , and that hope or expectation of that which shall never make us ashamed . I le name no more . But look as we said to them that cried out against Prayer without a Book , we answer , Hath a man dwelt in his own heart so many years , and not known his wants , to make him pray ? nor the Lords work of mercy , to make him blesse , so here .

2. But if a man looks to his work , Object. 2. this will interrupt and break his peace .

1. It may and doth break and interrupt a false peace ; Answ. as many say , yet they trust in the Lords mercy , Oh 't is a presumptuous peace .

2. Neglect of this yields most unpeaceablenesse , even in them that are sincere . You have peace , and then break out into pride and passion again ; then question all . The Spirit will sigh , not sing in that bosom , Psal. 32. 1 , 2 , 3. Iudg. 16. 20. Neither can you avoid the condemnation of the Word , though you maintain consolation from the Spirit , nor suspition of hypocrisie .

3. This is the way to peace , 2 Pet. 1 , 7 , 8 , 9. Mat. 11. 29 , 30. Christs yoke is easie and yields peace , in life and after life too , Rev. 14. 13. Their works follow them . So that hereby comes double peace and rest .

1. From horrour .

2. From sin , which is wonderful great .

3. But I look to Christ , Object. 3. I look to no work . If I have him , I have all .

True , First look to have him , Answ. to be comprehended by him , that so you may comprehend him . But because you look for all in him , will you look for nothing from him ? Will you have Christ fit in Heaven , and not look that he subdue your lusts by the work of his Grace , and so sway in your hearts ? You despise his Kingdom then . Do you seek for pardon in the Blood of Christ , and never look for the vertue and end of that Blood to wash you , & make you without spot , & c. ? You despise his Priesthood and Blood then . Do you look for Christ to do work for you , and you not to do Christs work , and bring forth fruit to him ? You despise his Honour then , Iohn 15. 8. If I were to discover a Hypocrite , or a false heart , this I would say , It is the that shall set up Christ , but loath his work . To have Christ , is sweet , as Capernaum , to follow Christ , is heavy , Iohn 14. 21 , 23.

4. But if I have the witnesse of the Spirit , Object. 4. what need I have any other difference .

1. The witnesse of the Spirit makes not the first difference . Answ. For first a man is a Believer and in Christ , and justified , called , sanctified , before the Spirit doth witnesse it ; else the Spirit should witnesse to an untruth and a lie . For unbelievers are under wrath .

2. If the Spirit doth not witnesse this peculiar work to be in you , and clear it to you , tell me how you can escape the anguish of Conscience and the terrours of Hell in your hearts , unlesse Conscience be seared and blinded ? When the Lord shall set Conscience to ask and say , I chuse none but whom I call , I call none but whom I justifie , I justifie none but whom I sanctifie , and that not with a common , but a peculiar work ; Is it so with you ? If it be dark or doubtful , can you but think all your joyes have been dreams , and your witnesse delusions ? Therefore look unto this .

5. But if I should do this , Object. 5. I should look to find some cleannesse in my self , whereas I am to see nothing but ungodlinesse : Goats are clean creatures .

1. When you stand before Christs judgment-seat to receive pardon , Answ. you are here to look upon all as unclean , and your selves ungodly .

2. When you come to look upon your Sanctification , you are to see it as 't is , mixt with sin and corruption , and so cause of being abased as low as Hell for what is done ; yet that cleannesse and truth there is , you must see too , Rom. 7. He felt a Law warring against the Law of his mind , yet he felt another Law too which he made an evidence of his being in Christ , Rom. 8. 1. Giving all the Glory of it to Christ . Not I but Christ And yet Paul was no Goat , It s one thing to see Grace in my self , another thing to look upon it as mine , to clear me withall . You are to see the Lords work and not appropriate it to your self . And this let me say , if there be no more than ungodlinesse in thee , and thou seest no more , thou shalt never see God in Heaven , Heb. 12. 14. Nor didst never see him yet , 1 Iohn 3. 6 , 8. Oh therefore look to a work !

1. If you do not , you have no peace . For the Lords sake do it before fire try you , or you stand scorching before the Tribunal of God .

2. The sweet of it will be great , as there is nothing more bitter than Christ departing with his holy presence ; so nothing so sweet as Christs cleaving to thee in his holy presence . And truly sin was never bitter to that soul to which the work of the Lord Jesus was not sweet , though it s accounted by some almost Popery to speak so . To this all promises are made , 1 Tim. 4. 8. Godlinesse hath them . 'T is true , they are made to Christ , i. e. to Christ mystical , 1 Cor. 12. 12. Yet to the head as the foundation and conveyer of all to the elect , Eph. 1. 23. 2 Pet. 1. 3 , 4. If you despise work , you despise Promises , and so despise Christ , and the Lord knowes what use you may have of them before you die .

SECT. VI.

TO the people of God , Use 7. in whom the Lord hath made this great change , and made a difference between you and all the world . Of Exhort . Take heed of denying your work , and this real apparent expression of the Lords love . How many doubting drooping Spirits are there , that though others may see , and though themselves have felt the sensible expression of the Lords love , yet oft come to this conclusion , or fear that the Lord did never yet good unto me ? And dispute against it , and think that this an hypocrite may have , Isa. 49. 14. There are two waies whereby Grace is despised .

1. By making common Grace special .

2. By making special Grace common . The Elect are apt to do so before they are called , as Paul thought his innocent Godlinesse gain ; they are apt to do the latter when once in Christ . All this we may have , and yet to Hell . Oh take heed of despising this kindnesse which the Lord Jesus hath not shewn to the greatest Potentates of the world .

Yea , Object . if I did but know it ; but I am put to such fears and doubts about it , that I know not what to make on 't .

1. Do not think that thou art under the power of thy sin , Answ. when thou art at war with thy sin and it with thee . For the Lord many times clears up his love to the soul , and 't is better than life to him , but then winds arise , and storms come , and sin and Satan assaults , and now he cries out , he perisheth , and that he was never redeemed by Christ , nor never saw Christs love . Should his soul be thus ensnared , thus assaulted , and no strength against it , and therefore being under the power of it , hence he never had pardon ; they cannot overcome their corruptions , though they strive against them , hence think they are under the power of them , and then say , where is Christs Spirit ? &c. Answ. When Rebekah had Twins , so that she was troubled , she went to the Lord , who told her , the elder shall serve the younger : So there is Flesh and Spirit in Saints , and these two are contrary , so that you cannot do the things you would ; and somtimes cannot will , yet somthing opposeth this . Well , know it , that the elder and stronger shall serve the younger , it shall be Lord . A man that is at war with another , hath received power against him , but victory is not gotten presently , so 't is here : Iudgment shall come to victory . Though thou art bruised and canst not raise up thy self ; now there is no fear of breaking , if God will not do that , none shall do it , and therefore thou shalt get victory . Only know for the present thou hast power . Thou goest to all Ordinances , and when no help there , raisest the power of Heaven . Oh Lord awake ! Awake Oh Arm of the Lord ! Isa. 51. 9.

2. Do not think that the being of Grace is lost , when 't is hid , by the cessation of it for a time from act . For 't is hard to know whether Grace be there , when acts are not seen or felt ; now somtimes 't is so . The heart growes carelesse and negligent , ceaseth from acting , quencheth the flame of the Spirit . Hence come fears , was there ever Grace here ? The Sluggards Garden grows full of Nettles , and he saith , was the ever good seed sown here ? Answ. Consider 't is in this case , as 't is in sin . Though the act of sin ceaseth , yet there is a bent of heart still toward it ; and a carnal heart will return to his old Byas and bent again : So though the act of Grace ceaseth , yet there is an inner man , a gracious bent and frame put upon the will , that though for a time it ceaseth acting , yet it will return to its old bent again , to its own nature , which is called the seed of God , 1 Iohn 3. 9. From which a man can never fall . For in sleep there is cessation from acts , yet the frame remains still . In the old Law , if any unclean thing fell on a Pitcher , it was accounted unclean , but if in a Spring , not , because it would work it out again ; so here : There is a Spring of Grace , which may be muddied and stopt up , yet it will work it le●● clear again . And this Gods people shall find , there is somthing in them that springs up to everlasting life all their daies .

3. Do not judge only of the truth and measure of Grace by what thou hast in thy hand of feeling ; but by what thou hast in thy hand of Faith in the promise . God hath ever delighted to keep his people short of what they would have , and to give them but little , insomuch that they often question the truth of Grace , feeling so little measure of it . Yet they look to the riches of Gods Grace , to the freenesse and riches of the Lords promise , and hang there , and plea● that , and suck that breast . Answ. Oh now consider thou art empty , but remember the Lord Jesus is full , and the promise is free and full . Oh the riches of it , to give abundantly , and to work Truth in thee ▪ Hence 't is there in the promise , and thy Faith h●ngs on the promise for it : Why , t is thine by Faith then . The nature of Faith is to carry the soul empty to a promise and the Lords Grace , and Christ there , so that it knows not whither else to go but for bread here . Now Faith doing thus , it makes the promise and all of it thine , 2 Pet. 1. 1 , 4. Abraham had his child first in the promise , when he felt a dry body , and saw a barren womb . And know it , its insinite mercy to be kept up in the promise , and thou givest the Lord infinite Glory by embracing of it now , and thou maist triumph here . Hast not said , Lord , that Solomon shall reign , and sin shall not ? It shall not . Oh rejoyce oh Heavens and Earth at this , for the Lord hath visited me ! God took from Paul his revelations , and sent distempers , that Grace might be manifested in the promise .

4. Do not think that the Lords heart is not towards thee , while he hides his face from thee . For there may be frowns in a Fathers face , and yet love in his heart : The Lord purposely hides himself from his people somtimes , especially when they begin to grow weary of him , or proud , but yet his heart is towards them still . Now they think not so , when in utter darknesse , then they think there is no love . the woman of Canaan besought Christ oft , yet he heard not , yet his heart was towards her . How did that appear ? Her heart and Faith was still toward him , she would not leave him though she should have but crumbs . Isa. 45. 15. & 8. 17. And the Lord doth purposely hide his face in love , that his peoples hearts may be towards him , Hos. 5. 15. & 6. 1.

5. Do not judge of the Lords love and heart toward you in these sad times by present feelings , but by the issue of them . For such is the Lords cariage towards his people somtimes , that God seems wholly to crosse them , and appears in all their waies with a drawn sword against them . He doth not only leave them to their enemies , as he did Samson , but to their sins , and to Satan to buffet them , that there is nothing but clouds of wrath and no Star appearing . Now look to the issue , and mark the upright man , his end is peace ; and consider this , Christs Kingdom is hid , and he brings contraries out of contraries , he makes darknesse light , Hell Heaven , guilt pardon , weaknesse strength , and calls things that are not , as though they were . Then think within thy self , I le conclude nothing against my self , but stay and wait what the issue will be , which is ever glorious , Iames 1. 2 , 3 , 4. 1 Pet. 1. 5 , 6 , 7. Consider hath not the Lord done thee much good already ? Oh consider what is then behind !

6. Never enter into dispute with Satan , or thine own self , about thy estate , but by taking and making Scripture and Word to be the Judge of the controversie . Fears come in , you shall never have mercy , never have power ; Who told you so ? Doth the Word say that ? The Lord never gave himself to me , I fear it ! Doth the Word say so ? Never was any as I ; Doth the Word say so ? Or doth not the Word say , God delights to pick out the vilest , to send the Physitian to them that be sick . I cannot see nor conceive any mercy ; Doth the Word say so ? Are not the Lords thoughts above thine ? I have not that peace that others have , therefore the Lord intends none toward me ; Doth the Word say so ? Oh but others if they knew me , would loath me ! Doth the Word say so ? When as it saith , Doublesse then thou art our Father , Isa. 63. 16. And bring before this Judge both sides , not only what sin can say , or may do against thee , but what the Word of the Lord Jesus can say for thee , Jer. 31. 18 , 20. Ephraim cries out of stubb●●nesse : Oh but is not Ephraim my only Son ? Hear Ephraim lamenting too . And hear● nothing against a Word . Look on Paul warring against Christ , and yet the Law of Christ in him also , Luke 24. 25.

7. In times of greatest and smallest fears , remember to be humble and vile in thine own eyes , worthy never to be beloved . And let the Lord have his Will of thee , and this will give you peace . God denies mercy to that man that will be Lord of it : To be sure , evidence mercy then he will not ; and when he doth manifest it , 't is then when poorest and vilest , and the heart is meek and humble , Isa. 57. 15 , 16. Mat. 11. 29. Oh the Lord opens his heart and love , when once his Will is dear . The Lord casts by his rod and frowns now , and creates peace . Thus you may come to see the work , or the Lords Grace in you .

To Ministers , Use 8. to take heed of making precious things common , by giving in false Signs and Evidences of love , but look up to the Lord for a special Spirit here .

To Gods poor people , Use 9. and thankfulnesse . Oh that he hath called thee from darknesse into marvellous light , Of Consolat. into the Kingdom of his dear Son ! Oh that when so many come near to mercy , and fall short of it ; yet me to be let in ! Caleb and Ioshua to be let into Canaan , when the rest so near , and all perished ! Blesse the Lord for all Afflictions , Fears , Temptations , Enemies , Evils , Hidings of his Face , hereby he hath but tried thee and purged away thy drosse ; and be comforted against all reproaches of Hypocrisie and Apostacy , and a proud world that casts filth in the face of Holinesse . Now we are Sons of God , it appears not what we shall be , but we shall be like him in Glory , in Grace , in Honour , in his Kingdom , for we shall see him as he is . And as for you that live , and lie , and bed it with your ease , lusts , sloath , and God sends you means , but the Bellows are burnt , the Lead is melted , and your Drosse not consumed , Reprobate Silver shall men call you , and God shall destroy all your confidence . But you that are the Lords , Oh that you could see what the Lord hath done ! he hath put Heaven into thy soul , and his work which is more Glorious than the Creation of Heaven and Earth .

CHAP. XV. Shewing that the Hypocrisie of the Heart proceeds from a want of a Saving Illumination in the Understanding .

SECT. I.

THE Spring or one great cause and original of Evangelical Truth and Hypocrisie is the mind of man .

For here there was an apparent difference between the Virgins in their practise and in their wills , as hath been shewn ; yet the Lord expresseth it in general thus , that some of them were wise ( which is one part of the perfection of the understanding ) and some of them were foolish ( which is the great defect of light in the mind or understanding ) because the truth of the one and the falshood of the other , manifested what their hearts were , in their heads and minds ; and the Truth in the one , and Hypocrisie in the other did arise and was maintained by wisdom in some of their minds , and by folly in the mind of some others . Folly or want of Divine Light made the one unready for Christ , wisdom or having of Divine Light , made the other prepared for him : Not that it doth exclude the evil or change of the will and affections , but because they manifest themselves , and are maintained in the mind . Hence I say , one great reason or Original of both lies in the mind , Mat. 6. 22 , 23. If thy eye be single , thy whole body is light , &c. The eye or mind of a man sits like the Coachman , and guides the headstrong Affections ; if now this be blind , there will be falls and deviations into crooked waies , John 3. 19 , 20. Light is come . Now what is the condemnation ? Men love darknesse , i. e. will be blind , and having sore minds and hearts , will not look up to the Sun . They see not , nor receive not the Truth in love , and hence condemned , and è contra . Hence Deut. 29. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4. Moses sets down the causes of all their evils : The Lord hath not given you eyes to see to this day . They did see and hear by natural and acquired knowledge , but not by a Divine , created , infused knowledge , all that God had wrought and done for them . He●ce when the Lord intends to seal down the Iews under unbelief , Isa. 6. 10. The Lord then said , shut their eyes lest they see and so be converted . The heart makes the eyes blind , and the mind makes the heart fat . A man that is at enmity with God , the Lord sets him against himself . Hence men are left of God to their own lusts , Luke 19. 42 , 44. Oh that thou hadst known ! and they knew not the day of visitation . Hence Deut. 32. 29. Oh that this people had been wise to consider their latter end ! You know 't is in the Proverbs of Solomon the frequent title of those that are sincere and falshearted , the one is called wise , and the other foolish : Insomuch that some Divines have made a necessity of a change and turning about of the will , when there is fulnesse and clearnesse of light in the mind . Else they say a man might be sapiens and yet impius too , which cannot be . But I dispute not a bout that ; there be many bruit creatures that imitate the knowledge of man , yet there is no mind of man or reasonable soul in them ; so hypocrites may have excellent abilities of reason , and yet fall short of that new mind , the eye and director of the whole man , that Saints have . It s ever dark night with them the Sun of Glory never did yet rise upon them .

SECT. II.

1. BEcause all Divine Light of Glory is ever powerful through Christ to change the heart . Reas. 1. Hence if hypocrites had it , their hearts would be sincere , which is not so , and hence they ever want it , whatever light else they have ▪ and hence those that have it must be sincere , Iohn 8. 32. You shall know the truth and it shall make you free , i. e. from your bondage of fears and sins , hence David prayes for light , Psal. 119. 33 , 34. And then he shall be set at liberty . As Iron is drawn to the Loadstone by a secret hidden vertue , so there is a secret vertue of Divine Light that drawes the most Iron heart , nay changeth it , John 17. 17. Sanctifie them through thy Truth , &c. For this is the difference between mans and Gods teaching : And hence when the Gospel comes in power , it comes in demonstration ; whereby the heart is mightily overpowred , that it cannot but fall down before God , whose voice and truth it hearts . And hence the young man saw some worth in Christ , but not enough , and hence he forsook Christ . Truth is not stones , but bread to them that see it indeed .

2. Because the mind is the first inlet of all sin and all Grace , and hence all hypocrisie springs from thence . Reas. 2. Hence when Satan laid his Train to blow up all the world by sin , he first enters into dispute and parly with Eve , and as the Apostle speaks , deceived her , 1 Tim. 2. 14. The woman was first deceived . And hence when Satan came with his last and strongest temptation , to draw away the heart of Christ to him , he attempted it by a sudden presenting to his mind the Glory of all the world , hoping hereby to get in . Nay in the unpardonable sin there is summa caecitas , to call evil good , and good evil . And hence the Pharisees that did commit it , were called blind ; and when sin is entred , it strengthens it self by the mind , Heb. 3. 13. Least 〈◊〉 of you be hardned through the deceitfulnesse of sin . As 't is with Cities , they might be easily taken , but for the Forts that are built about them , and the Souldiers that are in them : So men set up their hearts and minds above , and against the Lord Jesus . The power of sin lies in the power of darkness , as the power of a weak State in the wisdom of its Council . And hence when the Spirit comes , all the work of it is expressed by conviction of sin , righteousnesse and judgment , because convince one effectually , and you convert him . And hence when the Lord comes with life , he comes in by light , Eph. 5. 14. Christ shall give thee light . And hence when the Gospel comes to take away all darknesse and sin , 't is said Satans chief policy lies in this , to blind mens eyes , 2 Cor. 4. 4. Either by obscuring the Light , or by kindling a false Light in their minds , that they shall think they see , when their darknesse remains ; not but that there is filth enough in the will , but Satan knows that Christ shines into the heart by the mind ; and hence he blinds men , and then he knows he shall damn men . Beloved , if men had the Spirit , it would lead them into all Truth , now this the world cannot receive , because John 14. 17. It knowes him not . This is that which opens and shuts to all life and sin ; not that bare light can change the will , but the Lord doth it by the power of his Truth and Light : And as t is with water coming through some Mines , there is a healing vertue in it , so Light coming from everlasting love , it heals men of their evils .

SECT. III.

HEnce see the danger of two sorts of men especially . Use 1.

1. Of those that flie from the Light , which is done sundry waies . I le mention onely one , that is used by a false heart . A man is troubled in mind concerning his estate , fears death and Hell , and so few shall be saved , how can I be one , &c. How comes he to fear ? The Lord hath by his Spirit in the Word discovered and found out his sin , the thief is taken and apprehended , and condemned , he hears still , but yet can find no peace , Why ? Because he lives in those sins that he is convinced of . Hence the Word raiseth damps and heart-qualms , that he hath no peace , but is ever pulled from his own bottom and hypocrisie , and the Word discovers more sins , and hence hath no peace : The Word will not give nor offer Christ and a base lust together , nor will not suffer any to have them both in peace . Hereupon the soul finding no rest nor peace ( which the false heart seeks for chiefly ) flies from the Light , especially if it hath found out a shorter cut to its peace , by any device or golden delusions of men . And now they will hear there no more , and now the Publishers of Gods Truth are tyrannical tormenters of the Consciences of them that be weak , false Prophets , that lead them out of the way of peace . And because of this , they think they were led out of the way of truth , because out of the way of peace . Or if they do come , they can sit with disdain and contempt of men ( alas they speak according to their light ) and of all the truths of God , which shall one day be preacht over again in flames of fire to their eternal horrour , Rev. 6. 2. It s said , Christ rides on a white Horse , conquering and to conquer . Men have unruly hearts and strong hearts , and they will not die , nor yield presently . And hence when one sin is cast away , another steps into the room of it ; and when that is gone , another supplies the place of it , and commonly the strongest sin and temptation is the last . Now hence Christ goes on , rides on in the Chariot of the Word , conquering and to conquer still . Those that do yeild , he saves , those that will not , he slaies . Now 〈◊〉 poor Creatures have had Christs arrows in them , and are wounded for some sin , but the Lord discovers more still ; hence at last they flie away with the arrowes in their hearts for ease . Oh poor creatures know it , the Lord Jesus will find you out ! You will not be conquered by him , you shall never be saved by him . You have light , you shall have delusions , endlesse unknown hypocrisie and darknesse to be your portion . There is never a plain heart but he accounts that wound and trouble greatest mercy , and blesseth the Lord , that he will not give him his sins and peace with them too .

2. Those that f●ie not from the light of the Truth , but give it the hearing , but yet let it slip ; either not minding it then , or not pondering it afterward ; that before they come , thirst not for more light , look not up for it , nor are mourning when the Lord hides it from their eyes . Some there be that be such all-sufficient men , so good they need be no better , so wise that they need know no more ; some insufficient indeed to know , and hence ever learning , hearing , but never coming to the knowledge of the Truth . If Light breaks not in , they can lie in darknesse still , and not mourn ; and think no more of it than a tale that is told , or ne●● that is brought . Oh look to your standing , for you are in the high rode to hypocrisie , and its impossible you should be kept from it that lie so , John 12. 35. 〈◊〉 while you have the light , lest darkness come upon you . Satan knew if light came in , Christ would come in : And therefore know it , all that time thou hast heard and heard , but not with Divine Light , hast got only somwhat to prate on now , to be of another opinion now from what thou wast : Oh now Satan hath been ●et loose , by the dreadful vengeance of Almighty God , to blind thee , that so thou mightst die in thy hypocrisie and sin . Oh poor Captives , mourn under this , and behold your danger for time to come .

Hence see the reason why many that have had mighty strong Affections at first conversion , Use 2. afterwards become dry , and wither , and consume , and pine , and die away , and now their hypocrisie is manifest , if not to all the world by open prophanenesse , yet to the discerning eye of living Christians , by a formal , barren , unsavoury , unfruitful heart and course , because they never had light nor conviction enough as yet . You shall have some ignorant creatures awakened by some thundring Ministry , weep and mourn for sin , and after vanish into s●●cak , being never convinced of sin . Land-floods of sorrow without a Spring of light , are dried up , and make the heart more fruitful in sin afterward . Many go under fear● of wrath , and never get peace , because never convinced of wrath . Many are affected with Christ , and with joy of the Gospel , as the stony ground , but they wanting depth of earth , of conviction , die away again ; and hence all the world can never stop a Christian in his shining Profession , no more than they can the Sun in his course , as Paul , 2 Cor. 5. 11. We knowing the terrour of the Lord perswade men . And hence Moses , Heb. 11. 27. feared nofrowns of Pharaoh , cared for no honours from Pharaoh , he saw the God that was invisible , and hence Christ praies for his Disciples , to be kept from evil . The world hath not known me , but these have known me , Iohn 17. When men are condemned to die , they take on because now they see death ; but here in time of health they see it not . If men wrong a child , their heart smites them and grieves , but the Lord is abased dishonoured , and men are not affected , because they want light , and see it not : If men be to match with a Prince , or stand before him , 't is counted blessednesse ; but before Christ , 't is a burden , because men know it not . 'T is strange to see some people carried with mighty affection against sin and Hell , and after Christ . And what is Hell you fear ? A dreadful place . What is Christ ? They searce know so much as Devils do , but that is all : Oh trust them not ! Many have , and these will fall away , to some Lust , or Opinion , or Pride , or World ; and the reason is , they never had light enough , John 5. 35. Iohn was a burning and shining light , and they did joy in him for a season , yet as glorious as it was , they saw not Christ by it , especially not with Divine Light . It s rare to see Christians full both of light and affection . And therefore consider of this , many a man hath been well brought up , and is of a sweet , loving Nature , mild , and gentle , and harmlesse , likes and loves the best things , and his meaning , and mind and heart is good , and hath more in heart than in shew , and so hopes all shall go well with him . I say , there may lie greatest hypocrisie under greatest affections ; especially if they want light . You shall be hardned in your hypocrisie by them . I never liked violent affections and pangs , but only such as were dropt in by light ; because those come from an external Principle , and last not , but these do . Men are not affrighted by the light of the Sun , though clearer than the Lightning .

Hence take heed of contenting your selves with every kind of knowledge : Use 3. Do not worship every Image in your own Heads ; especially you that fall short of Truth or the knowledge of it ; for when you have some , there may be yet that wanting which may make you sincere . There are many men of great knowledge , able to reach themselves and others too , and yet their hearts are unsound . How comes this to passe ? Is it because they have so much light ? No , but because they want much ; and therefore content not your selves with every knowledge . There is some knowledge which men have by the light of nature ( which leaves them without excuse ) from the Book of Creation , some by power of education , some by the light of the Law , whereby men may know their sin and evils , some by the Letter of the Gospel , and so men may know much , and speak well , and so in seeing see not ; some by the Spirit , and may see much , so as to prophesie in Christs Name , and yet be bid depart , Mat. 7. Now there is a Light of Glory , whereby the Elect see things in another manner ; to tell you how , they cannot , it s the beginning of light in Heaven , and the same Spirit that fils Christ , filling their minds , that they know by this anointing all things ; which if ever you have , you must become Babes and Fools in your own eyes . God will never write his Law in your minds , till all the Scriblings of it are blotted our . Account all your knowledge losse for the gaining of this . 'T is sad to see many a man pleasing himself in his own dreaming delusions , yet the poor creature in seeing sees not , which is Gods heavy curse upon men under greatest means , and which laies all wast and desolate , Isa. 6. How long ? Until all be wast , V. II.

Hence see the right way of living a life of Truth , Use 4. of being an Israelite in whom is no guile . Keep light in your minds , and you will keep Truth alive in your hearts and lives . Many a sincere heart may have Hypocrisie and much unsoundnesse in him , though he be no Hypocrite . But how comes it so to be ? and whence so little Truth ? and hence so many fears and doubts about their estates continually ? Oh! men lose that Glorious Light that somtime they have . For when you have it in an Ordinance , Oh how sweet is the Lord and all his waies to you ! Afterward you have lost your hearts , truly 't is because you have lost your light .

Two waies Hypocrisie vents it self , which Gods people oppose .

1. In secret withdrawing of the heart to sin . Oh now get light ! for sin never draws away , but by appearance of some good at least , pro hic & nunc . Iam. 1. 14. Now put off the covering , keep the mind from being deceived , you will keep the heart from being hardned , deaded and withdrawn from God .

2. In performing duties , but not for Christ as their utmost end ; now the heart is bent this way , yet it failes , because light is gone , to see and behold the Glory and blessednesse of this . Men that have honour or gain in their eye , are carried violently after it . Men that are bound for a voyage will go through , their eye leads them . Stephen speaks till the stones were about his ears , I see Iesus saith he , at the right hand of God . 2 Cor. 15. 58. Be abundant in the Lords work , knowing that your labour is not in vain . Hence David Psal. 119. begs for knowledge of this and that , and then he will do it . Oh therefore keep it in your minds as precious , Prov. 2. 10. If knowledge be pleasant , &c. And pray to God to keep it for you . Light is in the Sun , and not ceased to this day : so if the Lord would put in this Light , and be the perpetual Fountain thereof to you , it would abide , &c. Thy Word I have hid in my heart , &c. Psal. 119.

SECT. IV.

HEnce learn the cure of hypocrisie , viz. Remove the cause , Use 5. which is folly ; and if you would be sincere , Oh prize , and beg for more light , and love it , and you shall then after you have digged for it , find it . Would it not be sad to be led blindfold like them till they were in the midst of Samaria , so till in the midst of Hell ? Would it not be sad to be like Sodomites , groping for the door ? Especially you that are come over to this Countrey for more of the Knowledge o● Christ . Oh then Beloved , take heed you bury not your minds in the earth , lose● not your thoughts in the dung . And you must stand one day before God , when the Book of the secrets of your hearts shall be opened , when if found too light , then would it not be a doleful parting to lose the Lord Jesus after such light and affections , for want of a little more Light ? Oh look to your selves now !

1. Stick close to the guidance of the Scriptures , and love them . Moses saith , Means 1. Then other Nations shall say , what people so wise ? Deut. 4. 6. And these make the men of God ( 2 Tim. 3. 15. ) full of Gods Spirit , wise unto salvation , and for neglect of this , the Lord gave , and doth give men up to strong delusions , that they believe lies , viz. because they loved not the Truth . Never a Truth but is unsealed by Blood , and revealed to be the infinite wisdom of the Father , and love to poor lost men , where God opens all his heart ; if men will despise these , 't is pity but they should be blinded . Do not scoffe at those that know the Lord here , they are Scripture-learned men , if not , never Spirit-learned . Take this for your Counseller , in all your doubts and fears it will teach you . A man gets an opinion , or falls in love with a sinful corruption , both deceive him . Why so ? Is there no word against it ? Oh yes , but they will not hear it , but make God and Scripture bow down to them , they will not be led by it . Oh intreat the Lord to keep thee from that .

2. Be abundant in meditation dayly , Psal. 119. 99. Means 2. 'T is an hundred to one else if not miserably deluded . And as the Spirit convinceth first of sin , righteousnesse and judgment , so let your thoughts be . This makes a man see far , and see much .

3. Practise what you know , and tast the sweetnesse of it there , Means 3. Psal. 119. 100. And then the heart will grow savingly full of Divine Light . Nothing makes men foolish but this . Oh tast and see ! Oh if men knew the sweet of this way of Truth , they would ever walk in it , and bring others to submit to it ! Shall I hide from Abram , that will teach his Family ? Gen. 18. 17 , 19.

4. Cast up your eyes to Christ glorified , being full of the Spirit for thee , Means 4. and beg of him , as if he were with thee to send it down . As Solomon asked this . See , Iohn 7. 39.

Oh learn to be exceeding thankful for any saving light the Lord hath kindled in you , Use 6. if ever it hath been powerful to discover and remove the hidden hypocrisie of thy heart , that now the Lord hath made thee plain and serious for him , that its death not to live , Heaven for to live unto him . Oh then blesse the Lord for that means that did it for thee , that mightst have perished in thy own delusions and dreams . Time was when thou wast deceived , now the Lord hath made thy eyes brighter than the Sun , to see such things as are hid from great ones in the world . Oh though it be but a little , yet if real and saving light , blesse him . A man that hath been in midst of Sands , and without a Pilot , afterwards looks back , and saith , there I might have split . Oh this is wonderful to him ! Oh Christ did thus ! 1I thank thee thou hast hid , &c. Mat. 11. 25. The Lord hath hid them from heads and hearts of many wise and prudent , and ever they shall be hid , and è contra , revealed them to thee , a babe , a weak one , a poor ignorant one , Mat. 16. 17. Flesh and blood hath not revealed it , so as to build here on this righteousnesse , to fetch all light and life from Christ , and cleave alone to him . Oh remember you are called out of darknesse into marvellous light to shew forth his vertues ? What canst desire more than eternal life ? And this is it , 1 Iohn 5. 20. Iohn 17. 30.

CHAP. XVI . That Hypocrites discover themselves in an uneffectual use of the Means of Grace . Secondly , The difference between the wise and foolish Virgins is set down more particularly , v. 3 , 4.

SECT. I.

THIS particular difference is declared by the different practise of the foolish and wise Virgins each from other .

1. That the Foolish though they had so much wisdom ( like the wise ) as to take Lamps , yet so much folly was bound up in their hearts , as that they took no Oyl in their Vessels for their Lamps .

2. That the wise did not only light their Lamps , but they did also fill their Vessels with Oyl , that either their Lamp might never go out , or if it did , it might be soon kindled again . More plainly , The Foolish contented themselves with the name and blaze of outward Profession , kindled from some inward , yet lighter and more superficiall strokes of Gods Spirit , neglecting the great work within : But the wise did not only carry their Lamps of outward Profession , but they filled their Vessels , and got an inward Principle of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus to maintain their profession before man , and their uprightnesse before the Lord . So that methinks here is a double difference , the first is implied , the second plainly exprest .

1. That which is implied is this , that the Foolish made choice of a good end , viz. to meet Christ , but it was with an ineffectual use of means to that end ; their Lamps were to light and lead them to Christ . These Lights might blaze for a time , but they would consume without Oyl . They neglect that , the wise were better instructed than so .

2. The Foolish glory in an outward Profession , as also in some superficial affection , without an inward Principle of the gracious presence of the eternal anointing and Spirit in them ; but the wise have it , and are carried to Glory by it . And more at this time of the Lamps and Vessels I shall not speak .

1. Doct. 1. That the closest Hypocrites of Virgin-Churches discover themselves ( at least before the Lord ) in an ineffectual use of those means that do conduce towards their desired and expected end .

The Bridegroom is here looked for , the presence of Christ Jesus is longed for , he comes in the night , they must meet him in the night . Now means they use , Lamps they take , and so much Oyl as kindles their Lamps ; but Oyl they take not in their Vessels , the only means to preserve their Lamps from going out , that so they may meet the Lord and not be shut out from the Lord , as at last these carelesse Virgins were . Search the Churches for the present , search the Records of Ages past , many have desired the Lord and looked for the Lord , and yet have lost the Lord their end : Why so ? They never had hearts effectually to use and improve the means to that end , either outward or inward . Look upon men out of the Church , they perish because they have no remedy , they have no Lamps to light , they have no Bread to eat , no Means to help . But why do those within the Church perish ? Is it because there is no remedy ? No , but because they do not use the remedy . Is it because they want Means ? No , but because they do not effectually improve means . Here they fall short , herein they discover themselves . Look but upon this next Parable of the Talents , v. 25 . One of them was cast off , and cast out . Why ? Because he had no Talents ? No , But because he had no mind nor list to use his Talent , he did not make his gain out of it to attain his end . All Ordinances of God , and all that time we have under them are Talents . Now wherein do Hypocrites fail ? There is a secret gain of Ordinances which Hypocrites regard not , and hence the best hypocrite lives in debt , and die● a Beggar . For Prov. 16. 17. Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool , but no heart to use it ? Precious Liberties , Ordinances , that many have desired to see , and have not seen them . Why doth the Lord betrust him with such that useth them not ? Oh he hath them , but here is his wound , he hath no heart to use them ! Look throughout all the Word , Why have many set a great price on Christ , and yet have lost him ? Because like higling Chapmen , they have had a desire to the Commodity , but they have been loath to be at the cost to use the means for it . The Gospel brings Christ and Immortality to light , and this Serpent is lifted up , this Lamb slain before mens eyes , and this Bread put to mens lips and mouths . Why are not all possessed of him , blessed in him ? The Lord saith , come , and the Spirit saith , come , and the Bride saith , come ; Why the reason is , men will not use the means for him , Isa. 55 . 2 , 3 , 4. Men will lay out their money , though it be for that which is not Bread . Jer. 2 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8. I brought them through Pits into a pleasant Land , to eat the goodnesse thereof . And doubtlesse he brought not a herd of swine into Canaan , only to enjoy the outward blessings and swill of Canaan , but to enjoy the good of his Temple , Ordinances , &c. But where was their wound ? Neither Priests nor People said , where is the Lord ? i. e. Where is the Lord in these waies , that we may come at last to the full enjoyment of him by these ? This they neglected . Methinks 't is with the best hypocrites as 't is with divers old Merchants , they prize and desire the gain of Merchandise , but to be at the trouble to prepare the Ship , to put themselves upon the hazards and dangers of the Ship , to go and fetch the Treasure that they prize , this they will never do . So many prize and desire earnestly the Treasures of Heaven , here is their end , but to be at the trouble of a Heaven-Voyage to fetch this Treasure , to passe through the Valley of Baca , Tears , Temptations , the Powers of Darknesse , the Breaches , Oppositions , and Contradictions of a sinful , unbelieving heart , good and evil report , to passe from one depth and wave to another , this the best hypocrite failes in , and hence loseth all at last . And this I conceive to be one of the great differences between the strong desires and esteems of Hypocrites and Saints .

SECT. II.

I. IN regard of God , Reas. 1. because this neglect is one of the great means by which he doth execute his eternal rejection of men , and hence here they ever do fail .

For 1. The Lord hath chosen some to life , the end .

2. He chuseth certain means to lead to this end .

3. He purposeth to carry all his Elect by these means to that end ; themselves cannot , hence the Lord doth . And hence ariseth the great peace and support of the Saints , when they look upon the everlasting mountains of hindrances and impossibilities in their way , the Lord hath undertaken to carry them through them , Iohn 17. 15. That when heart and strength failes , he will be heart and strength , and guide by his counsel , and bring to his Glory . And hence as all the Elect are to be certainly carried through all means to their end , and this is proper to them , so hence the best Hypocrite being never appointed certainly to come to this end , ever failes in the use of means ; there he is and shall be forsaken of God , and forsake God . Hence Iohn 6. When many used the means , and followed Christ for a time , that they might have life , at last they forsook Christ and means to have him . Why ? v. 65. Because none can come to me , except it were given him of the Father . Hence , look as certainly as the Decree of Reprobation shall stand , he having not appointed them to the end ; so he never carries them through all means to that end , and therefore here they do ever fail . As 't is in a Family , those that the Lord of the Family intends to give his estate unto , he keeps a strict eye upon them , keeps them under the Government of the Family ; as for others , let them go where they will , and do what they will ; so here , all that shall enjoy God , are put under the Kingdom of the Son . Hence he is said to give it up : To others he will say , you love Liberty , take it then .

II. Reas. 2. Because the Lord and Fellowship with him , is never indeed their last & utmost end , or their only end , but they have some o● her end of their own ; & hence they are never carried strongly through all means to that end . For this is the nature of a mans last and utmost end , it carries a man without any stop toward it , and that with delight . As a man that hath ho●our and preferment , and great hopes in his eye , that is reaching to the top of his aspiring thoughts , he will ride , and run , and flatter , and sin , &c. A man that hath riches in his eye , he will rise early , and go to bed late , eat the bread of carefulnesse , and he never hath enough . A man that is sick , and hath health in his eye , takes his Physick , observes his seasons , wasts his estate , for this is his end . Hence a Hypocrite never making Christ his last end , but being ever a double-minded man , Iames 1. And having his own ends , and lusts , and self to attend upon , hence the Byas draws him from following Christ effectually , but he must follow his own ends , and hence ever neglects the means that lead him thereunto , Mat. 6 . 24. Look as 't is with men that have two Trdes , or two Shops , one is as much as ever they can follow or tend , they are forced at last to put off one , and they must neglect the one : So here .

III. Reas. 3. In regard of that Spirit of sloath and slumber , which the Lord ever leaves the best Hypocrite unto ; which is the dearest lust and last enemy that the Lord destroyes in all his , but never destroies in these . Which so might●ly oppresseth all their senses , that they cannot use effectually all means to accomplish their ends . And hence a man desires the end , but hath it not , Prov. 13 . 4. The Lord proposeth the most Glorious end to his people , but it s through many difficulties that we must come to it . Now there being the Spirit of sloath within , and these difficulties without , a Hypocrite sits down and rests under the shadow of this growing , spreading sin ; and saith 't is hard , and because he cannot do so , he hopes 't is but an infirmity , and God will accept of his desires , and here perisheth , Mat. 7. 14. For straight is the gate that leads unto life , hence few there be that find it . Look as it was with the Israelites , Canaan they were bound for , they came at last to it , but when their Spies had told them of the difficulties , they sank , only Caleb and Ioshua of that mighty Host that had upright hearts here . Heavy things must descend , though cast up ; for their place is downward . Light things , cast them downward , yet they must up again , for their place is upward ; So 't is here : A sluggish heart may be lift up by means , but they cannot hold it , their place is downward , here is their rest ; so Saints , è contra , like fire will consume all difficulties , their rest is upward .

SECT. III.

HEnce we see one ground of many complaints that are in the mouths of many Professors of the waies of God , Use 1. that never find the sweet which is the end of their Christian course , that are ever complaining of wants , but never feels supplies , ever learning , never knowing , ever hoping , never having , ever confessing of their sins , never triumphing over their sin , ever wishing that they had the Lord , but never possessing the Lord . And hence have minds full of fears , and mouths full of complaints , and hence finding no sweet in their course , could be content but for shame , to throw by their Profession . Why ? Where is the cause of this ? Is Heaven so barren and beggarly , that there are no Jewels to be had there ? Are the fields of Gods Ordinances so empty , that there is no Treasure to be found there ? Oh yes ! there 't is , but Christians are idle , there is the Treasure , but they cannot beg , much lesse dig for it , Prov. 2. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6. If there be a treasure in the ground , and a man can find nothing , and so is ever complaining , the fault is in the man , he doth not dig long enough , nor deep enough ; so 't is here : There is never an Ordinance , but the Lord is in it ; he never said to the Horse of Iacob seek his face in vain . Men pray , and if a few sighs will fe●ch in relief , well and good , if not , they cast that Shovel by , dig I cannot ; they spend some time in laying sin to heart , but if I cannot presently feel the bitternesse of it , I cannot help it , dig I cannot . A man can be content to hear the Word , and to listen after it , but to stir up the soul to lay hold on the Lord , that their sleep forbids , Prov. 13. 4. The soul of the diligent shall be made fat . Why do you famish under means ? Is it because the Lords is unwilling or unable to relieve ? No , Iohn 6. 27. You labour for that bread that perisheth . Labour not for it , but for the other , and the Son of man will give it you , for he is sealed for that very end . You complain your hearts are alwaies out of frame . Tell me , do you keep then with all diligence ? Prov. 4 . 23. With all your Guard about it ? You complain you never get assurance . Do you use all diligence to make it sure ? You complain you seek and find not . Do you seek him diligently ? Heb. 11 . 6. Oh this is the cause ! The Lord hath given you the Spirit of slumber . Oh lay not the fault on the Lord , but on thine own carelesse heart , and lament over it , and say , this hath been the cause of all my complaints and woe . Oh I remember what the Lord by Ieremy speaks ! Go into the strong Holds , for the Lord hath poured upon us the Spirit of deep sleep , and given us the waters of Gall to drink . I confesse the Lords choicest servants have their complaints , their sighs and groans unutterable , they have their fears , temptations and tears ; Who more abundantly ? Yet Beloved , methinks 't is with them as 't is with Passengers and Travellers towards their home , that they see it Twenty Miles off somtime , when they be on the Top of an Hill , after they have gone a little farther , they come into a Valley , and then they complain they have lost the sight of it , and cannot see it again scarce till they be upon i● ; yet they sit not down in their Valley , but are going towards it . They go from strength to strength , though they come tired thither ; as Psal. 84. 7 , 8. They passe from strength to strength till they come to see God in Sion . They rest not in their complaints , but get on ; and the star before them , the Means that lead them to that end , make them ( as Mat. 2. 10. ) rejoyce with exceeding great joy . I confesse they may for a time give way to their sloath , and sit in their vallies , and turn day into night , and sleep out almost the season of means ; yet you shall ever find this , if ordinary means awaken them not , terrible Flashings and Lightnings of wrath do ; and in their afflictions and terrours and wounds of Conscience , Hos. 5. 15. they shall seek the Lord early . Ponder therefore of this cause , and in a time of sorrow they shall complain for somthing , viz. for their sloath . This may be the greatest sin of some , they live in no sin , but complaint , thy complaints may be fruits of sloath in not using means , and this may be thy great sin .

Hence learn 't is not having of Means in this place , Use 2. nor coming hither for Means , that will do you any good or evidence your safe and good estate , but an effectual use and improvement of them ; not only the use of outward , but inward means too . Men that have never so great a stock may die Beggars , by not improving it , Deut. 29 . 3 , 4.

1. Many seeing and beholding that Sun which is set with them , to be risen here in these Western Parts , partly out of fear of persecution , partly by Friends perswasion and company , partly to enjoy Gods Ordinances , have taken their flight hither .

But 2. Being come , wish Oh that our eyes had never seen it ! partly through plenty of means , despise and loath them , partly through multitude of covering or vexing cares have no hearts to , or time to use them .

And yet 3. Are comforted in this , that they have them , though they see no God in them , tast little sweetnesse , receive little power from them , and hope to go to Heaven at next remove , that have come so far for these , &c. I would to God it were so . But oh consider ,

1. If you improve them not , thy coming hither is but the discovery of thy hypocrisie to men and Angels , for this is the stage wherein the most fine-spun hypocrisie and real sincerity shall act its part .

2. Nay thou art so far from being blessed in having them thus , that Gods fiercest plagues shall here approach thy dwelling . The Arke among the Philistims , made the Lord plague the Philistims .

3. Nay this shall lay all desolate one day . They cried the Temple of the Lord , Jer. 7. Go to Shiloh . So I say , Go to the Palatinate , Go to Germany , France , go to the places whence you came , and see what the Lord hath done .

4. This shall be as to Saints greatest joy , when they shall look back , and see all the difficulties they have passed over , that here and there hearts and help failed , and there I lingred , but the Lord was merciful , and pulled me out , and they shall wonder at that Faithfulnesse and Grace ; so here : This will be terrour and anguish ; that I came so far , and had means , and took some pains , and was almost perswaded one time , almost confuted another , almost conquered and had yielded up all at another , but oh my Lump fell down to the dust again , and my soul forsook the pursuing of the Lord again ? and this shall be the portion of Hypocrites . You may neglect and wrap up your Talents , but the Lord hath a time to call you to an account what gain you make . Look therefore to it , it may be some of you have need to improve means , you despise them in one place , and hither you come for them , and poor hearts , eyes dim , hearts hard , Consciences asleep , ears deaf , breath gone , life lost , God departed , and nothing left but a dead Carcase . It may be some are sincere , and the work of Gods Spirit is set back , your Lamps are out , your watchful minds and tender hearts and earnest pursuit after the Lord is gone . Oh then consider what little cause you have to boast in means ! Men that have no part in ships , look for no gain ; but if you have any part in the Blessi●● o● Ordinances , rest not without it .

Hence see what need you have of a mighty and unresistable power of the Lords Grace and Spirit , to carry you an end in your Christian course , Use 3. if ever you come to life . For if Hypocrisie discovers it self in an ineffectual use of means , then you will find all the powers of darknesse resisting and seeking to surprize you here . That as 't is with Thieves , you shall not see not find them lying in the City , 't is in vain there to offer any violence , but in the way ; So Satan cannot step unto the Gates of Heaven to keep you from thence , and hence all his power and policy lies in the way of means , to keep you from thence . And hence look upon the best man , how many hindrances to Prayer somtime , though he hath tasted the sweet of it , he had rather die than pray . How soon are the thoughts turned from God , when we come to draw nigh to God , how unable to wake one hour ? That if it were not the inyincible strength of a God that did support them , 1 Pet. 1 . 5. they could never go on . Tell me you poor Creatures that never were effectually carried to your end by means , Do you not oft find checks for sin , desires against it , Christ and mercy weeping at your knees , melting over you , and your hearts almost perswaded ? Do you not find a want of Christ , and Grace , and Spirit , and Promises , and you hope it will be better ? Do you not find some movings towards the Lord , but yet withal do you not find a dead , sloathful heart slayes you again ? The veriest reprobate in the world may have as good an assurance of heaven as thou , there may be better in Hell than thee . And who can mend this ? long , long it hath been thus . Oh then feel a need of the Lords irresistable power ! Thou indeed hast an end , but say , Lord thou must carry me like a lost sheep on thy shoulders to that end ! Seek the Lord and his strength , seek his face evermore , in all means , at all times , but seek his strength then , Col. 1. 29. I labour thus , striving according to his working , which works in me mightily : and so I strive . Oh see need of this ! Many of you make work with your own hearts , and strive , and endeavour , and yet cannot stir . Oh look then for this mighty working , and feel a need of it !

SECT. IV.

HEnce judge what your estates are this day before the Lord . I know and believe that you prize , pray for , long for the end , and if ever the Lord saves and pardons you , Use 4. Of Trial. you shall have cause to blesse him . You may do as hath been said , but never find a heart given you by the invincible wrestlings of a God to use and improve all means to that end ; and thus your practise in the habitual neglect of means is a clear and manifest witnesse , like the day against you , that you do not desire sincerely the end ( as you think ) in having so little respect to the means that conduce thereunto . Did you ever see that man that did indeed desire life , but he would use all means , wits , and friends , nay cut off his Limbs to preserve it ? But however , put that name upon it , say you do desire and prize the end , yet if the Lord leaves you , or you forsake the Lord in a neglect of means , that lead thereto , and that effectually ; what you may be , and what the Lord may do , I know not , but to this day your estate is no better than a painted salvation and pictured hypocrisie before the Lord . That stone at which the closest hypocrites have stumbled , that rock on which the best hypocrite hath been broken , thou art fallen upon , that enemy of sloath , which hath carried Kings ( men that have worn the Crown of Profession in the world ) miserable Captives , ( notwithstanding their lamentable cries , Lord save us ! ) to hell , the same enemy hath already bound thee up in Chaines , and what will become of thee , 't is only known in his Breast , that by the voice of his Trump can awaken the dead , and break the bonds of sloath and death it self . But you will say , there are no Virgins among us that neglect to take their oyle , that so far forget themselves as to neglect the means , that are come so many thousand miles for means ; there is not a day but some line is drawn , not a Sermon , Sabbath but some good got , or else they think themselves half undone , not a prayer but one step nearer to glory : The day is not long enough , and therefore the nights are spent in wrastlings with the Angel ; nay , in prevailing with God for themselves and Churches , and blessing on both ; Sabbaths are the day breaks of heaven , the fellowship of Saints be●ter then to stand before Kings , the fellowship of Christ in heaven so sweet , that in seeking of him men forget themselves , nay to eat their bread ; that if the Lord should have let out the vineyard of Ordinances to any Husbandmen in the world , who could or would have taken more pains to dig it , to dress it , then we doe . Beloved , those enlargements that are in any after the Lord , the Lord cherish and increase them , but I fear we may go five times about the tree before we see such loaden boughs . I am much mistaken if the best may not be discovered here , the fairest flowers in the field must wither , they cannot last , and the best affections that are but temporary , that have acted men mightily for a time in the use of means , must perish in the neglect of means at last . I shall not therefore meddle with profane or carnal Gospellers , so much as with close deceivers of their own souls ; and look as 't is in all sores , you may know where the sore is by the lappings , so you may know a sluggard that neglects means by his shifts : For if you observe , no sin hath so many shifts and colours for it as this ; Saul when he had not gone through stich with the Lords work in slaying the Amalekites , what adoe had Samuel to convince him ? He tells a lye , lays the blame on the people , propounds the good end and affection he had ; So here : Thus it is with many , as Viz.

1. Those that live in a secret neglect of means , and yet hope to come to their end , because of their desires ; we shall finde the S●●ipture gives us two sorts of desires . 1. Of the righteous . 2. Of the sluggard , 1. The desires of the righteous , Prov. 10. 24. shall be granted , being breathings of Gods eternal Spirit , not a sigh or groan unanswered . 2. Of the sluggard , Prov. 21. 15. The desire of the slothful kills him , for his hands refuse to labour ; the desires of the righteous are ever spurs to quicken them up in the use of means mightily , the desires of the sluggard bridle him up , they binde his hands , and fetter his feet that he cannot but neglect means : Some desires there be that arise from the need of a good , and here will not only be desires , but all means used , as in point of famine ; some only from want of a good , and here a man usually contents himself with bare desires , never hath a heart to use the means mightily for that end . Many a one is convinced his state is miserable , and fears it , and Balaam-like , sees the blessedness of the people of God , and knows he wants pardon , and life , and peace , and promises , and Christ , and desires it ; oh that I might die their death , oh that I might live and drink that water , that I might thirst no more , oh that my sins were pardoned , oh that my heart was humbled . But what if the Lord grant them no peace nor pardon ? Do they make earnest enquiry after the Lord Christ ▪ with restless pursuits and groans because they need it , is it worth that ? Oh no , but yet they hope God will be so merciful as to accept their desires , and so they rest , and live and die in that rest , oh poor creatures your desires kill you ; as a man is undone with slothful servants that cannot earn their own , much less get their masters bread . And many in Hell , say I had thought my desires would have carried me to glory , but now I see they have been slothful , and here I must perish and famish for ever ; had I known of this , I would rather have wept out my eyes , and filled the world with my sorrowful complaints , my meditations of the Lord should have been at midnight ; I would have deceived my eyes of sleep at night , and deprived my self of bread at day , and lost my limbs , had I but known that by contenting my self with these desires , I should have lost my life . Here many Christians are falsly bottomed , they are troubled about their estate , come to some or other and professe their desires are after Christ and grace , &c. And then comforted ( as in sinking fits a man snatcheth at any Flag or Twig ) with them desires , before they have followed the Lord in the use of all means to get the thing they desire . And here is the first beginning of the Lords forsaking of them , and theirs of the Lord , and he is left alone only with his desires , that if any duty be neglected , desires comfo●t him ; if grace resisted , desire ; quiet him ; if sin keeping him captive , desires fill him ; Luke 13. 24. And so like a Bird that lies in the nest , but its wings never grow , there it perisheth . I know Saints may comfort themselves with desires before the things be given , because promised , but you shall see an endless reach in them in the use of all means , Phil. 3. 13. Others think their neglect of means to be but an infirmity , & that their desires will serve , & hence abuse that Scripture , Rom. 7.

2. They that neglect the means and yet hope to come to their end , because of worldly clogs and incumbrances here ; for this is the very spirit of many a man . If God keeps the house from being burn● , and family from being sick , it may be family prayer is neglected , if not that , yet secret is omitted ; if not that , yet meditation ; a man can get no head nor heart , nor time for it , if any good is got , it s lost again ; Sabbaths spent , and no good gained ; a man knows his soul lies waste and common without any fence or watch , and that he would not let his fields lie as he doth his heart , overgrown with cares and lusts and vain thoughts . Now many a man though he doth dislike this , yet lives in this . Why ? Is this your home , are these things your portion ? No , but yet thinks he may with a safe Conscience continue thus , and God forgive him too ; why the family is great , children encrease upon me , ( and they are so busie and long a dressing on the Lords day , that Sermon is out before they come ) and we are not called to book it all day as Ministers can , and worldly employments are so many , and the best are entangled here ; and they think this is an excuse , Luke 14. 18 , 19. Nay many a one convinced of this , yet lives in this against the light of conviction , hoping that one day the stream of worldly occasions will be run by . I confesse , as the Lord hath given us his Ordinances to seek him in , so he hath appointed our callings to walk with him in : Adam in Paradise must not be idle , but look to the garden ; and in this land those that will be good husbands for God ( least they discredit their profession by bringing themselves to a piece of bread ) must be good husbands for themselves : But here is that which stings , when to worldly emploiments , men are servants , not Lords of them , when men do not make their occasions ●ow down to them , and serve them , that they may serve and seek a God , but they bow down their knees , nay , basely their backs , under the feet of any mean imployment , and that must be followed with neglect of God . Do not say who is not entangled here ? I tell you if Christ● prayer can prevail some are not , Iohn 17. 15. I pray not that thou wouldest take them out of the world , but keep them from the evil : If blood can prevail it doth , Gal. 1. 4. Oh look to this ! it may be some of you do not only neglect the Lord in means , but when the Lord comes to you in means and quic●ens your hearts and kindles many resolutions in you ; you neglect the Lord , all dyes again , oh it is the world ! know your estates by this .

3. Those that depart from God in the neglect of means , because they finde no good , and do not feel themselves a whit the better for them ; they neglect this trade , because they finde it a gainless trade : For thus God executes his eternall rejection upon many a soul : As it was with Saul , it was one of the last Vials God powred out upon him , 1 Sam. 28. 5 , 6 , 15. saith he , I am sore distressed , and the Lord answers me not by ●rim nor by Thummin , and therefore am I come to thee ; let a Devil comfort me if God will not : So many a soul having committed some sin that lies glowing on the Conscience , is sore troubled , and first it goes to the Lord , and the Lord answers not , there is silence in heaven , and in all means , but the noise of fears within ; now at last the soul doth not forsake the Lord for Satan plainly , but what means can comfort them that they seek for , and in time a man is weary of waiting at Gods gate● , and hence a form of duties , and prayers , and custome of devotion is kept to quiet the conscience ; but they are not restless for the gain of them , for the Lord in them : they think 't is in vain , to no profit , as those in Mal. 3. 14. to walk mournfully . Ionah was cast out of Gods sight , yet through the belly of a W●ale he would look toward the Temple . So 't is with the people of God , though they sometimes conclude thus , and think not to seek any more , yet their hearts have tasted the good , and their faith beleeves there is that hid in the Lord in his Temple ▪ that it never saw yet , hence they look still . What made the man Mat. 25. hide his talent in the earth ? I thought thou wast an hard Master , and lookedst for so much gain , and I could not get it , and hence he hid his Talent . Hence men keep the means , without use of the means , and some that have for a time been used to do so , keep it as their custome without making any such work of it , as to gain the end of the means .

4. Those that do neglect the Lord in means by an effectual pursuit of them , because of some sips and taste of some good in them ; and so me thinks 't is in this case as 't is in some Countries where if a man comes to their house in the afternoon , and both have a minde to part , yet loth to part without shewing some kindness , and the other without tasting of it , they lay their voiding napkin , and finding that refreshing there , they are content to lose their , supper . So 't is here , a man comes weary to the Lords House , to his Ordinances , the Lord will not let him go without some expression of kindness , nor they depart willingly from the Lord without it , and hence the Lord gives them light out of darkness , joy out of sorrow , peace out of trouble , a taste of his sweetness , after tasts of sins bitterness , and then they take their leave ; as they Hebr. 6. 2 , 3 , 4 , 5. And here the Lord leaves many a poor creature , Deut. 29. 2 , 3 , 4. they did see something , and tast something , and there they rested ; Oh but the Lord gave them not eyes to see , &c. For no Hypocrite living is fully emptied of his lusts , but hath somewhat to fill him ; but some emptiness he may have , hence may have some desires after the Lord , and hence it is not the fulness of God onely that satisfie● him , but some tasts of Gods kindness , and small thing● do and must fill him ; his lusts fill him in part , and something of God is wanting , and that some little matter doth make up . Hence when this is done , means is neglected fearfully , a mans heart is hardned and ignorant , a little light and sorrow stays him , as the stony ground though there be a stone at bottom ; a man is full of doubts , and a little hope which frees him from fears quiets him , hence he never conquers unbelief : A man hath lived a loose course , a little resolution of heart stays him , though the heart will depart again , as those Deut. 5 . 27 , 29. the Lord hath but little of their hearts , and the Lord shews them but little of his : And hence this is usual to see a false heart most diligent in seeking the Lord when he hath been worst , and most careless when 't is best . Hence many at first conversion sought the Lord earnestly , afterward affections and ende●vours die , that now they are as good as the Word can make the● : Hence the Lord when in mercy he deals with men , keeps them long fasting till the time of extremity comes , and then he pours waters on the thirsty . Hence better for those never to have known , 2 Pet. 2 . 21. and an hypocrites last end is to satisfie himself , hence he hath enough ; a Saints is to satisfie Christ , hence he never hath enough .

5. Those that do neglect the Lord under this colour of receiving Christ , they can do nothing themselves , and Christ must do all ; and hence neglect the Lord secretly , and sometimes quarrel with the Ministry privately , when pressed to a duty or to beleeve . Alas what can a man do , when all the Ministers in the world have preached their hearts out , at last they must bring us to Christ ; what else should the Apostle mean , Rom. 4 . 5. Not to him that worketh , but beleeveth is faith accounted for righteousness . I must not live , I must let Christ live , &c. And hence say they the cause of perishing is not mens wills , but Gods , he elects not , he gives no heart ; such hypocrites the Lord prophesies of , Mat. 7. 21. Many that say to me Lord , Lord , i. that advance the Lord Jesus , and live in neglect of all duties , and bring the Lord of glory not from his Throne in Heaven to Hell , but which is worse , debase him from his glory to sin ; to be the cover of sin , and protector of it . Beloved , I know no surer sign of a vessel that God intends to break in peeces then this , to live in this neglect , 2 Tim. 2 . 20. Nay 't is an evidence there is no hope , no living hope , 1 Iohn 3. 3. He that hath this hope , purgeth himself as Christ is pure . Many it seems boasted of hope in Christ , so do Saints , but he gives this Note , He purgeth himself , he will not sluggishly put all on Christ . T is true , 't is the mighty working of Christ that must conquer thy lusts , but must this put you to neglect striving , Col. 1. 29. I strive according to the working . And for mine own part , though I le not dispute the point at large , I beleeve , there is a constant assistance of the mighty power of the Lord Jesus in the souls of all the Saints , 1 Pet. 1. 5. And hence 1 Iohn 4. Greater is he that is in you , then in the world . The Saints as they receive the Lord Jesus to rule them , that he alone may be Lord and King not only in heaven , but in their he●rts : So a false hear● receives Christ lastly for to ease him : Sometime for to ease him of the burden of Conscience ; sometime to ease him of the Lords work , the burthen of his will ; and hence some at last have complained , though hardly convinced of it , that they could be contented the Lord should act them ; but their end was , that hereby they might be rid of their burden , and so eased by him . I have heard a Question should be askt , What is the difference between the workings of Gods Spirit and the Saints ? And that the Answer was , 1. The one is by graces , the other immediatly . 2. The Spirits is , when a man labours least : quite cross to the stream of truth : Take heed how you understand these points aright , the depth of the most hellish villany in the world lies un●er them . Wo to thee that canst paint such a Christ in thy head , and receive such a Christ into thy heart as must be a pander to your sloth ; the Lord will revenge this wrong done to his glory with greater sorrows then ever any felt : To make Christ not only meat and drink to feed , but cloaths to cover your sloth . Why what can we doe ? what can we doe ? Why as the first Adam conveies not only guilt but power : So the second conveys both righteousness and strength ; as Christ is now triumphing by his eternal Spirit , and his life is heavenly ; so if you be in Christ , there is a Spirit of Christ , whereby a never dying life is begot , that can and doth conquer ; though it be but a spark , Christ maintaining it , it shall come to victory . You are forsaken of Christ if you want this , or else take heed this colour make you not forsake him .

6. Those that neglect the means , and yet look for the end in hope of future time , and so neglect the present season . Thus 't is with many a one ; the day of life and health , and day of Ordinances continues ; and hence the sluggard cryes , Prov. 24. 33. Yet a little more slumber , i. I le have but a little while longer , &c. Hence when Conscience checks , Ministers warn , the Lord wooes , the Spirit cries ; a man puts off all with this , I hope it will be better : And hence it falls out with them as with those Matth. 24 . The Lord comes in a time they look not for him ; and of this many on their deathbeds have cryed out . Think of this you convicted persons that know its miserable with you , before God stop your breath ; you have nothing to plead for your neglect , but hope of time . Know it , Gods present seasons are golden , one moment worth eternity ; and now is the time , if you neglect his season , he will not regard yours . God is never found in your time , but in his time . Oh lay these things to heart ! especially you that are grown weary of means , that faint in your way ; God is not yet weary of continuing means , art thou weary of gaining by means ? Oh consider this you that have had many hopes , desires purposes , but all blasted , your time and means neglected : Think on this you that have had marvellous affections , but your spirits are gone ; Nothing can make you mend your pace , not all Ministry and Word , but you are clog'd with means . Remember that Isai. 65. 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14. For my people that have sought me , &c.

SECT. V.

TO all those that do effectually seek the Lord in the use of means . And for discovery thereof , Use 5. Consider :

1. If ever the Lord gave you a hear● effectually to seek him in means , you will finde mighty opposition , temptations springing up one after another , &c. from within , from without , and the oppositions will make you seek him the more . Hence Rom. 13. 11 , 12. he bids us put off the works of darkness , and put on the armour of light . When man desires and lies in his sloth , he meets with little opposition or trouble of his own heart ; but here 't is otherwise , therefore put on armour . And I say the soul is made hereby to seek the Lord the more , as the blinde man , Mark 10. 48. Redeem the time , because the days are evill . As 't is with Mariners , they will not only use fair , but side , and almost contrary winds to come neer the shore they are bound for ; let the Lord give any grace , oh more of that mercy , as Moses , Deut. 3. 24. Let the Lord deny , yet the soul cries the more ; let agonies come , Christ prays the more ; let the will oppose , he will yeeld himself to the Lord to cross his own will , and deny himself ; pe●ce makes him love , and affliction makes him seek the Lord early . Hence because thou art troubled at the feeling of a slothful heart , that will make you seek for more help .

2. You will seek him with your whole heart , so that 't is the Lord only that the heart is bound for , Psal. 119. 2. Phil. 3. 12. The feeling of the Lords power and eternal life , and that not only while means last , but when in want of , and banisht from means : As David forgets his Crown and Kingdom , and saith , Psal. 27. 4. One thing I have desired . Hence Hezekiah had a promise of life , and going to Gods House when recovered , It was not life he minded so much as this , What is the sign that I shall go to the House of the Lord ? Hence Saints though they neglect sometimes , yet as a Ship driven back by neglecting winds , or as a Tradesman he is altogether for his gain , yet proves an ill husband sometimes , but when he hath felt his losses he falls to his losses he falls to his trade again : So here , like Merchants seeking pearls , &c. Matth. 13. 45. Let this comfort you , though you finde nothing , yet Saints are a generation of Seekers , finding time is not come , yet certainly you shall come to your end at last . You have no lappings for the sores of your sloth , but opening them before the Lord , the Lord will heal and help in time .

But I feel no good , Object . hence I am afraid I seek not aright .

Gal. 6. 9. You shall reap in due time , Answ. and Hebr. 11. 13. All things were cross to the promise yet Abraham holds on still .

But I finde my spirit faint , Object . and grow listless and weary .

When heart and strength fail , Answ. yet God doth not . God will desert that you may know where your strength , and heart , and help lies .

But 't is so great , Object . I know no difference between mine and others neglect .

That is sad , Answ. yet as 't is in all sins , falls into them do but undermine them the more . Peter denies Christ , as well as sleeps , yet he is the first that preache●h him . When a mans meat is so far from doing good , as that it doth him hurt , he is dying ; so that sin is dying , that slo●h is dying , when food given to it doth kill it . David is ready to give up all , yet saith , It s good for me to draw neer to God , and there the heart will repose it self again .

SECT. VI.

OH be not sloth●ul then , Use 6. Of Exhort . neglect no means , but use all means , get oyl in your vessels that you may get your desired end . Mariners that are bound for a voyage , when set out , will not be at rest till they are landed where they would be . It was one of the Churches sorrowful complaints , Isai. 64. 7. None that stirs up himself , &c.

But I finde many hindrances without me , Object . many sins within me , I have sometime neither strength ( nay which is worse ) nor yet heart to seek the Lord , though my wants are many , though my days decline ; how shall I doe ?

1. Finde out that which clogs thy heart from seeking effectually , Answ. and causeth that neglect , and that makes the Lord neglect thee in thy ineffectual seeking ; else thou mayest seek and never finde , and that is some lust , something that easeth the heart which is not God . When the soul hath not bread , it will with the Prodigal then resolve for home ; men could not live as they do , so many days without God , unless they did feed on somewhat else beside the Lord . Hence its usual for men in means , to use means for a good , and out of means to resist that good , Isa. 58. 1 , 2. Zac. 7. 6. Men that would have their load drawn , must first take their wild Horses out of it : So do with these lusts . If therefore not for your own , yet for the Lords sake , who else will not be accounted worth the seeking , finde out whatever contents you ; necessity hath no Holidays , oh you must have him !

2. Use means , but trust not to them , nor to any strength received to carry you along in this work : you will else neglect and fall from the Lord , and the Lord from you . It s said of Asa , 2 Chro. 16. 12 , 13. Asa was diseased in his feet in his old age , yet he sought not to the Lord , but Physicians : So 't is with many a diseased Christian , they seek not to the Lord , to cure their feet , but means , or themselves , hence he decays and dies . You have the stream of all temptations against you , 't is not your own Oars , but the Lords winde that must carry you against it ; look therefore to an almighty power in means to help you , plead Gods Covenant to put his fear into your hearts , that you may not depart from him , as he will not forsake you , 1 Cor. 15. 10. Paul received not grace in vain , but lebours abundantly ; yet not I , but grace . There is little fear of drowning so long as we keep head above water , ●o long as we cleave to the Lord Jesus .

3. Love the presence of the Lord and his company . If there be any love between you , you will then finde time , and nothing shall keep you from him , Ier. 2. 1 , 2 , 3. I remember the love of thine espousals , when thou followedst me in a wilderness thorow pits and deserts . Remember he hath been in heaven praying for thee , when thou hast been provoking of him , he hath been blessing thee , when thou hast been abusing him , it may be he hath let out his heart blood to make room for thee in his heart , it may be he intends through all eternity to express his dearest love to thee , and is he not worth your love ? Love him , and you will be with him , love will be stronger then death , it will break all these bonds .

4. Set before you the greatness of the good you are to use all me●ns to gain ; why do men hunt after flesh-pots ? The world is esteemed great , 't is near us , and so for honour : Now Christ and eternity are afar off , and hence they seem little , and hence to seek them is not made a business of greatest weight and importance , 2 Cor. 4. 16 , 18. We faint not while we look to things that are eternal , Acts 24. 15 , 16. There is not the vilest Rep●obate , but when he shall see the glory that shall be revealed , shall stamp and rear his hair and say ; Oh , if I had known this ! I hope I should never have dreamed out my time so as I have done ! We look on the Picture of Goodness in the volume of the Creatures , which satisfie not ; Oh never cease looking upward , till you see what you seek for in the greatness of it . Suppose a man should sleep all his life-time , and be in a dream , and in it have all the delights and glory of the world presented before him , at last the ground opens its mouth and swallows him up , and then he is awakened , Lord how will he cry ? Truly Christ and grace and fellowship with God are not thought of , sought for , are small things with men , but the World is great , and this is your delight ; truly 't is but your dream : What will your souls be when death opens its mouth ? what a sad thing is it to see men spin Copwebs that must be swept down .

I. To those that never sought the Lord effectually to this day , Motiv●s . not to neglect him now ; those that are like children born before their time , that have had some sorrow after the Lord , but comforted before it was deep enough ; have some desires , but eased with other things before they were satisfied with Christ himself ; that have run for a spurt , but are grown weary before they come half way home , and so sit down in the way ; like Clocks set slow in the first hour of the day , run slow all the day after : So these set back and think they are set right too , run slow all their life after . That as he said of a covetous man , he had a strong desire for heaven if any would bear his charges thither : So these . And to you I speak , not that never sought , but that have been seeking ; yet effectually to use all means , this you never did .

1. Consider how far men have gone ? What means they have used ? yet have never found to this day , Luke 13. 24. Strive , saith Christ . This I speak because men think they may neglect their seasons of earnest pursuit after grace , men may sit still , and put all care from themselves to God , and live in their sloth . Oh no , Consider so many snares , so many by paths , so many deceits within , so many sins and lusts to subdue , all time and means is little enough : Take heed of spending prodigally , and think Christs grace will bear you out . Oh! look upon the cries at death-bed , to see some men that have been like famishing men that have wanted bread , and then have cryed bread , bread , but could not eat it . Oh saith Paul , I beat down my body , lest in preaching to others my self become a cast away .

2. Consider how others have broken down the greatest difficulties , and are now in glory , as Rev. 12. 11. They loved not their lives to the death . They have not only spent their time , lost their name , their comforts , but their blood , that have passed through waters , fires , bonds , imprisonments , and with Paul have not accounted their lives dear , that they might finish their work . David was full of God one would think sometimes he had enough , yet when he awakes , he is with God at midnight , his thoughts and reins instruct him ; the Law was his meditation day and night . You shall see him in the Temple blessing God , on the Throne advancing the Lord , on the dunghill , in banishment longing after him , when he sate among Princes meditating ; and was there here too much cost , might any of this ointment have been spared ? Consider Christ himself , Heb. 12. 1 , 2 , 3. cast off sloth , Looking to Iesus , who for the joy , despised the shame , endured the Cross , and that not for himself , it may be for thee , that thou mightst not , now he is at the right hand of God : So are the Saints in Heaven , and now rejoycing that ever they sought him , that they spent so much time on him .

3. Consider , There is a time of neglect of Christ , which when past , you shall never finc'e him again , Iohn 7. 3 , 4. Ye shall seek me , but never finde me . You have had many Diamond-days and seasons , and God gives you a space to repent , and saith , My Spirit shall not alway strive , it may be some are but within that space , that the Lord is at the last cast with you .

4. Consider whatever your condition be , shake off your sloth , and set upon the means , the Lord will be found ; do it in good earnest : This will be good news to you that think he will never , but be thy heart like steel , and hard , the Lord will break it , Hebr. 11. 6. he will be found of them that seek him diligently : And the greater things thou seekest for , the more like to get them ; as one of the Fathers thinks that to pray with repetitions , is to pray for small things . Open thy mouth wide I le fill it , and it may be presently in a moment , when thou thinkest least of it , it may be at that time when thou findest most unwillingness and difficulty to seek , seek then and the Lord will be found . Oh this damps many a man in the use of means , he thinks the Lord will never help , and hence is tormented with this thought , and sits down and rests : If you would keep a Labourer from work , or a Traveller from walking , put thorns in their feet ; now the work is neglected , there is pricking s●uffe , he cannot follow on his business now : So 't is here , Prov. 15. 19. Take heed therefore of sitting down with such thoughts as these ; its strange thou shouldst be killed for every cut , and because wounded for sin , to fall off from the Lord by unbelief too .

II. Motives to you that have followed the Lord , but now have begun to neglect him : For what cause I know not , but I am sure the Lord hath given you none : Yet a spirit of slumber and sloath is upon you , that you are not the men you were . It may be some for want of place , want of time , many occasions , many sorrowes and temptations in this wildernesse ; and hence no means sweet , no bed easie , your bones are broken . It may be a little time of neglect hath emboldned you to a custome : It may be loose examples , the spirits of others flat , and thine is so too , whom God sent into Church-Fellowship to quicken them : It may be an ill Husband is an hindrance , a bad wife , as Iobs wife , or whatever 't is , Oh that God would speak this day to you !

1. Consider thou art nearer to thy salvation than when thou didst first believe ; and then you thought no time , no pains too much , but all too little , Rom. 13. 11 , 12. Mariners near the Shore , look out for Rocks , Lord that I may not split now . Truly as it was with Christ , the longer he did live , the more sorrows , so with you . God hath carried you near salvation , Oh now being neerer , there are worse rocks , look about you now . Satans last temptations are strongest . Oh give not in now ! It may be not many daies nor weeks hence thou shalt come to thy journeys end : Awaken then out of sleep .

2. Consider how glad the Lord is of thy company , he hath been so , and will be so again ; thou canst not come in too late , 1 Sam. 12. 21. as poor and vile as thou art , Prov. 8. His delight is with the Sons of men . Witnesse mercies , witnesse afflictions . Oh then seek him ! Witnesse desertions , then seek him ; witness his sweet entertainment of thee , many a time when he hath given thee meat that the world knows not of ; witnesse so many hindrances which Satan laies in , who knowes how crosse 't is to Christ , Jer. 2. 1 , 2 , 3. I remember the love of thine espousals , when thou didst follow me ; especially when with most difficulty , when little strength within , when little hope without , yet I le not give over . He never forgets this . The Lord hath never such sad daies as when thou turnest thy back on him , and thou never so good , as when thou seekest him .

3. Consider thy gaines , there shall not be the least endeavour , desire , pursuit after the Lord , not the least Word , Prayer , Thought , time spent , but an abundant recompense is in Christs hands , 1 Cor. 15. 58. Ever abounding , knowing that it shall not be in vain . A man that rowes against the stream , a little neglect of rowing carries him down again . But oh be ever abounding in the Lords works , for your labour is not in vain in the Lord .

4. Consider if after admonition again and again , yet you nourish sloath , there is some heavy stroke neer thee . Believe it , he will not alway bear with thy neglect . As nothing joyes him more than your company , so nothing cuts him more than your neglect : But though he save you from eternal misery , yet sometimes your greatest comfort is lost by this means , Mat. 26. 38 , 40 , 44 , 45. First he stirs them up once and again , then leaves them , and comes again , and saith nothing , but the third time , sleep on , the Son of man is betrayed . So your comfort , and Christ and his presence are betraied . Some have had their husbands , wives , children estates gone , but which is worst of all , the Lord betraied , the comfort of their hearts gone , and hence horrours and fears surprize them .

III. Motives to us especially in this Countrey .

1. God hath put the price and wealth of the world , better than all Gold and Silver into our hands , who are most unthankful , most unworthy ; and will you come so far for means , and here neglect them ? Will you thus neglect the Lord ? Like men in Consumptions , they long for any thing , and when it comes , they cannot touch it . If it were night , you might fall to sleep , but the day approacheth . Shall God plant his Vineyard , but you never come to eat the fruit of it ?

2. Your Temptations are greater here to neglect the Lord . Others are tried with the scorching Sun , there is no sleeping there . God tries us with the shadow , sets us under the Vines of Ordinances ; others are in storms , we in calms . When thou eatest and art full , saith Moses , Deut. 8. 10 , 11. Oh forget not the Lord ! You lose in your estates , and now you are hungry after the same again . Satan when Christ was hungry , assaults him . 'T is a thousand to one if he makes you not fair offers , and overcomes . Things that cost us much , we prize , and keep , and improve , if of any use . When we go Twenty mile to a Sacrament , Oh then its precious ! While under the bondage of oppressors , oh liberty of Conscience , and Ordinances are precious ? But when at liberty , we have liberty to have them , hence take liberty to neglect them .

3. Our enemies will be upon us . Who sees not ( that observes the Lords dealing ) that some sorrows are toward , unlesse the Lord awaken ; some sudden blasting blow . If any wind be stirring , men on the tops of the mountains will feel it . The Lord hath set his mountain above all others , and its f●lly to think to flee from the Crosse , unlesse we flee from Christ . 'T is part of the portion he doth owe us here , if he loves us . Yet seek the Lord , neglect no seasons to gain him , and you shall he hid , Zeph. 2. 2. Nay when worst times come , 2 Chron. 15. 3 , 4 , 5. when there is no peace , they that seek him shall find him .

I do fear there is at this day as deep mischief plotting against New-England as ever the Sun saw . Enemies will first deal subtilly before cruelly , but subtilly that they may deal cruelly . When Pharaoh deals wisely , he means to kill . Yet the Lord shall be with us , as of late hath he not been seen in the midst of us for a refuge ? Whatever any think , I believe never did the Lord stir up such prayers , Faith , &c. amongst us .

1. Oh therefore seek the Lord still in private . If you find no good , find out the sin . Is not meditation neglected ? Communion of Saints not improved ? Do not say , we can do nothing , and why are we prest to it ? If you cannot , yet 't is your duty , and you must be prest ; and perish you shall if you seek not ; or if you be called , there is some spirit of the Lord in you that is mighty .

2. Being come hither for publick helps , and means , and all Ordinances ; Oh do not betray your Liberties ! but lose your Bloud before you lose them , and the Lord in them . Bear the Arke still on your shoulders , that the Lord may dwell with you . Hence ,

1. If you would have the Walls of Magistracy be broken down ( the means to preserve the Church and means among you ) If they make Laws , deride them ; if they execute Laws , appeal from them .

2. Would you have confusion the mother of discord among the people ? let every man then once one day in the year turn Magistrate , and out-face Authority , and profess t is his liberty . Would you have rapines , thefts , injustice abound ? let no man know his own , by removing the Land-mark , and destroying Proprieties .

3. Would you have Gods Ordinances in the purity of them removed ? keep out the load of Superstition , but yet for peace sake , suffer a few seeds to be sown amongst you .

4. Would you have all the Messengers of the Gospel at first revised , at last massacred ? Profess they are no better than Scribes and Pharisees , persecuting Egyptians , enemies to the Lord Jesus , and the more devout the worse ; as those that stirred up storms in Germany said , Christ had four great enemies : The Pope , Anabaptists , Martin Luther , but especially Iohn Calvin .

5. Would you ruine the Gospel ? set not Popery against it , but Gospel against Gospel , Promises against Promises , Christ against Christ , Spirit against Spirit , grace against grace , and then he is twice beaten , that falls by his own weapons .

6. Would you have oppressors set over you , to remove ordinances , to encrease your burdens ? Maintain this Principle then that they will not assault us first by craft and subtilty , but openly and violently .

7. Would you have this State in time to degenerate into Tyranny ? Take no care then for making Laws . When they are made , would you have all Authority turned to a meer vanity ? Be gentle and open the door to all comers that may cut our throats in time ; and if being come they do offend , threaten them and fine them , but use no Sword against them . You Fathers of the Country be not offended , this I speak not to disparage any , the practise speaks otherwise ; I onely forewarn : I hope the Lord hath prepared better days and mercies for us , I am sure he will , if what means we have we preserve , and what we preserve , we through grace shall improve .

CHAP. XVII . That the hearts and souls of Believers are made as Vessels , onely for the reception of Christ his Spirit , and the graces thereof

SECT. I.

2. THe Inward Principle , wherein lies the second Difference which is plainly expressed .

We are now to inquire further concerning these Vessels and the Oyl in them . Vessels were the place onely of receiving and preserving the oyl for the continual burning and shining of the Lamps : So that though in some Scriptures , by Lamp is understood both the Vessel and the Lamp by a Figure , yet in distinct Phrase of Speech , that is properly the Lamp which burns and gives light , and that which contains the oyl to nourish this is the Vessel : So that the Vessels were not separate things from the Lamp , as though the Lamp was in one hand , and a Vessel in the other ; this was neither the custome , nor comliness of that age to cumber themselves thus ; but the Lamp ( as 't is in ours ) was that part which was kindled and lighted , the Vessel that which kept the oil to serve this end : And hence the folly of five of them appeared , that they would carry burning Lamps with empty Vessels ; just as if a man should draw the wiek through the oyl that it may burn for a time , and provide no oyle in the Vessel to maintain the Lamp ; however all comes to one ( if they be separate ) in respect of that that I aim at .

Thus Literally we see what the Lamp , Vessel , and Oyl is : Now what is Spiritually meant thereby .

1. For the Oyl : What is that ? I intend not here to shew the fond and various apprehensions of Popish Writers , who understand by oyle , alms , good works , a good intention , &c. But by Oyl is meant the Spirit of Christ , and the graces of it , peculiar to all the Elect ; and thus in Scripture phrase , 1 Iohn 2. 27. the Spirit is called the anointing ; and the graces of the Spirit , Cant. 1. 3. The smell of Christs ointments : Harlots love him for the gifts he sends , but Virgins for the grace he hath . That oyle which ran first on our Aarons head , and runs down to his skirts is here meant . Now as Christ himself had not the Spirit without graces , nor these without the Spirit , but both : So both these being in him as in the Fountain , they are in us as in the Vessel .

2. Christ being the Fountain of all grace , and having the Spirit without measure , and therefore hath enough to spare ; he cannot be meant by these Vessels which had but their measure , and such a measure as that they had none to spare for the other . Therefore by Vessels are meant principally the precious souls of the faithful , into which this golden Oyle was put , and therefore , 2 Cor. 4. 7. We have this treasure in earthen vessels . And Rom. 9. 23. They are vessels of glory , prepared unto glory , and so frequently ; so that herein the foolish fall short , for the foolish boasted of Christ out of them , but where was the Spirit and vertue of Christ in them ? And this is conceived to be the reason why the main difference is not made , by the want of the external principle , Viz. Christ , but by want of the internal principle and work ; this they had not . 1. They had so much oyle , i. e. lighter strokes of the Spirit , as kindled a profession but they had not enough . 2. They had so much oyle and light as continued their profession for a while , but it continued not long :

Here therefore observe these four things :

That the precious souls of the faithful are Vessels made only or chiefly to receive and preserve the presence of the Spirit and grace of Christ . Obs. 1.

That within these Vessels there is an inward principle of Grace and Life . Obs. 2.

That there is a certain measure , Obs. 3. degree , plenitude or fulness of the Spirit of Grace in the hearts of the Faithful , which the unsound , though most glorious Professors of the Gospel fall short of .

That the graces of the Saints wherewith their hearts by the Spirit are filled , Obs. 4. are constant , and of an everlasting , and eternal nature .

These three last answer three Questions , If any ask the difference between the Virgins ; the foolish want , and the wise have an inward principle of the Spirit of life . If it be said , Hypocrites have an inward work , yet this inward Principle is such a fulness of Spirit which they ever fall short of , and this will make them known for the present . If again it be said , That many flourish gloriously for a time ; yet it s of an everlasting nature : And this will manifest them one from another in time to come .

The First Point therefore I le only touch on now .

SECT. II.

THat the precious souls and hearts of all the faithful are vessels made chiefly and onely to receive and preserve the Spirit and Grace of Christ , Doct. 1. Or the gracious presence of the Spirit of Christ : That as it is with the souls of the wicked , they are made onely to hold Satan , sin and wrath , and so fitted for destruction ; so the souls of the Saints are made and fitted onely to receive and nourish the Spirit , grace , and love of Christ . That as 't is with Princes , the best rooms are reserved onely for them ; their Attendants may come in and out to serve them , but it s their room , their lodging : So here , the hearts of the faithful , and the best rooms , best affections of it , are onely to entertain the Lord , and his grace and Spirit ; yet other things may come in and out as Attendants to him , to serve him , but the rooms themselves are onely for his proper use , 2 Tim. 2. 20 , 21. The Church is Gods House ; now there are many Vessels ( many souls ) some baser of wood , and earth , some of honour ; what are these ? Answ. If a man purge himself from these ; for no man is born with a next disposition to receive grace , as a Vessel full of puddle water that must first be cast out : Now when this is done , he is a Vessel meet for his Masters use , prepared , &c. The best Vessels abide in the house , not for their own or servants use , but for the Masters use onely . And though the Spirit may withdraw for some time , and they be unable to do any good work , yet they are prepared for the Spirit , and so for every good work , and here is all the use of the vessel of honour . Hypocrites are vessels of Pompe , and State , and Ornament : Oh the brave Church of Sardis ! the profound judgments , deep heads , eminent Christians , but not Vessels of honour , because not Vessels of use onely for their Master , onely to receive the eternal anointing of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus . If you would know the certainty of this more fully , 1. Go and ask themselves ; Is it so or no ? If they be of age , and know themselves they will say , I am the Lords onely , Isa. 44 . 4 , 5. When they spring up as willows by the water-courses : One shall say , I am the Lords . As that eminent Light said , when dying , Oh Lord , I will be thine : Ask the world whose they are ? and to what use and purpose they serve ? they will answer , they are none of ours ; and therefore Iohn 15. 19. The World hates them . Ask the Lord himself , he will profess though many wants and weaknesses in them , nay , though sometimes they are weary and neglect him , fall and soil themselves , yet Isai. 43. 21. This people have I formed for my self : Vessels formed and fitted of God onely for his glory .

1. Because all the creatures in the world are theirs , and servants to them , Reas. 1 and therefore they are for the Lord onely , 1 Cor. 3. 21 , 22 , 23. If the more we took care for , and set our hearts upon the creature , if the more we were conversant with it , the more we should have , and the better we should live ; Or if they should not serve us , unless we did first bow down our knees to worship them , and our backs to bear them ; Then seeing the world lives by catching , we might then dis-robe and dis-throne our souls , and care more for these things , and less for the Lord ; love these things more , and the Lord lesse ; but the Lord Jesus having taken all care for his people , and bearing more love to them , and having more care of them than themselves , and therefore having given all creatures in the heavens , sea and dry land to serve them , they ought to be , and are onely for him , Hos. 2. 21 , 23. When a man is the seed of God , and born for him , Now all creatures serve him ; hence 1 Tim. 6. 17 , 18. T is a prevailing Motive with all the Saints , we have a living God that gives us all things ; all creatures being dead , and not able of themselves to help us , therefore trust not on these things , but him onely , be not high minded in these things ; but magnifie him onely . We know how angry God was with Belshazzar for profaning the Vessels of the Lords House in making them quaffing bowls , and turning them to common use . When a man is brought to that misery that he hath none , nor knows of none to be a friend to take care or thought for him , none that loves him , then he shifts for himself and becomes a servant . But those that know , as women that they have rich husbands to live on , they take care 1 Cor. 7. 34. how to please them : So here . What 's the reason that men are mad for this world ? Because they poor creatures have no friend , know no friend ; but Saints have him , and know him , Iohn 17. 2. The Saints are given to Christ , Christ to them , and all the world put into Christs hands for us , ( for the creatures are not given to us immediatly to our own dispose , and hence we have not much of this world ) to what end ? That so he might give eternal life begun here . This is the only gift , and last , and best , and worthy of himself , and this only we receive .

2. In regard of that blessed Liberty all the faithful are brought into , Reas. 2. for what is a Christians Liberty ? Is it to serve men ? No , 1 Cor. 7. 23. Therefore serve not your selves : Is it then to serve your own lusts ? No , Rom. 6. 22. You are made free from sin , and servants unto God . Is it then to serve any Creature out of your selves ? No , Gal. 1. 4. The world is yours already , 1 Cor. 3. 21 , 22. given to you , bought for you , spend not therefore one groat more to purchase it , but keep those affections and hearts for the Lord ; much less imprison not , and imbondage not your selves for it . A Christians liberty which God crowns him with above all the Princes of the world , is to be onely for the Lord , which liberty all creatures groan to be in , Rom. 8. 21 , 22. To be for God and a lust , for Christ and this world , it s a shameful bondage , and most lamentable , and you are not at liberty yet , if not onely for the Lord . When the children of Kings and Peers , of Princes shall be made to come at the call of their Grooms and Kitchin-boys , if ever they stood before the face of Princes , they will count this a heavy thraldome and bondage : So if ever you stood before the God of the whole earth , you will account it an heavy bondage , to have an heart sometime for , and sometime not for the Lord . Is not this liberty ? No , but to have a heart only determined to the Lord ; as 't is in Angels , and in the man Christ Jesus . Verily look as the Lord leaves his people for a time to their liberty in sin , so that their hearts are determined onely to sin , that they are fit onely to receive the suggestions and pleasures of it , but fit to quench the Lords Spirit : So the Lord Jesus making himself and grace more sweet than their lusts , their hearts are determined onely for him , their Vessels are onely for his Oyle , Rom. 6. 19. The liberty of will that Arminians plead for is nothing but the hypocrisie of a false heart , whose heart being toucht partly with God , and partly with the creature ; hence is alway falling from one to the other , Iam. 1. Double minded men ; but the Saints are determined unto one , and hence made perfect in one .

3. In regard of the fulness and all-sufficiency of the Spirit of Grace which their hearts are made fit vessels to receive , Reas. 3. and do receive ; they finding enough there , God reserves them , and they reserve themselves onely for the receiving of this , Ioh. 6. 68. Will you depart ? Lord , to whom should we go ? Thou hast the words of life ; and so the Spirit of life , that have quickned our hearts when dead , that do put fresh life to us when dying , that comfort our hearts when sorrowing . Here is the life glory , the life of Christ , the life of God ; other things do but dead our hearts , thou hast words of life , Iohn 4. 14. The Water that I give shall , 1. Be that which shall quench all his thirst to other things ; so that though a man wants them , yet his stomack is gone , which the damned shall find otherwise . 2. A Well of Water in him , ever near him ; men have their accomodations far off , but this is i● him . Your hearts within are troubled , perplexed , and behold this is in you . 3. Springing up , continually increasing , for to have a good thing , and not to be satisfied in our desires with it , what is it but a misery ? Hence it springs up unto everlasting life , which is the Fourth , Viz. The Continuance of 〈◊〉 , this will be here till my mortality is swallowed up of life . Like a leaking ship that takes in water by little and little , till at last it is swallowed up in the se● .

SECT. III.

HEnce we may see the reason why the Lord doth not abundantly reveal and communicate himself to the souls of many men . Use 1. What is the matter ? Is it because they find no want of his spirit , and life , and grace , and peace , and glory ? Yes they doe , and hence expresse their wants to men , and complain of their wants to God . Is it for this , that Christ hath not wherewithal ? Yes , he hath received the Spirit without measure , Iohn 3. 34. and fountaines alway run , though men seldom drink . What then ? Is it because they bring not their hearts , hold not their vessels under the Lords horn of oyl ? Yes that they do , but their vessels are naught , they are not only for him ; they feel their want of grace and Christ , but not only or chiefly of this . Special Grace shall never be poured into a common vessel , a common heart , that lies in common for God , and lust , and world too . The honour , peace , life , gain , of a God , are sweet and precious . Lord ever give me that water to drink . But you have five husbands , and seek not this only : Hence , if the Lord de●ies you , you can be content , because you have something else to fill your vessels ; if the Lord gives , you undervalue it and grow worse : and the very rising of that common grace you have , is the beginning of your apostacy , and setting off from God . And hence , no wonder why you pray but never have , Iam. 1. 6 , 7. you want , and crave , but never find ; your vessel is naught , though the Lord is good . 'T is a black mark that thou art in bondage to the creature , and didst never know what the liberty , even the glorious liberty of a son means . And 't is a most grievous bondage to be half unloosed and yet to be in bonds . And I assure you , if you knew the gift of God , if ever you tasted how sweet the Lord is ; this is the only thing your souls will cry for : That when you come to ask , and the Lord saith , what would you have ? Oh the spirit of life ! Oh the anointing of my blessed head ! And what else ? It only ; this is it only my vessel is made to hold , I am not made for my lust , nor sins , nor world : I would I had a bigger vessel , a larger heart to receive thy Grace only . I confess , a gracious he●rt may for a time be carried too violently after other things ; and yet seek the Lord too , as Solomon , Eccl. 2. But after it knows Christ better , it 's more reserved now for him , as Gen. 39. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6. Iosephs master for a time kept things in his own hand ; but when he saw the Lord was with Ioseph , and that he was prosperous , and blessed , then he made him overseer , and he knew not 't is said , what he had , save only the bread that he did eat : So it is in our Ioseph . As the poor woman that knew the Messiah , she leaves her vessel , her water-pot with him , and now would have all the City to come and see and believe in him , and depend on him only , trust to him only . &c. Dost therefore seek , and find not ? Hast bin long waiting , and feelest not ? And thou wondrest at it ! Others comforted , and I not ! Search if this be not the cause ; it may be thy heart is not set only for this , but on thy back , belly , lots , ease , what shall I eat , drink ? &c. As some women , because God doth not feed so liberally their sweet tooth , their licorish longings ; build them seiled houses , measure their present condition according to their sinful humour ; nothing can please them : neither husband , servants , Ministers , nor Gods Ordinances . Is this a vessel for the Lord and his Grace only ? You must , you will have a longer coat than you can well wear ; Hold here . Never think to have one prayer answered : If this night thy day of misery should come , cry thou mayst , but no God to hear thee or help thee . Oh a little oyl , now a little grace , now a little mercy , Lord now . Oh no , you have no vessel to hold it . But oh bless the Lord you know it . Others it may be are no● so full of these sores of impatiency : but you pray for God , and Grace , and have it not . Why so ? These are not the things that you are only set for . Why ? Because you are content without them . I am not , you will say ; But you are ; for you doe not lament daily after the Lord for these things only : that which only satisfies , that thy heart is not at rest till it find : I hope I may have help for all this : No saith Iames , think not so . Oh therefore bless the Lord . You know what hurts you ; Saints have hurts thus : but they purge themselves , and hence are blessed vessels still . When Moses was begging for Israel , mine Angel , saith God , shall goe with you , I will not . No , thou only , else let us die here , Exod. 33. This prayer wins the field & wears the garland . The evils of the Churches are many , an hour of temptation is coming on ; scandals are like to be great ; the subtilties of enemies many . Now we pray , and yet these have come , and we fear they will come . Oh beloved , go to the Lord , and plead with him only for this ; and when thou canst procure nothing for thy self , yet let it fare well with Sion : and this only I must have . Psal. 27. 4. One thing have I desired . You shall have it then , else not .

See the great sin of those that lose their life , Use 2. preserve not the Spirit when he comes to them in Ordinances ; you are vessels onely made for the Lord , and will you lose that which He drops in ? There is no others can receive him , Iohn 14. 17. and when He comes to you , do you thus requite Him ? &c.

CHAP. XVIII . That the Holy Spirit is in beleivers as the Principle of their Spiritual Life and Holinesse .

SECT. I.

THat within these Vessels , is an inward Principle of Life and Grace . Doct. 2. Or , The burning shining profession of all the faithful , it proceedeth from an inward Principle of the Spirit of Grace , by the means of which , their Lamp burns , and their Profession shines .

For this I understand by oyl in the vessel , the Spirit of Jesus , not out of us , but received in us ; not coming only upon us , for so he may on foolish virgins , by Balaamitish ravishments , and hypocritical pangs , and land-flood affections ; but abiding in us , and that not as it doth in hypocrites , but as it is in Christ Jesus , without measure , both Spirit and Graces , so it abides in us in measure : in Him as the fountain , in us as the vessels , from whose fulness , we receive the same . So that by oyl is not meant the external Principle of all Life , the Lord Jesus having Spirit and Grace enough , but keeping our hearts empty of it : but the Lord Jesus in us , who is not in us , but by his Spirit , even the Spirit of Life , from whence all our actions spring , and from which oyl our lamp burns . This therefore I say , the Profession of the faithful , springs not from outward motives , or principles of motion , as the actions of hypocrites ; sometimes sudden praise , sometimes gain , sometimes fe●rs , sometimes fleshly hopes , sometimes sudden conceipt and fancy , some times irruption and rushings of the Spirit upon them ; but there is a spring within , there is a life within ; there is oyle in the Vessel to fill the lamp , and so hence it burns . Eph. 2. 1. You hath he quickned , who were dead in sins , i. e. you were held as fast under the power of your sins , as a dead man is under the bonds of death : but now in the room of that death , there is the Spirit of life , and the life of the Spirit . Now life is an inward principle of motion , of any thing in its own place ; as the sun , and trees , and grasse , and cattel . You may take a stone , or milstone , or wheel , and move it , yet they have no life , because this is not from an inward Principle so : hypocrites may be acted , and moved by the great power of the Spirit in an Ordinance , yet not living but dead stil. Iohn 4. 14. the water ( which is the Spirit ) is a spring of living water in him . Cisterns may have water in them , but no spring that is running winter and summer . 1 Iohn 3. 9. This is called the seed remaining in him : which is that new creation , new birth , which the verse it self expounds , so that he cannot sin ; it is against his nature , now he cannot be a sinmaker . Balaam could not curse the people of God ; and many cannot do as others do . Why , is it , because they are born of God ? No , but from some other respects : and hence , Mat. 13. 21. the stony ground fell away , because they had not the root within . This is called the inner man ; the good treasure of the heart , opposite to the evil treasure of the heart of a wicked man . Now , as an evil man acts not only from Satan , the evil spirit ; but the inward power of lust ; so the Saints , Mat. 12. 35. And here I intend not to shew what this inward Principle is particularly , for that I reserve to the two last points . Yet , least any should stumble , let me speak to two sorts .

1. Know some of you , that there is not only external actings of the Spirit from whence we act , but a new nature in the Saints .

2. Let others know , 1. That as before the Lord cals we are dead , so after we are alive this inward principle is not perfect here : Hence actions sometimes cease , and when they do not , yet are corrupted , as laesa principia act , but ever erre in their act , hence have need of pardon from and acceptance in the Lord Jesus . 2. That this is not in us as in Adam , who did not need to borrow life of another , but it stands in daily need of the Lord Jesus , and hence this inward principle acts , but 't is by faith , the operations of which are the wagons to victual the camp continually , especially in time of need , and which is part of this inward principle ; and hence 1 Pet. 1. 5. You are kept by power and faith , i. your souls , graces , lives are kept by the Spirit , but through faith in us to salvation .

Let me therefore prove these three things to you for opening of this point .

1. That the Spirit of the Lord Jesus is in the souls of the faithfull .

2. That there is a principle of created graces , or the life of the Spirit in them .

3. That from this principle of the Spirit dispensing himself by his graces , our lamp burns , our acts of profession spring and shine forth .

First , That the Spirit of Jesus is in the soules of the faithfull , 1 Iohn 2. 27. The anointing teacheth you all things . Rom. 8. 11. The Spirit that raised up Iesus from the dead dwels in us . The manner of his being in us I intend not to meddle with , unlesse I saw more cause : I do beleeve the manner of his abiding in us , and his nearnesse to all the Saints , when seen of us , may astonish our own spirits , and shall one day confound all the world ; Only know , as the Martyr said , He is come , he is come . The spirit of the world and Satan is cast out , 1 Cor. 2. 12. and in room of them enters the Spirit of God .

Secondly , That the Spirit so is in the faithfull , as that there is a principle of created graces in them , or an inward principle of life and grace . Not that these alone make this inward principle , but the Spirit in us working of them , working by them . And truly 't is a sad thing if the proving of such a principle shall be an attributing too much to grace in us .

1. Therefore to deny this is to deny Christ to be our sanctification : For beside the passive obedience of Christ , we are justified by his active obedience also , i. e. his inward conformity to the Law , and his external obedience to the Law . So that graces as they are in Christ become our justification ; and hence he is said to be our righteousnesse . No man can stand before God but by perfect holinesse , but by doing whatever the Law requires , and continuing so to do ; this is not in us , this is in Christ : This as 't is in Christ is properly our righteousnesse or justification . Now what is our sanctification ? if not graces in Christ , then graces received from Christ Jesus , which is this inward principle now I speak of ; and therefore to deny this is no lesse than to say Christ is not our sanctification : But saith Paul , The Lord sanctifie you in soul and body and spirit , 1 Thess. 5. 23. And if it were so , a man may have a heart unsanctified and Christ too .

2. If there should not be those graces , then a Christian was not bound to adde one grace to another , but then the Apostles precept should be broken , 2 Pet. 1. 7 , 8. and so a Christian could not grow in grace , for graces are perfect in Christ ; and the Spirit doth not grow in grace , and the immediate operations of the Spirit increasing in us , are not properly graces , no more than the act of seeing is the eye , no more then giving goods to be burned is love .

3. Then we are not to pray for graces , if there be no such things to be found in the hearts of Saints , but Psal. 51. 10. David praies , Create in me a clean heart ; now if it be a thing created in me , 't is not the Spirit only in me , for that cannot be created . I doubt not but David had a clean heart , but he fell in part ; and therefore look as there needs a creating power to make , so there is a creating power to restore us again to what is lost .

4. Then the Saints have none of their sins mort●fied ; for 't is as with the eye , being made to see ; if sight goes out , darkness comes in , and if that be subdued , sight is renewed : So the Soul being made only for God , and to bear his image ; blot out that darkness and sin comes in : cast out sin , the Lord and his Image and Graces come in . If therefore there be no Graces in the Saints , then no sin mortified : truly if so , then the end of Christs coming , and dying is quite abolished , 1 Iohn 3. 8. & Rom. 6. 2 , 3.

5. Then the Lord should be false in his Covenant , and break Oath , and be forsworn : for , Ier. 31. 32. I 'le write my Law in their hearts . Luke 1. 73 , 74. So that if you will not believe man , yet believe God : and if you will not believe his Word , yet his Oath . Oh , but many good Christians find no such thing . But is it so , as they find it indeed ? Either then they are no Christians , or else the Lord is forsworn .

Thirdly , That by the inward principle of Spirit , and Graces , our lamp burns , and shines , our actions issue . The Spirit enables a man to know , & hence the act flows , he doth know the Lord . The Spirit enables inwardly for to love the Lord , and hence it doth love him . That as Christ saith , a good tree brings forth good fruit , from an inward sap received from the root , and by abiding on the root ; So here .

1. Those that are renewed to Adams image in their measure , have according to that measure , power to act ; or in those Graces there is power to act , for he had power so to do . Every creature in the world had a Law of Nature to carry them to their end ; and so were carried to it . But Adam had a Law of Divinity , whereby he being a cause by Counsel , was enabled by God to carry himself toward his end . Now we are renewed to that image in part , Eph. 4. 24. I know there is difference between Adams power to act , which had no Faith , ours that hath . And do not think that this doth advance nature , & the power of man , no more than the execution of the Promise of the Covenant of Grace , doth destroy Grace and advance nature . For the writing again the Law in our hearts , is that which this Covenant promiseth ; nay , this doth honour the riches of Grace : that a man being under the power of sin , and cannot get deliverance , the Lord should now give an humble conquering Spirit : never a precious heart but will be thankful for it .

2. Because the Graces in us , are received from the Lord Jesus his fulness , Iohn 1. 16. Now the Graces in Christ are not dead , but living , are not weak , but powerful ; the Spirit of Grace 't is now triumphing in him , 't is so in us only : 't is in him in the highest degree , in us in a lower . And therein consists our likeness to Christ , 2 Cor. 3. 18. And to deny this , is to deface the Image of the Lord Jesus ; and this is part of the Beauty and Glory of Christ : hence to deny this , is to obscure the glory of the Lord Jesus . Without Christ a Christian can do nothing : but how doth Christ do all , by the Spirit without Graces ? ( I speak not of Conversion where 't is without Graces as causes ) No truly , as he acts , so we act in part . Unless any will say , we have not received grace for grace ; or are in no measure like the image of Christ .

3. If the first Adam hath conveyed to all his members a power of corruption , then the second Adam also a power of Godliness , contrary to that , 2. Tim. 3. 5. yet in measure still , so as the Apostle saith , we can do nothing against the Truth , but for the Truth . 2 Cor. 13. 8.

But what measure of power is it ? Quest.

I know no man that can from any ground limit the measure of it . Answ. For it may be in some men in greater power , in some men in less , in the same man at one time in a greater measure , at another time less . If one ask of trees , what measure of fruit they can bring forth ; we cannot tell , because sometime more , sometime less : and the same tree more one year than another , and more at one time of the year then another ; for they have their winter season . Only this , whereas before conversion he is stark dead to act , now he is alive and is not dead . And if a man should after conversion be but in the next disposition to receive Grace , then how could one Christian be more grown and stronger in Grace in his inner man than another ? I know not any to question this , only I speak it to cut off their carnal hopes , that think Christ is theirs , when they have nothing , can do nothing , and sleightly say he must do all ; I cannot , I tell you the Saints can , they cannot but love the Lord , and choose the Lord . &c.

But must not a Christian deny himself , and alway go to Christ for power to do , Object. 1. and so be humble , and empty ?

1. You must , because this is the meanes to live to Christs ; Answ. but this doth not argue you have no power at all . A man must pray for his daily bread , much more for daily grace ; but doth this argue a man hath no bread in his house ? No , this is the means to have it continued and blest . Easily can the Lord take away bread , or the staff of bread . Graces extinguish not Faith , but help it .

2. A Christian can do no duty perfectly , hence must repair to Christ to help him to do every duty better ; hence though he must use that power he hath , and do what he can , yet he must not content himself with what he hath , but seek for more , and what a sweet life is this ? What honour would here come in ? God lets in a new light into my minde , now I may and must see his truth , I saw it yesterday , but I may and must go to Christ to do it better ; I must not quench the Spirit of prayer , but carry the key with me , and next day pray better . And thus the soul is thankful for what it hath , and emptying it self notwithstanding that , and daily then receiving from Christ . And I beleeve many Christians fail here : As in the body , meat feeds and strengthens life , so I cannot live without Christ .

But doth not this make a man trust to graces ? Object. 2.

To act from them is not to trust to them , Answ. no more then for a diligent hand to trust to his diligence , when he acts diligently that so he may be rich .

But doth not this dishonour grace to do all by the power of it ? Object. 3.

Then the Saints in heaven that are made perfectly like Christ , Answ. and that love the Lord perfectly , should not honour grace by this means , when as this is it that makes them honour it most of all . As David , Lord what am I , and my people , that we should offer willingly : So here .

SECT. II.

SEE hence what cause of thankfulness to all the people of God , Use 1. that the Lord should make their souls the Vessels ( which he might easily and justly have dashed in peeces ) to receive and preserve this eternal anointing ; I do beleeve there is no man that knows the bitterness of sin , the plague of his own heart , but when he sees Christ is his , yet it makes him mourn that there should be so little suitableness between the Lord and him , so little likeness between his life and Christ ; what though the Lord love me , and yet my heart weary of him ? what though the Lord bless me , and my heart abuse him ? and hence this makes it thankful , Rom. 7. 24 , 25. This is so far from dishonouring grace , as that the Apostle makes this the matter of admiration of Gods grace , Eph. 2. 3 , 4. God who is rich in mercy , when dead in sins hath quickned us : Not only quickned our head , for hence is cause of eternal praise , but us ; and hence he hath set us up in heavenly places in him : This is the state of all men , they cannot do one spiritual act ; now that the Lord should help when all creatures left us , is wonderful , but that it should be with such a life , even the life of Christ Jesus himself , for the same Spirit that raised him from the dead dwells in us , and the same Spirit that is now in glory with him , is in us , 1 Pet. 5. 1. This is mercy indeed ; that he should not only die for us , and live in heaven for us , but that he should love so dearly as to come and live in us , that when our sins had slain him , he should not onely come and dwell in our houses , nor onely lay his head in our bosome , but live in our hearts , where he finds such poor welcome , and ill entertainment at our hands , I tell you this is wonderful , to make his habitation in us , that before we go to live with him , he should live in us : Let them that never knew what this meant refuse to be thankful , but if you find it so , forget not this love , Iohn 14. 17. I le send the Spirit whom the World cannot receive , because it knows him not . The Lord sends the Spirit in common graces , and the World doth receive that also in prophetical and miraculous gifts , and it doth receive that ; but this Spirit which God pours on the thirsty , this Spirit with which God fills the empty , they cannot receive this . Oh that you should have it , when as they know it not .

1. Hence therefore take heed of not owning the Spirit in this his presence . Do you thus requite the Lord , oh unthankful world ! not so much as to own the presence of such a friend , neither in your selves , nor yet in others . How like the world is it to think that there is no such thing ?

2. Take heed therefore of not esteeming highly of it . If ever God broke thy heart , thou wilt esteem this life , this principle as the greatest piece of love ; and say , Lord I shall account this as the greatest part of love in the world , Psal. 119. 68. Thou art good , oh teach me thy Statutes : Now to undervalue this , and to account it common , and hence as no sign of love , 't is a part of unthankfulness .

3. Take heed of imprisoning the Spirit of grace , common truth , Rom. 1. 18. It was fearful to imprison and silence that , much more this . It was the complaint of the Church in those days , None stirs up himself , Isai. 64. 7. What strength the Lord gives , let me use ; what I want , the Lord hath enough to help me withal ; put it to exercise , or else affliction will .

4. Take heed of enfeebling this Principle , weakning of it : The Church of Sardis things were ready to die in it , you should strengthen this inner man , not weaken it , either by not feeding it with Christ , or wounding it with known sins against Christ . Therefore let all the Churches know this , and take heed that you do not refuse to own this : where else will you make the difference between men , that either Churches may discern them , or you may discern , and so have peace your selves .

Hence see the reason of that inward hypocrisie that is in many mens hearts , Use 2. so that the best profession of many a man is but a Scheme ; an Image , a very craft ▪ a very artificial form ; all the duties are fair without , but sapless , liveless , within : Here is the reason they have no inward principle of life , or if they do go to Christ , they have no such principle within them , to carry them to him , so as to receive life from him ; and hence confess sin without sorrow or shame , petition without thirsting , live without love , do without life , because there is no spring , but a dry heart within ; and hence they must do duty , but they must make dead work of it , and hence all is but an appearance , and at best but a would be : This is in a great measure in Saints when the Spirit within is quenched , but it is in full age and strength in hypocritical hearts , Ier. 4. 14. when the profession of Iudah was great , and the Prophets had scarce any thing to say against them for outside , Oh Ierusalem , wash thy heart from wickedness , there thy wo lies , it enters to the very heart ; so Christ , How can he that is evil , bring forth good fruit . And this is that which may make men mourn , if I forsake all profession , I shame my self before men , if not , I must blaspheme the Lords Name , and play the Hypocrite before the Lord , Matth. 12. 33 , 34 , 35.

SECT. III.

TO take heed of denying the grace of God , or this inward principle , Use 3. in whole , or in part , for this inward principle , being the life of Christ in us , Of Caution ; and sad Advice . to deny this is to deny Christ , and to take away his life ; and such the Lord will deny before his Angels another day : When they shall say , Have we not eat and drank in thy presence , he shall answer , I never knew you : I shall therefore here direct my speech to four sorts .

First , To those that deny created graces in the Saints peculiar unto them only , it s said there are none such in the Country , if there are not , it may be there have been , and it may be will be , and therfore i le speak : For I beleeve 't is a delusion digged and hatcht out of the steam of the lowest sink in Hell : And therefore that all may take heed of the evill of it , I will first shew the evill of it , then the causes that do beget it .

I. The evils of this delusion are these .

1. It settles and fastens a man under the power of all his sin , and yet with a quiet Conscience , and yet to keep his Christ too . It transcends my capacity from whatever I have read , or have heard , or have felt , or can imagine how the power of sin can be taken away , but where the Spirit infuseth the contrary grace ; an empty house swept and garnished with common gifts , is but a fitting house for Satan to return into : Say therefore a man may have no such graces , and yet have Christ , and them in Christ , you stake this man down under his sin , and make this member of Satan , a member of Christ Jesus . And upon this ground all Churches in the Land may be forced in Conscience to take in all prophane members , if they plead Christ , and their allness in him .

2. This blurs all the glory of a Christian , or at least the greatest part of it : For what is the glory of a Saint ? 'T is to be like Jesus Christ the Lord of glory , to bear his Image before God and men : As to see a man with a Swines face would be the shame of a man ; to see a Christian with Satans Image , is the shame of a Christian ; but to be like our Head , this is our glory , though it be in sufferings , 2 Cor. 3. 18. heavenly , humble , compassionate , holy , as he was ; and hence when God hath a mind to make Churches or Christians base in the eyes of the world , he will withdraw here , and when he intends to draw the world after him , he will glorifie it with his glory , Isai. 60. 6 , 7.

3. It cuts off a Christian from all hope of glory , how many be there that scramble and catch at Christ , and every one saith he is mine , The proud man saith , he is mine , and hopes now verily to be saved , but that hope is vain ; they have Christ out of them , but where is Christ in them ? The life of Christ , and the Spirit of Christ ? Col. 1. 27. Christ in you , the hope of glory .

4. Give me but one place in all the Book of God , where blessedness is bestowed upon , or conveyed unto any , or promised but to such as have these grace● . Blessed is he that feareth the Lord , and greatly delighteth , &c. Psal. 112. 1 , 2. If there be no such thing , let any man expect it if he can .

II. The Causes .

1. A magnifying Christ , and making him our Sanctification , when as you heard the last day , this is to deny him to be our Sanctification : He becomes our righteousness by imputation of his holiness , and our Sanctification by infusing of it . Nay , hence a man deprive● himself , of all good in the Lord Jesus , when a man denies all grace in himself , and then flies for Sanctuary unto Jesus Christ , ● Iohn 1. 6 , 7. If we say we have fellowship with him , and walk in darkness , we lie , &c. And hence it seems they denied men to have sin , vers. 8. boasting of fellowship with Christ , vers. 6.

2. Because there are ( say men ) onely immediate actings of the Spirit . If this be so , then there is seeing in a Christian without an eye , and hearing without an ear , and knowing Christ without an understanding , and loving without love , and living without life , and feeding and eating without a mouth ; and then when these actings are over , a Christian is like another man , there is no Law remains written on his heart , and so Christ should enter into his Saints , like Satan into the Serpent , who only acts the Serpent , and when that is done , he remains a Serpent again . Know it , the Lord Jesus his greatest work is not onely to change the acts , but to change the frame of the heart , not only to put new actions , but a new nature into men .

3. Because men know not the Spirit , never felt the presence , not power , nor comfort of it themselves ; and hence men do as some Countries , because themselves are black , they paint the Devil whi●e . Iohn 14. 17. The World cannot re●eive , because it knows him not . Give me any Christian living that ever found the sweetness of it , but his longings were to have more of that grace , to forget things behinde , and reach to things before , even to the resurrection of the dead , whom I believe none will say want all habits of grace : I look upon the Opinion as coming with a curse from God : A man hath been a dry Professor long , Conscience saith , There is no grace in the heart , and hence is troubled ; True , saith he , there is none in Saints , it is in Christ , and there he catcheth and deceives himself .

Secondly , Those that do acknowledge them , but any power or activity in them they deny ; they say there is oyl indeed in the Vessel , but it helps not , 't is no means to make the Lamp to burn or shine ; there is the life of Christ , but it is a dead life , they call them the graces of Christ , but they are but fruitless graces . I confess it , if you consider them without the Spirit of Christ , they are no true graces , much less active or living ones ; but consider them thus , they have a power , as take the least grain of corn , there is a growing power in it , & fructifying too in it by dying first , though it actually doth not fructifie presently , and though there must be rain , and Sun must shine also , and a providence accompanying of it , so it is in the graces of Saints : And hence it s called a Law of the mind , there is a power of a Law , as of sing and hence as Christ grew in wisdome and stature , so all the members of Christ are like unto him .

I. The evill of this .

1. This abates of the excellency of grace , as from a Jewel to take away the oper●tive vertue of it . Fo● it 's not like Christs now , which is strong through God , not weak ; which is living , no● dead . This is not like the glorious Graces of Saints triumphing . This makes the Graces of Saints of less excellency then common Graces : common Grace will make a man ●ide over many a sin , and run exceeding fast , though he fall at last . A man that hath bin angry , it will make him very quiet and still , and is there no more power in this ?

2. This will make a man content himself with a bare form , with a false confidence if this be true . For take a man that hath bin long seeking to get strength against a vile heart , and ●e finds none ; there is no power of heavenliness , he is earthy ; no meekness , he is proud ; I would say to him , do you ever think to get any power of meekness , love , faith , &c. You shall never do it , never have it here ; all your strength is immediatly from Christ , look for it there ; in conscience a man must cease there . And 't is certain all our strength is in , and from the Lord ; but 't is dispensed mediatly , Eph. 3. 16. Paul prays he may be strengthned with might in the inner man . Or thus , a man may not pray for strength of Grace , which Paul refused not .

3. Then the Saints if they be asked whether they believe , or can love the Lord Jesus ; their answer must be , no I have no power to love , nor beleeve , and then Peter did ill to answer so , Lord thou knowest that I love thee . Then Paul to say , We can do nothing but for the Truth . Then that Martyr that to then that said , the Lord strengthen you : yes saith he , the Lord doth . I know if the Lord withdraw his Spirit , we are gone , as Adam ; but is there not the immutable assistance of it ? Is there not the Promise , I will never leave thee , though sometimes weaker , sometimes stronger ?

4. This will make a Christian hide and not improve his Talents ; he hath Grace , but no power to put it forth . Then suppose God gives power to see Truth one day , I must not see it with this eye the next ; but look up to Christ , and say , I cannot see at all .

II. Causes of this .

1. In opposing the outward principle of life , or first principle , and this second , I must live on C●rist ; hence I must no● , I have no power to act my self in any measure , because all my strength is in him . Whe● if this were true , a man might argue , because all Grace is originally in Christ , hence no Grace in me , because all Glory is in Christ originally ; hence no Glory shall be conveyed to me . No , this Scripture reconciles these : Because I live , therefore you shall live also , John 14. 19. Because Christ is strong , hence he will make us strong in the inner man , and not in the Spirit only : because Christ is glorious , hence we are predestinated to be made like unto him . Because all sap lies in the root , to say therefore there is no sap or power in the branch to fructifie ; this is false .

2. The hypocritical activity of false Professors , who having no spring to feed their wells , no Christ , nor bucket to draw from him ; hence are their own men , and set up for themselves , till the● turn bankrupts . And now because a Pharisee is so active as to go through se● and land to make a Proselyte ; therefore Paul hath no activity of Grace of Christ in him to go from land to sea to make Christians .

3. Sloth , A man sets upon a duty , and now because he cannot do it easily , nor quickly , he cannot do it at all . A man would have Grace active without means ; and God will not help in that way : and hence many Christians cannot cleave to Christ by love , or desire ; no , so long as they pore upon their wants , no encouragement , but turn the mind , and consider well of the love and glory of Christ , then with P●●l , 2 Cor. 5. 14. Christs love constrains .

4. Judging that to be the power of Grace at all times , which is at sometimes ; A man hath given special occasion for the Lord to leave him , as the Camp in Iosh●●hs time , Iosh. 7. and he thinks there is no more power at any time in any man . For then a man sees all the world cannot help , when if Acha● were removed , the Spirit of the Lord would return again .

5. That hereby a man may have his sins without trouble , for a man hath bin troubled , and cannot get power , now he heats there is no such power to be expected , he looks to Christ , and if power come , well , if not , saith he , 't is not my fault .

Thirdly , Those that deny the evidence of it , the evil of which apprehension , I conceive to be no less then taking away that which is the chief , if not only difference between hypocrites and Sa●nts in virgin Churches , for so 't is made here . A man saith I have Christ , and so have not they : I ask , where is the Spirit ? You have the Deed , where is the Seal ? You have the Testator , where is the Executor , the Spirit in you ? Yes , I have it , it hath witnessed Christ is mine . Answ. It hath witnessed , but what hath it wro●ght ? Where is the power of his death , killing thy lusts ; Where is the life of the Spirit of Jesus in you ? Where is the Oyle in your vessel ? Truly I look for the Bridegroom , but I regard not that , neither are others to regard it in way of evidence . Then I say the chief evidence is destroyed in the Churches . I have known many that have had assurances , yet never saw them prove right , till it witnessed this was here . What should be the causes of this , and that men should make blusters in the Churches , because of this , as though it was building on wo●ks ? In several men they are several .

1. An ap●ness in mens hearts to ●ou●run● the Truth , and to fall from one extream to another . Many men there be that fall short of Christ , and the Grace of God in and from him : and from their loose prophane life , fall to duties , and imitate Gods people , and then when they have got credit with good people , they judge well of them : and having made their peace hereby , with conscience , and not with God the Judge ; never look after the sa●ing knowledge of , and fellowship with , and life from the Lord Jesus . Now , because men rest on this ▪ these duties 〈◊〉 no evidence ; he●ce none are at all . The Corinthians first mourned not for the incestuous person ; and when cast out , wanted pity towards him . Calvin preached against Holidaies , hence intrenched upon the Lords day . Some of the separation see many Churches where they have come corrupt , hence make them all no Churches . A man is apt to think , because I have rested on my self , and found those signes which now are not sound , hence all others do so too . And I beleeve ivers Books have occasioned it , which give signes that will not hold without a 〈◊〉 explication of them .

2. The apostacy of eminent Professors , who have bin deceived in their evidencing thus : And truly it would ma●e one think the honesty of the World is but a fashion , and no evidence of any good estate ; hence men say you have joy , so had the ●●ony g●ound ; you are blameless and strict , so was Paul a Pharisee ; and Satan hereby shakes many a foul : hence the Apostle comes in , Heb. 6. 9. and speaks of better things , and things that accompany Salvation , and these should you follow . Hymeneur and Philaus fell both , 2 Tim. 2. 18 , 19 , 20 , 21. Yet purge your selves and you shall be vessels of honour for the Masters use .

3. Corrunt experience , it may be a man walks so loosly without fear , or life , or love , that the Lord leaves him , and he can see no clear through-wo●● , sometimes hath pangs , and then hopes , sometime dead , then doubts ; hence being vext here , and finding , no peace ; if he find it any other way than this , therehe rests . As 't is observed with man 〈◊〉 hide their shame : but when dead , their face is also covered , all their glory being then gone : so some glory of God appeares here , but when Christians are dead , they cover this , He look no more to it , all the glory of it is now gone , and here lies a deceit to loveChrist for freeing me from this way of evidencing .

4. A heart that never felt the bitterness and bondage of 〈◊〉 as the greatest evil . Take a man full of fears of wrath ; on now assurance is his chiefest good , and he will account it so ; but if ever God did load the Soul with 〈◊〉 ècontra , you will account of deliverance from this highly , nay a promise he will do it is sweet but to be feeling those sinews of sin crack ; oh it s the joy of Heaven that now sils that heart ! The greatest evil in Gods eyes is sin ; the g●eatest good we have is redemption from it by a mighty hand : now not so much as to account of this highly , this is hard . Thus I have left these things to be thought of , I cannot avoid it , it lies in my text ; and the rather , because of that Scripture abused , If any say , l●e here is Christ , or there , believe it not . i. e. by signes : or in a wildernesse , i. e. in a sorrowfull estate , of in the privy chambers in frames of heart , believe it not neither . Take heed you do not wrest Scripture● thus ; I' ts said , Esau hated Iacob for the blessing , Gen. 27. 41. This Spirit of Grace is the blessing which Saints account as the evidence of the ●●●rest love ; to separate from Churches , from Messengers of God , for this will yield you sorrow enough one day . I tell you , you shall not be found fighters against men , but against God , and the Spirit of his Grace , and the Life of him who live● in Heaven for us . Take heed you forget not oyl in your Vessels .

〈◊〉 Tho●e that acknowledge in their judgemen●s all these things , but deny it in their lives , regard not the having this principle of Life , and have peace in this , from a double ground .

1. By a fruitless Faith which hang● on Christ ; but never receives nor brings in this principle , as those , Iohn 2. 24 , 25. and hence though they receive none , yet they hang on him . And so their Faith like a bucket without a bottom , draws up nothing .

2. A form of godliness before men . If a man should neither speak well , nor pray , &c. He would have no love , no respect , no receiving into Church ; but he cannot do it with life , and hence a form contents him , and there rests . So that now if Conscience troubles , and says , those duties are done with no life of Christ , and Spirit ; he answers , yet I goe to Christ : If this be all , why do you not cast off your form ? Oh then I should have no love from men : oh this life of Christ is not prized , till with these Virgins they feel the want of it , and 't is too late , know this will be your woe at last . Look upon thy dead Soul , all thy glory is gone , and wait upon the Word that the Lord may make thee live . Could you know this Well of water and ask he would give it you . Oh beg for it then as for your life . Only first 〈◊〉 it in Christ , and so from Christ .

SECT. IIII.

VVE live in a Country which hath goodly trappings , Use 4. Of Tryall . rich hangings , glorious Profession , burning Lamps : and hence many think themselves ●ich , when indeed poor ; many look to mee● the Bridegroom , when indeed they shall he shut out-from the fellowship of the Bridegroom . How shall I know that ? That all my sorrows , prayers , reformation , profession , is but a paint , an appearance , a fashion , a Church-craft , which will stand me in no stead when the Lord shall appear , who shall judge the secrets of all hearts , by the Word you hear● this day . Try it therefore by this Rule , doth it come from a principle of life or no ? Your Lamp burns , but look what is in your vessel that feeds this flame . That as our Divines speak , how the Disciples could do greater works than Christ , and others wrought Miracles besides Christ : how then do they prove that he is Christ ? 'T is answered , in all his miraculous works we are to consider not only quid fecit , i. e. what he did , but qua virtue fecit , from what power he did it . The Apostles and others wrought Miracles , but it was alienâ virtue : Christ did them , but it was prop●● virtue . So many an unfound heart he may do greater works them Saints , and his lamp burn brighter . Therefore in this case we are not to look so much to what is done , as from what power and principle it is done : for therein the best hypocrite ever falles . We shall ever observe in some beasts there are ambraerationis 〈◊〉 , yet there is no ra●ional soul , nor any wise man will beleeve that their acts proceed from such a Principle : So there are shadows of the power of grace in a carnal heart , and yet no Judicious Christian will say they come from an inward soul ; or principle of life . Consider therefore whether there is this principle or no ; you see there is profession , you have a name to live in the judgement of all the Church , but search your hearts , and see from what principle it proceeds , for if this be wanting , all is naught : As he that had Beer given him , when Milk and Wine , and Sugar was put into it to mend it , said , The Wine is good , and the Milk is good , but the Beer is naught : So Profession , affection is good , but the heart , the man is naught , Ier. 2. 22. Though thou wash thee with Nitre , thy sin is marked before the Lord . And that the Trial may be full and fair , I shall shew Negatively , the several sorts of men that act not from an inward Principle , yet carry it out as though the bitterness of death was past , and the Bridegroom theirs .

1. When a mans Principle is nothing but the power of created nature expressing it self , and setting the best face forward , in the gilded rottenness of some moral performances , wherein a man saith , he doth what he can ; for there is this principle in most men , a desire to be saved , nature saith so , and according to the inten●ion of this desire , so accordingly will men do more or less ; and hereupon sooth up themselves , when they see they cannot do as others do , or as the Lord commands ; I do as well as I can . Nay , when condemned by the Word which meets them , I do as well as I can , I beleeve , I repent , I pray , I remember the Word , I do as well as I can , and so they hope God accepts of that ; and though I beleeve no man but may be hired to do more than he doth , yet nature may do much ; hence I heard an Arminian once say , If faith will not will not work it , then set reason a work , and we know how men have been Kings and Lords over their own passions by improving reason , and from some experience of the power of nature , men have come to write large Volumes in defence of it ; and it s known the Arminians though they ascribe somewhat to grace , and in words all to grace , yet indeed they lay the main stress of the work upon a mans own will , and the royalty and soveraignty of the liberty of that : But to leave them and come to our selves , Is it not a common thing for men to ●ake lies their refuge , and to say , I was in a woful condition once , and never looked after God , but now I blesse the Lord 't is otherwise with me . How ? Now I beleeve , repent , &c. And so I confess all I do is full of weaknesses , yet I do what I can ; and thus they are like to men that have old garments new dressed , they have made them as good as they can ; and like the young man , Luke 18. 21. All these things have I d●ne from my youth , yet one thing was wanting , which was to forsake all , and so himself , that the Disciples said , Who then can be saved : With man 't is impossible , but with God all things are possible .

You say you do as much as you can ; I say do so , but 't is impossible with man , from any strength of man , and you have no more yet , Iohn 1. 13. Born again , not of the will of man , but of God . There is in some men a birth , like to the new birth , which is of the will and power of man , but oh this is not this inward principle which the Almighty power of God creates ; and therefore know it , if you get no other oyle in your Lamps , you shall never meet the Bridegroom .

2. When a mans principle is the power of holy example , whereby many a one is drawn to do more than otherwise he would . Many men think for a while as that man spake ; Men talk of being worth thousands , I would fain see the men . Ministers preach and others speak well , we must do this & that , but I would fain see the men that do it . Now it sometime falls out that the Lord sets before mens eyes some pattern-Christians , hereupon they think thus ; here are two contrary ways , they cannot both lead to heaven , their way is better than mine , and doubtless leads to life , mine doth not , and therefore let me live like the● . And hence there shall not be any Fast , but they will be at it ; not a Sermon near , but they will go wet and dry to hear it ; nor any duty in Family , but they will imitate it , and hence read and learn , that they may be like them . No Christians in the Country hated , but they will love them , nor Ceremonies cast off , but they will abhor them ; and hence they reflect upon their patterns , and think their estate safe , because they are as good as a Christians outside : And hence like some dead C●ttel , there is nothing good but their skin ; so there is nothing good in these , but their imitating outside . Thus it was with Ioash while Iehoiada lived , 2 Chron. 24. Hence he fell like Ivy with the Oak , when God cut him down : Thus it was with these five foollish Virgins , a man may follow good examples , but not rest in bare imitation of them : And hence a blessed man is described , Psal. 1. Negatively , from no● imitating the wicked , not from imitating the good ; because good men may be in many things ill examples , and it ever proves so in these men that have no more then this Principle ; hence if they be loose in their tongues , or on the Sabbath , their plea is , they are like unto them . And hence come all your acquired excellencie● ; a man is an imitating creature , led by example , and a carnal man out of the heart of hypocrise in himself , will imitate the divine nature which is in another ; and hence men not only take up such practises , but such opinious only , because such and such are of that mind : And hence men change practises and opinions as Examples do change ; in Ioshua's time great Reformation , he no sooner dead , but all fell off again : then they were for purity of Ordinances and Gods Worship , now they serve Baalim : Oh consider , here is an outward , but no inward principle !

3. Those whose principle is nothing but external applause and praise of men , and this will carry a man beyond all the best Examples : Nay , sometime to be singular , and a man alone ; a Pharisees Trumpet shall be heard to the Townesend , while simplicity walks thorow the Town unseen : Hence a man will sometimes covertly commend himself , and my self ever comes in , and tells you a long Storie of Conversion , and an hundred to one , if some lie or other flip not out with it . Why , the secret meaning is , I pray admire me , hence complain of wants and weaknesses ; pray think what a broken-hearted Christian I am ; and hence if comforted they complain , if not , they will comfort themselves ; hence many lift up eyes and hands , and fetch deep sighs in prayer , remember and note Sermons , look now what a gift I have : Hence if you come to their companie , they will have so many good words as may make you think well of them , and then the Market is almost done with them : Hence men forsake their friends , and trample underfoot the scorns of the world , they have credit elsewhere : To maintain their interest in the love of godly men they will suffer much : Hence men in the Ministry pray for grace to beautifie and perfect their parts , that so they may preach and convert and have credit : Hence men meditate new Light , and profess deep things that few know , that men may worship the rising Sun : Hence the Lord is neglected secretly , yet honoured openly , because there is no winde in their chambers to blow their Sails , and therefore there they stand still : Hence many men keep their profession , when they lose their affection , they have by the one a n●me to live , and that is enough , though their hearts be dead : And hence so long as you love or commend them , so long they love you , but if not , they will forsake you ; they were warm onely by anothers fire ; and hence having no principle of life within , soon grow dead : This is the water that turns a Pharisees Mill , and the Lord passeth a heavy doom , You have your reward . I have wondred that the opinion of men , nay , dream of mens thoughts should act men ; onely 't is a curse of God , that when men despise his honour the greatest good , they shall be fed with the basest good .

4. Those whose Principle is nothing else but their own gain of outward blessings . Many there be that make not their honour , so much as their bellies their gods , and thy rule them , Phil. 3. 19. hence the Shop-keeper will give good words when he sells his commodity , he should lose much of his custome else ; and hence the Minister preacheth contionably that his gaine may come in , 1. Thes. 2. 4 , ● . Hence people would be as good as the best , they cannot get a lot in all the Country else . Hence a man is somtime content to forsake all for Christ , that he may make a booty of Christ , as Iudas did . Hence when Christ feeds them with Loaves , then the people will make him a King , Iohn 6. though afterward they cry Crucifie him . So men deal with Christ as the Souldiers did , that caught him , that they might strip him of his garments . And hence many men if they see sorrows and wants attending them , if they attend on Christ , forsake him . Look upon our own Land , many so long as they could enjoy Christ with fair weather , cry out of Ceremonies , and prophaning of Sabbath : yet this not being to be had , creep to them , and read the Book for prophaning thereof . Many shadows have been seen since our Sun hath risen here , and this way they looked : but viewing other mens wants , and fearing their own losses , and conceiving they may meet with Massah in this Wilderness , refuse to follow . And least this should seem to be the cause , cry out we are Separatists , or strongly possess themselves against all relations , there is no living at all here .

Look but at home , how many Dove ; ( that prove but Ravens , and live on the prey ) come hither to our windows , and have followed Christ to this Worlds end ; when he fed them with loaves , they made him their King : but now he hath taken away what once they desired ; because there is better Bread to be laboured for ; now they forsake him , and live on the spoyl . This is no inward Principle . And hence when mens Expences for Christ , exceed their Receipts from Christ , they cease spending , and fall in the high way to begging at the door of the World .

5. Those whose Principle is nothing else but the strength of natural Conscience , which will set men a doing , when they have neither praise from men , nor gain from Christ for their labour . For the Lord deals with some men , ●as the Romans did with some of their Prisoners ; they would chain a Prisoner and his keeper together , and let them go up and down : so God chains many a poor Prisoner of hell and his conscience together , and lets them go together . And hence many a man keeps pace with his conscience , and cannot give it the slip for all the world heaped up with gold , as Balaam said .

Now there are two things in a natural conscience , Rom. 2. 15.

1. To accuse , Hence a man dares not omit prayer , dares not commit a sin he hath a mind to ; conscience would then roar . Hence many keep constantly set duties in private , and tremble at small sins : not because they take any delight in the one , or are weary of the other ; but because they are ever under the eye of this Judge .

2. To Excuse , and to give much sweetness when a man follows the dictates thereof ; hence a man though carnal , will die for his Religion , and that with some chearfulness , because conscience chears within , and sings him asleep in trouble . And hence a man will cry out of all the glorious hypocri●ies of men , because to walk according to Conscience is sweeter to him . And hence a man comforts himself , t is my Conscience , Mark 12. 33. To love God is better than burnt Offerings . Hence a man will profit exceedingly in what he holds , Gal. 1. 14. because zealous for it for Conscience : and yet this is but a Principle of Nature , not an inward Principle of life , whose property is to seek the subversion of corrupt Nature , as natural Conscience seeks the garnishings of it and the actions thereof .

6. Those whose Principle is the fear of death , and hell ; raised not so much by the power of Conscience , as by the power of the Word . And hence come complaints about a mans Estate ; that a man can have no rest by all duties that he hath done , or doth . Hence following of the means , running to the best Ministry , mourning , and lamenting , and confessing sin , Mat. 3. 7. Oh generation of vipers &c. And hence prizing of favour and Comfort , Psal. 78. 34 , 35. Hence many do take this for their Conversion , and say , I heard such a Minister at such a time , and then I cryed out I was damned , and thought I saw the Devil , yea , and to Hell you may for all this , if no other Principle . Indeed , there is this fear in the elect , but drives them to the Ark , as Noah : But those , when their fear is over , they fall to fight against the Lord .

7. Those whose Principle is nothing else but the immediate actings of the Spirit of God upon them . For sometime the Spirit of God comes upon men , as Light shines on the mud wall , yet dwels not there as in the Sun . And hence many speak , pray , prophecy admirably , as Balaam , Numb. 24. 3 , 4. Many men like Carriers bring others goods , that are not possessors of them . Now these are 1. External enlargements , and hence a man do●h many things which he hath no inward power to perform , the Spirit is there assisting ; hence he cannot do so at another time , but 't is the Spirit only assisting . And hence a man may have abundance of knowledge , and he not affected with it ; he may live , and pray with applause of men ; others wish they were like him , yet live without love , & speak without feeling , and do without life , hence men leave themselves here . 2. Internal pangs , the Spirit of God begets some inward grief , especially when outward evils press , then inward flashes and desires , but they are soon done . There is no Spring , no Principle within . What the difference is between Saints uneveness , and this unconstancy , you shall hear hereafter : yet these are wrestlings of Spirit not yet conquering , and hence it possesseth not the Soul .

8. When men ; Principle is nothing else but common gifts , which are inward , and abiding long in the Soul . That a man now thinks he hath Grace , and sure signes of the Lords love , and here is fastned : when there be two things wherein it appears here is no inward Principle . 1. These gifts ever puff up , and make a man something in his own eyes , as the Corinthian knowledge did . And many a private man thinks himself fit to be a Minister , many a Minister better than all the Parish besides ; when Paul was the least of all the Saints . And hence commonly they degenerate to pride & form . 2. These keep men strangers to Christ , & the life of Faith ; they have these affections , yet ignorant of Christ , take these as signes of his love , & live without him . And this is indeed the inner Principle which all the wicked in the world want ; there is in true Grace an infinite circle : a man by thirsting receives , & receiving thirsts for more . But hence the Spirit is not poured out abundantly on Churches , because men shut it out by shutting in , and contenting themselves with their common graces and gifts , Mat. 7. 29. Examine if it be thus . If so ,

1. You cannot come to the Lord , John , 5. 44. how can ye beleeve ?

2. Nor to receive any thing from the Lord if you do , Jam. 4. 3. When you ask to spend it on your lusts , when that carries you .

3. This puls down the Kingdome of the Lord Jesus , when other things rule us , and not himself alone .

4. Satan will have this against you , as against Iob , You serve not the Lord for nought . To what purpose are your new Moons , Church-reformations , if it be thus ? Now , because it hath been replyed to what was formerly said , that Christ was the vessel , not our Souls . I shall therefore confirm the latter to be the truth , by these reasons .

1. Mystical places of Scripture are to be interpreted by plain . Now though Christ may be the Antitype of these Vessels of the Temple , yet he is not plainly said to be a Vessel ; but Souls are called so , Rom. 9. 23. 2 Cor. 4. 7. Acts 9. 15. Paul is a chosen Vessel . 1 Thes. 4. 4. we are to possess our Vessels in holiness . 2 Tim. 2. 20. Vessels of honour .

2. The Spirit is not in Christ as in a Vessel , but as in a fountain ; hence Ioh. 3. 34. Christs hath received the Spirit without measure .

3. The foolish Virgins had Vessels ; because it s sayd , they took their Lamps , but no Oyle with them . Their folly was not in not providing Vessels . Hence the foolish Virgins did not afterward beg their Vessels , but their Oyle .

4. The wisdome of the Wise did appear , in that they did provide Oyle for their Vessels . If therefore the Vessel be Christ , therein lyes the wisdom of the Wise , that they got the Spirit for to put into Christ , and the folly of the foolish , they got not the Spirit to put into him . Or the one go● Christ Jesus full of the Spirit ; the other , Christ Jesus void of it . When whoever hath Christ , must have in him the fulness of the Spirit also .

5. The other interpretation crosseth the main scope of this part of the parable , which is to shew the difference between the Virgins ; all professed Christ , went to meet the Bridegroom ; but here was the difference , they never looked for to get the Spirit in them : and this is most suitable to men raised out of the dregs of Popery , where Works being abolished , Christ is owned , and therein do well , but he●ein f●il .

Thus you have heard the use of Tryall negatively . What this inward Principle is affirmatively , you have generally heard ; and shall more particularly in the other two Doctrines . Only this I will add ; it consists of two parts .

1. Our life in Christ by Faith .

2. Christ life in us by his Spirit . Faith empties the Soul , and looks upon it as dead , and see ; its life laid up in Christ ; and hence forsakes it self , and embraceth the Lord of Glory . Secondly , the Spirit comes and posses●eth a forsaken empty House , and there lives and dwels . Both these the Apos●le mentions , Gal. 2. 20. Eph. 3. 17. Ioh. 15. 4. As two married together , their Souls live not where they are , but in each other : The one cares not how to please her self , but her husband ; and è contra . So that le●st any weak Soul should be discouraged , that thinks there is no Principle of Life , because such a blind , empty dead heart , wandring from God , &c. Nay , when the Lord quickens it , Oh it s lost again ! Nay , when quickned , oh then when it comes to , it is feeb●e ! I tell you it must be so . This makes you lay up your life in him : this death is your life . And least any false heart should be here deceive● , that saith he hath Christ ; If you have not the Spirit of Christ , you are none of his . The Saints have this sometime , their Temple is filled with Glory ; and for their general course , they are Admirers of the Lord Jesus ; and account his Life , to be Life , and all their life beside to be a continual death . There is not any Grace but they say , oh that I h●d it !

SECT. V.

TO every man , as ever you look to be with Christ Jesus another day , Use 5. Of Exhort . get this oyle in your Vessels . The Lord doth in this Parable set before your eyes the estate of the pu●est Virgi-Churches and Professors in the world , and it is his in●nite love to tell us before-hand , before the time be past ; to tell us , that many of these shall be shut out from the presence of the Lord Jesus , whom themselves and others think shall not , and yet this love would be but little , unless the Lord had made known the cause or defect in not getting oyle to their Vessels . Oh consider therefore , here you are like to fail ; you that have Lamps before the cry and Bridegroom comes , acknowledge Christs love , and be overcome by it to get oyle into your Vessels ; when Rahab knew that the Lord would destroy all Iericho , now she ●ays about her to preserve her life . What 's the means ? To tie the Scarlet thread at the window : Oh she would be sure to get and keep that there . You know the Lord Jesus will come and discover the unsound profession , and destroy the glory of the World , and Churches too : It may be you have had some fears , what if he should cut me off , and cast me out as possibly he may ? and I may as well as eminent Professors . I tell you , none ever perished but because of this . How just had Rahabs judgment been , if she had refused to get her scarlet thread there , and yours if now you get not your Oyle in your Vessel ? How many are there that have lived fairly and died quietly , and when they are dead and knock , the door is shut : That then wring their hands , Oh had I but known of this ! I would have spent my care and strength , and tears , and thoughts how to have filled my Vessel , but I knew it not . This time will shortly came , and if you know it now , and do not set upon it , what a cut will this be ? As therefore the Apostle exhorts , Heb. 4. 1. Having a promise of entring into rest , fear lest you fall short of it . I say so much more here , knowing how only you shall enter into Christs rest , fear least you fall short of this ; I hope I shall not , I thank God my course is blameless , spotless , I have forsaken the sins of places , and pollutions of Ordinances ; so these were Virgins also . Oh but my Lamp burns as bright as any mans I know : So did the foolish Virgins , oh but they all think well of me , so were these thought of , till the Lord said , I know you not . Oh but I look to Christ , to meet with him , and salvation from him ; So did these , and yet were shut out from Christ . If the Lord should have said it was because they had not wealth enough , nor world enough , every man would not have been wanting here , but would have striven to have got enough of that , though it were not to be had ; but there is enough in Christ to inrich you , who hath the Spirit without measure to do it : The Spirit may breath now .

Labour to feel and mourn under thy whole corrupt principles , Means 1. that have acted thee hitherto : For many men are sensible sometimes of some particular acts , and jarrings of their hearts and life with the rule ; and then they seek forgiveness of , and grace against them , and then they hope all is well , then they do many things , and hear Iohn gladly , and in plainness and integrity of their hearts think that all is well . But still they fall short of a Principle of life , because they never felt a whole corrupt Principle , and how in every thing it crosseth God , not only in the corrupt , but most glorious actions . For all men living naturally turn from being open , to secret enemies ; and from being secret , to be subtil enemies , and to undermine the Lord in all they do . Now many see it but not the evil of it , nor mourn under it . Hence the Lord never sends another Spirit , because they have not the Spirit of heaviness for want of it . But when a man sees that in every thing he is carried and acted by a principle of bitterness against the Lord , and lives without the Spirit of the Lord to act him ; the Lord is not far from that soul when he feels this , and mourns before the Lord , because of this , and the want of that , 1 Kings 8. 38. So Christ said , Because I said I go away , sorrow hath filled your hearts , John 16. 6 , 7. This is the very reason why Saints have the Comforter , his absence fills their hearts with sorrow ; because when he is gone , oh the straitness , vileness of a corrupt heart ! you say it may be . If this be not a right Principle , what is ? Answ. To undermine all false works ; oh therefore , feel this plague ! If ever God works this grace , feel you must the want of it , and if you do mourn then you are under it : And oh mourn , 1. By considering the evil of it , you can mourn after a dead father , and shall you not over a dead heart . 2. To think there should be so much Spirit in Christ , and not a drop for me . Is he so angry with me ? See therefore I pray you that you are led by ill principles , or false principles . I pray , but self-love sets me a work ; I profess , but praise of men acts me ; I observe duties in secret , but natural Conscience only carries me . No surer sign of ruine then for the Lord to hide these things from you ; nor of love then when he shews this , and gives you not only sense of some one act , but a spirit of heaviness under this . This empties the Vessel , and so makes us Vessels of honour ; do not therefore set thy self so much to do , as to see where thy evil principle is , in all thou doest .

Repair now to the fountain of life , for a principle of life from him , Means 2. and fetch it from him .

What is th●● ? and how shall I fetch it from him ? Quest.

1. T is not a mans own striving , Answ. a man may imitate nature , but cannot make nature : All the world cannot make one poor flie . And as 't is artis celare artem , so when he hath done he may deceive himself and others , but nothing else . Born not of the will of m●n : A man is in great distress of Conscience for sin past , ●ear of death for time to come , and now he comes just as far as a Devil ; then prays Lord save me , and now comes as far as nature can carry him , and therefore is ea●ed , and now he hath Satans black seal upon him , and self-flattery hath carried him on . The fountain of life is not here .

2. 'T is not the Law , it convinceth one , and he complains , it condemns another , and he cries out , it irritates another , and he falls to do what he can ; but the Law cannot give life , Gal. 3. 21.

3. 'T is not bare Ordinances , which are of themselves but husks and shels , and empty pipes ; witness the cries of many a man Sabbath after Sabbath , no life , and that for a long time : Nay , he grows worse .

4. 'T is not God simply considered , He is indeed the fountain of life , but sin hath sealed that fountain ; hence many a one goes to him , and departs from him with frowns .

5. Where is life then ? In Christ : I know he is Lord and Prince of Life . Yet consider , as God-man no life is in him for you , as to be communicated to you . Where then ? 'T is in the blood and death of the Lord of life : You are ready to undervalue this life . Oh consider , what it mus● cost the Son of God ? and where it must lie , Hebr. 9. 14. If Buls and Goats blood washed the flesh , much more this blood , &c. Many a man feels a blind dead heart , and all duties dead : And hence useth many periwasions to himself , yet they continue so still , because he never looks to this blood . There is this excellency in Christs blood , not only to cleanse from guilt , and power of sin , but from dead works , and none else can . Now therefore repair hither for it ; know what your lives will and must cost . Now how shall this be done ?

Answ. 1. Prize this blood , and satisfie thy Soul with it , choose it , and rest in it , in the Lord himself as sufficient , Ioh. 6. 53. Except you eat and drink , &c. many account it a common thing ; you receive it not then , but trample it under their feet , many esteem of it , but they feed not themselves with it , nor quiet their hearts with life there first : and hence it falls out thus .

2. Keep this Rule , content not thy self with that measure which thou hast from Christ , but be thankful for it , and falling short , call ever for more ; but satiate thy self with that which is in Christ .

If thou canst not do this , and it is beyond thy strength , then consider Christ hath words of life , Iohn 6. Oh beg for that , and for those words ! Hear what the Lord will say , Psal. 51. 8. You cannot see nor come to Christ : Then hear , and your souls shall live . Who knows what the Lord may do . 'T is not possible for man to do it , but the Lord Jesus may and can .

Oh then you that have this Principle , Use 6. Let all your actions issue and spring from hence ! As Paul exhorted Timothy , Stir up that gift that is in thee . Up Deborah , up . Awake Harp and Lute , saith David . Do not say , I can do nothing , and so the Lord must do all . Do not say , I have a dead heart , and can do nothing , but stir it up . It was the Lords complaint , Isa. 64. 7. None took hold of the Lord nor stirred up himself to that end . It may be some of you have some strength . Oh put it forth ? I know all strength is from Christ , but there is a pe●manent strength in you . You are not dead to act , you wrong the Lord and his Grace if you think so . As 't is a heavy sin to shut up and imprison natural truth , Rom. 1. 18. So much more the power of Grace . Others have lost it , oh recover it ! And hence Paul praies for this earnestly , Eph. 3. 15. The Lord strengthen you with might in the inner man . And therefore put this forth to act , and be sure you act only from this Spirit of Grace .

How shall I do this ? Quest.

1. Set the Lord Jesus in all his Glory before you . Answ. There is that excellency of the knowledge of Christs Person , that it makes us be and live like him , and according to the propinquity of our souls and eyes to Christ , so we are like him , As ●tis with the Sun , when it is gone from the earth , there are not so much as leaves on the Trees , yet when it returns , the Trees bring forth fruit . Or as 't is in Heaven , 1 Iohn 3. 2. so in this life , when we see him in a Glasse , 1 Cor. 3. 18. That look as 't is with an ambitious man , when he is in the presence of men he will manifest all his excellency , nothing shall be done to gain discredit . So if the Lord and his life be your excellency , when you see Christ , you will approve your selves to him . See him therefore beholding and accepting ; and that Grace you would put forth , see it in him : 't is strange to see what a stream of spirit comes somtimes this way .

2. Keep the remembrance of the exceeding greatnesse of his love fresh in your minds , in that he hath quickned you , Eph. 2. 4 , 5. and that this life was by his death . All the Flowers of the field cast their savour but for a time , and then away with them ; but Christs love and Christs death do usually alwaies breath a savour of life to a sincere heart that ever knew what the sting of death meant , 2 Cor. 5. 14 , 15. Christs love constrains , because he dies that we should live . But how ? Because we thus judged . God hath made man an Agent by counsel . Now some Christians go to the Lord to help them , but set not prayer of Faith awork , and hence have no water of life : Some do , but use not other means to set the understanding ( the mind of Faith ) on work , to quicken it up to act , and so would have life brought in , but not by the right door : An empty Vessel will not be full of this water till now , that the mouth of the understanding is open . Now many things are to be considered to act every Grace , as Gods Command and Promise , &c. But this is that which in the general quickens , oh Christs love which constrains the Soul to live to him ! According as a man thus receives from Christ , so he re●urns to him . As 't is observed , one sign that when a people visit not their Minister , they receive no good ; so here : That is sign of a decaying Christian , for usually they that get good by Christ , cannot by their good will stay away from Christ . So then the soul will return in all fruitful obedience to the Lord , when he receives the sweet of the Love of the Lord . The Lord doth me good methinks , and hence he follows the Lord . Satan hence prevails with the heart , because of his external objects , and a party within ; so here Christ prevails , because there is a party within , when external Objects are propounded . Let a man have life , if he have no food he will never live . If bread be before him , and he feed not on it , and that abundantly , he will never have strength , so this love of Christ in us , is life in us , and food for us .

3. Famish the contrary principle , the strength whereof is by sucking in the sweet , and receiving in carnal content from the creature , Rom. 13. 14. Put on the Lord Iesus , his Spirit , his Righteousnesse , his Life , his Graces , Make no provision for the Flesh. Many Christians look up to Christ in all means , but can do nothing , because they have some delight either in lawful or unlawful things , that lies between him and Christ . Hence that grows strong , the other feeble .

4. Die to all self-confidence in Grace received , or self-contentment with any measure of it ; for thereby you stop the Spirit : For we of our selves cannot think a good thought . Therefore be strong in Christ , and hence Eph. 6. 10 , 11 , 12. A man is apt to fall to a double extream , to be strong in the Lord without putting on Graces ; and to trust to them without being strong in him . Corn must die before it lives , so must you : and rest not content with the measure received , but look for more , and hence be thankful , and say , 't is not I but Christ ; yet look for more .

5. If no means come to give strength , consider sadly if you have not broken covenant with God , as in Samsons case , God was in covenant with him , but he had broken it on his part , hence his strength was gone . I know no place that breeds men of larger Covenants than this place , by Sea and Land , personall , and especially Church-Covenants . Now thy strength is gone . Dost not live in breach of Covenant ? Not only it is broken , but you live in it . You covenant to cleave to the Lord , or if you depart , to return soon again , but you lie in your falls . Nay your Covenant and returning heals your horrour only , not your sin . You covenant to love Brethren dearly , but a little offence one gives ; or hopes of a bigger Lot , will tempt thy heart to leave them to their own shifts . You covenant to submit to Officers in the Lord , but some take liberty to speak what they will , and others do what they list . To watch over your brethren to put life in them , but you grow a stranger , and it may be see them not once in a quarter , unlesse at Church : But can it be said they are any better for thee ? Oh your sins are double , and hence your plagues of heart are worse now , more hard to be wrought upon , and hence sin and Satan lead you , Psal. 78. 57 , 60 , 61. Oh consider this sin , the strength of God is taken as Captain of the Camp , that when you cry , Lord help , there ' t is . But alas 't is gone from you , and 't is in Satans hand , not only your strength , but Gods strength , and the soul is taken captive . Oh therefore mourn for this , lest you mourn at last .

CHAP. XIX . Sheweth that there is such a fulnesse or measure of Grace in the hearts of Believers , which the most Refined Hypocrites never arise unto

SECT. I.

THat there is a certain plenitude , Doct. 3. fulnesse , or full measure of the Spirit of Grace in the hearts of the Faithful , which the most Glorious , yet unsound Professors of Virgin-Churches want , and have not in their Vessels , but fall short of .

Just as these Foolish Virgins , they had their Lamps , a burning and shining Profession . And had they no more ? Yes surely , for their Lamp how could it burn , but by means of some Oyl ? They had their wiek toucht and dipt in Oyl , some lighter stroaks and superficial impressions of the Spirit . They had not their Vessels filled with Oyl , they had not this degree and full measure of the Spirit . This they fell short of , and herein appeared the difference . There are certain inward touches , an inward lighter Dye of Gods Spirit , which serves to beget a most eminent Profession before men , but never to make the Soul sincere indeed before the eyes of God . That look as some Naturalists make three or four kinds of life , differing only as higher or lower degrees of life , though not of the same life ; as Plants have a Vegetative life only to grow , but no sensitive to see ; because their forms are more drowned in their matter ; sensitive in beasts , yet not rational ; rational in men , but not Angelical , &c. So here ; a greater degree of the Spirits working , makes a difference in kind between Christian and Christian . 'T is the Spirit that makes a man live a civil moral life , 't is the same Spirit by a greater stroke , makes a man live the life of God , Eph. 4. 18. Yet here are two kinds of lives as far different as sensitive and vegetative ; and though the rational hath both , yet 't is neither of both . So though a Saint lives the life of reason and morality , yet there is another life he hath , which doth differ from these of a higher degree , and of another kind . I do not say therefore that a sincere soul only hath a greater degree of the same Grace , but that he is distinguished by a greater degree of Grace and working of the Spirit of Grace from an unsound heart . As a man may love another , but not with a conjugal love , here is now a degree of love , but not of the same love , for 't is not a whit conjugal ; it might then be sinful in some men , so 't is here . A man that hath filled his stom●ck with meat may have some desire after it , but not an hungry de●●re , not in that degree ; hence not hungry at all . So the sluggard desires and hath not , a carnal heart desire ▪ and another desires the Lord Jesus ; a carnal sluggish heart desires and hath not , but another hungers and is filled ; he hath not any degree of the same hunger . 'T is therefore granted there are desires , and joyes , and light , and growth in false hearts , but there is not that fulnesse of joy , that fulnesse of light , that fulnesse of the Spirit which is in the Faithful , and here they ever fall short . Yet note ,

1. There is not a perfect measure ; no● the fulnesse that shall be when our souls shall be gathered to them that are made perfect .

2. Nor yet that there is that fulnesse the Saints aim at ; for 't is the resurrection they aim at , Phil. 3. 12 , 13 , 14.

3. Nor yet a glutting fulnesse , that men have Manna enough , and say , the main work is wrought , and that is enough : Not such a fulness as satisfies their appetite from longing for more . But which satisfies and quiets their Conscience in regard of the uprightnesse of their souls before the Lord .

SECT. II.

BUT for the more full and clear explication of this point , I shall shew you these three things .

1. That Hypocrites may have some inward touches of Gods Spirit .

2. That the very reason of their falsenesse is because they have no more than such touches or stroaks .

3. That there is a fulnesse the Saints come to , which others want . To be shewed 1. Positively . 2. Negatively .

I. That Hypocrites may have not only outward shews , but some inward lighter stroaks of Gods Spirit . As

1. Of the Spirit restraining and confining , nay benumming of corruption , as Paul was blameless , nay he had no mind nor will to many sins , nay did not think he had any living contempt and enmity of God in his heart . Hence Rom. 7. 9. 't is said , When the Command came sin revived . Was it not living before ? Yes , but it was asleep , it was benummed , like cold Snakes , but not killed .

2. Of the Spirit preventing and exciting unto many , nay , to any duty of the Law in general , and that sometime by fears of misery and terrours of the Law , Deut. 5. 23. And somtime by love and mercy , morally affecting the heart , Exod. 19. 4 , 5 , 6. You have heard what the Lord hath do●e , Will you now enter into Covenant ? Yes , yet what is said of them ? Psal. 78. 37. They were false in Gods Covenant .

3. There may be some operative and quickning Grace of the Gospel , Heb. 6. 4. They were enlightened , &c.

4. There may besome edifying and cooperating gifts of Law and Gospel , whereby a man may not only be useful and helpful to some , but to the Church of God , as those that did prophecy in Christs Name . And these may be so inward , that they think themselves clean and sincere ; as Abimelech .

II. That the reason of their unsoundness is because they have no more than lighter stroaks of Gods Spirit .

As I might shew in all these , Paul is blamelesse , yet far enough from having sin mortified by Christ , and hence professeth , We did serve divers Lusts , Tit. 3. 3. The Israelites cry out , they will do what God will have them : Yet Oh that there were such an heart ! Deut. 5. 29. They in Heb. 6. were enlightened and tasted , yet fell . He therefore adds , We are perswaded ( v. 9. ) better things of you . They did prophesie in Christs Name , Mat. 7. Yet depart from me you workers of iniquity . But see it more particularly , Mark 12. 33. Saith the Scribe to him , To love the Lord , oh ' t is better than all burnt Offerings . Some Iews did rest there , but neglected the inward work ; but this man , the inward work was prized in his judgment , he had both profession and some affection : And was he now entred into the Kingdome of God ? No. Here was his wound , he fell short of it some degrees . Hence it s said , thou art not far from the Kingdom of God . So the Israelites , Why did not they enter ? Was not the Land good ? Oh yes ! That report the worst of the Spies brought : But their hearts were not taken with the goodness of it , as Calebs and Ioshuahs were . And hence they were shut out , Numb. 13. 27. & 14. 7 , 8 , 24. So it is here . So an unsound heart may be enlightened , as 't is there , Heb. 6. 4 , 5. But there is a marvellous light which they never have , they have not such a degree , 1 Pet. 2. 9. And hence , Deut. 29. 2 , 3 , 4. The Lord hath not given you eyes to see to this day . Did the Lord give them no eyes to see , no hearts to be affected with what they did see ? Why came they then out of Egypt ? Why did they sing when they saw Pharaoh drowned ? Why they had not such eyes and such hearts as Moses had , not unto that day .

So for turning to the Lord . Do not many unsound hearts turn over a new leaf ? Do they not , not only outwardly , but inwardly too ? Where is the flaw then ? In the degree , Jer. 3. 10. Iudah hath not turned with her whole heart , but treacherously . So there may be some growth and life in false unsound hearts , that may after fall away : But where is the wound ? Look in the Parable of the Seed ; Some grew not at all ; some did grow , but not having depth of earth , fell again : Others fell not in persecution , but there were the roots of Thorns that choakt the Seed ; the good grounds seed came to ripenesse and fulness of fruit , though some in a greater degree than others ; yet none at all ( no ripe fruit ) in the rest . Hence the Lord is said to weigh the heart , Prov. 16. 2. Men think they are humbled , and do believe , but God finds them too light , as Belshazzar was weighed and found too light . And thus it will be seen at the last day , when Christ Jesus shall appear , that all the most glorious Profession of many a man is therefore rejected , because found too light .

III. That there is a fulnesse which the Saints have , and which others fall short of . Which I shall shew ,

I. Positively and affirmatively from what hath been said , Prov. 12. 26. The righteous is more excellent . John 14. 17. Whom the world cannot receive , because it knows him not . There is that Spirit in Saints which no unregenerate man knows , hence desires not . Because he dwells in you , he doth not only send some gifts , or work somwhat there , but he dwells there , he fils the heart . Hence the end of Christs death is , to purchase to himself a peculiar people , Tit. 2. 14. Of such a spirit , such holiness that only themselves know . So 't is that which all the Prophets press to , to a higher pitch ; and hence that charge of Iosh. 22. 5. And 't is a peculiar fruit of Election , Eph. 1. 4. 1. To be holy . 2. Before him . 3. In love .

II. Negatively . If there should not be such a distinguishing fulness ,

1. Then the whole Ministry of Christ is in vain ; and so destroyed , for what is the end of that , that God raiseth up any Ministers in the Church , but this , Acts 26. 18. To turn men from darknesse to light . If this light was only that in Heb. 6. 4 ▪ then the end of the Ministry was to work hypocrisie . And from the power of Satan to God , there the Lord leaves them not , but that they may receive remission of sins , &c.

2. If there should not be this fulness , most of the Promises should be destroyed , and Gods Faithfulness fail , and the Saints be deceived . For Promises are made to them that mourn , to them that hunger , to them that believe , &c. Now many Hypocrites mourn , and desire , and the stony ground believed . Then it seems the promise is not true . Yes , and therefore there must be another kind of mourning , another and higher degree of the Spirit of Faith , &c. i. e. not of the same Faith , but of another kind of Faith .

3. If not , then all Christian endeavour after a higher measure of Grace should be destroyed . For if any man only hath Christ in his eye , that he may have him , I say that is sweet ; but I say you shall never have him , unless you receive him . Oh but many receive him ! as Iohn 2. 23. yet Christ commited not himself to them , for he saw what they were . Now therefore if you regard not the measure , i. e. such a kind of receiving of him , you will never seek for it , pray for it , nor learn to know it . And hence 't is said , Prov. 15. 24. The way of life is above to the righteous , If it were not above , of that height , he would never come over difficulties to it .

4. If not , there is no true hope that any man can have : But 't is utterly destroyed , 1 John 3. 3. He that hath this hope purgeth himself . I am as good as such a one : But , as Christ is pure . That is his Copy and his Pattern .

5. The very people of God are destroyed from having a being in the world , if this measure makes not the difference . If it be replied , the Lord Jesus makes the difference . 'T is very true , those that are in Covenant , they have God to be their God , that makes one difference ; but if there be not some peculiar workmanship of the Spirit in them , then though they have God their God , yet the second part of the Covenant is destroyed , i. e. They are not the Lords peculiar people that have more than common wash-work . For we are not only the Lords people by choyce and purchase , but by new Creation also , Isa. 64. 7 , 8 , 9.

SECT. III.

HEnce we see the sight of no Grace is no part of a Christians Grace and Holiness . Use 1. The five Foolish Virgins were not shut out because they did not see they had no Oyl , but because when they did see it , ( as the Lord will make you see it first or last ) they did not get such a measure and quantity of it as might fill their Vessel . You may go down to Hell with complaints I have nothing , unlesse the eternal Spirit work somthing at last in you .

Hence take heed of quenching and limiting the Spirit of God , Use 2. when it 's working upon and breathing in your hearts at any time , in any means . Because you may then fall short of this measure of it , and so be shut out at last . Look as it was with the Israelites , 't is said of them , that they could not drive out the Canaanites , i. e. they would not by reason of their sloath ; and ●●nce they were pricks , nay snares to them . So the Lord begins to work strangely upon some men , but they are presently humble enough , and have comfort enough ; and Grace enough , and cannot be better , and hence God makes their sins snares and thorns to their sorrow and ruine afterward . Nay Beloved , many a one will quench the Spirit . Oh take heed of it ! Thus ,

1. The Spirit not only convinceth , but humbles his heart , and shake ; his spirit with fears of sin . Now what should he do ? He should welcom it , and say , oh blessed Spirit , dost begin to cast me down to the dust for my sin , before I am cast to Hell for my sin ! What wilt have me to do ? Oh humble me more . Give me not only an act of heaviness , but a spirit of heaviness ! As she said of affliction , I pray God this Plaister may never cease cleaving , till healed . Now what do many men ? Why either game it , or work it , or sleep it away . The young man will not so soon lose all his mirth : The man that hath thought his estate good so long , will not believe 't is so with him now . Or as Solomon speaks of Gods hand , he gro●s weary of his chas●isement , and so casts it off , and catcheth hold on Christ and comfort , and there staies , before the Spirit hath done it .

2. If they dare not shake it off thus till the Spirit easeth , then they satisfie themselves with some hopes the Lord gives , and some tast of his sweetness , before they are satisfied with it , as those did , Heb. 6. 4 , 5. And hence Psal. 90. 14. Oh satisfie us with thy mercy , so shall we be glad all the daies of our lives ! So satisfied , as to live upon it alone . As many say , they could be contented it should be so , but they do not live upon it . As if you should ask a man , could you be content to be made King , and come from Beggery ? Yes ; but he is left there , 't is not so ; and hence lives a Beggar still . Men cannot live without their lusts . Yet saith Christ , My flesh is meat indeed , and drink indeed , i. e. This gives real consolation , satisfaction indeed . And here many a Christian sinks , and goes up and down short of saving good .

3. Hence many walk in some desires which the Spirit hath wrought , but to break through all difficulties , and follow the Lord indeed , and come to that they know they must indeed , this they will not do , but depart from Christ sorrowful , and hope the Lord will accept of them ; and hence the Lord complains , Mal. 1. 8. of this generation that had desires in their flocks , but lame ones . Will thy King accept this ? And so all their work is overly and superficial by stinting the Spirit . Thus far you shall go but no farther . Oh Beloved , this is the frame of a sincere heart , the Lord empties him , but he is never content till the Lord fills ; and when he finds it , he sits not down content that the work is done , but as his want made him beg before , so his tast makes him long more now , as Moses , to see more of the Lords Glory : As Paul , Phil. 3. 12 , 13. Oh therefore when the Spirit comes , intreat it to go on and finish . And hence David begs , Psal. 119. 132. Oh the mercy that thou usest to shew to them that love thy Name ! Why so ? Oh David saw mercy to others , that sets God awork to do somwhat for them , work somwhat in them , but 't is not such mercy . Oh beg for that mercy that humbled others , quickned others , that are now in Glory ; that , or no mercy Lord !

How shall I know whether the work is overly ? Quest.

1. If sudden and violent , Answ. 't is usually overly . A Picture long a drawing is exact , another soon done is lightly done . A man hath Leopard-spots , which in our garments cannot be washed out easily . Gods through-work is soaking and searching . Hence violent sudden sorrows and joyes and reformation which all were in the stony ground , proved unsound , Mat. 13. 5.

2. God hath thy time of trying thee , Mat. 13. The seed was sown . Which now is good ground ? Where is there fruit to be seen and ripeness of Grace ? Look upon persecution , if that doth not drive thee from Christ . If that doth not , see if the world doth not , which by a certain deceit and cozenage will befool you . I am pe●swaded , as 〈◊〉 is , that all the several trials of men are to shew them to themselves and the world , that they be but counterfeits , and to make Saints known to themselves the better . As Saul , he hath a temptation only of a command , when he had nothing to cause him to stoop but it , yet he fell there . So 't is with many others that God doth much for , he tries them , Rom. 5. 5. Trib●la●ion works trial , and that hope . Prov. 17. 3. If you would know whether it will hold weight , the trial will tell you . Look you there , and in special , if it drives to Prayer , fear not .

CHAP. XX. Wherein is given a more Large and Full account of that Fulnesse of Grace that is in Believers , as to the Several Parts thereof , and how the most Glorious Hypocrites come short in all .

SECT. I.

MAke therefore a narrow search whether you have this Fulness of the Spirit Use 3. or no.

What is this Fulness● ?

When the Spirit comes in the room of those things which a man is full Quest. of now . For fulness or filling implies emptiness , and the removal of that . Answ.

Now there are six things every man is full of . 1. Sin 2. Darkness . 3. Unbelief . 4. Satan . 5. Self . 6. World .

So there is answerably in every Saint , 1. A Fulness of humiliation for sin . 2. A Fulness of illumina●●on and revelation , in the room of darkness . 3. A Fulness of Faith , in the room of unbelief . 4. A Fulness of the Spirit it self , in the room of Satan . 5. A Fulness of Sanctification in acting for God as their last end , in the room of self-seeking . 6. A Fulness of Glory and Consolation , in stead of the world .

I. Fulness of humiliation under sin , opposite to fulness of sin .

For every hypocritical heart hath commonly some humiliation and casting down , which is the first Principle of all his Profession , and hence can tell you of his miserable estate that once he lived in , and for which he was troubled , but it was never deep enough . For as there was before his terrifying , a full power , a fulness of the dominion of sin , his humiliation for sin , never reached , never came to that fulness or measure , so as to deliver the soul from that . For I do not account that true humiliation whereby a mans heart is rent , troubled and tormented with sin , but whereby 't is rent from sin ; not from the being , but from the power , not from the bondage of some , but yet from the power of all . For if rending with sin should be humiliation , then the Devils should be more humbled then any . Then also a man may have too much of humiliation , and of Gods Spirit . If rending from the being of all sin should be humiliation , then no man living should be sincerely humbled ; unless we dream of an est●te of perfection before it comes , and of the day of triumph in the time of warfare . If rending from the bondage of some sins should be humiliation , then a man might be truly humbled for sin , and yet under the power of it . And therefore look as in every one the Lord humbles , there was once a fulness of the reign and power of sin in the full strength of it ; so that full measure of Humiliation which the Lord works in his , it ever comes to that height , as to break that power down , Ehud - like , it not only wounds the flesh , but leaves the dagger in the heart of this Tyrant ; 2 Cor. 10. 5. The weapons of our warfare are mighty to cast down every thing that exalts it self .

If I should leave this Point thus , I should but leave you as doubtful as you came , and so in the dark ; therefore for the better clearing of this Point , let me explain five things to you : The Scope of which is to shew you , what I mean by sin , and the power of it , and that Humiliation that removes it .

I. That besides the outward acts of sin , and inward lusts and breathings of sin , and the spiritual plagues with which God strikes men for sin , as blindness , hardness of heart , there is in every man living another sin , commonly called the sin of nature : ( as in the Serpents , besides the spitting of poyson , their nature is poisonous ) which sin is generally beleeved and confessed , but felt by few . This is called in Scripture by the name of Flesh , Joh. 3. 3. The Law of the members , The old man . For as in men , there are actions , breathings , and the man himself ; So here : Which sin of nature is the deordination of the whole man , or a corrupt bent and set of the whole man against God : And it expresseth it self in two particulars ; 1. In a constant departing from God in every action , Civil and Moral : Like a man set out of his way , every step he goes is ou● ; or like a Clock out of frame , every stroke is false , Psal. 58. 3. The wicked go astray from the very wombe . 2. In a fierce , invincible , resisting and contradicting of God , whe● he hath overtaken the soul to draw it home , and turn it back , Rom. 8. 7. We account it a doleful thing for Christ to bid the soul depart at the last day , that wo is past upon all the sons of men by this sin now ; only with this difference , 1. They are forced to depart then , men willingly depart now , and hasten away in every thing from God as fast as they can . 2. They depart into fire , these to broken Cisterns of creatures . I do 3. Believe they would not resist the Lord , if he should come to save them from their separation then from him , this makes nature resist him now .

II. That this sin of nature is most properly only the reigning sin . The text is evident for it , Rom. 6. 12. Let not sin reign , to obey it in the lusts thereof . There is 1. Obedience , i. e. the outward acts . 2. Lusts , the inward breathings . 3. Sin it self where those lusts are seated . It hath been a Question , What a mans raigning master sin is , and many discoveries have been made of particular sins , as that which riseth and awakeneth first in the morning with us , that which rides and labours a man upon the Sabbath day , when the Lord or sin must ride in triumph : yet that is the misery of a carnal heart , that when he gives his beasts rest , yet such is sins tyranny , he being sins beast , that he shall then have no rest . Now if their meaning be , that some particular sin may be a raigning sin , or a mans personal reigning sin ; then 't is true , Iudas loves his bag best , and Achitophel and H●m●n his honour most , and 〈◊〉 his whore most . But if they mean a mans natural reigning 〈◊〉 ; the reigning sin then , 't is not any particular sin so much as this : For no sin is able to reign over any man but by commission and power from this . As the Weeds can never grow ●all , but by vertue of their soil where they grow , Mat. 15. 19. All the boughs flourish by vertue of the root whence they grow . And hence we shall see , let Satan sow his seeds of pride or lust or passion in a man whose nature is changed , its impossible they should come to any perfection there , b●●●●ey will die away within a time , because the heart of the soil is gone , and power of sin removed ; and hence also it comes to pass , that a mans master sin may be changed : Those sins that are his master-sins in his youth , are not in his old age , those that are at one time , in one place , are not in another . Now there could never be such change of Governours and Vice-roys , unless there were some great King , that sets up one , and pulls down another , satis pro imperio ; This is therefore the raigning sin , which hath taken possession of every part , which hath its hand in every act , which pulls down one sin and sets up another under it , which gives strength to every sin that hath any , which fights it out till the last : This is I say the reigning sin ; hence think not that then the reigning sin is down , when your personal sins are destroyed , though it be with a most sudden and fearful destruction .

III. That when the Spirit of God humbles the soul indeed , he strikes the head , and wounds the ●eart of this sin ; he doth not only cut off some limbs of it , not only binde it , but slay it of its life and power . That as 't is with some men , they may have many pains , gripes , diseases , yet live and recover again , but the pangs are not so strong as to separate soul and body , for then the man is gone : So a carnal heart he may be troubled , and have many gripes of Conscience , and apply the promise , Come to me you that be weary , and so he may finde rest , and as he recovers his peace , his sin recovers its strength ; but when the pangs are so strong as to separate body and soul , sin of nature which hath lived there ; now the man dies , now the soul falls down indeed . Now this effectual humiliation carries the soul unto Christ , and hence Acts 26. 18. turned from the power of Satan to God , Col. 1. 13. He hath delivered us from the power of darkness . And hence Gal. 5. 24. They that be in Christ have cr●eified the flesh , as well as the affections and l●sts : For if the Lord should only humble a man for the sins of a wicked life , and some wants in the heart , the Lord should only bruise Satans heel , but never strike his head ; the Lord should slay the A●al●kites , but spare the Agag ; 't is true , the Lord usually at first conversion sets one sin upon the soul that brings to minde many other , and the Lord humbles for them , and here the soul is apt to rest as many do , but when the Lord comes indeed to work , he cuts thus deep as now I speak . 1 Cor. ●5 . 'T is said , The Lord must reign till all his ●nemies are put under his 〈◊〉 . Look therefore as this sin is the greatest enemy Christ hath , so if he reigns in heaven , he will be sure above all other sins , to strike the head of this , and disthrone this ; and w● shall find that there may be deep terrors upon the false hearted Virgins , but they only assault the soul ; So on Saints , but Christ then strikes at the sin and saves the soul , Isai. 57. 16 , 17. And this I add , there may be a great power of Christ put forth to humble the soul , but mens hearts resist this ; and even Pharaoh was humbled , but it s never saving , unless it strike the very power and throne of sin , and so this sin ; and now the soul is humbled indeed .

IV. That no unregenerate man ever had such a measure of humiliation , as ascended to , and ended in this , though he may have all that Humiliation which is precedent unto this . As ,

1. The Lord may arm first some few , and then many of the sins of their lives upon them , so as they may feel the most intollerable burthen of them ; not only to stand convinced they are most grievous sinners , but to shed many tears ; nay , to be sore troubled and distressed , oh the heavy wrath that lies upon my soul ! Thus Saul , 1 Sam. 28. 15. And hence many make heavy complaints , oh the Lord hears me not ! Send for Moses , saith Pharaoh . My sin is gr●●●er than I can ●ear , saith Cain . Nay , not only so , but they may feel more terrors ●han many of the Saints , as the damned now ; for the Lord lays this burthen upon his peoples backs in measure , but the Lord empties out the whole sack upon them , and the ground of this is but the sting of sin , or the gnawings of particular sins in the Conscience , not the burthen of the sin of nature as yet .

2. You will say , these fell from God , never looked to Christ , not left their sin ; but I have done so . I have seen the mercy of God in the Gospel , the Lord Jesus hath been revealed there , and I have seen sin , I must part with my sin , if ever I have him , and so I have . And this you may have , you may see an excellency in Christ , and be so affected with hope of his mercy , and melt at the thoughts of his Love , as to cast off all outward evils that thou hast , or the world lives in , 2 Pe● . 2. 20. So that thou maist escape these , by coming to him to remove them , and by seeing that else thou shalt have none of him ; and hence hated thou maist be of the world . The reason is , Christ hath only washed thy skin , but never changed thy nature as yet , so that you may thank God my Conscience is clear .

3. You may have not only outward acts , but for a time inward lusts quenched , that a man hath no mind nor heart to any sinful way , nor to the dearest sins he hath lived in , whilst horrour lies upon him . As in Iudas , when God did hea● his Conscience , his lust , after his Bag was gone , he had more mind to an halter ; And hence f●ings away his pieces of silver , and innocent blood lies heavy . Oh ●he mercy of a Christ that I have sleighted ! He thought he might have had his money and Christ escaped with his life , and his sin pardoned afterward . And hence it s said , Mat. 27. 3. When he saw he was condemned , he repented , and as a man not worthy to live in his own thoughts , he goes and hangs himself . 'T is with the soul as with water , all the cold may be gone , but the native Principle of cold remains still . You may remove the burning of lusts , not the blackness of nature , from a carnal heart , and the ground holds , nature is not changed . This I say an unregenerate man may have , but yet never find this change of nature , where the power of sin lies : change of Conscience from security to terrour , change of life from prophaneness , and civility , and fashions of the world , to escape pollutions thereof ; change of lusts , nay quenching them for a time ; but the nature is never changed in the best Hypocrite that ever was . As 2 Pet. 2. 19 , 20. Th●● were washed , but never from their 〈◊〉 nature ; And here they ever fail , Prov. 30. 12. There is a gen●ration clean in their own eyes , yet not washed from their filthinesse . 2 Tim. 2. 18 , 19 , 21. Alexander fell , and Hymeneus ; they talked of the glorious estate of Saints , and that here was all the resurrection that is to be expected ; and i● seems it was such a fall of such persons that many stumbled , and said , How shall we know who are the Lords ? Doubtless we may fall . No , the foundation remains sure , and the Lord knows who are his . They were none of his all that time , and let all that professe Christ depart from iniquity , for he that purgeth himself shall be a Vessel of honour . And therefore read through all the Scripture , constantly never any Hypocri●es but they had this brand , Mat. 7. 23. You workers of iniqui●y . Herod and Iudas had their haunts , &c. And Rom. 1 , & 2. The Apostle shews that all were under sin . He may in eve●y thing else be humbled , for all the humiliation besides this strengthens sin in its Kingdom , and binds a man faste● under the dominion of it . And hence such men are more hard to he convinced th●n men that were never cast down at all .

But this he never finds , for if he should , then ,

1. A graceless heart might partake of the greatest Benefit of the Covenant of 〈◊〉 and love of God . For Rom. 11. 26. This is my Covenant , to take away their s●n ▪ For to subdue s●n is greater love than to conquer Devils , death , and Hell , Isa. ●1 . 6. 'T is turning Lions into Lambs .

2. T●en an unregenerate man may partake of the last end of all the sufferings and sorrows of Christ , which is to save his people from their sin . And hence , John 1. 29 B●hold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world . 1 John 3. 5 , 8. Christ came to destroy the works of the Devil . This therefore he ever falls short of . He ●ha● hath found this easie , and accounts this work common , never had it yet .

Quest. How may a Christian know when the Lord hath changed his nature , and taken do●●●he power of his Sin ?

Answ. It might suffice to evidence this against all gain-sayers , that thus 't is , and so to know it by the Spirits witness , which shews us the things freely given of God , who to save the Lord a trying another day , tries us now , and makes known these hidden works . Especially seeing some Divines think , that as the first Adam conveyed this sin of Nature , I not knowing ; so the second Adam doth also remove this by an immediate stro●k , I conceive 't is so also , but not only by it . And therefore take two Evidences now .

1. Where-ever this is done , that soul doth not only see this sin , for so an unregenerate Paul did , Rom. 7. 9. Where sin revived , &c. And the Word is a divider of joynts and Marrow . Nor do they only feel this as an evil , and so be much troubled with it , but when the Lord makes the dejected soul feel it as its greatest evil , so long as it remains in its being ; ( as it will ) worse than death , than hell , than all afflictions , and miseries . 'T is not a particular sin , but this that he feels thus . You will say , this is a high pitch . I say , consider if any man was ever humbled under sin , but he that felt sin as it is . For if I feel it not as 't is , I am deceived . Now 't is the greatest evil ; To depart from a living God is worse than for soul and body and all creatures to depart from me . To make God miserable is worse than for all creatures ever to be made so , and sin in its tendencie doth so , being a cross to his Will , Isa. 1. 24. Hence he that feels it indeed , feels it so ; the beginning of which is a sorrow and mourning after God , that it might be so , Isa. 63. 17. Why hast hardned our hearts from thy fear ? But thus 't is indeed , Rom. 7. 24. And when 't is thus , it will hold thus till death , while the cause remains ; nay the more life and love , the more tender it grows ; setting aside some careless fits . And hence its greatest joy is to think of the time it shall be for ever holy . And hence accounts no such mercy as to be set at liberty to live to God indeed . A graceless heart sees and fears it , and cries out of himself for it ; but stay a while , and he loseth his tenderness , either because he cannot part with it , or because of Christ , he looks now to him , or because he hath now some sprinkling of the Spirit , nature is eased thereby , and he is quieted ; and hence never any carnal heart , but some root of bitterness did grow up at last in this Soyl. Hence Ordinances profit not , because feeling is lost . But the soul thus feeling it , beholding the Holiness of God and Love of Christ , and its constant withdrawings , resistings , oh it cuts deep !

2. Then the nature is changed , when the Conscience being still and quiet , and the soul assured of the Lords love , yet nothing gives the heart quiet till 't is contiguous to God in Christ to enjoy him , in his Holiness , and in the love and delight of his whole will . For this is a certain Rule , If the nature be not changed , if Conscience be but once quie●ed with the sence of Gods love , and affected with it , and hath not God indeed , nor his work to quiet it , it will fall to lusting after Creatures and live upon them , and feed the heart there . For as 't is impossible for a man to live , or to be without provision , so the world being provision for the flesh , meat , drink , sleep , and these lawful things , there i● doth and will lie quiet without God . But now where the nature is changed , and there is another nature , there is somthing else provided for it to live on , and that is the Lord and his Will. As Christ said , 't is my meat and drink to do his Will. And Rom. 7. 22. I d●light in the Law of God in the inner man . There was somwhat that loathed it , but ●here was somwhat else delighted in it , and there lies its life , and though the heart would rest and give over somtimes , yet 't is a Law of the mind that the soul hath , he can have no rest , Rom. 8. 5. And therefore take a child of God , let him have meat , drink , sleep , blessing in his Calling , preach , pray , and have honour , yet ●e will constantly come home to the Lord mourning . What doth all this do me good ? When I rise up , lie down , eat , drink and pray , and do all without him ? An untuned heart all this while . The world stands between him and the Lord all this while , but this doth not . Many a sincere heart hath heavy complaints , and many doubts , because 't is not thus ; this rather is an evidence of peace , than Gods war against it . It s an old Rule , he that can live in Heaven , shall ; and there is nothing but a God to suck in , and breath out , and live unto . Is this thy Element now ?

Oh consider and examine your selves here you poor Saints , that you may be comforted . Others of you , if now you do not , the Lord Jesus will another day , and bring these secret things of darkness to light . If thou findest this was never yet done , know it , all thy tears , and fears , and prayers have been in vain ; and under the power of sin and Satan thou still art , through the fierce wrath of God against thee : And there I leave thee till the Lord find thee out .

SECT. II. II. A Fulness of Illumination in the room of darkness .

BUT let it be first noted that I speak not here of Revelations of future Events . When Virgin-Churches shall fall a dreaming , 't is a sign they fall a sleeping . Nor of revelation of new Doctrines , nor yet of the Love of Christ and assurance thereof ; but of the Person of Christ , a work common to all the Elect , and not peculiar to some , for Christ may not appear in his promise of love for a time to a sincere heart , yet this is then wrought . I shall therefore express my thoughts herein in four Conclusions .

1. That all unregenerate men are under the power of darkness , Conclu. 1. of ignorance , Eph. 5. 8. You were darknesse in the abstract , Eph. 4. 18. So that they cannot understand the things of the Spirit of God , 1 Cor. 2. 14. Especially the Lord Jesus , for the knowledge of him is above nature , not only corrupted but pure nature . Nay though the Lord gives the best and clearest means of revealing himself , yet they cannot see , John 1. 5. Light shined in darknesse , and it comprehended him not , no more than he whose visive faculty is lost , when the Sun shines round about him . Nay , that light which is in them is darkness , Mat. 6. 23. And then how great is that darkness ? For many men might have known Christ , but that they thought they did know him before , and so are delivered up in these chains of darkness to the Prince of darkness , but are like wilderness-shrubs , shall never see when good comes . Ministers ( as Christ did ) may mourn over them , but can never help them until the Lord pull off their scales . For they please themselves in darkness , and love it more than light , and are not as Paul , praying and mourning under the Scales that are upon their eyes .

2. That there is a state of light to which God calls his people only ; Conclu. 2. or rather , that there is a spirit of Light , Illumination or Revelation let into the mind , which is Peculiar to the Beloved of Christ , 1 Pet. 2. 9. As of other things , so especially of the Lord Jesus , 2 Cor. 4. 4 , 5 , 6. And 't is so Glorious a work that Christ himself admires the Father , and stands in a ravishment at it , Mat. 11. 25. To Babes , uncapable of all others of knowledge ; yet to them doth the Lord reveal some things that the wisest in the world never knew . I do believe that the greatest Scholar that ever lived , never had one such thought or apprehension of the Lord and the things of the Lord , as the Saints have . And hence Christ professeth , oh blessed are your eyes that they see ; and themselves bless him , and fall a wondring many times , Lord why dost manifest thy self to us , and not to the world ? And therefore 't is an injury to the Grace of God , to make precious things common , and all the work of the Spirit on the understanding to be common to Reprobates , and to say , the difference lies only in the work of the Spirit upon the will , John 6. 45. He that hath heard and learned of the Father , comes to me . If the Learning of the Father be common to a Reprobate , then either they may come to Christ , which is there denied , or Christs promise is false , for then a carnal heart may hear and learn of the Father , and never come to Christ .

That notwithstanding 't is thus with them , yet foolish Virgins may have some light in their Lamp ; some sight and knowledge of Jesus Christ . Conclus. 3. It is said we live in dayes of light , and so indeed we do , but as the Lord said to them that had seen his Miracles , yet the Lord had not given them eyes to see to this day ; they were inlightned yet fell , Hebr. 6. 4. I shall therefore speak not of the revelation of all the Word , but of Christ the end of it , and the knowledge of whom comprehends all the rest .

1. There is a knowledge of Christ in many a man which is begot by common fame , and humane private instruction , which men hearing from credible men , conceive of and believe ; As that Christ is the Saviour of the World , is come , is dead , is risen , is at Gods right hand , that in him Gods justice and mercy is reconciled , that there is mercy with him for the greatest of all sinners , &c. And according as men are more or less instructed ; so do men conceive and beleeve . But now this knowledge is but traditional , and begot by common fame and humane report , like Herods , that heard many things of Christ , and yet indeed despised him . The Lord I know doth make use of this to cause the soul to come to further sight of him , as in the Queen of Sheba , but it s far enough off from giving any saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus ; and hence Iohn 1. 46. when they had been with Christ , they do not wish them to rest in the report , but Come and see ; so you hear of these things , but come and see these things . You have learned them from man come unto the Lord that he may teach them ; and hence we shall see many of the people of God that have been put to a Question of all things that ever they learned , and learnt them over again ; as , Whether there be a Christ or no , &c. And they never saw these things indeed , until the Lord taught them a second time ; hence therefore those that have been thus trained up , and have been troubled and comforted by some conceived promises of Christ , but never saw any more of his person , then what you have learned before ; Your eyes are closed up to this day .

2. If any man should see and behold Christ really , immediatly , this is not the saving knowledge of him . I know the Saints do know Christ as if immediatly present , they are not strangers by their distance , if others have seen him more immediatly I will not dispute it , but if they have seen the Lord Jesus as immediatly as if here on earth , yet Capernaum saw him so ; nay , some of them were Disciples for a time , and followed him , Iohn 6. and yet the Lord was hid from their eyes ; nay all the world shall see him in his glory which shall amaze them , and yet this is far short of the saving knowledge of him , which the Lord doth communicate to the Elect. So that though you see the Lord so really as that you become familiar with him , yet Luke 13. 26. Lord have we not eat and drunk , &c. And so perish .

3. A man may see the Lord in his wonderful works , and glorious kingdome and government , and yet not know him savingly , wondrous deliverances , preservations of himself , and of Gods people , dreadful destruction of enemies , such as they cannot but say , This is the finger of the Lord , and yet know not , Deut. 29. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4. And hence Iohn 15. 24. and hence men think such things are done , and shall I ever be vile again , yet they become as bad as ever .

4. He may see the Lord Jesus yet more clearly by the letter of the Scripture , which though it brings to the saving knowledge of Christ , yet to see the Lord Jesus no otherwise then by the strength of fancy and understanding , from thence is no saving knowledge of Jesus Christ ; and hence Rom. 16. 26. the Mystery of the Gospel was hid from the Jews , but now 't is revealed to all Nations ; literally , to all where it comes , savingly to some few . For between the saving knowledge of Christ in the Gospel , and palpable ignorance of him in the Gospel , there is this middle knowledge which is literal , whereby a man doth see , yet in seeing , sees ●●t , Isai. 6. 9. which is the St●●e of a Church which hath been long trained up under good means ; And hence we shall see many men of great learning have been able to wr●●e Volumes of the Mystery of Christ , and yet in seeing ●●ver 〈◊〉 .

5. There may be in a false heart a strange knowledge of Christ without Script●res , which may ravish a mans 〈◊〉 heart strangely , which is usually the first Temptation of the Virgin-Churches , that are of much knowledge , and little love , 2 Cor. 11. 2 , 3 , 4. Wherein Satan doth no● seek to pull away men to forsake the Gospel , but from the simplicity of the Gospel , Repe●t , and beleeve , and ●e 〈◊〉 , For saith he , 〈◊〉 is transfor●ed ●●to an Ang●l of light : And hence we have heard that some have heard voices , some have seen the very blood of Christ dropping on them , and his wounds in his side , some have seen a great light shining in the Chamber , some wonderfully affected with their dreams , some in great distress have had inward witness , Thy sins ar● forgi●en ; and he●ce such liberty and joy that they are ready to leap up and down the Chamber : O adulterous genera●ion● This is natural and usual with men , they would ●ain see Jesus , and have him present to give them peace ; and hence Papists have his Image ; and hence Christ gives the S●crament to shew himself as familiarly as can be . Hence Th●m●● would not beleeve , 〈◊〉 be might put his finger in his side , and the Lord tendred him , yet pronounced them ●lessed , th●● h●ve not seen , and yet beleeved , Joh. 20. 29. So I say 〈…〉 , Wo to them that have no other manifested Christ , but such a one . Little do you think what wrong you do to Christ , for you do as much as in you lies Eclipse all his glory at the last day , as the wicked by their sins Eclipse his glory at this day . 2 The● . 1 . 10. He shall be admired in all that beleeve . Why ? Because our Testimony was ●●leeved ▪ That Faith which closeth with , and sees Christ in a Testimony , is tha● whereby Jesus shall be admired at the worlds end .

That the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ is this , Concl. 4. Whereby the soul being sensible of his Ignorance of Jesus , beholds such a glory in Christs person , as that he esteems him in all his glory , as his present , greatest , and only good . I will take this in pieces .

1. I say ●hat soul which hath truly and savingly seen the Lord Jesus , hath been made sensible of his ignorance of him ; I see him not , I have heard of him , and ●ead of him , and taken his Name into my mouth , and professed him ; and I beleeve others see him , and blessed are their eyes , but I see him not , Iohn 9. 26 , ●7 , 39. For 〈…〉 I c●me into this world , and look as all the increase of the knowledge of Christ comes in by this door , so the beginning of it , and therefore those that have been cast down and he●rd of Christ a Saviour , but never felt their ign●●ance of him before they have apprehended him , their light is darkness , and their knowledge full of delusion and idolatrous .

2. It beholds a glory in Christs person , for before the Lord reveals his Son to any , look what he was to the Jews he is to every man , Isai. 53. 2 , 3. He is rejected and despised of 〈◊〉 , nothing so mean as Christ , every vanity preferred above him , and men can do no other , because they see not his glory and beauty , 1 Cor. 2. 8. If they had 〈◊〉 , &c. Therefore the Lord reveals his hidden glory to th●m , such as never entred into their hearts before , or into the minds of other men , which though others may talk of , yet they cannot see it in that manner as they do ; it is c●●●ed therefore 〈◊〉 light which he doth reveal , when the soul hath been viewing its own shame and filth , when all the grass and glory is withered , Is●● . 40. 6. then the glory of Christ is revealed ; One every way so fit and suitable to them , according to all their wants and woes , by some Sermon or other , which when the soul doth see , it usually fills the head , and heart , and eyes with 〈◊〉 . Oh that I have despised him so glorious ! Acts 2. 36 , 37. 2 Cor. 4. 5 , 6. If the soul should not feel its ign●●ance of him , it would never esteem the fight of him , but now it doth thus , and now that Glory is revealed , Iohn 1. 14. We beheld his Glory as the Glory of the only begotten S●n. In every Truth there is a Glory which men see not , and this is called in Scripture , the finding of the Pearle , Ma●. 13. 45.

III. He so beholds him in his Glory , as that he now esteems of him in all his Glory . For a Bala●●● may see the Glory of the Tents of Israel ; and the Star of Iacob , but they esteem not of him in all his Glory . The damned in Hell see a Glory in Christ , else they would never grieve for the loss of him , but 't is only in regard of somthing in Christ , delivering Saints from sorrows they feel . Nay many Reprobates under a lively Ministry , shall see some Glory in Christ and in Saints , to think them the happy men , yet not esteem of him in all his Glory ; but 't is otherwise here . The Lord ariseth as the Sun upon the earth , which makes all things that have any Glory to appear therein , and it puts a Glory on every thing , that was hid before . So Christ puts a Glory on every thing of himself : So that ,

1. The soul sees a Glory in the Grace of Christ , Iohn 1. 14. For the Glory of Christs Person is not seen without these excellencies , Luke 1. 46. My soul 〈◊〉 the Lord .

2. A Glory in the Holiness of Christ , Isa. 6. 3. Especially to consider , it 's in him to make me holy , 2 Cor. 3. 18.

3. A Glory in his Covenant and Promises , Psal. 45. 1 , 2. Oh that all those Promises might be made good to me ! This is all my desire , 2 Sam. 23. 5.

4. A Glory in the Government and Commands and Will of Christ . Oh if once I could in every thing give content to his heart● Psal. 19. 10. Th●t the soul had rather lose all than cross his will in a small thing , seeing a Glory in the least Truth , in casting off a Ceremony , &c. Zach. 6. 13.

5. A Glory in all the Ordinances of Christ . Oh how amiable are thy Ta●ernacles oh God! Oh the Fellowship of Saints ! Oh the peace on Sabbath● !

6. A ●lory in all his carriage . Let him bless me with outward estate , though but a little . This is the allowance that Christ in Glory provides for 〈◊〉 . Let him threaten me , good is the Word of the Lord . Let him desert me , his anger is love : Oh that is Glorious ! Let him take all from me , reproach me , Moses esteems Christs reproach greater riches than Egypt , which is our estate here . It sees a Glory in all Christs waies , and quiets it self here , it is the Lord , as Eli said . Thus Saints see and esteem of Christ in all his Glory , and we shall find a false hea●t ever falls short here , a sincere heart never , but commonly is so taken up with it , that if you ask , suppose you should have all Grace , Holiness , Promises of Christ , &c. Would not this be mercy ? Yes , enough : I should then boast in him , and bless him for ever . And hence Christ is called , L●ke 2. 33. the Glory of Israel , because they so esteem him . And Isa. 28. 5. In that day the Lord shall be a Diadem of Glory . Others may in horrour pri●e Christ above the world , but 't is only to ease them .

IV. I add , he esteems him thus ,

1. As his present good ; so that if the Lord doth withdraw or deny himself , now unto him no●hing in this world can for the present quiet him , Ier. 50. 4 , 5. Hence those in their judgments acknowledge Christ the greatest good , and when they are dying , and see he will be so at last day , yet now for the present a little more liberty in sin , sloath , lust , honour , gain , Lots , large accomodations are 〈◊〉 . You never saw him . Oh vile world ! the Lord will one day condemn 〈◊〉 out of thine own mouth ; thy own will was more dear to thee than his ; this worlds ease better than his peace , &c. When you 〈◊〉 on your Death-beds , you esteem him then . Why ? Because serves your turn then : Hence before you did not .

2. As the greatest good , Deut. 33. 26. Ier. 10. 7. Hence those that see some good in Christ and desire him , and offer fair for him , but prize him not as the greatest good : And hence with the young man , though content to part with somwha● , not with all ▪ they will cast their rags down at Christs feet , and intreat him to take away their sins ; but will not cast their Crowns down , the dea●est things they have : And hence the thorny-ground-Profes●ors ever fall away . The good things of this world which they forsook in time of persecution , were dearer than Christ , and hence they fall away . 'T is a dishonour to a King to be valued as other men are , Zach. 11. 12 , 13.

3. As the only good , Isa. 24. 23. The Sun shall be confounded , &c. And though other things may steal into their hearts for a time , yet they recover themselves ; this is the one thing , Psal. 27. 4. that they beg in this life . And hence do fall short ,

1. Those that esteem Christ as men do Merchandise ; they would fain have it , but are loath to fetch it . Men may esteem Christ , as they think , the only good ; but herein their falseness appears , that they neglect means to it , because they have some good else to quiet them . And here is condemned all lazy Profession .

2. Those that would have Christ , and esteem him highly , and use means for him diligently , but they must have Christ , and world , and lust , and ease too : Christ to quiet their Consciences , and the world their hearts ; Christ to rest on , when their duties fail them , and world to rest in , when the Consolations of Christ are denied unto them . The L●●d is good , go up and possesse it .

1. But do the Saints come to this pitch ? Object .

2 Cor. 4. 3. If our Gospel be hid , Answ. 't is hid to them that be lost . Who are those from whom Christ is hid ? When is he hid ? When his Glory is hid . I know Saints may feel a want of , and mou●r for it , but it will appear if they are the Lords , at some time . Nay this they will find , some and much contempt remaining which they oppose , yet this is here , and at parting times it is seen .

● . But Saints cannot know this . Object .

Yes ( as well as they can know their contempt ) by means of Gods Spirit , Answ. he 〈…〉 carried from one contrary to another shall know it .

● . But Hypocrit●● may attain to this . Object .

● . Then the ●ospel may be revealed to an hypocrite and to them that are ●ost . Answ.

2. Then they may believe ; for to them only the Lord is precious , 1 Pet. 2. 7. Then a 〈◊〉 is pre●●ous , when we value it according to the worth of it . Now the Lord is the greatest and only good● and then when we esteem him so ; this is the 〈◊〉 of Believe●● only .

3. Then Christ may be a 〈◊〉 Treasure . For that is our treasure which we esteem most .

4. Then a carnal heart may honour Christ with one of the highest degrees of honour , which consists in this high esteem , Luke 1. 46. My soul magnifies the L●●d .

5. Observe we , tha● never any lost Christ but because they undervalued him . 〈…〉 , and take the 〈◊〉 . That it shall lie upon you one day , oh if Christ had had that 〈◊〉 which lust and world hath had , I had had him now● Examine , if it be thus , if you thus see and prize the Lord Jesus . Oh be thankful that ever the Lo●● sent 〈◊〉 Messenger to 〈◊〉 Christ ! If not , oh go and mourn ! Paul did s● three 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 9. when ●e saw nothing . Oh Christ hath been long ●id from thee . Oh 〈…〉 this ; but 〈◊〉 about for it , for else that in Mat. 23. 39. shall be 〈◊〉 portion .

SECT. III. III. Fulness of Faith , in the room of Unbellef .

FOR 't is not unknown how strongly this sin keeps every mans Palace , and that not Moses , but the Lord Jesus is the stumbling stone even of the Iews , the peculiar people of God . When men are at their last cast , that the Lord intends to wait to pity no more , at last the Son comes , and an unbelieving heart casts the Ballance and refuseth him . After that the Lord hath tried men by miraculous preservations , deliverances from Pharaohs , provision at Massah , then Canaan comes to be entred , and men cannot enter because of unbelief . This 〈◊〉 stands in open view , and keeps the breach , when all other sins in appearance are beaten out of the field . Now there is a Spirit of Faith , which comes in the room of this unbelief , dispossesseth 〈◊〉 soul of the power of it ; for there may be some lighter stroaks of the Spirit , 〈◊〉 are lighter Skirmishes with it , but yet it wins the field again ; as in the stony ground , that believed , but unbelief got head again in time of persecution and temptation , and then they fell away .

What is this Faith , Quest. 1. or that fulnesse or full measure of it ?

I shall not speak here of Historical or Miraculous Faith : Answ. The first of which is in the Devils , the second in some men only , that may perish afterward . Nor yet of that Faith which we call , of Assurance , we shall not come yet to that . But of that which we call justifying Faith , and that which doth first un●te to Christ , and justifie . Now this Faith is the coming of the soul to Christ . This is the general . For Adam had his life in himself , but now 't is lo●t in us , but laid up in Christ , Col. 3. 3. Now hence they that would have this life , must go out of themselves to the Lord for it . Now the motion of the soul between these two extreams of emp●iness and death here , to life and fulness there , what is it but Faith ? Which Adam had not , nor could have in that estate ; and therefore none of the Sons of Adam naturally can share in it .

And that this is Faith it appears ,

1. From Io●● 6. 35. Lam the Bread of life , he that comes to me shall never hunger , and he that believes in me shall never thirst .

2. Because unbelief is the departing of the soul from the God of life , Heb. 3. 1● . Not from a holy L●w , but from a living God .

3. Faith is the proper effect of Vocationi or rather the chief part thereof . Now look as ineffe●●ual vocation is when the Lord calls , but the soul never comes ; so effectual vocation is whereby the Lord calls , and the soul answers , and so comes . So that to ●it still and see no●hing , and do nothing , is not Faith , but sloath . No , Christ cannot be in th●t soul that is yet in himself . Therefore Faith is not a passive possi●ility of the soul to receive Christ , though that may prepare for him , but the going out of a mans self unto Christ .

But may not a man come to Christ , Quest. 2. that never shall have mercy from Christ ?

Yes , Answ. there m●● be many lighter stroaks , as in temporary Believers . The world is at this day full of Faith ▪ Every man thinks and saith he believes , though his Faith be weak . 'T is mens Buckler against all means , they know these ●ins , but as long as they believe all is well . And 't is their comfort in all their troubles , though the Lord kills , yet they will believe . And I say , some men have departed indeed fro● the Lord ▪ The Gospel hath been preached , and they have made out of the●selves to Christ , but missed of him . There is a Bramble-Faith that catcheth and 〈◊〉 Christ , kisseth and betraies him . That coming to Christ therefore wh●ch none else have the full measure of , it appears in these particulars .

'T is that work of the Spirit whereby a sinner , sensible of his extream nakedness , emptiness and wants , being called of God , his whole soul comes out of himself to Christ , for himself . I speak not of assurance , for if that were Faith , all ●●probates then we●e bound to believe an un●ruth , Viz. That God the Father 〈◊〉 , and Christ hath died for them .

1. 'T is a work of Gods Spirit , and hence 't is called the Spirit of Faith , no● only because wrought by it ; but because the Spirit is in an admirable maner fastned to it , and clasped to the soul , and the soul to Christ by it .

2. The Subject in which 't is wrought : A s●nner sensible of his extream wants ; for Faith springs out of the destruction of our own excellency , and ruines of it ; like Christ , that did arise a root out of a dry ground ; for the Lords gre●t plot , is to advance Christ and his rich grace . Now look as 't is obscured by bringing any thing of our own to it , so 't is advanced by fe●ching all from it ; this can never be till the soul is sensible of his nakedness , emptiness and wants ; let Christ be never so sweet , a full soul will lo●th him ; and I 〈◊〉 extream want . The Prodigal never comes home , till he dies for hunger : 〈◊〉 is the fencelessness of men , and dislike of Christ , tha● extremities only drive them hither , as Iudges 5. 6. When the Midiani●●s came , ●hey ran ●ike beasts to their den , and untill bread was taken from them , they cry not unto the Lord , but then they do : So men have neither hearts , or if so , no heads to come to Christ till now ; and usually the Lord makes this the ground of the souls first motion towards Christ . I die here , and because of my wants I therefore come . Pardon ●in , because great , Psal. 25. 11. Be marciful , bec●●se 't is a 〈◊〉 ●●ople , Exod. 34. 9. That so when the Lord pardons , the soul may have nothing to boast off but misery , and now 't is hard to beleeve . But this is not all .

3. It must be called of God , for else the soul though never so sensible of misery , could not , would not , du●st not come ; but it would either sink under its burden , or plead against all means : It shall presume , as Iudas that had no look of Christ ( as Peter had ) h●ngs himself : And hence I●r. 3. 23. Come unto me , Their heart answered , We come . For this is usually the Objection of the soul when it sees the riches of mercy , What have I to do with it , that am so vile , and have fallen so oft , and rejected the Lord , and am like to do so ; I shall sin the more by this means . No , the command of the Gospel comes , oh come , notwithstanding all this , nay because of this , for I will heal you of them . Now this call hath two things in it . 1. 'T is particular , for general invitations to beleeve and come in , are made particular to the Elect , who else would not come in ; And hence I●ai . 43. 1. I have 〈◊〉 thee by nam● . For we shall finde that the hearts of men when they see a promise , cannot think it concerns them ; all that hunger shall be satisfied , but shall I ? And hence shew them 't is as particular as the Law , they cannot think it is to them ; and hence they say sometime the word All , is not put in . Now that is the mighty power of unbelief , a word spoken to all is regarded by none , till the Lord make it particular ; and hence Isai. 2. Christ is said to judge the Nations , now when Judges ride their Circuits , they do not make Laws , but only apply Laws . One man is brought before them to be condemned , he hopes 〈◊〉 , but he is so ; now he trembles : Another to be acquitted , ●e 〈◊〉 , being 〈◊〉 accused , he is freed ; and now he rejoyceth . 2. 'T is a living call , or powerful call , Iohn 5. 25. And hence a man may live under the calls of the Minister long , and never come , because 't is not made living from the Lord of life ; and ●ence no● irresist●ble .

4. Upon this call the whole soul comes out of it self to Christ ; for if a man could climbe the clouds , and unlock the doors of heaven , and come Elias like in his body to Christ , he might miss of Christ , as well as those that came and followed Christ for a time with their bodies while he lived on the earth ; a man may come to Christ with half his soul or heart , there may be some hope , and some d●●●res , some love , and some cleaving to him , and choice of him really , inwardly , and yet not savingly , because the whole soul is no● here come , but half of it , Iames 1. 7 , 8. Now the whole soul then comes , when all the affections and will take their flight to the Lord , and fasten there . When all the affections are gathered from all other things and changed , and so they come to , and embr●ce the Lord ; so that hope wait● only here , when will the Lord pitty me ? Desires that were set on a thousand things before , all long after him , love only taste●h him ; the Lord letting in some sight of the freeness of mercy , hope looks out hither ; the Lord shewing the want , but the way to it , desire breaks down stone-walls , and all means , and the difficulty of them , to have him : The Lord letting the soul tast the sweetness of Jesus and his grace , the soul joys , and love imbraceth , and the will fosters ; a carnal heart desires , loves , joyes in other things , and the Lord also , and so hath a false heart . But the whole heart comes hither ▪ and when 't is here , thinks one heart too little , nay one life , one soul , and when any part of the affections are le●t any where else , then the soul mourns , hates that bondage , is ashamed of it , &c. So that the stream of the whole soul runs now hither , Psal. 119. 2. Ier. 3. 10. Psal. 45. 10. So 't is with the soul , as with them when they were to come out of Egyp● , they would not leave childe , nor hoof behinde , lest there should be any occasion of return ; it is with the soul departed from the body , it only minds the Lord , it hath taken leave of all ; so by Faith the whole soul leaves all , and comes to the Lord ; otherwise the soul is not come to Christ , but reacheth after Christ ; like men that waded after the Ark , but perished in the waters : Their arms are not long enough , their desires and love are not long enough to reach Christ , the 〈◊〉 and stream of the soul is set and runs here . T is with the soul , as 't is with two Rivers , both run with all their strength to the Sea , but the great River is bigger , and runs faster , yet the others stream is wholly carried thither . So some men may be more full of Faith then others , yet both run to the Sea , and as Rivers , they run in their Circles , this way and that way , and are sometimes dammed up , ye● end there : So the souls of all Saints run to this and the other creature , yet they end in the Lord at last . As Peter and Iohn that ran to the S●pulchre , though one out-ran the other , yet they came both to the Lord at last ; when both of them had for a time forsook him , though all the world draw the soul back , it cannot live without the Lord ; nay , though the Lord beat away the soul from him , yet it follows after him .

5. 'T is to the Lord for himself , for Iohn 6. some came to Christ for loaves , and could have been glad if Christ had been King for it , but did not care for himself : And hence vers. 27. he points and turns them to himself ; some came to him for higher ends , therefore were his Disciples , that is , for life from him . But when he told them , There is no life , unless you have the Son , And eat and drink his flesh and blood , or else you die , it was a hard saying , they could not understand nor see what that meant , and hence forsook him , but when they come and receive him himself ; now life is indeed theirs .

So that its Christs person that this Faith first pitcheth on , as 't is in Marriage , and those that come for this , were never sent away . Now the soul is truly come to him for himself : 1. When himself gives rest to the soul in the want of all things , 〈◊〉 . 4. 3. If friends , protection , strength , life , glory be wanting , yet having him , in him I have all these ; when all is sold away , not the treasure only , but the Field contents him : For it looks on this , as better then heaven , then glory , it comforts the soul that the Lord himself should be mine . 2. The soul that taketh him , 't is not only to make boast of him , as 〈◊〉 had him , nor to cover sloth , and sin , and delusion by him : I have Christ , and I have no more to care for , &c. but to live on him , Iohn 6. 57. He that ea●eth me , shall live by me . Phil. 3. 9 , 10. A man takes not Christ as Medicine to ease him ; nor as stately hanging● to adom him , but as bread to receive life from him . For many receive Christ , 〈◊〉 they do upon him , and rest they say in him , but they do not suck any good from him , nay before they had any Christ or assurance of him they were better than now . You have nothing to do with the Lord Jesus , you are our of your place . As in I●●hams par●ble , the Olive and Vine would not be pulled out of their places , to be set on the top● of other trees , as Kings ; lest they lose their farness and sweetness : So since you have closed with Christ , you have lost your fa●ness and sweetness that once you had , you are now out of your place , go to your horrors and sorrows again , till the Lord so give himself to you as that you may receive life from him .

But must all come thus to Christ with their whole soul , Quest. 3. will not part of the price serve ?

No , Answ. the whole soul must come , and cannot but come .

1. In regard of the Jealousie of God ; who is like a jealous Husband , can bear with many weaknesses , but will have the whole heart ; and they that do not , shall be destroyed for spiritual Whoredom , Psal. 73. 27. He should dishonour Christ else , to sell him so cheap .

2. In regard of the excellency of Christ : The Lord draws the soul by the revelation of him , Rom. 1. 16 , 17. Isa. 55. 3 , 4. Now look as men in this world , when they see a seeming good , their whole soul is over-powered to be drawn after it . So here , when such an Object is seen , especially the Soul having been at his Sepulcher weeping , as Iron never stirs till the Loadstone comes , and then it makes to that only , not to things toucht with it : For as we love him because he loved us first , so Christ loving the soul with all his heart , and his whole heart set upon him , the whole soul is ● contra set on Christ .

3. In regard else a man can receive nothing from the Lord , Ier. 29. 12 , 13. As 't is with Conduit-Pipes , let them be laid , but not reach the Conduit head , no water can come to that Family ; so here : And this is the reason why men live , and pray , and receive nothing , their hearts reach not hither : Mens hearts reach but half way to Christ : Tell me else , did you ever not receive ?

4. Because else 't is indeed no coming to him , but a leaning on him or toward him . So as 't is with trees , if not cut off quite , or not pulled up quite by the roots , they cannot be set in another Orchard , if the tree be left with never so little twigs in the ground , so here : Nay the Lord accounts this worse than if a man had not come at all , Ier. 3. 10. The Lord abhors a double heart , that Iudas - like forsakes all for the Lord , but then loves the Lord and the Bag too . You are not the Lords . As it was with that man that quarrelled about the tree , it leaned over the Pales , but the root being found to be there , his it was : So though he lean on Christ , he is none of his .

But do all Saints come to this measure ? Quest. 4.

Ponder these grounds else . Answ.

Object . But are not our hearts partly carnal , and so close with the Creature ?

Answ. True , but yet ,

1. So far as 't is carnal 't is lamented heavily ; so that they grow not there , but are dying , withering dayly , Ier. 31. 18 , 19. When a mans affections grow out of the world , and there is no fear nor sorrow , in this respect now , no Christ is there .

2. The Bent and Byas of the Soul carries the whole Soul hither . For I would not judge of this so much by sudden pa●gs , as by an inward bent ; for the whole Soul in affectionate expressions and actions may be carried unto Christ , but being without this bent and change of affections , it 's unsound . As in Gideon , they would on a hurry make him King : He would not : He knew it was a sudden pang which would die . And the reason is , the true turn of the whole Soul is not by turning old affections upon another Object , but changing them first by this bent , and so turning them . For a carnal heart may have the first , as the same eye may see the Sun and a Dunghill , and the eye not changed ; So here . Now when the whole Soul is set here , it is never at rest till here .

But may not Hypocrites come to this ? Quest. 5.

1. Then they may be blessed , Answ. Psal. 119. 2.

2. Then they shall never be cast off from Christ , Iohn 6. 37.

3. Then they may partake of that which the Lord only looks for . For why is the Lord angry ? The heart is gone from him . Why is the Ministry ordained , but to win the whole heart to him ? Iohn 3. 19 , 20 , 21. Oh therefore consider whether it hath been thus with you or no! If not , wo to you ! Oh be very careful here ! 'T is a thousand to one if some part of your heart be not fixt elsewhere . If Christ were at Judgment , and should say , Come ye Blessed : How glad would ye be ? Oh he saith now , Come and take my self ▪

SECT. IV. IV. Fulness of the Spirit it self , in the room of Satan .

I Shall not speak here either concerning that fulness of the Spirit in extraordinary gifts , spoken of frequently in the Acts ; nor yet of that Fulness of the Spirit which some Christians that the Lord sets apart to do and suffer more for him , shall receive more than others . For Iohn 14. 17. the Disciples had the Spirit , and yet Christ promiseth to send them the Spirit . And Stephen was a man full of Faith and the Holy Ghost , Acts 6. 8. And Barnabas Acts 11. 14. was a good man full of Faith and the Holy Ghost . But I shall speak of that Spirit which is in every Believer , without which we are not Christs ; Rom. 8. 9. And this is that Spirit which is opposite to the evil Spirit , the Prince of darkness , which possesseth with craft and power all the souls of the sons of men , who doth not only encamp about men , 1 Pet. 5. 7 , 8. Nor only work within them , Eph. 1. 2 , 3. but he inhabiteth and dwelleth in men . He doth not only take men captive , 2 Tim. 2. 26. but he dwells in and possesseth the souls of his Captives , Luke 11. 21. And though he doth depart for a time , yet , v. 26. They return and dwell there . Now in the room of this , come● Gods Spirit , who v. 22. is said to be stronger than Satan , which cannot be meant but of Christs Spirit : That as 't is with a man whose heart is turned from the Lord , he is not left only to be carried by the power of his sin , but by the power of Satan also . So when the whole soul is turned unto him , the Lord leaves not the soul to be carried along by the power of his own Grace or Faith , but the Spirit it self fills and acts that soul. And as the soul was carried by the mighty power of Satan before , 't is now carried by the Almighty power of the Spirit it self , Hence 1 Pet. 1. 5. Kept by the mighty power of God through Faith . And hence Acts 26. 18. Turned from the power of Satan , not to duties , but to God himself , i. e. the Spirit of God , and so to close with him .

What is this Spirit which the Saints have ? Quest.

I shall express my self in these three Conclusions . Answ.

1. That if Adam had stood , Conclu. 1. he and all his posterity should have had that powe● and presence , and constant assi●tance of the Spirit of God , as that they should never have fallen , nor have been able to fall in respect of the assistance of the Spirit : He should have been green all the year long , his Blossom should not have been blasted , his fruit should never have withered . And the ground is the Rule of Justice ; for if he falling , all his posterity are forsaken of God , and under the reign of sin , and death and Satan , Rom. 5. 18 , 21. Then he standing , all his posterity should have had the everlasting presence of God , and should have bin under the reign of the Spirit of Grace & life . Thus also the Covenant ran , do and live .

2. That the Lord Jesus the second Adam standing and rising in the room of Conclu. 2. all his people , hence he doth convey and prop●gate to all his posterity the immutable and constant assistance and presence of his Spirit , whereby being once begotten of him , & called to him , they never afterward depart from him . And though weak in themselves , yet assisted by this Spirit , do not , cannot depart wickedly again . The Lord Jesus having stood , they cannot fall , because by vertue of his standing they have this presence of the Holy Ghost , Iohn 14. 19. Because I live ; you shall live also . John 6. 57. As the living Father sent me , and I live by him , &c. Christ standing next to the Father , lives by him ; we standing next to Christ , live as infallibly by him . And I say the ground is Christs standing . For though there be many reasons why the Saints can never fall from Christ , as the Spirit of Grace , Covenant of Grace , Intercession of Christ , yet the main ground is Christs standing without the least fall from the fulfilling of the first Covenant , which we having the first moment of believing kept in Christ , hence the Spirit is given , and the Covenant of Grace , of strength . And hence Rom. 5. 21. & v. 17 , 18. And hence the Spirit is said to dwell in Believers , Rom. 8. 11. And we are the Temples of the Spirit , whether he dwell in them in his person personally , the well is here deep , but he dwells in the● so as he never ceaseth assisting of them , so that they cannot depart from the Lord again ; hence Isa. 59. 21. My Spirit shall not depart from thy Seed . Iohn 14. 'T is called the Spirit that abides for ever . It knits the soul to the Lord , and keeps it so for ever : Never suffers that love-knot to be untied again . When the soul is weak , the Spirit helps him , when careless of it self , the Spirit keeps him , though the soul offers to run from the Lord , yet this Spirit follows him ; though he grieves the Spirit , yet this Spirit still keeps his own house , will not depart from him ; and so not suffer the soul to depart from the Lord . And this is the reason why the Saints never fall from the Lord , though they have weak Grace , poor beginnings , many sins , and Adam stood no● , though with the perfect Image of God upon him , because he had not this Spirit yet given ; though he had the Spirit of God , yet not this Spirit , which some call the Spirit of Adoption given to him , because he had not fulfilled the first Covenant , which we in Christ have , which is not only the ground of our never falling , but of assurance we shall never fall . For what breaks a mans peace after Faith ? Apparition of sin in the Conscience : What makes that terrible ? The Law . Now when I see in Christ , I have kept all things in the Law , not only the cry and accusations of the Law and ●in are stilled , but also there ariseth a holy boldness and confidence and joy , even before the face of an angry God , Eph. 3. 12. And as soul and body are ever knit , so here , &c.

3. This Spirit thus assisting , Concl. 3. no unregenerate man ever hath . I speak not now of keeping the soul from falling from Grace , but from Christ .

1. Because the Spirit of Satan fills them , he is the strong man that keeps the Palace , under whose Kingdom and power they are ; and therefore this Spirit which destroyes the Kingdom of Satan is not in them .

2. Because this was a Pre●ogative that Adam had not , though he had great Gifts and Glory otherwise : So this is not the Gift which is given unto them .

3. Because this ariseth , and therefore is given because Christ stood , and therefore those he never stood for , rose for , suffered for , never have it .

4. Therefore we shall see in experience , take the best Professors living , though they may come , as they and others judged , to the Lord , and follow the Lord , yet they will in time depart , somtime outwardly , Iohn 6. 64. There be some of you that believe not . See them , v. 66. And why did th●y depart ? It was not given them of the Fa●her . The Spirit never was given effectually to draw them , nor yet to keep them .

I● not outwardly , at le●●t inwardly ; and hence Hypocrites though they have marvellous affections unto Christ , and so have spoke of him and commended him , and seemed to be carried above all creatures and duties toward him , yet himself and his mercy , and his blood , becomes a common thing to them , and his knowledge and promise ; common : and hence they slight and loath him , and mourn not for it , and so are so far from being kept close unto Christ , as that they are nearer the unpardonable 〈◊〉 then him . But all they have is like Io●ahs gourd , which suddenly riseth , but there is a Worm at the root , that pulls it down again : And so their love dies to Ministers that Christ sent ; and to his Truth and Ordinances .

But if the Spirit doth thus , Quest. Who then shall be saved ? for who is there that departs not ?

When I say the Spirit doth so assist the faithful , Answ. as that they never depart : The meaning is not , as though the soul should now never fall into any more sin or unbelief , for what do the Saints more complain of then their backslidings , Isa. 63. 17. Heb. 12. 1. Saints hearts are no sooner raised up , but their weights grow heavy and press them down ; no sooner do they walk in the way , but they begin to fall off : But when I say so , I say three things . 1. Their whole heart never departs . 2. They do not depart for ever . 3. Though they do depart from the Lord , yet the Spirit doth not depart from them ; as it is in common reason , the same thing may go either in a straight or crooked line to the same point . As a River may run in a straight or crooked line to the Sea . So the Saints , their springs ( their hearts ) being set a running after the Lord , though they do not follow him in a straight line , so as never to depart to the right hand or left ; yet they are so kept by the Spirit that they are continually making after him , cleaving to him ; though with many crooked windings of their hearts , this way and that way from the Lord . And therefore as it is in a wheel , it stands bent for such an end , yet ●uns at one side , but is turned by the skill of him that guides it into the way again , and so let it run the m●n is with it : So 't is here . And because somthing is like this in Hypoc●ites , I shall endeavour to cut the thread .

I. Their whole hearts never do nor can depart from the Lord , all th●ir sins and departings are against their new nature , which the Lord hath given them . It s against the grain , which as it agravates their sin ▪ so it shews the difference between their sins and the sins of other men ; they may be drawn aside , but it s against their wills , or if so , yet against the bent of their hearts , which is set toward the Lord , and Sion-ward ▪ they may be carried captive against their wills , as Paul complained he was , and made his moan to heaven of it ; or if with their wills , yet it is against the active bent of their wills , which inclines them another way , 1 Iohn 3. 9. They cannot sin , because the seed remains in them ; so that they cannot sin with their whole hearts , nor depart from Christ with their whole hearts : As it is with a Woman , though her Husband hath her whole heart , yet there is much we●kness and sin mixt with this love ; So that whatever unkindness she shew● , it is not with her whole heart , but against it , and hence she is no● cast off : So much more here . Or as it is with the unregenerate man possessed by Satan , though he may forsake many sinful courses , take up many duties , despise the World , yet it is not with his whole heart : And hence he is pulled back like a Bird by the leg , Satan having an end of his heart , and he that is unholy and un●le● will be so still . So ● contra : As 't is with a stone , cast it up its against the 〈◊〉 of it , because the nature of it is to rest in the Center , and hence it comes down again . It is not by internal bent , but by external vis or force : So sin and Sa●●n being cast out , though they work in the soul , yet they are external Agents , ( it is not I , but sin ) and hence it is against the bent . The whole soul therefore never departs from the Lord Jesus , but the Spirit keeps it there . As 't is in the body of a 〈◊〉 , he grows sick and inclines toward a dissolution or consumption , and operations are hindred , and little delight in any thing , yet the soul and body are not yet parted wholly hereupon , for even then they are kept close ▪ So though the heart may depart and incline towards consumption and death , and little can the soul do but lie still and grieve , yet the union between the Spirit and the ●oul once made , is never broken . For as the whole soul departed and made dis-union , so the whole soul returning makes the union . And hence if ever after the whole soul should depart , the union should be broken ; and hence look on a Christian when he is himself , he cannot stir , nor depart ; partly by a spirit of fear , Ier. 32. 40. Like a man in a Ship , he cannot cast himself into Sea , it makes him tremble to think , what if I should fall in , and hence keeps close in the Ship , what-ever ●●orms come , what-ever calms come , for he sees death before him . Oh the loss of Christ and his fellowship hereafter , nay here , is dreadful to him : Partly by a Spirit of love , it constrains us , that when the heart sometime ca●es not for Christ , yet the Spirit of love springs up : Shall I now leave him that pitied me , That brought me a Pardon , when my neck was on the block , &c.

II. When he doth depart by reason of some evil in his heart , yet 't is not ever , but he must return ●ooner or later to him again , it was best with him then . For look as 't is with Satan , How doth he carry the heart from God ? You shall see it in Iudas , John 13. He stands at the door and knocks by a sinful thought liked of , vers. 2. Then he enters the house by causing the will to resolve of it . He doth not carry men like those Herds of ●wine against their wills , but prevails with the Will to resolve thus , vers. 27. Hereupon Satan having a Commission carries him out , and he must needs go whom the Devil drives ; so 't is here , the Spirit in recalling the soul will have him come back . 1. P●●s in secret sweet living thoughts again , and makes the soul consider and remember from whom 't is fallen , or who the Lord is . 2. Then causeth the will to resolve of a return , and then he must go whom the Spirit draws , Psal. 63. 6. David remembers the Lord on his bed , though now driven from all Ordinances ▪ Hence vers. 7. Under thy shadow I will rejoyce ▪ Hence vers. 8. My soul followeth hard after thee , or , cleaves to thee . But David was weak and feeble , how came he to do this ? Thy hand vers. 8. upholdeth me . Look as it was with Sampson , when his locks were cut , he was like other men , and was made to grinde , but they grew again , and then he was like himself again : So when the affections and hearts to Christ are cut , they are like other men for a time ; but they are continually coming and growing again , and then they are like themselves again . And I say they must return , for when the Spirit carries a man indeed , there is a necessity put upon him , Acts 4. 20. We cannot but spe●k the things we have heard ; and 2 Cor. 13. 8. We can do nothing against , but for the truth . For here we shall see the broad difference between a convicted Hypocrite that knows all is amiss with him and the Saints : He ●ees his falls from the Lord , and is afraid in his Conscience of Misery if he doth not return , and desires and endeavours for to do it ; but what if it be hard ? and it seem impossible to be better ? Now he falls down and thinks this is an infirmity which God will pardon , and so Satan conquers him ; I say again , not temptation , but Satan conquers him : For then a man is conquered , when faith is conquered , 1 Iohn 5. 4. then Faith is conquered , when returning to Christ with the whole heart is conquered ; the whole heart returns not until a mans will resolves by being 〈◊〉 with a necessity of a return and staying there . Now therefore the Spirit of God puts the soul upon a necessity of returning to the Lord , that when the heart ●aith , It cannot be that ever your heart should be better , or the Lord help ; it must be saith the soul again , and it is so , I am not able to bear this evil , for mercy must help , and Spirit must draw , and hence the soul must come , Psal. 42. 7 , 8. The soul thinks mercy can and is willing , but will it ? Why the Lord commands it , when one waye calls in for another , mercy must step in , and hence my prayer is to thee . Now this necessity of return to the Lord appears chiefly in breaking down all oppo●●tions against its return ; which are four .

1. Sometime snares of the world and other things beside . The Lord easeth them , the Lord sends no crosses , gives them their hearts desire , under which Vines they rest , yet if the Lord takes not all from them , he puts such a cloyedness in them , that the soul cannot but return to the Lord again , it cannot live on such course bread , things that satisfie not , it had better once , Eccles. 2. 3 , 4 , 11.

2. Fears and discouragements of spirit , for when deli●vered from snares , then fears come , and discouragements , either by reason of outward losses or the Lords anger : So that the soul fears it never had , never shall have any mercy , that hath thus abused it ; and it hath thought God himself to say so , and his behaviour in not hearing and helping in so long a time , to witness so : Yet it will return , though the Lord never save it ; it will not sin : Ionah yet looks again to the Temple , when he could not come to it , yet he would look to it . The soul will turn up its eyes and mourn ; Oh that I have so abused the Lord and mercy ! that Love it self should be angry and frown ! Psal. 77. The Psalmist refused to be comforted , v. 2. Nay , v. 3. Though he remembred God , and all his love past , yet troubled , this brought greater trouble , yet v. 10. I 'le remember the years of the right hand of the most High . Saul did not thus .

3. Thoughts of impossibility and unlikelihood to get peace or pardon , or victory over sin now . For somtime the Saints think , the Lord loves me , and yet lets these evils lie here , but I can get no help now , especially if after many prayers . I know help against all sins they cannot get , and hence are humbled , but against them sins that help can be got , wherein the Lord hath done it for others , and which make the Lord estrange himself it must be had ( for this temptation to a Saint is an Hypocrites overthrow ) Psal. 18. 21 , 22 , 23. If earth cannot help , cannot Heaven ? What , not the Spirit , Word , Bloud , Mercy , of a render-hearted Redeemer ? What though not now ? yet I will not give him over .

4. When Gods Providence seems to ●ross his Promise , yet they will cleave to him or return to him . For many times Saints have their estates in the Bonds of Gods Promises , and hence they wait for accomplishment of them ; but the Lord carries it quite cross to his promise to their seeming . He promiseth to make alive , to comfort , to sanctifie , to be with me ; and he kills , sads , le ts out sin , never such a heart , and forsakes me . Oh now Faith shakes ! yet they will not away , Heb. 11. 15 , 16. The Lord calls them to forsake their Countrey ; Abraham is a stranger there , and that among Cut-throat 〈◊〉 , and dwells in Tabernacles , and four hundred years after , his posterity being afflicted should 〈◊〉 in ; yet he would not return , though they might , God had said here , I 'le blesse thee , so here . The murmuring Israelites fell short of this .

III. Whenever the soul doth depart , yet the Spirit of God is ever in it and with it , Psal. 73. 2. The Psalmist almost fell . Why did he not ? Thou art ever with me , thy hand v. 23. hath upheld me . So that as the Spirit keeps the soul to Christ , so it keeps Christ in the soul at all times . And hence Saints in the closure of all their dealings with God , and he with them , they have seen his love , working good in all ; that now the Soul can say , lo the Lord was here , and I kn●w it not , Isa. 25. 9 , 10. That the soul admires somtimes , and hence after all sees the Lord more clearly and fully and sweetly , till at last it sees him in Glory . 〈◊〉 you see the Spirit that follows Saints is with them , which the world wants . Oh admire at the Lord , if this Spirit be given , that Heaven is come down into 〈…〉 That no 〈◊〉 , no sins can part , but it s ever putting thee in thy way again . Hence when

● . They are ready to quite fall off , and give themselves for gone , ready to be made away by temptation , or to make away themselves , the Lord is with them then , Psal. 94. 18. At the time of parting , love appears .

2. Hence when they are somtime so far gone , as that they mind not their return , or believe not , as in the wilde●●ess , but are well enough without the Lord , the Lord before they think or desire , prevents them , Psal. 23. 6. Mercy and Truth followes me .

3. Hence when they think the Lord is provoked that he cannot save , then he is in the midst of his people , Ier. 14. 11. Why art thou as a man astonied that cannot save ?

4. Hence at the end of life , all the waies of God have been peace , and all ou● waies , though sorrowful , though evil , turned for good ; as in Ionas his depar●ing ; and by miseries we are yet humbled ; somthing the Lord is doing now for Eternity , Micah 7. 8. Though I sit in darknesse , the Lord will be a light unto me .

5. Hence when the heart and strength fail , and Faith is failing , and the heart feels nothing but pain , yet the Lord then keeps , and this is comfort , Psal. 63. 26.

Consider therefore your estare , that

1. Do depart with your whole heart from the Lord . Hath not the Lord bowed thy heart toward himself , by mercies , by blows ? But when sorrows have been past , and mercies grown common , and truth common , thou hast started back like a broken bow which was bent backward , when stretched forward . And now when God calls to any duty , especially when thy will and ends are crossed , that is a burden , and thou art drawn to that as a Fish to the dry land . It is like a Feaver-fit to thee , and never mournest for this . But when any matter of gain and world is presented , all thoughts , time , strength is too little there , that you smell of the field ; or if there be any life or joy , yet the lean kine eat up the fat kine . Nay , mournest not under that cursed bent which carries thee from the Lord . Know it , thou art forsaken of the Lord .

2. That in times past had many affections , but now sorrow is gone , and seeking of the Lord gone ; and being f●llen , seest it not , but thinkest 't is with thee as with other Christians , hast only the old work past , and some new pangs now and then Why is it thus ? Ier. 8. 4 , 5. Will you fall and not arise ? Wilt let the Lord turn from you , and not return ? Doth the Stork know when winter is near , and not you your season ? Oh look to it ! What are you fallen with a perpetual backsliding ? Why will you not return , but go away with a perpetual backsliding ? Know Satan hath hold of this soul.

3. You people of God , wonder you at this Grace : Let your experience prove it . Is it not so , that a Habitation of Devils should be a House of the Spirit of God , not to sojourn , but dwell there , and though abused , vexed , yet it will not depart .

SECT. V. V. Sanctification , in the room of self-seeking .

THis work of the Spirit hath had many scratches , and passed under divers censures ; that if that question should be asked of it , which once Christ made concerning himself , Whom say men that I am ? We shall five several apprehensions of it .

1. Some have made it common , and that this treasure may be digged out of dung-hils , that the Lord casts these Pearls to Swine , that a carnal heart may have all these gifts and graces which the righteous have , and Adam had , and perish at last . And hence no evidence from it at all .

2. Some have not made it thus common , but proper to the Elect , and that none are justified but they are sanctified , and è contra . But it hath been , and they think 't is so disguised with the mixture of sin and temptation , and cannot be known , or very hardly . If so , that though the Lord Jesus come unto his own , and dwell not only in their Houses , but in their hearts , yet they know him not .

3. Some say it may be known , but not as dwelling in our hearts , but as inherent in Christ , making the inherent Grace of Christ in Christ himself to be our Sanctification , which the Apostle makes to be our righteousness . And so as the Papists abolish Christs righteousness for justification , by making it to consist only in infusion of Grace in us ; these abolish Christ to be our Sanctification , by making all our sanctification to consist in inhaesion in Christ out of us .

4. Some say there is a sanctification in us , But wherein doth it consist ? Not in any habitual Holiness , or Graces in us , but in the immediate actings of Christ in us , and so the Lord makes his Musick without any strings , and reveals things to us without eyes , and makes us live without any power of life : And so after justification they put a Christian in such an estate of Sanctification as that he is a mee● Patient , in next disposition to move if he be moved : Like a weather-Cock , which hath no power at all to move , but as the wind blows it , good or bad .

5. Some grant that there is a sanctification proper to the Faithful , and in the Faithful an habitual Holiness , and consisting in a most blessed , inward , total change . But when they come to the application of this to themselves , they think that if they have some reformation with some inward affection , they think every overly change is presently sanctification , and this must be a good evidence to them . And so like some Herbalists that treat of the Soveraign excellencies of several herbs , but when they come to gather them in the garden , they take their counterfeits in the room of them . The causes of which variety of apprehensions is the rareness of it ( and therefore 't is unknown ) and the corrupt experience of men .

I shall therefore lay level these things , by shewing you what that measure of sanctification is which is in us , and which is peculiar to the Elect , and which also may be known by them which have it : And therefore shall not speak of sanctification at large , which is the change of the whole man by the death of Christ , whereby he is separated from sin , and sin mortified in him ; and by the life of Christ , whereby he is dedicated unto Christ , and lives his life . But I shall treat of it now so far forth especially as this change may be known by it ; and therefore I oppose it to self-seeking .

But why do you oppose Sanctification to Self-seeking ? Quest.

1. Because this Sanctification , Answ. I now speak of it so far forth as it may be seen ; now it is seen here chiefly , because it may be said here it is : But Hypocrites have a change , Wherein may it be known to be different from theirs ? Why , the change of the heart chiefly appears in the change of the utmost end .

2. Because as the pollution of the whole man , and all his actions civil , moral , and religious , consists chiefly , and appears in this self-seeking , or making our selves our utmost end . This makes the most glotious actions vile , and stains them all . So the sanctification of a man consists chiefly and appears in making the Lord our utmost end of all we do : So that though the actions be never so mean and poor , yet this puts a Glory and lustre on them , and is the Crown of them , even of the giving of a cup of cold water , Mat. 6. 22. If thy eye be single . Look therefore , as before the Lord justifies the soul , every man living seeks himself as his last end and good ; and out of this captivity no power can redeem them . Dan. 4. 30. Gen. 11. 4. So after it , the Lord sanctifies the soul with such a measure of his Grace as makes the Lord his utmost end : And this no other have .

Let me therefore shew you what this Sanctification is more fully , and with all the cheif ingredients in it , that so it may be the better known .

It 's the renovation of the whole man , appearing in the change of a mans utmost end . But more particularly ,

'T is that work of the Spirit in the soul , whereby the soul beholding the Glory of Christ , and feeling his love , hereupon closeth with the whole will of Christ , and seeketh to please him , as his happiness and utmost end .

For look as in self-seeking there are four things .

1. A man beholds himself and some good in himself .

2. Loves himself abundantly .

3. Pleaseth his own will .

4. Doth this as his utmost and last end . So here in this description of Sanctification which I oppose chiefly to self-corruption , are four things .

1. The soul beholds the Lord in all his Glory , seeing of him present with him in all his Glory , and set before him , Psal. 16. 8. For this is one necessary ingredient to his sanctification and seeking the Lord as his utmost end . For why doth a man seek himself ? He sees some glory and good in himself , none in the Lord . And hence we say of some men , whose pride spoyls their parts , they know themselves too well , and hence Saints when they see their own vileness , and see the Lord , they are so far from seeking , as that they loath themselves . Therefore when the Lord reveals himself to the soul in his Glory , this makes them seek him and not themselves , 1 Cor. 1. 30. Christ is made wisdom , righteousnesse , &c. that all might glory in him . For this is the Glory of Christ , and the first Principle of seeking the Lord , the soul sees his good laid up in the Lord more than in himself ; nay wholly in the Lord , not at all in himself . His wisdom is in him , he cannot but wilder till utterly lost without him . His righteousness is in him , he could never have one sin pardoned by Angels holiness without him . His sanctification is in him , he could not have the least thought nor desire , but the Lord must work it in him . His redemption is in him , there could not be freedom one hour from unknown evils but by him . Hence seeing him such an one , he seeks him . As why do men seek men , especially if great ? Why do men desire to stand before Princes , and please them , so that they will not gladly offer them the least distaste ? Because they see them before them , beholding of them , apt to be angry , if displeased ; and their greatness awes them : So here . Why is not the Lord Jesus pleased ? He is not seen in his Glory , nor made really present ; and hence Rev. 5. 12 , 13. When they saw him on his Throne , they cast down their Crowns and gave him Glory .

2. The soul also feels his love , and so abundantly loves him again . For how come men to seek themselves in every thing , and they cannot but do it ? 'T is because they love themselves , and that abundantly , necessarily , as fire burns ; though they burn so hot in this love that at last they consume themselves . So how do any , can any seek the Lord ? We know the Apostle saith , 1 Cor. 13. 5. Love seeks not her own . When the Sun hath put out this fire of our self-love , when the sense of the Lords love hath kindled that love to the Lord again , as that it abundantly loves Christ , now it will seek the things of Christ , and not its own things . And as there is abundance of self love , that men are eaten up with it ; so there must be much love , which must be abundantly shed in the heart , so as to eat up that ; arising from the sense of the Lords love , and that abundantly . For many a man comes to have some good will , and affection , and love to the Lord , but yet never comes to seek the Lord as his last end , and live to him . Why ? Because he hath not tasted abundantly of the Lords Mercy , Grace and Love , Psal. 86. 12 , 13. And hence the incomparable Spirit of Paul , I seek not yours , but you ; Wherein ? In being willing to spend . But save your self Paul : nay , and to be spent : With much ado ; Nay , most gladly . Though you love me not , because I love you : So here , though Christ should not love it , yet he is worthy , he hath done enough , and now the soul will not only do , but rejoyce , nay , in sufferings ; because his love is not dropt , but shed in our hearts . And hence 't is a never-failing rule , little love or assurance of it , little seeking the Lord ; much assurance , much seeking of him .

3. Hereupon the soul closeth with the whole will of Christ , and pleaseth it , because it pleaseth him . It s with every man , as it was with Samson , he would needs have a wife or the Philistims , Why so ? Iudg. 14. 3. Because she pleaseth me . So , why will men seek themselves , save themselves , love themselves , and please their own wills ? Because it pleaseth them . Look therefore as the soul when he loved himself , did seek to please only his own will in every thing , and 't is good because it pleaseth me ; so the soul , whose heart is now indeared to Christ , though he cannot perfectly do it ( that 's in Heaven ) yet he seeks to give the whole will of Christ content , because it pleaseth Christ . And this is that that God hath sworn his people shall have , Luke 1. 74 , 75. And that Christ hath delivered us from all our enemies , ( For the great reason why men cleave not to the Lord , and please his whole Will is , because they have many things to care for , and ●eep , and please , which we account friends , which are the Lords enemies , Satan and world ) to serve him without fear , i. e. in love , and in holinesse and righteousnesse , i. e. his whole Will all ●ur daies . And hence Eph. 5. 8 , 9. They were darknesse , but now are light , by Faith , now there is sanctity , Walk as children of the light . Wherein consists that ? Proving what is acceptable to God . Hence Eph. 6. 6. They should please Christ , doing the Will of God from the heart . And this is so necessary , that Gal. 1. 10● The Apostle saith , If I please men , i. e. their wills , I am not Christs . And this is walking worthy of the Lord , pleasing him in all things , and this is fruit , the end of the tree and leaves also , and differencing a tree from all other , that be beautiful , but barren , Col. 1. 10.

But why do you make this to consist in pleasing the whole will of Christ , and not of God the Creator ? Quest.

1. Because our sanctification now cannot please God as a Creator , Answ. though it may ple●se him that is the Creator in Christ , because only perfect Hol●ness can please him .

2. Because Christ hath pleased the Father by the Holiness of himself , now this being done , and therefore God having put all things into his hands , having done that for us , we are to give content to him . And herein our sanctification is differing from the Image Adam had , who in closing with the will of God , looked upon him as a Creator ; ours respects a Redeemer , who hath bough● us to himself , and hence we are to respect him in our acts now .

But why doth the soul close with the whole will of Christ , i. e. so far as 't is made known ? Quest.

First , Answ. Because the holiness of Christ h●re chiefly discovers it self , and against this a carnal heart will discover it self . For Copern●ites may boast in , and give entertainment to the person of Christ , but when they come to repent ( which was one part of his will ) that they did not , that they would not ▪ Wo therefore to thee Ca●ern●●m : as many will close with Christ for pardon of sin , and lay their sacks on him , but you must burthen your self with them , or the Lord will never ease you of them . Oh no , and hence they have light sorrow for sin ; many will embrace the comforts of Christ and love of Christ , and this joys them , yet the will of Christ that is wearisome to them , Rom. 8. 8. They will pick and chuse .

Secondly , Because this discovers a deep ditch of deceit in the heart , many take up some duties ▪ and why do they do them ? Because they please the Lord , and the Lord commands , and for his sake , when indeed 't is to please themselves : for in other things they care not whether they please the Lord or no.

Thirdly , Because this closing with his whole will only gives the Lord content : As 't is not the strings , or striking upon one string that makes the Musick , but striking on them all according to rule . So here : And hence when they sacri●●eed and observed new Moons , Isai. 1. 14. Who hath required these things at your hands ? Hence when the people began to put the Lord off with mean per●ormances , any common stuffe , the Lord takes state upon him , and saith he is a King , Mal. 1. 14. & 9 , 10. I have no pleasure in you .

Fourthly , Because this only will give peace ; and therefore let any man begin to pick and chuse , and his heart die to the Lords will , if Ionah like he will flie from any way of the Lords and continue there , he shall have storms ; and hence 1 Iohn 2. 3 , 4 , 5. Hereby we know him , &c.

4. He closeth with the whole will of the Lord as his happiness and utmost end ; as a man made himself his last end before , and desired God and Christ only to keep his sores from aking , for so I look upon all men made up of wants ; if the body ake with cold , stomack with hunger , head for want of sleep , Conscience for sin , all happiness lies in the easing hereof , and here lies their bliss . So now the soul make ; the life of the Lord its happiness to live unto him , Gal. 2. 20. He makes it his meat and drink to do the Lords will ; for Iehu sought the Lord , but his last end was himself , as Iohn 16. 2. A man may kill , and think he doth God good service , but that is not his last end ; a carnal heart may cross his own wi●● , but not his own utmost end , as Iudas : A man may seek the Lord with delight , and follow the Ordinances , and fast , and pray , but himself is his end still , Zac. 7. 5 , 6. Isai. 58. 4 , 5. As a man that goes to a City , he will do your businesse , but he would not go unless he had his own ends to bring about there . But those that are truly sanctified , make the Lord their last end and happiness . It 's not only good to do the Lords will ( for thus men may seek the Lord ) as thinking it good so to do , but as their blessednesse , else 't is not their last end , and so not sought as their last end ; and so 't is with the soul ? As a River running to the Sea , many Springs run into it , but it carries them down all with it ; so there are many occasions , hindrances , businesse● , yet it carries them all down with it , even the more violently , the more 't is hindred , Psal. 119. 126 , 127. Therefore love I them above gold . And this expresseth it self in three things :

1. In admiring at the glory of the Lord , and his will and ways , and accounting them happy men , and blessed , that thus can do and live . For sometime the soul is decayed and ●allen from this , or sick and weak ; now it accounts them happy , that have health and strength to walk abroad , Psal. 1. 1 , 2.

2. In being never at rest in his minde until now that he comes to this ; for therein a mans ●●king any thing his last end appears ; as he made his goods his last end , Luke 12. 19. Now therefore my soul be at rest , for there is no seeking the Lord but self-seeking hinders ; Now though it be thus yet , Do I make my self my last end ? then my minde would be at rest ; but if sanctified , it s not at rest till now : And hence Paul when he had run this race , now you see him leaning upon his pillow , 2 Tim. 4. 6 , 7. And hence Saints are loth to die and be blessed in heaven , because they 〈◊〉 done so little work as yet ; little do the Saints for the Lord many times , yet their hearts are upright , for what mourn they for so much as this , when they have lookt upon it ; oh that the Lord hath been a looser by them ▪

3. It carries the soul thorow all difficulties with power and delight , Prov. 10. 29. The way of the Lord is strength to the righteous , and joy . ●●om . 7. 22. I do delight in the law of God in the 〈◊〉 man . Other Nations walk in the Name of their Gods , we in ours , Micah 4. 5. As when wealth or honour is a mans utmost end , with what violence are men carried to it ; and hence a man thinks he hath never such good days as then when he can do much for the Lord ; and hence when any duty is to be done , when fearful to do it , or loth to perform it , when the heart is dead , yet beholding it with a spiritual eye , that this gives Ie●●vah honour , oh this carries the soul headlong even into miseries , Not my will , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be done . This easeth the heart , even in the belly of Hell , and in times of the deepest desertion .

To this Sanctification all the Saints do come , every one in their measure ; and if ever the soul tasted the Lords love , or ever was humbled with the bitterness of sin , the first voice and main care is ; Lord , What 〈◊〉 th●u have me to do ? Nay , though no assurance , and it cannot joy in the Lords love , yet it will in the Lords will ; and hence when it hath fall assurance , yet finding such a vile heart , if God should give it heaven with such a heart it would be death ▪ And hence when he thinks of going to Hell , yet there ( saith he ) let me●blesse thee ▪

This Sanctification all unsound hearts do want ; much Reformation , much affection , many duties , but their end is not changed , though their lives be , and hearts seem to be .

1. Because they cannot love the Lord , because the Lord doth never shed his love into their hearts .

2. This was the life of Christ , Iohn 8. 29. of which life they that are dead in sin never have one act , though they may think they have .

3. This is the end of our Election , which therefore an unsound heart may as soon attain to , as to elect , or to be elected of God , Eph. 1. 4. holy in love .

This may be easily known , 1. Cannot a man know when he is happy ? 2. Cannot Peter tell Christ that he loves him ? 3. Cannot a man tell whether he be an Hypocrite or no ? For he that cannot prove his utmost end is changed , must confess himself an Hypocrite yet , his heart was never changed , what ever assurance or peace he hath had ; a thing is never good till it serves its end it was made for .

Oh therefore look that you content not your selves with Reformation , but come to this ; else 1. You lose all your obedience , the Lord regards it not , the Lord will take all from you , as Vessels that are made to hold Wine , and they cannot , lay them by , the Lord hath no pleasure in you , Mal. 1. 8 , 9 , 10. 2. If you do , the Lord will accept your meanest and poorest services : Consider ,

1. Christ cast by his Robes being privie to his own worth , to become obedient , Phil. 2. 6 , 8.

2. His infinite Wisdom is in every command , though thy carnal reason like it not .

3. His infinite love for thy good , though thou thinkest 't is for thy hurt .

4. His glory , though thou gettest no good at all by it .

SECT. VI. VI. Fulness of the Spirit of Glory , in the room of the world .

WHom the Lord doth justifi● , those he doth glorifie , Rom. 8. 30. i. e. with the Glory of another world , which though it be hid for a time from others , and somtimes from themselves , yet they do partake of it now , and it shall be revealed upon them another day , 1 Pet. 5. 1. Now though Hypocrites may tast of the Word , nay , of the powers of the world to 〈◊〉 , yet they f●ll short of this measure of Glory . And I say , this fills them in the room of this world .

How ar● men full of the world ? And what is the Spirit of Glory ? Quest.

I shall 〈…〉 three Conclusions . Answ.

That the 〈◊〉 rest and peace of the soul it 's to be found only in the presence of God Almigh●y , Conclu. 1. in this Being of Beings . Hi● Perfections are in ●●●self , and hence 〈…〉

● . A 〈…〉 to the Church to be 〈◊〉 God as ●e can .

● . The son of 〈◊〉 , to whom the Promises 〈◊〉 made .

And then , 3. King of Ierusalem , the last and least , He is that house and home of his people , whether in fleeting or setled condition , from one generation to another , Psel . ●● . 1. So that the Prophet finding this to be most true , I say , stands astonished at men ; and because men had deaf ears here , and their bellies could not hear , he cries to the Heavens to be astonished at this , Ier. 2. 12 , 13. This wine the Lord puts under his Lock and Key ; 'T is not to be found in earth , in Church-Liberties , you may soon see this Temple not one stone left upon another , nor in Heaven simply , nor in Fellowship of Angels ; onely 't is in the Lord , drawing nigh to the soul in these , and drawing the soul at last near to himself by these .

That all Reprobates being estranged from God , and God from them , are also strangers to this resty this life of God , Conclu. 2. this life of Glory , Eph. 4. 18. and therefore seek for it and seek it out of the Paps of the ●reature , and that which is not God . And thus their hearts are full of the world , Psal. 17. 14. Dust they eat , and upon their bell●es they go , shift for it where they will , they shall never find it in him : And if they do find it any where else in this world , let them fill themselves to the full , for they have their portion , they have their reward . And hence they do ( ●● unregenera●e men living ) find their rest in somthing out of God ▪ rest to their Co●sciences in duties , and somthing of God , rest of their hearts in some Creatures , either ●●lawful or ●●●ful , Mat. 24. 38. And there is never a carnal bea●● , but give him his imaginary content here , and he would desire to live here as a●●xile from God , and to be without him , if there were no Hell , no plagues , etc. For here is their treasure , not above ; here are thy good things : and this is the very reason why a man lives without God , nay when he stands convinced 〈◊〉 , nay when troubled with thoughts of this , and no duties can ease him , because somthing out of God is his bottom to stand upon , and his rest and peace ; It may be meat , drink , health , sleep , occasional delights and a quiet life . That as 't is with Seamen , they can endure winds and weather , and rent Sayls , and torn Masts , because they live upon that Trade ; another will not : So 't is here . Though many troubles of mind , yet they ply that Oa● , 't is their living .

That all those whom the Lord intends good unto , Concl. 3. those he calls in time out of this world into his eternal Glory of rest and peace , out of this world into another . And as their hearts were filled with another world before , so their hearts are filled with the Glory of this other world now , Iohn 17. 14 , 16. 1 Pe● . 5. 1● . And this rest and peace in God is the Glory of the Saints . That look as 't is with Reprobates , What is their last and great woe ? 2 Thes. 1. 9. 'T is separation from the Lord ; So this is the great Glory of the Saints , to enter in to him , as M●s●● did into the Cloud , and so to rest in him . I go to my God and your God . Hence the Saints are said to sell away all for this Treasure , for this Pearle , for the Lord : And so the Lord is in stead of all , and better to them than all they had before . They can live royally upon him , having but one thing to look to , and having all things 〈◊〉 this one thing ; and more royally than the Prin●●● of the world can upon their Lusts and earthly Treasures . This is the rest and 〈◊〉 the Saints have , 〈◊〉 . 4. 3. They that beli●●● do enter into rest . God 〈◊〉 them out of the world by some bitterness of it , or by some cloying and 〈◊〉 and making their hearts weary of the sweetness thereof , and then they enter into Glory . The Lord sees nothing can fill their hearts no● stop their cries , 〈◊〉 him , and now this Sea of Glory breaks in upon them , and fills their hearts : And this the Lord doth two waies , according as there are two things in that good that fills the heart :

1. Proportion . 2. Propriety .

So there are two Raies of eternal Glory chiefly , whereby the Lord give full rest and peace , and so Glory to his people .

1. He reveals the good they are to enjoy in another world , in its full proportion , viz. what is the riches of the inheritance of the Saints , Eph. 1. 17 , 18. For no good satisfies till 't is known in its greatness , though yet there be degrees of this . For we shall see many Christians have assurance , where is the joy of it ? No● affected with it , because he knowes not what it is at that time . At another time his heart is above all the world , because he sees what is that Glory the Saints 〈◊〉 , and that he hath it , it swallows him up and confounds him . Why me Lo●d ! And this is the reason why the Saints doubt , whom the Lord hath loosned from their lusts and all things here . What so vile , and all that 〈◊〉 ▪ And this the reason why when doubting , so that there is nothing in this 〈◊〉 that doth quiet them , nothing from God that doth ease them , yet their hearts are sweetly eased : Their desires are after him , and their delights in his company , better go to Hell thus than in my sins ; and the thoughts of the Lord are sweet , because he hath and doth secretly fill their hearts . Somthing they have or do see in him , Isa. 26. 8. And hence is the reason of the sorrows of them , when their hearts are worst , now though they have the world , yet are not at rest , because they have and do see somthing of this .

2. He reveals by the Spirit and Light of Glory that this good is theirs , their propriety . The first gives rest to the soul , viz , the Spirit of vision incompleatly . This Spirit of Faith whereby the soul knows all this good is mine , this gives it compleatly . Now the New Ierusalem is come dow●●rom Heaven , and God is among men , 1 Pet. 1. 8. For if a Christian sees the greatness of this glory , but not as his , the soul will never cleave to the Lord indeed , nor finde full rest ; and hence when the riches of Gods grace is revealed , and the Feast set before them , they do not eat , because they fear they were not bidden . Now both these give full peace and rest to the soul , when the soul hath the Lord Ieh●vah in his arms , and hence he cares not now when death comes : Oh it shall be a welcome day to them ! And hence they wish they might sin no more , or cease to be . And hence they wish they could set even the whole world a wondring . Was it ever heard since the world began of s●ch a pattern of mercy ? It s true , the Lord indeed keeps his Servants for a time under much darkness and doubts , but it 's certain even in the meanest Saint this light is sown for them , and joy for the upright in heart , and some work there is for the Lord to do for them , and then he kee●s a Sabbath of rest in them .

But have not many Hypocrites their joyes , Quest. their peace , their Glory ?

Yes , Answ. they have some tasts and likeness to this , but want this indeed ; and the difference appears in three Particulars .

1. The peace and joy and assurance of that Glory which eye never saw in the Saints , 't is from the witness of the Spirit of Glory ; not only because that God is their God , but because they are his people . 'T is I say from the witness of God in his Word , not from themselves , nor from man only that they approve me , 〈◊〉 from dreams and Diabolical breathings , but from the Spirit of God , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of it , and from such a Spirit ( that yo● may know it ) that not only shews you God is your God , and so you rejoyce because of this , for thus 't is with many a carnal heart , and he hath peace , being i● horro● , from this , the Lord loves me ; but he makes you to rejoyce because you are the Lords people , because he hath changed your heart , now the peace is sound , and joy is right ; and here I would try the peace of any man , God hath witnessed pardon to thee , but 〈◊〉 he shown thee thou art his ? If so , be thankful . But here is the doubt , for it may be the change is not right . And hence those two are ever joyned together , Zach. 13. 9. Iohn 14. 20 , 21 , 22. Horror lies heavy , hence love is sweet ; sin lies heavy , hence this witness , they are changed , they are subd●ed and shall be so , this is sweet also .

2. The rest and peace the Saints have , 't is not only from God , but in him . 'T is with the soul as with a Malefactor imprisoned and condemned , the Jaylor comes and tells him that he hath his pardon here brought him from the King ; How shall it be proved whether it be a device of his own Brain or no ? Why if it be of the Jaylors own devising , he will never lead him before the face of the King , but from him he shall be carried : But if the Messenger carry him before the King , and sets him down before him , and as it was with Ioseph , his Prison-garments are put off , and he stands before the King , and glories in his presence , now 't is 〈◊〉 . So many have peace , and Satan sets them at liberty , but carries them from God . But when there is a witness of peace from him , and then you stand before him , now 't is from Heaven , Psal. 36. 7 , 8. There is peace from him and 〈◊〉 in him , Psal. 37. 4. Delight thy self in the Lord , and he shall give thee the desires of thy heart . When 't is thus , all you desire is granted .

3. The peace the Saints have both from God and in God , fills them with everlasting content and peace , Rom. 15. 13. Isa. 11. 9. Filled with the Knowledge of the Lord at the waters cover the Sea . The earth is the rest of the waters , and the waters fill all its empty place : So 't is here , the soul is the rest of the Lord , Isa. 11. 10. and he fills their empty hearts . A Malefactor may dream ●e is before the King , when he hath his Fetters on his legs ; but his dream feeds him not , but when he awakes , he is hungry : And so 't is with many a carnal heart that is in a dream for a time , but he meets not with eternal satisfaction , Psal. 65. 4. & Psal. 90. 14. And hence men after they have had their peace , grow more bold to sin , and more impenitent in sin , and more worldly than ever before , because they have not everlasting joy ; as those , Isa. 35. 10. Everlasting joyes shall be upon their head ( whereas a carnal heart hath soon enough of God ) not everlasting , without intermission of joy , for they must have their rights and tears , as well as their days and joys ; but everlasting , without decay of joy ; that though they have their tears , yet God wipes them away ; there is nothing else , their joy , their peace , and so their hearts are for ever satisfied here . As Christ , when he knew it was finished , now he gave up the Ghost , so when the oul ●inds he is come , now it dies to the world , and makes its perpetual abode in him . Others will have their Carrion , and their stolen waters , how clean soever they 〈◊〉 their mouths .

But have not the Saints many sorrowes , Object. 1. reproaches , persecutions ?

Rom. 8. 18. Answ. They are not worthy the Glory to be revealed . 2 Cor. 4. 17. They work a weight of Glory , and in these they glory . Oh the Lords Love is shed in their hearts ▪ Rom. 5. 3 , 5.

But have they not many losses , Object. 2. and wants , and straights ? and then where is their joy ?

A camal heart he murmures indeed , Answ. and sinks , and dies away , but 't is not so he●e , Ha● . 3. 17 , 18. A Saint take● it out in him , in the Lord , it makes all the world too narrow for him . Others are burnt and consumed in the fire , but so is not he that hath the Son of God with him .

But he hath many sins and Temptations . Object. 3.

1 Pet. 1. 5 , 6 , 7. You greatly rejoyce in the Salvation reserved for you , though now your Faith have a precious trial by manifold temptations .

But are not the hearts of the Saints taken off from the Lord , Object. 4. and taken up with other things ?

No , Answ. never as carnal mens are , Tit. 2. 12. For Gods Grace that hath appeared to them , teacheth them to deny worldly lusts , as we deny children their asking . They may greedily carry the soul by fits from the Lord , but he denies them their fill in any Creature , and calls them all to come up hither . He denies them as we do Beggars entrance , and if they do enter , he denies them lodging , they shall not have good looks from them . Every vile heart hath either a proud , or worldly , or covetous heart , and these lusts being urgent and entreiting long , he cannot deny them the best room he has . Oh 't is the woe of men they cannot but do thus .

But thus you see this world is cast out , and Glory comes in to all Saints : Oh this world is the cause of all sin !

1. W●y do men neglect duties in secret ?

2. Sleep at Meetings ?

3. Though so fair abroad , yet passionate at home , and storms there ?

4. Whence are wars and wranglings about rates and lots ? Oh this world !

5. Whence Apostacy ? 'T is not with you as in former times , worse now th●n in persecution ; and Sermon-proof now ? Oh this world ! Whence is hardness of heart ? Oh somthing of the world easeth you ! And whence is it that men with rich stocks are goodly things , and wondred at ; and Holiness and walking with God , and things of Heaven are nothing ? Oh this evil world ! Oh Adulterers and Adulteresses , know you not that you hate the Lord , and the Lord you ? 'T is the cause of all thy sin , but see withal 't is the cause of all thy sorrow , Heaven and the Glory of that would enter , but for it , but that it cannot , because thou art full of it . Oh poor Creatures , take your Farewel quickly of it , or the Lord will meet with you for it ! Cry to the Lord , oh call me to come up unto thy self !

Thus you see the Fulness of the Spirit which the Saints have ; and therefore that conceit , that Saints have nothing whereby to discern them , let it for ever perish and rot .

SECT. VII .

TAke heed you fall not short of the Grace of God , Use 4. of the promise and Spirit of Grace , Of Exhort . Heb. 12. 15. Oh get Oyl in your Vessels ! When there is much counterfeit Gold abroad , every man will have his Scales , and not only look and rub , but he will weigh every piece he takes : Was there ever more Counterfeits abro●d , or such similitudes of the Truth ? Insomuch as some in their Opinions , think it impossible , others in their practises find it hard and very difficult to distinguish the one from the other . Oh but there is a vast distance and difference ! As ever you look for Mercy , get this Oyl in your Vessel . As ever you look for peace , know that you have it in your Vessel . I am perswaded that there is never a soul that follows the Lord tremblingly and tenderly , but when he hears of this , sends up his sighs , good Lord let me not fail here ; better never have had thy Name in my Forehead , nor affection in my heart , than to want Oyl in my Vessel : And I am perswaded he trembles to think , what if I should perish at the last ? And yet how many never have strong fears of failing here , that have most cause so to do . This Parable is directed to Virgin-Churches at the last period of the decrepit world ; wherein methinks the Lord Jesus speaks unto his people , There is much profession , affection , but o● take heed you perish not for want of oyle in your Vessel . Le● all your care be to get that , and fear to want that , wherein the Lord doth answer that fear , and question , and thought of his people : Oh what if I should perish at last ? 〈◊〉 in your Vessel then , and if the Lord Jesus had been of that minde that there are no inherent graces in the Saints , or so dim they cannot be known , or if known you are not to respect them as any signs , but to look for a witness of grace upon you , or out of you , without respecting or looking upon grace in you , he would never have reco●ded this Parable , which to wise Virgins is to prevent those conceipts : Oh therefore how many fall short here , and regard not this !

1. Some fall short here by trusting to , and omnifying of Christ and grace , regarding not any grace within ; they separate those things ●rom one another which God hath joyned , and which a gracious heart joyns one to another : They respect not sanctification , faith or vocation , they look to Christ , and can they honour Christ enough ? Hence profess they that regard those things have trus●ed to their frames of heart , and they scoffe at them that look to be justified by Faith : T is such a delusion as is likely to deceive ( if possible ) the very Elect. Look as it was with the Israelites , 1 Sam. 4. They were overthrown in the battel of the Philistines ; but what 's the cause , Oh send for the Ark where the strength and presence of God wa● , but what good did the Ark do them with unhumbled hearts , that looked to that , and trusted to that , but minde not themselves ; and hence when Samuel bids the● tur● from their Idols , and serve the Lord only ; now they do it ; so here .

2. Some only look to the out-side , like those that built the tombe● and painted the Sepulchres of the Prophets : And hence if they be inwardly zealous for external Order , Ceremony , Ordinances , carriage in garments , speeches , &c. they think the bitterness of death is past , when Agag-like they are clad with such soft raiment , and hence if there be transgression here 't is sad : But what if they walk wi●h unbroken hearts ? oh they respect not this ! And so their care being taken up in trimming and making the Vessel bright , they neglect to get oyle within .

3. Some fall short here by thinking this thought , that that grace which is inward is also sincere and unfained : And hence do not judge themselves prophane nor civil , because of their profession , nor yet Hypocrites because they do not make only an outward shew , when as the dee●est hypocrisie lies under much inward affection many times : And hence they take every such work upon trust without weighing it , if double guilt , and there is no shew of Coppe● , put it up , never enquiring where the bounds of truth and hypocrisie part ; And hence if they have inward comfort though by a dream , they take it ; If upon their sick beds after trouble they have had peace , they take it on trust ; if they have any promise of rest and peace , or feel some desires , love to Ordinances , and Gods people ; they take hold on promises , and trust themselves without trying , without weighing : Sudden work is superficial .

4. Some feel a want of these things , and content themselves with desires , and so never come to be indeed 〈◊〉 they desire to be ; It s true , Saints feel wants and desire supply : But 1. They are never satisfied till 't is so indeed : My flesh is meat indeed . 2. They are humble and vile in their own eyes till the Lord help ; but these like Solomons sluggard , desire and have not ; whereas in things of lesser worth they will not do so , They will not only desire , but indeed till the ground ; If one neglects to till , though they answer , I desire , and God accepts that , every one will say he is deceived ; their hunger is their food ; they build the sluggards nest of desire , and there sit : Oh therefore take heed you fall not short here ! Take heed your prayers and desires prove not lazie and unfaithful Messengers which you send to your Friends to come and help you , and they go half way and no further , and never fetch them to you indeed . Oh therefore get oyle in your Vessels , do not only fear the Lord , but fear him greatly , 1 Sam. 12. 18. Do not only cleave to the Lord , but with the whole heart , and cle●ve to him onely ; Beg this of the Lord . Look as poor people when they come to rich men that have full heaps , do say , let me have full measure , my family is poor , and charge great : So here .

Consider if once you get this it will never die , Motive 1. it shall increase exceedingly : It s a treasure you cannot part withal , that you shall never grow poor with ; but Luke 8. 18. From him that hath not , shall be taken away that which he seemed to have . Oh many a one saith , I fear I shall fall at last , and I finde my heart so soon cooled ; Oh get this , nothing shall quench it again ! If you say I cannot keep it , I say it shall keep you , Prov. 2. 10 , 11. Not when you have Christ and Spirit , and grace in your head , nor in your Conscience to give you peace , but in your heart ; and when nothing is sweet but that , nothing lies between your heart and that ; it shall now preserve and keep thee , it shall follow thee , fill thee , seal thee , live with thee , go to heaven with thee , &c. Mark this you feeble ones .

Oh consider what a ●ad thing it will be to thy heart to miss of , Motive 2. and lose the Lord at last ; The servants in Isaac's Family did not mourn so much as Esau when the blessing was gone . Why ? They never had hope of it , never were nee● it . He was so long in the field that the blessing was gone before he came , and he sold it away for a trifle : So them that never came so neer the Lord and his blessing , never will have such sorrow , especially to think I sold it away for a trifle : O thought Esa● that I had come a little sooner , &c. When Saul went to Gilgal to sacrifice , 1 Sam. 13. 10. He staid seven days , and then sacrificed before the Lord , but then his doom was passed by God : And it s said presently Samvel came , Oh if he had staid a little longer ! So you will one day think , I sought and waited but forsook the Lord . Oh had I waited one day more I had been well . This is the reason why the Hypocrites portion is heaviest in Hell .

You will say , It will be heavy hereafter , Motive 3. but not now ? Yes , now to if you do consider the Lord Jesus is so full , and thou not to have one drop of that which is saving , even when you come for it . It was a heavy token of the Lords anger , 1 Sam. 14. 17. when the Lord answered not all that day ( when yet he did not speak bitter things against them ) because he did use to do it : It notes the anger of the Lord Jesus ; as a man that hath abundance of bread , and yet gives not any , this argues he is very angry if he continue so ; and if so , how canst thou sleep under it ?

Consider , Motive 4. else the Lord will try you ; God hath his trying times , and they were never sent but to discover who were dross , who were gold , and the main end of all Gods Tryals is to discover this Truth that I now am pressing upon you . Some have a thorow work , and now the Tryal discovers the Truth , as in Abraham , Hebr. 11. 17. Some have superficial work , and they fall in Tryal , as Saul , and it doth discover it was but an overly work ; For this is the Question God makes : Is it through or no ? I , saith a carnal heart , Yes , saith a gracious heart . Hence its strange to see what men will do when a tryal comes . A man maintains a lust , he will not shew it , nor defend it , he shall turn to be of some opinion or other , and the corruption of his minde shall shew the corruption of his heart : A man loaths the people of God , but he saith he loves them ; now this shall be a sign : Time shall come that some of them shall be matter of offence to him , and shall not honour him , it shall try him . A man loaths Ordinances , he saith he doth not , but comes to the worlds end to enjoy them . He shall have plenty of them , and some sad losses with them , and then you shall see he surfets of them , never quickned by them , to shew the work was but overly . A mans heart is above God , he saith he is content to be at the Lords dispose , let him do any thing with him , this comforts him . He shall have a cross wi●e , or something that doth not please him , and now hi● heart quarrels , and thus he shall be tryed , to shew it was but overly work . Men despise the liberties the Lord gives them ; they say they pri●e them . A general Governour shall come with pretences of Religion and Protection , and you shall see this chaffe will take old Birds now . Oh therefore try your selves here , and be sure you fall not short here .

Wh●● M●ans are there to be used ? Quest.

1. Look that you make your Vessels clear . Answ. It hath been said of old , and I beleeve t is a truth still , ●that the Lord will never send his Spirit to dwell in an unclean heart . Doves build not their habitations on dunghils . Gods Spirit must come as an efficient to take it away , but not as an Inhabitant to dwell in an unclean heart , 2 Tim. 2. 19 , 20 , 21. He that pargeth himself , he doth not say , God must do all , but he under God searcheth and purgeth , he shall be a vessel of honour , if from these things , especially from those sins which Apostates are conquered with , of which he there speaks : For there be many sins a man may be purged from , and not be a Vessel of honour . But what are the sins the Apostates perish by , mark them , finde them out , one by pride , another by sloth , another by world , &c. He shall be a Vessel of honour . Men see and confess , but make not work of it indeed , the old heart is not better , you consume and languish still , 1 Cor. 9. 26 , 27. I beat not the air , i. e. I lay deadly blows on my enemy , and I bea● down my body , least , &c. Overly search of sin , hath made overly decay of sin , and hence overly grace and affection . As a man hath not light , nor love , nor esteem enough , because he never felt his wound to the bottome . Oh account it an inestimable mercy when 't is thus ; oh therefore remember the rule of the Prophet , Ier. 4. 3 , 4. Sow not among thorns , &c. Many mens profession springs up , but withers , never comes to perfection ; this ground is not plowed , or if so , not thorowly plowed , but thorns left to choak it . Well saith the Lord , look to your selves lest my wrath breake out like fire ; why is the Lord so dreadful here ? Oh because men are careless here , I look to Christ , and my desires are good , and I pray in secret , and I am much changed , &c.

2. Look that your Vessel be ever kept empty ; when a man hath no grace , and sees how others can pray and mourn , and how far short he falls of them , its easie now to be empty , as Saul when he was no King ; but when the Lord hath given some light and affection , and some comfort , and some Reformation ; now a man grows full here : Saints do for God , and ca●●al hearts do something too ; but a little fills them , and quiets them , and so damns them . And hence men at the first work upon them are very diligent in the use of means , but after that they be brought to neglect prayer , sleep out Sermons , and to be careless , sapless , liveless , who is the better for them ? Because I say that now they have got something , the main work is wrought , they call not that into Question , and so when God comes to reckon , they are found too light . Oh therefore keep the Vessel empty , never content thy self with any measure . Hath the Lord called thee ? Yes I think so , and beleeve sometimes so , but I am afraid I may at last be found without oyle in my Vessel ; be then every day , as if thou wert but now to begin . And this I say , true grace as it comforts , so it never fills , but puts an edge on the appeti●e ; more of that grace Lord ! Thus Paul , Phil. 3. 13 , 14. Thus David , Out of my poverty I have given , &c. 1 Chron. 29. 3 , 17 , 18.

It s a sure way never to be deceived in lighter strokes of the Spirit to be thankful for any , but to be content with no measure of it , and this cuts the thread of difference between a superficial lighter stroke of the Spirit , and that which is sound .

3. Look that your vessel be not broken , nor crackt , that when the Lord pours in , it runs not out again , Heb. 2. 1 , 2. Prov. 4. 12 , 13. Oh here is the wound of many a man , he hath many affections in Word , in Ordinances , and they take hold on him to convince ; to affect him , but he takes not fast hold on them , he keeps them not as his life , with thankfulness for any little , and with watchfulness . And hence a man is where he was , dry and barren . It 's true the Lord will not give that out of an Ordinance which he doth in an Ordinance . But it 's one thing to have it lost out of thy hands and the Lords hands too , another thing only to lose it out of thy hand . It 's one thing for the Lord to withdraw it , another thing for thee to spend it away by the prevailing power of a lust , viz. either the world without , or contempt of Grace within ; you esteem it not as your life , and hence seek not to keep it , you will lose the Oyl in your Vessels . And I am confident this is one reason why a man lives long under means , and never profits , the Lord sees if he should poure any thing into the heart , it would be lost . He takes fast hold of world or self , and keeps that , and hence all runs out again .

4. Look that you be at the cost to get this Oyl in your Vessel . These ●irgins when the door was shut and too late would , but the time was past . For we shall find the reason why mens works are sleight , their buildings , their garments , why , they will not be at the cost ; so mens work of Grace is sleight , because they will not be at the cost . They find a want of Grace , and prize it , and would fain have it , but it shall cost them little : they will not be at the cost of their time . Somtime they can seek the Lord in an Ordinance , but what if he comes not ? They depart from him . Sometimes in pangs , and fits when the Spirit comes , they seek , but to be ever seeking , ever carrying sense of sin , 't is too much time and trouble , they will not be at the cost . Some affections and hearts they spend , but not their whole hearts : Hence Christ exhorts , oh strive , because many seek and are never able . Look therefore as it was with Ionathan , Saul , 1 Sam. 14. 45. said he should die : No , the people said , not so , for he hath wrought with God this day . Not that a man can get Grace by his own strength , but Col. 1. 29. I strive according to his mighty working . Only let me add this , be at cost first to get the Lord Jesus himself ; As Mat. 13. 33. He sold all and bought the Field ; and when he had the Field , now he had the Treasure . Oh think no time too much , no lusts too dear , no affections too much for him ( and then you have all things with him , and shall receive life from him ) and not for a dead , but for a living , risen Christ . Christ bestowed Gifts on Iudas , on Saul , but whom he bestowed himself upon , those never wanted any thing , Psal. 23. 1. But here I might take up a doleful complaint ; Oh that men content themselves with colours and tinctures of Truth and Spirit , &c. Some Naturalists observe , that Brass would be Gold , it tends to it , had it but more heat of the Sun to concoct it and to bring it to perfection ; so 't is with the lighter Stroaks of common Grace .

CHAP. XXI . That true saving Grace in the Hearts of Believers can never fail .

SECT. I.

THat those Graces of the Spirit wherewith those Heavenly Vessels , Obs. 4. or Souls of the Faithful are filled , are constant and of an eternal Nature .

For thus the wi●e Virgins , their Vessels were not only filled , but the Oyl was constantly preserved in them , and continued in their Vessels , until they met the Bridegroom . 'T is true , their Lamp went out , outward acts of the Spirit of Grace , expressed in the Profession of the Saints may be extinct for a time , yet the Oyl did remain in the Vessel still , which was not so with those which were Foolish , not only their Lamps were out , but their Oyl was spent ; so that here is a third Difference between the Foolish and the Wife Virgins : That the Spirit of Grace in the one is of a dying , withering nature ; in the other , of an eternal and everlasting nature . There is an eternal excellency stampt upon them , Iohn 4. 14. The water that I shall give him , shall be in him , no Pools , but a perpetual living Spring . Heb. 6. 9. Some that were enlightned and tasted , fell away , but we are perswaded better things of you . The Saints have better things , which do not cause , but accompany Salvation . The Lord is so far from suffering it to die , as that he will add to it , Luke 8. 18. To him that hath shall be given . Though it be like Mustard-seed , yet it shall grow ; there is a growing vertue in it . But as the Lord speaks of his people , Isa. 65. 8. As new wine is in the Cluster , and one saith , destroy it not , for a blessing is in it , so it shall be here . Nay , though it be not so much as seen , yet the Lord then can see it , and doth then keep it , and will preserve it , Isa. 40. 29 , 30 , 31. Nay , though opposed and resisted by temptation , yet , 1 Pet. 1. 6 , 7. 'T is not consumed , but tried , that it may be to Glory another day , notwithstanding manifold temptations . 'T is one of the greatest Miracles in the world to preserve it , as a Spark of fire in a Sea of water : Nay , though it seems to a mans feeling to be quite quenched and put out , that a man finds no more than a Reprobate , yet the Seed of God then remains , and it will break out again . There is life at the heart and sap at the root , yet the Lord will fetch them again . When the Lord of Glory was crucified , and all the Disciples fled , not one spake for him , none durst confesse him , yet the Lord returns to them , and they again to him .

SECT. II.

HOW comes it to be thus immortal and of an eternal nature ? Quest.

1. 'T is not only in regard of the power of Grace received , Answ. though it were perfect , for then Adam had not fell from it .

2 : Nor in the freedom of a man from temptations , for then the Angels had not fallen .

3. Nor yet in the power of a mans own watchfulness and care to keep it . For if the Lord keep not the City , the watchmen wake but in vain .

4. Nor yet in the power of any means ; as many think , if under a powerful Ministry , then they are out of danger . 'T is not in Paul , nor Apollos , but in the Lord. Men may rejoyce in Iohns Ministry , and be affected with it , but 't is only for a season . But ,

I. In regard of the eternal Election and Purpose of God . Their constancy in the State of Grace depends upon that immutability of his counsel , Matth. 24. 24. They shall deceive if possible the Elect ; but it s not possible , they being Elect. Wise men may have their Brains crazed , and Nebuchadnezzar like , the use of reason gone , but the Principle of reason continues , and the use of it in time returns again ; and so 't is in regard of damning delusions , 2 Tim. 2. 19. Hymeneus and Philetus fell ; Hence do not the Elect f●ll ? No , for that Foundation remains sure . 1. The certainty of their continuance in Grace is built upon a Foundation . 2. Not every weak one , but a firm Foundation . 3. Not a Foundation of mans laying , but Gods . 4. Not a wavering and tot●ering , but standing Foundation , and that sealed with the Knowledge of God , the Lord knows who are his , i. e. though some men fall , that one cannot tell by outward expressions and profession who are the Lords , yet The Lord knows who are his , and they are sealed by his love and knowledge . And it seems this is the prime cause of the continuance of Angels , 1 Tim. 5. 21. And Election being free , for his own sake , not for their sakes , the Lord foresaw all their good and evil ; hence they are not cut off .

II. In regard of the Faithfulness and Promise and Covenant of Gods Grace . Adam had that Covenant : If he did do , he should live : But he had no absolute Promise he should do , or continue to do ; but the Faithful have ; and hence they stand , not by the strength of Grace , but by the strength of the Covenant of Grace . And hence that which to reason is incredible , to nature impossible , is brought about by Faith ; not by vertue of any power of Faith , but by vertue of the power of a promise . God hath said it , and Faith believes it ; and hence Abrahams dead body begets , and Sarahs barren womb brings forth Isaac . Hence through all the Word , when the Apostle perswade● himself of their continuance , he ever puts in Gods Faithfulness , 1 Cor. 1. 8 , 9. 1 Thes. 5. 24. 2 Thes. 3. 3. Hence Ier. 32. 40. I will not turn away from them . Answ. True , if they do not from the Lord . No , but they shall not turn away from me . Object . But we see many do fall . Answ. But if he doth , he shall not be broken , but taken up again , Psal. 37. 24. Yea for a time the Lord may do thus . But will this continue , having sinned against such mercy , and my sin being now greater ? Now the Lord will depart . Answ. 1 Cor. 1. 8. Yea , he will confirm you to the end . Yes , it may be he will , as he hath done , while I am out of temptation : But I may meet with it before I die . Answ. 1 Cor. 10. 13. He will not suffer you to be tempted above measure , &c. Yea , if I was such a one as Abraham or David , that had such hearts , and did the Lord so much honour . Nay , but Isai. 55. 3. Even the sure mercies of David . This is the Faithfulness of God .

III. In regard of the constant abode of the Spirit of the Lord in the hearts of the Saints , whereby they are kept , Iohn 10. 28. None can pull his Sheep out of the Fathers hand . Look as the first Adam sinning , conveys the power of sin and Satan and death , which reigns with unconquerable power over all the Sons of men ; so Christ rising , conveys that Grace and constant presence of the Spirit which reigns to eternal life , and carries the soul through all difficulties , Deut. 33. 27. The eternal God is thy refuge . Let what evils can come , there is a refuge . Yea so long as I can stand . But what if I fall ? Underneath are the everlusting arms . Let a Saint fall never so low , yet Gods everlasting arms are still lower ; where ever he falls , he falls at last into the Lords arms ; For else it was impossible for any soul to continue , Isa. 46. 3 , 4. From the womb to the hoar hairs I will carry you . Saints when they are little , think they shall fall at last , and when strengthened , fear if they live till old age , their hearts and spirits will die ; yet they do not . But how comes this about ? I will carry you . And hence 't is impossible they should ever die or perish , no more than the Lord Jesus , Iohn 14. 19. So that if Gods purpose is firm , his promise sure , his Spirit able , the Spirit of life and grace in the hearts of the Faithful , shall be kept even to eternity .

SECT. III.

LET that Opinion that the Graces of Saints are fading and mortal , Use. rot and die , and be had in everlasting derestation of them that know the Lord .

But we see how many fall off and fall back , Object . and I have found it by experience so .

The seed that is cast into the earth , Answ. first dies , and then lives and growes ; so no sooner doth the Lord fill his Saints , but there is much self-confidence on it , and resting in it , hence it dies , yet it lives and grows again . And hence the Lord keeps his people poor & sensible of their own weakness as long as they live ; but if it quite dies and withers , they were never the Lords , nor never had ●ne Dram of Grace , 1 Iohn 2. 19. If it be taken away , he did but seem to have it . All fleshly excellencies in men , as common gifts be , do wither , Isa. 40. 6 , 7. All Flesh is grass : But Plants in Gods Orchard never lose their greenness , though Plants and Flowe●s in the field may , Psal. 1. 3. Whose leaf shall not wither .

But this may make men secure , say the Arminians . Object .

1. Nothing puts more life in the Saints . It would sink them else , Answ. if it were not thus , as when the Lord told Ioshua , where ever th●● settest thy foot , thou shalt prosper , not a man able to stand against thee , this puts life into him .

2. Though they cannot fall quite away , yet they may fall so as to lose the sweetness of Grace , and presence of God . If a man should eat too much , and ever be sick , though not die after it ; or if one should fall and break his bones , though he doth not lose his life : Is this any gap for any to rejoyce ?

3. Though they cannot wholly drive away nor beat out the breath of the Spirit , yet they may grieve the Spirit by which they are sealed , Eph. 4. 30. Which is more sad to a holy heart than all evils in the world beside . But therefore let this Conceit die and perish , which is raised up by Satan to disgrace the Image of God and Spirit of Grace in the hearts of the Faithful ; for who will make men seek after perishing things , under a colour of making men seek for the Spirit , it is to resist and quench the Spirit of God in them .

SECT. IV.

IT may comfort the hearts of the Faithful exceedingly against fears of Apostacy , Use 2. when they see great Cedars fall , How shall I stand ? And when they hear of some temptation that may be hereafter , then they fear . And when they feel the evil of their own hearts ( which the Lord lets them feel to humble them that they may grow lower , and so stand the faster ) they say , I shall fall , and when they have found the Lords presence , oh if now I should relapse after this health !

How shall I know whether I shall stand or no ? Quest.

'T is not only discernable by perseverance , Answ. but by somwhat begun , though very difficult to be seen . As ,

1. Observe Gods several and various dispensations of himself and his Grace toward thee , whether they issue from his everlasting love or no ; for if so , then he will everlastingly keep that which he hath given thee . Quest. How shall I know that ? Answ. Look as that issues from eternal wrath , that separates the soul from God , or therein 't is exprest ; so that is the expression of eternal love which draws thee to God in Jesus Christ . Observe therefore the Lords carriage , Doth it draw thee at last to him , nearer to him ; and so the more he dispenseth of himself , the nearer thou art brought to him ; here is the expression of eternal love , and the Lord will keep thee , Iohn 6. 37. All that 〈◊〉 given me shall come to me . Let the Lord give his Spirit , though but little , they grow thankful . Oh he is come , whom I thought would never have returned again ! Let him deny it , this keeps them humble . Let the Lord dispense himself in an Ordinance , they love him ; and 〈◊〉 day 〈◊〉 , better than a thousand elsewhere . Let him not do so , they feel the more need of him . Let the Lord free them from temptations , and give them conquest , Faith now rejoyceth . Let them fall into many temptations , their Faith growes the more purified than ever . Let the 〈◊〉 give them outward blessings , they grow more vile in their own eyes , lesse th●● the least , with Iacob . Let the Lord deny them , Hab. 3. 18. they rejoyce in the Lord . They get good and are more endeared to the Lord by every carriage of the Lords , at least in the issue it is so . As 't is with wicked men , they may for a fit be affected and return to the Lord , but in the issue they forget the Lord , so 't is here contrariwise . There is not any unregenerate man , but somthing or other 〈◊〉 him . The wicked ever are like Chaffe driven from God . Gold that is of an everlasting nature , keep it , beat it , burn it , you cannot consume , but only purifie it , 't is not so with Chaffe . Let the Lord give him tasts of Grace and joy , it estrangeth his soul from Christ , it doth not bring him nea● to Christ .

2. Observe whether thou dost grow out of , and live upon an everlasting Covenant or no , Rom. 11. 1. God hath not cast off his people , whom he 〈◊〉 . Who are those ? Children of the promise , Rom. 9. 7 , 8. That are born and bred of the promise or whole Covenant of Grace ; God hath treasured up all Grace in Christ , laid it up in that store-house , Christ hath dropt it in his promises . Now when the soul is rooted in the Covenant , now it shall never die nor perish . As 't is with some trees , set them in the ground , they will grow , if they have Sun and rain , but die at last : Take another , and set it in a Stock , so that it abides there , and fetcheth all its life from thence by cleaving to it ; now it will grow and become a flourishing Branch . Now then the soul growes out of the Covenant , when the whole soul cleaves to the whole Covenant , for the whole benefit of it , and is fully satisfied with it , 2 Sam. 23. 4 , 5. As take a soul that feels a want of all the benefits of the Covenant , pardon , peace , life , that the Spirit is ready oft to fail , and hath no assurance it shall have any part of that which is the Childrens portion ; and looks upon his own unworthiness , never to have any from the Lord , yet it looks up to the free mercy and Grace that made it to some , to make it good to me , and so pleads the promise , and so laies it self there , and there rests , and there looks , and here sucks , and takes root , and the roo● spreads to every part of the Covenant . The Lord hath now rooted the soul in this Covenant , and it hath received life from hence , this is everlasting , you shall continue . And when the soul especially is like a bough blown by the wind , yet it stands fast still . If men have been in horrors and then fell to reformation , and there rested , it will not last . If men have had some workings and actings of the Spirit upon them , and then say , God must do all , but they grow not into the Covenant , they will die ; But here though God keeps thee short and naked , and thou only pleadest the Covenant , thou shalt stand . If you plead for pardon , and some good , not the whole good of the Covenant , you shall die also . If you grow upon some distemper , and the whole heart grow not upon this , you will die also . Look as 't is with a man that builds , he will make an end if the foundation be laid , but if not pull it down , so here .

3. If the power of Grace received and acted by the Spirit , hath risen to the nature of fruits , and not leaves only , Iohn 15. 2. And that is , when the soul receives that Grace , as that in every thing its scope is to live to God , to give his heart content . For fruit is the end of the trees growth , and leaves and fruit is not for the tree , b●● for the content of the owner of it . If so the Lord hath undertaken to purge thee , though there be much Self-seeking in thee , and he hath●undertaken though little at present , to make thee bear more fruit . ● Many a man hath much affection and grace , but when he hath it , what is it but leave ; to adorn and beautifie himself ? But he lives not to the Lord ; another man will live to the Lord in what he does , the Lord is so dear , and himself so vile ; as that he doth thus .

4. If you pray for it in Christs Name . Object● Many pray . Answ. But when Christ and you pray together , you will speed ; and then Christ praies , when his Spirit cries at the Throne of Mercy , then himself is at the Throne of Justice . And his Spirit cries , 1. Not for an unfit person , that hath some slight change , but 〈◊〉 his Saints , whose hearts are endeared to him and his whole will . 2. No● fo●●● evil or private end , but the Lords . 3. Not coldly , but with gro●●s unutterable . Is it thus with th●e ? Oh then how canst thou fall I Dost fear 〈◊〉 , Mat. 16. 18. he shall not prevail against thee , but thou shalt give the last blow and wou●d ▪ Dost fear the world , the deceits of it ? Mat. 24 . 24. ( if possible the elect ) Dost fear the evil or good things of it , Iohn 17. 13 though in the world , yet Christ prays you may be delivered from the evil of it . Dost fear thy sin , that will separate ? Answ. Rom. 6. 2. How can we that are dead live any longe● therein ? 'T is a strong , but a wounded , but a dying enemy . Dost fear the Lord , thou hast walked so unworthy of him ? He will not break the bruised reed till judgment come to victory , though little , though weak . Oh therefore be comforted against this in these times , which are aposta●ical , declining , evil daies , and bless the Lord !

SECT. V.

HEnce we learn what verdict to pass and give in concerning those men that Use 3. decay and fall off from the Lord . They never had Oyl in their Vessel , never had dram of Grace in their heart , Thus , 1 Iohn2 . 19. If ▪ they had been ●f us , they would doubtlesse have continued with us . It seems they were such men which were so eminent and excellent , as that there were no brands nor marks upon them to give notice to the Churches that they were markt out for apostacy , but were only discovered to be unsound by their apostacy ; and this was argument good enough . Hence Christ , when some of the Iews began to believe in him with a temporary Faith , Iohn 8. 31. If my Word continue in you , ye are my Disciples ; as if he should say , your Faith is a Fancy , if it continue not . Look therefore as the Prophet said , Zach. 1. 5. Your Prophets , where are they ? Your Fathers , where are they ? So say I to you ; Your Tears , your Tenderness , your Groanings , your Heart-breaking , Prayers , &c. Where are they ? Is it with them as with ships that are sunk and wrackt , some of the ribs remain , which gives you to see and say , there was a fair ship , but it●s sunk , 1 Tim. 1. 19. Make shipwrack of Conscience , and so lose their Faith also . Some men for a time seem to keep a whole Conscience , wind and water-tite , they can pass through many storms , yet at last it breaks , and when that is lost , their Faith is lost also . Their Faith before God ▪ and Conscience before men , both of them break .

Now there are two sorts of Apostates : 1. Open in mens life , whose falls are like the falls of a mighty tree , it falls with noise , and breaks down all the under-wood : So their falls make a noise in all the Country where they lived , and by their falls some are sadded , others offended and damned . 2. Secret , when men are Apostates in heart , Prov. 14. 14. which have chosen some sinful ways , Ier. 3. When 't is with men as it was with Saul , there is no commendation of him but this , that he was higher by the head and shoulders then any of Israel : So 't is with these , in outward profession higher than others , but their oyle is spent .

But do not many of the Saints fall openly and secretly ? Object .

True , they may and do fall exceeding greatly . But as Moses prophecying of the Answ. apostacy of Israel after his death , Deut. 32. 29. yet 't is said , 't is not the corruption , nor spot of his children , Deut. 32. 5. There is a great difference between an Hypocrites Apostacie from his grace , and Saints from theirs . It s one thing to fall from branch and root too , another thing only for the branches to be broken off and the root not pulled up , Iude 12. There are some apostacies that argue there was never a dram of grace in that soul. Saints fall down , but do not fall away : And of such Apostacies as argue want of grace , take the following Discoveries .

1. When a mans rising is the cause of his fall ( or seals a man up in his fall ) or at least the cause , through his corruption , Ex. gr . Time was a man lived a loose , careless , carnal life ; by the Minstry of some Word , or reading of some Book , or speaking with some Friend , he comes to be convinced of his misery and woful condition , and sees no good , nor grace in himself , he hath been even hitherto deceived ; at last he comes to get some light , some taste , some sorrows , some heart to use the means , some comfort , and mercy , and hope of life : And when 't is thus with him now he falls , he grows full and falls , and this rising is the cause of his fall , his light is darkness , and death to him , and grows to a form of knowledge : His rising makes him fall to formality , and then to prophaneness , and so his tasting satisfies him , his sorrows empty his heart of sorrow for sin , and his sorrows for his falls harden his heart in his falls , and all the means of recovering him harden him ; that now if men never had had means , even Sodom , they would have relented before now . This is a sad token of falling away , and having had only lighter work , it being a plain evidence that at their best they were filled with their lusts , because a little light and affection satisfied them , which is now turned by the power of their lust to harden them , Isai. 6. 9. This is given as one sure sign of a people forsaken of God , when in seeing they see not , and hearing they hear not . Look as it is in diseases , if the Physick and me●t turns to be Poyson , then there is no hope of recovery , a man is sick to death now . The Saints little measure makes them forget what is behinde , Prov. 4. 18. He shines brighter and brighter till the perfect day . So that let him fall he cannot be quiet there , but when he remembers from whom he is fallen , if once he tasted the Lord , this will fetch him again , and make him restless till he return . But if it be so as now it is with these , then the case is woful , when there is such a plague on men and they know it not .

When a man saith to himself , as the Glutton said to his soul , Take thy rest , for thou hast goods laid up for many years ; so thou hast repentance , and grace , and peace enough for many years ; and hence the soul takes its rest , grows sluggish and negligent . Oh if you die in this case , this night thy soul shall be taken away to Hell .

2. If when men fall from the Lord , and they rise up only in Ordinances , but fall down constantly out of Ordinances without feeling . A carnal heart falls , but he thinks himself is not therefore without all grace , because in an Ordinance his heart sometimes is affected , so they were Ezek. 33. 31. The Prophets Ministry was sweet to them , but their hearts went after their covetousness , their Hogs , their houses , their lusts , their lots ; and they joy in the Prophet , but never mourn for that . A precious heart also falls out of Ordinances , but he feels his falls ▪ Though he falls from the Benefit of his rising , yet not from the feeling of his fall , But to another man the sweet he finds in Ordinances , is but Musick to his meat , or as a man falls from Musick to his meat , Mat. 7. 26 , 27. He that heareth my words and doth them not , that mans house is built upon a Sand , which falls , and the cause of great falls is this : Look as 't is with corn-ground , if rain falls upon that , though it be long before any ripe fruit comes ; yet it makes it at last come to some ripeness : But if it falls on other ground , seed is sown there , but it brings forth Briars , though it drinks in rain , 't is nigh to cursing , Heb. 6. 7 , 8. Look as it was with Saul , God had forsaken him , 1 Sam. 16. 14 , 23. and a Spirit of Satan came upon him , yet when David played with his Harp , it stilled the spirit in him , & affected him much ; it did not cast out the spirit , for when he had done playing , the evil spirit came again upon him . So 't is at this day , a man is forsaken of the Spirit of God , and haunted with an evil spirit of pride , world , passion , lust , Libertinism ; a man prays , hears , and is made much better ; t is stilled , not cast out ; for after this a man returns to his old spirit again , and in time he cannot be quieted with preaching , nor praying , no more then he could with his harping .

3. When a man is so fallen , as that he returns not in the season of rising : Look as 't is with Trees in Winter-time , their leaves , their blowths , their fruit , their beauty is gone : Is it then dry and barren , and quite withered , and cursed ? One would think so for the present , but 't is not so , because the season of fruit and leaves is not now ; if in Spring and Summer it should be so , then you might well suspect it . Thus Ier. 8. 5 , 7 , 8. yet they said they were wise , and they had Law and Ordinances among them : True , yet they did not know their season , hence fell with an everlasting backsliding . Hence Psal. 1. 3 , 4 , 5. They are like the tree planted by the rivers side which bears in season .

What , and when is this season ? Quest.

I cannot tell you the season of every man , Answ. but I will shew you the usual seasons of many men .

1. When Jesus Christ the Sun of righteousness draws exceeding neer unto the soul , and that to the reviving of others , Isai. 55. 6. but thy heart never a whit the better , not yet much troubled it is so bad . When Peter falls , a look recovers him ; when Ephesus falls from her first love , to remember from whence she is fallen , is enough to restore her to her love again . When the Disciples fell after Christs death , yet when he arose and opened the Scripture , their hearts burned within them . But thou hast had Jesus Christ opening the riches of his grace from heaven , and thou hast heard a voice , but not seen the sight , the glory of the Lord in this thy day ; and this thou hast done though the Sun hath come to his full height sometime : This is thy season ; Gospel , and Christ , and promises , are grown common to you , &c. As it was with the possessed man , Mat. 17. 15. The Devil takes him oft , and casts him into the water and fire , but if when he come to Christ he have no help , the Lord be merciful to him then : So you have been possessed and fallen , but when the Lord Jesus comes he casts them out ; but if the Lord speaks , enlightens , and cometh saying , Remember me whom thou hast abused , my wet locks , my watery eyes , and my sorrowful heart which thou hast broken , here is all my love , and this prevails not , but thou neither risest nor desirest the Lord to raise thee : This is sad . In the day of Jubilee , be a servant then for ever , if your old master still pleaseth you ; especially when all means are used ; when the last of a course of Physick is taken , and is ineffectual .

2. When the Lord is ready to depart from the soul. Somtime Saints do not melt at love , but the Lord departs , now this recovers them . As a man that hath a friend , though they grow weary of their company , and they begin to carry away divers things , yet when they come to take their leave indeed , now they recover , and they cannot part now . Like Ioseph and his Brethren , they can neither of them part . Nicode●●us and Ioseph cannot contain , but cleave to Christ , when most forsaken . David , when God hides his face , is troubled , Psal. 30. 7. 'T is with 〈◊〉 as with sick folks , when their sickness and sores come to their height , now they break and recover , Hos. 5. 15. But if Gods departing from thee makes thee more vile , it makes thee apostatize from him . 'T is certain thou hadst never life then . This is a Sauls brand , 1 Sam. 28. He forsakes the Lord , and goes to ● Witch . Never saw you yet a Gracious heart , but the Lord made extremity fetch him in . And no surer sign of an ungracious heart , than to have this blast him and drive him from the Lord , Mal. 3. 14. A man hath Gods Ordinances , he finds no profit , no God , no Christ , his affection is lost , and now he forsakes the Lord . Oh when Christ is a rock of offence , wo , wo , wo to that soul ! Now thou hast neither Summer nor Winter-fruit . Oh look to thy fall here !

4. When men so fall from the Lord , as that their whole hearts make choice of , and are espoused to some lust , wedded to some distemper . For though the Saints may fall , yet never to another Lover ; for they cannot fall into any sin that breaks Covenant between them and the Lord , Hos. 2. 19. When men make choice of any thing in the world to take content in more than in the Lord , or together with the Lord , and hence defend it as lawful , and are fully free in it . There was never Grace there . For if any thing doth give the Saints content , 't is not their choice , but refusing : But you are wedded to your lust . David could say , I have chosen thy Testimonies , oh forsake me not utterly ! Others chuse somwhat else , not thee , Psal. 125. 5. Those that walk in crooked waies , the Lord shall lead them forth . This is given as a black mark of men that are broken off from the Lord , Rom. 11. 9. Let their Table become a snare . When it may be no unlawful thing , but lawful is that which banes them , 2 Pet. 2. 22. Sheep may fall into the mire , but if they lie and wallow in it , it 's a Swine ; and all their excellencies are but Pearls in a Swines snout .

But when doth a man make choice of it ? Quest.

1. Answ. When a mans heart is set upon a lust , and God blesseth and prospers him in it . When God fills the back-slider in heart full of his own waies . His heart is wordly , and he thrives in it ; his heart is ambitious , and he hath his Honour . This the Lord gives not to his people , but some rod or other upon their backs , Hos. 4. 17. Let him alone .

2. When a man lies long in his Fall . Saints lie not long : I limit no time , but when day after day , a man lives in it , Rom. 11. 10. Let their Backs be bowed down alway . Oh when a mans heart and back is bowed down alway ! Saints are under Christs care .

5. When the Cause of a mans withering is a withering root . Trees in winter cast their leaves , as withered trees , but others root is hurt . If the branches do wither , yet if the root remain , it will recover again . So the Saints cast their leaf , and their branches wither in desertions and temptations , but they preserve themselves at the root . But why do others wither ? 'T is because their Faith withers , Heb. 10. 39. & 3. 12 , 14. Many a man withers because of his Faith : He feels many wants . Why lives he so ? Why dies he in beggery ? Why see , Micah 3. 11. When a man is twice dead and pulled up by the roots , so that the root perisheth ; for him is reserved the blacknesse of darknesse for ever . That the means and way of enriching Saints is a way of beggery , to these 't is very fatal . There is some false Faith in Saints , but it is not wholly such .

Oh consider these things ! No Grace , What no Grace ? I say then no life , no God , no Spirit , no Christ , no Glory . Oh mourn here ! See it now , that you may be humbled , and so saved . Else you will fall worse and worse still , Ier. 3. 5 , 6.

SECT. VI.

HEnce see how far they fall short of saving Grace , that serve the Lord by fits and starts , Use 4. and whose hearts follow after the Lord , and make much of the Lord only in good moods . Dying pangs are not eternal graces ; Withering Grace is flourishing and prosperous wickedness . If the Spirit of Grace in the Saints be of an eternal , constant nature ; that is not the Spirit of Grace which accompanies salvation , which is alive to day , but dead to morrow , which a man is full of to day , but quite empty of to morrow . Hence the Prophet cries out , Hos. 6. 4 , 5. Oh Ephraim what shall I do ? What more means can I use for thy good ? Why , do we not get good by means ? Yes , but thy goodnesse is like the morning dew , soon lickt up by the Sun , and like a cloud which passeth away , which promiseth much , but is scattered again . The Lord knows not what to do with such men ; yet how many be there of such , that like Ionas Gourd , spring up for a time , and then die the next day , and they comfort themselves under the shadow thereof . That take them in their Moon , they are as good as you can wish , more than men , but out of it , they are bruit beasts , not men . Whatever is in a godly man , the likeness and similitude of it is for a time in an Hypocrite . Would you have earnest prayer for a blessing ? look upon Esau , he seeks for it with tears , and mourns for it for a time . Would you have following the means , and that the most powerful and searching ▪ and joy in it also ? See Iohn 5. 35. What went they out into the wildernesse to see ? a Prophet , a burning and shining light , and rejoyced therein for a season . Would you have hazarding life for Paul and Ministry of the Gospel ? Alexander did thus for a time . Would you have people enter into Covenant with God ? Look upon the Israelites , Deut. 29. with 31. 16. I know that after they death this people will go a whoring . Would you have thankfulnesse ? Psal. 106. 13. They sang his praise , they soon forgat the Lord . And these Affections are for a time stronger than the Saints , like land-floods ; and because they be violent and strong , they last not long . But however , it argues a wretched false heart , Psal. 78. 37. Their hearts were not right , because not stedfast in his Covenant .

But what man is there but changeth ? What body so healthful , Object . that is found alway in the same temper ? Do not the Saints find their hearts soon cold , their joy soon quencht , their affections soon spent ? This therefore will discourage them .

I answer to it two waies , Answ.

First , They sometimes deny the constancy of Grace , where constantly it is , ( for the Spirit of Grace in us is like life , for 't is eternal life . It 's ever acting or remaining in the soul ) and this they do by reason of many mistakes . As

1. They think the Grace of God in them perisheth , when the act ceaseth . Whereas a man may be weary of actions of life , where life remaineth , as in sick men . A man may have a rich treasure alway with him , yet not alway spend it . There is a gracious frame of heart which the Lord regards chiesly , which is before the act , & hence may be without it . The wheel doth not run that it may be round , but it is made round that it may run . Hence when the act of running ceaseth , the frame whereby its fit to run again , remaineth ; And this is the Seed of God , 1 John ● . 9.

2. Many think the act of grace ceaseth , when it doth not act alway upon the same object ; as some think , because they have not the sence of Gods love alway , all grace is lost , when it may be there is sence of corruption at that time ; sometime God gives victory over temptation , it riseth again : Now the soul thinks the very act of grace ceaseth , when yet it s now warring against the temptation ; sometime the Spirit of grace may lead a man to prayer and sadness , sometime to a mans calling and cheerfulness . The act of grace is small , its dominion large .

3. They think they are not constant , when they are not so at all times , as they are at some times : As a man thinks he is unconstant at prayer , because he is not all day upon his knees ; not heavenly minded , because he is not all day long minding heavenly things : Whereas the Spirit should be ready so to do and be at all times , and in every worldly occasion to be sowing or reaping some spiritual good ; yet 't is not a season alway to be upon the Mount . Somtime Moses must come down to the camp . God requires every ●it season for his special Worship , not every Particle of time .

4. Many think the power of Grace is ceased and taken away , when some special enlargements are : As a Christian shall find at some times , having special work to do , special miseries to go through , he hath special enlargements of the Spirit , of joy , courage , boldness with God , love and zeal . These lasting not , he thinks all is gone now . But look as it was with Ionathan , 1 Sam. 14. 8. Then he alone and his Armour-bearer went against an Host , yet 1 Sam. 17. 11. Against Goliah not a word . Paul to his death was a faithful and able Minister of the Gospel , though sometime his mouth stopped , and his heart straitned : The Ship may be going to the Harbour , though somtime greater , somtime lesser winds .

Secondly , But yet I confess there is much changeableness in the Saints , and unevenness in their course , and their Spirits are apt to grow weary and faint , otherwise they had not need to be exhorted not to be weary , and when they are lifted up , they soon sink down , Heb. 12. 1. And hence question , Was there ever grace in this heart ? But yet there is much difference between the unconstancy of the one and of the other , in three things :

1. An Hypocri●es affections when they cease , they are raised in him again by some external Principles and Motives ; but the Faithful when they have lost what they had , they recover it again by a new nature , an inward principle ; which is an evidence there was the being of Grace all this while . Empty a Pond , it will never fill again till the Clouds above it poure down rain . Empty a Spring , though it sees no Clouds in the Heavens , yet it runs of it self , and will fill it self again . So when an Hypocri●e is left dry and empty , if some clouds of displeasure , fears of death and hell come , he is filled ; but a child of God when no fear of death or hell , yet many times somthing within begins to work , as in David Psal. 39. 3. While musing , the fire kindled , the sence of sin , to lie out from God , to quench his Spirit , the Beauty of Grace , the Command of God , the honour of the Lord Jesus recovers him , Heb. 8. 10. Deut. 5. 29. They spake as largely as any could desire , ye● their hearts were naught , because this came from no inward principle , but only from external fear . When the Priests feet touch Iordan , the waters stand on heaps ; but when they are passed through , they overflow all the Banks again , according to their nature . So when the Word is preacht powerfully , and the Gospel with authority , and the Priests feet touch mens Consciences , and they come to make way for the Arke , for the Lord , men in fits fall down before the Lord against their natures ; & for a Sabbath day men are as full of good purposes and hearts as may be , yet pe●ish at last , Iohn 8. 30 , 31. Many believed when they heard his Word ; but then are you my Disciples , if you continue . All Hypocrites pangs come from external principles ; and hence take them away , their affections die . Somtime the novelty of a thing affects a man ; the sight of shore is beautiful ; at last when Manna proves dayly bread , 't is loathed . At first Ministers feet are beautiful , they would pull out their right eyes for Paul , yet afterward cast him off . A Pharaoh in Thunder and fear of death , cries , take away the Plague . A man in affliction promiseth much ; when 't is past , his care to find out his sin , his seeking to be purged from his sin ceaseth . Ioash is good while Ieh●jada lives . A man is good in quickning company , but when iniquity abounds , his love waxeth cold ; whereas when these fail , a holy heart grows better . That which make● the one to fall , makes the other to fear , and so to stand . A Conceit carries a man on , but when his Conceit is gone , he falls . Look as 't is with dead men , they may have heat and colour , but 't is from the fire ; a living man may be cold , and his beauty gone , yet he comes to be hot again , not from external heat , but internal life within : He can get himself heat , as we say , so 't is here . Or as 't is with the Clock and the Sun , the one moves by Art , the other by nature .

2. Suppose there be some inward Spirit to raise their Affections , yet these graces arise in them without the destruction of the contrary Corruption . And so are like to Moses burning Bush , the Bush burning , but yet not burnt . And thus it was with Balaam , suddenly the Spirit of God came upon him , and he saw the beauty of Iacobs Tents and blessed them above all people in the world , yet his cove●ous , malicious heart against them was not consumed : We never read of Balaams mourning for want of the sight of their glory , and of love to their persons and posterity ; but the graces of the Saints do arise from the dying of the contrary lust or corruption which they see and are sensible of ; and hence the act of grace ceaseth some●imes , because 't is opposed by corruption , yet the being of it remains in full power , though not in the exercise thereof , because 't is in such a Subject where corruption is dying , not living ; falling , not raigning . Christ , dies , and so lives in his people ; where Christ is indeed , there we are first buried with Christ before we are raised by him . Paul could do great things for Christ , yet sometime is weak , because his streng●h arose from the sense of his own insufficiency to think ● good thought . The Saints see great things but 't is in such a way , as that they that see not , might see , Joh. 9. 39. Paul is sometime set at liberty from pricking temptations , yet he hath them sometimes that he may feel them , and so be raised again . Hence many people suddenly finde they love the people of God , and love the Lord , but never felt the contrary sin ; suspect 't is but a pang , as Capernaum was much affected , yet repented not .

3. The continuance of the risings of a Saint are life to him , they are his life ; his coolings , and declinings , and decayings , death : But è contra to an Hypocrite , the continuance of his affections in Ordinances are deaths and burdens to him ; the loss of them his liberty and life , wherein he allows himself .

As for example , Take an Hypocrite to prayer , he is affected for a time , but let him ●e long at it , he is like a Fish in a Feaver fit out of the water , Mal. 1. 13. So for sanctifying the Sabbath , and being very strict , but stay long here 't is death , 't is burdensome to him ; and hence we shall see his decays are his life , and that which makes him walk loosely is , sometime he repents and beleeves , and hath his Canonical set hours of prayer , and he thinks this is enough , and pleaseth himself with this , ( who is constant ? ) But now take a childe of God when his heart is ●nlarged for the Lord , that is heaven ; it is his food , and now he is in health , as Paul said , 1. Thes. 3. 7 , 8. Now we live , if you continue stedfast : So for others , so also with himself , Prov. 4. 22. and if it might be ever thus , then happy ; and the thoughts of this sweetens heaven ; but take away these , 't is his death ; and hence he groans to God for the removal of it , Psal. 119. 4 , 5. What good doth Christ , mercies , Ordinances , heaven do me with such a heart ? Be not discouraged you people of the Lord , nor encouraged you that are good only in your Moods , as the winde turns you ; whatever love you have 't is whorish , and whorish tears , if you follow the Lord and yet have your haunts , whatever service you do it is odious to God , to work all day for another Master , and twice a day come to the Lord for bre●d . Do you think the Lord likes this , to taste of his grace , and make a meal of your lusts ?

SECT. VII .

FIrst , Use 5. To them that are fallen to begin again , if God would but give you ears to hear , Of Exhort . who like strange Eggs being put into the same nest where honest men have lived , there you have been hatcht up , and when you were young , there you kept your nest , and lived by crying and opening your mouth wide after the Lord , and the food of his Word . But now your wings are grown you have got some affections , some knowledge , some hope of mercy , and are hardned thereby to fly from God . Can that man be good whom Gods grace makes worse ? And that flies from Gods Ordinances , and people , and private prayer ? Consider what thou hast done .

1. You bring an ill report and name upon God , Ier. 2. 5. What iniquity have you found in me . If a Country be well reported of , it s no matter if some others bring an ill name on it , Wise men will not beleeve them : But for the searchers of Canaan to bring an ill report of Canaan , this is sad .

2. Thou hast lost all thy prayers , all thy profession , nay better never to have known these wayes , 2 Pet. 2. 21. then to forsake the Lord .

3. No mens misery is so great , Iude 13 , 14. the blackness of darkness is for such . Search your selves , you may secretly depart , when you are turning to the Lord ; as a Snail round about the wheel , the wheel moves it , but it moves a contrary motion of its own from the wheel : Therefore begin again . Oh but will the Lord receive me ? Who knows but he may ? And heal your back slidings , Hos. 14. Because fallen , return : I know not how . Answ. Take words ; But the Lord may not regard us , You shall grow like the Lilly , and be as firm as Lebanon .

Let them that stand , take heed lest they fall , and you discover your hypocrisie to Exhort . 2. all the world , or be like the Hypocrites whose beauty soon fades . And here let me commend three things to you .

1. Take heed that there be not found in your hearts a root of bitterness to grow up and choak you , Hebr. 12 . 15. If your house be left empty , and yet one living lust left in it , seven Devils will enter again , and your latter end will be worse then your beginning . You do not know what hearts you have . Am I a dog , saith Hazael , ever to fall so ? Let there be a lust after any creature , you will finde the spirit of prayer die ; then to think them too long in the Word , then to forsake the assemblies of Saints , then when your lust is met with , to oppose men , Ministers , &c. One reigning lust will bring all into captivity to it self , it will slay some , and make others serviceable to defend it self , Psal. 106. 14 , 15.

2. Take heed of taking on you the profession of a Christian course without finding the rest , peace , joy , sweetness of such a course , Prov. 2. 10 , 11. There is a satisfying pleasantness in promises , commands , Ordinances , you will never hold out else ; for where-ever the heart finds rest , there it will abide , and for want of that it dies . As in Creatures , if it had rest there , the soul would not be unquiet , if in God , it would never go to the creature . Some sweetness you may finde , but look to finde full rest ; as men do find some sweetness in creatures , and so in Ordinances ; yet being used to them , they grow weary of them , because they finde no God there , no fulness of rest , Hebr. 4. 11 , 12. and go through all the world you shall never have it : Get all the terrors of Devils upon you , you will never stand by that ; consider therefore as 't is in sin , there is the act , and there is the pleasure ; so in every Ordinance and Duty there is both . All Apostacy is from this , Ordinances are too burthensome unto men to be held unto .

3. Take heed you neglect not private prayer , build your houses fit for that purpose , though you sell some of your clothes ; you will for your Swine to lie in , and will you not to meet God in ? one hours meeting the Lord in private will quit your cost : And pray for this , do it least you do it in the woods , and desarts , and dens of the earth : So much strangeness from God , so much Apostacie ; Pray that you may hold out in this hour of Temptation ; that you may with David , not be forsaken , when gray-headed .

Thus you see now the particular Difference between Wise and Foolish Virgins , and what is the ground of the acceptance of the one , and not of the other ? What then will be said ? Can it be , That there are no Grates in Saints : Or , That there is no Difference between the one , and the other ?

THE Second Part OF THE PARABLE .

CHAP. I. Of Carnal Security in Virgin Churches .

SECT. I. Matth. 25. 5. Whilst the Bridegroom tarried , they all slumbered and slept .

IN this Parable were noted two things ; First , The Churches preparation to meet Christ from vers. 1. to 5.

Secondly , The Bridegrooms coming out to meet them , from vers. 5. to 12.

In this second part , which now we are to open , three things are to be attended unto ;

1. The delay of Christs coming , or the long-suffering of Christ before he come , vers. 5.

2. The preparation he makes for his coming , a little before it , from verse 6. to vers. 10. by an awakening cry , which makes all the Virgins look about them .

3. The coming it self ; where those that were ready , were with ioy let in ; and those that were unready were with shame shut out .

1. The delay of Christs coming .

Whence note First , What happened in the interim of his delay , and that is Carnal Security , expressed and set out from the lowest and highest degree of it . 1. They Slumbered ; i. e. fell a nodding or winking , as the word most properly signifies . 2. They Slept ; i. e. now they were buried in their sleep , overcome by it .

Secondly , Upon whom these sleeps and slumbers fell ; and that is , They All slumbered and slept ; i. e. though for a time they were both awake , yet good and bad , wise and foolish fell into this senceless and stupid , dull and dead , sluggish and sleepy condition .

Observ. I. That in the last days Carnal Security either is or will be the univers●l sin of Virgin Churches .

Observ. II. That Carnal Security falls by degrees upon the hearts of men .

Observ. III. That the spirit of sloath and security is the last sin that befals the people of God .

Observ. IV. That Christs tarrying from the Churches , is the general occasion of all security in the Churches ; or the not coming of the Bridegroom when the Saints expect him , is the general cause of that security which doth befall them .

SECT. II.

Observ. I. THat in the last days Carnal Secutrity either is or will be the universal ●in of Virgin Churches : When the Churches are purged from the gross pollutions of the world , and Antichristian fornications and bondage , then either there is or will be general Security : For these Virgins , when they first made profession of their Virginity by their burning lamps , were for a time all awakened , but at last they all slumbered and slept : This is the temper of the body of the Churches .

Matth. 24. 38. As it was in the days of Noah , so shall it be in the days of the coming of the Son of man .

Luk. 18. 8. When the Son of man cometh , shall he find faith in the earth ? i. e. an awakening faith .

Hence the Lord forewarns his people of this , Deut. 6. 12. When thou comest to such a land , beware lest thou forget the Lord thy God .

Quest. But what is this their general Security ?

Answ. Look as it is in our ordinary sleep , so it is in this general Security : There are these six things in it .

1. A man forgets his business , his work he was about , or is to be exercised about ; so in a carnal security , men forget the Lord , his works , and his will ; that which we most think of while we be awake , we least think of indeed when we be asleep : Take a man awakened indeed , O then the worst remember the Lord and his Covenant , Psal. 78. 47. But when asleep , the Lord and his errand is least thought of ; and hence security is exprest by forgetting God , Psal. 50. 21. And hence Ierusalems security was in this , they remembred not their latter end .

2. A man in sleep fears no evill until it be upon him , awakening of him ; so this is another ingredient into carnal security , though sin lies upon them , they fea● not till evil comes ; as Ioseph ●brethren , though warning is given them , they fear not : Like them in the days of Noah and Lot . And hence Iob 21. 9. their houses are free from fear ; the misery for the same sin is lighted upon another ; yet the secure soul fears not , as in Belshazar , Dan. 5. 22.

3. In sleep all the sences are bound up , the outward sences especially , the eye watcheth not , the ear hears not , the tongue tastes not , the body feels not ; to this is an ingredient of carnal security , it binds up all the sences , as it did the Prophet Ionah his in the storm ; when misery was upon him , he heard not , he saw not , he felt not ; so when misery , outward or spiritual , is upon a man , he that had quick sences before , his eye sees not , watcheth not ; Christians neglect their watchfulness for their friends , the Lord , and his Spirit , and coming ; no● watch against their enemies that daily besiege them ; the ear hears not the voice of the Ministry , the voyce of Providences , the voyce of the spirit within ; the soul smels not , tastes not the sweet of any promise , any Ordinance , no nor of the grace of the Lord himself ; hence it commends them nor ; nay the soul feels nothing , no evil , no good the Lord doth him ; that look as the Lord there said , Isa. 29. 9 , 10. The Lord hath poured upon you a spirit of sleep , and hath closed your eyes ; so the Lord closeth up all the sences , that a man is now stupid , when he is fallen asleep in security .

4. In sleep there is a cessation from speaking and motion : there a man keeps silence and lies still ; so in carnal security , the spirit of prayer is silent , Isa. 64. 7. Psal. 32. 1 , 2 , 3. David calls it a keeping of silence ; up , why sleepest thou ? seek to thy God , say the Mariners ; indeed men may talk in their sleep , so men may pray in their deep security , yet not throughly awakened : And there is a lying still , no progress ; so in carnal security the soul stands at a stay , goes not backward , grows not worse , but goes not forward ; such a one is compared to the door on the hinge .

5. In sleep the sences being stupified , and motion ceased , a man falls a dreaming ; some dreams he forgets , some he remembers , and in his sleep fully and firmly believes them ; so in carnal security , now a mans● mind dreams of that which is not , and of that which never shall be ; a mans mind is grown vain , and full of fancies and dreams ; those things which never entered into Gods thoughts , something a man dreams of the Lord that this is his will and mind , which is not ; of the world , that it is a goodly thing ; of things to come which shall never be .

6. In deep sleep , though a man be awakened , yet he presently is overcome by his sleep again ; so that is another ingredient into spiritual slumber ; sleepiness is predominant over his watchfulness ; and thus it was with the Disciples in the garden , they slept ; the Lord came once and twice , and awakens them , yet they slept till temptation surprized them ; scarce any Christian so secure in the chambers of Christ , but he hath some knocks of conscience , some cries of the Ministry , some woundings from the Lord , and they do awake him , but yet he falls to sleep again .

SECT. III.

WE shall now shew the Reasons why Virgin Churches in the last days are or will be overcome by security .

First , Because that in Virgin Churches there are the strongest provocations to this sin : Reason . 1. Which are chiefly three .

1. Rest and places of peace , and freedom from hard bondage ; Iacob may sleep with his stone under his head , but much more easily under his own Vine and Figtrees . A man may be secure in the times of trouble , but much more in times of peace , when we have our beds made soft for us , and easie pillows . Friends can boldly desire us to rest , where there is lodgings for us : The world thrusts us out of lodging : While the prick is at the brest the Nightingale awakes and sings , but when that is taken away it sleeps in the day . In times of persecution Paul is preaching till midnight , and the Lord is remembred in the songs , and sighs , and prayers of the night-season ; but in times of peace , peace like Iaels milk and butter stupifies all the sences , though destruction be near ; Hence Deut. 6. 12. Then forget not the Lord . Do you think that Noah in the Ark , when the waters swelled above the mountains , was secure ? no , but when the waters ceased , and he had his Vineyard planted , now he sleeps in his drunkenness , because he knew not the strength of wine . In the Virgin-Church , where this sleep is , we suppose this freedom from evil .

2. Because there men are most free from inward pain ; for where there is much grief and pain , there 's no rest , though all the house about be still ; but when the house is still , and the body well , now t is hard but there may be rest ; Whiles the Christian doth live under Antichristian pollution , his Conscience hath no rest , and hence 't is awake there ; here ( saith the soul ) I want the Ordinances of God , Oh that I had them ! Here I see sin and wickedness abounding , that my childe is like to be poisoned therewith ; here are such and such superstitions that my Conscience cannot bear : Hence Conscience is kept waking . But in Virgin-Churches , where the house is swept of these , now Conscience is quiet and at rest ; now I have got a Levite into my house , God is now blessing me , &c. Now Conscience hath laid down its burthen , it falls down to sleep ; now they cry , The Temple of the Lord ,

3. Because in such Churches there is most aptitude in men to spiritual fulness , viz. plenty of the means ; there is all the Ordinances ; in this mountain , Isa. 25. 1. Gods feast is made , and fulness of spiritual gifts and graces , because they have now escaped the pollutions of the world , conquered the enmity of the world ; now have come to a good measure of grace , and conquered the way of their enemies , got the better of them ; hence , as the Israelites made peace with the Canaanites , not when they were too strong but too weak for them : So now the Soul comes to be at rest , to lay down its Warfare , and to yield to a truce , to a league to his lusts and distempers for a time . When men are kept short of food , now they awake ; so when the Word of the Lord and his Ordinances be rare and precious , and hard to finde , now a Christian can trudge after them ; but when men are full , now they desire rest ; so 't is here .

4. Because in Virgin-Churches , there men are most apt to be overtaken with weariness ; A man that never walkt on in a holy way , may at first setting out delight in Christ ; but after he hath done walking in it , now he is apt to faint ; especially , if he sows much , and reaps for the present but little . And hence Gal. 6. 9. You shall reap in due season , if you faint not : Now in Virgin-Churches , these Virgins are such persons as have begun to make a profession , and have made a fair progress ; O how difficult now is it not to be weary ! it's strange to see what short spirits after the Lord , what large after the Creatures vve have .

II. Because they are the more easily overcome by this sin , Reason . 2. than by any other .

1. Because it 's a sin which a man least foresees or fears : The Apostle saith , They that are drunk , and that sleep , sleep in the nigh ; and yet here men sleep in the open light ; Why so ? Men see it not , men know it not ; sleep steals upon a man : It 's lawful to sleep ; carnal security arises chiefly from the use of lawful things , on which a mans heart and thoughts are spent ; they eate , drank , gave in marriage , they could see no hurt therein . When a man is had before Councels , now a man fears to sin , he knows he shall be tempted unto sin ; but when the Lord brings the shoulder from under such burdens , now to fear out Tables , our Beds , our Wives , our Children , our Callings , our Professions and the snares of these , Oh it is exceeding hard !

2. Because Security is so sweet a sin ; O sleep is sweet ; meat is sweet , but men may be soon full of that ; but when sleep comes , many hours are little enough to entertain that : Some ●ins are sweet for a time , as a short meal and away ; but sloth is a sweeter sin than any else besides . Let a Christian ask his heart , when he can take no content in Pots , or loose company , or Queans , and can find none in the Lord , yet this will give him ease , viz. his sloth : When he is weary of the Wold , and of vvalking vvith God also , yet sloth is his delight ; and hence he crys , A little more slumb●r and sleep , untill destruction c●mes as an armed man : Prov. 6. 9 , 10. When a man delights not in his Wife , Children , Riches , Honors , yet is he sometimes contentedly svvallovved up vvith his sleep and rest .

3. Because Sa●an doth make his strongest forces ready alvvay to bring a man first into this in ; because this makes vvay for the entrance of all sin and misery ; no people so happy as the Israelit●s , vvhile they vvere awakened and up with God ; no misery could hurt them , Ier. 2. 1 , ● , 3. but when they forgot him , all misery came in ; While the strong man keeps the Palace , his goods be at peace ; it 's his care to keep men secure and still .

SECT. IV.

LEt us therefore now examine whether this sin be not out sin in this Country , Vse . 1. if it be not begun among us ; if we be not sleeping , yet are we not slumbering ? if we are not Virgin-Churches , why have we the name of it ? if we be Virgin-Churches , then make search if this be not our sin ; we have all our beds and lodgings provided , the Lord hath made them easie to us ; We never looked for such d●ys in New-England , the Lord hath freed us from the pain and anguish of our Consciences ; we have Ordinances to the full , Sermons too long , and Lectures too many , and private meetings too frequent , a large profession many have made , but are you not yet weary ? if weary , not sleepy , not slumbering ? it may be on you before you are aware , and you not know it ; and when so it is , it may be so sweet that you may be loth to see it , that so you may forsake it . Let me knock again , is it not so ? Let me come to every mans bed side , and ask your consciences .

3. Have you not forgot your God , and forgot your work also ? the business for which you made this great undertaking ? Psal. 106. 12. When they were saved from the Sea they soon forgat the Lord : Hath not the Lord by a stretched-out arm brought thee and thine through seas and dangers , and delivered you wonderfully ? are not all his kindnesses forgotten ? all your promises forgotten ? When the Lord had brought the Isra●lites out of their captivity , and some hopeful beginnings were , they came for the Temple ; the dust was precious , but Gods hosue did lie waste , Hag. 1. 5 , 6. Consider your ways ; no man prospered scarce in his estate ; God did blow upon their corn because they forgat their end . What was your end of coming hither ? the Ordinances of God , the presence of God ; and oh one day there better than a thousand elsewhere ; hath it been so ? No , but as it is vers. 9. Every man turns to his own house : Every man for himself , to their own house , lot , accommodation , provision for children ; and in the mean while the Lords house lies waste , you build not up that ; the Souls of thy Brethren in Church-fellowship , yea , of thy family are not built up ; the Lords house is despised now ; and it 's like the Schools of the Prophets , and much more . Oh thought we , if we had such priviledges , how would we improve them ! but when we have them , have we the same thoughts ? do we not forget them , like men that come to a place for gold , and find it not without digging , they fall to l●●de their ship with wood or coal , that which it will bear .

2. Have we not shaken off all fear almost of sin and misery ? Go to the Ant thou sluggard , she fears and provides against a winter : Do not men think that we have fled too far for the cro●s to finde us , or as if the Temple of the Lord was such a Den as no Foxes or Wolves could follow us into ? especially when there are causes of fear , when War is proclaimed , and the causes known , and yet they are never feared : How many men have the hand-writing of death in their Consciences against them ! this they confess is naught , they have lived careless , sluggish , and have had some sence of it , yet no awakening fear of the terror of the Lord ; when a Prince is nigh us , now to commit a little lewdness is great wickedness : where is the man that trembles at the nearness of God to us ? when a breach is made , then fear enemies . Divisions and breaches go before falls of Churches ; where is that spirit of Iehosaphat , that feared and proclaimed a fast ? When God hath begun to smite , what cause is there to fear ! We have been hurt , and yet not laid it to heart ; the Lion roars , shall not the people fear ? I believe we should not have had those Pequot furies upon us , but God saw we began to sleep : Where is the man that , with Paul , knows the terror of the Lord , and hence perswades men ? when the enemy is ever about us , there is always cause of fear , and yet we fear but now and then .

3. Are not our sences bound up ? look upon men in their fields and conversings , buyings and sellings ; where is a daily , weekly watchfulness over our thoughts and tongues ? Look to mens closets , do men there call themselves to account ? can they finde leisure or need of it ? are not mens eyes closed up , that the glory of God in the Scripture is a sealed thing ? Men have eyes but see not ; are not mens ears sealed up ? Some Sermons men can sleep them out ; mans voyce is heard , but not the voyce of the Son of God : Oh how many men are there that become quite Sermon-proof now adays ! Are not men blockish , dull , senceless , heavy under all means ! they taste not , smell not , whereas elsewhere , O how lively and spiritual are they !

4. Is not the spirit of Prayer , that lamp going out in the Church of God ? the blessedness of all flourishing Plantations in the world began by means of that , and shall not continue but as it continues ; and if ever cause to seek for prosperity of Plantations , these have need . If God should take away this generation of Magistracy and Ministery , what would this despised Country do ? and what would become of your children ? then no Schools for them , when no Gospel left among them ; then every mans sword shall be against his brother , and God spreading the place with darkness , which through his presence is made light ; what little hope of a happy generation after us , when many among us scarce know how to reach their children manners ? How apt are we , like to those Asian Churches , to fall into those very sins which overwhelmed them , and ruined them ? how many fall off , and in time break forth , that it would make men sick to hear of their pranks ? what place more open to temptations of persecution and worldly delusion ? go up and down the Plantations , where is the man that lays things to heart ? who hath the condition of the Country written upon his heart , and presenting it before the Lord , rather than his own good ? Oh men are silent because asleep ! How do sins run thorough men as water thorough a mill , and men regard it not ? what means , what deliverances have we had ! but oh what little thankfulness ? 2. Do we make progress ; nay , is not out shadow gone back ? I sleep , but my heart waketh ; it should be so , but it is not so indeed .

5. Have we not fallen a dreaming here ? what meaneth else the delusions of mens brains ? what a swarm of strange opinions , which ( like flies ) have gone to the sores of mens heads and hearts , and these are believed also ? and more dreams men have that are never spoken ; every man hath some drunken conceit that rocks him asleep ; dreams are quite contrary to the truths . What meaneth these , if men are not sleeping ? First , Drunken dreams of the world . Secondly , golden dreams of grace ; that these things advance grace which indeed destroy grace ; that there is no grace in the Saints , no grace in Christ , no humane Nature , no promise to evidence grace ; no Law to be a Rule to them that have received grace : Who would think that ever any should so fall by a simple woman ? But if this be not general ; yet look how do men begin to dream concerning the world ? scarce a man but finds want , or is well ; if he wants , Oh then , if I had such a lot about me , such an estate , how well then were I ? and è contra , They that have it , and now they take their rest : Take heed , saith the Lord , your hearts be not overcome with cares ; So say I to you .

6. Doth not the Lord oft awaken us , yet we fall to sleep again ? the Lord awakened us by the Pequot Hornet , yet what use is there made of that ? doth not the Lord oft meet us in an Ordinance , but he is soon lost and gone again ? Is there a man that hath not had his cross since he came hither , as loss in cattel and estate , a dear Husband , Childe , Wife dead ? a sore and sharp sickness , &c. he hath been exercised with , &c. but do we not sleep still ? if it be not thus , it will come ; fear it for time to come ; but if it be thus , then I say no more , but know it , you are in your enemies hand ; and in such an enemies hand , that if you mourn not under it , will open the door either to the entrance of some gross sin and temptation , or for some heavy and sudden wrath . It 's sufficient for me this day to shew you where your hurt lyeth .

SECT. V.

HEnce see the reason why men are worse in Virgin-Churches , than in Use 2. polluted places , and why it is so generally ; Because here are more temptations to make them all slumber and sleep ; here their beds are made soft , here the storms are past , here they are under the shadow , and out of the sun , and security opens the door for an enemy : No wonder if the City be taken though never so strong , if it grow once secure : no wonder if the world be entred , and men are grown more worldly ; and if Satan be entred , and men grow more passionate than ever before ; no wonder a mans work be neglected , if he be asleep , Ordinances more slighted than ever before : Never shall you see Security fall upon a man alone , but it brings its train with it ; when the Husbandmen sleep , tares will be sown , and when the Disciples sleep , temptations will enter ; This is that which the Lord testifies of his people , Ier. 2. 2 , 3 , 4. I remember what thou didst in times of streights , in a land not sown ; every one that touched you did offend ; but in the seventh and eighth verses , when brought to a plentiful Country , they did not so much as say , Where is the Lord that hath done this for us ! But yet the Lord questions his people for this , What iniquity have you found in me ? which question you cannot answer without grief here , or confusion another , day . You that are the Lords , often have heard this complaint ( for this may be your condition as well as Noah's and Lot's ) but now see the cause of it , how hard to awake on hour ? how hard to walk with God one day ? short awakenings you have , but long sleeps ( this may be your condition for a time ) but you cannot continue so for ever if you are the Lords . But if you do continue so , especially without bemoaning this unto the Lord , 't is a question whether ever there was that oyl in your vessel , which others have , when not only a mans acts grow worse , but the very spirit of a man degenerates ; when not only the leaves of the Vine fall , but the Vine it self groweth degenerate , and hence continueth so ; this is a sore evidence of a woful state , Ier. 2. 20 , 21. When the yoke was upon thy nick , thou saidst , Thou wo●l●st not transgress ; but the Lord hath broken thy ●ands ; and now thou art becom a strange Vine : Remember , it will be an heavy indictment against thee , to be good in Mesheck , but base in Sion ; to be then worst when the Lord is best .

Use 3. Hence see one reason why the Lord pursueth many a Soul with inward terrors and outward sorrows . Those that are fast asleep , because soft speechs cannot awaken them , hence we lay our hands upon them , and sometimes knock them , because this is the way to awaken them , and then they hear ; so the Word and Spirit speak to a man , but such soft still winds rock them asleep rather than awaken them ; hence the Lord layeth his iron hands upon a man , and knocks by blows , and now when affliction is upon you , now you can hear ; When as the winds and water were ready to tear the ship in pieces , now they enquire , Why were they sent ? And the lot fell upon Ionah , who was then sleeping ; it is easie to awaken out of natural sleep , but very hard out of spiritual security : All the terrors of God on Ionah within and without are little enough ; but at last he could hear , and run on his errand . Psal. 30. 6 , 7. Why did God hide his face from David ? he said in prosperity he should not be moved ; this was the reason of it ; the Lord sees you have need of it ; seldom shall one see an awakening Christian without inward temptations and terrors , or outward sorrows : Oh consider then if the Lord do meet with thee ! consider thy own security thou hast been in , or art apt to fall into ! This is the sin you must enquire after and finde out ; and do not account it hard , though long , though bitter ; for never greater misery than for the Lord to say Sleep on ; it is one of the heaviest Judgements , for the Lord to let a man go on in a secure condition without blows ; mark therefore unto the end of those blows , to be throughly awakend by them : For sometimes when the Lord sends them , a man ( if they be not very bitter , if he hath any rest ) lays them not to heart , Isa. 42. 25. Fire burnt about him ; and in this Country I know not what curse befalls men ; peace makes men secure , and sorow makes men discontented , and sunk , and discouraged , which may be for a fit in a Saint ; but to continue so , this is that Ahab : Oh when as thou feelest the blow , look now that thou dost awaken , and be thankfull for it , that you met with that you did never reckon upon , viz. to be frighted out of security thereby .

SECT. VI.

Of Exhortation , Use 4. TO watch over one another , by exhorting one another while it is called to day , Heb. 3. 13. Let both the Watchmen and Members of Churches do this ; for this is one means appointed by the Lord to preserve the soul from sleeping , 1 Thes. 5. 1 , 5 , 6. Exhorting one another ; as it is in Cities , when the Watch is apt to sleep , they have their companies that are passing up and down the walls the greatest part of the night , and so they are kept waking ; and we shall finde , that as it is in a Town where men are all asleep , one Bell-man , one waking Christian will keep life , and spirit , and the power of godliness in many ; and when he sleeps , all are fast . Nothing in the world brings security sooner upon men than sleepy company : Officers of Churches watch not over members , nor they one over another , exhorting and crying one unto another to their work , while it is called to day : Oh then let every man get up , and fall to this work of mutual exhorting ! go and visit one another , go and speak oft to one another ; and if thou be a childe of the light , see that thou endure not thy fellow servants to sleep in the open day in one duty or another . Know , if God stirs thee , thou wilt awaken others , 2 Cor. 5. 10. We knowing the terrors of the Lord perswade men .

2. Consider thy labor cannot be in vain here ; the best mettalled horse needs spurs ; others are asleep .

You will say if I knew such a sin I would speak , but I dare not .

Answ. It is the case of all the Virgins , they have need of it , Iude 23. Some save with fear , pulling them out of the fire , Matth. 3.

3. Consider this is one part of your Warfare , to keep your watch whereby you may be made conquerors ; You complain you have many sins and temptations arising and prevailing ; never do they usually prevail , but when you are secure ; first the Watch is taken , and then the City is suddenly taken ; now look as Paul , 2 Tim. 4. 6 , 7. he hath finished his course , and fought his fight , and now expects the crown ; how can you end your days in peace , that cannot in some measure finde and feel this ? The Church is the City of the living God , this is taken , and every man in it , unless you be watchful , and exhort one another daily , while it is called to day : And that I may not speak in the clouds ,

4. Their sin will be yours .

First , Labor to know the state of thy Brethren whom thou art to exhort ; what their sleepy neglects be , and sins are ; it may be thou hast known one hath been very humble , tender , affected under Ordinances , made many fair shews and promises of growing , and thriving , and sensibly complaining of his own vileness , and now he is in a silent sleep ; Dost thou know this , and wilt not speak a word to awaken him , for whom Christ shed his blood , who it may be will do thee as good a ●urn , and make many a prayer for thee ? ●arnabas when he saw the grace of God , Acts 11. 23. exhorted them with full purpose of heart to cleave unto him ; much more should you when you see grace dying , 2 Thes. 3. 11. Paul heard that some were idle , them he exhorts to work ; what good might one word do ?

Secondly , if you do not know , enquire with a spirit of much love , how it is with them ; 1 Sam. 17. 16. as David of his Brethren when they were gone into the fields ; do you not decline , do you not stand still ? how have you found your heart since last Sermon , Christians are to give up accounts one to another of their gains and losses . Sabbath , Fast , Affliction ? have you got any ground against that sin you complained of last year ? &c. Suppose you cannot do this to all , yet why not to some ? Suppose you have no other place than when you meet them in the fields , do it there , Iude 20. Build up your selves , &c. Now here a man must know the height , how high they are built already , how can they lay their stones else ? It is one of the heavey curses of God upon the Idol . Shepherd , He shall not visit the hidden , nor seek the young , Zach. 11. 16.

Thirdly , If thou knowest nothing from them , then relate thy own condition , this is a most lovely provocation , and exhortation unto another frame , for one great cause that hardeneth men in their security , is because they see no such living Christianity in the world : But when they do , now ( Zach. 8● ) many shall take hold of the skirt of a Iew , for they shall say God is with you ; Agrippa was almost perswaded and awakened when he heard Paul relate his conversion ; although there be many impostors in the world that do so , Tell me , are all things in peace with you ? the Devil is in you then : What ? hast no temptations ? yet many ; Dost not observe how they prevail ? yes ; dost never get strength against them ? yes ; hast no good days after them ? yes , much peace and life , and presence of God! Hath the Lord given these talents to thee to be hid in a Napkin , this treasure to keep and not to spend ? who knows but that the speaking of these may awaken others ? these temptations , and this condition is mine , these sins I find he makes a great matter of them ; Lord what will become of me that am hardned under them ? this peace they finde , my Soul is a stranger to it ; Conscience will work thus : Women should speak thus to women , and men to men ; others were provoked by the example of the Corinthians , to help others ; so there is a provoking power here .

Fourthly , If this prevail not , speak often to them , of the sins of others ; in condemning others you condemn them ; and this will make them look about them ; view the fields , and shew them the tares that are grown up by security ; and laying down these sins you strike at the root of theirs ; It may be , you cannot tell certainly , Acts 2. 40. The Lord made this one means to awaken a Belshazzer , Dan. 5. 22. God turned thy Father into a beast , &c. to live in the woods , yet thou humbledst not thy self , &c. How many Professors doth God deal so withal ?

Fifthly , Enter into Covenant and brotherly promise to exhort one another , as David and Ionathan ; If any hurt be toward David , Ionathan will speak of it , 1 Sam. 20. Some may in Church-fellowship be more nearly knit than others , to call one another to account , to tell one another their fears , to know of one another their progress . Canst not give an account to man ? how wilt thou give an account to God of it ? I am perswaded many a man lies smoothered to death by means of this . Canst not come to the light of a candle ? Oh how then canst thou appear before the light of the Sun .

Sixthly , Provoke one another to frequency in Ordinances , Heb. 10. 23 , 24. and therein consider one another ; dost see thy Brother in doubts or complaints call him to pray with thee ; dost see things go ill in Churches , and men bite the bit ? call to fasting and prayer , three or four together , as Paul , when he saw the ship sinking , then he exhorted them , Act. 27. 22. Especially when you see danger near mens hearts , ready to be lost in the World : In these times suppose only two , or three , or four should go and pray one half hour together , and tell one another their wants , now help here ; in our times it hath been so , one living Christian helps others dying .

But yet how is this neglected , as if men were resolved not only to dye sleeping themselves but to let others sleep also ? No , you will say , not my self ; yet it may be in your family it is so , and before the Lord .

What art alive to God and family , where thou canst do but little common good , and art dead to thy Brother ? it is made a sad sign of a man forsaken of God , if when he thinks he shall sleep his last , and be damned himself , yet he would have others damned also . Tell me , would you have all New England lye in security as well as your selves ? No! do you not desire it when you use not the means that prevent it ; and that is mutual exhortation ; Oh therefore do it ; Ministers may preach , and every man sleep still , unless some awake and rouse up the rest ( as some , when others are abed and fast asleep ) that lye a dreaming : Some there be , that though Doomsday were to morrow , they would sleep ; Oh therefore let me perswade some one or two to fall to his work , lest their security prove your undoing ; therefore speak oft one to another , forsake not your assembling , visit one another , pray one for another , warning one another , that you may awake with the Lord one hour .

SECT. VII .

LEt every man not only exhort his brother , Use 5. but fear this himself ; You have a race to run , many enemies to conquer , sleep not lest you fall short , sleep not lest you be taken captive : lest in exhorting others , your selves proves Reptobates : I will not tell you what I fear , but Luk. 21. take heed lest your hearts be overcome ; be not drunk with some delight , be not filled with vain cares ; Hence , prevent it , as Noah moved with fear made an Ark.

First , Set a high price upon those awakenings and revivings of heart that God sometimes giveth you ; I am sure you finde these sometimes . A man that hath nothing to lose , will sleep with his doors open in the night ; when a man hath a treasure he will be watchful to keep it ; all security comes from an undervaluing of the Spirit of grace , and its presence among us , Prov. 4. 13. keep her , for it is thy life ; and when it is lost , what are you but dead ?

Secondly , Consider thy continual danger ; if enemies be at the gates , all the Town is watching ; one would not think the depth of security that is in a careless heart , Psal. 30. 6. I said I should never be moved ; he had good days and a thankful heart ; then God did hide his face : A man would think Sampson should awake when the Philistines are upon him ; but here Devils be upon thee , 1 Pet. 5. 10. If all be well now , yet remember evil days ; would you know when ? even then when men say peace .

Thirdly , Know the work you have to do , and make it your main business ; when men have weighty business of the world in hand , they cannot sleep in their beds ; and as the wicked , Prov. 4. 16. They sleep not without doing mischief ; and so 't is their main work .

Fourthly , Call thy self to account daily , let not thy Soul long go on without reflecting , What do I do ? Harts and Hawks kept from sleep lose their wildeness , but they must be constantly tended and kept watching : So consider the account you must give to God , 2 Cor. 5. 9. with 11. Hence Hag. 1. 5. Sins were upon them , and they repented not ; miseries , and those were not removed ; because they considered not their ways , especially before the great Tribunal of God . I am perswaded the reason why men walk in their sleep , and go dreaming up and down the world , is this , they consider not , nor reflect upon themselves to any purpose ; what do I ? whether go I ? no Sermons awaken , you consider not of them .

CHAP. II. Carnal Security comes by Degrees .

SECT. I.

THat Carnal Security falls upon the hearts of all men by degrees ; Observation 2. for all the Virgins here first slumbered before they slept ; they first fall a winking and nodding ( as the word signifies ) short sleeps , and then startle , and awake again , before they fall asleep for a longer time : a Christian is a slumbering Christian before he is a sleeping Christian.

The truth of this may be seen not only in these Virgins , but also in other Examples of security in the Scripture : As the old World , Gen. 6. 2. They saw the Daughters of men , they let their eyes wander , and their hearts lust .

2. Then they took them Wives for to solace their hearts in , to please themselves only , and not the Lord ; they ate , drank , gave in marriage ; they came not to that height of wickedness , to commit Adultery , or to live in Whoredom .

3. Then they became fleshly and sensual ; spiritual things are out of taste and relish with them .

4. Noah Preacheth , and they slight him ; he condemns them , and they regard not him .

5. Then God sets a time ; no stronger means to awaken than this ; and yet they go on ; and now they were come to their height .

Secondly , The Israelites . Deut. 8. 12. 1. They ate and grew full ; here is first spiritual fulness . 2. Blessing themselves , in their estates , herds , flocks . 3. Then proud in heart , vers. 14. 4. Then they forget the Lord , and all that ever he did for them , vers. 14. 5. Then men ascribe all which they have to themselves and creatures , vers. 17. though onely in their heart . 6. Then cleave to other gods , vers. 19. and here lye so fast asleep , till plagues came down upon them .

Solomon saw the sluggards Garden over-grown ; now as it is in fields , the weeds do not over-grow all the ground in one day , but they are a long time a growing , but by degrees they overgrow all , that when he awakes ( all is so over-grown ) he knows not where to begin : So it is here .

Be sober , be vigilant ; security is a kind of spiritual drunkenness ; a man is not for that time his own man , not a sober man ; now this is by frequent and often sipping ; a man he is half gone first , and then he is wholly gone ; he hath not presently drunk out all his sences , not dead drunk ; So it is here .

SECT. II.

IN regard of the quickness and power of the life of Conscience ; whether it be a natural Conscience awakened , or a spiritual Conscience awakened ; Reason 1. it is with Conscience as it is with a prisoner in a house ; though all in the house sleep , yet he is bound , he cannot , and hence he is speaking , and will awaken the house ; so Conscience hath know , These sins I have watched against , and been humbled for , these duties I have done ; but now , Now saith Conscience , you neglect them , now you are worse , now fallen ; now a man startles , espcially when one stands at the door , and calls to Conscience it will awaken ; so when there is a word to call , Conscience will be crying ever and anon within , especially when any hope or leisure to speak with any as they pass by ; so it will take men sometimes in their fields , and talk with them , and chide them : Security grows up easily , but the awakening light of conscience cannot be soon done out in any man ; hence sometimes a man sleeps , and then awakens again ; Hence Rom. 2. 15. Though they had many sins , yet it would accuse and excuse ; as those that are come out of their own Country to dwell in another , or from a great estate , in a mean condition , they cannot easily forget their friends and relations , but in time it wears away , Prov. 20. 27. Conscience is Gods candle , it will shine , and is not easily put out .

2. Because the Lord doth never depart from men but by degrees , Reason 2. and hence security falls upon men by degrees ; when God is near unto men , then usually they be awakened , as the Israelites before the Mount . Now the Lord to shew the riches of his patience and long suffering , he will not depart suddenly , and leave the Soul in a dead and sluggish estate . And hence the Cherubims glory Ezek. 9. 10 , 11. departed by degrees . Isa. 29. 10. with 13. God doth not so deal , as presently to close their eyes quite up , but they are awakened to draw nigh to God with their lips , which is of God , and then the Lord closeth up their eyes ; never can a man be cast into a deep sleep , till the Lord saith Sleep on , or till God close his eyes ; and that he doth not presently ; as to the Disciples he comes a second and third time .

3. Because this is the most ready way and method for sin and Satan to bring the Soul into a deep sleep , Reason 3. nay , to make themselves to sleep , which is that he aims at ; look as it is with those that sell things , their scope is not to put off their commodities , but to put them off so as they may have money or moneys worth for them ; so it is here , the scope of Satan is not only to bring men into security , to give them ease and peace , Luk. 11. 21. but to have his money , that the Soul may give it self to it : Now as it is in buying of Fruits , Sugars , Wines or Strong-waters , they will not buy all presently , nor buy before they see and taste , they know not whether t is good or no , or whether they shall need it all or no : So here , to lie in such a secure condition , as to neglect all means , to be hardned after all sins , this Satan will not offer , not will men buy , or give themselves to this , they know not whether this be good or no , less will serve them ; and hence taste first a little slumber and sleep , and so call for a little and a litle more until a man is a beggar , Prov. 6. 10. as at first in Paradise ; first look , then taste , then eat ; so here .

SECT. III.

DO not think you are out of a state of carnal security , because you have many times some quickenings and revivings of heart , because they may be onely awakenings between thy slumbers , which like slashes suddenly come and suddenly go again , which make thee startle , and rub thy eyes , and stir up they self , but down you fall again ; whereever life is in a Christian , it is ever acting for spiritual ends ; a man will awaken first with God in the morning , and go first to him in prayer ( extraordinary occasions not preventing ) and he will go from his prayer to his work , not as doing his own work , but as doing the Lords work , howing , plowing , sowing for him , &c. Now when the life of Christ doth not act in men , and act men , it is either because there is no life at all , but onely the awakening of Conscience which soon dieth , or else that living Christian slumbereth at least then ; slumber is upon thee though sleep is not ; make it out else any other way .

Object . If so ( you will say ) who is not then sleeping ?

Answ. Take Lot whilst vexed with the Sodomites , he awakens ; take Paul while tossed up and down in disgraces and reproaches , his inward man is renewed day by day , though the outward man die . The Saints have some kinde of sleeps when they are at their best ; but these are sick sleeps ; but thine are sweet sleeps to thee . I know Christ may say to his Disciples , Watch and pray , temptations may be near , but their eyes may be heavy ; the Spirit may be willing , the flesh weak ; and that it is infinite mercy the Lord will awaken them , a first and a second time it may be by Sabbath awakenings , &c. Many cannot tell what to make of themselves , because of their drowsiness and Gospel-slumber : Methinks this may break thy heart , Cannot you awaken one hour ? know therefore your sin ; It is a hard thing to be fully awakened , to have all heaviness to sleep taken away ; the Lord hath taken you here alone to himself , you do by fits watch and pray , but it is onely as men asleep , not awake : The Son of man is betrayed , Christ , and Gospel , and Ordinances ; and can you find in your heart now to sleep ?

Oh therefore shake off your slumbers and short sleeps , Use 2. lest you fall to sleep ; and for sleeping , be awakened by some direful blow ; Look upon those men Isa. 29. 10. God hath closed their eyes , that is a fearful thing ; look upon many professors , all their savor , and heart , and life is gone almost , and they know not that they be asleep , not all means cannot awaken them , or unseal their minds again ; God knows how far you may fall , if you give way to a little ; especially if God takes away Ministers from you , and that the Elders that have known the works of God be gathered to their Fathers ; especially if you know it , and yet go on in your slumbers ; if you will not awaken when God crys and calls , you shall slumber and sleep ; like the Smiths dog , the harder the Master strikes , the faster the dog sleeps , being used to it . I knew a man of great estate , oft quickned by the Word ; but he lost all life and heat again , and he prayed , and desired the Lord to keep him , and yet decayed , but he could not tell the reason thereof ; at last the Word began to grow common , and he slept there also ; Conscience told him there was some evil toward him which he feared , yet still slept , and continued so ; notwithstanding his fears would thus awaken him oft ; at last an affliction came , he regarded not that , but was impatient and froward under it , till at last all he had was gone , and then he looked about him ; when his house was burnt , he was asleep ; he prayed , but lost all by sleeping when he should watch ; so security grew upon him ; and hence , no wonder misery met him : Oh! take heed therefore of giving way , liberty , or toleration to a sleeping profession , and your slumbering Religion : as men will not tolerate Ceremonies , because they are the fruitful seed of the body of Popery ; so here , &c.

SECT. IV.

Quest. WHat are the first degrees of this spiritual slumber ?

Answ. 1. When men have lost the satisfying sense of the blessed face and love of God ; when hypocrites have lost the imaginary sight of it , and Saints the real enjoyment of it , Psal. 17. ul● . I shall be satisfied when I awake with thine image ; sleep first shews it self in closing up of a mans eyes that he seeth not any thing about him ; hence , something else contents , and must do it when you feed not daily on the Lords love ; and when that , then vain cares and thoughts ( Luk. 21. 34. ) overcome a man , and then he groweth a very worldling , as if he had hope of no other portion ; hence no mind after spiritual good things ; hence he sleeps at Sermons , hence he falls out into passion , and discontent with his present condition , nay , with every other thing when any cross comes : Because these things are sweet to you , and God is not , when discontented ; the Lord keep my soul from entring into thy secrets ; Oh consider it if you have had sence of the Lords love in Sacraments ! and some new doubts arise , and you are not satisfied with it ; now look to your selves ; it is impossible a Christian should do any work without rest . Now as bodily feeding causeth rest , so doth spiritual feeding , spiritual rest ; feed and rest here , and it will make you fall to your work ; feed not here , rest not here , and you will in something else ; and carnal rest will bring carnal neglect .

2. When men have lost all fear of the wrath to come , and the terror of God another day ; not always a fear that I shall bear , but a dreadful apprehension what it is . Many Christians lose the sense of Gods love , yet the Lord keeps them in the sense of his anger , and so they are awake ; but when both are gone , or this is gone , then there is and cannot but be the first security . For as it is with children , when their eyes are open to see and consider the things of the world , now they are begun to be awakned ; I never look upon a Christian fully awakened till now , that the Lord lets him see the things of another world ; and when this is lost he begins to sleep , 2 Cor. 5. 9. with 11. 2 Pet. 3. 11. 12. Some securelings thought all things were past ; No ( saith he ) there is a time a coming when all things shall be dissolved ; what manner of persons then should we be ! Hence this being lost , men fear not sin , men prize not mercy , men wonder not if ever they escape ; hence men live and hang between doubt and fear , never make sure , because they know not what Gods wrath is : Nay , lastly , hence nothing awakens them , that though they know their misery , yet they will go on ( the highest degree of spiritual security ) Oh then keep these thoughts awake ! what it is to be forsaken of God! what it is to grapple with him !

3. When men have lost their foresight , and hence provide not against an evil day ; when Christians keep their profession , and go on sweetly in their course , but to lay up for after-claps , that they do not , when Christians like Grashoppers sing all the summer , but what have they to live upon in the winter time ? the An t can learn them that , Prov. 6. 6. Go to the Ant thou sluggard , that provideth her meat in the summer ; the Ant by a secret instinct ( though simple and little ) considereth there will be a winter , and that summer is her gathering time ; so a Christian , if awakened ( though simple ) will be taught to do something which may serve him , not only now , but hereafter also ; when men in times of peace and enjoyment of Ordinances never fear , muchless provide for that time , that all these treasures shall be taken away and carried to the King of Babel , Isa. 39. when men in their life time think not of setting the house and heart in order before the evil day , when men are not that now which they would wish themselves to be another day , when men lay not up treasures of tears and prayers in heaven , nor are provident for eternity , no● think this will be my peace , nay my glory another day , though I lose now ; men will lay up treasures on earth , and provide for themselves and theirs ; hence their hearts are lost here , and lay in nothing spiritual for the future , Prov. 10. 5. he that gathereth in harvest doth right ( but a sluggard will not ) his heart and mind is taken up to provide this and that for future ; and hence 't is that the Christian is full of sorrow and tears in times of peace ; but when the day of trouble comes , he can lift up his head ( now redemption draws nigh ) when another in times of trouble hath most terrors , because the one was not laying up against another day , as the other did .

4. When men go to prayer without receiving any answer , now a man begins to slumber , Prov. 13 . 4. men that are fast asleep speak not all , but when awake a little they speak a little , and then sleep , and then awake , and sleep again ; so men pray and sleep again ; it is a deep slumber also when men shall beg for bread and money , and then fall a sleep constantly , and so lie down satisfied : Oh take heed of this ! Hence comes First , Snarling at God . Secondly , Heartlesness to the duty . Thirdly , Formality in it . Fourthly , Prophaness of course at last .

5. When men do gain something from the Lord in the use of means , but now stand still they go no further ; they lose not what they had , but they gain no more ; they grow not , Matth. 25. 26. Thou evil and slothful servant ; that hid his talent , and did not imploy it ; and here is usually the beginning of a mans fall , when ( like one in a journey ) he goes not forward or backward , but stands still , and so falls , Prov. 18. 9.

6. When men do duties that are easie , but when any difficulty is in them , now they fall down asleep , Prov. 20. 4. and 12. 27. and hence beg the sweet and gain of Christianity : it 's sown in difficult duties ; when the Soul denies it self most : But when men not breaking through the difficulty finde not the sweet of it , Lord ! what a tattered profession is there , that men come to be the shame of Christ , not his glory ! It 's easie to pray , and outwardly to fast , but yet to have a whole heart in the work is hard : it is easie to cleave to the Lord when quickened ; but when God forsakes you , now more than ever to cleave to him , is difficult .

7. When men fear not the danger of little sins ; they are not asleep , yet so as not to fear great sins ; but in a slumber ; and hence however they fear not lesser sins , hence come to commit them , hence also to be hardned under them : Many complain of hard hearts , but consider , is not this the reason of it ? you fear not sinful thoughts , nor carelesness in your Christian course ; your slumber is now upon you ; thy Conscience startles at Whoredom , but not at a wanton word ; or playing upon the Sabbath , but unprepatedness for it that 's nothing ; sin in a manner with thee ; the reason is , because spiritual slumber is upon thee .

8. When men are deceived and deluded by appearances , or colours , as the Israelites when the Gibeonites came to them ; confident of themselves , but deceived as the men of Ai by stratagems ; if ever your Souls be hurt , it will be by appearances ; if ever this Country receive a blow , it will be by appearances ; error will creep in by appearances ; the most vile wickedness hath been found to be hatcht under fairest colours : If ever any shall come under an appearance of piety , and promise of protection , safety , liberty , onely your Government must be a little altered ; slumber here , and you shall sleep in your enemies arms ; Grace , and the love of Christ and the Spirit ( the fairest colours under the sun ) may be pretended ; but if you shall receive under this appearance , that God witnesseth his love , first , by an absolute promise , where neither grace nor life is seen ; take heed there ; for under this appearance you may as well bring in immediate Revelations , and from thence come to forsake the Scriptures : and then no wonder if men fall to deny all foundations in Christianity , and Scripture also ; take heed of meer appearances of repentance in evil members , be not deceived there : Never was the world more full of craft ; be not laid asleep with appearances of truth : Thus you see the point opened . Stop security when it is risen to your anckles , lest you be drowned in it , and perish in it afterward .

CHAP. III. Security the last Sin of good and bad .

SECT. I.

THat carnal security is sometimes the last sin which doth surprise Observation 3. and overcome the hearts of good and bad , wise and foolish in Virgin-Churches .

That as it is said , That the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death ; so this death , like sleeping , is one of the last enemies that surpriseth the souls of the wise , but Christ doth destroy it ; and of the foolish , but it destroyeth them : Thus it was here with the Virgins ; what was their sin that were ready with their Lamps burning , waiting for the Bridegroom ? you see the wise polluted with no sin , till they fell down by Security ( the foolish were wanting to get oyl in their vessels before ) but this they fell last into : What into open prophaness , or othe foul corruptions ? No , but they all slumbered and slept , and we read of no sin after till the Bridegroom came ; many sins indeed there be , which like branches bud from the root , but this is the main : And therefore look upon the next Parable , you shall see this again confirmed , to shew the certainty of this point ; the servant that hid his talent , vers. 26. is called an evil servant ; why , what evil did he ? he did not lavish it ( as the Prodigal ) upon others , not lose it ; but he did not use it , sluggishness was his sin ; hence ( saith Christ ) thou evill and slothful servant . And hence the thorny ground flourished and grew , and suffered ; all persecutions could not consume them ; what was their sin ? Mark 4. 12. compared with Luk. 21. 34. it was the cares of the world ; they began to dream ( strange fancies came before sleeping ) and the pillow of their security was some worldly content : And this is the reason why Christ and the Apostles are also exceeding pressing to watchfulness ; because this is the sin that Saints are ready to fall into after they have seen Christs love and care ; and because this is the sin the wicked will fall into , and their last sin ; it will be just preceding their last plague ; and hence the Apostle exhorts , Oh sleep not you , &c. 1 Thess. 5. 1 , 2 , 5 , 6.

Let me open this thus :

SECT. II.

VVE must know that the Lord in subduing a sinner to the obedience of himself , it is with him as with an enemy in a City , there are many strong holds of sin , to which he retires and resists , 2 Cor. 10. 4 , 5. and when one is down he flieth for shelter into another , and maintains that as long as he can ; so it is with men : Or as it is with divers fruits , they have their several seasons of growing , and then of withering ; so it is here ; according to the several seasons of a mans life , so are his lusts growing and decaying ; there are the first and the last ripe fruits .

First , Take a man that is born and bred up to some years , man is a sociable creature , and it is a misery to live and be alone ; hence the first evil he usually chuseth is evil and loose company ; his lusts are grown up to some years , and now he desireth a match for them , and first he chuseth a companion ; and Satan hath a mighty hand in this ; because as the Lord when he first sends to do his work , he sends two by two to animate and strengthen one another in the work ; so Satan doth first joyn hand in hand together that men might corrupt one another , and harden one another in wickedness ; this ( I say ) is the first usually ; hence Ephes. 2. 2. and Prov. 2. 12. Wisdom first keeps from the evil man ; and this sin is for a time the dearest sin ; for here he meets with some pastimes , mirth , and so much love from them , that he loves this last more than all the friends he hath ( though they disswade him ; ) more than all the Sabbaths of God , and hence he prophanes them ; more than Christ himself , and hence when he hath many times purposes of turning to God , his company with-holds him .

Secondly , Continuing long in this sin , at last he comes to fall into the sin of lust , and from men he looks to women , and this is as deat to him as his right eye ; it may be God keeps him from the act of Whoredom , but wanton looks , lascivious thoughts , speculative uncleanness , self-pollution ( which he commits when the candles are out , and none but God sees ) and yet God spares him ; and this follows him to the Church , to the streets , whiles he is awake , nay , when asleep , and thinks it is no sin for a time , or if he doth , Oh the horror that he hath sometimes for it ! Scholars of Westminster have been derected from twelve or fourteen years of age to live in this sin . This is the second : Hence Prov. 2. 16. first wisdom keepes from the evill man , next from evil women .

Thirdly , It may be a man marrieth , and then this sin is out of season ; now therefore another comes in its place , and that is , immoderate love of , and dropsie desires after the world , and the wealth of it , for now charge is like to encrease , and it is a shame to walk in rags ; and hence now a man begins to look upon the estates of others , and to admire at them , and then he looks upon what he hath , and what labor , care , and providence in a saving way may bring him unto ; and hence burieth himself alive in the earth , and feeds upon clods of earth , and uncertain hopes . And this is the next sin which grows up ( though I know some men will not come to this ) but I speak of them that go on in the fairest way ; hence Heb. 13. 4 , 5. Whoremongers God will judge ; then let your conversation be without covetousness , that follows .

Fourthly , It may be at last God terrifies this mans Conscience , and he begins to see What profiteth it me to win the whole world and to lose my own soul ? hence falls now to take up another profession , to hang out another flag , and to lead a new life ; and now pride in spiritual excellencies is his sin ; when glory in worldly wealth dyes , pride in spiritual glory lives : There were divers of the Heathen contemned the world , yet puft up with pride in their morality ; hence Chuse no novice Bishop , lest he be puffed up , and fall into the condemnation of the Devil . Now Le ts of mind come in when he performs duties publickly , openly ; and now he hungers after the honor of men , and sets himself to sale for it : Oh , saith Saul , honor me ! When he had confessed his coveting of the cattel ; but pride stuck in him still : And when he doth duties privately , he rests in them , and accounts highly of himself for them , though they neither bring him to Christ , but estrange him from Christ . Hence Christ chargeth , when you do alms , do not onely do it not to be seen of men , but let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth ; take no delight in this : This was Simons sin , Act. 8. he seeing the gifts of the Apostles , would give any money for them ; these gifts are sweeter now than money ; hence such fall to some soul opinions and crotchets ; they can interpret Revelations , and ascend to the Ministry , and be the forwardest in a Town , but when to do publick service , respect is gone , their love is gone .

Fifthly , When this is dying in the Saints , and fallen down in Hypocrites , now sloth is the last thing that takes hold upon them , and this is sweet ; What is the honor of men ? what is this base world ? now sloth and sleep is sweet . Now a man first ceaseth acting , and this gives rest ; and now being here , Secondly , it 's death to come out of this sluggish estate ; when the hand of God is upon men , and the spurs be at their side and in their heart , it may be it will be otherwise ; but else not ; they will not awaken , sloth is so sweet to them , though sins yet be to be subdued ; time is short , Gods wrath is great ; yet that , as it is said , He that escapes the sword of Iehu shall Elisha stay : so it is here , he that escapes one sin , another shall slay him ; but at last sloth shall slay : Hence let a man look , what joyeth my heart ? God doth not , wealth doth not ; sloth doth .

SECT. III.

BEcause it is the best and most fit season for this sin to arise , Reason 1. when all the rest are fallen indeed in Saints , and seem to be fallen in Hypocrites ; as the temptation is , so mens sin is ; when there is the fittest temptation without , it broaches corruption within , and it runs not out before ; for it is here as in War ; when the enemy ( never seen before ) is seen in the field ( very dangerous and very strong ) is it now a season to sleep ? no , Arm , arm now ; but when he hath driven and routed an enemy , and is enriched with spoils , and laden with prey , now it 's a season to rest . Hence the Poet notes , When all the World could not conquer them , their peace after conquest hath ; now they have themselves ( an enemy within ) to conquer ; So here . Hence if they should have desired the Israelites to be at peace with the Canaanites , when they first came in and had the land ; No , they will cut out throats in time ; but when they had conquered them , now Iosh. 15. 63. it is said , they could not do it ; had they not had Gods promise for it ? yes , and he could make it good , but they could not , because now they had no list to do it , they were slothful , Exod. 23. 29.

Secondly , Because it is the strongest sin ; Reason 2. No bonds so strong as the bonds of death ; it is a kinde of spiritual death , Ephes. 5. 14. though in the Saints it is not death eternal . Now as it is with the Lord , he reserves the best mercy till the last , so Satan reserves the strongest temptation till the last ; and in many men it is sloth : Now it receives a double strength :

1. From the strength of natural corruption which will remain when other sins dye , and in a great measure in the Saints , when the power of sin is taken from the Saints ; for take the best man and this remains ; it is the sickness of the Soul which will cleave to it : Hence as 't is with sick men , when no mind to meat , yet oh a little rest ! it is greatest pain to walk , and hence the greatest pleasure to lie still : sickness binds a man to rest , makes him love his rest ; so carnal corruption , to carnal rest .

2. The strength of pleasure in some lawful thing ; for sloth and sleep's best pillow is ever some delight in lawful things , that 's the shadow : hence , when a man delights not in gross evils , yet in health , and peace , and freedom from dangers ; and here he wallows , as Issachar .

Thirdly , Reason 3. Because ( not onely so , but ) it is the least suspected sin . I have known them that have been gracious , and long it hath been before the Lord hath made them know that they have had this ( much less loved this ) sin .

For 1. It is but a neglect or cessation from act ; it is no sin that doth openly war against the soul , but lives within like a friend .

2. 'T is a neglect which the best have ; an infirmity ; All slumbered and slept .

Thirdly , The main work is wrought ; it is not therefore any dangerous infirmity , men think ; and hence the Apostle , Rom. 13. 11. would have them awake ; why ? we shall be saved , might they say , and had peace long ago ; but ( saith he ) because your salvation is nearer .

4. Because he sees many difficulties before him to break thorow , which unless God gave him more strength , he doth not see that God calls him unto ; and hence saith , that there are Lions in the way ; after a long time of profession , then God presents greatest difficulties ; and hence now sloth reigns in a special manner .

SECT. IV.

HEnce see the reason why many Christians at their first beginnings grow , Use 1. and thrive , and abound in the fruits of Righteousness ; but afterward so poor and ragged ; Oh the two or three first years , how frequently in prayer , meditation ! Oh what sorrow and peace ! but after this , now they can find little good they can get ; little growth they make , unless it be downward ; little life they have , and what ado to keep it , or to get a good spiritual meals meat ! this is the reason of it ; when they first began , then the enemy was out , and they were up , and now they conquered and had the spoils ; but since , they have grown secure , and loved to sleep , I say love to sleep ; and hence , little to be seen about them but rags ; hence ( Prov. 6. 11. ) lest thy poverty come as an armed man , Prov. 20. 13. 11. truly this is it , and hence no wonder you are ever so full of complaints in midst of means ; where God gives you matter of fulness , joy , peace , everlasting glory , yet you find nothing ; so that sometimes you think there is no grace , or are almost of the mind that there is no grace to be looked for in us ; if not , yet finding so little , there 's no evidence for it : Oh your sloth it is the cause ; hence 't is you marvel at the Lord he helps not ; Oh you do not awake , to awaken the arm of the Lord ; you shall know , if you follow on to know the Lord , but that you do not ; and hence the pricks and 〈◊〉 you made your peace with , and ate again vexed by them , this is the reason of it : Oh therefore go in secret and say , I complain of my sins ; the Ordinances and God that I seek , and have not , when my heart should be otherwise ; but oh it is not because I cannot , but because I care not ; it is not because of the strength of my enemy without , but because of my neglect of watch and diligence within . I know it was a sin for Pharaoh to charge Israel with idleness , because he commanded work without means ; But is the Lords work so ? look up to him for strength , he gives it them that have none ; put forth that strength thou hast , he will accept thy will , but will never allow thee in thy sloth , but you shall to beggery at the last . Hence men roast not what they take in hunting , ( Prov. 12. 27. ) after Ordinances ; Oh there 's world there ; never shall you see a Soul careful , but he finds every Sabbath something .

Hence we may learn the reason why many Christians , Use 2. when the Lord begins to work upon them , have many combats and sore conflicts with various temptations , and one corruption after another , and searce any breathing time wherein they are freed from such ; and then many strong crys , &c. but afterward they are freed from all , and even these also ; and they find nothing either within or without that greatly troubles them ; but they go on smoothly in a course of profession also , without very much ado with their own hearts ; their Consciences are at peace , their distempers are at peace , and lye not heavy upon them ; and they think God is at peace with them , and hence they are quiet ; the reason is because they are quiet , and fall asleep , and let their sin and Satan alone , and hence they let them alone : A sluggard saith , there is a Lion in the way , and it's hedge of thorns ; many difficulties God sets before him ; now if a man meets with no Lions , no thorns , pressed with no great difficulties in his course , it is certain sloth hath seised upon that Soul , and he is carried away captive by it , Prov. 22. 13. For

Look upon men , why should they be quiet ? is it because sin and Satan are quite vanquished , that they have no agonies and wrestlings with them ? the Apostle denies that , Ephes. 6. 12. Indeed while he keeps the Palace then he is all● peace , and it is a sign he is entred again if you have this peace : But else Paul himself , and all that are in the field , are opposed , and will have fiery darts ; and hence the Apostles exhorts to put off the works of darkness , and put on the whole armor of light ; why not works of light ? because then a Christian will find many assaults , Rom. 13. 12. Or it is because they are men of such a refined faith , and such pure mettal that there needs no knocking , nor melting , nor temptations ? I confess the Lord doth nor see at all times the like need , but gives his servants many sweet seasons ; but yet 1 Pet. 1. 6 , 7 , 8. they were begotten to a a lively hope , and they did rejoyce greatly in that hope ; yet they had their seasons of trials , manifold temptations , &c. It may be they thought , did the Lord ever love us , when such desertions , such fierce oppositions ? &c. I know the Lord may leave David thus , Psal. 30. 6. but then God was angry , and he saw it before many days : No , no , there is both reason for it , and need of it ; and why are you at peace now ? it is because of your sloth , Ier , 48. 11. Moab is at rest ; and hence setled on her Lees , that they neither feel not know their sin , and their scent is in them , though none is smelt or runs out ; hence never stirred by any word they hear , nor by any blow unless it be very heavy ; they are now at peace with Sin , Death and Hell , and are at league with them , Isa. 28. 15. And hence as it is , where there be two Kingdoms met , what 's the reason that there is no hurt that the one do to the other ? the reason is , because there is a peace ; why so ? because War was so troublesom , and rest was good : So it is here ; Why are men never troubled ? but only because they are at peace with their sin ; and why so ? because rest is good : Oh they love to sleep ; I shall never overcome it , or I have other work to follow , say men , and hence they spiritually war no more ; and hence Satan and Sin are at peace : this is the guise of men , they think the man is sure : they maintain a name to live before men , keep duties upon the wheels before God , and have comfort often ; and though a world of vanity is in their hearts , yet it never oppresseth them , because they oppose not it , and so are quiet .

SECT. V.

Object . BVt is not Christ's yoke easie and his burden light , full of sweetness , & c ?

Answ. There is a life of faith , and a life of sloth ; a rest which Faith gives , and Christ gives ; and a rest which mans own sloth and security gives : but there is a wide difference between them .

First , a believing heart cleaves to the Lord , and so findes rest in the Lord , and that with purpose and decree of heart , to cleave to him in one thing as well as in another ; the heart is not at peace with Satan , and at war with God , but joyneth to the Lord , and stands armed with a strong resolution against every temptation ; and hence peace with Christ is maintained , not with sloth : as Barnabas , Acts 11. 23 exhorted with full purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord , when he saw the grace of God ; seeing you find such mercy from him , oh cleave unto him : But now a secure heart cleaves to the Lord in some desires ; and if he be resolved of any thing , it is only of that which he can do with ease , and will not be what he would be ; he would be better , and know the Lord more , and this quiets him ; but he will not be what he would be , because his compact and covenant of peace is made with another ; he will be sluggish and secure , and not use the means ; oh sleep is sweet , Prov. 12. 27. The sluggard roasts not what he took in h●nting ; he will not roast it , there is trouble there .

Secondly , A believing heart , or Faith , finds and feels its rest by trouble . Unto the righteous there ariseth light out of darkness , Psal. 37. After you have suffered , God settle you , 1 Pet. 5. 10. Not as the world gives peace , give I it unto you , Joh. 14. 27. For the life of a Christian is a life of faith , which is a life contrary to sence and reason : When the Lord kills , what doth he intend then to save me ? and when he blinds me , doth he intend to teach me ? yes that he doth , and by their warfare they find peace . Hence Paul at the end of his life makes his trumph , I have finished my course , 2 Tim. 4. 6 , 7 , 8. this makes promises precious ; when , though a man feels the strength of sin , yet sees the Lord will subdue it ; when a man findes guilt of sin , yet sees the Lord will pardon it for his own names sake : It 's a strange place 2 Cor. 1. 8 , 9. We were oppressed without reason , Why ? that we might not trust in our selves , ( why , was there no way but this ? ) why , this is the life of faith , to find life in death , peace in sorrow : But a slothful heart finds not rest by denying it self , and walking through trouble ; but by pleasing it self , and easing it self of trouble , because it is at league with it : One that hath broken league , finds peace by war , and then takes spoils ; but another è contra , &c.

1. A man denies the power of godliness , that 's a burden ; his slothful heart will not bear that , that 's too hot ; for the world carries a condemned carriage of them ; and hence he keeps a name to live , and thereby hath peace with the world .

2. He wrestles not against Satan , and his lusts , pursuing them daily , carries not the sence and feeling of them ; and hence being luke-warm , he thinks he is rich , and wants nothing , when poor , and blind , and naked .

3. Hence , not wrestling against sin , he feels not sin , and so conscience is at peace with him ; sin is alive without the Law .

4. Keeping a constant course of private duties , he thinks God is at peace also , and so his peace gives him rest , and sloth makes him make a league , because he loves rest : and hence we finde , a Christian most oppressed in times of trouble , many times hath most peace ; and è contra : Because as it was with Gideon , he had his peace by trouble , they had their peace by rest whose flesh he tore with thorns , Iudg. 8. 7. oh therefore fear and tremble at their condition .

SECT. VI.

HEnce see the reason why many a Christian , after he hath seen and felt the work of Gods grace in his heart and soul , Use 3. and hence hath been filled with peace and joy unspeakable , that yet after long profession loseth the sight of it , and knows not whether there be any dram of grace in his heart or no ; and consequently hath no assurance : but ask him , have you not known it ? yes ; but 't is a question whether ever it was immortal seed or no , for then it would not dye , as I see it hath ; the reason of this is , a man falls to a secure condition , fast asleep , forgets God and himself ; and hence though there be grace , yet it is not exercised , Matth. 25. 26. and hence not seen at all , 2 Pet. 1. 8 , 9. and one grace to another , and then an open entrance is made ; this makes calling sure ; if this they do not , they will not see a fat off ; why ? because they forget the Lord , which is one part of security : Hence we shall find in times of persecution , never such assurance as then , Zach. 13. vlt. because grace is never so exercised as then ; and hence men much in prayer abound with much assurance ( when Christ was in his agony he prays more fervently ) because then a man is watchful , and grace most exercised ; when a man dyes in prayer , and grows secure , and hath little exercise of grace , now it is a question whether there is grace at all or no ; and hence when men come to Sacraments , how oft are they put to it whether the Lord be theirs or no! and hence when men come to the Word , they lose all comfort , because they know now whether these promises are theirs or no , because they are asleep , and not waking with the Lord . Oh therefore lay no blame upon the Lord , but thy self ; I have had grace , but I have not exercised it ; I have lived a life of sloth and security , had I lived a life of thankfulness , prayer , watchfulness , and been ever awake , I should have seen my own heart , and what the Lord hath done for my soul : Here , here lies the security of a Christian , not in losing all grace he had , but in losing the exercise of it .

SECT. VII .

Quest. HOw shall I do this ?

Answ. 1. Look that your eye be single , that the Lord be your last end , and that with an infinite love you cleave to that , and then the whole body will be full of light ; but if your eye be double , &c. Matth. 6. 24. A ship that hath but one place to go to , will get thitherward in open sea with every wind . Who is so great as the Lord ? who minds thee but the Lord ? doth he provide , protect and pity thee , when thou seekest thy self ? will he not do it much more when thou art set for him ?

2. Consider the sweetness of this life . 1. In this life , 1 Cor. 15. ult. be ever abounding ; why ? oh you know your labor shall not be in vain . And what will it be when you come to dye ? Isa. 38. 1 , 2 , 3. Remember I have walked with thee : And 2. After death , Rev. 14. 13. it may be you account them nothing , but they shall follow thee ; do you not find bitterness in the end of another life ? you will find your pillow hard enough before you dye ; oh therefore get something to make it easie .

3. Take heed of forgetfulness of the Lord , for this is the reason why many a man is not ever up in walking with the Lord , because he forgets the Lord ; It is not because he will not , or because he cannot , but he remembers not the Lords love , the glory of his ways , what an evil thing and bitter it is to depart from the Lord , Psal. 22. 11. They shall remember and turn , Jer. 2. 1 , 6. The Lord complains of Apostacy , they said where is the Lord ? I remember thee , &c. So I say to you , the Lord of glory remembers you , thou art written on the palms of his hand , and like shew-bread before the Ark , so thou dost ever stand before the Lord ; hence every moment he is pardoning , purging , preserving and devising how to do thee good ; nay he remembers thy love , prayers , seekings after him , nay , thy house and walls of it where thou dwellest : Oh therefore forget not the Lord , that so you may be ever seeking after , and cleaving to the Lord .

SECT. VIII .

HEnce see the reason why men after long profession fall into many slothful opinions , Use 4. because their hearts are surprised with this enemy of sloth first ; and it is Gods just judgement upon men , that seing they love their sleep and laziness , they shall be lazy by rule , and so be for ever hardned in it .

Quest. What are those slothful opinions ?

Answ. First , What is this but one , to make the Law no rule to a Christians life ? as though a Christian should be like a man at Sea , and carried by the wind , but he must have no Compass to sail by also : In these last times Christ's Kingly Office is chiefly opposed ; men are glad of Christs righteousness and death to save them , but when he comes to plant his Laws ( as all Conquerors do amongst men ) they do then shake them off , and under a colour of love to their Prince , make his Laws no bonds to binde them ; so these think this is the liberty of a Christian , the liberty of a Prince to be lawless , 2 Pet. 2. 19.

Secondly , That there is no activity of Grace received , no power to stir till stirred ; and therefore leave all upon Christ , they can do nothing ; if he gives nothing , they cannot help it ; if he doth , then all is well , &c. It is true , till the Lord doth help what can we do ? But there is an immutable assistance of Spirit , whereby the Lord doth enable his to act more or less like himself , when stirred up : And if you finde none , because you fall short of Christ , do not think that the Lord will be a cover to such a cap ; nor a pillow for a slothful heart ; there is a sickness in the best , and must be followed , else we dye .

Thirdly , That Ministers must not exhort : Why ? what can men do ? If servants cannot abide to be spoken unto when there is need , from what can it come but idleness ? What can words make better ? yes , the Lords words have a power to help or ruine , when you shall say , oh the exhortations , oh the inretaties I have had , &c. one main means of reconciliation is now abolished , 2 Cor. 5. 20.

Fourthly , That Christians must gather no evidence from Sanctification ; we shall finde the root of it to be difficulty , which is never sloths bed-fellow .

1. It is difficult to be holy always , but there will be many weaknesses and sins , &c.

2. When we do so , it will be hard to discern what holiness it is , whether counterfeit or not .

3. When we do so , 't is hard to keep it , but you will lose it again , and be put to farther search , and so off and on : I believe Christians make them more difficult than indeed they are ; but yet it is the Lords way ; Scripture is plain for it ; and if avoided because difficult ( which to many is sweet ) what is this but an invention of sloth ?

Fifthly , That what a man cannot do , is always a weakness which the Lord will pardon : Sometimes it is ; but not here : for a mans chief sin may be kept unsubdued from this ground , which sloth makes warrantable .

Sixthly , That if once the main be wrought , though he never grow better , yet he is to keep his peace and confidence ; Oh intreat the Lord to keep your heads sound ( though hearts be sluggish ) so as you may not love , and defend your security , and then go and leave Christ .

SECT. IX .

LEt this be a warning to all , Use 5. that there is such an enemy to be slain ; truly I had thought if I could have got my heart broken , if I could seek the Lord till I had gotten a promise , then I should be well enough ; Oh no , there is a slothful heart yet continueth ; and let it be encouragement to war against it ; oh 't is the last enemy , and then comes your crown , and then your warfare is ended ; and therefore do as Sampson ; Lord , help this one time , that I may be avenged for my two eyes ; Judg. 16. 28. so , thou hast been made a slave to it in private duties , and God hath neglected thee ; In publick , at meetings you have been forced to sleep , that an Indian it may be , if he had stood by would have jogged thee ; therefore pray , Oh help Lord this one time ( though I dye ) against this one enemy ; Thus Paul 1 Cor. 9 . ult. Is an immortal crown nothing ? will it be no sorrow to you when you awake , to lose eternal rest in God , for a little rest in thy sloth ? Oh therefore beat down thy body ; it is the last , hence the worst enemy ; say as Iudg. 9 . 54. What shall I fall by a woman ? shall I fall by the worst ? why did I oppose lust and pride ? oh , because vile ; why , this is worse ; it is the last , and hence Christ hates it most ; and hath he given strength against any sin , and will he not against this ? Oh therefore pray God that you fall not here .

CHAP. VI. Christs absence the cause of security in his Churches .

SECT. I.

THat Christs absence , or tarrying long from the Churches , is an occasion ( though mans corruption ) of all security in the Churches . Observation 4.

While Chirst delays the Bride sleepeth ; look as it was with the Israelites , when Moses went first from them up to the mount , they had no speech of making a Calf ; but when he staied long from them , now they make it , and make merry with it ; so it is here , Exod. 32. 1. The holy Apostle notes this to be in the last days , 2 Pet. 3. 3 , 4. Men shall say Where is the promise of his coming ? all things remain as they were ; and hence scoffers ( it may be with the tongue ) at least in the heart , and so walking after their own lusts ; hence Matth. 24. 49. you see an evil servant smite his fellow servants ( what is the reasons of divisions between men ? ) one smites with the tongue , the other with the hand , and the other suffers ; ( and to eat and drink with the drunken ) it is a sign of a secure man when ( though he falls not into a prophane course , but ) he can bear with it in others , to sit by and see others sin without check ; what is the cause of this ? he saith ( not with his tongue , but in his heart , My Lord delays his coming : The very scope of the parable i● to shew the sin of men herein , and to prevent it by watchfulness .

SECT. II.

Quest. HOw and why doth this occasion and breed security ?

Answ. 1. In that Christs absence from the world makes him to be much forgotten in the world ( out of sight out of minde ) especially at those times when men are ready to be overcome by sloth ; now forgetfulness of God is the beginning of all the deepest security that can fall upon men , Deut. 32. 18 , 19 , 20. whence the Lord saith , I will hide my face from them , so as they shall not see me , but I will see them and what their end shall be , and hence this is made the begining of returning to the Lord , Psa. 22. 27 , 28. All Nations shall remember and turn , for the Kingdom is the Lords .

Secondly , Because the absence of Christ keeps those things from being seen which should awaken , and which sensibly do awaken ; that as it is within the night , when there is little noise , and darkness over-spreads all things , it is hard now to be kept from sleep , when the curtains are drawn ; so while Christs is absent , it is a kind of night ( his coming called the day , and the day of the Lord ) because the things of the Lord are hid from men : And those are these two chiefly .

1. The error of the Lord and the wrath to come ; why did men sleep all the Sermon long ( which lasted one hundred and twenty years ) when Noah preached ? because they knew not of the flood ; so shall it be in the days of Christs coming , men know not what wrath is ; the thoughts of this kept Pauls eye waking , 2 Cor. 5. 9 , 10 , 11 , 12.

2. The exceeding riches and weight of glory that shall crown all the Saints ; hence all the faithful have been abundant both in doing and suffering for the Lord ; ( 2 Cor. 4. ) It is not worthy the glory which shall be revealed : Hence , Heb. 10. 34. They took joyfully the spoiling of their goods , because they had in heaven a more abiding sustance ; they overlooked all things here when they saw that . When these two things are seen ( which are the last things that shall continue ) it would awaken ; but painted fire , and a painted Kingdom never draws a mans heart much ; so neither do these work upon securelings ; or if they do see them , they soon are hid from them again , their light decaying , being not like the morning but declining Sun ; and though the Saints do see them , yet they are very apt to lose ( for a time ) the sight of them , especially if the Lord tarrieth ; and hence Heb. 10. they had need of patience ; but when the day comes who can sleep ?

Thirdly , In regard of his absence , do things of the world present and keep their glory before the eyes of men ; for what is the reason that worldly things ( which men in their judgements say are vain ) yet they are of such price with men ! It is with them as it is with Glow-worms and Stars that keep their shining , and are very glorious because the Sun is set ; so Christ is hid in his glory , and whilst men are led more by sence than by faith , men doat upon these things ; they know nothing more vain , yet nothing more glorious : When Christ comes a man shall see all the world , the honor , comforts , wealth , crowns , greatness of it buried before his eyes ; and when an end of these things shall be seen , now the Lord will be precious ; as doubtless when they saw the Ark floating upon the water , happy are they that are there might they say ; and hence Mal. 3. ult . those that said the proud were happy , what was the reason of it ? but because of this , The day of the Lord was not yet come to make up his Iewels ? Now when once the eye is bewitched with the glory of the world , nothing causeth security sooner ; as strange fancies in the head work a man first asleep : Psal. 73. When David beheld the prosperity of the wicked , he began to dislike all Religion , and to account it simplicity to be holy , until at last he saw the end of these things .

Fourthly , Because in Christs absence men feel not the evil of sin which doth befall them in their security , nor yet the evil of their own hearts ; for if men should be presently punished , and smitten by some revenging invisible hand of God upon them after every sin , and as soon as first they begin to sleep , you should never see the heart secure ; and hence the Devils live in horrors daily , in apprehension of the judgment of the great day ; thus it will be at Christs coming , then the secret things of darkness shall be brought to light ; but now is a time of forbearance , hence a carnal heart is set to do wickedly , and to go on securely , Eccles. 8. 11.

Fifthly , Because while Christ is absent , conscience lyes still most commonly , and seldom is throughly awake , and hence a man sleeps ; for conscience is the Lords witness , accuser , and notary ; now the witness then speaks most fully and clearly when the Judge is come : Now however God doth awaken some mens consciences throughly in this life , yet it is not universal , but in few , to be thorowly awakened , and hence men are very secure , Isa. 33. 14. Who shall dwell with everlasting burning , & c ?

SECT. III.

HEnce we see the vileness of the hearts of men , Vse 1. that Christ his absence ( which time is given to us to make us watch ) should make us secure ; that men should turn day into night , a day of forbearance , into a night of forgetfulness ; for if the Lord should not delay his coming , how many thousands would be swept away before any peace made with God , or before any work finished for God! now he in pity gives such days , delays his coming for this end , and do we thus requite the Lord ? 2 Pet. 3. 9. Christ himself doth his work while it is light ; the night cometh wherin no man can work , Ioh. 12. 35 , 36. Now what a crossing of the Lord is this ? If he should come , thou shouldst be consumed by him ; and if he doth not come , you will grow secure before him .

Hence see the reason why the hearts of men are so secure in times of health and peace , Vse 2. but they cry out and look about them in times of sickness , and when the approach of death is near , because Christ now begins to come , and Christs presence is near in great terror , and severity , and glory ; but be these are afar off ; now the soul begins to see Christ , and how he must shortly stand naked alone ( stript of all comforts and friends ) before an all-seeing God ; and now they look about for evidence ; but before , the Lord would not come as yet , he delays his coming , I may live many years and provide thus and thus for my children , &c. Oh men complain of secure careless hearts , and the cause is this , they see not this day a coming .

Hence see one special way to prevent and remove security when it is fallen upon the hearts of any , Use 3. and that is by daily setting before you the coming of the Lord ; the Apostles penned this , and Saints believe this , 1 Thess. 1. ult. I am perswaded some men have had in their dreams the visions of the Almighty , of which Iob speaks , and have been awakened in terror and fear , even with the dream of it ; but how would this awaken if seen and beheld whilst indeed you are awake ! Many Monkish spirits have been much awakened in their superstitious way by this ; but the spirit of a Paul will be much more ; for by this means he awakened all the world to look about them , 2 Cor. 5. 11. And for himself , this did make him exercise himself , Acts 24. 15 , 16. so it will be with you ; you will not only be awake your selves , but keep all awake about you ; and this is not legal neither thus to do . It is certain if you complain of security , I dare complain against you , that this is the cause ; you look upon the comming of the Lord as a long time off , and see it not daily ; it converted some in scoffing Athens to the Fith ; much more ( if converted ) doth it awaken . Let us therefore commend Three things to you .

SECT. IV.

First , MAke the coming of the Lord real , see it real , and set it really ( as it shall be ) before your eyes : Heb. 9. ult. to them that look for him , &c. Why do not men look for him ? truly , very few do look for him really ; it is only a report , a noise with many men ; where there is the power of grace , it presents things as they are , which shall be so ; Faith is the substance of things not seen , it puts them in their being ; it is the evidence of things not seen , for otherwise it will never work upon you . Especially think on these Four things at that day .

1. The consuming of all things here in the world , which your hearts are so ready to doat upon , and of all carnal and fleshly excellencies which you trust unto , 2 Pet. 3. 11. Seeing these things shall be consumed , what manner of persons ought we to be ! If a man that is to make a sea voyage , did know that whatever he brought to shore beside Gold and Pearls , should be consumed as soon as he comes to shore , he would not fraught his ship with those things : if men were assured here is a house where you and yours shall be burnt , they would set it elsewhere ; men come from one Country to another , because sin will consume .

2. The amazing glory of Christ Jesus ( when Christ shall come as a deliverer to refresh they sad heart ) and all his Saints at that day ; look upon Christ as sitting on the clouds of fire , raising the dead , then them that are alive changed in the twinckling of an eye , coming with all his Angels , Heaven left empty of them , and Saints sitting at his right hand shining like the Sun , so that all the word shall stand amazed at them , and then , when Judgement is done , up they go to Heaven ( the third Heaven ) with a shout , and so be ever with the Lord . And then

3. Consider the fierce wrath upon Reprobates , who shall rise like Toads coming out of their holes in winter time , standing before Christ's Tribunal , crying out of the day that ever they were born , and receiving their final doom ; imagine the silence while the Lord is pronouncing the sentence ; and when past , a cry ; and then Christ to depart , and shut up himself in Heaven with his Saints , the Reprobate never to see him nor his face any more ; are these things tales , fables , notions ? if they be , blot out the Scripture ; but if real , oh then who can but awake ! If God intends mercy to you , the thoughts of these things will awaken you , you shall see them really ; if not , they shall awaken you by feeling of them .

4. Consider how many will be found too light at that day .

Secondly , Make this day present : Optick glasses will take within them the present image of things afar off ; a Mud-wall cannot give the form of them ; so by Faith look at these things that be to come as near for if we see really the Lords coming , but we look upon it as a thing that is afar off , it will not affect : Now a thing may be present to Faith which is not to sence ; It may be the last and great coming of the Lord is not very nigh ( although we are doubtless in the last times ) but the beginning of this , thy Petty-Sessions before that general Assize , may be nigh . Oh therefore make it present .

Quest. How shall we make it present ?

Answ. 1. By pondering that speech of Christ , spoken to that end , Matth. 24. 44. In an hour you think not of he comes ; so that either thy time is , when thou thinkest it is nigh , and then you attain the thing ; or when far off , why then is the time , and that he will not come presently is more then you can say ; you see with wrong eyes , and wrong the Lords patience .

2. By comparing the present time with eternity to come ; for look as it is with base and little things , look upon them in themselves , they are not base , but compared with things excellent , as the Prophet sheweth , Isa. 40. 17. so the time of this life , grant it be never so long , look upon it in self , it is long ; but compared with eternity , it is exceeding short : Set a prick alone and you may perceive it , but when made at the beginning of a line it is scarce perceptible ; this time of life upon which we sit is but a point of eternity : Oh eternity will amaze you , and make this time short , yea , nothing ; Moses hence forsook Pharoahs honor , because of the pleasures of sin for a season ; and Paul calls afflictions short , when he saw the eternal glory which should be revealed : Oh that you could think this time to be as the delivery of a childe by many pangs into the world , so you by many sorrows are passing a short passage to eternity .

3. By making earthly things nothing , or not as great things : A mans friend is night to him , but there be trees and hills between them , and if these were down , or he could get above them , he would easily see and say , Oh I see him coming , he is even at the door , Iames 5. 8. So Christ is nigh unto us , and we to him ; but the things of the world , mountains , and hills , and cattel , and ground , this and that stands between us and our sight , that we cannot see the Lord ; these things are so great , that the Lord is little , that though near , we cannot see him ; now when God cuts down these things at sickness , or when we can get above the world , now we can see them whiles we look at them as they are , 2 Cor. 4. Prov. 18. 11. The rich mans wealth is a tower in his conceit ( all things are swayed by conceit ) pull down that , now you make all naked before you to see the Lord nigh .

Thirdly , Do this daily ; else you will grow secure by little and little : Oh that I could prevail with you to set before you once a day this time ! how would it keep your hearts from dreaming and doating upon these things : When any sorrow , that day will refresh ; 2. When any duty done , that day will recompence ▪ 3. When in want , yet full at that day ; 4. When in misery now , blessed then . When a man is ready with light and lamp at all watches of the night , oh blessed then ! you can hardly keep from security and carelesness by this , how will you then do without it ? you will die in security .

SECT. V.

LEt this be a warning to all those who have passed the first age of their Christian life , after you have waited long and tarried for the Bridegroom , take heed of security , and think this may occasion it , viz. The Bridegrooms delay : In the first heat of your youthful affections , there 's not that danger then as now , lest you grow decrepit , passive and dull ; and therefore think , Whatever else I do , I will be sure to keep this door , it shall not come in here , and yet do we not see men fall here ! one would think it should not be so in these times , when God calls so many of his servants to Heaven to him , and is hacking at so many posts and pillars of this Tabernacle ; especially considering withal that it is no time to seek great things to your selves : Thou shalt have thy life for a prey ( as he said to Baruch ) Who is it that thinks it long to death , that is within a days walk of his grave ! Oh if you have your life , you are well ; you may be glad of a place to die in .

CHAP. V. Of Christs awakning cry before his coming . VERSE 6 , 7 , 8 , 9.

And at midnight there was a cry made , Behold the Bridegroom cometh , go ye forth to meet him .

Then all those Virgins arose and trimmed their lamps .

And the foolish said unto the wise , Give us of your oyl , for our lamps are gone out .

But the wise answered saying , Not so , lest there be not enough for us and you , but go ye rather to them that sell , and buy for your selves .

SECT. I.

IN these words is set down the preparation made sometime before the Bridegrooms coming , and that is by a Cry that the Bridegroom cometh ; and therefore the Churches should meet him : This is amplified from two things chiefly ;

First , The time when this Cry was made , and that was at Midnight .

Secondly , the effect that this Cry took upon the Virgins , from vers. 8. to 10.

What should be meant by this Cry is disputed of by some : Some think by it is meant the descending of Christ from Heaven with a shout , the voyce of the Arch-Angel and Trump of God : 1 Thess. 4. ult . which ( as I do not wholly exclude ) because there shall be such a clamor before the Lord comes , as at the giving of the Law ; so at the time when the World shall be judged by the Law : so this circumstance is added ( as Par●us and other interpret ) in regard of the Parable , which speaks of Christs coming under the similitude of a Wedding solemnized in the night time , according to the custom of those times , who when they came forth out of their several houses to meet one another , a cry and noise is made , the Bridegroom cometh . Now ,

Quest. What is meant by the coming of the Lord , the Bridegroom ?

Answ. The coming of Christ principally here me●nt , is that coming of Christ either to general or particular Judgement in the latter ages of the world . Then , for when , 2 Thess. 2. 1 , 2. they thought the coming of Christ was near ; no saith he , not till Antichrist is revealed and destroyed ; therefore when Antichrist is discovered and destroyed , and Churches upon this refined , now there remaining no more to be done in this world but Christs coming , all promises being fulfilled except that , so that they live in expectation of that ; Christ slaying and not coming so soon , Churches grow secure ; yet before the Lord comes to either judgement he hath his cry : yet here is to be meant the coming of Christ at other times of the Church when they shall be Virgins ; and hence a command to watch that concerns and bindes all to be ready against the coming of Christ , whether to general or particular Judgement at death , or any other coming of the Lord in this life , either in special mercy to his people , or in terror to Hypocrites , Luk. 18. Christs coming to hear prayers , and to avenge himself of his Churches enemies , is a coming . When the Jews shall be called , and Antichrist destroyed , 2 Thess. 2. it is called Christs coming : So the sum is this , look as before the Bridegroom meets the Bride , and cry is made to awaken them to come to meet him ; so before Christ comes to his secure Churches to take his people to nearer fellowship with himself in this life , or at death , or at judgement , Christ hath his cry to awaken them .

SECT. II.

THat before Christs coming to his secure Churches , Observation 1. the Lord will send forth his cry to awaken these Churches , to give warning of , and to make them ready for his coming ; his coming either at last day , or at death , or in this life , to take them into nearer fellowship with himself .

It is true , Christs coming is at midnight , at a time when one would think he would not come ; but yet at midnight there is this cry , which prepares and goes before his coming .

Quest. What is this cry ?

Answ. It is not a still voyce , but a loud cry , which hath its effect for which God sends it . Now we shall find in Scripture there are two ways by which God doth usually awaken a secure sinner .

First , The cry of the Word .

Secondly , The voyce or cry of the Rod ▪ So this Cry of Christ is .

First , Sometimes the cry of the Word ; for thus Iohn ( Isa. 40. 3. ) is called a Crier , and Prov. 1. 24. Zach. 7. 7 , 13. And this is the first course , God takes to awaken , by giving the first honor to the Word ; this is his mercy to see if that will do it . Now it is not every word that will or can awaken ; for many times it makes men more secure ( as some can sleep best by the noise of many waters ) Isa. 6. 9. When the Lord sent to fat them , he sent Isaiah to preach to them ; however in it self it is a cry of Christ ; and seldom doth he come but he gives warning by his Servants the Prophets : But when it doth awaken , there are these particulars in it that it may awaken .

1. It is a word of Majesty and glory in respect of those that bring it , Iudg. 2. 1. one that preached to them ( he was no Angel from Heaven , for it is not said he came from Heaven , but from Gilgal to B●chim ) why is he called an Angel ? because of that Majesty wherewith God clothed him , when he came to awaken them ; for they had made a league with the Canaanites , and they began to vex them it seems , and he comes to tell them they should do so still , and God set on this with majesty upon their hearts , and hence they fell to weeping : And this is usual with the Lord , wherein he hath a time when he will awaken men to purpose , he puts a spirit of glory and majesty upon his servants more than usually , that the most secure shall see more than a man , they shall see the spirit of glory sparkling , and shining thorow such Lanthorns ; as when God intends to harden a man in security , or leave him for a time , then he shall despise the Messengers of God , and see no more but man , and shall have strange opinions of them ; and hence Rev. 11. when witnesses are raised up again to confound Antichristian Doctrines , the Spirit of life from God entred into them , that great fear and aw fell upon all that saw them ; such light shall shine through these curtains , that men shall not sleep .

Secondly , It is a word of discovery , and that of some secret hidden vein of sin , which men never knew before ; for when a man is once grown secure , it is wonderful to see that torpour that lies upon a mans spirit , a most palpable and plain sin which may be smelt and felt , yet it is not felt by himself , like him that sleeps when the ship is sinking , he knows it not ; now when the Lord doth awaken , he doth it by such a discovery , and this makes them look about them , Hag. 1. 67 , 8 , 9 , 12. because of my house which is waste .

Thirdly , It is a word of terror , that burns as well as shines , that so they may indeed be awakened ; for though Stephens face shines like an Angel , and he singles them out , Oh ye stiff-necked ; yet the terror of God not falling upon them , they are secure still : But now when the Lord makes his Word full of terror , it awakens them . 1 Sam. 12. They would have a King ; they were told of their sorrows ; and hence they feared the Lord and Samuel ; and now were awakened to see that which they never saw ; God helpt forward the terror of expecting of some outward misery .

Fourthly , A word of power to awaken some or other among the Churches , and this makes all the rest to look about them , as usually when the Word comes with never such terror and majesty , we shall see men fall asleep again , without they see the effect of it in some , and one or two will awaken all the rest ; like some that are asleep , when they see others up , What do I here ? Isa. 40. The Lord shews how he comforts his people ; First it is by the cryer ; and then Verse 9. 10. it is by Ierusalem : When Samaria generally received the Word , then Simon also believed ; when the Jew begins to look toward the Lord , ten men shall take hold of their skirts ▪ and say , The Lord is with you , Zach. 8. 23. Sometimes this is the cry before Christs coming , and yet men may shake off their fears , despise the light : Hence the Lord hath a second Cry , and that is

SECT. III.

Secondly , THE Cry of the Rod ; for there is a loud voyce in every Rod , which many times those that are most secure , must and shall hear , Psalm 2. 5. He shall speak to them in his wrath , Micah 6. 9. Now what are these ? ( I speak not to secure persons alone , we know how the Lord doth exercise them , but how he speaks to secure Churches ) sometimes he hath lesser blows ; but he that is not awakened by the Word and the cry of that , is seldom awakened by the cry of smaller evils ; he may be startled , but seeing his pillow is still soft , he must bear it , and cannot amend it , he sleeps again . Now the things whereby the Lord doth and will awaken are Two .

First , By bringing Churches into great extremities and distress , that they know not what to do , scattering them one from another in woods where they know not what to do for bread . Iudges 6. the Midianites prevailed against them seven years , untill they fled to Dens like beasts hunted up and down , and at last they have no bread , but begged , and their cattel destroyed ; Verse 6. Now they cry unto the Lord because of the Midianites , and he sent a Prophet to make them cry for their sin ; for this is the nature of a secure heart , while it hath any thing to ease it , it will not be awakened throughly , if it be in a sleeping vain ; and hence the Lord distresseth them ; hence Mat. 24. 29 , 30. after Antichristian tribulation shall there be worse ? yes , after that Sun and Moon shall be darkned , i. e. there shall be a confusion of all things ( for it is the language of the Eastern Countries so to express it , ) Dan. 12. 1 , 2.

Secondly , By ruin●ting of Churches , breaking the Candlesticks , quenching the lights , delivering them to spoylers , until the Land be almost left without inhabitant , some slain , some carried into captivity ; and now conscience cryes , Word cryes , and Rod cryes aloud to awaken them , Isa. 6. 9. Go and make this peoples heart fat ; Lord how long ? until their house be desolate ; and then you hear of the sparing of a little remnant whom the Lord awakens , Amos 6. you see them secure , Verse 7 , 8 , 9. there 's captivitie and plagues to destroy families ; will the Lord deal so with Iacob , the most excellent people under Heaven ? yea , saith the Lord , I abhor them , and when you see them on the banks of Babylon , then they remember Sion , Levit. 26. 39 , 40.

SECT. IV.

BEcause it is so difficult to awaken one throughly ; Reason 1. no bonds ( next to death ) so strong to keep men under as security ; and hence Ephes. 5. 14. sleeping and being among the dead are joyned together ; and hence the Lord will cry , and if the Word cannot , the cry of the Rod must and shall .

In regard of the people of God , who are secure with them that are vile in secure Churches ; Reason 2. if the Lord had none among them , he would come without crying ; but because they are there among them , the Lord will awaken ; but if any do , it is chiefly for their sakes ; for though the Lord do pardon and wash away his peoples sins , yet they come not to the f●●ition of pardon without faith , and this faith is never severed from repentance ; and hence the Lord will not come upon them unawares before he hath broken their hearts ( not from infirmities , for they will last till death , but ) broken their hearts for and with their iniquity , their chief sin .

In regard of Christ himself , Reason 3. that so he may be received with esteem , and attended upon with all respect ; for let the Lord shew never so much kindness to a ●ecure ●inner , he is not esteemed , he is forgotten , buried like a dead carkass ( a dead Christ ) out of doors ; as it is with men that ●●eep , let the King stand by them , provide never so much for them they regard it not ; so Deut , 32. 15. Therefore we shall finde the Lord never comes to his people , but he comes then when he is esteemed ; first the Lord works the esteem , and then comes , Matth. 23. ult. Christ departs till men say , Blessed be he that 〈◊〉 in the name of the Lord .

SECT. V.

HEnce we may see the dangerous condition of all those that fall into a secure condition , Use 1. and so dye .

1. That have been once very forward , affectionate , strict , tender , &c. but now their lamp is out .

2. That have kept themselves and their hearts from soil , their lamps bright , but now though their hearts contract soil every day , they are settled upon the Lees , and their scent is in them , and their lamp never drest .

3. That did once delight in approaching nigh to Christ in his Ordinances , in going forth in them to meet the Bridegroom ; but now they not onely neglect this , but take delight therein , and rest upon their neglect ; as a sleepy man takes his delight , not in his work , but in the neglect of it ; and though their hearts tell them of this , yet they go on their way , and dye so ; what shall we think of them ? I will not absolutely determine , but they give shrewd signs , that they are fallen into a dead sleep : For the Lord will awaken his Virgins before his coming ; nay , he will awaken very many others for their sakes , rather than they shall be secure ; Look as it was with Christ , the nearer he came to his end , the more enlarged , and heavenly , and spiritual ; so it is with them that have the Spirit of Christ : Who are the Servants whom Christ shall bless at his coming ? Luke 12. 37. Blessed are those that shall be found watching ; That look as there is no smaller evil , but usually before it , comes the Lord and gives warning ; so the greatest and last evil Death , that so they may prepare for that ; as Paul , 2 Tim. 4. 5 , 6 , 7. The time of my departing is at hand ( how could Paul tell that ? ) the Lord gave him secret hints of it , he could smell that state before he saw it or touched it ; he could observe by the course and c●ncurrence of providences ; now my course is finished , the corn is gathered , all in Asia forsake me ; so the Lord doth many times unto his people ; however he doth keep them watchful : Oh consider it therefore , you that are secure , if the Word now doth not awaken , yet when thy sick bed comes , and death appears , remember this truth ; But remember it now , I carry the brand of a Reprobate upon me .

Hence see what little cause any man hath to take pleasure in his security ; Vse 2. no pleasure in any sin ( especially to a holy heart ) as of the sin of security ; for if a man takes pleasure in his cups , or in his course company , or in dancing , as Herod , or in gaming , &c. conscience will give him knocks , to every bit he snatcheth here ; there 's honey , but then a sting in them also ; But now when a mans carriage is fair , outward duties performed , conscience is quiet ; when a man hath been at work , he thinks in conscience he may sleep ; for deepest , sweetest security comes after most work we have done ; it is but a neglect , a slip , which I hope to recover out of one day ; it is not an unlawful thing , but a lawful that I quiet my heart upon : Now I have good company , freedom from dangers , Ordinances , curtains drawn about me , the best sleep with me ; and what hurt is here ? but see the little cause you have to sleep , especially in this Country .

First , It will not be your rest alwayes , for there must and will come a cry ; Moses took but little delight in Pharaoh's pleasures , they were but for a season ; and therefore as the Lord there said , Micah 2. 10. Depart , this is not your rest .

Secondly , If the Word doth not awaken you out of it , your cold prayers , your heartless hearing , your careless walking with God , that your lamps be not burning ( burning love to the Lord and his people , shining holiness , so as others may walk after your light , and be glad to follow you ) that present pleasure you take is the rotten wood that breeds the worm of a gnawing conscience , when in the time of your trouble , it shall say , What hath your idleness gained to you ? and it is the fore-runner of misery ; that if lighter miseries will not do , the Lord will bring seven plagues more , and drive you into a wilderness , and there shall you be famished for want of bread ; and if this will not do , God will send spoilers that shall sell you for slaves , and that shall carry you away captive , and then you shal remember Sion , and the days you slept over your time : Find any sin , but security in it will make a desolate Country and familes ; if you sin and rest in it , ( though not gross ) nay do but decay in what once you had ; many say it is more here then ever ; I deny it utterly , unless it be to them that are secure ; and if it be so , the loss of your first love ( a small thing , &c. ) will hasten breaking . Let this truth therefore be a burning Beacon to awaken you ; for God will make this word good , and not let one tittle of it fall to the ground . Ezra 10. 3. them that trembled put away their strange wives , and wept sore for it ; so do you ; you think you may have this and the Lord too ; true , but the Lord will not long abide with you if secure .

Hence see the reason why the Word strikes deep , Use 3. and is very smart sometimes upon the consciences of men , that a man speaks as if he were in their very bosom , that a man saith , God is here , that the Lord leaves thee with sad qualms upon thy conscience , and no peace from all ( it is oft sanctified unless no grace ) nay , after all this affliction comes ; if thou wert not secure , why would the Lord cry , make his Word cry , and his Rod cry ? &c. and therefore be not weary of either , but bless the Lord for , and quietly bear both ; unless I had those terrors within , and afflictions without , I had gone astray , Psal. 32. 4 , 5. David was secure and kept silence , he confessed , and the Lord pardoned ; for this shall every one that is godly seek ; Oh so do you ! think then , am not I in the number ? oh let me seek then and confess my sin !

CHAP. VI. Of the certainty of Christs coming .

SECT. I.

THat though the coming of Iesus Christ to his Churches be late , Observation 2. yet it is certain .

For though it be midnight , yet he comes we see : For this coming at midnight is not to be understood of the last day of Judgment which shall be at midnight ( as the Rabbins and Monks in their devotions conceive ) for Christ speaks here of his coming to particular judgement also , which is not always at midnight : The scope of the Parable is to provoke to continual watchfulness ; because though the Lord doth not come in the beginning of the night ( as was the custom of the Jewish marriages ) yet he will come late , even when you look not for him ; even at midnight there is a cry . I confess the Lord speaks principally of his coming to Judgment ; yet it is true of any other coming of Christ to his people in this life ; and because particular examples and instances are the roots of general truths ( as Circumcision a seal , so all Sacraments are so ; Christ is a Saviour of his people ; it is meant of great salvation at last , yet is true of all salvation beside ) therefore I shall speak of the coming of Jesus Christ to his Churches and Servants in the general ; and so involve the whole coming of Christ , for the more use and comfort to us .

Now we shall finde that the Scripture speaks of a sixfold coming of Christ , that as all our deliverances are but shadows of our great and last deliverance ; so Christs coming now is but a shadow of his great and last coming .

First , Christ is said to come to his people , when he comes to hear their prayers , Luk. 18. 8. And the Lord argues strongly , Will an unjust Judge arise at night , to help a widow a stranger , when she is importunate ? and will not the Lord hear his elect and chosen ? yet when he comes , shall he finde faith ? i. e. such prayers of faith as shall continue ; oh no! but soon apt to be weary before the time comes .

SECT. II.

Object . BUt if they cease , how do they pray night and day ?

Answ. 1. Because they do so for a time .

2. When they cease , then they are ringing in Gods ears ; so that let the prayers of the elect for any mercy be once offered and presented as incense before the Lord , the Lord will not be worse than an unjust Judge , never to come to his people .

Secondly , Christ is said to come to fulfil his promises ; for sometimes the Lord keeps his people exceeding short , and gives his people answers to their Prayer in particular promises ( you find it so ) Psal. 85. 8 , 9. I will hear what the Lord will say , for he will speak peace to his people , that so they may live by faith , and glory more in the Lord then in themselves ; yet he will come , though it be very long , Heb. 10 , 36 , 36. Ye have need of patience , that ye may receive the promise ; for yet a little while , &c. We think it long , yet it will be so .

Thirdly , Christ is said to come to his people when he speaks peace , and breaks the clouds of fears and troubles , and shines upon his people ; for while the Lord is angry , and hides his face , that a man is beyond sight of the face and love of God , now God and Christ is said to be gone ; so then , when he returns to speak peace , now he is said to come , as that Martyr said , He is come , Zach. 1. 16 , 17. I am r●turned to Ierusalem , with my mercies , and the Lord will yet comfort Zion ; for when the Lord forsakes his people for seventy years , and takes away all his Ordinances , the external visible signs of his presence , one would think he would never come , yet the Lord will come and comfort his people , Isa. 61. 2. God hath sent and anointed him , and the Spirit hath filled him , and he is as willing himself to comfort them that mourn , nay when they have the spirit of heaviness ; and when it is done , Christ is come ; then that is a coming of Christ .

Fourthly , There is a coming of Christ when he comes in more full measure of his Spirit to his people , and that in his Ordinances ; for there is a state and time of Christianity , wherein a man is carnal and blind , and the Image of Christ darkly stampt upon the soul , and is exceeding weak ; now the Lord is said to come when he doth this , Ioh. 14. 18. I will see you again , and I will not leave you comfortless , Orphans alone without any one to take care for you ; now though it be long before the Lord do come here ; yet come he will , when the soul thinks it impossible , and the thing incredible ; Behold thy God , thy King commeth , Isa. 40. 9. with 23. He shall come like the rain upon the fleece of wool .

Fifthly , Christ is said to come when he comes to destroy and root out the enemies of his Church , whether outward enemies or inward enemies , Isa. 26. 21. Now grant it be long , the Lord doth suffer them to prevail , and to be pricking bryars to the hearts of Gods people , and to the heart of Gods Spirit in his people , yet he will come ; and hence the Church pleads this with God as an usual thing with him , Isa. 64. 1 , 2 , 3. He comes when men look not for him , yea he came so here ; and the name of God lyes upon it to make known his name to his adversaries , Isa. 66. 5. Hear the word of the Lord , ye that tremble at his word ; your brethren that hated you and cast you out said , Let the Lord be glorified , He shall appear to your joy , but they shall be ashamed .

Sixthly , Christ is said to come to the soul , when he comes to it at death , to abolish all sin and sorrow , and to possess the soul of immediate fellowship with himself , and at Judgement when the great mariage day shall be , and the Bride made ready , and the Bridegroom in their perfect glory to the view of all the world , Ioh. 14. 3. Oh many a one is troubled now the Lord is gone from it mediately to comfort it ; Let not your hearts be troubled , you have a God in his Word to believe in , cleave to that , and me in it ; but when death comes against me , and enemies come against me , and heart fails , and eyes fails , will the Lord come ? Yes , I will come again , for I go but only to prepare a place for you , and make Heaven sweet and ready for you ; some would have all Christs coming here , but there is some hereafter .

SECT. III.

BEcause the love of Jesus Christ never fails his Churches and People ; Reason 1. love will keep men from being ever absent from the thing they love : Now look as it was with Lazarus whom Christ loved , Iohn . 11. 3. he heard that he was sick , he could have come then , but he lingers and stays until he be dead , ( behold Lazarus is dead ) yea , till he had been four days dead , and then awakens him again , and Lazarus must come forth of his grave , to shew forth the everlasting love of the Son of God , vers. 4. For there are two things in Christ's love ; first , it is pure independant , and dear , Prov. 8. penult. hence he will not ever be absent ; for 1. If it be dependant , then we might say ( as we change he changeth ) he was good , but we have provoked him since , &c. 2. If independant , yet 't is apt to forget , he minds me not , nor my prayers , nor sorrows : Yes , it is exceeding dear , and assures us of all ; if he in love came to suffer , what will he not come to do , and that when the Church is most withered , Zach. 3. 1 , 2 , 3. and hence saith the Lord , why say●st thou , the Lord hath forsaken me and forgotten me , when written upon the palms of my hand ? Isa. 48. 14.

Lest their spirit fail ; Reason 2. Oh the Lord is very tender of that ; he that bids parents not to be bitter to their children , lest their spirits fail and be provoked , will not do it himself , Isa. 57. 17. he will not always contend , lest the spirit fail within him , and the souls that he hath made ; Oh remember this ! now how apt is the spirit of a childe of God to fail upon this ! what more bitter than Gods absence !

Because to come late , Reason 3. is many times the best time , for he comes ever in the fulness of time ; if he should come sooner or latter , he should not come in season to his people .

Of unspeakable consolation to the people of God that lie under sad and Vse 1. heavy perplexities in respect of the Lords absence from them ( as for you that can bear this , that say to God depart if he will , this concerns not you at all ) and the Lord being gone , you lye under sad thoughts that he will never return again ; yes , you have now heard , he will come and return again , Say unto Sion , behold your God cometh .

Object . But what ? when I have been secure and careless withal ?

Answ. Yes , though the Virgins sleep , yet the Lord will come to them ; for if his love did depend upon your watchfulness , he might never return ; onely it may be longer as to these , and he will awaken you some time before he doth come ; and truly to mourn for his absence , is to awaken with him .

Object . But it hath been thus long before the Lord come , and therefore he will never come .

Answ. Though long , yet you see he comes at last to them ; first , the cry says so , and then he comes ; Ministers tell you so , and it is not long after ; nay , then is the very time , when so long as you look not for him , as here to these .

SECT. IV.

Object . BUt I know it not .

Answ. God keeps his best blessings ( and persumes them long in his own hand ) from his own children ; as Isaac , David , Abraham , Heman , Christ ; but it is best you know it not .

Hast thou been seeking the Lord for his presence ( that the Lord would but see and consider thee a little ) until thine eyes fail thee ? and do you think the Lord will ever forget ? I tell thee if Peter were in Prison , prayers would deliver him , and fetch Angels from Heaven to him ; though the Church of God lay desolate , sins great , yet the prayer of Daniel shall bring down words of command to make all up again ; If thou be in any want , be careful in nothing , &c. He asked thee life , thou gavest him long life for ever and ever ; nay , when thou ●easest , thy prayers have their cry , when thy mouth , when thy heart speaks not ; for prayers are not dead things but living , begotten out of a living Spirit , from a living God , presented by a living Mediator , who takes them and presents them , Heb. 7. and though unclean , yet being laid on that Altar they become holy .

Object . Oh , but I am fed with nothing but promises ; I cannot deny them , but I feel them not ; I think I shall never meet the Lord , Isa. 55. 10. Look as the rain on the dry yeelds fruit , so my word shall give you joy and peace , and the desire of your heart , &c. Can a man live by promises ?

Answ. Hezekiah saith , by these things ( i. e. afflictions ) do men live ; why not by promises ? the words Christ speaketh they are Spirit and life ; David did , 2 Sam. 23. 5. Heb. 10. The just shall live by his faith ; and if my man draw back , my soul shall have no pleasure in him , i. e. wholly . It is admirable how the Israelites had a promise of the land , and many wars must they have , and yet Iosh. 23. 14 , 15. Not one thing hath failed of all that the Lord hath promised . So say I to you .

Obj. Oh but I have been long in trouble , and have bad no p●ace ?

Ans. Hast thou been longer than David , whose moysture was dryed up , who hath nothing to present before the Lord , Psal. 6. but weakness , and bones vexed , verse 2. a soul vexed , verse 3. and that long weary with gro●ning , vers. 6. tears in the night when others are at rest , his eyes consumed with grief , and yet verse 8 , 9. The Lord hath heard the voyce of my weeping , and prayer too ; sorrows cry , and sins cry also ; and hence he saith , Depart from me all ye workers of iniquity , &c.

Object . But I am so weak , my heart so streitned , so little light and life , and seeking I have been for more , and find it not .

Answ. If Christ's presence be sweet , and his absence bitter , that you seek not more for your lusts sake than the Lords sake , then know that the Lord will return again , as verily as he is gone ; he will not leave thee comfortless ; you shall have that is fit for you to keep you humble and faithful ; it may be one Sermon may do more good than twenty . Ioh. 1. 50. D●st believe because I saw thee under the figtree ? thou shalt see greater things than these ; God hath greater things to shew thee , if the Lord hath translated thee into the Kingdom of his dear son ; hence it is said of the encrease of his government and peace there shall be no end , Isa. 9. 7.

Object . But enemies may opposeus ?

Answ. Let it be so ; but what if the Lord be with you ?

Object . But he is gone .

Answ. No , the Lord will either come before trouble to deliver you from it , as Asa when a troop came against him , 2 Chron. 15. 11. let not man prevail against thee ; Asa had wrapt God about him , cloathed himself with the majesty of God by faith , Isa. 54. penult. They shall together , and shall come against thee , but they shall not prosper , because the Lord is come ; or if he doth stay , yet he will give them some blood , and come upon them for your blood ; he that sheds mans blood , by man shall his blood be shed ; but such as shed Churches blood , by God shall their blood be shed ; The souls under the Altar shall cry , and then comes wo ; he will do so in Germany if there have been Churches blood shed ; he is making way for glorious deliverance when God shall come , and the wicked shall melt away as wax : Lucifer must fall though lifted up with pride . David was troubled with a Saul and a Doeg . Psal. 54. but God shall pull them up by the roots , &c. many of Gods Servants lye under reproaches and revilings ( and the wicked boast of their sin ) God shall pluck them up by the roots never to grow again : Hypocrites lie hid for a time , but all the Churches shall know that the Lord is a God that searcheth the hearts , Luk. 12 , 1. Psal. 12. 5 , 3. No good man left , but some men of deceit and flattery , some Apostares , &c. We are in fear ( in this Country ) of enemies ; we came hither to shelter our selves under the wings of God ; left our comforts for it ; here we are at his posts , it is not honors we seek ; and now it may be enemies are plotting , or will be coming to take us unawares , when weak , and so run away with the spoil , unless we will be bond-men to our former yoke ; it may be the Lord will help then , Ezek. 38. 10 , 20. to the end . If not , it may be the Lord will refine us more , and purge away our dross , and discover men that came hither for Ordinances and for peace sake , and betray the Ordinances ; yet the Lord will come , and his blow shall ruine them , especially if his awake not at his cry , Isa. 25. 9 , 10. it shall be said when the terrible ones are blasts , Lo ! this is our God , and in this mount shall the hand of the Lord come .

Object . But still my sin con●●nues .

Answ. The Church in the Revelations , when they have all things , yet are absent from the Lord , and sin before the Lord makes them say , Oh come Lord Iesus ! saith Christ , Behold I come quickly ! Christ will come at last and for ever comfort you , and be with you , and you ever with the Lord ; this coming to be sure shall be , and what then though you walk through the vail of the shadow of death ! the Lord is with you , and him that is the glory of Saints , the joy of Angels , the rest and delight of God , whom all ends of the earth have looked unto , shalt thou see with those eyes , and be with him for ever , and then shall he give thee double for all thy sorrows , sins , temptations , when every one else shall leave thee , and shall rejoyce and glory in thee , that ever he hath got thee , and ( as he said ) he will then serve thee , Luk. 12. Oh his coming would swallow up all our sorrows ; Christ tells them of nothing but this , Ioh. 14. I wonder at Christians that are sadded at losses and evils here ; Why the Lord will come !

SECT. V.

Quest. HOw shall I know whether the Lord will come or no ?

Answ. 1. If the Lord ever hath or doth make this the rest and stay of thy heart , not only for righteousness , but for all fulness of comfort , and that not onely to thy conscience , but to thy heart and will : for many rest on Christ for righteousness ; but what comforts their hearts ? they joy in other things , and are greedy after things in the world , &c. Now as a man that rests on Christ for righteousness , he abhors all other righteousness ; so if a Christian rest on Christ for consolation , you will deny all other things to comfort you also , Ier. 17. 5 , 6. Cursed is the man that trusteth in man , he shall not see when good comes . Psal. 22. 1. Oh Lord , why hast thou forsaken me ? I ●ust in thee ; our fathers trusted in thee and were delivered : Yes , but not you that are so poor and vile : True , I am so in the eyes of the world ; but on God have I been cast ; To trust to Christ for righteousness , but not for consolation , is to marry a man to pay debts , but not to live upon his house ; try if it be so or no ; thou feelest the Lord gone , yet thy faith is not gone from him .

2. If the Lord hath given thee a heart , whether the Lord comes or no , not to trouble thy self about success , and time of coming , as to minde the doing of his work against his coming , that thy heart is resolved and will live to him though he never comes to thee . Ioh. 2. 5. When Mary said that wine was wanting ; saith Christ , it is not my hour ; then , what ever he bids you do , do it ; Heb. 10. 36. you have need of patience ; for all impatience ariseth from minding inordinately the success , what the event will be , and distracting the mind there ; but ( as a poor servant ) when a man thinks whether Christ come or not , these sins shall down ; this argues love never to be forgotten ; Iudges 10. 16. nothing grieves the Lord and makes the Lord absent , but because grieved with sin , misery comes ; now sin is removed ; it may be no assurance while thou diest or livest ; yet if resolved my soul shall follow the Lord , now it is right , &c. But if while the Lord is now gone , your hearts are jolly , and loose every way , way desire you the day of the Lord ? it is darkness to you .

CHAP. VII . Of Gods compassion towards wise and foolish Virgins .

SECT. 1.

SUch is the compassion of Christ to his people , Observation 3. that deep security cannot always make the Lord to reject them ; and therefore we shall find three expressions of the love and kindness of the Lord to the wise and foolish Virgins also .

First , When they not only slumber but sleep , and that long , even to the coming of the Bridegroom almost , yet Christ spares them , and doth not all this while cut them off , and bury them out of his sight , as men that do forget him .

Secondly , He prevents them with awakening grace , and the Lord is up when his servants be abed , and is awakened for their good when they are asleep and regard not him ; and first by his cry he awakens them before they shake up themselves ; when once the Churches fall asleep , they would sleep their long sleep , and never awaken , if the Lord should not by some cry or other prevent them .

Thirdly , He longs for their fellowship and company though secure ; and therefore it is not a cry of terror and wrath , the Bridegroom hath forsaken you , for your secure careless course ; but it is a cry of grace , go forth to meet him ; yet he is willing to have communion with you , yet he desires that you would have communion with him ; oh come out to meet him ; I shall wrap up all these together , because I shall be brief . Wonderful was the grace of Christ toward the old world , when for the space of one hundred and twenty years he waited for them , who after they had been an hundred and nineteen secure , yet then the same spirit that waiteth for us in these days of the Gospel , preached the Lord unto them .

Ieremiah was very long speaking to Israel ( as the other Prophers ) in so much that the Lord professeth to send the King of Babylon against them , yet the Lords heart melts , cha. 26. 1 , 2 , 3. Speak unto them ; it may be they will hearken , and turn that I may repent ; So Ier. 3. they had polluted the Law , ver. 2. showres are withheld ( which is no great matter ) small evils are arguments of hearts revolted from God ; they did the Lord as much mischief as they could , and were secure , verse 3. Yet mark , wilt thou not from this time cry My Father ? meet the Lord as thy Husband ? will he keep his anger for ever ? Nay , the Lord cast off Adulterous Israel , and they knew the cause , yet went on securely in the same sins ; yet see , verse 14. Turn oh back-sliding children , Prov. 6. 5 , 6. How long , &c.

SECT. II.

IN regard of the foolish , Reason 1. there is no reason , but the Lords pitty and compassion to a sinful people ; he hath compassion on them because he will ; for he doth not pity people only in respect of their miseries , but in respect of their sins , 2 Chron. ult. 16. he sent his Prophets among them ( and they despised them ) because he had compassion on his people ; the cords of grace are let down to all sinners , Blasphemers , Opposers of God , &c.

In regard of the wise Virgins , because his Mariage-covenant with them is not suspended on any thing on his peoples part ; Reason 2. for though there is a condition which the Lord doth require of his people in Mariage-covenant , yet the Lord so requires it , as that he intends to work it , and undertakes to maintain it ; and there is no evil in them , but he promiseth in this Covenant to remove ; he will heal them of it , but he will not cast them off for it ; hence Ephes. 5. 25. Christ loves his Church ; what , because it had loveliness ? no , but that he might wash it ; and if he loves it to this end , that he might wash it , then no pollution can make the Lord utterly to cast it off ; if he loves because of deformities , that he might wash them away , then none can quench his love ; hence no security , no carelesness , though deep , though long , so long as the Mariage-bond between man and wife conti●●s , so long as no sin is committed that can break this Mariage-bond , so long infirmities or other distempers never separate . Now , no sin in them that are given to Christ can break the Mariage-bond , because it is wholly undertaken on the Lords part ; women may commit Adultery , and break their Mariage-bond , because they are not kept by their Husband from that ; but the Lord undertakes this for his people , to put his fear in their heart , that they shall never depart from God . Hos. 2. 19 , 20. I will b●troth thee unto me for ever , and you shall know the Lord ; hence the Lord may humble , but never utterly reject his , for security in a lust .

SECT. III.

OF Direction and thankfulness to the people of God ; Use 1. Oh! do not always fall to fits of doubts after security , though deep and long ( as many Christians do ) and so are ever laying and pulling up foundations ; after most peace of conscience , most security , and then the Sea rageth again , and it is hard for any man to keep his peace ; have you had such mercy , and love , and will you thus be careless and loose again ? believe it , the Lord will break your bones if you love your beds , and not give you rest till you finde it on another pillow ; but yet do not deny his love , though you have forgot it ; do not say you are not Virgins , because fallen asleep ; and that the Bridegroom will never come to meet you , because you have lingred in meeting him ; for behold he cometh : I know there is a difference between the security of the wise and foolish ; of which hereafter : The Disciples fall asleep in the garden after a trebble warning , yet it was against much relucta●cy ; hence Christ pitied them ; the Spirit is willing , but the flesh is weak ; and when they were awakened , their vessels were not found empty ; Peters vessel was full of love to Christ before , and when the Lord awakens him , he tells the Lord he loved him ; and his fall and security in it for a time made him more humble , and love the Lord with less self-confidence , and more purity : But oh , wonder at it , rejoyce in it , and be thankful for it ! especially you that have fallen into any secure frame since ye came into these Virgin-Churches ; which you cannot but do , if you consider the greatness of this sin ; to sin and be long secure , and fast asleep , is strange .

1. This is the great provoking sin ; look throughout all the Book of God , let the sin be grear , and immediately after conscience smitten , bones broken , and heart awakened , we shall never see the Lord but he is pacified , the Lord hears their groanings , and remembers his Covenant ; but little sins fallen into , and by security continued in , the Lord visits for this , Psal. 50. When a man shall not only sin , but take delight in it , as a man doth in his sleep .

2. This is a sin in places of liberty and Ordinances , whereas the Lord was never so good to thee , and thy heart never worse to him , never so secure , you thought and purposed never to be so watchful and tender as now ; to be secure here , greatly aggravates such security .

3. This sin is a common sin ; now this adds to a sin , when a man has a hand in a national sin , that runs in the blood of all the Churches ; for so you see it is , all the Virgins secure : when all forget the Lord , as though there were not enough to lay more loab upon the Lord ; what doth this but harden others in security ; thy wives heart , thy brethrens heart , such a one is secure ; as though it were not enough to fight against the Lord , but Ciant-like to fall among the troops of them that securely dishonor the Lord : When the old world was secure we heard nothing of that ; but when the Sons of God came to be secure , and all flesh corrupted their ways , the Lord falls a mourning , and repents that he had made man : When any sin groweth general in Churches , that sin is most grievous to God ; Princes children when they sin alone it is grievous , but when they take part with all the mutinous crue against their Father , this strikes deep ; Oh that ever mine eyes should see this evil .

4. It is a sin which is the last , and is the ruine of all the foolish Virgins , and perfects their perdition , as here it did ; they slept till it was too late ; oh that the Lord should not cast you off for this ! admire at this ; and let thy heart , and house , and work be filled with praise for this : You have complained long of a secure heart ; see it humble thee that it continueth , but make thee wonder that the Lord will not cast thee off .

SECT. IV.

TO all those that have been long secure ; Vse 2. let this compassion of the Lord awaken you , and draw you to him , and make you come out and meet him ; and give entertainment to the Lord , who hath not yet cast you off from him , but yet crys , oh come and meet me : Methinks this should awaken you ; what , hath not the Lord cast me off yet ? no! but his cry this day is , Oh come out and meet me ! The Lord might have cut thee off in thy security ; this is his season to others , when men cry peace , peace ; and he might have let thee slept and never awake more till past hope ; yet here is his grace , oh come and meet him ! and will you despise it and refuse the Lord ?

Object . 1. I have no oyl in my vessel , no grace in my heart ; what should I meet him for , or look for him ! I am s● vile and so secure , he cannot look upon me .

Answ. 1. You have the more need of receiving him as your Bridegroom , that so you may receive the eternal anointing of his Spirit of Grace and Life in your hearts .

2. Now you have time to get both .

Object . 2. But it is long before the Bridegroom comes ; there 's time enough for this hereafter .

Answ. 1. Would you never look after the Lord , and being betrothed to him till the very time of his coming ? will you despise Grace to the utmost , and weary out Grace to the last gaspe ? behold the Lord shall come , and thy eye shall see him , and waile because of him ; and the Lord will make thee cry out on thy death-bed , and warn others to take heed of trifling with the Lord long , who didst never take warning thy self .

2. You see when the Cry is made , the Bridegroom is not far behinde ; now is his cry , and you see some that did awaken , and after the cry , had time too little to trim their lamps . It may be many cryes have been sounding in thy secure ears ; and yet there 's time , he is not come ; grant it , and will you therefore despise this rich grace the more because of his goodness .

Obj. 3. But I am well as I am without the Bridegroom .

Ans. It may be sleep is sweet for the present ; but if thou wert awakened , thou wouldst be of another minde ; there are many here present that can say , they thought themselves well , &c. but now I see my error , &c. Oh Lord , what if I had been left to these thoughts ; yet this is ever the frame of a secure heart ( like swine ) well when it is in the mire , basking in the Sun .

1. It is pleasure ; but consider , it is but short ; long security will end in hideous affrights , and doleful awakenings , for one days short sleep : I remember Nineveh's are set out by this , Zeph. 2. 15. This is the rejoycing City , that dwelt carelesly ; painting out their misery for this sin above all the rest ; so when plagues be upon you , God and Angels shall point at you , This is the secure sinner that lived loosly .

2. It deprives you of more rest and ease ; carnal security keeps a man from knowing spiritual security ; while your sin and sleep is sweet , the grace of Christ and the sense of his love shall be strangers to you , and to your hearts ; Christ is anointed to preach to a weary , not to a sleepy sinner : Isa. 50. 4. There are seasons of refreshings and coolings , which such shall never know .

3. This which is thy pleasure , is the Lords sorrow and grief ; look as when the sinner mourneth under his sin , the Lords heart is quieted , Zeph. 3. 17 , 18. I said I would confess , and thou forgavest : So when a man delights in his sin , the Lords soul is then grieved ; and the more delight , the more grief ; Christ mourned for the 〈◊〉 of their hearts , Mark 5. 3. Now grant that you 〈…〉 what joy is it to think , that while I have my ease and peace , 〈◊〉 Lord hath his burden ; my rest and peace is the Lords sorrow in Heaven ; when the sons of God grow fleshly , the Lord repented that he had made man ; Oh let the groanings of a compassionate God awaken you out of this security !

SECT. V.

Object . BUt there 's none s●cur here .

Answ. It 's hard for wise not to fall here ; but for foolish not to fall to this sin , at least to be long preserved from it , will be miraculous ; but for the most part of men not to be drowned in it .

1. Have not divers lived and never been awakened at all , not so much as to cry out , I am a damned man , what shall I do ? thou never hadst a spark of eternal flames of wrath to kindle thy conscience , and that after an ignorant and prophane life .

2. If you have been troubled , have you not fallen asleep before ever you have gotten any settled peace and comfort in the blood of Christ , only hast got so much oyl as makes thy lamp burn , and gives thee a name to live , when thy vessel is empty , and heart is dead .

3. Have not many , nay most of thy days been spent without any sorrow for , or reckoning concerning thy sin ? it may be you have a Lent and a cleansing week sometimes ; but most commonly it is otherwise , that you never see sin , but sleep in it , and set your selves to go on , having found no hurt in such a course as yet .

4. How many use the Ordinances of God , come to them , but never gain good by them ? What is there no gold in these mines ? Yes , but a slothful , secure heart will not dig for them .

5. Nay do not Gods crys make the sleep thee faster ? he taketh away a great part of thy estate from thee ; and thou lookest upon the misery and shame of rags and poverty ; and thy heart dyeth away with discontent , and grows more worldly . If light be darkness , if means of wakening be a means of sleeping , how great is that security ? Oh therefore go out and meet the Bridegroom !

SECT. VI.

Quest. BUt how shall I receive the Lord as my Bridgroom and Husband ?

Answ. 1. See what thy widowhood is , and forsaken condition , Isa. 54. 5 , 6. When thou wast refused , the Lord loved thee ; what creature can help thee , when the Lord forsakes thee ? what a misery is it to live out of a fathers house !

2. See his love that he makes to you , otherwise you will never conclude it , but sink , saying , The Lord forgets me : Oh see his love he makes to thee to receive him ; and that thou wouldest give thy consent to have him , that thou mayst love him , Isa. 56. 6. A carnal heart , a whorish lover desires to close with Christ , that Christ may give gifts to it and love it ; but a Virgin that she may love the Lord , and be wholly his ; and this will answer all doubts ; what have you to do with Christ , and all that mercy , grace and glory ? Oh 't is that I may love the Lord more .

Object . 'T is presumption .

Answ. No , it is that I may love the Lord indeed ; and now when the heart is drawn here , Psal. 45. 10. Then shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty ; pleasure in thee , and all that thou dost : What , in me , that am weary of my self ? Yes in thee . 1. When he forsakes others , he will meet thee . 2. Though he departs , and sorrows attend thee , yet thy sorrows shall be turned into joy , and he will see thee again , and never cease delighting in thee , but wrap thee up in everlasting embracings .

CHAP. VIII . Of Christs coming , and his awakening sleepy Christians . VERSE 7. Then all the Virgins arose and trimmed , &c.

SECT. 1.

IN these words to vers. 10. is set down the effect which the cry had upon the Virgins .

First , Upon all of them in general , in this seventh verse .

Secondly , Upon the foolish in particular , in the next verses .

First the effect it wrought upon all of them in general , both good and bad , is set down in two things . 1. They did all arise , i. e. they were throughly awakened out of their secure condition . 2. Being awakened they fell to their work , which was to trim their lamps , as to beautifie and adorn their lamps , which had now lost their ●light and bea●ty by soiling themselves , and all through neglect ; now they trimmed them , when first , they wiped off the soil ; secondly , made search for that which was necessary for the shining glory of them ; Thus far the foolish trimmed their lamps , who yet did not find that oil in their vessels , which was the main thing to beautifie them indeed , which the wise had ; so that they all trimmed their lamps ; the wise trimmed theirs indeed ; the foolish theirs , so well as they could .

That the serious real apprehension of the nearness of Christs coming , is enough to awaken throughly the most secure Virgens : Observation 1. I say , if Virgins ( especially that have been awakened to know any thing of the Lords coming ) this will awaken them ; for when the cry was made He cometh , now they all arose ; whilst he did tarry as they thought , then they sleep ; but when the cry comes , that he is near and coming , oh now they awake .

This coming is meant either of his coming to the last Judgement , or of his coming to particular Judgement immediately at and after death : I shall apply my self chie●ly to the coming of Christ at death to his people , because this doth chiefly concern us ; the near approach of this will awaken , when apprehended near .

Rom. 13. 11. When the Apostle would awaken them out of security , Your salvation now is nearer than when you first believed , i. e. that perfect salvation which is at that time ; now if the apprehension that it is nearer than at first awakens , much more when it is apprehended so indeed . Iam. 5. 8 , 9. There was it seems divers that were oppressed , and they ready to faint , and forsake the Lord , and wait no more ; what therefore doth he do ? the coming ( saith he ) of the Lord draweth nigh .

1 Sam. 12. 19. When Samuel told them before that misery should come if they would have a King , they cared not ; now when thunder came , that they saw death and the Lord near them , now they feared , and cryed , and repented ; Oh we dye , say they , pray for us : It is with the Soul as it is with Sea-men , when they first set out in the Main , if the wind be good , and all things well , they take their rest and sleep , though going nearer every day than other ; but when they apprehend they are near the shore , now they look out , though in the night ; so here .

SECT. II.

BEcause here a man sees an end of his sinful way , Reason 1. and of all his delights which have bound him up in the bonds of security ; a soft bed , and an easie pillow , and much feeding in a place of rest , will procure much sleeping ; the heart of a man would never be secure , if it had not some delight or other to quiet it self withal ; now at Christs coming there is an end of it , then a man is stript naked of all his greatness and honor , friends , blessings ; and when a man sees an end , and is come to an end of a sinful way , now all a mans delights and hopes perish ; the beginning of a sinful course is sweet and beautiful ( like pictures seen afar off beautiful ) but the end is gal and woormwood ; for every sinful secure course is sweet in appearance , or indeed ; if only in hope , and conception ( as in a dream ) when the end comes , all a mans hopes perish . If indeed it hath been sweet , now there 's the more grief ; now my heart , my life , my blood must be taken from me , and what profit is there now in this my stubborn way ! when a man is sinking , and the boat is breaking , what a miserable wretch now , Lord help ! hence Ezek. 7. 3 , 6. when an end is come , now they fling their silver in the streets ; Oh the stumbling-block of mine iniquity , verse 18 , 19. now they shall seek peace and shall not find it , verse 25. now they shall seek a vision of the Prophet , verse 26. Like a man that is drawn into a fair way , and is out of that his way , when he comes to an end , and is forsaken of all and left in a wood , now what 's the profit ?

Because at his coming there is the entrance and passage into eternity , Reason 2. and into an eternal state of weal or wo ; now though the apprehension of the end of a secure sinful way , may and will awaken , yet when eternity is apprehended it will amaze ; for this time is but a little spring or river which runs into eternity , and carries all men living down with it to eternity : Now when men see an end of time , and the beginning of eternity , and themselves posting thereto , it is as when a man sees himself floating upon the waters , where there 's no bottom , and all stay gone , though he hath been long secure , now he will cry out if he sees it . It is with men now , as it is with those that are ready to be cast down from some Towr , it makes the heart tremble , oh ! where shal I alight ! oh it 's impossible but if men do apprehend eternity , and that also near unto them , but it will awaken them ; it will make a stout , stony-hearted Saul to run to Urim ; it will make Kings and Princes run to Monasteries , and men to Cells and Deserts ; It will make the proudest Felix tremble when Paul reasons of Judgement to come . It 's usually the first thing that doth awaken the people of God ; eternity doth amaze them , and them that have fallen to all ●asciviousness . Oh eternity !

Because of the terror at the coming of the Lord ; Reason 3. Revel. 6. ult . to them that be unprovided and unprepared ; hence it is , and will be , when an evil is near , fear will flie out : Men as men will do it , unless they be walking blocks and bruits . For ,

1. Then they are to stand naked before the Lord so great and holy .

2. Then they shall have all their sins set in order , Psal. 50. 21. and especially those secret sins which they never saw , and whereby they did perfect their own perdition .

3. Then the final sentence past , never to be recalled again , and they shall know it ; for if there might be a day to repent , then some hope ; but if not , o● this awakens .

4. Then to be surrendred up into the hands of Devils , to be kept by that Jaylor in Prison , 1 Pet. 3. 19. until the coming of the great day ; and so to be kept in their custody , and to be in their fellowship , looking back , and mourning for time mis-spent , looking to time to come , shortly to meet my body , and then to be parted for ever from the Lord ! oh when this evil is apprehended , it will awaken a man to search and look about him .

SECT. III.

HEnce see a great cause of the deep and long security of many a man , Vse 1. and that in Virgin-Churches under all awakening means , Ordinances and Providences of God ; men put far from them this day of death , and time of Christs coming , they think seldom of it , come not near to it , nor make it near to them ; sometime they complain of a dead sluggish spirit , secure heart , and yet remain so , and wonder sometime at the reason of it why it shou'd be so ; why ? this is one reason of it , either you think not of this coming of the Lord , or see it not near , even at the door , but number many days to your selves , and this is the cause of it , you do not lodge in , nay look to your Coffins , and walk to your graves side often , and so stand there and hear the cry , and see the Lord a coming ; there will be more in what I say than what you see at first blush of this truth ; but this I know , and the Word proves it , universal security ariseth from hence . As for instance .

1. Why do men minde the things of the world so much ? that there is such care for them , such eager desire after them , that many times prayer is neglected , Sabbaths neglected , when will they be at an end ? God neglected , Souls of wife , children servants , a mans own soul neglected and overgrown with nettles ; that there is such an high opinion , dreams of worldly goods , and when a man hath them , then at rest ; because , with the glutton , they think they have goods for many a year ; and hence we shall see when a man waketh , death is near to him ; and when it is near to a man , now he thinks he hath been deceived in all the things of the world , that they are not good for him , 1 Cor. 7. 29. The time is short , and the fashion of the world passeth away : Nothing makes these things so sought after and good but only esteem ; now this is because men look only to things present .

2. Why do mens hearts sink with the meanness of their outward condition , and the troubles of it ? ( for this is security ) it is because of this , they do not remember the nearness of the coming of the Lord ; it is but a little while longer , and then the God I have chosen will alone be sweet , and he will make me amends for all my troubles , and therefore let me bear up my head a little while . Psal. 39. when Davids heart began to be troubled by seeing others prosperity , his own misery , Lord ( saith he ) make me to know my end and the measure of my days , mine age is as an hand breadth ; hence ver. 7. Lord what hope I for ? truly my hope is in thee .

3. Why are men pu●t up with their own excellencies , and filled with such pride and high conce●●s of themselves , sometimes of their beauty , sometimes of their apparel , sometime their friends , sometime their esteem , and they value themselves much by this ? men consider not the coming of the Lord , which shall stain the pride of all glory , Isa. 23. 8. and that this time is near .

4. Why do people complain they cannot prize the Lord or his Ordinances as they could ? why do men on their death-beds then prize it , then pray , then hear ? then oh a little mercy , then send for Moses , then the Lord is righteous ; and if he shew mercy , never such a pattern as I , because now death and Christs coming is near : you do therefore undervalue the gain of Ordinances , because of this ; Jer. 9. 20 , 23. if you did , you would glory in nothing but the Lord , Ier. 9. 21 , 23.

5. Why do men go up and down without any assurance of the Lords love , or the truth of any grace , and that after conviction ? why do men upon their death-beds seek for it , and then fall a searching , and then open their estates , and then desire peace ? because the coming of the Lord is near ; you put the day of the Lord far from you ; if you saw it near , you would get on your armor in readiness against the day of battel ; if your Husband be at door , you would get on your apparel , Psal. 89. 46 , 47 , 49.

6. Why is so much time spent unfruitfully , that a Christan is not abundant in doing and receiving good ? who is the better for thy speeches , for thy prayers , for thy example ? when Moses Psal. 90. had numbered mens days , then v. 17. stablish thou the work of our hands upon us ; Look upon a Christian at first conversion , he thinks he shall not live long ; it 's strange to see what prayers , what tears ; how fruitful , how diligent he is ; Oh therefore see your sore this day ! 't is nigh almost , O therefore up and be doing .

SECT. IV.

OH therefore , Vse 2. if ever you would be freed from this infectious , this damning sin and plague of security , make the coming of the Lord near unto you , and come you near unto it , be ever near it ; number your days , they are soon told over , and often think of your latter end when the Bridegroom comes ; for this will awaken you out of your secure fits , and make you fall hard to your work .

First , This will make you do much work for the Lord in a little time ; when Moses was to be gathered to his Fathers , now he provides for the Church , now he instructs the people more than ever concerning their e●●ates , &c.

Secondly , It will be very sweet ; it is but a very little while though it be bitter , and it will put strength to do it ; work is wearisom for want of strength ; so Christ's work is wearisom , because we want strength ; now this doth put strength into the soul , Iam. 5. 8 , 9.

Thirdly , It will be very glorious ; works even of dying men are very glorious and successful : Speeches of living ( yet dying Christians ) sink deep ; for then God is near unto us when we are near unto him , and see things as they are ; and hence such speeches are commonly blest to men ; the speeches and works and carriages of Christ were never so glorious , as when most near his end .

SECT. V.

Object . BUt should ● Christian in Christ use this as a motive to stir up his heart , or no ? this is mockery , this Philosophy sends men to ; doth Divinity do so ? a Christian must be acted by love , not fear .

Answ. 1. That which God hath sanctified for this end we may make use of for the attainment of it ; now God hath sanctified afflictions , death , and the fear of them for this end , to awaken the secure sinner ; Iehosaphat fears and proclaimeth a fast ; Noah feared and built an Ark ; Christ himself to the Church of S●rdis ( to awaken her ) professeth he will come as a thief in the night suddenly , 2 Pet. 3. If the heavens shall be dissolved , what manntr of persons should we be : It is true , it is hypocrisie for a man to be led only by fear ; but it is prophaness ( the original of the Sadduces ) not to be terrified at all ; it is not hypocrisie to be awakened partly by fear to the apprehension of these things ; for God hath sanctified them for this end , and though these do not work grace ( where there was none before ) barely , yet the awakening of conscience , is that whereby the Lord prepares for grace ; and this is good in its kinde ; and it stirs up grace where it was before , as here this cry makes the Virgins to kindle their oyl , and set that a burning .

Objection 2. But the time is not near ; Should I apprehend an untruth ?

Answ. It may be 't is near ; the apprehension of this is not false , and this the Lord gives verse 13. as the ground of constant watch , for you know not when he comes ; now if men love their goods , they will watch .

2. It is near ; if you had but wisdom to see into eternity , and the nature of time , you would say so also , Psal. 90. 4. A thousand years are but as yesterday , and as a watch in the night . Vers. 5. our time is as a sleep , short and vain . Ver. 6. it is but as a flower of one days glory ; nay , it is but as a thought , vers. 9. It is so when you see things as they are , and you will account it so . Oh therefore let me beg this of you , make Christs coming , and death near to you , tha● you may be delivered from your dead palsies , deep slumbers , and dying sick sleeps ; especially seeing the signs of the Lords coming to reckon with you , do you think to escape ? Masters that betrust Servants with most , will they call others to account , to whom they have betrusted less , and not you ? what people under heaven be trusted with more mercies and liberties than we ! and do you think he is gone to a far Country , and will never return ? He let Palatine and other Churches enjoy the means long , he summons them to an account by famine , sword , and pestilence , wilde beasts , and cruel Souldiers ; and shall he never ride in his circuit this way ? yes verily : Do you boast in the goodly stones of this Temple ? If the Lord by your security be despised , and his Messengers , and Ordinances , and Kingdom , he will not leave one stone upon another : When will this be ? not yet : that 's true ; yet awake at the signs of it , Mat. 24. Wars , rumors of wars , famine , aerthquakes , deceivers that come in the name of Christ , Apostacy of Professors , whence many com● to be offended , Divisions and scatterings of one Brother against another , Iniquity abounding in the World , and Love growing cold in Churches ; If these be not amongst us now , we have the less cause to fear ; if so , have we not cause to awake one hour considering our time is nigh ! if not , yet Christs time is nigh of coming to particular persons .

SECT. VI.

Quest. HOw shall I make it near ?

Answ. Truly till the Lord teach us the number of our days , we can never do it : yet three things do ;

First , Convince thy soul of the sin and evil of looking after to morrow , and reaching after that time which is to come , Prov. 27. 1. 1. It is none of thine . ● . Nothing draws the heart so much from God . 3. You will never find what you expect hence ; these are lying vanities , therefore come not to these wells .

Secondly , Either thou wantest assurance , then fear his coming , for fear will make misery present , and so awaken ; and hope ( è contra ) good present : Or thou hast assurance ; then love his coming , see all thy good wrapt up there ; and love will make things absent beloved , and present comfort in the thoughts of them ; as wicked men that love the things of this life , and are in certain hopes to have them , they oft rejoyce in the hopes ; because the good is present , they reckon upon it as theirs already .

Thirdly , See how near you are unto the Lord Jesus : 1. That you are made for the Lord , not to enjoy these things ; they are made for you , and not you to serve them ; because God hath called you out of this world , from the grave , hell , sin , to life ; now the next is glory , 2 Cor. 5. 3 , 4 , 5.

2. That now there 's nothing but thy breath , thy body between thee and Jesus Christ ; when this shell is broken , thou art with the Lord , and shalt see him with open face ; this will make you look for the day of delivery .

CHAP. IX . Of Christians , trimming their Lamps ; and how holiness is the Christians glory .

SECT. 1. And trimmed their Lamps .

THE word ( 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ) signifies adorned , beautified their lamps , made clean or cleansed ; It is the same word which is used 1 Tim. 2. 9. Womens adorning let it not be with pearls , but good works .

Quest. What is the glory of the Lamp ?

Answ. First , When the filth is wiped away , which did defile it .

Secondly , When oyl is gotten , and the lamp is lighted ; now it s in its full trim as it was at first when they went out ; whilst they were sleeping , their lamps not being looked into , began to lose their shining glory ; now they recover them .

Object . But how came the foolish to trim their Lamps ?

Answ. They did endeavor it , and did something that way , as is apparent from the context , and so they trimmed them so far as they could reach ; but the compleat and full adorning of them was this of the wise . And therefore look as by oyl in the vessel is meant the eternal anointing of the Spirit of grace within , so by shining is meant the glorious profession arising from it , as the adorning of women , 1 Tim. 2. 9. is their holy conversation .

That the Spirit of holiness abiding in the hearts , and shining in the lives of Observation 2. Saints , it is their excellency , ornament and glory : This adorns the Virgins lamps ; through security they began to lose their glory ; Now when they prepare their lamps , they adorn their lamps ; and this is their glory . —

2 Cor. 3. ult. We are changed into the same image from glory to glory ; grace and holiness is glory . Ephes. 5. 27. Christ presents a glorious Church ; wherein ? without spot or wrinckle , and holy before the Lord . 1 Thess. 4. 4. Sanctification and honor are joyned together .

SECT. II.

Quest. WHat Spirit of holiness is it which is a Christians glory ?

Answ. It is not every patcht profession of holiness which is a Christians true glory ; for by what means is the name of God more blasphemed by the wicked of the world , than by those that profess holiness , yet break out into scandalous sins ! Rom. 2. 14. it is a wonder if a prophane man be good a little ; but it is a greater wonder and scandal if a professor be bad a little . Neither is it a most glorious appearance of holiness ; this is deceit , craft , and hypocrisie , not a glory : A Stage-player that acts the part of a King , wants the glory of a King ; and hence Paul opposeth himself to these , 2 Cor. 5. 12. But when there is first an exemplary holiness , arising secondly , from the fulness of the Spirit of grace within , as here in the Virgins , a shi●ing profession from an inward Spirit , when Christ hath attained the end of offering up himself , that men are a peculiar people , zealous of good works : Suppose the lamp doth burn , yet if not for the end it was made , so that a man can scarcely see his way , nor others by it , its glory is much lost : Now the end of the Spirit of holiness is this , the end of Christ's death and ministery is this ; Phil. 2. 13 , 14. and though they may speak evil , yet 1 Pet. 2. 12. they may glorifie God in that day ; when it is with men as it is with those , Z●ch. 8. ●lt . We have seen God is in you ; when a man maintains a sleepy careless profession and name , the lamp now wants its trim ; when lamps are put under bushels , they lose their glory .

Quest. 2. Before whom is this their glory ?

Answ. 1. Before the eyes of God the Father , Ioh. 12. 26. He that shall serve me , him shall my Father honor ; and though the world honor them not , yet they shall be spectators of it .

2. Before Jesus Christ his eyes , Psal. 45. 11. Forget thy country , and thy fa●hers house , so the King shall take pleasure in thy beauty .

3. Before all the people of God themselves , 2 Thess. 1. 4 , 5. So that we glory of you among all the Churches ; every one will be speaking of such ; oh there 's one of a thousand ; hardly shall you go into his company but you shall get some good , and life , and heat from him .

4. Before Hypocrites many times , who of all others are the greatest haters of the ways of holiness and the power of godliness ▪ hence Herod , Mar. 6. 20. loved Iohn , because a holy man , not because a deep Schollar , or a great man ; hence , while Ioshua and the Elders live , the people serve the Lord ; and while Iehoiada lives , Ioash is forward ; the greatest Monarchs fall down here .

5. In the eyes of bad men , and hence Deut. 4. 6 , 7. when they kept the Statutes of the Lord , what nation so great , as hath such Laws , and so wise also ! Jer. 33. 9. this is their glory before all the world , at least in the consciences of all men , which is their better part , 2 Cor. 5. 11. we are manifest in their consciences ; and hence the worst say often , if all were such as they are , &c.

Quest. 3. When is it their glory ?

Answ. 1. In this life ( as hath been already shewed ) in midst of reproaches , the Spirit of glory , 1 Pet. 4. 14. in midst of weaknesses , Davids heart was perfect .

2. At the great and last day ; let a man by his wisdom , conquests , excellencies get himself a name , yet when death comes , his glory perisheth ; if it doth last , yet not long ; the greatest Monarchs have been like a mighty wind , filled the world with a noise for a time , and then down ; but at the last day , then Oh their shame , what everlasting contempt shall they arise unto ! But this shall be our glory at the last day , 1 Pet. 1. 5 , 6 , 7. which shall be to glory and praise at the comming of our Lord ; and it is said , then shall the righteous shine as the Sun ; and then all the world shall stand and admire , and wonder at them . And

3. Throughout all eternity this shall be their glory , even an everlasting name unto them , better than the name of Sons and Daughters ; Isa. 56. 5. when the wicked shall see them all at the right hand of God , and gnash their teeth , that themselves are shut out , when the Lord and his Saints shall take infinite delight one in another , Luk. 12. 37.

SECT. III.

Quest. 4. WHy is this a Christians glory , excellency , and honor ?

Answ. 1. In regard of the baseness of other things wherein men do use to glory ; the wise man in his wisdom , the strong man in his strength , the rich man in his wealth : There are Three things which make these base .

First , These things make a man not the more to be accepted of God ; the Lord respects not , values not the worth of any man by these things ; and to make all the world know this , he staineth the pride of all glory , and chuseth the poor and foolish things of the world to confound the wise ; a wise man will never respect the horse the more because it carries store of rich treasures , he will not fall down and reverence it for this ; hang Swine about with pearls , who honors them the more ? and will a wise God respect a man the more for these things ? 1 Pet. 3. 5. What is that that is of great price with God ? Holiness is of great price with God : And what though all the world honor a man , and a man honoreth himself , while this is wanting ?

Secondly , All these things leave a man dead under the reign of Satan , power of his sin and dominion of death ; and hence Ier. 9. 24. Let no man glory in his wisdom , &c. Death is entred into your windows ; take any bondman bound with fetters ( though golden ) doth any man account him the more glorious ? a Prince that is made a vassal and slave to every base fellow , is he the more glorious ? no : So whiles men lye under the reign of death ; stick a man that is dead with flowers , what is he the more glorious ? alas no! his life is gone ; now the Spirit of holiness is called the Spirit of life , even of the life that never shall dye , Rom. 8. And therefore as it is said of a Flye , there is more excellency in a Gnat than in a Cedar , than in the glorious heaven , because it hath life , which the other hath not ; so though men wonder at the goodly trappings of wicked men , yet the poorest and most despised Christian , that hath the Spirit of life , is more glorious .

Thirdly , Because these things only purchase the more credit and honor in the eyes of men , and that of wicked men ; for 1 Cor. 5. 10. We know no man after the flesh ; if they do , it is that which they account themselves beasts and fools for , as David did , Psal. 73. And what is the honor of man ? it is the b●sest thing that is ; for it is that which is without a man , it is no excellency within the man ; it is but the thoughts of a mans head and heart , than which , what more vain , what more mutable ? nay , 't is but the dreams of a mans head , for they are mistakes : If all the town should dream another was a King , who yet were indeed a Beggar ( which when they awake they see ) what were he the better for this ? Paul , 2 Cor. 11. 23. how he doth glory in priviledges , which were better and more goodly hangings than these● this ( saith he ) I speak as a fool ; and what be these a Christians glory ? no surely .

Answ. 2. Because that is a Christians glory which is Christs glory .

First , It is that glory wherein the glory of Christ consists , Psal. 45. 2. Thou art fairer than the children of me● , full of grace is thy lips ; and 2 Cor. 3. ult. into the same image from glory to glory : Indeed Christ's greatness in governing the world is his glory , but it is because it is mixt with such holiness , Isa. 6. 1 , 2 , 3. Phil. 2. 8 , 9. he humbled himself , and this hath given him a name , and shall be his name for ever ; this is that which makes the Lord Jesus lovely and amiable in the eyes of all his people , Rev● 15. 4. Who would not fear thee , or thou onely art holy ! and so he is , for all the stars receive their light and shine with it , by this Sun only ; and so the more a Christian excels in this , the more like he is to Jesus Christ , and so more glorious and lovely .

Secondly , This is that which gives him glory , ● . e. so far as creatures can , which is to manifest it , and hence 2 Cor. 8. 23. which is the glory of Christ ; and hence Isa. 46 , 13. Israel is called the glory of the Lord ; Isa. 62. 2 , 3. the righteous is called the glory , and crown , and diad●m in the hand of the Lord ; and as God is better than the Soul , so this , viz. to glorifie the Lord , is better than to be glorified by the Lord .

SECT. IV.

HEnce see one reason why men lose their honor , their love and respect in the Use 1. eyes of God and men ; their judgements are not revere●●ed , their persons not accepted , their names and practises despised ; this is one reason among the rest , a decay in holiness ; the lamp is defiled , the light and lustre of it going out , and who will reverence it then ? 't is admirable to see the complaints abroad .

First , Look but into Families , what is the reason there is so much discontent there , that Servants are weary of their Masters , Masters of their Servants ; and there is such complaints one of another , little respect one of another ? it is for want of holiness , power , and life of godliness ; the Master saith , the Servant is unruly , froward , surly , flothful , unfaithful , untrusty , and must not be spoken to ; the Servant saith , his Master is passionate , unkinde , wants pity to his body , and sometimes strikes him without cause , and much more careless of his soul , never instructs him , but is eaten up with the world , &c. truly this is the cause . It seems the Lord wrought upon divers in Primitive times , and the Apostle gives Servants an item , that they may glorifie God , and adorn the Gospel of the Lord Iesus ; Tit. 2. 10. how came Ioseph into ●o●iphar's books ? oh , he was very holy , and very prudent ; and I le warrant did his Masters work better when his Master was absent than before , and prayed for success in his business , as Abraham's Servant . Look but upon Husband and Wife , it is strange to see what divisions and jars there ; and what 's the cause of it , Wife doth not honor Husband , nor Husband honor Wife ? how comes this ? oh , there is little holiness seen in their private walking one with another ; the woman thought the man godly ; had I known this , I would have seen you a hundred miles off , &c. the man also he complains of his wife , I see now I am like to be troubled with a continual dropping , a very fury of hell , so impatient , ( and the next neighbor hears of it ) nothing can please her ; what 's the reason of this ? your sin makes your shame , and there 's the want of holiness , 1 Pet. 3. 3. man might be conve●ted by the Wife , and the Wife by the Husband ; not that it is always so , but usually so .

Secondly , Look into Churches , what is the reason people lose their honor much in the hearts of Ministers ? he respects others , but not me ; and sometimes they think , now he strikes at me , and meaneth me , and then the heart swells , &c. what 's the reason that Paul professeth he will come with a rod among the Corinthians ? they were babes , and carnal , and contentious , and pu●t up , little love and life ; and what 's the reason he sets out the Thessalonians so ? 1 Thess. 1. 5. because of this they did abound , and hence commended of all Saints ; hence want of growth and holiness ; they travel in birth till Christ be formed , and when they cannot see that , hence they are in throws for you ; what 's the reason Ministers lose their glory among people ? I confess 't is not always for decay here ; for Iohn in prison did not lose his holiness ; and hence , when they despised him , Christ commended him , and his reward was with the Lord ; it was not a testimony of his unholiness , but a fore-r●nner of the end of his days , as well as of the end of his work ; and hence when all Asia forsook Paul , 2 Tim. 4. 16. it was the time of his departing now at hand . But that which is the cause of it many times , is want of holiness within ; and hence though men fee not , yet the Lord will not give a false testimony , nor let men do so ; hence neither judgements nor their speeches reverenced ; or because men see not the ancient Spirit of holiness , hence no mourning for them in secret , no holiness in speeches , they smell of the field , not walking as patterns before them , Mal. 2. 8 , 9. not caring for the f●ock which Christ hath purchased with his own blood . What 's the reason there is that complaint of want of love one man to another , one member to another , who are bound by covenant to it , such jars , divisions ? &c. Truly nothing makes so firm an union between man and man as holiness and grace , this tieth the knot ; and it is not holiness hid , but now seen ; it not being seen , hence comes all your breaches , its impossible else such small things should make it : Oh a tender heart and the life of Christ is not indeed seen ; a holy man exact shall never want love , that in every company scatters something , that like Christ , goes up and down doing good , healing the diseases of mens hearts ; there 's a man I could dye with him in my very bosom : I am perswaded the decay of holiness in the lives of men , is the cause why Sanctification is questioned as an evidence of Justification ; and hence division .

Thirdly , Look abroad into the world , what is the reason the Churches lye among the pots , and are soiled with so many disgraces , that though we be the people of the Lord , yet we are not called so ? why , ja●s , divisions , earthliness , want of love and mercy , murmurings , loss of former life . When Jews are shining with the glory of God , Kings and all Nations shall bring in their glory to them : Oh consider this ! sin doth make you vile in Gods eyes and mans eyes : Many complain they cannot be respected , nor received ; this is the cause of it , you excell not here ; others take notice of your unrighteousness , unholiness of life ; there 's some evil in their bargaining and buying , and ill language from the people of God . Oh therefore go home and lament this , as she , The glory of God is departed from Israel ; so do you here .

SECT. V.

HEnce see when the Lord doth honor us to do his work , what little cause Vse 2. there is to seek honor of men ( nay though all the worlds glory be taken from you ) because it is honor enough to do the Lords work ; would you have more honor than Christ ? this was his beauty , glory , and honor ; God hath an everlasting name for you , though you have disgrace by it , nay though no success , yet Isa. 49. 5. glorious in the Lords eye : Oh it was a sweet course of Barak , Iudg. 4. 9. thou shal● lose honor ; that 's all one , said she , Let me do the Lords work , though it be in a difficult work of pursuing the Lords enemies ; what profit have you on the other side , when you seek it in your pitchers ? what company ? &c. this was Sauls sin , 1 Sam. 15. 30. Oh worship and honor me nevertheless this time before the people ; it 's his reward , and it 's the Devils sin to be puft up ; this pull'd down Nebuchadnezar ; Herod was smote with worms , because he gave not glory to God , but took it to himself ; it was a heavy speech to Eli , 1 Sam. 2. 29. Because thou honorest thy sons above me , this and that I will do unto thee . Nay though men are so holy as to honor God with their lips , yet God will blast the wisdom of the wise for it : Oh therefore let this be enough , and then you will not hunger after other honor ; for this is glory and honor enough , and you have thought so , when your selves , Oh if I may but honor the Lord , it is enough .

Hence see what little cause any wicked man hath to lift up his head with any glory he hath , because the spirit of holiness , beauty and glory is departed from Use 3. them ; as when the Soul is departed from the body its glory and beauty is departed from them , it 's withered ; and therefore we shall read in Scripture what names the Lord gives them , as Dogs , Swine , Serpents , a generation of vipers , painted Sepulchres , Devils in the time of the greatest profession , as Iudas , Ioh. 6. Wilde beasts , and that in the greatest outward glory ; and hence the four Monarchies of the world are resembled to such beasts , Bears , Leopards , &c. Dan. 7. Thus for their persons : And as for their actions , all they do is unclean , and ignoble and hence compared to Thistles , that cannot bring forth Figs or Grapes ; and hence Solomon compares them , As jewels in a Swines snout , so is a parable in the mouth of a fool , it becomes them not , it 's abomination in the sight of God all that which they do , though glorious before men ; and at last day they shall rise up to everlasting contempt ; and it is said Isa. 66. ult. their worm shall never dye , and they shall be an abhorring to all flesh , though they Dan. 12. 2. may carry it out fair for a time ; the fairest professors that by their Sorceries and enchantments deceive the people shall be filled with shame , and as the Magicians were smitten with sores they could not stand before Moses ( being smitten with sores ) so you shall not be able to stand before the Lord at the last day ; and Exod. 9. 71. look as it is with Christ and his people , their cross and shame here , it is but their preparation to their crown ; and hence , when Christ was put to the most open shame , then was the day-break of his glory ; so all that you glory in , which God gives , 't is but a solemn preparation for your shame : And hence , when Nebuchadnezar is at his highest pitch and thoughts of glory , then is his downfall ; if a man should have a crown upon his head , all honor given him , and it should be whispered to him , This is but a preparation to your execution , what little glory could he take in that ? but rather fall a weeping as Paul , Phil. 3. 18 , 19. when he saw some that made their belly their God , and boasted of the things of the earth , whose glory is their shame ; and he speaks of them weeping : And therefore you that can sit in a chimney-corner , when you meet with your companions , hang , draw , and quarter within your selves , and censute all Churches , Ministers and Christians of a Town and Country , and if you see any sores , like flyes , go and suck them and make them worse ; or if not , you can make them and imagine them , and scoff at holiness secretly ; and though your consciences condemn you of wickedness , yet lift up your selves with something that you have ; Oh know it , your beauty is gone ; never a man but glorieth in something ; so much estate , so much esteem , so much wisdom , and gifts , birth , and beauty ; and now as proud as Satan , but yet a stranger to the life of God , your conversation is not above : Oh poor creature ! happy were it for thee if thou wer● no man , ( dying so ) but the most despised of all Gods creatures , who art now abhorred of God , and shalt be the shame of all creatures another day .

SECT. VI.

HEnce if any man hath lost his glory and esteem in the consciences of the Use 4. people of God , see how to recover it ; the Country is full of complaints and murmurings ; among the rest this is one of the sorest that many complain of ' They are not respected , they are no body ; they had this and that esteem in their own Country of such Ministers , Christians , and were of this esteem ; now the market is fallen here , and hence offended at every one , and cannot pass for members in many Churches ; and hereupon bear a private grudge against the Church , and all Ordinances in it , and flie Towns , or sit still , and comfort themselves their conscience is clear , &c. It is with many as it is with Bristo●-stones , they are like pearls , and so they go till they come to the Jewellers ; and then when tried not worth two pence ; so many men never came to the trial , as here Gods providences try some men more than ever losses , sorrows ; Gods Ordinances try men , and thus they are found too light ; would you now recover it ? Oh get a Spirit of holiness ! and think , Oh I have had a high esteem of my self ; but I fall short of that brokenness for my vileness , and want that esteem of , and acquaintance with the Lord Jesus , that the glory of the Lord is not to this day risen upon me ; Oh then make after , and merchandise for this , Prov. 3. 14 , 15 , 16. Sometimes a godly man loseth this ; is there not inwardly a decay of holiness● and hence God hath forsaken , and suffered to fall into some sin , so as man hath seen it ; do you think the Lord will honor you in the hearts of his people , while you dishonor him ? when you live in a vain dead-hearted condition , and disguise your selves , or in impen●tency for open offences either of opinion or practice ; Be it far from me , saith the Lord , 1 Sam. 2. 20. them that dishonor me shall be lightly esteemed ; and hence God will cut off Eli's children ; you know what a sad letter Paul wrote to the C●rinthians ; but when they saw the spiritual meaning , 2 Cor. 7. 14 , 15. Paul boasts of them ; Titus his affection was abundant toward them ; if not abund●nt confession and giving glory to God , how should you look that God should else give glory to you ? it's wonderful to see , how men that have been convinced of sin , and yet would hide it , how the Lord in his jealousie hath discovered them in his time ; the sin hath been committed by them , and enqu●ry hath been made , and some conviction , and yet they have wound off , and cried out of wrong ; the Lord hath left them to worse evils ; And so the Lord will deal with men ; and so I say , hide your sin , it shall be your shame at last , and the Lord will never honor you in the consciences of his people till you out with it , and confess it ; Iannes and Iambres , their madness shall be made known at last ; I speak not this that men should make holiness a bridge to their own honor , and so to stand upon Christs shoulders ; but that this is the way to regain such a blessing , which an humble heart knows how to want , as well as to have .

Oh then place your glory in this ; of all things in the world , a man des●res nothing more than honor ; it 's dearer than life , and it is that which every one Use 5. doth d●sire ; Oh beloved , hunt not after shadows , feed not your 〈◊〉 with dreams ; make not your Garl●nds of withered flowers , but in this which is your glory before God and men . Ier. 9. 24. Let not rich men glory in riches , but in this , that ●e knoweth me ; It was the heavy complaint the Lord took up against his people , Ier. 2. 11. That they did change their glory ; the Lord himself is the glory of his people , as shining in them by his Spirit ; it was the great sin of the Gentiles , Rom. 1. 23. that they changed the glory of the 〈◊〉 God , into an image of corruptible men and beasts ; so you know this is your glory ; and oh now to change this glory for an image of glory ! and hence given up to vile affections , to a corruptible minde ; and therefore Prov. 8 ▪ 4 , 8. Exalt her , she shall promote thee ; admire at this ! a man excels in nothing but what he admires at , or seeks not to excel in any thing but what he wonders at ; you will never place your glory in holiness , nor excel in it , unless you admire at it , and it will then exalt you , and bring you to honor , because indeed it is your honor : Oh that God would work this , men would not be so greedy after the world , nor praise of men .

SECT. VII .

Quest. BUt how shall we come to this ?

Answ. 1. Consider the example of Christ , and all the people of Christ at all times , who did not place their glory in these things , but in things above : If a man is to lay much out upon something in the market , if he be wise he will enquire of prudent men that know things , the worth of them , and then it fals out sometimes those things he esteems highly are of no value ; so here , look upon Paul , Gal. 6. 14. God forbid I should glory in any thing but the cross of Christ ; 1 Cor. 4. 13. When the Corinthians were puffed up with greatnes , to pull them down from this , he professeth he and others were the off-scouring of the world ; and this was their glory , v●rse 16. Look upon Christ himself , he had as much excellency as could be , yet he cast it off , despised all the glory of the world , was a worm and no man ; he professeth he sought no ●onor of men , ●ut the will of him that sent him ; this was his glory .

2. Look upon the excellency of your estate in Christ , 1 Cor. 2. 21. Glory not in men , for all things are yours ; take any Prince that hath a Kingdom , will he house in a cottage or spend his time and care to thatch and repair that ? no , all the Kingdom is mine ; and hence he will have Kingly thoughts and Kingly aims , and ends , and acts that ennoble him indeed : So here , 2 Cor. 5. 9. Knowing we have a house above , that there is but a breath between us and glory ▪ we labor ( are ambitious ) that whether absent or present to be present to be accepted of him . The very reason why the hearts , minds , lives of men are so debased , as to seek their glory in that which is their shame , is this , they know no better estate , no greater glory ; the God of glory , and Kingdom of glory , and promise of glory , and Ark , and Cherubims , and Oracles of glory in Christ have been to this day hid from their eyes ; hence Heb. 12. 2. Christ for the joy set before him desp●sed the shame .

3. Make the Lord present with you , and see him shine about you in his glory ; when poor men come to the Court and see no King there , they bow down to his Chair ; whereas if he was seen he should have all the honor then ; so when men see creatures , but see them like empty chairs , the God of glory not filling of them , we bow down to creatures , but when God is seen , now the soul gives all glory to him ; a man that lives without any in his house as chief , all servants attend on him ; but when the Prince comes with his train , now all his Servants with himself are too little to attend on the Prince ; so here , when men come to pray , or preach , or speak , Oh how doth a wicked heart seek it self ? but when the Lord is seen , now all attend on him ; hence when God sends his people to honor him , he first appears to them in his glory , and it never is long out of their minds ; hence Abraham forsook his own Country , Acts 7. Moses forsook Egypt , he saw God invisible , Heb. 11. 26 , 27. Psal. 22. ult. All nations shall remember and turn to the Lord ; when the Lord is seen , all our glory is shame , Isa. 6. and now glory in that , and make him as present as at the last day , then all shall fall down before him .

4. See how every service you perform unto him , every act of holiness , quickned by the Spirit of life is pleasing to him ; if a Prince be with a man , and cannot be pleased , nothing can content him , or we hear not one word from him whether we please him or not , we shall grow weary of him at last ; but to consider this , he that serves me , him will my father honor , that every cup of cold water , shall have a Disciples reward , that every groan shall be heard , that what you do to one of these little ones , you do it to Christ , and Christ takes it as kindly as done to himself , that the Lord remembers the love of your e●pousals , Ier. 2. when you follow him in a land not sown , that the comfort of all your labors , tears , sufferings , shall follow you to heaven , and for ever lodge in that blessed brest of thine ; Oh Brethren , saith Paul , always abound , and spend your time here , knowing your labor is not in vain in the Lord ; why do men seek to please men , and place their glory there ? because men see and approve them ; Oh what is this to the approbation of a God ?

SECT. VIII .

OH then preserve this your glory ; when men have any thing in the world Vse 6. that is their glory , their Crown their Treasure , Oh they will keep that especially ; rather lose life than lose their names , and glory in the world ; Oh preserve the spirit of holiness , especially in these places ; this hath been this only shall be our glory ; and that not in name , and yet dead , but in deed and in power we have had our Christian conversation , and that not by contenting our selves with a little , but to be exactly holy ; a little spot is soon seen in your coat ; you shall observe it .

1. When the Jews shall be made the glory of all the earth , their glory shall not consist then in immediate Revelations , but in Sanctification ; there shall be holiness and sanctification ; there shall be holiness on pots and horse bridles .

2. When the Lord will be a defence to his people , and a shadow from heat , and from the Sun ! it shall be when the Lord hath purged away the filth of men by a spirit of burning ; not which burns up all holiness , but filthiness and self-confidence in any holiness , and hypocrisie , and so they shall be holy , Isa. 4. 3 , 4.

3. How many men stumble by opinions , divisions , &c. ( the fruits of a corrupt head , and streams of a dunghil heart ) that had rather live in sorrows among enemies , than divisions among friends ! Oh the spirit of people , as soon as any new Calf is made , fall down and worship it , and break the antient Land-marks which the Word hath set , and then make prognostications of all ill weather , to arise from opposing their opinion ; never shall our glory be recovered till these evils are confessed and lamented , and the sin of the heart , which begat them .

4. I have wondred why so few be converted ( though blessed be God , some the Lord doth pick out , a few Servants , Children and Natives ) is it not because either this exemplary holiness , which is our glory , is not , or not so shini●g , but our lamps are dim ? Ministers preach , and hearers are ●troubled , but they then look upon scandals and offences from others , and so are beaten off again , Zach. 8. 20 , 21 , 22 , 23. Oh therefore preserve it .

5. HOw will all the world ahhor the ways we walk in , if we miscarry ?

6. God will have holy Churches , he is refining the whole world now for that end , and will do so more and more , and go on .

SECT. IX .

Quest. How shall we preserve it ?

Answ. 1. Take heed of harboring an ill opinion of holiness , for then if your judgements dislike it , your tongues and your lives shall disgrace it : Take heed of imagining that First , there is no grace in Saints , only immediate actings of the Spirit ; this is no spirit of holiness , no more than in Baalams Ass , through which God spake to him .

Secondly , That these graces are only common ; who will seek much after that , or esteem that which is but common ? this is to despise the Spirit , to contemn the blood of the Covenant , whereby the Church is sanctified .

Thirdly , That grace is so dark and obs●ure a thing always as no evidence can be had by it , though it be peculiar grace : this is a high degree of disgrace to the Spirit of Grace ; if one should say here is a man , but believes not his testimony , 't is doubtful and very questionable what ever he saith , it is a dishonor to him , take heed of this : When the Spirit of Holiness comes to us in form , it comes thus , with little peace ; but when in power , with much assurance , 1 Thess. 1. 5. It is a sad thing , if that which was the complaint of the Prophet , shall be the complaint of the Spirit , Who hath believed our report , and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed !

2. Take heed of decaying in a spirit of bounty and love , and in largeness of heart to all the people of God , nay , to all men , so far as you have time and strength ; let a man be never so great a Prince , if he once lose his bounty , he loseth his glory ; so here Isa. 58. 8. Give bread to the hungry , then shall thy light break out of obscurity : Many complain that New-England hath so little love , Non-members not visited , not regarded ( though many times unjustly ) Oh they thought to see so much love , and care , and pity ; but here they may live and never be spoken to , never visited ; Oh take heed of this ; Nothing beautifies a Christian in the eyes of others more than much love , ( hypocrisie is naught ) Oh excel here ; visit poor families , sit one half hour and speak to discouraged hearts , shew kindness to strangers ; such you were ; I le warrant God will bless you , this was the glory of Christ , full of grace and truth .

3. Be very careful in receiving in of Members into Churches , one ill man will be a spot and pollution to all the rest , Iude 12. spots in your feasts ; you know how many come over , how it begins to be pleaded for , What , not baptised , and Professors ? and yet how many are disfigured ? therefore try them well ; take heed of thinking Elders or Churches are too strict .

Fourthly be much in prayer for the Churches , Isa. 62. 7. Give the Lord no rest till he make Ierusalem the praise of the whole earth , that 's the way ; do you see any sins in the Country , go and stand in the gap with Moses , and though the Lord offer to do good to you , yet turn him not off so , till he promise to relieve his poor Churches also ; beg and this will do it ; be much in fasting ; it is a shame for us ( who are laying the foundations of many generations ) not to be much with God in prayer and fasting ; and that when in other places there is so much sowing of this seed .

CHAP. X. Shewing that counterfeit Grace is not lasting . VERSE 8 , 9. And the foolish said unto the wise , Give us of your oyl , for our lamps are going out . But the wise answered saying , Not so , lest there be not enough for us and you ; but go you rather to them that sell , and but for your selves .

SECT. I.

IN these words is set down the effect which this awakening cry took in the foolish Virgins only :

First , They come to feel , and so to complain of the want of oyl .

Secondly , They petition the wise , that they would give them of their oyl ; which latter is amplified in vers. 9. from the answer the wise made unto them .

We shall open the words as we come to observe any thing from them ; and begin now with the complaint [ Our lamps are gone out ] or going out , it is all one ; The wise Virgins lamps did grow dim , but yet their oyl was not spent ; but here their oyl was spent , and hence their Lamps were going out .

That counterfeit and c●mmon grace of foolish Virgins , after some time of glorious Observation 1. profession , will certainly go out , and be quite spent : It consumes in the using , and shining and burning . Luke 8. 18. To him that hath shall be given , but he that hath not , shall be taken from him that which he hath . Joh. 15. 2 , 6. Every branch in me that beareth no● fruit it withers , then it is taken away , and so it is consumed , and in time burned ; and hence , many that are first , are ●n time last , Matth. 9. 20. and many that are last first : Men that have been most forward , decay ; their gifts decay , life decays , and these are last : and last are first ; many newly brought home to Christ , excel them , and live so , and die so , that one would think should never hold out . I need not speak more , Scripture is so abundant : I say it is after some time of profession ; for at first it rather grows than decays and withers ; but afterward they have enough of it , it withers and dies : And look as it is with some bodies when they are healthful , they grow by all means ; but when once Nature is spent , and now declining , nothing recovers them , though they may be kept at a stay for a time , but dye they will with their best cordials in their mouths ; so it is here .

For Explication of this Point , we are to attend how and why this is thus ; and that not in the worst , but in the best of the foolish Virgins .

First , The Spirit of God comes upon many hypocrites in abundant and plentiful measure of awakening grace ; I say it comes upon them as it did upon Balaam , Numb. 24. 2. And as it is in overflowing waters , which spread far , and grow very deep , and fill many empty places , they fall upon the ground , they come not from any spring within the ground ; and hence though they last not always , yet they last some good time ; so it is here , the Grace and Spirit of God come suddenly and plentifully upon many a man , which gives them a time of flourishing , it comes not from imitation , or education , or moral perswasion only , but physically from the Spirit of God , 1 Sam. 10. 12. when they wondred that Saul was among the Prophets , one answered , who is their father ? who gave them this gift of prophecy ? is it not the Lord ? so the fame Lord is rich to Saul also : And I say it is only awakening grace ; for renewing grace , savingly to change their nature , is not given , but awakening grace , which works upon conscience , and conscience upon the whole man ; and thus it was here with these Virgins , they had wonderful light , and a spirit of illumination to see the Lord Jesus , and hence to look for him with much affection and forwardness , as well as the wise , and to keep them company in Church-fellowship , and though they were secure , to complain of their decays , and desire the spirit of grace which they saw in the wise .

Secondly , Though it doth come upon them thus , yet it doth never rest within , so as to dwell there , to take up an eternal mansion for himself , Isa. 11. 10. his rest shall be glorio●s , Isa. 57. 15. This is a favor the Lord shews only to the 〈◊〉 above all people in the world besides . Rom. 8. 11. If the Spirit which raised up Iesus Christ from the dead dwell in you , it shall q●icken you , and seal ●ou up to be Sons , as it is there expressed .

Thirdly , Hence it doth decay by little and little ; as a man that dwels not , but so journeth for a little time in a house , he removes by little and little , till at last he is quite gone ; as ponds filled with rain water , which comes upon them ; not spring water that riseth up within them , it dries up by little and little until quite dry ; as it is with light , after the Sun is declining and setting , it decreaseth by little and little , until it be turned into darkness ; so it is here ; and as it was in the Cherubims , where the glory of God was , and the Lord departed by little and little ; as in Saul , first he neglects the command of the Lord in one thing , then in another , then the Spirit of God departed , and 〈◊〉 vil spirit of sadness came upon him ; and then he threa●ens David , then kills the Priests of the Lord , then goes to a Witch , and at last kills himself ; and I say this is because the Lord dwels not there ; and hence Ioh. 15. because the branch is not engraffed into the stock ; and this is usually at the very heigh● of affection on and profession ; as the stony ground sprang up ; when did it wither ? when it came to its height ; as flowers that come to wither when they are come to their height of growth ; and hence also men when they have most , and best means , and affect , and love them , yet then they dye and wither . And it decays by Four means .

SECT. II.

First THrough want of daily nourishment and supply from the Lord Jesus ; for look as it is with many bodies , suppose they have life , yet if there be not daily nourishment for it , and wholsom also , it will dye ere long , and consume ; so it is here , there is a kinde of life which hypocrites have from Christ , and it may be fed , and so they live for a time ; but this the Lord ever doth for them , they are not always fed , and hence die , as it is Iohn 6. some were quickened to follow after Christ in the wilderness for loaves , some for better ends ( as his Disciples ) but the Lord knew their want , labor not for them at that perisheth , but for that which gives everlasting life , which Christ will give you ; and hence the whole Chapter is spent upon this , to feed upon himself , whence the best were offended : Let a man partake of all Ordinances , Priviledges he shall finde nothing else but decay unless the Lord be in them all to give daily nourishment , Ephes. 4. 16. daily , I mean , as there is decrease of that taste they have had of the Lord .

Secondly , Through the emptiness of a form ; for when the Spirit of God dwells not , but only comes upon a man , it is not long but it corrupts into a form ever after ; a man at first knows many truths , and at first is affected with them , he doth not presently forget them , or shut his eyes against them , but after he hath known them a little while , at last the sweetness of that knowledge is lost ; and so he hath a form of knowledge , like lessons which a man hath been much affected with , but having plaied or heard them oft , he hears and knows them , but is not affected with them , Ezek. 33. ult. So at first a man doth many duties with delight ; stay a while , and he keeps the duty , but the delight is gone in it , and so hath an empty form ; now where the power of godliness and the eternal life of Christ is not , it degenerates firstly usually into this form , and this is all that is left ; and the form being empty , hence first , A man comes to loath the truth , and profession of the ways of God which once he loved , and so in time to fall and decay without as well as within ; as drink or milk at first are sweet , but stay a while and ( the spirits not preserving themselves ) then it grows dead , and sowre , and sapless , and so it is here . Capernaumites at first be affected , then they fall to a form , then hard to be wrought upon , their hearts fat under all means ; if thy light be darkness , how great is that darkness !

Thirdly , Through the power of lust ; for where the Lord dwells not , there sin reigns , and it will get head where it hath had any affront , and so choak the power of all means , and hence a man withers , as in the thorny ground , it grew up and choaked the word .

Fourthly , Through the fitness of external temptation , which must and will prevail , when the Lord is not within to keep the Palace ; it is stronger than all common graces in the world , and will draw away the heart and life , Rev. 3. 10. there is an hour of temptation which tries men , which will discover men indeed ; now those temptations are ever suitable to places and persons .

SECT. III.

First , SOmetime the temptation is extream want , as it was with the Israel●●es , when they were under the oppressions of Pharoah ; Oh to sacrifice to the Lord in a wilderness , and to enjoy the land of Canaan , where they should have Ordinances , Oh they are much taken with this ! and many prayers and groans to be delivered out of their oppressions ; but when they came to the wilderness , and there did want bread , and then water , now they murmur ; which murmuring God remembers , and casts them off for : Had they not Moses , and the cloud , and God's promise , and experience , why did they complain ? Oh to bear want , they could not ! extream want is like extream sickness , it makes all sweet things bitter ; some wants men can bear , but not extremity ; this saddle doth pinch so hard ; so the young man , forsake all for me , saith Christ , but he could not ; God and Creatures are enough , but not God alone ; so it is with many a man , he can be content to lose something , but when brought very low , cares and fears grow up and choak all .

Secondly , Sometimes the want of spiritual supply ; a man looked for much from the Ordinances , and finds it not ; not because the Lords heart is streitned , but because theirs are not enlarged ; and hence they have enough of God , and all his Ordinances ; they have had the heart of them , and now let them lie fallow , Zach. 11. my soul loathed them , and theirs me .

Thirdly , sometimes abundance of outward blessings , peace , liberty , plenty here ; now these things , like ground in Summer , 't is strange to see what lusty weeds now there be , that did appear dead in time of winter , D●ut. 8. 11. Oh then take heed thou forget not the Lord thy God ; now proud and secure , and forsake all .

Fourthly , Sometimes persecutions from men : if hot and total ruine be threatned , this scares from God .

Fifthly , Sometimes corrupt Teachers and delusions among them .

Sixthly , Increase of iniquity in good and bad , in the place where men live ; hence love waxeth cold : All which are Matth. 24.

I will name no more , but thus mens common grace comes to wither , and dye in them ; and the Reasons are these .

SECT. IV.

HEnce do not trust men too far , nor boast of any man too much , especially Use 1. in regard of his glorious profession and affections at the first ; God sends divers of his faithful servants to a place , and many at first hearing are wrought upon , battered down , convinced , mourning after peace , going to Ministers , delight in Ordinances ; now many Ministers bless God for their conversion , and many a Christian is put out of doubt of it , parents of their children , and children of their parents , one brother of another , and one Christian neighbor of another ; whom he got out once to hear , and once hearing overcame ; and for a time there is no other : Oh take heed of boasting too much , it may be they may and will fall ( before they have lived many years ) down , when at their height : what man was ever sought unto more than Iohn ? all Iudea came unto him , yet at last they forsake him , rejoyced but a season in that light ; they went also from him to Christ , Ioh. 7. 26 , 32. yet Iohn complains , none received his testimony ; Christ himself preached in Capernaum , and 〈…〉 exalting a man , they boasted in him ; yet onely a few Babes which the Lord wrought upon ; the Galathians would lose their eyes for Paul , yet a●terward they flight him , and join with false teachers against him : Oh therefore pray for them , and weep for them , but do not trust them too far ; neither trust your selves too much ; Ioh. 8. 31. Then are ye my disciples if you continue ; Demas forsakes Paul , all in Asia forsake me .

SECT. V.

HEnce be not offended if we see many apostatize , and fall from their most Use 3. eminent profession ; the Lord hath here foretold that after some profession their lamps will go out ; we do not wonder if ponds full in winter are dry in summer , because it is the time and season of it , and they want springs to feed them ; and never was there any time since the world began that there were such Apostacies as now .

First , One man after much profession intends to follow the Lord , conscience is troubled at humane inventions ; Oh , saith he , if delivered , well enough , though I lose never so much ! well , he lays out all , and is delivered ; but that which quiets conscience , doth not quiet his heart and affections ; but his very loss for conscience makes his lusts and desires after other things break out more eagerly , and men cannot now live upon Gospel only , with bread and water ; no , no , you are deceived ; as it is with sick men , they let go all their estate for recovery ; but when recovered , they must get up their estate again , this will not satisfie : And thus some fall spiritually .

Secondly , Others they sought for much in Ordinances , but finding not what they looked for , Ordinances are but as pictures fair a far off ; but when men come near them , Word , and Fellowship , and people of God , then they despise them , because they find not a living God there .

Thirdly , While God keeps men under sad temptations , wants and afflictions ; Oh then they are humble , and pray ; but when blest with ease , and peace , and plenty , and honor , then how lofty and secure ? this is better than the Lord : Never such a decay of the spirit of prayer ; never was there such a conconfusion in the world , such burning of Cities , slaying of men , rents of Churches , God minding to stain the pride of all glory ; and yet never such hearts .

Object . But to stand so long , and yet to fall , seems strange ?

Answ. If soon it is a wonder , but if long it is no wonder ; if once past growing , you do not wonder if an oak be now decaying .

Obj. But they keep their profession still , only in one thing vile , the error is only in their minds ; a spirit of discention from the people of God .

Ans. Scarce shall you see one man in a hundred that is vile in every thing , that falls totally ; the foolish Virgins did not so , yet their oyl was spent , and their lamps going out ; there was a man that was slain suddenly , and his blood in his face was fresh , his beauty glorious , and many weeks continued without putrefaction , yet life within was gone ; so 't is the condition of many a man by one wound or sin : And hence a Physitian at Wittenb●rg writes of the cause of it ; be not therefore offended at them , but wonder at the Lord that he keeps thee ; I know there are decaying Saints , but they recover again here .

SECT. VI.

OH therefore labor for the grace that may last , Use 3. the bread that may last to everlasting life ; in all bargains and buildings men will have a special eye to that which will last ; if it be rotten , let whosoever will take it ; and be sure it is so ; for when God doth fully awaken you , you will see it is not right ; the foolish Virgins they though they were we●l before ; but now after some time , and awakened , they see it will not hold nor continue . For the Lords sake be suspitious here ; fear lest a promise being left , any fall short of it ; other things will not last , neither Creatures , nor the Lord to do you good , unless you have everlasting grace . It is a time the Lord is stripping the world of all ornaments , your Wives , Children , Churches ; God will take your Husbands , Parents , Members , Ministers from you ; yet if a heart to close with the Lord , Oh this is right .

Quest. How ?

Answ. 1. Take heed of any affection , without first subduing the contrary lust ; for if you mingle them , the one will choak the other ; this is sowing among thorns , Ier. 4. 3 , 4.

2. Maintain it upon an everlasting root ; if the Lord gives you grace , and you set it in your own garden , it will dye ; no , let it receive life from the promise , that unchangeable love , and grace , and faithfulness ; say , if that supports not I fall , 1 Sam. 23. 5. Isa. 46. from gray hairs , I will carry thee ; Psa. 23. 2 , 3. the Lord leads to waters , he feeds : But I decay ? yet he restores my soul : Oh but he afflicts much ? yet his rod and staff comfort me ; I shall dwell in the house of God for ever . Be more empty as the Lord fills you . But oh the sin of this world ; all the creatures in the world cannot content , but grace doth , and hence men regard not the Lord ; and hence you perish , and your grace shall perish also .

CHAP. XI . Unregenerate persons may have a sence of their want of Grace .

SECT. I. Our Lamps are out .

THat foolish Virgins , or unregenerate persons may see and so complain Observation 2. of an utter want of all saving grace .

Look but upon this pattern , they thought they were rich ; and had something , but now they see they have nothing ; and hence when they search their lives , our lamps are o●t ; when they search their hearts , is there any Grace , or Spirit of Christ , or Christ by his Spirit there ? no , our oyl is spent , and hence give us of your oyl ; they saw nothing now . The same persons that are sometimes so puft up , that they think they are rich and stand in need of nothing , may be basely dejected , and so feel a want of all things .

Quest. How may this appear ?

Answ. First , Because this is no more than what the Devils have ; if this be Sanctification , to see , I have no Sanctification ; if this be Humility , to see , I have no humility ; if this be cleanness , to see , I have nothing but uncleanness ; the Devils then are sanctified and cleansed ; who as they are unclean spirts , and accursed of God , and set apart to all evil and sin , and bound up in the chains of darkness , so they know it ; they believe the Word , and they know they have no Christ , no Grace , no love of God , never shall see mercy , comfort , &c. and tremble at this , with whom there is nothing but a fearful looking for of Iudgement .

Secondly , Because this is no more than what the Law may bring a man unto ; For by the Law Rom. 3. 20. is the knowledge of sin ; i. e. not only of gross sins but also of secret sins ; for Conscience which is in every mans heart will discover the first , men that live under the Law see more ; and hence Paul speaks of himself , so far forth as under the Law , Rom. 7. 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11. Now that which may be wrought in a man meerly by the Law , may be wrought in a man under the Law ; a man under the Law , is under the reign of the Law , which is to convince of pollution universal , and so to curse ; The Law is not the ministration of life to any man , 2 Cor. 3. 7. Gal. 3. 24. and if the Law may convince of sin thus , this sight of sin and vileness is no part of eternal life ; and therefore foolish Virgins may well come thus far ; and this will especially be found among them where there is a searching Ministery , that there is scarce any close conveyance but the Word discovers them : Gehazi cannot carry it so closely , not Ananias so cunningly , but Elisha and Peter will find it out ; Heb. 4. 12. The Word is quick and powerful , and searchetls , which is but a common work ; and hence when Peter had told Simon Magus , Thou art in the gall of bitterness , he denieth it not , but saith , Oh pray for me ; indeed if the Word discovers the strong-holds , and high forts , and secret lusts and imaginations , and beats them down , and so brings the Soul in subjection to Christ , and into captivity , that is it which is the power of the Gospel , and love of Christ peculiar to his peoples works ; but to let a man see he hath nothing but filth , and to be a little affected with it , this is no more than what is wrought in a deceitful hearer . Iam. 1. 23 , 24. The Law or Word lets a graceless heart ( a forgetful hearer ) see himself ; and what can it truly discover to him but his vileness ? this glass will discover their smallest spots ; this Sun will let you see ●otes ; you know and see , and that 's all .

Thirdly , Because this is no more than the awakening of sleepy Conscience , which the worst man , and closest hypocrite may in time have ; Cain's conscience while it is secure , thinks his offering as good as his Brothers ; but when awakened , now my sin is greater than I can bear ; Saul goes on in persecuting David , and thinks God will help ; and hence 2 Sam. 28. 5. goes to Urim , &c. but God answers him not ; now he sees his condition , and makes a doleful complaint of it , That God was departed , and no answer : This is usual ; Psal. 9. 20. Put them in fear , O God , that they may know themselves to be but men , weak , sinful , vile men : When the Lord sets up his Judgement Seat in a mans conscience , not only gross evils , but the secrets of all hearts , all mens hypocrisies are then opened to themselves , as at last day to all the world ; and hence as hypocrites consciences shall be broken open at the last day , so now also in this life , they may see their profession to be but paint ; hence Isa. 33. 14. Hypocrites are afraid when God appears in anger ; Oh who shall dwell with God ? they are sometimes so confounded with the holiness of God , and the terror of God from thence against sin , that who shall dwel with God ? are there any in the world that can stand before him ? now all is paint , and vile before him .

Fourthly , Because Hypocrites may have experience of a great change wrought in them , which decaying and corrupting , they may sensibly finde a want of what once they had ; which though they thought it had been saving grace , or that which would commend them to God ; now they see they have no grace at all , hence are lest as these Virgins ; if a man never was rich , he cannot be sensible of being a Bankrupt , a Beggar ; Look as it was with Adam , he was in a happy estate , in the image of God ; now when lost , he saw himself naked , and was ashamed , and was this saving grace ? no : So though Hypocrites attain not to that righteousness , yet they may attain to many spirit●al excellencles , which they may prize exceedingly , as those that commend them before God and men ; but these corrupting , they may now easily see their nakedness , and vileness , and want of all : Saul had the Spirit of God we know , but 1 Sam. 16. 14. an evil spirit came , and Gods Spirit departed ; did not Saul know this ? the having of Gods Spirit made him more sensible of the evil spirit ; so it is with many a man ; the Spirit of God doth depart , and he cannot pray nor prophecy , nor speak , nor think , nor do , as he did ; nay he may find an evil spirit upon him ; and is this unknown ? may not foolish Virgins know this ? as Sampson when shaved .

Fifthly , Because that which is sometimes a just judgement of God upon a carnal heart , that they may see and feel ; but many times ( I say not always , because the Lord doth use this to prepare for mercy ) it is so that men that have despised grace , and Christ , men that have coloured it over with God , and thought highly of themselves for what they had ; they shall see all their profession is but paint , and all their Gold , Tin and Copper : Io● . 8. 21. You shall seek me , and shall not finde me , but shall dye in your sins ; seeking ever presupposeth a want ; so that you shall finde a want of me ; and if of me , of all life , of all grace , of all comfort and good ; and this loss the Lord makes a punishment which they shall bring upon themselves by contempt of him .

SECT. II.

HEnce we may see the woful condition of those . viz. First , Consider how far from eternal life those are that never knew their fall ; Use 1. the foolish Virgins knew their want of oyl and shining , and yet were foolish , and yet were shut out ; how great is their fall then , and how great their misery , that have had burning lamps , but now know it not ? this is the state of many a professor , many a man who is fallen from the Lord , and the affections once he had , but he knows it not ; God did enlighten him , but now he is blinding of him ; he did affect him , but he is now benumming of him ; he did make him tender , but not he is making his heart fat ; he did make him low in his own eyes ( as Saul , but when a King then pu●t up ) so God is swelling of him ; but this is most grievous , he knows it not , Isa. 6. If a man did know his lamp were going out , he might seek , as these , for it , and possibly find it ; but now no hope unless the Lord help ; as we see men wounded and falling , they are astonished at the blow , that they know it not , and may die , unless those about them dress them , and send to and fro for help for them ; so it is with many ; men are so stupifled with some blows of their lusts , that unless Christian friends exhort , admonish and send their prayers and tears to heaven to the Lord , no hope of recovery again ; and whether the Lord will be entreated is hard to say ; surely it is rare , and yet thus it is 1 Ioh. 5. sometimes , if it be not a sin unto death ; but in a Brother , grace will fetch help ; but if the man never had grace , and now fell without feeling , there 's little hope ; if a man can feel no sun rising upon him , nor yet how the day goes away , whether the Sun be setting or no , it argues miserable carelesness , or miserable blindness , and that the man is in darkness ; so here .

Secondly , What will become of them that were never cast down so low as these , that never came to be so good as Hypocrites ,

For 1. You were born and have lived not only in a sinful estate , but in a Christless estate ; dead without all life , every part of thee polluted .

2. If the Lord doth draw any out of this estate , he will make you know what poor creatures you be , that you shall say , I thought I had been thus and thus , but I see I am wretched ; I thought I should be saved , but now I am condemned , so that your mouth shall be stopped , Rom. 3. 21. else you would never come to the Lord , to your Fathers house , and prize the grace of God , if any husks to live upon now .

3. You never knew this ; never came to complain to any Christian , Oh my oyl is spent , my lamp is out ; Christ and Spirit , and all good is gone ; no , you think your selves rich and want nothing ; you have some knowledge , restraint of good affections , and full of these , The Lord will spue you out his mouth , if it is thus with you : Nay , although you have means and hear of it , yet all the world cannot make you know your nakedness , misery , sin and emptiness ; Well , if the Lord doth not set up a Judgement-Seat now , you shall be called before it one day , and then your secrets shall be made manifest before all the world ; and because you say you see , therefore your sin remains ; Jer. 9. 41. so say I to you : You never did contemn God , nor hate God , &c. therefore your contempt remains ; if it be , there Christ will discover it , and so remove it ; but is it not so ● therefore you sin remains .

SECT. III.

HEnce see the deceit of that sinful opinion , Vse 2. That true Sanctification is to see I have no Sanctification ; and cleaness of heart to see nothing but uncleanness ; and that this is poverty of Spirit , to see no grace in a mans self , nor no Christ there ; and this not only hath●been , but it seems is scattered still ; which as it is pleasing to many a graceless heart , and suitable to his lust , so it carries a fair cloak of Humility and Self-denial in it , and makes way for such an Evidence which the Scripture did never yet declare .

Poverty of Spirit is a Grace peculiar to them that shall have the Kingdom of Heaven ; But to see no Grace is common to those that shall be shut out of the Kingdom of heaven ; none but those that are justified can be savingly sanctified ; many that shall be condemned , may see , do see that they have no Sanctification : And therefore this is no Sanctification .

1. If this be Poverty of Spirit to see no Grace , then Common-grace is Special-grace , peculiar to the Elect , as true Poverty is .

2. Then it is a grace of the Spirit of God to maintain an untruth , and to give the holy Ghost the lye ; for where there is Poverty , there is Grace and Christ .

3. Then the Grace of Poverty of Spirit , should be quite contrary to the Spirit of Grace , which makes us know the things given us of God ; but this poverty of Spirit makes us not to know them at all .

Yet many will profess this true Poverty of spirit , and this is true Sanctification indeed .

First , It is true , where there was never any of the Grace of Christ , but men have run upon Reformation without Christ , and affection , &c. there men are bound to see their black feet , and happy is the heart that can pull off every feather from such crests ; but where it is , and the Lord hath given evidence thereby according to his Word ; now to deny it is devilish , for it was he that said Iob did not serve God for nought , and is a lye , of which he was the Father ; and is great unthankfulness to the Spirit for what he hath done .

Secondly , If there be no Grace in a Christian nor Spirit , but all in Christ , then say it upon the house tops , and be not ashamed of it ; men must see nothing , because they have nothing ; otherwise let this delusion rot , and never find acceptance in holy hearts ; and yet how many still describe an Hypocrite by all the Graces of the Spirit , Faith , receiving Christ as King , Priest , and Prophet , &c. and so are clean creatures and upright men , by seeing nothing in themselves , contrary to Christ , Io● . 13. You are clean , but not all .

Thirdly , It is true , a gracious heart is apt to deny all the Lord hath done for him ; yet the Lord likes not this ; as Calvin thinks Peter did , Lord , hands , and feet , and all ; no , saith the Lord , thou art clean in head , and all but thy feet ; and hence needs no washing but in that : And what more frequent than this sin ? but to make what is sinful a duty , this is to turn day into night , and night into day , to call evil good , and bitter sweet .

SECT. IV.

Quest. 1. BV● doth not the Lord bring every man to see nothing in himself ?

Answ. Yes , that the Lord doth in preparing him for Christ , or in drawing him toward Christ , but it is where there is nothing , neither poverty or any other grace .

Quest. 2. But is not this poverty of spirit , or do not those that are poor in spirit see nothing ?

Answ. 1. In regard of their unregenerate part , which the longer they live , the more they feel of the evil of it , and so the more poor they grow ; they see no good there , and so account themselves the most miserable men , mourning more under it than ever ; yet to see no good at all in themselves , this , if their eyes be open , they are not to say , I delight in the Law in the inner man ; and hence a regenerate Christian is vile in his own eyes after all duties and enlargements , he sees how all is defiled with a filthy heart , and hence Prov. 30. 4. I am brutish ; and he speaks of his natural estate , and in that part , for else it is cross to 1 Cor. 2. 10.

2. They see nothing in themselves to commend them to God in point of Justification ; here all Paul's past and present righteousness is accounted dung .

Quest. 3. If an Hypocrite sees and feels nothing , and those that are poor in spirit do so ? what is the difference ?

Ans. The differences are many . 1. He that is truly poor , sees so much vileness , as that he loaths himself , Ezek. 6. But the Hypocrite if he hath any excellency , remains full of it , proud with it ; if it be gone , he seeks himself again , and loaths not himself .

2. True poverty of spirit drives a man out of himself , and all carnal contents , tents , as well as graces , to mercy , to live there , and cleave there , as in the Prodigal , he did not only see a want , but feel a need of bread ; I die without it , Psa. 40. 9 , 10. But another that sees no good , either is not driven out of his contents , but when he sees nothing , as C●in , builds Cities , or if he see 's some good in himself , then he is not driven out of himself .

SECT. V.

HEnce see which is the surest and safest way of evidencing our good estate , Vse 3. for here men now are perplexed , either 't is by seeing no grace , and so expecting the witness of the Spirit , or by seeing some saving work of grace , and so looking to the witness of the Word , and waiting for the confirmation of the Spirit ; for seals do but confirm the Promise and Covenant ; if it be by seeing no grace , then either by seeing no grace , without having the being of it , and now wait for a revelation , and then 't is a delusion , for he is under the condemnation of the Word , and therefore far from consolation of the Spirit ; or by seeing no grace without seeing the being of it : If so , then a man must seek for a witness of the Spirit , without understanding the meaning of the Spirit , or of the witness of it ; and so a man must shut his eyes against part of the truth , that he may see another part ; a man must see that he is beloved , but not thou believer , or thou called , art loved or justified . Oh then take heed of this way of evidence ; or else by now seeing grace , and waiting for a witness ; now this is safest ; for when ever the witness comes it is certainly right now , not a delusion : Hereby we shall see the full meaning of the witness and compass of the Lords love . And therefore take heed of denying all grace , and seeing nothing , and then wait for a Revelation , and if it comes now 't is right ; no such matter ; you may see nothing , and to hell , and no consolation to them that see nothing ; think not that this is poverty ; it may be a seal to a blank , to such a one as the Lord never intended mercy unto ; that which God promiseth pray for , Zach. 13. ult. first , to say It is my people , and then the Lord is my God ; find that the Lord makes you his people , and then say so . Let all know this is never questioned , whether the Spirit be the cause of witness , and clearing our estate ; but whether by seeing nothing , or shewing something ; here 's the mystery of it : Oh that God would make you hear , that are called away from the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ : These foolish Virgins were wiser than many now a days in this particular , they cried for oyl in their lamps , or they knew they could not be accepted of the Bridegroom .

Oh search and try your selves throughly , Use 4. for you may come in time to see all your paint fall off , all your guilt discovered , &c.

CHAP. XII . Of the desire of Grace that may be in Hypocrites .

SECT. I. Give us of your Oyl , &c.

THat foolish Virgins may , and seriously do desire , Observation 3. not only Salvation , but Grace it self . For these Virgins did not only desire the Lord to open to them , but give us of your oyl ; and this they do not desire in shew , but seriously , for they felt a want of it ; our lamps are out , out oyl is spent , our misery is great ; Oh now help us with your grace : This may appear in these particulars .

First , They may feel a loss and a want of it , and having some hope in this life to gain it , hence may seek it ; thus not only the Virgins , but Simon Magus Acts 8. 24. when he was convinced he was in the gall of bitterness ; he doth not only content himself with his own , but doth commend himself to the desires of the Church , and Apostles , Oh pray for me , that none of these things may come upon me , but that I may be brought into another estate , whereby I may escape all this , Amos 8. 11 , 12. I will bring a famine , not of bread , but of hearing the Word , i. e. you shall feel a woful want of that , and of the consolation , life , and spirit of that , and you shall go from sea to sea to find it , and shall not : Oh that I had taken my time , will the careless ones say !

Secondly , They may have a high opinion of it , and see a marvellous excellency in it , and hence may be drawn to desire it , Ioh. 6. 33 , 34. My father gives you bread from heaven , which Moses gave not , and such bread as gives life unto the world ; then said they , Lord , ever give us of this bread ; and yet they were carnal , and desires carnal , arising from the sight of the excellency of it ; that Scribe Matth. 12. 33 , 34. To love the Lord thy God with all thy heart is better than all burnt offerings and sacrifices ; Oh that 's admi●able , the Ordinances are good , and Creatures are good , but this is better : As a man when he admires the world , he ever desires the world , though he never hath it ; so here , as in Balaam : Not only Word and Spirit may commend it , and so they may desire it , but the excellency of it in the lives of the Saints will commend it , so as carnal hearts may desire the company and love of such men above all in the world , Rev. 3. 8. Gen. 26. 28. We saw God was with th●e , ●nd that thou w●rt blessed of the Lord ; and hence there are some desires after it , 2 Pet. 2. 19. Men escape pollutions by Christ .

Thirdly , They have a taste of the sweetness of it , and hence may desire it , Heb 6. Iohn was a burning light , and they rejoyced in him , and all Iudea and Ierusalem flocked to h●s Ministery , and came into the wilderness after him ; the savor of the grace of Christ may wonderfully draw desires after it , they may find such a sweetness in it , L●k. 13. 26. Many shall say , Lord , have not we can and drank in thy presence ? that is , they find much sweetness there ; the Lord taught among them ; they desired him , and thought he was their own , yet shut out ; and hence verse 24. Many shall se●k to enter in , and shall not be able .

Fourthly , They may and do grow up in a glorious profession in the ways of grace , and such a profession as to stand it out against persecution , as the thorny ground did , and may have some growth toward it , which cannot be without some desires and springings of heart after it .

SECT. II.

HEnce let this be an item to all the people of God , to preserve with all care , and not to lose , Use 1. but to make much of the Spirit of Grace inherent in them ; for look as the Lord Jesus , when he would make his Disciples wonder at their blessedness , and make much of him , and his love , saith he , Many Kings and Prophets have desired to see these days , and have not seen them ; so many professors of great parts and gifts shall desire to have that Spirit of Grace and Peace which you have , and shall never see it , never shall have it : when Davids heart began to be drawn away by the evils of the world , and then beheld the vanity of that , his desires are now turned another way , Oh it is good for me to draw nigh to God , that 's good : As if he had said , though it be good to have the things themselves ; yet it is not good for me to draw too nigh in my desires and esteem of them , but good for me to draw nigh to him . It may be sometimes your hearts are taken off from esteeming your condition , and what the Lord hath done for you ; and hence no desire after the Lord or his Grace , but the lawful comforts of the world , not inordinately , but if I had so much , or as good as others , then well . Psal. 141. 4. David entreats the Lord not to encline his heart after any evil thing , no not after the wickeds good things , Let me not eat of their dainties ; for grant that thou losest all these things , which others have ; the time will come when the greatest Prince , and those that have their desires filled here , shall say , Oh that I was in that mans estate ! Let the Lord therefore exercise you with many wants and sorrows ; remember this , your end will be peace , which the worst would give a world for another day .

What then will become of them that never desired grace at all , because they are well enough without it ! Vse 2. a man cannot live ( say they ) by praying , and hearing of Sermons ; such duties are troublesom ; hinderances , not desirable helps ; and when any Ordinance comes , when will Sabbaths be ended ? and as for the people of God themselves they can see no difference between them and other men , nay , they think them worse ; if this be your Religion , God keep me from your Religion . Nay ; they can see no beauty in Christ to desire him ; they can desire that they were not kept inso much on the Sabbaths , not so much pains taken with them to instruct them ; it may be these may desire that their hands be kept from stealing , their tongues from cursing , and their feet from runing to shed blood ; but the life of Grace , and power of it , they desire not that , nor never did : I remember when David was in extremity , Lord , saith he , my groanings are not hid from thee ; this was his comfort when he could not pray , Psal. 38. 9. But here it is otherwise : Canst thou if extremity should come upon thee , say , Now I am not able to speak , Oh remember my closet tears , my midnight groans , and daylight complaints , and those daily sighings after thee which have arisen from this sorrowful heart ? did the Lord never work this in thee ? if extremity comes , and thou hast no such thing to witness for thee , do you think that you shall meet the Bridegroom in peace ? Oh no! go home , and make thy mo●n over thy own Soul ; the Lord is far from me ; if many seek to enter and shall never be able , what will become of me ?

Hence see how many people deceive themselves in their evidencing of a good estate , Vse 3. who because they see no oyl in their vessel , nor see no shining in their lives , yet because they desire it , they think hereupon the Lord accepts them and their desires , and therefore the Lord will fulfill them ; this very conceit keeps thousands in their sins and miseries , and that under conviction of them ; yet I desire it were better with me ; and they think Hypocrites make shews of this and that , yet they have not unfeigned desires ; and here thousands rest , and this slays them , as Prov. 27. 5. The desires of the sluggard kills him .

SECT. III.

Quest. BUt doth not the Lord respect the groanings of his people ? doth not Christ say , Joh. 4. 10. if thou hadst asked , &c. doth not the Lord look upon the inner man , the very frame , nay , desires that have been past ?

Answ. Yes , there be some desires which are evidences ; some which are not ; I shall discover them that be unsound in the particular example of these foolish Virgins , &c.

First , Those are unsound desires , which arise in the soul easily , without feeling a need of the Lords almighty power and Spirit of life to work them at first ; we shall finde that the desires of regenerate Christians do not come easily , but they finde a need of the Lord to draw them . Ier. 31. 10. Lam. 5. 21. but the desires of others spring up easily and quickly ; as these foolish Virgins , they wanted oyl , they could quickly desire it ; and they go to their fellow-breth●en for help , Oh give us of your oyl . Look as it is with wilde Rye and Pease , they will come up at the season of the year in abundance , without sowing or plowing , the ground bears them naturally ; but other corn and grain will not come so easily ; your ground will not bear it till plowed and digged , and then the hand of man must set it , and dye it must , before it can live again ; so here , if desires come and spring up easily , it is a sign they are wilde ; the Lord must break the heart , and then sow these , and plant these from heaven , and you must fetch it out of heaven , else it is naught ; for when the Lord works saving desires indeed , he ever sows them in a broken heart , which is throughly broken indeed ; when God sets the smoaking flax on fire ( which are desires ) he first bruiseth the reed it self .

Secondly , The subject in which these desires are ; a man hath a Son and a Servant ; the Son hath all his desires granted him , because he hath a sonly spirit ; all the Father hath is for him , that may be good for him ; a Servant desires importunately , but he prays from the spirit of a Servant , and all that his Master hath is not for him ; and therefore if he pray for the inheritance or a part of it , of the portion of the Son , shall he have it ? no , he shall have what is fit for a Servant ; so it is here , the Lord hath some Sons in his Churches ; these praying and desiring from a son-like spirit , all that God hath being theirs , they shall have it ; and hence Psal. 145. 18 , 19 , 20. He will fulfil the desires of them that fear him , and love him , and delight themselves in him ; for that is the son-like disposition ; when he is cut short of all comfort in the world , nay , when he may have his fill of them , yet he delights in his Fathers face , love , and grace , and fellowship , and house , Psal. 27. 4. For they are heirs and coheirs with Christ , being Sons ; but now there are Servants in the house of God ; shall they have their wills and lusts ? no ; thus it was with these foolish Virgins ; they were only Servants in the house , no true Spouse or Sons , and were foolish at best , and had not the spirits of Sons , but had their lusts ; never were espoused savingly to the Lord Jesus himself , nor laid up all their hope in him , but were foolish and that is the ground why others desires are heard , not theirs .

Thirdly , Unsound desires make after a certain measure only , whereas the desires of Saints seek after this Grace without measure ; and thus the foolish Virgins fell short of the wise ; all that they could get was little enough for themselves ; but the foolish look after some of their oyl , as many a man looks upon the gifts and parts of another ; Oh , saith he , if I was as honest , as humble a man as such a one ! and many a man sets up such a measure , and if he hath that , is well , while he wants that miserably : Look wistly upon the foolish Virgins , they did content themselves with a measure , and now they are in want of it , seek for it ; at first a little did content them , and now when it is spent , a little will serve them again : And what is their measure ?

1. So much as will beautifie and adorn them before men , our Lamp is out .

2. So much as will comfort them against the coming of Christ ; for now they were troubled that their oyl was spent , whereby they might meet the Bridegroom : he that desires it for a little measure of it , his desires are certainly unsound ; so much as will serve his turn ( he cuts his coat according to his cloth ) but he that desires it without measure , è contra , as Paul , Phil. 3. 12. That I may apprehend by any means , that for which I am apprehended : As Chrysostom calls Paul that insatiabilis Dei cultor ; for he makes it his last end ; as he that desires wealth without measure , though he gets not all the wealth of the world , yet the more he hath , the more he craves ; this his fleshly lust is his last end .

Obj. But he may desire it without measure for his own ends .

Ans. I confess 't is true ; for men may desire honor and no honor but by gifts , and no gifts but by grace ; and hence may desire infinitely , but yet it is but a measure , viz. to serve his own ends , but not the Lords ends ; to set up himself ; true desire of grace , is for that which may pull down self , and make God all , Psal. 119. 4 , 5.

Fourthly , It is not their only desire , or the only thing they desire , viz. the good Spirit of the Lord , and that they might not live or any thing else in them , but that the Lord may live , and his Grace and Kingdom may prevail in their hearts ; the desires of Saints are only after this ; or if their desires are after other things , the Spirit lusts against them , 2 Sam. 23. 5. As carnal desires are after life , and the comforts of it , so spiritual desires are after the life of Christ in them , and the comforts of the Lord thereby , Psal. 27. 3 , 4. One thing I have desired , and that I will seek for ; what was it ? a Crown , a Kingdom ? no , but that I may dwell in the Lords house for ever , and visit his Temple : Notable is that example of Abraham , Heb. 11. Two things he met with that might draw down his desires .

1. He came to a land which God promised to give him , where he lives among enemies and in fears .

2. He might have returned to another Country , and now have been better .

3. God blessed him , &c. but it was nothing he desired , only another above ; hence God is not ashamed to be called his God ; but the foolish Virgins fell short of this , and hence they now seek only in times of extremity : And this is the frame of many graceless hearts in time of extremity . 1. When all grace is gone . 2. When death is come , then they seek earnestly after the Lord , and Grace ; Oh their sin lies heavy ! Oh then an humble heart is sweet ! but before their hearts were overcome with lusts after other things ; and this double heart every carnal heart hath , Ephes. 2. 3 , fulfilling the lusts of the mind , i. e. Diabolical lusts , and lusts of the fl●sh , i. e. sensual and beastly lusts , it 's the state of all men ; and hence promises are not made simply to mens seeking the Lord , for they may miss , but to them that do it with their whole heart Psal. 119. ●2 . Ier. 29. 13. this they never do ; and hence men pray daily , and live in their lusting all the day after ; men long in misery , but are cool in peace .

SECT. IV.

Quest. BUt seeing there is in Saints two Natures , flesh lusting against the spirit , and spirit against flesh ; and a double heart in a Reprobate , whereby he desires grace and other things , how shall we distinguish them ?

Answ. 1. The lusts after grace and worldly things in an Hypocrite agree together in the same heart ; but those lusts which are after the flesh and spirit in a regenerate heart are contrary one to another , and like fire and water one seeking to destroy the whole being of the other . Exem . gr . A man wants the things of this world , he seeks and desires after them , riches , honor , rest , and peace ; but thinks he , if I have no more but this , I may to hell ; if no Grace ; hence he desires that , and so doing now he hath peace , and all is quiet with him , and goes on sweetly in a way of profession a●d prayer ; and a gracious heart is ready thus to do , and to make his head lye soft with two pillows , but yet the Spirit riseth up against this , that the soul thinks , I shall fall by this heart ; Lord , how apt to rest in these lees ! Gal. 5. 1. lusts in Hypocrites are like brethren , that help one another , to this end to get peace ; but here as enemies , to destroy such a cursed peace as that is in the Godly .

2. In a false heart , lusts and desires after these things are dear to them , like their limbs and best members , they cannot be nor cannot do without them ; but in Saints they are sores and blains , and so hated of them ; ex . gr . Let a man have a full table , and fair estate , and outward blessings , promising much , and the Ordinances of God , and a heart to follow God there ; now see him lively in the service of God ; but let him be brought to extremities , and want of all this , and fears of poverty , estate wasteth , poverty appears , many rates come in , and the wife crys out ; now he falls down to the earth in discontent or worldliness , and his life and affection to Ordinances , or the fervants of God , is now gone ; as it is with a bird , when she hath two wings she can flye , but when she hath only one , then she falls , and the fowler takes her , because it was a limb precious to her ; so here : Thus it was with Davids servants at Ziglag , 1 Sam. 30. 4. all wept till they could weep no more ; but here it was otherwise with David , he could flye to God without those wings ; so when God gives a man a condition not so great as he would , and the heart lusts after so much , and God crosseth ; he cannot be content with a little , or with a mean estate , because his lust is his limb , he cannot suffer it to be cut off , or be pa●●d ; if a man hath a wooden leg , he can cut it answerable to his shoo , but if but a limb , he must have his shooe cut answerable to his leg ; because it is his limb , no cutting of that le●s ; oh it is dear : So it is with a man that hath a lust after any thing , it is dear , and hence he is said to live in them , and to be in the flesh ; but the desires after these things in a gracious heart , they are blains , they can be without them ; Oh never such a happiness if the Lord would dead them to me , Gal. 5. 24. they that are in Christ have crucified the flesh , with the affections and lusts thereof .

3. The lusts and desires in a false heart are reigning lusts , and make the lusts after grace and holiness serve them ; but è contra in a holy heart . Ex. gr . A man prays for the love of God , and the Spirit of grace , and 't is affectionate , but yet 't is ever for some lust : Iam. 4. 3. a man desires grace to perfect his gifts , and gifts to deck him , and purchase him honor before men ; a man desires grace to quiet his conscience in assurance of Gods love , and pardon of sin , that he may live the more peaceably with his sin , Isa. 58. 3 , 4. Now in a gracious heart , the desires of these things serve the desires after grace ; for he desires the things of this world to be the more holy , Prov. 30. 7 , 8. Feed me with food convenient , that I may not tempt thee ; he desires , and hath them for Israels sake , 2 Sam. 5. 12. Like a Tradesman , he buys and sells , but it is for gain , Phil. 1. 20. Oh consider of these things , and if your hearts have had only such false desires as these , know it , that as verily as these Virgins were shut out , so shall you another day .

CHAP. XIII . The desires and endeavors of Hypocrites after Grace are not lasting .

SECT. I.

THat foolish Virgins in their first endeavors after the Spirit of Grace , Observation 4. usually cease from seeking farther , before they have got that measure and fulness of it which will continue to the last . Or ,

That there is ever a cessation in the first endeavors of carnal professors from seeking after that measure of grace which will indeed last and continue until their meeting with , and appearing before the Lord Iesus Christ .

For these Virgins here did seek after the Lord Jesus Christ , and the Spirit of Christ , and hence did get that measure which lighted their lamps for a good season ; and they contented themselves with this , and gave over seeking untill it is too late ; and therefore now they say , Give us of your oyl , our Lamps are o●t : These foolish Virgins when they had got somewhat , they are carried with abundance of affection and profession , they think themselves as good as the best , and what need they seek for more ! and then grow secure and fall asleep until all is spent . The Scripture is pregnant every where for this . But let us look and see the causes of this .

First , Sometime it is because they know not what that measure is which doth accompany salvation ; but they set up an imagination of their own heads , which is a false image of Saving-grace , and when they have that , now they think all is well , and they go no further . Iudg. 2. 11 , 12. People that know not the Lord , nor the po●er of his grace , will set up other gods , and serve them , and there rest ; until it is with them , as it was with those , when the anger of the Lord wax●th hot , and spoilers come , now they cry unto the Lord ; What is the reason why many a man falls short of the righteousness which is of God , viz. of Faith ? Because he sets up in his head a righteousness of his own ; and if I get that , then I hope the Lord will accept me , and forgive me ; and hence Rom. 9. 31 , 32. why did they miss of it ? Because they sought it by a righteousness which is of their own ; so why do many miss of Faith ? because they think it is an assurance ; or when a man rests upon Christ , not considering the need of an Almighty power ; and hence the Apostle prays for this , Ephes. 1. 19. So for Repentance , why do men fall short of it ? they think it is when Gods anger is exprest , the soul then comes to seek the Lord , and findes some comfort Psal. 78. Matth. 3. and so runs away with it : So for Holiness , they think it is to be like others ; and then well , they think these are the men that shall live , and are happy ; and look as it is like it was at Babel , when head and tongues were confounded , one calls for a Brick , the other brings him a Trowel , Hammer or Tile , because he did but imagine what he spake , and so understood not his language ; So 't is here ; men read and hear God speak , and Ministers call for Faith , and knowledge of God ; but earthly minds cannot understand heavenly language ; and hence they imagine that is Faith and Repentance which indeed is not , and so miss of that which indeed else would continue ; and this is the misery of many thousands that in seeing see not . The experience of the work of grace , makes men savingly to know what Grace is , Iohn 5. 37 , 38. Now men graceless never felt it in the life and power of it , and therefore cannot tell it .

Secondly , From the nature of Common-grace ; the nature of which is as the Apostle speaks of lifeless knowledge , 1 Cor. 8. 1 to puff up ; it never leaves the soul more sensible of his vileness , as Saving-grace doth , Ezek 16 ult. and so makes a man never rest in seeking after the Lord ; but makes the soul feel himself full , and hence the stomack is gone from seeking after more , as Rev. 3. 17. She thought she was rich , &c. The Spirit of Grace which is but common , that heals a vile , proud heart , it easeth him , it quiets him , in healing some sin , which lies sore on the conscience ; it heals and quiets the man , so he is well , needs no repentance ; but the Spirit of life indeed destroyeth the man , and ●●ays corruption , and hence he resists ; and now saith the soul , I never felt my heart so vile as now ; and hence , saith Paul , Sin revived , and led me captive , Oh wr●tched man ! as it is with a Prince , if any great ones come and serve him , he likes them , this gives him rest , settles him in his Throne ; but if any one come to reign over him , now he gathers all his strength to oppose : So Common grace it ever comes as a servant to corrupt ; and hence take a man of best wit and parts , he turns them against the Lord , and makes them serve himself .

Thirdly , From an apprehension of this difficulty , and an unwillingness in the heart to break thorow the difficulty of seeking after the Lord ; many a man sees ( as Dives in hell , Abraham afar off ) Grace , and God , and Christ afar off ; but there is a great gulf between them and Grace ; now to be watching , fasting , seeking the Lord diligently , to follow the Lord hard , Psal. 63. to keep the heart lamenting till the Lord comes , this is hard , as Heb. ● . 't is said , They could not enter in because of unbellef . 1. They thought they could never overcome . 2. They thought the Lord did therefore hate them , Deut. 1. 27. They did not regard the strength of God ; they shall be but bread for us saith Caleb ; Numb. 14. 9. they could not believe that to be bread that is so hazzardful . So 't is with many a man ; and hence he sits down with desires and hopes , and so perisheth ; the sluggards desires slay him ; hence many complain of difficulty , but never break difficulties , and so perish ; and so not like to the Merchant that goes far for pearl . It is his business , and no storms no● ill weather drive him to desire the smoak of his chimney , till he hath got them , he hath now resolved to venture all for , Prov. 2. 5. if thou dig for silver , &c. many prize Christ and Grace , Oh that I had it , but are ●oth to dig for it , they love their ease so well , and hence rest in their desire after it ; but indeed miss it ; and hence many can come to , and follow God in outward Ordinances , but never find fruit and comfort in any of them , because of difficulty , yet sit down content because they seek for Ordinances , as Prov. 12. 27. The sluggard roasts not what he had ●ook in hunting ; there is a very great delight in coming to Ordinances , as travellers under the shadow , but then to climb the tree that is hard , and hence lose the fruit ; and hence God seeing a man love his sloth , and hath that base esteem of his Grace , as that he will not follow so hard after it as he hath done after his lusts , let 's loose Satan , and he comes and stakes down a sinner in this , God must do all , and there he rests , and so he falls short ; like one that comes to Husbandmen , and tells them they have taken much pains and care to get their ground good to bring forth much , but for time to come their ground shall bring forth fruit without planting or sowing , only reap you the fruit , it would be good news to them , and they beleive it , and then when the year comes about , they are to seek for corn ; so this affects , and here they rest , and by this means want .

Fourthly , From feeling the unprofitableness of seeking the Lord through difficulties , and hence they give over but a little before they finde that that will continue .

1. Some follow the Lord for carnal ends , as Iudas did , but he finding the purse grow lank , and the bag empty , he forsakes the Lord .

2. Some for comfort , and hence pray and mourn ; and hence Mal. 3. 14. what profit is there that we have walked so ? as it was with Naomi , when she returned home , both her daughters accompany her some part of her way , Return again , saith she , to your friends , here is no Husband for you where I go ; the one would not be beaten off , it is not a Husband I came for , but a God ; thy God shall be my God ; the other hearing her speeches , and loving her Fathers house , and Country , goes back , not without some affection ; so it is here ; whereas Faith will cry the more .

Fifthly , From the offences which usually Satan casts in when they are in the heat of their first endeavours ; as the stony ground being offended fell away . As ,

1. Persecution , and hence they fall ; a childe begins to look towards God ; the Father , Mother , Friends scoff and reproach .

2. Corrupt Teachers , Matth. 24. that like false Christs deceive , and put a world of scruples into mens heads , and then lead them away ; as the Galatia●s that would pull out their eyes for Paul , yet by love and smooth carriage of false Teachers so plausible , they fell off strangely .

3. Corrupt company , women or men ; many strong men have fallen by the one , and men also who having a form of godliness , yet denying the power of it , their hearts be taken in these snares .

4. Some hard point of doctrine , Ioh. 6. 60 , 66. something is preacht that is cross to our apprehensions ; I le never believe it , say they ; and away they fall .

Sixthly , Because of false comforts which usually men meet with before they get that which will abide in them , in their worst hours ; and this quiets all .

1. From themselves ; A man sees Christ only can redeem him by price , but he feels no need of Christ to redeem him by power ; and now seeing what a miserable creature he is , stays himself upon the Lord , and that it may be by some word which he hears . Iohn 8. 30 , 31. when they heard that , they believed ; yet the Lord tells them , they are not free , but were yet captive to their sin , which they need the Son himself to dye to save them from ; and so many●a one comforts himself , and stayes here , though he have no other assurance .

2. The approbation and comfort of others , Ezek 13. 3 , 4.

● Strange extasies of joy which many a man meets with suddenly ; they have 〈◊〉 and drunk in Christs presence , and have been comforted at such and such a time in such a manner ; this , we shall finde it , perswades men that God is theirs , without revealing the subject , viz. we be his people , and that change which God hath made .

SECT. II.

Quest. VVHat is that measure which will last , and throughout continue ?

Answ. I have spoken of this at large ; but he that loves the truth as his daily bread , will feed upon it , when ever it is set before him : Now there is one thing ( this is different ) and I shall express my self in one thing only , viz. They give over before they have tasted and drunk the satisfing sweetness of the grace of Christ , and the presence of his grace in their souls : That look as it was with Israel , they came out of Egypt , and saw the wonders of God in the wilderness , and had his fiery Law , and glorious Tabernacle among them , yet they never came to the la●d of rest ; so it is at this day with many , they have some glimpses of the excellency of Christ , and his grace , and some desires after it , and some tastes of it ; they are pulled out of their woful bondage , and seeing words of God , are oft affected , yet their carkasses must fall in the wilness , because they never come to rest ; they fall off from God because they never knew what this rest meaneth , Heb. 4. 11.

Hypocrites have awakening grace , and are much troubled ; they have enlightning grace , and know more than many Christians ; they have affecting grace , and are wonderfully taken with the glad tidings of the Gospel ; but satisfying grace , or that grace which brings them to full rest , and satisfying sweetness in God , not only to their consciences but to their hearts ; not carnal , but spiritual , this they never came to , Ioh. 4. 14. he that drinks the wat●r I give , shall never thirst again ; Joh. 6. 54. If ye eat my flesh and drink my blood , there is life , if not , no life ; eating and drinking , is not sipping and tasting ; many may eat and drink in his presence , as those Exod. 24. 11. but yet not feed at all on his person ; this makes the soul hold out , Prov. 2. 10 , 11. Psal. 90. 14. this makes the soul glad in God , and in all the days of his life ; where any creature is at rest , there it is in the proper place ; it is a token the Lord is the proper place of the soul , ( not sin , nor hell , which was Iudas proper place ) when it is at rest there ; and this is the last end , and fruit of the redemption of Christ , Ier. 31. 11 , 14. i. e. not having so much of God as to be a God-glutted Christian ( as he said ) but so satiate as not to desire other things , but there to stay , though the heart doth oft feel not the same sweetness .

SECT. III.

NOw there be four things which do concur to this fulness of satisfying sweetness .

First , Manifestation of the Lord Jesus in his full proportion , and in all the dimensions of his goodness to the soul ; the soul of man is made for , and so desires an infinite eternal good ; whiles this good is not known to be such a one , it never satisfies ; and hence let a man look upon any one creature , there is much sweetness in it , but not all ; hence it satisfies not ; there 's sweetness in honor and wealth , but if sick , a miserable man ; there is sweetness in health , but if poor and naked , a desolate man ; and if one creature had all in it , yet when one thinks this must be taken from me , it is like Ionah's gourd , it never satisfies :

Now the Grace which satisfies must first , Manifest the fulness of infinite goodness suitable to me in the Lord ; if that now do I want any outward blessing it is in Christ , for he is Heir not only of heaven , but of all the world .

2. Do I want spiritual blessings ? Ephes. 3. there is all in him ; life , and peace and glory .

3. Have I nothing to move the Lord to do any of these to me ? yet there is fulness of tender mercy , and pity in him , Eph●s . 1. 17. and 3. 18.

Secondly , Possession of this good as mine ; let a poor man see heaps of gold before him , it satisfies not him , because it is none of his ; let a Christian hear of Kingdoms , peace , glory , in and with Christ , yet it satisfies not him ; it troubles him the more , if Christ forsake him , and grow strange to him ; but to be sure that Christ is mine , this makes the soul do , nay suffer the utmost for Christ , and to know that nothing can separate , &c. as a man that knows he shall kill , and not lose his life , will venture like Sampson upon an hoast of men ; they may wound me , they cannot bind nor slay me , Rom. 8. ult. there is joy and some satisfaction in finding the pearl of great price , what joy when it is possessed !

Thirdly , Communication of this good to the soul ; let a man have meat and drink , but he cannot come at it when he hath need of it , will this satisfie if it be lockt up ? let a man have real possession of never so many lands , yet if he hath not the benefit sure to him , as well as the thing , he will never hold out ; what am I the better ? so that grace satisfies that brings the sould to fruition of the good , that it is now in respect of the benefit of it conveyed to the soul , Psal , 16. 4 , 5 , the Lord is the portion of my lot and cup , and he maintains both ; and hence Ier. 14. 9. Why art thou like a man astonish●d , yet in the midst of us ! if a man have meat and clothes , and the one never feeds , the other never warms , would this satisfie ? no , unless that he may feel them , nay he would think this a curse ; so let Saints have God in his Ordinances , the best in the world there is , if not fed thereby , Lord ! what a misery is this ? especially if the Lord helps not in time of need .

Fourthly , Reflexion of good again to the good which doth refresh us , else it never satisfies ; if a man have meat dealt out , and it is very sweet , yet if it gives him no strength to perform acts of life ; if a man have a friend , and he cannot love again , nor shew testimony of love , it will not satisfie him ; so that grace satisfies which makes the soul reflect the love of God to God again ; shall I serve the Lord , said David , of that which cost me nothing ? you know the Vine and Olive , Iudg. 9. were quietted by this , that they did rejoyce the heart of God and man ; what do you tell me of bonds ? I acco●●t not my life dear to 〈◊〉 my course , saith Paul .

Now a carnal heart gives over before he sees or possesseth or enjoyeth the Lord , or found the sweetness of a holy life in walking with God . Hence ,

1. He loaths and is weary of all his profession and truth he knows , and the God he talks of .

2. Hence they break out to some lusts or others ; which because if not satisfied here , they must satisfie themselves some other way , either in vain conceits or opinions , or lusts of the world .

3. Hence , desperate doubts , Is the Lord mine ? whereas if it were otherwise , then as it is with a man , ask him , how do you know you eat and drink ? it satisfies me , saith he , it puts strength , I should die daily else .

SECT. IV.

OF Examination , Use 1. Instruction , and Exhortation to all those who have rest content with that measure of the Spirit which will never last , to begin again , and lay a better foundation , lest it befall you as it did these Virgins , or as the sinner in Prov. 5. 11 , 12 , 13. you mourn when you , not your flesh , but soul is consumed ; Oh how have I despised instruction ! lest wrath break out which cannot be quenched , for dealing slightly with God and your own souls ; how many Christians take that for grace , which when it comes to tryal will be found too light , and know it not , and regard it not , till the hand-witing of God is upon their consciences !

If therefore you have not found the satisfying sweetness of the Spirit of Gods grace , that water which quencheth all your inordinate thirst , that bread which feeds you to life , be sure your oyl will be spent , and your light will go out before you dye .

SECT. V.

Quest. HOw sho●ld I know that satisfying sweetness ?

Answ. Ah methinks you should say , Oh that I did know it ! yet wary I would be of giving any just occasion to break off what the Lord in his grace hath wrought ; yet you may know something of it by this .

1. When the Spirit of Gods grace dispensed in his Ordinances doth glut you and slay you , and make you worse ; here is not the grace of Christ which doth satisfie you ; if the more knowledge you have of the truth , the less glory you see in the truth , and the less you love the truth ; if the more comfort you have sound by it , the less you now desire after it ; if the more abilities you have received by it , the more proud you grow , and high-minded ; if having come for to seek the Ordinances of God , the less good you find by them , the more weary you grow of them , and the more you despise them ; it is certain , the satisfying grace of Christ is not here , when the bread to feed , is poison to slay ; is not this the condition of many ? what is the cause they are growing worse , that they are worse in their latter end and middle of their Christian profession , than the begining , because they are grown full by Gods Ordinances , and so worse ; what is the cause in places of persecution the Lords Ordinances were precious , not when they come to them ? Gods Ordinances plenty makes them to undervalue them through their sin ; that look as it is with men in consumptions , whose life is going out , they think they can eat , yet when it is before them , loath the smell of it , or a little serves them , whereas another finds it otherwise ; not but that Saints may think thus , but they with Hezekiah mourn under it , 2 Chron. 32. Hos. 6. 5. I have hewen and slain , what is the cause ? because your goodness is like a morning dew , which soon vanisheth , therefore have I slain them . Oh God loves us , and we are the best people in the world , because we have Ordinances ; no , but because you be shallow , hence you shall have Prophets to slay you .

Secondly , If any man maintains any living lust in himself in the midst of his profession , and hungers after it , and the life of it ; for when a man hath better food to feed upon , he will neglect his own at home , as Christ said to them when they asked him , why he did not eat ; how many be there which have strange gifts , and have had marvellous ebbings and flowings of the Spirit of Life and Peace , and yet one sin have they lived in , and would not , could not live without it . Look as it was in the wilderness , they were for a time pretty well content with their allowance and wilderness●walks and provisions , but they could not stay long , They asked meat for their lusts , but he sent leanness into their souls , Psal. 106. 14 , 15. So that there it is , if lust be stirring , the Lord either denies it his own people , because he will starve the lust , that the soul may grow , or if he gives it , slays the lust by it , gluts it , makes the soul grow weary of it , and prize his first Husband more ; as Solomon by his experimental discovery of the creature : Many men confess and pray aginst their sins , but by their sorrows and desires , they do maintain the life of their sin , fall to it as the dog to the vomit ; you will be cast away at last , 1 Cor. 9. ult. I beat not the air , lest I become a cast-away ; whereas a gracious heart doth not maintain , but waste and consume his lust . His life is to live to God .

Thirdly , If a mans heart and affections reach not the people of God with the dearest embracings , no● yet mourn for the want of such a heart ; for sometimes there are some drops of the Lords goodness falling into the heart , whereby the soul cleaves unto the Lord , and is moved and ravished , and bears much 〈◊〉 , as it thinks , towards him ; but look to their love to the people of God , t●●re they fall short ; because the love of Christ is not shed abroad abundantly into their hearts , filling and satisfying of them ; and hence have none to poure out upon the souls of their neighbors , 1 Iohn 4. 20 , 21. In our own Country , what was the accusation of Saints ? viz. They are Hypocrites before God ; What did you think of those men that said so ? Answ. Surely they were enemies to the Lord , and that never loved him ; for then they would love his people . But what is the occasion here ? Now they say they come far for Ordinances ; but they are unjust oppressors , cruel ; poor men may starve before regarded by them ; and so they cast reproach not only upon some few , but all the people of God , and Church of God ; If that it be so , their accusation is Gods accusation ; if not ( as generally it is ) for many , though unable to do much , yet if called to it , would lay down their estates and lives for others ; then know thou never hadst Christ's love shed in thy heart ( which will continue ) but drops of it only ; because thy love cannot reach to these . Beloved , what is the end of your coming over hither ? is it not to enjoy first Christ , and nextly his People , so his Ordinances ? because next to fellowship of Christ , the Saints company is most precious ; and do you here bite , and censure , and devou●e , and neglect , and reproach one another , and upon any conceived injury stumble ? are poor men neglected ? It is a sad sign the love of Christ in not in power , Heb. 6. 9 , 10.

Fourthly , If there have been abundance of sweet affections and sweet refreshings , thereby rising up within the soul , without the death , and killing , and removal of the contrary lusts and sins ; it is certain this soul was never truly filled nor satisfied with the Spirit of Gods grace ; for as it is with vessels , while they be filled with lime or chaff , they cannot be filled with wheat or with water ; so while the heart is filled with some noisom distempers , it cannot be filled or satisfied with the Lord ; look but abroad in the Churches ; how many be there that say and think they ●ate their sin as the only evil , they close with the Lord Jesus , they love the people of God all of them , they seek the glory of God , and yet they do but think so ! for though they hate sin , yet it is unsoundly , because they see not how closely their hands are knit to their sin ; they never did believe , because they never felt their unwilling heart to close with Christ ; they never loved the Saints , because they never felt their contempt of Saints ; never sought Gods glory , because they never mourned under that which did stain it ; they never make work with their own hearts ; the stony and thorny ground withered because their soil was naught ; a heart filled with sweet affections , which never felt the strength of contrary corruptions lying underneath , it is an ill soil , and where those affections will never prosper , nor prove right ; and hence , 2 Tim. 2. 20 , 21. he that purgeth himself from these things shall be a vessell of honor , ever preserved , never broken . Do not put it to a venture , it may be I may have grace , and so put your salvation on the hazard of such hopes ; but the Lord that hath come to thee knocking , open the door that he may come in and feast ; cry for infinite creating power and mercy to make haste and come and help thee ; what have you to do else but to get your old lusts purged away ? what do you labor for else ? if you have children to bring up , if you have any love to them , nay if swine or cattel , meat you will have to feed them , and satisfie them if possible ; and yet behold thy soul perishing for want of true spiritual refreshings !

SECT. VI.

OF Exhortat on to all young beginners , Vse 2. and so to all others ; Take heed you chop not at your comfort too soon ; take heed you do not perish in the way , that whiles seeking after the Lord and rest , you fall from the Lord by security and scandal , and so you perish ; but labor for that which will continue and last .

1. Mariners when they go a voyage , they will trim their vessel , and search if there be not something amiss which may sink the ship at last ; if once out at sea , they may dye before they come home ; and hence at first setting out are careful ; so do you .

2. You will meet with trials enough to exercise all your grace , that you will find all little enough in the issue .

3. This will be your comfort at death , that ●hough it be difficult , yet if you have fought a good fight , and run a good race , there is now a crown , this will make you to go out of the world wondering , and go up to eternity in your triumphant Chariot of glory , when you shall see on the one side , here a Demas forsaking , there a Iudas betraying ; here one Chri●●ian withered , there another scandalised and offended , and yet the Lord hath upheld thee ( in thy integrity ) a poor creature , that thoughst thou shou●dst never have held out at all .

That you may do thus , two things are to be done .

First , Be sure your wound at first for sin be deep enough ; for all the error in a mans Faith and Sanctification it springs from that first error of his Humiliation ; if a mans Humiliation be false , and weak , and little , his Faith is light , and his Sanctification counterfeit , as may be seen in the stony and thorny soil ; if a mans wound be right , and Humi●●ation deep enough , that mans Faith is right , and his Sanctification is glorious ; for Christ cannot be exceeding sweet and satisfactory to the soul , unless sin be first exceeding bitter ; and this is the reason why Christ is not sweet nor precious at first nor afterward , because sin is not so better to them , especially heart sins ; Christians shall find it , the esteem and price of Christ falls , whiles sin lies light and is not bitter .

SECT. VII .

Quest. HOw bitter must it be ?

Answ. So bitter as that nothing contents your heart , Joh. 16. 22. whiles sin is with you , and the Lord is gone from you , Lam. 3. 49. Mine eye ceaseth not mourning , till the Lord look down from heaven ; as a man that looks for a Prince to come and live with him , he prepares rooms for all his attendants , but he reserves the best lodgings for the Prince himself , and they are kept empty whiles he comes : So the soul entertains Creatures , and Ordinances , and Saints of God , but yet the heart is not content , but sits empty , desolate whiles the Lord is gone ; for whiles the heart is delighted with somewhat else beside the Lord ( that if the Lord comes , it is well , if not , it is merry and jolly ) see what the Lord there speaks , Iam. 4. 8 , 9 , 10. Cleanse your hearts and he will draw nigh unto you ; turn laughter to mourning , else you are not humbled . Let Gods own people do so , it stops up the fountain of Gods love , and sweetness of mercy , Psal. 30. 7. When carnally confident , I was troubled ; as it is in marriage , if a man knows there is familiarity between the woman and another Lover he will have none of her ; but when sin is thus bitter , the Lord hath the garments of joy to give for the spirit of heaviness , Isa. 61. 1 , 2. Oh therefore , though it be cross to have limbs cut off , and breasts feared , bones broken , &c. yet part with all for life , even this life of Christ in you , which will give you full content .

SECT. VIII .

Quest. HOw shall I do thus , my heart will be wanton and carnal ?

Answ. 1. Set this down for a conclusion , I shall never be comforted by the Lord , whiles any thing else comforts my heart , i. e. for it self , as hath been proved ; and if this was well thought of , this would make a man above all other things detest his carnal content , because this indeed keeps the Lord from him .

2. Keep the remembrance of the bitterness of your sin and evil in it ; thus David , Plal. 51. 3. set it ever before him ; for all the sweet of sin comes into the heart by a delusion first begot in the mind , of some present good in it , which the soul not attending to is drawn away by it , ●●am . 1. 14. drawn away and enticed ; hence fortifie here . Three things in sin , which if remembred , would make it bitter .

1. Sentence of condemnation past upon thee by the Law of God for it , which may make a soul to mourn : Little 〈◊〉 do men take in their Prison-bolts .

2. The death , and agonies , and sorrows of the Lord Jesus , to acquit the soul from this condemnation ; this is that which may work bitterness as for a first born , Zach. 12. 10 , 11.

3. Crossing the will , and so grieving the heart of Christ now in glory ; as when the old world grew sensual it grieved God to the heart ; keep these in remembrance ; what pleasure canst thou take in that which makes the Lord sigh ?

4. The end w●ll be bitterness , Psal. 73. 17.

Secondly , Take heed you miss not of that Faith which will bring in supply , He● . 4. 1 , 2. Take heed lest a promise being le●t , any fall short of that rest which comes by the promise , by an unbelieving heart ; for many desire the Lord , and rest upon the Lord , and they are satisfied with their hunger , and with their rest on him , without receiving life from him ; truly you will fall from the Lord then ; for if the Lord doth not daily drop life into your hearts , you will grow weary of him ; and Ordinances they are empty wells , and Promises they are dry 〈◊〉 : if you have bread , but it feed you not , you will not care for it .

SECT. IX .

Quest. HOw shall I get this Faith ?

Answ. 1. Honor and advance the Lord's rich grace in thy heart , before thou goest to him for the Spirit of life ; thus that poor woman , If I can but touch his skirt , I shall be whole ; if I can come to him , I shall have help ; many can think before they go to Christ , I shall never speed , I shall never over come these evils ; and hence the Israeli●es are excluded Canaan : though I know the Lord doth pity his poor people when they believe , though not thus far ; as it is with men , if you would get their hearts from them ; commend them ; so here ; and though this doth not move the Lord , yet it is an Ordinance ; 't is a way of God , Micah 7. 17 , 18.

2. Take up a firm resolution never to let thy heart go from seeking the Lord till this is wrought , Psal. 27. 4. this I will seek after ; see that thou must needs have this ; and hence do not say , I have desired and gone to the Lord , and no help comes , and now sit down ; no , but take advantage hereupon to desire the more , and to make the Lord's denials or delays the ground of the 〈…〉 Canaanitish woman , crums ; as Iacob by wrestling against the Ang●● 〈…〉 blessing at last ; Say , as it hath been long , so therefore Lord help 〈…〉 But sins are many , and the heart is worse : Oh the more need of 〈…〉 Exod. 33. 18. If thou wilt not go with us , carry us not up 〈◊〉 .

3. Wait for the Lord quietly , and lock out when will it be better . Isa. 64. 4. eye hath not seen ; and wait for him first ; and so for other things , Isa. 30. 18. Blessed are they that wait for him .

4. If the Lord gives not ; yet seek to give him content , though he doth not content thee ; as Mary , Ioh. 2. when they wanted wine , 1 Ioh. 3. 22. we do what pleaseth him ; and hence have our answer ; this will fetch it .

CHAP. XIV . Shews that the Grace of one person will not advantage another that wants Grace himself ; and that the best Christians cannot dispense Grace to those that want it . VERSE 9. But the wise answered , saying , Not so , lest there be not enough for us and you ; but go ye rather to them that sell , and buy for your selves .

SECT. I.

HErein is set down the Answer of the wise to the Request of the foolish Virgins .

This Answer of the wise Virgins contains two things .

First , A denial , together with the reason of it , which is a check to their folly .

Secondly Their counsel and advice directing them to the remedy , if there be any which might supply them with oyl ; Go to them that sell and buy for your selves . The Spirit of Grace comes not so lightly by : You would have it given ; no , you must buy it ; you would have us help you ; no , there are others appointed for to self it you ; away to them before the Bridegroom comes .

1. Not so ] They are words inserted in the English Text , not so in the original ; but yet they are safely put in , partly because they are intended directly in the strength of their reason , and involved therein , implied thereby ; partly because they do more clearly express the meaning of the words , and give their sense more distinctly .

2. Lest there be not enough for us and for you ] What did the foolish now look to works of supererogation and prayers of Saints , and the treasury of the Churches holiness and Indulgencies ? surely no , for these were Virgins , had escaped the pollution of Antichrist , and they go for this not to Popish Treasurers , but unto them that are wise ; neither is it likely that Christ's coming could awaken them out of their security to fall to gross Popery so suddenly , whiles they were the Companions and Imitators of the wise , and therefore this is not the meaning , as some have wrested the words , and so make the Answer of the wise to be a Protestant Answer to a Popish Petition , and therefore bid them go to Shavelings that will for money sell Pardons , and Indulgencies , and Prayers , and Merits .

SECT. II.

Quest. WHat then are the wise unwilling to communicate of the Graces they have ? what Christian but is willing ?

Answ. First , We are not to adhere to words in opening Parables , but the scope ; now their scope was hereby , First to sink and humble the hearts of the foolish , and to let them know that all that which they had in time of extremity , was little enough for themselves at this season .

Secondly , This answer is made answerable to the ground of their request ; you know how Hypocrites in Churches rest in outward priviledges , and how they are carried unto Ordinances , but not above Ordinances indeed to Christ ; and though they have some knowledge of , and lookings above them unto Christ , yet missing him , like men sinking catch hold upon that which is next , and so look for help thence ; so these being in the fellowship of the wise , and admirers of them , and having got good by them , and imitated them , hence they relye too much upon them for it ; and hence they answer , We have but our measure , and therefore it is not in our hands to dispense grace in times of extremity ; that must come from him that hath received the Spirit without measure ; so that this answer doth not imply unwillingness to communicate , but to let the others see that they were not the first that could communitate .

Thirdly , You are to consider that God had now broken open the consciences of the foolish , that they professed they had no oyl ; hereupon the wise Virgins are not unwilling to communicate altogether ; but considering other means are sanctified to beger Grace where it never was , or rather of greater efficacy and power ; hence they send them to other means , to them that sell , professing this for their ground , that they had little enough for themselves ; and it was not in their power now to convey any : This I conceive is the direct scope of the Parable in this Verse : Hence three Notes .

SECT. III.

THat the Grace of Gods Spirit in other wise-hearted Christians , will do no good to foolish Virgins , Observation 1. and slothful Christians in the days of their extremity . Ezek. 14. 20. Though Iob and Daniel stood before me , they shall but deliver their own souls ; gracious holy men , if not only in misery but sin 1 Ioh. 5. 16. they shall recover ; not others , I●r. 4. 4. lest my wrath break out like fire . Oh therefore dally not under Ordinances ; to have them , but no gain of them ; to have Vines planted , but not to eat fruit of them , and all by reason of a slothful heart , is a dangerous thing ; as many a man hath a rich stock , and a good trade , and yet thrives not ; Oh he is not careful to keep , nor diligent to improve , but is idle ; so here

Oh consider the wrath of God! In extremity usually the Lord hears and helps his poor people ; but it shall be far from the Lord , when others shall say Lord help ; no , let others tears and prayers be regarded ; no , what Lord , not in extremity ? no , not in extremity .

SECT. IV.

THat it is not in the hand of the most eminent Christians to dispence the Grace of Christ to whom , Observation 2. and when , and where they will : Not in all separably , nor in all joyntly ; it is not in all the wise Virgins hands together : It is not in the hands of a whole Church , or all Churches to do this . These poor foolish Virgins it may be they did not in their judgments think thus ; however in their practice they now trust to this . But these answer , It is not in us .

It is not in Moses to give his spirit to whom he would , but the Lord , Numb. 11. 17.

It is not in Paul nor Apollos , the one deep in wisdom , the other admirable in expression , but in God , who gives the commission to fetch the whole world in , 1 Cor. 3. 5 , 6.

It is not in Christ as Man , to give to one to sit at his right hand or left .

It is not in the hands of the best Parents ; It is not in the wills of all men living , Ioh. 1. 13.

SECT. V.

BEcause they have but their measure received wholly , Reason 1. and dependent wholly from another , answerable to their own necessities ; therefore it is not in their freedom , but in the hands of him who hath received it without measure , Iohn 3. 34 , 35. but the Father hath put all things into his hands ; as it is in stars , one star doth not give light to another , but the Sun to all , having received it without measure comparatively ; so one Spring doth not beget another , but it is in the Sea , which hath water without measure , from whence they come and return again .

Because all the Saints , Reason 2. and all the fellowship of God's people , it is but a means , or they are but instruments in the hands of Christ to convey Grace ; now you know all instruments act and work according to the will of the principal agent ; as it is not in the axes hand to cut down one tree for fuel , another for building ; but in the agents hand , especially if the instrument be weak and powerless , and such are the people of God ; 1 Cor. 1. 29. they are poor things , and weak things , and nothings , things that are not ; 2 Cor. 3. 5. not so much as to think any thing of themselves ▪ It is not in the people of God as it is in salves , that there is an inherent vertue abiding alway to heal , and that in any man which is cureable ; but there is only an adherent vertue which doth not alway abide ; and when it is there , works not upon all , but only at the pleasure of the principal Agent the Lord Jesus ; those means which providence hath put an inherent vertue into , cannot bless , but as the Lord will ; meat cannot nourish sometimes , muchless can these without the will of another ; hence Ephes. 4. 16. the Saints are edified by this , but from Christ still .

In regard of the greatness of the power and honor that is required to dispence the Grace of God , Reason 3. and the Spirit of Grace , which the Church is not capable of .

First , Knowledge of the Elect ; the Spirt of Grace which accompanies Salvation , shall never be given to any but to them , Rom. 11. 7. the election have obtained it ; hence they must be known first to them that have power to dispence it ; now that they cannot tell ; indeed Paul by seeing the 〈…〉 forth , knew the election of the Thessalonians , 1 Thess. 1. 4. but not 〈◊〉 ; he could not say This man I will give grace unto , and not to that ; a Minister , as Paul , Acts 18. 10. may in general know that there is some people in such a place , at least probably , but who they be he knows not , no more than Samuel , who knew one of Iesses Sons was to be King , but not one whom he liked , but whom the Lord did chuse ; and hence a Minister calls all , because he knows not who they be : only some are called , because Christ knew , and therefore in his hand it is .

Secondly , The power must be omnipotent , both to lay the foundation , and to go on with the building ; now that cannot be put forth by a poor finite creature , when it will , 2 Cor. 4. 6. but when the Lord will ; a Minister may preach and quicken , a Christian may exhort and comfort , and yet they may hear and meet again twenty times and never find the like day , because their weapons are only mighty through God , 2 Cor. 10. 4 , 5.

Thirdly , Shedding of blood , dying and bearing wrath , to purchase and so to have the Spirit to send ; for the Spirit of Grace could never be given , nor encreased , nor continued in any , had not blood first purchased this ; our sins are said to be healed by blood , and we cleansed from them by it , i. e. by the Spirit purchased by it , Heb. 9. 14. Blood sprinkled purifies your consciences with blood , i. e. the vertue of blood applied by the Spirit : If any of the Saints shed blood for the Church to redeem it , then they have power to convey the Spirit of Grace to the Church ; and it is as hard to convey one dram of Grace as to dye .

SECT. VII .

HEnce we may see the glory and excellency of the Lord Jesus above all men ; Use 1. nay , above all the best men and best Chruches living ; ask David whom he loves and honors most , he will tell you , Psal. 15. 4. He despiseth a vile person , and honors them that fear the Lord ; and that Christian that is most excellent had all his heart ; ask any Christian , to what men his heart is most knit , and whom he doth most of all honor , if he sees one man in forty most holy most humble , most like to God , most acquainted with God , and the mind of God ; a Paul for wisdom , a David for brokenness of spirit , an Abr●ham for Faith , a Steven for courage and zeal , &c. their very feet are beautiful , their very names are an alablaster-box broken up . And why doth he thus ? Because he sees they are holy , and like to God ; Oh but consider they cannot make thee holy , it is not in their liberty ; though they should like thee , they cannot teach thee one truth savingly ; thou hast a rugged heart , they cannot polish thee ; and wilde , they cannot tame it ; they cannot convey one dram , or taste , or savor of the life of Grace to thee : Oh if these be lovely who only have oyl in their vessels , though they can give none for thee : What is the Lord Jesus then ? who is not only holy , fairer than the children of men , having all without measure ; but can also make thee holy , which none of the Saints can ; who not only ▪ is good and holy , but doth good , and makes holy . Thou lookest sometimes upon Saints , and seest their grace and life , and mournest for want of it , keepest company with them , and wishest thou hadst their oyl , but they cannot help thee to it : Oh look up to the Lord : If thou lovest and prizest them , oh prize and love the Lord much more who hath it in his hands to give it unto thee : who like a Spring sends not forth its streams to refresh it self , but the weary , but the faint , Isa. 50. 4. who like 〈…〉 sends not his beams out to enlighten it self , but 〈…〉 which sit in d●●●ness might see , and blind might know , Io● . 9. 49. Ioh. 17. for their sakes I sanctifie my self , he hath an humble , meek spirit to give to th●e that art proud and sturdy ; he can make a Lion a Lamb , who hath a wise and heavenly Spirit to teach thee that art simple , and thee that art earthly , if his good pleasure will .

SECT. VII .

DO not say I have found good from them , as well as seen Grace in them 〈◊〉 I blessed God that ever I saw or spake with them , or ever saw 〈…〉 &c. I answer , Know it that they were but powerless instruments 〈…〉 of a merciful , yet powerful Christ , otherwise thou hadst never 〈…〉 from any Christian , any Minister , any Sermon ; the Lord Jesus 〈…〉 have used them as means to have condemned thee , as he did 〈…〉 and Noahs example , by which he condemned the world , as well as to have called thee , or done the least good to thee ; therefore this still 〈…〉 upon Christ above all others in the world ; all the Saints and Ministers in the world could not have changed one hair from being black to white , no●●● all their cares for thee added one cubit to thy stature ; Oh it was the Lord , 〈◊〉 if they have any pity , the Lord put in them ; if they ever spake one word , or made one prayer , the Lord put it in them ; if blessed , it is by him .

Now dost thou honor and love them , because they have done thy soul good , else thou hadst been in hell ? Oh admire the Lord much more , for they were but set on work by him ; and now they have done thee good , there is a stop , they can go no further you think ; I did receive good by a little , while being with such Christians , but now when thou comest hither again , thou thinkest ( it may be ) thou shalt receive much more ; no , their hands and feet may be bound , those Conduit-cocks cannot turn themselves . O● but Jesus Christ he can go on , nay , he will go until he hath made thee like unto his own self ; and hence 1 Ioh. 3. 2. then we shall be like him , now we be sons ; children though born of poor men , yet love their poor father that begat them : Who gave you your being ? who begat you to God , and so made you sons of God ? Oh methinks the Lord that did this should be precious and lovely ! that you should call the world to wonder at it , that the Lord hath made an incarnate Devil a blessed Angel : But thou hast a vile heart still ; Oh but you shall be like him ; he will make you like himself at the last day , who is brighter than Angels , and whose face is fairer than the children of men ; only he will do it by little and little here , rather by causing thee to feel thy vileness , than removing it wholly .

Therefore , as the Apostle Gal. 4 , 9. when they were turned from the Gospel to Mosaical observances , he calls them weak and beggarly rudiments , which had no power of themselves to convey Grace , not at best in that abundance which the Gospel did ; so say I , do you now know the Lord , who did not once know him ; and do you now admire and love Chirstians and others , if they do good especially to you ; and do you refuse to honor the Lord , but look only upon beggarly , weak means and Christians ? God forbid ; it is the Lord only that can enrich you , &c.

2 Cor. 3. If the ministration of condemnation was glorious , oh what is the ministration of the Spirit ; if those which have the Spirit be glorious , what is the Lord that not only hath it , but can also give it , and make you like unto him in glory , and that by the very beholding of him ! vers. ult. If a man had such a glass which not only gave him the sight of some dear friend always , but as oft as he looked in it , makes him like unto him , how would he prize this glass , but especially the image of his friend in it ! so Christ is not only glorious , but he thereby makes himself glorious .

SECT. VIII .

Object . DO not say the Lord can do this , but he will not ; Saints would if they could .

Answ. 1. You do not know but that he will do it ; when Christ was here on earth , and men were sick , though their friends willed their good ; yet I doubt not but Christ was most glorious , because though they knew not that he would , yet they knew that he might heal and pity , and if it were for his honor he would .

2. Pray to him for it , and do it ; he will pour water on the thirsty , and give the Spirit and water of life to them that ask ; Do not think you seek in vain , especially if your cryes arise from a sick heart , that sin is thy disease not torment onely ; it is not thy delight , you need a Physitian , he will not heal you , if it is not your temper , your food , &c. If a man hath a mind to a thing , and another denies him , he will not see less beauty then , than he did before ; if you have a mind , Christ hath a mind also .

Obj. But I do not feel the Lord giving me the Spirit .

Answ. Yet if you prize it , and reach after it , the Lord hath done this for you .

SECT. IX .

TO all the Servants of the Lord , Vse 2. if ever you did any good to any , Oh boast not of your selves , but carry the glory of it to the Lord Jesus , as he said the Lord doth good by me , but I know no reason why : So add also , but I wonder at the manner how a poor , weak , dead nothing , whose unclean heart and lips might have made others worse , not better , as infection sticking to the best garments , Act. 3. 12 , 13. Why stand ye looking on us ? be it known to you , by the name of Iesus it is that which is done ; when Christ was known to heal all diseases , all the Country round about by this fame of him came to him , and so he healed them ; this will bring in customers to Christ : Some Christians are very forward to speak to others , to let in some new notion , or to convert , that they may make an Absoloms pillar afterward , and that they might report I did this ; some take content in speaking of conversion of others , that I did this . Let your works praise you , but let your tongue praise Christ ; it was the Lord that did this . If bread could speak it would say , it is not I that feed ; and fire , not I that warm : You can speak , tell others so ; you would fain be accounted some body , and therefore will devise new Gospels , and mint new notions ; that not only Christ may be pleased , but men may say , this I received of such a one , that their names might be spoken of . The Theif takes the sheep for himself , a good Shepheard carries it home to his owner .

SECT. X.

OH then do not rest in this , Use 3. that you have now got to partake of the fellowship of Gods people ; I confess next to fellowship with God , their fellowship is best and most sweet , 1 Ioh. 1. 3 , 4. and nothing more powerful to preserve and keep Gods people from Apostacy than this , Col. 2. 5. order and stedfastness in faith are coupled ; they that be planted in the Courts of the Lord shall flourish here , nothing encreasing Grace more , Col. 2. 19. when many eyes to see by , many hands to help work by : When a man sinned , if one or two men only took up stones to stone the sinner , it may be they might miss , or the man live ; but when there be many it is strange if it doth not kill ; so out of fellowship of the people of God , one may admonish then another , and it may be he can shift , but here there be many , &c. 2 Cor. 2. 7. When a mans life is going away in a swoon , if one or two be there present only , he may never recover ; but when one rubs , another chafes , another holds him , another runs and fetches hot water for him , it is a hundred to one but he escapes . But yet as the best means , if neglected or trusted to , will make men worse , as Caperna●m was worse for Christ's preaching , which they boasted of ; so the best means if not trusted to , will make men better ; as it is with some Extracts , and Spirits , they will make quick work one way or other .

1. If ever you see or receive any good , look to the Lord in them , 1 Sam. 10. 11 , 12. who is their father .

2. If ever you look to receive any , look to the Lord that by them he may convey help and succor in his time .

SECT. XI .

Quest. HOw shall I get that good ?

Ans. 1. Feel your need of their fellowship , and their help , you will then be getting good by every example , every prayer , 1 Cor. 12. the eye cannot say to the hand I have no need of thee : Oh be not full ; for God hath not made you so full , but if you be an eye , you need the foot , &c. David knew more than the Levites did , yet how did he long to see God , and the goings of God in the Sanctury !

Paul did need the mutual comfort of Christians ; it was a strange thing in Paul when he was to carry money to others , yet he beseecheth them , Oh pray for me , Rom. 15. 30 , 31. Do not say only , I feel a need of Sacraments or Ministry , but I need the prayers , the counsel , the examples , the exhortation of the meanest Christian.

Secondly , Be sure you joyn your selves to living Christians , that is , not only such as have Grace , but such as are lively in the use and exercise of it ; for those God sanctifies especially to communicate Grace to you ; if a living hand be knit to a dead arm , 1 Joh. 1. 3. sure little good will it receive from it , Rom. 1. 12. a lively believing Christian will comfort Paul , and an humble Christian will humble .

This is the very reason why Christians do not get good , because their hearts are dead , and their fellowship with God little ; and hence others despise them , and withdraw from them .

Thirdly , Love them dearly ▪ a man will never get good from any Christian that he despiseth , or slighteth ; as it is with a man , if his hand would have life from the head , set it in his place , and let not it be tied outwardly , but united as a member , and then it receives it ; and hence it edifies it self in love ; so by love are men edified .

CHAP. XV. Of the plentiful dispensing of Grace in the Gospel Ministry .

SECT. I. Now follows secondly , their Counsel and Advice , [ Go to them that sell and buy , &c.

THem that sell ] Some there be that make this an Irony , or a plain mock of the foolish Virgins for their folly ; as if they should say , You have lived like Hypocrites hitherto before the Lord among us , and deceived us and your own souls ; now you would have out Grace to help you ; no , get you gone to Mass-Priests , and Pardon-sellers , and Merit-mongers , and buy for your selves , they have merit enough , &c. But this meaning as it cannot be evinced necessarily from the words ▪ so such an answer cannot stand with that sad and gracious compassionate spirit which is in every holy Virgin ; for suppose God should break open the conscience of any in these days , and they opening their hearts to others , they should receive this answer [ Nay seeing you have neglected your season so long , get you gone to Mass-Priests , let them help you ; ] would any of common honesty in like manner mock ? much less a gracious heart ; no , but if any have a true sence of their misery for sleeping out their season of Grace , their bowels will melt over them .

Those that sell ] These are the Ministers of the Lord Jesus .

For 1. 'T is manifest it is not a mock .

And 2. Those that sell are not ordinary Christians ; though they may and do convey the Spirit , yet not in this case so powerfully ; and hence they do send them from themselves .

3. They do send them to those means which do most abundantly convey the Spirit ; now the Word and the Spirit are united , as shall be proved ; the cheif dispensers of which word , are the Ministers of the Gospel .

4. Because Ministers are called such as sell , Prov. 23. 23. Buy the truth and sell it not ; now where is the truth cheifly sold , but by the prime publishers of it ? Mal. 2. 6 , 7. Not that the Holy Ghost is to be sold for money ; but to buy it there , as it is to be sold without money , Is. 55. 1 , 2 , 3. Come and buy wine and milk , that is in the ministry of the Gospel , which calls all that thirst to come , Rev. 3. 18. not that they should fix their eyes upon them , as upon the cheif means to convey it , for the Lord Jesus fells , and we are to buy of him ; only these are servants under him , and appointed as an Ordinance of his for this end ; the Apostle conveys his ministry , 2 Cor. 2. ult. sincerely and gloriously .

Buy for your selves ] that is , seek for it there , though you lay out never so much of your money , your time , and thoughts , and affections for it , and receive it there when it is offered upon any terms , though you part with all you have , that so you may make it your own , and so have of your own , and so may with comfort meet the Lord ; and this suits with the custom of the Saints , to send them there where they got theirs .

SECT. II.

THat the Spirit of Grace is principally and most abundantly dispensed in the ministry of the Gospel by the Ministers thereof ; Observation 3. That is , they are those that sell ; this is their business , and trade , and work , like the Olive-tree to the Candlestick , Zach. 4. 5 , 6. which take rooting in the Courts of God to this end , to drop in their golden oyl ; but still observe it is as servants under the Lord Jesus , who gives what and when he will by them .

You know the famous expressions of the Apostle , How can they hear unless they have a preacher ? Rom. 10. 14.

2 Cor. 3. 7. The Gospel is called The ministration of the Spirit in the mouthes of the Apostles and their Successors ; by which it is made more glorious than the Law delivered in tables of stone , though less outwrd glory , for we have it but in earthen vessels .

Gal. 3. 2. By whom received you the Spirit ? by hearing of the Law ? no , but by the hearing of Faith ; thereby is the Spirit revealed and dispensed .

SECT. III.

BEcause they are set apart principally by the Lord for this end ; Reason 1. for Gods separation of any thing for an end , though the thing be unlike to bring that end about , yet by this it hath a strange power accompanying it ; as the Brazen serpent , how comes it to heal ? It was set a part for that end , and sanctified of God ; and hence God setting apart an Ordinance , is present with his Ordinance ; as Aaron and his Sons were sanctified for the service of the Tabernacle : and this is done two ways .

First , By the Church , according to the will of God , they are set apart from all other employments , unless those which other relations bind them too , that so they may dedicate their time , their strength , their private studies , their selves , their prayers , and tears , and all for them ; and this ought so to be unless necessity compels , Act. 6. 4. The Disciples would give themselves to the word and prayer , and would not be cumbred about the Deacons office ; and so their studies ; Paul exhorts Timothy to give himself to reading , to think on these things , 1 Tim. 4. 13 , 15.

Secondly , By the Lord himself , Gal. 2. 15 , 16. What is true of Gods separating Paul to an extraordinary , is true in a measure of all his servants set apart for ordinary work , Mal. 2. 7. For the Church sometimes may not set a man apart , yet the Lord may and doth ; and hence ( by these sometimes he sends to call a Church before there is a Church to call ) and how is such a one set apart ? not as an ordinary Christian , but as an extraordinary Ambassador , as it were in the room of the Lord Jesus himself ; For Christ being Mediator of his Church , two things are required to make peace . 1. To speak to God for us . 2. To speak from God to us ; The first he doth by his intercession . But we hear not from him ? Yes , for he sets these in his room , and by them he speaks as Mediator to our ears and hearts , 2 Cor. 5. 20. so that if Christ was here present to speak , we would look for the Spirit by him and his Ministry ; Now all Messengers of the Lord Jesus are in the room of the Lord Jesus , &c. Nay , if Christ was here , the Spirit would not come but by this means ; and hence Christ converts not so many as the Apostles by their Ministry within Iudea .

Because the Lord hath furnished them with special abilities to dispense the Grace of Christ for the Churches sake ; Reason 2. 2 Cor. 3. 6. Christ ascended on high to give gifts for edifying the body ; if a man should have an Apprentice set apart to sell , but his shop is not furnished , how could he then sell , and how should men in wisdom expect to buy ? I will not speak of what is required to make men able ; Christ not only as a free agent sets them apart , but as a wise agent furnisheth them with abilities for that end . There must be that knowledge which may make the man of God wise to salvation from the Scriptures , which cannot be without knowledge of Tongues and Arts in some competency and study about both .

1. They cannot think a thought ; Christ furnisheth them with thoughts ; the Minister knows not what to say , yet his thoughts are from him .

2. They cannot speak ; hence Ephes. 6. 19. the Lord opens their mouth ; Ezekiel must be dumb for a time .

3. Have they therefore any knowledge of the mysteries of Christ ? it is to teach the Church , 2 Cor. 4. 5 , 6. all their gifts and spiritual abilities , though never so great , and peculiarly sanctified , but it is for them , 2 Cor. 2. ult. have they any temptations , tribulations , and gain by them , viz. spiritual consolations ? it is for them that are sad , that want it , 2 Cor. 1. 4 , 5. ( and though it is true , there is in other Christians Christian abilities to help and comfort others , yet not ministerial in every Christian ( the whole body is not an eye ) nor which hath a special presence of the Spirit of God in it and with it ) which they should never have received but for the necessities of some in the Church ; there is good to be had by watering-pots , when grass and herbs are dying ; but yet sometimes the rain falls , and that hath a peculiar vertue in it , as being fitted for that end ; and hence Ministers are compared to clouds ; and hence men will pray especially when many clouds are , the Lord grant these bottles may drop ; so hither you are to look ; dish-milk and flit-milk may convey some nourishment , but brest-milk hath spirit going with it ; good books may be blest , but there is not that spirit in them as in lively dispensations of the Gospel by Ministers themselves .

Because the Lord hath given them hearts enlarged to dispense the Gospel , that so the Spirit may be conveyed ; Reason 3. we preach not our selves , but the Lord Iesus , and our selves your servants , &c. 2 Cor. 4. 5. 1 Thess. 2. 8. If one be appointed and furnished but hath no mind to sell , they have other trades to follow , little help is to be expected there ; take a Minister of large abilities , if once he comes to have some other penny in his eye , besides the souls of people , seldom shall it be seen that the Lord is present there ; Satan doth not cast out Satan , neither is his Kingdom divided ; when Peter fisheth for himself , all night he catcheth nothing , but when the Lord comes , and for his sake he casts out the net , then the net is full ; and for to be a means to convey the spirit to any , it is their life ; as in others , when gain comes in , they could not live without it ; Now we live , saith Paul , if you stand , 1 Thess. 3. 8. This is their glory , You are our joy and glory , 1 Thess. ● . 20. this is their gain though it be by loss of all ; life is not dear to finish their Ministry , I suffer all things for the elects sake , they are willing to spend and to be spent , 2 Cor. 1● . 15. Paul wisheth himself anath●●● , amor divin●s est exst●●cus , ● carries ; out of self , Rom. ● . 1 , 2 , 3. though it is true the Ministry was not blest to all , yet the election obtained it , Rom. 11. 7. hence the ministry is from men not Angels , that there might be the more pity , and so the more help , Heb. 4. 2.

SECT. IV.

2. BUt why by the Ministry of the Gospel ? Reason 1.

Because the Law cannot give life , Gal. 3. 21. Now the Lord cannot make him that hath sinned not to have sinned , that would be a contradiction ; and he that hath sinned must dye ; and hence there is no possibility for the Spirit to give life here ; hence the Spirit takes another instrument , the Gospel can perswade to believe , and bring to Christ , where life is feared .

Because there is more of Christs blood here , Reason 2. and hence more Spirit ; for they are all one to be cleansed with Blood and Spirit ; for the Lord Jesus did not by his blood purchase the unsealing of the Law ; but the Gospel is a secret , and not known but by this means ; it is the New Testament which ariseth from the death of the Testator ; to have the ne●● of the Gospel printed , it is by means of Christ blood ; but to have men sent to open it , there is more of his blood therein ; and hence more Spirit .

Because there is more of Christ's love in the Gospel ; Reason 3. and where most of his love goes , there his Spirit goes most ; it is love to make us know the Law , though it be a hand-wr●ing against us ; but now ( when we see death ) to bring the Gospel and therein to entreat and wait , there is great love ; and hence it is called the Ministry of R●conciliation . Oh it is infinite pity to offer to take a dead ●artion up under his wings ; here he lo●gs for the salvation of a si●ner most : if we were fallen Angels , he would never send the Ministry of the Gospel to us ; but so it is now , that he hath taken the seed of Abraham .

SECT. V.

OF Instruction . Use. 1. Hence we may see the glory of the Gospel , in that it is the Ministry of the Spirit of God ; this the Apostle professeth it exceeds in glory ; glorious light it scatters , that which hath been hid from the wise , nay , from Prophets , and Abraham who desired to see this day , and saw it but ●● far off ; hence it is called marvellous light , which brings the foul to the light of that blessed face of Jesus , and his glorious love , which never shal be sounded to the bottom of it , which damps the glory of all other things ; and although many great and wise despise it , yet if they did know they would not despise the Lord of glory , nor crucifie him ; but their eyes shall never see those glorious consolations and comforts promised to the people of God ; I will send the 〈◊〉 , saith Christ , which 〈◊〉 can be taken 〈◊〉 from Beleivers , which in midst of all miserie comforts ; it is a great mercy when a man sees his sin , else he would never seek for remedy ; but the Law canot do any thing but arrest , and imprison ; it cannot get sin removed ; yet the Gospel can set at liberty , which 〈…〉 prisoners ; Ioh 8. 32. You shall know the truth , and that shall make you free . I can through Christ , &c. Phil. 4. 13. It is a marvellous mercy to tremble before God , and see , and know , and be affected with Gods wrath ; but yet if this be all , the heart will sink and flye from God ; now the Gospel reveals Christ , and so Ioh. 10. 16. his sheep he ar and follow him ; and the Gospel comes to hell with the Spirit , to a poor sinner when he is blind , captive , broken , mourning , never so miserable ; now the Gospel penetrates thus low , and brings the Spirit with it ; it makes the soul not only to see Christ , but gives it him , and now it is safe . Oh ( beloved ! ) if the Spirit be glorious , then is the Gospel glorious ; if the Ministry of men could bring in , and draw with them the Princes of this world , and all their wealth to serve you , Angels and their Ministry , nay , bring Christ himself bodily to you , how glorious were this ? but what is this to bring the Spirit into a Sty , into thy Soul ! Oh therefore take heed of a light esteem of the Gospel , as those Matth. 22. 3. which were shut out : Men must speak something ; take heed you that have once esteemed it , of accounting it a common thing ( it is next to the unpardonable sin ) of accounting the Gospel , Ministers , Truths , Justification by Faith , &c. common things ; but see them glorious ; the greatest glory that ever was in the world , did once lye hid under the meanest outside , viz. Jesus Christ , and yet the Apostles beheld his glory ; so the Gospel is most glorious now , as being his glass , and this notwithstanding is most mean in the account of many ; Paul is in the eyes of the Corinthian Doctors a mean man , his presence was contemptible , his words mean also ; men despised them .

Secondly , hence see what cause they have to sit , and go home to their houses lamenting , that never found the Spirit conveyed by the ministry of the Gospel in life and power . Lam. 1. 16. Oh the comforter that should refresh my soul is far from me ; if there be any hope of help , it is by the Spirit ; and if the Spirit , it is by the Ministry where the Gospel is published and the Spirit conveyed : Oh thinks many a one in himself , I find no such good ! thus long have I heard , and thus oft do I hear , but I come , and go away as I came , my heart never shaken , my soul never broken , my spirit never humbled , nor comforted , &c. and therefore what care I for Ministers or Gospel ? it is true , it is hid , 2 Cor. 4. 3. but then it is from them that be lost only , whom Satan hath blinded ; it may be the last medicine is now using ; as it is with many that have the last remedy applied when they be sick to death ; truly so it is here .

Heb. 6. 8. The tree or ground that brings forth bryars , is nigh to cursing ; the condition is sad , as it is there exprest , it shall never see good when good comes , Ier. 17. 6. Oh it was a sad complaint of Saul , Oh the Lord answers me not ! and of the people of God , Wee see no vision ; but you have none , and lament it not ; if men in the old Law did not meet with the Lord in their Tent doors , it was no wonder , it was not usual so to do ; but when at the Tabernacle , if they met not there with him , it was sad then ; so here ; if you meet not the Lord there where he dwells , it is strange ; not but that Saints may find the Lord absent ; but I speak to them that find it not , and mourn not for it ; others shall rejoyce when they mourn for the absence of the Lord .

SECT. VI.

OF Confutation of those that think there is not that necessity of the Ministry Vse 2. to convey the Spirit ;

But First , think good Books may do the deed , and hence can profit as much at home as thereby ; but these Virgins are not directed to books , but persons , ( though there is a good use of Books also ) Books are but a carkass of the living Word .

Secondly , They that would have it by immediate revelation , by elevations of the Soul to God , a Familistical principle collected from the Apocrypha speculations of devout Monks , received in G●●many when the Gospel was preached to overthrow it , and entertained by the deceitful experiences of some ( as in London , &c. ) she that was con●erted by dreams , &c. indeed we are to look for the Spirit ; but to look for it without the Word is vile ; if the Apostles were living , these would overthrow their doctrine .

Object . What can man do ? ( say many ) you must look for the living voice of Christ ; the Word is but a dead letter , and will only make you a Iew in letter .

Answ. If indeed we had only souls , and no bodies , then we might lay aside our Bibles ; but seeing it is not so , look to the Word thus dispensed ; hence the Lord saith , Hear and your souls shall live ; these say , Hear not , &c.

SECT. VII .

OF Terror to all them that oppose the Ministry of the Lord Jesus , Use 3. and resist it ; the Holy Ghost being in it , you resist the Holy Ghost himself , and that not only where he is dropt , but most abundantly poured out , Acts 7 51 , 52. How did they resist the Holy Ghost ? they did but resist men ; No , it was the Holy Ghost there , for so he spake those words , and the Spirit had some operation upon their hearts by those words , Zach. 7. 12. Neh. 9. 30.

Sometimes the Spirit puts forth its prerogative power ; then it is not overcome ; sometimes words without power , and then men resist and overcome it , ( for that is the meaning , because all men resist , more on less ) and this is enmity against the Spirit , Act. 5. 39. Fighters against God , which is a most sad and heavy evil , for to be left to that evil to overcome the Comforter himself ; as he said , Is it not enough to grieve man , but you must grieve my God also ? Isa. 7. 13.

SECT. VIII .

Quest. BVt who doth resist thus ?

Answ. 1. Some do it by filencing and persecuting of the Ministry of the Spirit , which is most grievous : When Amos preached against Bethel , up steps Amaziah the Priest of Bethel , Amos 7. 10. and first makes complaint of him to the King ; First , that he was factious , and conspired against the King : And secondly , That the Land was not able to bea● his words ; that he troubled the Country and Kingdom with his Doctrine , viz. That we shall all dye if we receive not his Doctrine ; and hence he commands him to depart and flee from thence , and prophesie no more there ; but you see what he answers , I was a Herdsma● , and the Lord called me ; think not that you oppose a private spirit , but the Lord 's that called me : And hence see because he did but say so , what his sentence is , upon his Wife , Children , himself and upon all Israel : Are there not many Amaziah's in these days ? do they not take the same course ? is not the same spirit working against the Spirit of God now ? what will their end be ? Let a man be never so peaceable in his place , blessed in his work , if he doth but reach Bethel , nay , if only the judgements of them , the Altars there , and Idols there ; Amos may prophesie in another Land , but no more there ; but what will be the end of this ? see vers. 17. it is a sad speech 1 Thess. 2. 16. Forbiding ●s to preach to the Gentiles that they may be saved ; for the wrath of God is come upon them to the utmost : You know the Jews raised up persecution against them where ever they came , but wrath is upon them for it ev●n to the utmost ; why , look as it is in hell , to resist the Gospel ones self is heavy ; but when in hell there they wish that no others might receive it , or that it might not be preached to any other , that none might ever know the Lord : So it is here , it is greater wrath to oppose God in hell , than to be opposed of God ; and the first they are come to : Oh but they garnish the Sepulchres of the Prophets , and beautifie their Temples , and if they had lived in the days of the Prophets , they would never oppose them .

Object . But these are other kind of Hot-●purs , and Novices .

Answ. Matth. 23. 30 , 35. You shall have Scribes and Wise men , and you shall kill them , that upon you may come all the blood that ever was spilt ; and blood they must have who are the open persecutors of the Prophets and Saints of God first or last ; certainly God is remembring the tears and troubles of his banished distressed Seers .

2. Some others by reviling and reproaching of the Ministry ; for Satan in the hearts of the wicked , if he cannot hurt it with his teeth , he will seek to destroy it by his tongue ; how was Paul censured by a company of proud Corinthians , that when they had nothing against him almost , yet they censure him for his manner of speaking and carriage ! 2 Cor. 10. 10. His l●tters are mighty , but his presence base ; how was Iohn , though for a time , flock'd after ! and Christ Jesus himself was thus evilly reputed ; this was that which brought the total ruine of the Jews , viz. mocking at the messengers of God , 2 Chron. ult . 16. When Paul had perswaded Sergius Paulus , and Elymas gainsaid , saith Paul Acts 13. 10. Oh full of sub●ilty , and child of the devil , enemy to all righteousness ( why to all ? because all Grace comes to be wrought here by the Word ) thou shall be blind .

How have the Messengers and Ministers in this Country been trampled upon by some , who though they have not yet been able to reach them by their power , yet by vile reproaches so pursuing most of them , that one would stand and wonder at the blindness and boldness , not of moral men , but Church-members and Professors , and at the wrath of God upon them , that ever they should be left to be scorners of them , of whom the consciences of the vilest cannot but sometime say , verily God is with you ! Yea , Grace it s●lf hath been pretended to be the weapon , by which the Ministers of the Gospel of Christ have been fought against ; and indeed the vilest opinions usually have been sheltered under Grace ; that hath been the Kings colours , which the enemies of the Kingdom of Christ have lifted up to deceive ▪ for in places of profession , not merit and works , old shooes , &c. but Grace and Christ , Matth. 24. 24. are most fit to deceive .

And hence if Ministers have perswaded men to believe , and receive the Gospel , what can we do ( say many ? ) God must do all ; if evidences and signs of a good estate be called for out of the Word ; it is a way of works , almost flat Popery in their books : If Ministers have had the Spirit burning within them , seeing people led from the truth , and so speak against them that deceive them , 't is passion and bitterness ; if they have sought to keep the hearts of Gods people close one to another , the strong man then keeps the palace : What should I name all ?

Quest. But for what is it that they are thus s●andalized ?

Ans. 1. For preaching that we are justified by Faith , and that Faith is required to the entertainment of Christ as a condition of the Gospel ; here is not bread ( say men . )

2. For preaching that Sanctification is an evidence of Justification ; and though it be granted the Lord never justified any without a work of vocation at least , and this is not against Gods Grace to justifie by Faith ; yet it is against Grace , and 't is a way of works , say some , to see my self justified by Faith . If the Word did reveal a second Justification by Faith , and a first Justification without Faith , then our first evidence might be without sight of Faith , because there is some word which reveals our being Justified without it ; But the Word reveals all our Justification to be by Faith ; and thus for preaching the Gospel of Christ have the Servants of the Lord been reproached . And though they keep it in , yet how many are there whose hearts go after these detestable things !

3. Some resist the Spirit by despising inwardly , and so casting off the Word of the Lord , Heb. 2. 2 , 3. if we neglect or slight so great salvation ; and when was the Gospel more slighted by many ? every thing we say is dear but Gospel , which should make us mourn that ever it should be said so in this Country ; you despise the Spirit of God ; a man of greatness suffers by nothing so much as by contempt ; so it is with the Spirit of Grace : And it is a thousand to one but that there will be something to make them despise at last the Lord himself : But the Word comes thus to be despised and cast off

SECT. IX .

First , PArtly by the false reports of others , as if they were factious disturbers of peace , men under a Covenant of Works , &c. It is the Jesuites policy to raise up lyes ; and though all will not beleive them , yet some will stick .

Secondly , Partly by covetousness ; the glory of the things of this world is greater than the glory of the Gospel ; tell them of living by Faith and Promises , they deride you in their hearts ; tell them of a Kingdom , and the excellency of holiness , they slight them ; to be so rich and honored , it is glorious indeed , Luke 16. 14. The Pharisees scorned him because they were covetous .

Thirdly , Sometime because Ministers and Ministry are Bills of charges to a congregation , and are too costly inhabitants among them .

Fourthly , Partly because of ignorance of the truth ; why was Paul's Ministry foolishness ? it was a mystery ; so many come and understand not the truths preached ; they be too high points for them to conceive of ; let truth be never so precious , they esteem it not , because they know it not .

Fifthly , Partly because they have known all that our Ministers do preach before , which is now like flowers and roses withering , which were flourishing heretofore ; Capernaum despiseth that which Sodom would not , and Tyre● and Sidon would have repented at ; and say , They can do as well themselves as this , and better .

Sixthly , Partly because Ministers are so long at it ; and that may be delivered in one hour which is stood upon an hour and half ; and they wonder men preach so little , and yet so long ; which argues contempt , and that every truth is not precious . Men cry not out of men when they are telling money to them many hours ; and yet this is more precious ; Eutychus grows sleepy ; thank Paul for preaching so long ; and falls down ; thank long Sermons for that : This is the sinful language of some .

Seventhly , Because they cannot profit by them ; hence when they should mourn for themselves they despise the truth of the Lord , Mic. 2. 7. are not my words good to him that walks uprightly .

Eighthly , Because some have weaker gifts than others : And thus I say , the Ministry of the Lord and his Spirit is despised , Mat. 18. 8. Take heed you despise not little ones , for Angels behold them : Oh what is it then to despise the Spirit himself ? And thus I say the Spirit of God is resisted ; go home therefore and mourn , and consider , 1. The time is already set ; the Spirit will not alway strive ; and time may come that it will go from you and never return to you more . 2. Fire will come out of their mouthes , Rev. 11. 5. 3. The Ministry shall be taken from you and your children , Act. 13. 46. 4. The Spirit it self shall torment you , Isa. 63. 10.

SECT. X.

OF Exhortation ; Oh therefore if ever you would have the Spirit dispensed to you , Use 4. wait here upon the Ministry of the Gospel for it ; neglect not private helps , books and meditations , &c. but know if ever you have it dispensed , here it is chiefly to be had ; buy at this shop .

Do you not find parched , dryed up hearts ? the Spirit of God is gone from men ; and this verily is the cause of it ; what consolations , what peace , what glory from the Spirit of all comfort , of peace and glory might men have , but for this ?

Obj. But I may never get this Spirit !

Ans. Yes , Hea● and your souls shall live , Isa. 55. 3. ( for to reprobates the Lord never gives an ear ) what a comfort is this ? you cannot help your selves to look to Christ , to come to Christ ; hear him then when he is come to thee , Rom. 11. 7 , 8. he hath given them ears not to hear ; and usually the first work of the Spirit in the soul is to give an ear ; the Lord awakens that to 〈◊〉 , that never regarded any thing before ; and then something enters first or ●ast .

SECT. XI .

Quest. HOw shall I so hear as to receive the Spirit ?

Answ. 1. Get a deep sence of your wants particularly and distinctly before you come ; if a man comes to the Market , and 〈…〉 his Family wants , he will never come and buy of them that sell ; a poor man if he comes into a rich shop , hath a mind to buy all the commodities he sees if he had money ; but if it may be had without money he will take them gladly , Matth. 11. The poor receive the Gospel ; I am perswaded that this is the great cause why scarce any buy here ; they know not their need of every truth ; hence Isa. 50. 4. He hath given me the tongue of the learned to preach a Word in season to the weary ; the Lord will do it in season ; when the heart is weary of its own deceit and ignorance , and all carnal contents , and blessings , and sins , now the Lord Jesus must speak at last ; let a people be more weary of outward miseries than of inward , they will not regard Moses by reason of anguish of spirit ; this keeps off many a man ; either he feels only outward miseries ; his mind is broken with cares , how shall I live ? with losses and crosses , Family is sick , Cattel die , Servants are untoward and unfaithful ; his drink is turned to water , and the English flower is gone ; his Friends respect him not , his acquaintance grow strange ; these things lie more heavy than sin .

2. Pray before you come ; for as it is in men that trade , their Servants are ready to let out their commodities , but ask the Master first whether he will sell them or no to you ; so ask the Lord first . Ministers are but Servants under the Lord , it is not as they will , but as the Lord will dispence , Matth. 11. 25. I thank thee that thou ●ast hid these things from the wise and prudent , though Christ himself preached : Oh therefore loo● up to the Lord ; Oh Lord let not thy Gospel be a hidden thing from mine eyes . I am perswaded you should see strange things , and grow up more and more if thus you did : When Christ told them that the Spirit should come , he bids them wait for it , and they continued instant in 〈◊〉 , Act. 1. 4. and then the Spirit of God came upon them , though ex●raordinarily , yet here ordinarily ; Psal. 51. Lord cause me to hear the voyce of joy and gladness , that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce ; and hence the Lord complains , Isa. 50. 3. Why , when I came was their no intercessor ? as if he should say , he would have given them help else ; Oh therefore before you come , and when you come , pray , Lord speak ; pray all the week long that there may be some Sabbath mercies for you .

3. Give the Lord the price of his Gospel ; men that come to buy must give the price Zach. 11. 12. And God will not let you have any thing without price ; give away all thou hast ( when thou comest to hear ) to the Lord , let him pluck or take any thing from thee , only let him not take away himself , and his Spirit ; prize the least truth above all the world , as indeed it is better , the Lord may else deny these pearls to you , Heb. 4. 2. The word did not profit because not mixt with faith ; and ●hat is the property of that ? vide 1 Per. 2. 5 , 6. To him that believes the Lord is precious ; it makes Christ precious , and every truth precious ; and when the Lord himself is precious , the Spirit is sent , Joh. 14. 17. whom the world cannot receive , because they know him not . Oh he is not sweet not precious to them .

Three things are here to be laid out and given to God at the hearing of the Word :

1. Thy Thoughts ; let a man have never so much meat , if he feed not upon it , never will he have spirits thereby ; therefore while hearing time lasts , be taken up with those things you hear ; be in them , that your profiting may appear to all ; you know not so much , but that there is more yet to be known .

2. Thy Heart ; Love it ; Christs love was so great as to shed his blood , that he might purchase this Word of his Gospel for thee ; and wilt not thou let thy love out of thy heart to it , when it is for thee ?

3. Labor ; labor for the Spirit here , as for the meat that endures for ever , Ioh. 6. ●7 . Christ will give it you , spare no pains and labor upon it , to enjoy , and be eternally advantaged by it .

Thus much of the Second thing , in this Second Part of the Parable ; Now the Third follows , viz. The Coming of Christ himself . CHAP. XVI . Concerning Christs Coming .

SECT. I.

NOw this coming of Christ is set forth and amplified from two things .

1. From the time of his coming ; While the foolish went to buy , he came .

2. From his different entertainment of the Virgins , and carriage towards them being come .

First , The wise they went in with him to the Mariage .

Secondly , The foolish were shut out , &c.

By this coming of the Lord is ( as hath been oft said ) meant the coming of Christ to Death or Judgement ; but especially and principally his coming to Judgement , as may appear by the whole series of this Chapter and the next , wherein the Lord answers to the second question of the Disciples , viz. the signs and ●●me of his coming ; i. e. his second coming , which is called his coming to judge the the world , &c.

That there is and shall certainly be a Second coming of Christ to Iudgement . Observation 2.

This truth the Prophets have foretold ; Enoch , Iude 14. Solom●n , Eccles. 12. ult. Rom. 14. 11. with Isa. 45. 23. The Apostles have preached thus , as 2. Cor. 5. 10 , and it was ever in their eye , and the main part of their Ministry when they pressed people to believe in Christ as a King ; where is he ? He shall come , they tell the unbelieving world ; Angels also have published this , Act. 1. 11. and Devils beleive this , who are in their chains bound over to that day ; and all the Saints have looked for this , 1 Thess 1. 〈◊〉 and hence promises of mercy at that time are made to such , Heb. 9. ult . And lastly , the consciences of many wicked people have confessed this ; Paul preacheth of Iudgement to come , and Felix trembles , and Heb. 6. 5. divers felt the powers of the world to come , and by judgements on them have been made to know that he is the Lord .

SECT. II.

Quest. 1. BUt when shall the Lord Iesus come ?

Ans. In general , when all the E●●ct are gathered under the wings of Christ ; hence Matth. 24. 22. For the elects fake those days shall be shortned , i. e. an utter ruine of all had then come but for them ; and therefore when they are once collected , the Lord will come ; and hence in particular Judgements the Lord doth thus ; only a few Elect keep a whole land from being utterly wasted , Isa. 65. 8. Isa. 6. ul● . 1 Cor. 15. 23 , 24. first Christ is quickned , i. e. in soul and body raised , then those that are Christs at his coming , and then comes the end ; and hence the tares are spared , lest in pulling up them , the wheat also be plucked up .

Now as for setting down the particular time , the Lord Jesus doth it not in this Chapter ; onely gives some signs of it , by which we may give certain credit that it is not far off ( as of the death of a crazy man ) and there are two that are not yet accomplished .

1. The destroying of Antichrist , at least in the principal power of it , and throne of it .

2. The calling of the Jews , Rom. 11. who must have a great day of it again ; which dry bones shall live ; and their restoring a kinde of resurrection and life from the dead : Some have thought two thousand years before the Law , and under the Law , and under Christ ; and then when these six days of a thousand years a piece are ended , comes the great Sabbath ; this is already proved to be false in the second two thousand years . In the Primitive times and Churches the Apostles , especially ●ames and Peter , spake of the end of all things to be at hand , who writing to the scattered Jews had good reason to tell them of it , viz. the end of the Temple . Though Bar●●●s to weaken the Authority of Scripture , thinks they spake only their own apprehensions ; divers Christians thought then it was nigh ; and hence Paul 〈◊〉 them to beware of those thoughts , seeing much danger in them , 2 Thess. 2. 1 , 2. And in succeeding ages , Tertullian expresseth the affection of the Christians to the Roman State , that they sought not the ruine of it , but prayed pro mor â finis , as fearing it was then coming upon the world for sin ; and so many Saints seeing wicked●ess abound , have thought that time is not far off ; but yet the times and seasons are not in our hands to know , Act. 1. 7. and that must quiet us , that come he will .

SECT. III.

Quest. 2. WHere will he come to judge ?

Answ. Into this visible world again ; for if it should be in heaven , as no unclean thing shall come there , so we should then rather come to Christ to be judged , than for him to come to Judgement ▪ No , there is a second coming ; that as his first was into this visible world , so shall his second , Act. 3. ●1 . Wh●● the heavens must contain untill the time of the restitution of all things ; and then shall he break out of heaven again for this work ; Now to what particular place in the world he shall come to judge is disputed on by many , especially some of the Schoolmen : Some think that it shall be in Mount Calvary , where he was crucified ; some in Mount Olivet , where he ascended ; others in the Valley of Iehosaphat , Ioel 3. 2. which as it cannot contain all people that ever were , so the place only speaks of the terror of God against the enemies of his scattered Jews at their conversion ; I would not be wise above what is written , all that I read most plainly of , is , 1 Thess. 4. 17 , 18. That then we shall meet the Lord in the air ; now how high , or where the Lords Throne shall be set , those things are not for us to enquire after , but so the Lord will order it , as that all Nations , all the dead , small and great shall stand before him and see him in one place ; which shall not be very low ; where men have sinned , there they shall be judged ; and hence as Judges have their Circuits ; so men having sinned in this world , shall be judged here .

SECT. IV.

Quest. 4. HOw will he come to judge ?

Answ. He shall come in power and great glory , Matth. 24. 30. As first , The glory of the Father , Matth. 16. 27. the brightness of his Diety , his infinite wisdom was hid in the dark lanthorn of his humanity , but then he shall appear , as 't is said , Rom. 1. 4. manifested to be the Son of God by his Resurrection , so then much more when he comes to raise the world , all the world shall see his power , wisdom , greatness then .

Secondly , All his mighty Angels with him , Matth. 16. 27. all shall be there , so that heaven shall be left empty ; a thousand times ten thousand ▪ shall then minister unto him ; and you know how gloriously the Lord made the Angels shine at Christs Resurrection .

Thirdly , With the voyce of the Arch-Angel and the trump of God , and with a shout , 1 Thess. 4. 16. He shall descend with a shout , i. e. of joy to the Saints , as in the day of victory and triumph of God ; as at giving the Law the Trumpet did blow to work dread and terror then , so now .

Fourthly , With burning and consuming of the world , 2 Pet. 3. 7. 2 Thess. 1.

Fifthly , Raising and call●ng all the dead before him , small and great , good and bad , in earth and sea , and that in a moment it shall not be a long work , 1 Cor. 15. 52. and thus the Lord shall appear at this day , that as he came before with baseness , so he shall now come in glory , and nothing then shall have any glory but himself , and those that are his , because he will damp all the glory of the world ; and thus sitting in the clouds in a Throne of glory , he shall judge , i. e. examine , convince , and condemn ; examine all secrets , and convict men of their evils , and then condemn them and pass sentence upon the wicked , and grace to his Saints ; the Saints examinations , and all their duties and actings for God opened , and that all the world that censured them may see then the infinite wisdom and love of God in his people , in making and keeping them sincere .

SECT. V.

Quest. 4. VVHy will he come ?

Answ. 1. If it was only for his peoples sake , for their perfect redemption , and refreshing , there were reason enough for it ; hence it is called a day of redemption , and a time of refreshing ; here they are captived under miseries , and sadded by them under sin , Satan , world , but then they shall be redeemed : Now that it shall be so ;

First , He hath come already to redeem his people from sin , which is the greatest evil , and which redemption w●s performed by his blood ; now if he hath redeemed from the greatest evil , viz. Sin ; then from Corruption , then from Death , and Satan , &c. If he once came by blood and baseness , then he will come in glory and greatness ; if he came through fire to them , then he will come through fair ways to them ; if by death to them , then by life to them ; and hence Ioh. 5. 24. all judgement is committed to him , because he is the Son of Man . And though it be long , yet surely he will , he must come , especially seeing himself hath perfectly redeemed his people , and is now himself exalted above all : A man that hath been in prison himself , with his poor brethre● that are left there still , the price of their redemption being paid , and there being nothing for their delivera●ce wanting , but one to fetch them , if none help , he will do it alone : So here .

Secondly , in regard of the Justice of God , that that may be cleared before the eyes of all the world ; men sin now , and are not punished ; but flourish , and the Saints are grieved ; every man sees patience , bounty , long●sufferance exercised ; but the wrath of God against the least sins is not yet made known ; there must therefore be a day to declare it , and the equity of it .

Thirdly , In regard of the Wisdom of God : Look in all Commonwealths well governed in the world , and we shall not finde any but they have Court days , and their Petty Sessions , and great Assizes , as in Israel ; for to what extremity of wickness would places come to else ? so here ; Shall the wise Governor of the world never have a day of hearing and trying causes ? hath he no care ? others are but in his room under him till that time : neither is it enough to say that there is Judgement of death ▪ Answ. That is only Christs judging the soul in private either to his shame or glory before Christ ; but the body is to be judged as well as the soul , to shame before men , or glory before all the world .

Fourthly , In regard of Christ's soveraignty and excellency ; the coming of Christ is called his Kingdom , 2 Tim. 4. 1. Why , doth not Christ rule now in the world ? Yes , but it is in the midst of his enemies ; his enemies rule and he rules also ; but there must a time come that no enemies must rule , but Christ alone ▪ and this is his kingdom in a most illustrious manner ; for the things of Christ are said to be with us , when they do in a special manner appear ; as the coming of his Spirit , and his love , so his Kingdom ; now Christ must reign till all his enemies are put under foot ; for it is not fit he should lose his Kingdom ; hath the Lord suffered others to reign and rule , and himself to be hid , and his glory lost , and that so long ? and will he never return to his Kingdom to be glorious , there to reap all his glory that he hath lost by all his enemies in the world ? Was there ever King that would ever endure one generation of Rebels after another , and never make himself sole Sovereign ? however Man may suffer it , yet the Lord will not , he must reign . And wherefore doth Christ reign ? It is to trample 〈◊〉 under foot , his and his peoples enemies ; Christ sets death his enemy , to destroy his enemies , and keep them as in a Goal ; but afterward Christ will call them forth , and pass an irreversible doom upon them .

SECT. VI.

SEE therefore and believe the truth of this Point as well as hear it : Use 1. At the first coming of Christ , Heb. 11. 13. they did thus , saw the Promises afar off , and embraced them ; so see it afar off : There be divers people that profess this truth that do not fully believe it ; for if they did , they would never live as they do : That look as men that know the Judge rides Circuit within half a year , dare not commit any open sins ; so if you believed this , you would make conscience of secret sins which this Judge shall judge .

Others there be that do believe it as they do reports that every man saith , but they do not see that really to be true indeed , which their hearts literally believe ; and hence mens hearts are not a whit moved with grief , or sorrow , or joy , or fear at the remembrance of this day . For as it is with us in reports of news out of Germany , many hear things , but are not affected with their misery , because they do not see it acted before their eyes ; God presents not their sorrows ; and hence they are not moved ; but when they do see them acted , then they are moved much ; so here . Look as it is with a man awake and in sleep ; a man awake believes the day of Judgement , and never stirs ; but when asleep he dreams of it , and is much affected with that because he sees it acted before his eyes ; much more when men have not dreams but real visions or sight of it , it will affect : And hence set , painted fire before a Malefactor , it affects not , but shew him really it wherein he must be burnt , now it amazeth him ; and hence 2 Pet. 2. 11 , 12 , 14. looking for ; and hence Peter saith what manner of persons ought we to be ! and whereever there is Faith , thus it will be , Heb. 11. 1. it makes things absent present , and things unseen evident .

Oh that God would shew you this truth , you young men , Eccles. 11. 9. you would not spend time vainly , but know God : You aged men whose hearts are rooted in this world , Oh know that God will come and burn up your delights ; will you never see this day and fear it before you see it , and mourn because of it !

Oh take heed of rash judging and condemning , Vse . 2. and suspecting , and censuring other men : In Pauls time Rom. 14. 10. one Brother in a Church there judged another about indifferent things in a Christ-like manner , as if he had no Grace , &c. You shall stand before Christs Iudgement Seat , saith Paul ▪ and hence Paul , 1 Cor. 4. 3 , 4 , 5. accounts little of mans Judgement , and bids them judge nothing , &c. What if Christ find that to be a lye which thou judgest to be true .

Many of Gods Servants lie under hard thoughts and speeches in private , not only from Enemies abroad , but from inhabitants at home ; men out of the Church censuring and judging of Members ; men in the Church , one of another , especially if they take to a side ; The Lord will discover hard speeches , and an edition of all your hard thoughts put out in print at the last day : This breaks love , this breaks Church-fellowship , and is the cause of breache● in this Country .

Oh take heed of an hypocritical heart ; Use 3. if the Lord should come to judge according to the seeing of the eyes of the outward man , then well were it with many ; but when the secrets of the hearts shall be judged it will be terrible ; if there should never be a calling over of things again , happy were it for many , but 't is otherwise , 2 Cor. 5. 10. Paul sought only to please the Lord , for we must all appear , &c. Civil men if they can carry it so as men may not say hurt of them , they think 't is well ; Hypocrites if they can maintain a name of Religion , so as they may maintain their interest in good mens hearts , it is well ; if they get some enlargement in duties , that they are commen●●● of them , well ; if they can get so much mercy as to get the Lord to accept of Christs righteousness for them , it is well ; but saith Paul , We laborto be accepted of him . I am perswaded godly men do not think of this ; we think the wicked shall have all their secrets laid open , but the Saints come not into condemnation ; 't is true not of wrath , but of trial , so as that their righteousness shall be laid open to all , to their glory at the great day , 1 Pet. 1. 6 , 7. And therefore get that life which Christ himself may commend ; that as Christ said , I have not found such faith in Isr●el : So here , when thou hast spoken a good word , repeated a Sermon , spent a Sabbath , ask thy heart , is this worth shewing to all the world ? that though at be vile , yet Christ himself will commend this ? Oh you will finde only acting for him will commend the act , Mat. 25. 40. there is that needlework , and golden Arras of Holiness which is lapt up in the Saints , that Christ will open before all the world another day .

Oh therefore repent , Use 4. Act. 17. 31. Paul tells them times past were spent in ignorance without God , time to come was a time of Judgement and wrath of God against all sin ; Oh then repent : Mourn for all wrongs done against Christ : You will ●●il then , if you take not your season now ; mourn therefore for time past , and for time to come agree with him ; now he sits on a throne of Mercy in Heaven if thou wouldst not be put to shame ; then , Oh be ashamed for all sins now ; if not judged then , then condemn and judge thy self now ; the Lord looks for no more ; Oh welcome him as King into thy heart as his Kingdom .

CHAP. XVII . Of Christs coming as a Bridegroom to his own .

SECT. I.

THat the Lord Iesus Christ shall come as a Bridegroom to his 〈◊〉 people , Observation ▪ 2. at his Second coming ; that as it is said of the Sun , ●● ariseth as a Bridegroom out of his chamber , and rejoyceth &c. so will the Lord arise upon the world at this day , Psal. 19. 5.

This Point will be cleared and proved by opening the several degrees wherein he will manifest himself to be a Bridegroom then to his people ; not but that Christ is a Bridegroom to his people now , but then he shall be so also in a more eminent manner , and then the perfect accomplishment of all .

First then , the●re shall be a personal meeting between his Spouse and himself , as it is in mariage ; before the mariage i● consummated , there are the friends of the Bridegroom and Spokesmen , and he sends letters and tokens , but then he comes himself ; so here Christ sends his Spokesmen , 2 Cor. 11. 2. and his word and spiritual refreshings ; but when this time comes , he appears himself in person , and both meet in person ; 1 Th●ss . 4. 16 , 17. here we meet the Lord spiritually in his Ordinances , but then visibly in the clouds ; while we live in this world , it is a time of parting , 2 Cor. 5. 8. and when we come to dye , in respect of the whole man , it is so also ; but then the whole man shall meet him ; these eyes shall see him , and those arms shall imbrace him ; you are left as Orphans here in this world alone ; it will not alway be thus , for there is a time of meeting .

Secondly , Then all deformities shall be taken away from his people , and he shall adorn his Bride in perfect beauty ; for this is one part of Christs con●ugal love to his Spouse and People , Ephes. 5. 25. different from other Husbands , who finde but do not make them beautiful ; for if the Lord should meet his people , and they him with their deformities , they would do it unwillingly and with shame : as in this life why are Saints unwilling yet to be with the Lord ? viz. because there be so many deformities and spots abiding on the Spouse ; sometimes the soul would not have Christ , and such a heart too , though he offers himself to it ; Lord depart , I am a sin●ul man , Luk. 5. 8. Oh but then all deformities shall be removed ; Phil. 3. ult. Who shall change our vile bodies , not destroy them ; and make them like his glorious body , which shines brighter than the Sun : Matth. 13. 43. Then shall the righteous shine like the Sun ; is there any beauty like that of Christs ? then shall they be like unto him ; 1 Ioh. 3. 2. it is a dishonor for a mighty Prince on the day of mariage to let his Queen go in rags ; they shall be Christs then ; And look as it was with Ioseph , all his shame , baseness , imprisome●ts , did but ●ake way for his glory ; and hence he was delivered out of prison by the Kings command ; now his apparel , and countenance , and name , and estate , and all is changed ; so here , all your sheme , imprisonment in the grave-chains of sins , that enter into your soul , doth but make way for this certain glory ; As it was with Iehosuah , Satan stood at his right hand to accuse him , he only stands before the Lord , at last the Lord saith , Take off these filthy garments ; is not this a brand ? So Satan and Conscience accuse often here , but then it shall be so that all thy filthy garments shall be taken away .

Thirdly , Then there shall be an open manifestation , and glorious declaration of the dearest love of the Lord toward them ; before the great day of mariage comes , there is love expressed , concluded between the parties , and it may be some few know of it , as Friends , and some of the Family ; but the open declaration is at the day of mariage ; so Christ loves his people now , &c. and will not only love them then , but openly declare his love before all the world ; Come ye blessed ; he shall declare then his own love , Matth. 10. 32. Luke 12 , 8. He that hath made it his glory to confess Christ in a holy life , Christ will confess him before God and before Angels ; and so before all the world : Men in great place will not know their poor friends , especially in open places ; but the Lord Jesus will , and he will divulge the Fathers love to them also , Act , 3. 19. You blessed of the Father , Ioh. 17. 22 , 23 , 24. I have given them that glory , united them and made them flesh of my flesh , that the world may know thou hast loved them as thou hast loved me . Here the Lord doth love his people dearly , but it is not so known ; the Sun shines on good and bad ; the world hates and persecutes them as Hypocrites ; civil men think them like themselves ; worldlings think them as little loved as any , their estates thrive not ; Hypocrites bear a base esteem of them ; and if they love them , 't is because they love them ; Saints themselves many times suspect them ; or if not , yet they judge as well of others as them ; nay it may be they are so disfigured sometimes by those sores that break out of them ; that they know not themselves ; but now the Lord will openly declare his love to them , and to all the world besides ; These are the men which I have born on my brest , and caried on my shoulders ; for whom I have built and planted Churches , and destroyed enemies , and trod the wine-press alone , and prefered above mine own life , and blood and glory ; whose hairs have been numbred by me , whose walls have been continually before me . No greater misery to a holy heart than this : Psal. 42. 10. Where is now thy God ? So when conscience saith , and men say it here : Oh what a mercy is it that then it shall be heard , I am now come to comfort thee !

Fourthly , Then they shall be brought into actual possession and fruition of all the glory promised unto them , of all their inheritance and portion : Before mariage there be promises made of such an estate ; but when the day is come , then they come to actual and full possession of it , and become equal possessors of the estate ; so much in this life the Lord doth promise to possess his people of ; there be promises of peace , redemption , victory , and triumph over all enemies , fellowship with God , and all the Saints and Angels together , an incorruptible inheritance , and now they shall enter into possession of all these ; nay , all that Christ hath , signified by that word Kingdom , Matth. 25. Come and take the kingdom prepared for you ; 1 Cor. 15. 54. Then shall be brough● to pass the saying written , O death where is thy sting , &c. Isa. 25. 7 , 8. So that reckon what Christ hath , you shall have it then . Much mercy the Lord shews to his people now , but Psal. 31. 19. how great is that which is laid up ! then it shall be brought forth ; now you shall have an end of all your desires , prayers , faith to feel that which you have believed , &c. as it was with Ioshua 23. ult. Not one thing whereof God hath failed . Here the poor hardly get bread ; here many prayers get nothing , &c. but there , 2 Thess. 1. 9 , 10. God doth then what he can for them and gives what he can give to them , then all treasures are broken open .

Fifthly , Then there shall ever be cohabitation and living with him , never to be any more parted from him , or he from them ; for while any is a Suitor to one in a far Country , he comes and goes away again ; but when mariage comes , then he carries her to his own house , and now live they must together ; so the Lord in this life is somtime with his people , somtime absent from his people , but then they must cohabite together , and shall ; 1 Thess. 4. ult. And then we shall ever be with the Lord . If the Lord should do all the former , and not this , it would be a bitter cut : When the Disciples had Christs presence for a time , it was sweet ; but when parting came , that was bitter ; but here is no more parting with the Lord ; to be in a Kings dominon where peace rules , when other places are slaughter-houses , and Golgotha's , t is good ; but to be with the King , and ever with him , and to follow him where ever he goes , and to be familiar with him , this is wonderful ; Husbands depart either because not pleased at home , or because of business abroad ; all such motion arguing imperfection ; but now there shall be nothing in the Saints to displease ; and Christ's business shall then be done , he shall have no more to do but only to give up the Kingdom to God the Father ; that is the last work of Christ in this world : To see the Lord in his beauty of grace and love , will be wonderful ; but for dust and worms to be with him for ever ; the poor things of the world to be with him , when thousands are cast by ! we say that 's the beauty of a thing which no picture can express ; now to see that beauty in Christ is marvellous ; but to be in the bosom of one so amiable , how great is this ?

Sixthly , Then shall the Lord rejoyce over his people , and they in him ; Mariage day is the great day of joy , they long for it before ; and when it comes , the longer it hath been deferred , the more feats of parting , the more are they affected with joy then ; so here , the soul hath desired the Lord in grace first , and then in glory , Rev. 22. Christ hath been desiring after them in glory , Iohn 17. 24. now their desires being fulfilled , all his scattered lost Elect gathered , now he rejoyceth with exceeding joy ; and the longer lost , and meeting deferred , the greater joy now ; hence Zeph. 3. 11. he shall rejoyce over thee with joy , &c. Look as the Lord when they were but converted to him , poor , and miserable , and sinful , and some of them but very babes , Luk. 10. 21. yet he rejoyced in Spirit , and falls admi●ing of the Father ; so here much more when they shall become glorious and perfect , and altogether at this day . If the Lord , Isa. 40. 1 , 2. would have his Prophets speak to the heart of Ierusalem , when it had but Seventy years captivity , much more will the Lord himself then do it at that day ; and look as it was with them , Rev. 19. 1. to 6. Alle●uja● for the destruction of Antichrist , and that Christ reigneth , Oh let us rejoyce ; so shall all Saints meet him with joy , being delivered out of the hands of all their enemies ; they shall cry Allelujah with joy to see them destroyed , and the Lord reigning ; and then shall they up to heaven in a shout of joy with Allelujah , &c.

SECT. II.

HEnce see how ill the sin of worldliness or any sinful l●st suits with a gracious godly man : Use 1. Shall the Lord come as a Bridegroom to you , and will you run a whoring from him in this day ? A man can bear it when others that he never set his heart upon , depart from him ; but these to do it , it is a sin against his kindness , against his person most immediately , and against his name and honor . As a vertuous woman is a crown to her husband ; so here . Covetousness is a vile sin in any , but especially in these ; and hence Ier. 3. 4 , 5. Wilt thou not from this time cry my Father . When Baruch sought great things , Wilt thou seek great things when God came to destroy all ? so will you keep great things here when the Lord is destroying al● , Jer. 45. 5. when your Husband will be all in all ? when a woman knows that a great Prince loves her , she scorns all other Suitors , &c. So should you be content , though poor , though sinful , &c. Col. 3. 4. 5. as long as Christ loves thee .

Hence see what a great sin it is not to receive evidence of mercy and comfort from any promise of Christ wherein he reveals his love to his Spouse ; Use 2. if Christ shall come as a Bridegroom to you , by what promise soever ( therefore ) he shall manifest his love to you , receive it ; some would not have Christians to receive evidence of Christ's love by any conditional promise ; but remember this , that if Christ doth not speak them , if they be not the Bridegrooms voyce , or if not true , then do not receive them , or any evidence from them ; nay if he doth not by his own Spirit clear them , and apply them ; but if they be the voyce of the Bridegroom , if you be friends , or shew your selves friends , rejoyce at it , Ioh. 3. 29. As for that immediate revelation of his love , expect it at his meeting when you shall see him face to face ; in the mean while if he by his letter reveals his love , Oh make much of it because it is your Bridegrooms ; if the day of Judgement be come , and Resurrection past , and Christ seen immediately , then look not for your evidence from such Scriptures ; but if otherwise , then own his love here if he speaks . It is true , it would be a sweet thing if that day would come ; yet as Christ said to Tho● as so say I to you , Blessed are they which have not seen and yet believed ; and therefore when ever the Lord doth this , first or last ; hear his voyce , and believe his word . Do not say you see nothing in your selves ; suppose a woman should make a match by love and consent , though hardly ; she did ●ath him , but he was so mighty as to prevail for her goodwill , and now she is comforted ; and another should come and say to her , How do you know this ? Why thus he sought me , thus I concluded with him , and so fixt : 'T is no match ; Why ? You must see no consent , no love no imbracings , &c. would not such a one be counted a deceiver ? 2 Tim. 4. 8.

Of Terror ; Vse 3. What will become of you that refuse the Lords kindness now , that regard not the Bridegrooms voyce , that refuse to bestow your hearts upon the Lord ! he shall never be a Bridegroom to you at this day , when others meet him in the clouds , &c , Now you see Saints absent from the Lord , ●oor and mean , and question the Lords love to them ; but then all shall be seen , and all this you shall lose , Ioh. 3. 32. No man receiveth his testimony , &c. you that never mourned as widows without him , never felt need of his love , what will become of you at this day !

Of Consolation to all those that be espoused , Use 4. and contracted to the Lord , who have chose him , who have given themselves to him , who look now no further but content themselves in him , or have a frame of heart so to do , though fears keep them from possession of him ; Oh Christ shall come as thy Husband at that day . Many Christians fear this day , and hence do not sensibly love , nor long for this day , being under the whip continually of fears , and questioning their estate ; but why do you fear , when the Lord shall come as a Brid●groom ! Isa. 54. 4 , 5. why dost fear , himself the Judge so holy , when he is thy Husband ! thy chains and debts , and sins , when the Judge is thy Husband ! thy accusers or enemies , when the Lord is thy Husband ! You should rather long for this day , and rejoyce in it , because now comes your full Redemption from all sinnes , all sorrows ; the coming of a Husband is sweet .

First , Though the people of God have weaknesses and wants , the Lord hath none .

Secondly , Though they must part for a little while , the Lord is ever with thee .

Thirdly , Though they car not help out of all evil , yet the Lord Jesus will . Oh they should rejoyce , that when he comes like a Judge , and all the wicked shall melt like wax before his presence , and burn up before him , Oh yet a Husband to thee !

SECT. III.

Object . IF I knew this !

Answ. Yes , you know it ; but there be some things that are false Objections against it : as ,

Object . 1. Because the Lord is such a stranger , and the Lord absents himself so much .

Answ. Is that a good Argument for a Woman ? Isa. 54. 6 , 7 , 8. It is not the time of being ever with the Lord in his time of wooing ; Iohn 16. 20. I will depart , and you shall mourn , the world will not , and your heart shall rejoyce .

Object . 2. Because my heart goes so soon , so oft a whoring from him .

Answ. It may be that you are sorely tempted , and thy heart may begin to be taken , &c. but yet if you cannot yield to lie in your falls , this is not an evidence of a breach of the match . Psal. 73. he was almost gone , yet the Lord recovers him , and saith he , the Lord is with me ; therefore as it was with Christ , it was not possible that the bonds of death should hold him ; so here shall it be with the poor doubting believer .

Object . 3. Because my heart cannot love him .

Answ. Why do you then sigh under captivity and bondage of your love ? you cannot love him , other things do keep you under ; oh but can she say she loves not her husband , that doth sigh in bondage to be with him● Consider how it is at Christs absenting himself from thee ( as thou thinkest ) at any time ; for then love is seen , especially at the time of parting .

Object . 4. Because he is so unkinde to me , he hears not all my prayers .

Answ. This is a great Objection ; if Christ would give them all their portion together which he promiseth them freely in his time , then they think he is kind , not else .

First , Though he doth not hear all prayers at once , yet he hath given thee that which is better than all prayers ; ( viz. ) himself , 1 Sam. 1. 8. and a pledge of all the rest , and this is better than ten sons .

Secondly , It would do you hurt ; oh therefore rejoyce in this day , whatever thy condition be now : Give some women their will , and you give them your lives , and losse of all ; so here , and therefore saith Christ , I will be Lord in my house .

SECT. IV.

OF Exhortation : To those that are out of Christ , or do not know that they be in Christ , to labour to get your souls espoused , Vse 5. and match't to the Lord Jesus ; it is a laudable custome grounded on Scripture , that before marriage there is the time of espousals or contract ; and such may know though there be absence for a time , yet that when he saith he will return to marriage , he will come as a husband , though others in the family cannot look for any such thing ; so here the great work of the Ministery is to espouse people to Christ ; now that they may be presented chaste Virgins unto the Lord Jesus , 2 Cor. 11. 2. you may look then that he shall come as a Bridegroom to comfort you ; others cannot look for any such presence of Christ , to them that are not espoused to him now ; — Now Christ is gone up to his Kingdom , but let base dust , and vile man hearken , the time is coming , that he shall come in glory to the amazement of the World ; before whom all the wicked shall melt , but the Saints shall live in glory , caught up in the clouds of heaven ; Christ infinitely rejoycing in them , and they in Christ . Would you have him come thus to you , or as a revenging Judge , and consuming fire for your contempt ? ●if so , then get your souls espoused to him now .

SECT. V.

Object . A las ! What can I do ? the Lord must do it .

Answ. True , but he doth it by means ; the Ministry of the Gospel ; else what need there be any Scripture writ , or Gospel preached ? use you the means , and wait on the Lord thereby , for the effecting of this :

Quest. What should I do ?

Answ. Look as it is in marriage here , or espousals here ; there be but two things that make up the match .

1. Earnest suit on the one side .

And 2. Consent on the other ; and therefore if any thing hinder , it ever lies either on the one side , the man is unwilling , he desires it not ; or on the other side , if he be desirous , she is unwilling ; but both these finish the business ; if therefore you would be ever espoused to the Lord Jesus , look to these two things .

First , See evidently that earnest suit the Lord makes unto thee for thy consent , for thy good will ; and this will appear by his own speeches , and this is a sufficient testimony ; by what speeches ? by his voice in these Scriptures ; for is this the Bridegrooms voice or no ? if not , away with it ; if it be , and that they do breath the Holy Ghost , then know it , it is as if he spake from heaven to thee now .

Object . But he doth not speak to me there by name particularly ; he speaks to others , not to me .

Answ. 1. The Lord when he calls any to himself , he doth not in his ordinary Call speak to them by name , and yet they have so received the Lord in the Word , as if he had called them by name ; for look , as when the Law saith All that sin shall dye , the Lord speaks to all by name ; and if conscience be awake , it will apply it , This sentence is against me ; so when the Lord saith , All that will receive the Lord , shall live before the Lord ; and therefore receive him ; if conscience be awake , it will apply : As in the three thousand that were converted , What shall we do ? they were not called by name ; but when they heard that they that repented should live , because the promise was to all , they gladly received the Word ; so here it should be so ; and therefore we see when the Spirit makes particular application to a man , he so sets on a truth , as if the Lord spake to the soul particularly ; and therefore if you do not , it is because you are left of the Spirit of God , and the power of the Word ; for it is your duty so to do .

2. Though your names are not set down in the words of the promise , yet your names are wrapt up in the meaning and sense of the promise ; and this is as good as that ; for though the Lord doth not desire every man to keep the Sabbath by name , yet he means every man , and there your names are ; so when the Lord Jesus makes suit to a wretched heart to receive him , he meaneth every man , as if he had named them ; that which is set down in Scripture , and written to others , God means not them alone , but all others in like case ; — as I●r. 3. 12. What the Lord spake to Israel to return , he meant especially Iudah ; so Esay 2. ver. 1. to 5. There is a Prophesie of the Gentiles to flow to the Mount of the Lord ; what means the Lord by that ? the Lord meant hereby to stir up the Jews , and therefore he saith , Oh come house of Israe● , &c. And hence Rom. 15. 4. What is written , it is for our learning , that we might have hope ; i. e. God meaneth us therein also , so that when you see the Lord calling the wretched Jews in his Word , the Lord calls thee ; and when the Lord in his Ministery comes to them , he comes to you ; and to have thy name in the sense of the Scripture , is most for the glory of the Spirit , and s●iting best with the work of faith , and most sure , and most sweet to you ; but especially I say , when the Messengers of God come to you , they make things particularly clear , which were but generally set down : O consider therefore the Lord is earnest in his suit to have thee receive him .

SECT. VI.

1. IT breaks the heart of the Lord Jesus to see thee depart away , and go a whoring from him ; when a man is so set in his desires that when he is crossed of his hopes in marriage , it makes him sick and pine away with grief , because he is very earnest for the match ; so it is here , Ezek. 6. 9. And therefore we shall see Mark 8 , 12. the Pharisees who had seen all his works , yet an adulterous generation sought after a sign , it is said Christ sighed deeply in sp●rit for this ; nothing grieves the Lord so much as this ; to despise any part of his will , or poorest member of his , grieves him ; but to dispise himself , this much more ; as we shall not find any joy in Scripture ●ike this , when the Lord hath overcome the unkinde heart of a rebellious sinner ; Isa. 35. 1. and hence heaven and earth and deserts are commanded to rejoyce at this : devise to grieve him , and you cannot do it so much as by refusing him .

2. The Lord is so desirous of it , that he will pass by all thy former lewdness , if now thou wilt receive him , Ier. 3. 1. with 4. men will not do so , yet the Lord will ; what , when so many vanities are loved more than the Lord , can the jealous●e of Christ receive me ? Yes that he can .

3. When the Lord hath cast off a poor creature for refusing him , yet then his heart yearns and his soul longs for it ( many times ) again , I a. 54. 5 , 6. the Lord hath called thee as a wife of youth when refused ; i. ● . when God did appear to them , to refuse them ; Oh wonderful ! that when the soul hath refused the Lord , and the Lord it , and all creatures refuse to love it , yet these the Lord calls agan ; and hence the Lord comes upon his people Isa. 50. that complained , God had utterly re ected them , and all the fault is ●n him : no their sins had done it ; but then he blames them that when he came , no man answered , &c.

4. All the anger of Christ , especially his greatest anger is expressed against a soul for want of this being willing to receive him ; when you say How doth the Lord regard or desire me , when he fights against me ?

First , Is there an evil not inflicted , but devised against thee ? ( as many a one fears what is not yet made known ) this is to make you r●turne , Jer. 18. 11.

Secondly , Are there any sorrows upon thy conscience , upon thy outward man , that God takes all comfort from thee ? Hos. 2. 9. 14. 16.

Thirdly , Are there any evils inflicted upon others in this life , especially whole Churches , their Ordinances broken , Temples consumed , and laid into dung-heaps ? it is to get thy good will , Jer. 3. 8.

Fourthly , Are there any gone down to Hell , who did once flourish here , that you have even seen the flames and tears before you of crying Ghosts ; if so , then know it , it is that thou mightest draw near the Lord , Psalme 73. 26 , 27.

5. The Lord professeth that he will give the choicest of all blessings to them that receive him ; and this argues strong desire , Psal. ●1 . 11 , 12 , 13. Honey out of the rock .

1. Thou shalt have himself taking infinite delight in thee , because he will make thee beautiful with his own beauty , and cloath thee with it , Psa. 45. 12.

2. All creatures shall be servants to thee throughout the world , Hos. ●●lt . As when one is married , all the servants in the Family are to serve her or him , so here it is in regard of the faithful : Oh that you could hear the voyce of the Lord Jesus , and his earnest suir to you herein . This you see is clear .

There now wants nothing but for you to give your consent unto him , and therefore this is that which the Lord lays to the charge of men , viz. ●heir breaking off the match ; and so Rev. 2● . 17. Whoever will , let him come and take ; Prov. 1. 29 , 30. they did not chuse the Lord , nor would none of the Lords counsel ; and this made the Lord cast them off ; so that now there is nothing but thy wll : Shall the Lord desire it , and wilt not ●●ou be glad of it ? there is no beauty in thee , why he should do this to thee : there is in him beauty and excellency ; Oh shall not this love win thee ? Shall it be said another day , Wherefore is all this evil come upon such a one ? had he not means ? had he not offers ? But this shall come against thee , You would not , Oh you would not .

SECT. IV.

ONly take these four Cautions concerning your consent .

Take heed that your consent arise not only from fear of misery , for this is a forced consent , and is ever naught , and it appears so when the misery is past ; many do thus in fears of death , or times of calamity ; Oh then the Lord , Hos. 8. 1 , 2 , 3. Psal. 78. 34 , 35.

Secondly , Take heed it be not a conceit of your own making in days of peace ; for that which you make from your selves , you will break also ; but that it arise from the sence of thine own insufficiency to give consent , and the Lords Almighty power and infinite grace to work it , and then no powers of any creature can untie that knot .

Many hearing of this , Will you have Christ ? Oh yes , withal my heart , and force a consent by their own labor ; this is naught ; and hence Ezek. 16. 60 , 61. The Lord will receive that harlot but not by he● covenant , i. e. which she undertook in her own name ; no , the Lord must work it , Ier. 3. 19. How shall I do this for thee , &c. Hos. 2. 19. I will ●etroth her : For no creature can incline the heart to another but the Lord ; there is a natural antipathy between Christ and the Soul ; and hence we see it in many a Christian , ask him , Why cannot you love the Lord , nor cleave to him ? Oh because I know not why ; I cannot , I have no heart ; the truth is , you have hearts that do loath him ; unless the Lord overcome you , you can never submit indeed unto the Lord .

Thirdly , Look that your consent be not made according to your own terms and conditions ; for look as it is with a woman , if she shall say she is content to love such a man ; but if she keeps an open Inn to entertain all strangers , and love all commers , or if there is one she is in league with ; there can be no mariage ; so therefore the conditions are so , Receive the Lord , and give your consent to love him only , Prov. 8. 17. I love them that love me , otherwise the match will never be made , Isa. 50. 1. if you keep your wretched , unruly , stu●bo● w●lls st●ll , never hadst thou , or shalt thou have the Lord ; Let thy sin be never so little , so close , as ( it may be ) sloth , it is death to pray ; it may be 't is pride ; or whatever else it be , you must have your hearts first divorced from them , or thou canst not have Christ .

Fourthly , Take heed then that sence of want of dowry , beauty , portion in or from your selves , doth not hinder you from consent ; for the Lord requires no such thing of you ; hence M●tth. 22. 4. All things are ready in Christ to receive from him , Ephes. 5. 25. 'T is not for you to make ready to bring to him ; only come ; and the Lord doth bring his people to sence of vileness , that they may do thus , know that it is his Grace that makes the Lord close there .

SECT. VIII .

NOW will you refuse , and not let the Lord have your hearts this day ?

First , is there any thing in the Lord that should keep thee from consenting ? what good is there else but in him ? what want of perfection there ? his love is better than life ; if there be any thing in the world that can be better to thee , or do greater things for thee , make thy match ; but who can pay thy debts ? who can fetch thee out of prison ? who can put beauty on thee ? who ever did thee good but the Lord ? therefore there is none like him ; he will cloth thee , possess thee , &c.

Secondly , is there any thing in thy self that keeps thee from consenting ; hast thou no need of him , or consenting to him ? you may , it is true , have other creatures to adorn you ; as they Ezek. 16. 37 , 38. But the Lord will gather your lovers together , and give you blood and fury in his jealousie : I mean , when the Lord shall come at this day , to embrace , comfort , glorifie others ; thou shalt not have a smile from him ; Oh men now despise the Lord , and his Grace and Patience ; tell them of a match with the Son of God , they regard it not , no more than a tale that is told ; well , the Lord will bring you into horrors , wherein you shall prize and be glad of this , before you die , even one glimpse of his love .

Post tenebras lucem spero . After my sickness December 12. 1639.

CHAP. XVIII . Shews that Christ will not tarry when once his time is come ; and the folly of such whose work is then to do ; and that the blessedness of Saints consists in immediate communion with Christ .

SECT. I.

THe coming of Christ , we have heard is set forth first from the time of it , viz. just then when the foolish went to buy : Could not the Lord so patient and long suffering , tarry a little while longer for them ? especially seeing they went not about any sinful work , but were using the means to get that grace now which their vessels were empty of before ? No , but the Lord deals with all men , especially that live under the means ; as he did with these foolish Virgins .

That as God is long-suffering towards men , Observation . whiles through ignorance of their spiritual wants and security of heart they have no hearts to use the means for supply . So if once his time of forbearance be slept out , he will not tarry one moment longer ; even when men are most diligent in the use of means for spiritual supplies ; when Christ hath a heart to help , many people have none either to see their wants , or seek for help ; when men have hearts thus to do , then Christ hath none , because his time of tarrying is out ; when men are worst and most secure , Christs door is open to them many times ; when men are best and indeed awakened , Christs heart and door is shut against them , as it was here ; for what are the best endeavors of foolish Virgins ? what excellency is there in them , that the Lord of glory should stay their leisure , after long neglect of himself , and loss of precious time ?

SECT. II.

BE sure you sleep not out the day time of Grace ; Use especially you .

1. That know you want oyl in your vessels , and Grace in your hearts , and mercy to your souls , and think I would not die yet for a world .

2. You that being asleep with these foolish Virgins , dream you are rich , and want nothing , and would be half offended with them that should tell you to your face , or bat think in their hearts that you have no grace , when indeed you are poor and empty , and naked ; — Take heed you give not that answer to time that tarries for you , and unto Christ that waits upon you , as Felix to Paul , when his heart trembled to hear of judgement to come ; I will speak with you at a more conv●●●ent season ; The Lord hath not left Churches without examples of the terrour of Christs patience in this kind , who upon their beds of distresse have lamented before men ; Oh my time is out , Call time again , call tim●again ; and who have besought it of God with tears , as he did the blessing , and cryed out , What Lord , wilt not give me one houre , one day more ! and so like men sinking have ca●ch'd hold on any thing to save them , whiles others have stood upon the shoar lamenting of them , the Lord be merciful to them ; this may be your case , that neither your tears nor blood can purchase a moments time .

Look to it that your vessel be not found empty at the coming of the Lord ; it is a dying time in this Countrey , and the Lord hath taken away some , and those that were ready are gone into the Marriage . Consider of it that faith , that grace which you think you have now , may prove but chaffe and stubble when it comes to be tryed in the fire of the Lords coming ; the best man will fi●de all l●ttle enough ; then be sure you misse not of it now : Do not think I will pray , and seek then , and I hope to finde , though thou art secure now ; think of this point , When did Christ come and shut the door , but when the Virgins went out to buy ? but woe , woe to thy dead heart ; some here present shall seek Christ , and not finde him , but shall dye in their sins ; till arrows are in your hearts , you will not cry .

SECT. III.

THat after long profession of godlinesse , Observ. 2. it is a piece of foolishnesse to have any thing then to do but to dye , and so to give welcome to the Lord Jesus : These Virgins when they were to dye , were then to buy ; when they were to receive Christ , were then to seek for oyle in their Vessels , that so they might be ready to receive Christ ; but of this hereafter .

Oh their sad condition that have all to seek yet ! Use 1.

Be not ever seeking , Use 2. never find●ng ; but so seeking , as that when you dye , you may say , Com● Lord , I am ready !

SECT. IV.

ly . THis Coming of Christ is set fo●th from the different entertainment of the Virgins , and Christs different carriage toward them .

1. For his entertainment to the wise Virgins ; that is set down to be an entring or admittance into marriage , fellowship , communion and joy with the Lord Jesus ; which ●s amplified

First , From the Antecedent ( not cause ) of it , and that is their readinesse .

Secondly , The Consequent of this their Communion , the Doo● was shut .

That the last end , and full blessednesse of all the Elect espoused here to Christ , it consists in immediate communion with Jesus Christ alone .

What becomes of these Wise Virgins ? they enter into near comm●●●ion and fellowship with the Bridegroom Jesus Christ . What becomes of the souls of all the Elect when they are separated from the body , and from this World ? the spirit returns to God that gave it ; so the soul returns to Chris● that bought it . When this World shall be burnt up , what will become of the souls and bodies of the Elect , when there shall be no more Sun to shine , nor Kingdom to rule , nor Creatures to comfort ? they shall ascend from the clouds up into the marriage-chamber of the Son of God , and be for ever with the Lord , and the Lord alone ; and this is their blessednesse , &c. Blessednesse , yea , the last and only blessednesse , even of heaven it self .

Iohn 17. 23. There are variety of creatures here , and in every one there is drop't some sweet ; but the Lords end is to make his people perfect in one ; how is that ? God in Christ communicating all his goodnesse to his Son , and so living in him , then Christ communicates all his own and Fathers love and goodnesse unto them , and so lives in them , and now they are in him , and so made perfect in one ; as those that are thirsty for a time , are refreshed with some drops , or waters running in their Channels , at last they come to the well-head , where they partake of all together .

1 Thes. 5. 10. This is the end of Christs death , that we might live together with him ; not live only from him , but live with him , and together with him ; in beginnings here , hereafter fully .

SECT. V.

BEcause God the Father hath laid up all his glory most abundantly in Christ Reas. 1. Col. 2. 3. Treasures of wisdome ; it shines in the face of Christ 2 Cor. 4. 5 , 6. and all our glory also . Luk. 2. 32. Glory of his people Israel . Psal. 29. 19. In his Temple he uttereth all his glory ; in the world , there it sparkles in every creature , and the heavens declare it ; but there is but some , and that common to all tongues and languages ; but in this Temple , the Lord Jesus especially , there all the Fathers glory is uttered , and himself doth utter it . Treasures are such things where there are

1. Precious things .

2. Abundance of them .

3. Hidden , not open to all .

4. They are sure and safe there , for their owners to take and enrich themselves withall ; so it is in Christ , there is first , precious things ; all Gods preciousnesse , and all our precious things ; our life , our peace , our joy , our strength , &c. and secondly , abundance of them ; thirdly , hid from the world , and unknown in part to the Saints ; fourthly , but sure there for their owners , and Christ is the treasure of all these treasures , which are infinite as God himself is ; now if all our glory , and the glory of God be in Christ ; then as privation of , and separation from this glory is the last and only misery ; so conjunction to , and communion with , and fruition of this glory , must be the last and great happinesse of the Elect. I would convince any carnal heart by this Argument ; Didst ever finde any comfort from any creature ? that comfort is not from it , but from the Lord by it ; for creatures are but as cold water , all their warmth is from the fire ; now there is but a little of the sweetnesse of God , because creatures can hold but little , it is so narrow a vessel ; but in the Lord Jesus all the goodnesse of God is gathered together there , which is scattered in several creatures here ; nay , not fin●te , but infinite goodnesse and glory ; therefore this is our blessednesse .

In regard of God the Fathers exce●ding great love , Reas. 2. and the purpose of God to manifest it to the sons of men ; this is the nature of love , when one is in a blessed condition himself , he will labour to bring those it loves to that condition ; now the blessednesse of God lies in fellowship with his son , Prov. 8. 30. Now God the Father loves them dearly , and would have all the world to know that he doth so , and hence brings them at last into the same fellowship with himself in his son ; Iohn 17. 23. That the world may know thou hast loved me ; the Father out of his infinite love commu●icates himself to Christ , and his fellowship is with the Father ; all know this is a dear love ; in mean while love to his Saints is unknown ; they and the wicked share all alike ; and the Saints have the least portion and worst part many times ; so that men cannot see by any outward thing any more love to them , than unto others ; the time will come that they shall be made perfect in one , as near the Lord as can be , that the world may know this love , &c.

When Abso●om had slain his brother , and fled from his father , it is said , 2 Sam. 13. 39. that the s●ul of David longed , or was consumed to go forth to him ; David might have said , I will never look after him more ; so might the Lord have said to us ; or if he l●ved , he might never have manifested it ( as David ) but the Lord must shew his love , &c.

Because this is the end of all the prayers and endeavours , Reas. 3. and all the workings of the Saints in this World : Suppose all glory be in Christ ; let a thing be never so good , but if a man hath no desires after it , hath no mind to it , it would not be blessednesse to him ; but this is the end of all the prayers , duties of the Saints , if at last they may be with the Lord , Phil. 3. 8 , 9. Joh. 4. 14. He shall never thirst , their desires are taken off from other things , ●ut only their hearts are to this . If there be any pillow the Lord lets them sleep upon in this world , they shall finde it hard at last , and arise with a Kings head and heart , and say , Oh here is not my rest ; the best entertainment this world can give , hath ever somewhat mixt with it , that makes the people of God say , Oh that I might be with the Lord !

SECT. VI.

Quest. SH●ll not the happinesse of the Saints partly lie in fellowship with ●he Sai●s ?

Answ. 1. True , but this is but a consequent to the former ; as separ●tion from God is ●he substance of misery in hell , but other things follow upon it ; viz. communion with Reprobates and Divels ; so here we have first communio● with Christ , here is the substance of our blessednesse ; then this is acciden●al● and follows upon that ; viz. the communion with the Saints , which is exceeding sweet .

2. That good we shall have in communion with Saints , is not from themselves , but Christ in them ; as 2 Thess. 1. 10. Christ shall s be admired in all his Saints ; so Christ shall ●hen in his Saints and Angels ; it is the light of the Sun that shines in the Stars , and they shall do nothing but set out the praises of Christ .

Quest. But what blessednesse is there in this , seeing it is in one thing only ? when a man is s●●k or poor , can grace refresh him , can he live by that ? ( thus many carnal hearts think . )

Answ. 1. The Lord shall then take away all fleshly appetites or desires ; for then our bodies shall be spiritual bodies ; in this life sometimes God takes away the stomack , when he takes away food . Christ forgot his wearinesse , because he had other bread to eat .

2. It is therefore blessednesse , because it is in one ; there is

First , Trouble in seeking and fetching our comfort out of many things .

2. Unsatisfiednesse , because one thing can give no more than it hath ; now all things in this one thing are there together ; the sweet of all creatures , all Ordinances , nay , variety of unknown mercies , ( Prov. 8. 21. ) shall center here in Christ Jesus .

SECT. VII .

OF marvellous Consolation to the Saints of God : Now you have many wants , Use 1. many sorrows , many temptations , many sins , many cares and fears of livelihood ; but the time will shortly come when you shall be with the Lord alone in communion with him , and so out of the crowd and presse of troubles , and temptations , and sins , and evils in this world ; that as he himself is above all these , so shall you . Iohn 14. 1 , 2 , 3. Their hearts were grieved for the losse of Christ ; I will come to you , and take you to my self , that where I am , there you may be also ; sometimes outward losses and fears trouble thee ; sometimes absence of Christ from thee troubles thee ; hear what the Lord saith , L●t not your hearts be troubled ; for the Lord will take you to himself again , John 16. 22. Christ tells them , I will see you again , and your hearts shall rejoyce ; what if he had said , I will come down from heaven to you again ? I tell you the Lord will do so to you , but that he is in a better place preparing i● for you , and doing better things for you ; but he sees you for the present , and you shall be with him at last .

The Apostle prays that they might know what is the inheritance of the Saints ; so I desire of the Lord for you , that you may know what it is to have communion with Christ alone ; oh see your blessednesse , &c.

SECT. VIII .

1. This Communion it shall be by sight , not chiefly by faith , as it is in this world : Many go many Miles to the supposed Sepulchre of Christ , and account their time , though superstitiously , yet happily spent ; oh but what will it be to see the Lord himself , not as he was here in his abasement , but in all his glory , brighter than ten thousand Suns ! now we see , 1 Cor. 13. as in a glasse where we see the glory of God in the face of Christ ; but then we shall know as we are known ; as a childe knows not the father , but at ripe years it doth ; but as Philip said to Nathanael , who said , Can any good come out of Nazareth ? so can any such mercy come from heaven ? come and see him of whom all the Prophets have spoken of ; so then the Father and Spirit , and Saints and Angels will say , oh come in and see him of whom all the Prophets have written ; come and behold him that hath shed his dearest blood for thee , that hath taken thought and care for thee night and day ; that hath been all thy life in●erceding for thee ; Revel. 22. 4. There you shall see his face .

2. This com●union it shall be spiritual and inward wi●h t●e soul and conscience ; suppose the soul should be with Christ , and not have spiritual communion with him , what were it the better ! as many ●ad when Christ was here in this world , that eat and drank in his presence , and yet are now shut out : Oh no! the glory , beauty , goodness of Christ is not to be seen with bodily eyes , nor tasted , nor handled with ou● carkasses ; and hence Angels though in heaven with Christ's person , yet look to the Gospel , to hear , see , and enjoy the spiritual excellencies of the Lord ; hence Simeon when he had Christ in his arms , yet now desires to depart , because he should then come near him into his spiritual commun●on ; Oh this the soul shall have , inward light , love , peace , &c. it is Christ's great love to live with the soul ; but so to live with them that are his own , as to live in them ; Oh this is exceeding love , for Christ to live in one that was a dunghil : It comforted the Disciples when he went away , I will end you the comforter ; Oh but what a blessedness wi●● this be , to be with him , and the comforter in us also ?

3. It shall be a f●ll and perfect communion , communicating himself out to the utmost ext●nt of the capacities of his people ; for here we have spiritual communion , but we see but little and know little , and receive but little , the first fruits and tastes of what we shall drink ; but there fully . 2 Thess. 1. 9. They shall be separa●e from the Lord and glory of his p●we● , i. e. as much as ever the Lord is able to fill or load the soul withal , a crown of glory as weighty as ever it can bear , it wraps up the heart sometimes ; the soul lies down confounded before the Lord ; Oh that ever the Lord should here look upon such a one so vile ! much more then shall there be wonderment ; he will set open all his treasury ; Oh come take thy fill of love ! there he shall poure out all his heart , &c.

4. It shall be an exceeding familiar communion : When Christ was here on the earth , we know how familiar he was with his poor Disciples ; how one leaned on his bre●● , could come to him , speak to him , &c. ( Oh brethren ) much more shall it be then , Ioh. 21. 17. ●ouch me not , I am not asc●nded ● as if he should say , Oh then there shall be sweet embracing , as Ioseph that 〈◊〉 ●ver the neck of Benjamin ; Oh the spiritual embracings there ! the Lord and Christ will say , I love thee dearly .

5. It shall be an everlasting uninterrupted communion ; We have here communion with other creatures , but they as passengers will leave us ; we have also communion with Christ , but it is interrupted ; many clouds come between us and him ; but then it sha●l be everlasting without any interruption . ● ●hess . 4. ul● . We shall e●er be wi●h the Lord ; hence comes comfort ; infinite is the glory of the Lord , we cannot see it nor enjoy it in a short time , we have no leisure here , no● time enough to see it ; hence we shall be to ●●●eternity behold●●g and enjoying of it .

6. A 〈◊〉 most sweet 〈◊〉 , Psa. 16. ult. filling the h●art with 〈…〉 of glory ▪ much more than feeling . And Three things make it so .

SECT. IX .

First , IT will be after many troubles , labors , and conflicts here in this world ; there 's not a godly he●rt but hath his burden , if not of misery , yet of sin ; if not from flesh and blood , yet from ●ell ; and he fears also ( it may be ) that he shall never come to heaven ; now hence this communion must be the more joyful , as Iacob that thought he should never see Ioseph ; and as Isa. 9. 2 , 3. those that divide the spoils , and reap the harvest ; then there shall be an answer to all thy● doubts , &c.

Secondly , It will be thus because this communion shall be chiefly in sucking ou● the sweet of all Gods love , past , present , and to come , Ephes. 4. 9. Psal. 24. 6. Love from a friend is sweet , but from a God sweeter ; it doth us good to think of their love , their honor and respect to us , much more the Lords ; Oh this will like wine , chear the heart , that as the damned shall suck the fierce wrath of God , Oh it shall sting them ; so this è contra , we shall see all his bowels open .

Thirdly , The Lord Christ himself shall rejoyce over the soul , and so all Saints with him , Luk. 10. 21. And the soul shall see this , and all Saints rejoyce in its communion . Oh consider this and comfort your hearts with this all ye people of the Lord ! I only say as Ioseph dying , God will surely visit you when I am dead , Gen. ult. 24. So when thou art dying the Lord will surely visit thee with his presence , and you shall surely be with him . You have been praying for this , and hearing , and now and then you taste a little , but think it is too good to be true ; yet if Christ be blessed , thou shalt at last , thou shalt not miss ( though thou finde but little of him here , and walk in the dark ) of being with him for ever ; God hides his face from some of you , and you mourn , though the world rejoyceth ; but happy art thou , for thy mourning shall be turned into joy .

SECT. X.

TO mourn for our strangeness now to Iesus Christ , Use 2. and our distances from the Lord Iesus , may not the Lord take up that speech as to Philip , Have I been so long with thee , and hast thou not known me ? So hath Christ been so long with thee , and shalt thou be for ever with him , and yet dost not know him ?

There are five things that are ever conjoyned with a near communion with Christ .

First , Knowledge of him ; Alas , how little do we conceive of the Lord ?

Secondly , Perswasion of his love and faithfulness ; Alas , we have little assurance of him , Psal. 9.

Thirdly , Love to his fellowship ; and the more in it the soul is , the more desirous it is of it : Oh but the weariness of being with him that we ha●e ! no o●●ner are we with him now than needs must ; but hereafter it shall be otherwise .

Fourthly , Likeness to him in his vertues , as Moses comes shining down ; a man imitates them whose fellowship he loves in all their imitable excellencies . Alas , how unlike to him now are we , to what shall be ?

Fifthly , A daily opening of , and bemoaning daily evils to him ; Oh it easeth the heart ; if a man is gone from his friend , yet troubles will fetch him in again ; but we pour not out our souls thus to him ; hence he poures not out his blood into our souls to heal us ; Oh may not we take up that complaint of Agur , Prov. 30. that we are more foolish than any man ! speaking of Christ ; Oh therefore mourn for it ; David , when God hid his face for a little time , was troubled .

It was the complaint of the Prophet of evil men , That in their eyes , he was rej●cted and despised , and we hid our faces from him . Let the world do so , will you do so also ? it should not trouble so much that he hides his face from you , as that you have from him .

When David turned aside to Bathsh●ba , the Prophet comes and tells him , I ano●nted thee King , and d●l●vered thee out of the hands of Saul , and gave the● thy Masters Wives , and more also ; now wherefore hast thou despised the Lord ? the sword shall not depart ; Oh ( saith he ) I have sinned against the Lord ; so say I to you : if the Lord had never made known himself to thee , it had been another matter ; but the Lord hath delivered thy soul from hell , thy eyes from tears ; the Lord hath anointed thee to partake of the glory of Christ , the Lord hath given himself to thee , and saith Suck my blood , take my life , and more I would have given ; and hast thou looked after Baths●eba , other l●vers , and despise the Lord ? Oh say I have sinn●d , and mourn for it , 2 Sam. 12. 9.

There are two evils in this . 1. Forsaking thy own good , nay blessedn●ss , Ionah 2. 8. own mercies .

2. It is despising the Lord and his f●llowsh●p for other things , base things ; that whereas you shall be for ever beholding of him hereafter , yet you should proclaim him not to be worth looking on now .

Object . But I would have fellowship with the Lord , and he will not .

Answ. First , Never did any desire thy fellowship so much as the Lord when he wants it .

Secondly , Nor love it , and glad of it when he had it .

Thirdly , Nor mourn and lament more when he wants it , as Ier. 2. 2 , 5. God pleads for it .

Fourthly , he calls to the heavens , 2 Ier. 10 , 11. Did ever nation deal thus with Idols ! If this will not break thine heart for strangeness , I know not what will do it : It is your sin that breaks off communion , not the Lords unwillingness .

SECT. XI .

HEnce see the exceeding great worth and excellency of Iesus Christ ; and learn hence to esteem a right of him ; Use 3. there is no blessedness in the fruition of all the creatures together ; good there is , but no● blessedness ; or if there were , yet it lies in many things ; no one●hing , no● twenty blessings can make blessed ; and it is but a broken blessedness in divers pieces ; or if there were a kind of blessedness to be found in one , yet it is not a lasting blessedness , it is so but for a time , and so the loss of it at last will trouble us more than the having of it for a time .

But as he saith , I● him is light and no darkness ; blessedness , and no misery ; peace , and no trouble ; fulness and no want ; beauty , glory , and no blemish ; life , and no death ; pure , dear , infinite love , and no anger ; and it is in him alone , Psal. 148. 13. His name alone is excellent ; all our glory and the glory of God also is met together in him , all things i● one thing ; whatever good there is in other things , it is borrowed from him ; base , begga●ly things ; but the fulness and plenty of all is in the Lord , so that we shall not need to cumber our selves about unnecessary things ; we need not a candle when the sun shines : and our last blessedness is here ; when every thing else will make them wings to hasten from us , this will continue and last ; when all our vessels we are tossed in here are sunk , and where our entertainment hath been very good , yet the shore sinks not , it is above over-whelmings ; here alone we are fast .

However the world sees not this , because their blessedness lies in preserving themselves by creatures , from feeling that misery which lies upon them now , as also because they shall never share in it ; yet the Saints have been exceedingly taken with this that David accounted them blessed that might dwell in his Courts in this world ; Solomon was blessed that might but wait at wisdoms gates , and so be ready to be received when they be opened ; Abraham rejoyced to see Christ's day afar off ; Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ great riches ; what did he then esteem of the presence of Christ here ! but what i● glory ●●

Think of this , you that say you cannot finde in your hearts to esteem of the Lord Jesus ; especially let him be precious to you , you espoused of the Lord ; for others may say he is precious , but I shall never enter into this fellowship : No , no , but you shall , but he will take you to fellowship with himself : It was a great favor to Moses , Exod. 24. 1 , 2. when others might come towards the Lord , yet Moses alone might only come near ; and he was in the Mount alone with God ; so that the Lord should let others come towards him ; but that you alone above many thousands in the world may be suffered to draw near to him , this should make the Lord precious to you at least . Lev. 13. 46. The Leper was to dwell alone without ; the Lord might have dealt so with thee ; but when thou wert vile indeed , and most vile , nay when thou didst separate thy self from thy self , then for the Lord to come near thee , and ( as if thou couldst never be near enough ) to manifest himself to thee forever in glory ! When David found out Me●hibosheth ( saith he ) What am I ● dead dog that I should sit at the Kings table ! 2 Sam. 9. 7 , 8. It was a great favor to Christ himself , that when rejected of men , yet that he was chosen of God and precious , and taken up to him ; it may be thou thinkest thy self unworthy of fellowship of any man , and men do , or men man reject thee ; yet for the Lord now to receive thee , it is much ; but whereas thou wert not only rejected of men , but of God also , Isa. 54. 6. now for Christ to take thee to him ; that as he lies in the Fathers bosom , because thou couldst not for sin immediately lye there , he should lay thee in his bosom , and say , Father love this soul as thou hast loved me : Besides , the Father took Christ because he had worth ; but for Christ to take thee when thou hadst no worthiness ! for one to take dross and prize it when others cast it away , it is much ; it is no wonder if pearls be so esteemed of , but for dirt to be prized ! Oh therefore let the Lord be precious , and his fellowship precious to thee , seeing thou and thy fellowship is so to him .

Object . But I cannot believe it , why should the Lord do so ?

Answ. It is hard to believe it when we look upon our own vileness ; but consider the reason why the Lord doth this ; it is not because he loves any for fleshly respects as we do ; but

First , Because of his own grace and glory ; the Believer is infinitely beloved of him , without moving him thereunto ; and hence if his grace be exceeding dear , and his glory dear to him , thou art so to him .

Secondly , Christ loves not first because men are holy , but that he may make them so .

Thirdly , He loves because the father loves them .

SECT. XII .

HEnce learn to be content with the Lord alone , Heb. 4. 9. there is a rest ; hence labor to enter into it ; so if he will have rest and blessedness hereafter , that you shall be content and for ever glad in him and with him alone ; Oh labor to possess this blessedness now : You are in your worst condition now , your best is behind ; shall the blessedness of thy best condition , not be blessedness in thy worst cond●tion unto thee ? shall that which satisfies thy soul in heaven , not satisfie thy soul here . Mos●s , Deut. 32. 10. reckons this as the happiness of Israel , ( viz. ) That God alone did lead them when they were in a wilderness , a land of drought , and pits , and wants , and the shadow of death ; so Christ now .

Solomon reckons it as one part of his folly , madness and vanity , when he forsook the Lord in his degenerate condition , Ec●les. 2. 3. that he gave up his heart to vanit●y , and to wisdom also ; as if that was not sufficient alone .

Men are not contented with the Lord alone ; Solomon as you heard , was gone , whom God appeared twice unto ; Davids heart was sorely assaulted , P●al. 73. untill he wen● into the sanctuary of God , and then , saith he , whom have I in earth but thee ? but as for others they are far from this ; and hence come the many murmurings and sinkings of heart ; why do not men sink and drown ? because they are not in the ark or ship , and stay there alone ; so it is here , Psal. 16. 4. their sorrows 〈◊〉 multiplied , &c.

SECT. XIII .

LAbor for this contentedness in spirit , in four cases especially , wherein the heart is apt to withdraw from the Lord ;

First , In case the Lord takes away the dearest , nay , all outward blessings from us ; men can ●ub it out with quietness of spirit , when some of their money loose in their pockets is lost ; but when their jewels are lost , their dearest blessings singled out , Wife , Husband , Children , then as Ionah , the soul is almost angry with God , when his gourd is smitten : 1 Thess. 4. 13. without hopes ; again some can rub this out till they come to part with all ; when some of our boughs are cut and branches lopt , we can be content ; but to have ou● top boughs cut off , and to strike at the root too , that we should remain as w●thered ●ry trees , this can hardly be born : Men can be content to follow Christ , if they may carry something on their backs beside the cross ; some can endure ●ny thing but poverty , because covetous ; others any thing but disgrace , beca●●e proud ; if some thing or many things be cast over-board in a storm , men can be sometimes contented therewith , if something escapes ; but when there is a w●a●k of all , now to be content is as hard as to walk upon the waters ; Israel when they be fed and led by God , all was still ; but when they want bread and water , then they murmure , and also ques●ion , Exod. 17. 7. Is God among us now ? And truly it would break ones heart to see what sinkings of heart there be among us ( the fruits of ex●ream pride and Christlesness ) and what vexations men are to themselves , that men are become devils to themselves , their own torme●tors ; what cares , fears , griefs , losses , decays , that their heads are dawled , and their memories lost , and their hearts sunk , and their count●na●ces al●ered , and the Ordinances comfortless , and themselves heartless , and pining away in their iniqui●●es , because of outward sorrows : Oh consider , either thou shalt shortly be with the Lord , or not ; if not , there is cause of ●ourning : Oh to go home and see Abraham , Isaac , and Iac●b in Gods Kingdom , and thy self shot out , it were a lamentable thing indeed ; but if it be otherwise with thee , Oh consider thou shalt be happy enough without these things in heaven ; and therefore though these things be lost , thou shalt not lose one jot of thy happiness : A man that is blessed with ●lessedness it self , and yet sunk , either should say Christ is not blessedness , or else recover .

Object . Oh but though I have lost my estate , yet that doth not so much trouble me , as to have lost friends and their love !

An●w . And what if thou hadst lost thy life , and thy body were rent from thy soul , if that goes to the Lord ! Heb. 11. They were ●awn asunder . It may be thy heart hath gone from Christ ; Oh therefore re●●●● ! for it may be this is Gods end ; and methinks this should make you content with any cross , thou art not near enough to the Lord ; Oh therefore you poor Saints , be not in heaviness by many temptations ; the Lord doth it to try your fai●h ; can you be content with him alone ? It was Iustin Martyrs speech , Nothing else to care for .

Secondly , In case the Lord makes outward peace and blessings to abound upon you , set not now your hearts upon these things ; sometimes when miseries abound , and there is wracks of all , now the soul is glad to stand upon the rock to save its life , Psal. 78. 35. When he smote them , they then remembre● God was their rock ; but when the Lord begins to fill the soul with outward blessings , it is then exceeding hard not to lodge them in the Lords own room and habitation for himself , and the Lord is forgotten and fo●saken also , Jet . 2. 1 , 2 , 4 , 5.

But when these things are removed , or with you continued , yet let your hearts still be kept for the Lord ; for if these things were necessary , you should have them in heaven ; but there is no need of them there , but only of the Lord . Psal. 17. ult. It was Davids prayer that he might be delivered from the men who had their portion in this world ; but I shall behold thy face , and therewith be satisfied when I awake ; i. e. Some outward troubles now made him heavy , that he slept the sleep of death , saith Calvin , but then he should be satisfied ; it was Davids argument to prove his faith , Psal. 16. The Lord is the portion of my lot and cup ; not his crown nor kingdom ; 1 Cor. 7. 30. Paul mixes this with his counsels , use the world as if you used it not , possess as if you possessed not , for the fashion of it passeth away . The love of Christ sweetens these things ; nay , the sweet of them is Christs ; he lets into them his love and his sweetness , &c. Oh the peace that comes by this means , when a no outward evil detracts , and no outward good thing adds to your blessedness ! It is so in it self ; Oh that it were so indeed unto you , Psal. 23.

Thirdly , In case the soul comforts it self in hopes and desires after good things to come in this world ; for sometimes that which fills the heart , is not things present ; a man findes a bottom here , but he looks for things to come , and so lancheth out his heart in the deep , le ts the rains of his heart go strongly after things to come , and so the Lord alone doth not quiet him ; many mens blessedness here is imaginary , and chiefly because of that which is to come .

Oh consider when it will be found to be blessedness to enjoy the Lord alone , without hope or desire of any good else to come ; thy soul shall say , Let me ever see and love this God , and none else . It was the sweet affection of Paul , I desire much to be with Christ ; he did not desire these things , no not body nor life ; nothing else but to be with him ; and that not faintly but earnestly , 2 Cor. 5. 1. because he was now absent from the Lord ; Oh the sinful lusts of men● men think themselves miserable if they be not satisfied ; and they are not satisfied because Christ is not enough alone . Oh but know it , he will be so shortly , soul-satisfying blessedness to his people : And this I add , the way to have all desires satisfied , is , to joy in Christ alone , Psal. 37. 5.

Fourthly , In case of all spiritual wants ; for this troubles the heart above any other thing ; thou sayst thou hast such wants and such sins ; Oh but remember this , thou shalt have thy fill of him hereafter ; he is absent now , but thou shalt be with him ; he hides his face now , but he will arise upon thee and never set more , and will supply all thy wants . Thus the Apostle perswades to love the Scriptures , though they gave but a little light , and they were in darkness , until this day-star arose ; so then all darkness shall be abolished ; so the Saints complain , If a Son , why so unlike Christ ? yet remember When he appears we shall be like him , 1 Iohn 3. 2. Col. 1. 3.

Object . But these things are to come , how can I be content now ?

Answ. 1. Carnal hearts feed themselves chiefly with hopes , and false hopes of base things to come ; why will not you now with this ? Rom. 5. 2 , 3. we rejoyce in hope , and live by hope .

2. Faith makes things absent present , Heb. 11. 13. They saw the promises afar off , and were perswaded and embraced them ; so do you , and the Lord in them here , but the fruition and possession of those things promised is more .

3. Though there is not perfect and full fruition of the Lord here , yet it is in part here , which gives unknown sweetness , Revel. 21. 23. They need not the Sun , but the Lamb is the light of that Temple , P●al. 23. ult.

4. What though the Lord keeps thee short , yet for his sake be content whiles he keeps thee in want ; there is not a cross but the Lord saith , ●or my sake bear it ; nor a denial of any mercy , nor a putting by any prayer , but Christ saith , For my sake be content with it , as they Psal. 44. 22. and be content a little while ; glory is not yet ready for thee , nor thou for it ; now let this prevail with you ; be content to be afflicted , buffetted , forsaken ; q●iering the heart with this , I shall one day be with the Lord ; Christ was thus for thee .

And as for you that never had heart to receive Christ yet ; oh that this thing might make your hearts come off from all creatures to him ; Isa. 55. 3. Why spend you your mony for no bread , and for that which satisfies not , and for that which continues not ; what though thou lose by parting with thy lusts , al● comforts , friends , favor of men , gain ? thou shalt find all these in him ; lose him , and thou canst not finde these in them : Oh but this you will not come to ; but yet remember , Psal. 81. 11. Heb. 5. 9. and therefore is there any soul here that as Hannah was praying for a Child , so you for Christ alone ? I offer thee Christ ; in the name of the Lord take him ; thou canst not exalt Christ more by any act than by taking him ; and therefore , as hers , so let thy heart go home quietted , mourn no more , and let it ever bear up thy heart , as the ark above all waters , that thou art shipt safe in him .

SECT. XIV .

OH therefore be as near the Lord Jesus now a● you can be in this world ; Use 5. be as much alone with him as you can ; there will be a very near conjuction and communion between you and Christ another day ; and herein alone lyes your blessedness ; you are yet in your race , and absent from home ; yet be as near home , and reaching after the price of your high calling ; when David could not come to the Temple , yet his heart was as near it as it could ; he would be coming after it , and accounting them happy that might be near , even the very Swallows . That is the nature of love , Where it cannot go , it will creep ; it will be as near the thing beloved as it can : So here .

The Saints when they were cast from the Temple , when they could not go to it , yet they would look towards , and pray towards it ; Daniel did it though he died for it ; Ionah , though discouraged , and thought he should never come there , but be cast out of Gods ●ight .

Iacob and Ioseph , though they might have had honorable burial elsewhere , yet such was not only their faith in the promise , but their love to the Land of promise , where they knew God intended his presence , that their very bones must lie there , Heb. 11. 22. when they could not live there , their very carkasses shall lie there .

‛ This was the power of the timo●ous faith of Ioseph and Nicodemus ( when they had lost the life of Christ , and Christ was departed ) yet they loved and begged the dead body of Jesus ; so though you have neglected the Lord , yet now be as near the Lord as you can ; Christ himself when he was to depart from his people , yet he would be as near to his as he could ; hence he sends the Comforter ; Oh so be you towards him ! I know his love to us exceeds ours to him ; but there is no reason why it should , for we are vile ; there is reason ours should exceed , for he is worthy ; this is the honor of the Saints , To be a people near to him ; as it is the curse , and shame , and misery of all the world to be far from him .

Mens hearts lie further out from Christ than we are aware of ; some stars seem to be within a hands breadth of the moon , when they are indeed far off , because of our weakness not able to judge of things at that distance ; so it is with many ; nay many of Gods own people are far off , or not near enough to the Lord : And hence come

First , All afflictions for the most part ; why are they sent but to fetch you in from your strayings ? hence Psal. 23. 4. the rod of God comforted David .

Secondly , Hence comes your sleeping in your strayings from God ; as Ionah that went away from the presence of the Lord , and the Lord let him alone for a time ; I know there are daily strayings ; but to lie and live in them not lamented , this argues your hearts are gone , and lie out from the Lord , at least , for a time .

SECT. XV.

Quest. HOw should we be near unto the Lord ?

Answ. In Four particulars .

First , Be near to him in his Providences ; the Lord is exceeding near to all men thus , Act. 17. 27 , 28. in him we live and move , as the beam is in the Sun , so as he may be felt ; it is wonderful to think how near the Lord is to men , not only by the immediateness of his vertue , but of his person ; yet they are far from the Lord , and men are to seek for him ; hence vers. 30 , 31. he perswades unto that , especially to be near God , not only as a Creator , but as a Mediator , by whom the affairs of all the family in heaven and earth are ordered .

Oh therefore seek him till you come so near as to see him and find him hete ; David saw this really , and that in times of peace , when he had far pastures and full cups , Psal. 23. he saw the Lord as his Shepherd ; Ioh. 10. 1. who is known of his , feeding , leading , restoring , comforting by rods , adhering to him in the valley of the shadow of death ; and then for outward things , furnishing his table , annointing his head , giving necessities and superfluities ; he looked not only on second causes , but saw God as really doing all these , as carnal men see second causes doing these : Nay , he so sees the Lord , as that he falls a wondering ; and indeed the Lord is never seen in his Providences till then ; as Manoah saw the Angel do wondrously , Judg. 13. 19. Psal. 139. 14. Marvellous are thy works , vers. 17 , 18. How precious are thy thoughts ● he saw from the Lords works , and gathered an idea of the thoughts of God ; so should we ; and hence when he did awake he was still with th● Lord ; the first thing that appeared was the Lord , Psal. 73. 23 , 24 , 25.

To the beasts the Lord is near , but they cannot reflect upon their own actions , much less upon the Lord ; The Heathens may see we are Gods off-spring , and see God as a Creator at some times ; but let them that profess Christ , see and finde out Christ as Media●or ; as Moses that desired to see the Lord passing by him , whom he had seen a little before ; truly the Lord not only passeth by you , but is with you proclaiming his name by the voyce of his Providence toward you , patience , pity , love , truth , wisdom ; and yet truly this is very difficult and hard to see .

SECT. XVI .

MEn see not Jesus Christ , First , Because second causes seem to work all ; this estate my friends gave me , or my labor got me ; this house the Carpenter built for me , these provisions my money bought for me ; and so the creatureslike broad leaves hide the boughs of the glory of God in Christ on which they grow , and are opake and dense , and not transparent , through which the soul may see the glory of God abroad .

Secondly , Because men have so many businesses and cares that they cannot have leasure really to see the Lord .

Thirdly , Because there is a malice in all mens hearts naturally which suffocates all that which may be known of him , Rom. 1. 28. They delighted not , to retain God in their knowledge ; the works of God grow vile and sordid through their commonness to them .

Fourthly , Because men can live well enough without him ; hence like a childe at nurse , that forgets friends and home , because it is well enough without them ; thus mens minds are not fed with the thoughts of him , Ier. 2. 6.

Fifthly , Because Nature never heard of a Mediator governing ; all their lives , and comforts , and all ; they see not all given them by the Almighty hand of Christ , who hath all power given hi●● in heaven and earth , and who must reign not only friends till they are gathered , but over his enemies also till they are subdued , and to question this is to question Christ's sitting at Gods right hand . He is owner of all , and dispose● of all to the least growth of thy stature , and the most careless fall of the least hair ; to do not only the greatest , but the meanest offices of love for thee .

You say indeed you believe all is from Christ ; oh but you see it not ; come near therefore and see the Lord , Deut. 8. 9. they were forty years a learning that Man lives not by bread , nor is warmed by cloaths , &c. and though they had mar●ellous wondrous works , yet Deut. 29. To this day the Lord hath not given you eyes to see .

Oh therefore labor to see who it is that nurses you , gu●des you , tends you , leads you , teacheth you , lays you down , and takes you up , and let the works of Christ raise up your minds , to the thoughts of Christ in heaven , remembring thee in his Kingdom of glory , who might forget thee ; and the poorer and smaller the mercy is , the more do thou wonder that he should therein be a servant unto thee ; see all blessings growing upon this tree , seated in the midst of Gods Paradise , Rev. 22. 3 , 4. though thou layest thy head with Iacob upon stones , and sorrows , yet see this ladder of the Lords provi●ence towards thee ; common blessings sometimes descending , sometimes taken ou● of thy hand and ascending , and the Angels of God with thee , ministring to thee ; but the Lord at the top of them ; the Lord his care , his love , in all ; and let not this be a dream , but a reality to you . It is a wonderful sin to be thus unmindful of Christ .

1. Because hence all whor●●g from Christ ariseth , Hos. 2. 8. Iudg. 2. 12. especially in times of peace .

2. Hence the Lord is forced to hedge your w●y with thorns , and to bring you to extremily of troubles that you may see the Lord , Isa. 41. 17 , 18. nay sometime to bring ruine , Isa. 5. 12 , 13.

And tru●y as it is a great sin , so it is a very great shame , Isa. 1. 2. The ox knows his owner● is the Lord the owner of you , and do you not know him ? when he comes by you , and to you , provides for you ? It is a worse thing , saith Chyso●●om , to b● compar●d ●o a beast than to be so . To let many days and streams of goodness pass by you , and yet not to take any not●ce , and still to be so far from the Lord : I know in heaven this is perfected , and then comes acknowledgement of the Son of God ; but here you may be near him ; I think unless the Lord did descend in cloudy pillars , and of fire , some men would never see him .

SECT. XVII .

Secondly , BE near him in his promises ; for Christ is near to us here also , Rom. 10. 8. the word of faith is nigh thee ; so that you need not ascend to bring C●rist down from heaven , &c. When Parents are dead and gone , children w●ll then search out their last Will and Testament , and preserve that , and keep that near them .

Christ draws near to his people , 1. In his Promises , according to his thoughts of them .

2. In his performances , joyning the soul immediately to himself , and filling it with himself ; this we cannot enjoy yet , the Lord laies it up in his promise , which they have in liew of the performance : Oh draw near not to words and syllables , but to the Lord there , apprehend him there ; as it is with the Attributes of God , his Glory cannot be comprehended by us ; hence he manifests himself there according to our capacity , God manifesting himself severally ; so in promises we cannot comprehend Christ as yet ; hence Christ manifests himself in his glory , in several promises ; Oh embrace him there ; Heb. 11. 9 , 'T is not said that Abraham and Iacob were heirs of Canaan , but heirs of the promise , and Sarah first received her son in the promise ; so do you em●ra●e Christ in the womb and bowels of the promises ; we live by faith in this life ; and hence all our enjoyment of Christ is first in the promise .

First , Labour to draw near unto , and enjoy the Lord Jesus by the Promise .

Secondly , Labour to enjoy him in the Promise .

First , By the promise or by means of it ; all that which the Lord conveys to his , is not by mee● providence but by promise , Psal. 25. 10. He was free before their calling , but now he hath bound himself by an eternal covenant , to be all , and do all for them , Gen. 17. 1. So that the Saints may and should bring all their empty pitchers to the wells of the promise , Isa. 12. 3. and draw out of tho●e breasts , ● , and get Christ Jesus Spirit in your hearts by them ; now some think the Promise is not theirs , hence they go not thither for spiritual refreshments , or at least , they let other things come by providence , especially common blessings , without going to the promise for their daily bread , or looking to the promise out of whose bowels they are begot , Heb. 13. 5 , 6. the Apostle there sends them to the promise . Or else they use not the means , or faint in the use of it ; whereby they come to enjoy the Lord by his promise , and that is restless wrestling with Christ by prayer for it , Gen. 32. 12. Thou saidst I will surely do thee good ; He might have said , I have a promise , what need I pray ? or he might have said , I had a promise of safe convoy , but now I see the Lord is coming out to br●ak it ; and so he might have perished ; yet he prays , and wrestles , acknowledging himself unworthy of all the truth , &c. So N●h. 1. 8. Men have so little of Christ because so little of the Spirit of Prayer , pressing Gods promise ; thou hast a barren , empty , weak heart , because the promise is not improved as it should be .

Secondly , Labour to enjoy him in the Promise ; sometimes the soul hath a Promise fair , and seeks and finds not ; now the heart goes on to seek , but is exceeding unbelieving , or sad and troubled whiles it doth not feel ; and unthankful also , and accounts it self miserable whiles it wants , and so doth not glory in the Lord , and his fulness , which is his in the Promise , unless he feels the good come from the promise , like a man that doth not account himself rich while he hath it in his treasure , a most safe and sure place where it is kept for him , unless he gets a little out of it into his pockets ; and fears he shall be slain with thirst , though he stands by the Spring and that be full , if his dish be empty ; oh this is vile , Heb. 11. 13. These received not the promise , i. e. things promised , yet saw them , believed , and embraced them i. e. in the promise . You say you are sinful and born down by your distempers , and base , and poor ; I say you have power , victory over all sin and misery , and have eternal glory already in the promise ; only here is thy wound , you think you want it because you have it not out of the promise , though you have it in the swadling clouts of the promise lapt up there ; and by means of this sinful distemper of heart you partake not of Christ , because you apprehend not your exceeding great riches in the promise , 2 Pet. 1. 2. 2 Sam. 23. 4. God made an everlasting Covenant , this is all his desire ; sweet was Davids spirit . 2 Sam. 7. 22. Who is like to thee , when he had no accomplishment of the promise ; Oh so do you say . Heb. 6. 17. The Lord hath appointed we should have strong consolation by promise and oath , not by dreams ; it was the complaint of Christ , unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe ; so you call in question , like Thomas , unless you feel ; Oh close with the Promise , keep it as most precious ; and then Psal. 25. 10. He saith not to them that keep their covenants or their feelings , but his covenant as their portion , and get the Lord to undertake to keep it for them , and so make sure .

SECT. XVIII .

3. LAbor to be near the Lord in all his Ordinances also , both privately and publickly , for there is his presence , Ezek. ult. ult. Psal. 26. 8. he not only loved Christ's presence , but the place where it was ; it was an argument of his integrity . Psal. 102. 13. They did love the dust of Sion ; never think there is a time of mercy till then .

First , Be with him in secret as oft as you can , prayer , meditation , daily calling your hearts to an account ; time hath been that you have been so when in affliction , or at first conversion ; but now twenty hindrances ; and now you cannot only neglect , but think you have reason so to do ; there have been tears , and prayers , and thoughts , and pressings hard after the Lord , but now no words , nor groans ; you women have children to suck , and families to tend ; you servants love your sleep rather than the bosom of Christ ; and though Conscience cry out against you for it , yet you hope to be better one day , and so you grow strangers to Christ , and no publick Ordinances profit , because private duties are neglected , and thy heart like the sluggards garden is andressed ; is this to be as near the Lord as you can ? no , if the Lord oves you , look for the death of thy Husband , Wife or Childe shortly ; look for terrors , and then you shall account it an honor , if you may but once more speak to the Lord .

Secondly , Be with him , and as near him as you can in all publick Ordinances , and not only to have them ( which some care not greatly for , because they see no glory in them , unless glorified souls should come out of heaven to be members , and Moses and Elias to build tabernacles here , and ●o be Elders ) but come through them , look beyond them to the Lord ; look at them as empty and weak , unless the Lord fill , and be powerful in them ; David did enjoy God secretly , yet there was more in publick ; hence Psal. 63. 2. The Saints are a generation of Seekers , Psal. 63. My soul followeth hard afteh thee ; mercy and truth follows you many times when you forsake it , Psal. 23. ult. much more when you cleave to it : Hezekiah's frame of heart , Isa. 38. ult. is imitable ; Act. 1. Christ promised to send the Comforter ; wait at Ierusalem , as there they did in prayer , and at last the Lord came .

You have forsaken all for Ordinances ; and now you have them , you despise them ; I con●ess they are meer outsides , yet the Lord is there ; there is a glory which wi●e men can see in Christ in the mange● .

SECT. XIX .

Fourthly , LAbor by thy desires to be 〈◊〉 him , Rev. 22. 20. So desire as to wait for thy change all thy life , look for it , 1 The● . 1. ult.

1. Christ's desire is that thou wert with him , when thou art ready , and when thy work is done ; Oh let this make thee to desire it also .

2. If you cannot keep your hearts from vain hopes , and foolish and noyso● lusts , without desiring him , do not then desire to be with him ; for you may desire communion with lusts and Christ .

Object . But death is terrible , and separation from him bitter ?

Answ. Long for him therefore to come and then take thee , and see thou desire nothing but him● rebuke thy 〈◊〉 llingness of not being with him . If Christ was on earth , you would hazard your lives to get unto him ; much more herein .

Obj. But what will become of Gods name ?

Answ. Let the Lord alone for that ; w●●les thou livest en●●avour to the utmost ; but it s appointed for thee a little season only to be here , and be willing the Lord should honor himself also by others as well as by thee .

Object . What will become of my wife and children ?

Answ. Who regarded thee in thy blood ? when thou livest , they are thine ; but then the Lords .

Desire to be with him , this will support your hearts in all your changes of this 〈◊〉 .

SECT. XX.

Vse 6. YOu that never received Christ , now do it .

Object . Yes , I have .

Answ. No , you have not so received him , as to let all go for him . Why so ? because he alone will be blessedness , but he is not so to thee ; Oh therefore let all go now ; you must part with Christ , or all these things . Which will you do ? If with Christ , you cannot finde him in these things ; but if you part with these things , then you shall finde them all in him .

Object . But he will have none of me ?

Answ. 1. He cries down thy laying out money for what is not Bread .

2. He promises to give thee to drink , now , and hereafter .

CHAP. XIX . Shewing , that none shall enjoy Christ hereafter , but those that are prepar'd here . VERSE 10. They that were ready , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 prepared .

SECT. I.

THose only who are ready and prepa●ed in this life for Christ , Observ. 2. shall enjoy eternal and immediate communion with Christ ; those only who are now fitted for his fellowship , shall partake of his fellowship ; for of all these Virgins ( though many of them were otherwise very well qualified ) only those which were ready , did enter in with the Bridegroom ; which readiness in these wise Virgins , was not , nor is not any Popish preparation , either meritorious , or congruous , or wrought by the power of corrupted or adorned nature ; but Divine and glorious , wrought by the power of Christ , out of his eternal love to the Vessels of glory , as an Antecedent , not moving cause of this eternal fellowship ; it is the first degree of our Resurrect●on with Christ . Rom. 9. 23. Vessels of glory prepared unto glory ; the same word which is used here , there are two ends God hath appointed all men to ; either to be Vessels of wrath ; who are those ? Ve se 22. Those that are fitted for des●ruction ; others of glory ; who are those ? prep●red unto glory . 2 Cor. 5. 5. with 8. How comes Paul , and all the Saints to know , and groan for to be out of the body , and to break the Cage , and to be with the Lord ? one reason is , they are wrought , and moulded , and fashioned for that condition by the hand of a merciful God , even as one may know what Vessels are for special use , by their met●al , and curious engravings upon them .

SECT. II.

Reas. 1. BEcause all mens souls are naturally unfit , and unprepared to enjoy communion with Christ , it is said , Rev. 21. ult. Nothing enters into the new Ierusalem on earth , which is uncleane , and defileth ; and Heb. 12 ▪ 14. Without holiness no man shall see God . Now naturally all men are de●iled , and unclean Vessels , and under the power of their sins , loathing Angels food , the grace of Christ , and weary of the fellowship of Christ ; and therefore they must be prepared for the Lord first ; this is one reason , why preparation to every holy duty is needful , and so needful , that let men performe any holy duty , wherein they draw near to Christ without a heart prepared , Psal. 10. 17. their performances a●e rejected , or not blessed ; and hence Rehoboam , though he did maintaine the worship of God at Ierusalem , yet he prepared no● his heart , 2 Ch●on . 12. 14. 〈…〉 and begs par●on for this , That he is not so purified according to the purification of the Sanct●●ry . Now if to a holy duty , and comm●nion with Christ here , this is needful ; much more to eternal fellowship with him ; sore eyes cannot behold the Sun without grief ; sick bodies loath the best food ; if the Lord should let a carnal heart into heaven with that heart he hath , and not change his nature , he would not stay there if he could escape ; but having his swinish nature , he would be in his mire againe ; and the Government of Christ being a bondage to him , he would break bonds , and break his Prison , if he knew where to fly from the presence of the Lord ; And hence no work so wearysome as Christs now , no time so uncomfortable and tedious as abiding under Christs wings in his Ordinances now . 1 Cor. 15. 50. If flesh and b●ood cannot enter into the Kingdom of heaven , much lesse corruption .

Reas. 2. In regard of the rich grace and wisdom of his love towards his people ; for who sees not , but that it is a curse to be unready as these foolish Virgins , who were therefore shut out ! Oh therefore it is grace and mercy to make ready , and indeed an answer to prayers , and a comfort against all feares of the Saints , who are then desi●o●s to be with the Lord when they are indeed ready ; readiness for Christ doth not destroy grace , but being a fruit of Gods grace , advanceth it . Rom. 9. 23. the Apostle makes it the first fruit of glory , that the Saints are prepared unto glory ; glory of mercy is the end , preparedness thereto is the meanes , or way leading to that end ; if God appoints the end , his wisdom also leads first to the meanes which lead at last to that end ; if out of his rich grace he appoints the end , out of the same grace by this other , he leads to this end ; and though you think it not now grace , you shall say it is so another day , when with these foolish Virgins , you shall say , Oh that I were ready ! I know not almost which is greatest love , to prepare for glory , or to bring into the possession of i● ▪ to make a Vessel of poysonous dross a Vessel of gold , or when it is so , to fill it ; for the Lord to look upon a man when he is in his blood , and then to wash him ; when a man is as water spilt upon the ground , and a broken Vessel of no use , now for the Lord to pity , and fit for use , it is exceeding rich grace .

Reas. 3. In regard of the honour of the Lord Iesus ; it was one part of the honour of Christ , to have Iohn go before him ; and Luke 1. 17. to prepare a people ready for the Lord : As it is part of a Princes honour , to have his Bride ready , and attired to welcome and entertaine him , when he shall return to her , she owes this honour to him , and he expects this honour from her ; So the Lord Jesus deserves this honour from all his people to be in a readiness for him . Suppose these Virgins had turned Harlots , and gone a whoring from him till his very coming , and then had been taken in , what might the world think ? doth he love the fellowship of Harlots ? for a mans heart to go a whoring from the Lord , after the world , or lusts , to die so , is to disgrace the Lord Jesus ; And hence , Phil. 3. 17. to the end , there are two sorts of men professing godliness ; some minde earthly things , others look and minde a Saviour from heaven ; the one disgrace Christ , and are enemies to him ; and hence Paul weeps for them ; the other are his friends ; And are Princes so far respected as all things are ready for them ? and is the Lord worthy of no such respect , so as that his People then should be unready ? No , know it , as he said , Mal. 1. He is a great King .

The particulars wherein this readiness consists , I have spoken of in the first Part of the Parable , and shall now only speak of them in the subsequent Uses .

SECT. III.

Use 1. OF terror and astonishment of heart , to all those that are wholly unready , that have no readinesse at all to meet , or to have fellowship w●th the Lord Iesus ; if those that are ready be received● in , then those that be unready , shall be sh●t out .

There is a number among us , young and old , of all sorts almost among us , that swarme up and down Townes , and Woods , and Fields , whose care and work hitherto hath been like bees , only to get honey to their own Hive , only to live here comfortably with their houses , and lots , and Victuals , and fine cloaths , &c. but not to live hereafter eternally . Suppose the Lord should stop thy breath , and cut thee off , what would become of thee ? I trust to Gods mercy , I hope I should go to Christ , though I am not assured ; but are you ready for Christ ? yes , I hope I am ; Oh poor wretch , why dost hope so , if thou never hadst one houres serious thoughts , What will become of me ? or how shall I be ready ? feeling thy unreadiness and unfitness thereunto . Or if thou hast had any thoughts , never wast possessed with any strong feares of eternity , and separation from the Lord Jesus , which hath dampt thy mirth , and sunk thy heart , and perplexed thy thoughts , and made thee think with terror upon thy conscience , What will become of me ? nor made thee desirous to ask others that question , as it is commonly one of the first , though but a common work , to think of dying presently , I have lived long without God a●d Christ in the world , and dye I must shortly , and what will become of me then ?

But you have ●●ept 〈◊〉 enough in the night , and sung care away , and 〈◊〉 feare away in the day , and thy heart never had one houres fit of shaking and trembling at eternity to come , when it is the nature of true fea● , ever to have the eye upon what it feares , till it is taken away ; and if difficulty attend the same , to remove it ; it cannot be quiet , but will cry for help , if possibly help may be had ; this you never did : No , thou never hadst so much as these foolish Virgins , viz. to be awakened at all , but a spirit of slumber hath been upon thee ; God ●ath given thee eyes , but thou canst not see ; eares , and thou canst not here ; Thou sayst ( it may be ) that thou dost hope thou art prepared ; alas , thou hast not a Virgins name , much less nature , nor dost not deserve it neither ; thou hast not forsaken thy loose company , nor yet come to the company of the wise , neither dost thou desire it , or think ●●● self unworthy of it ; thy Lamp is out ; nay , thou never hadst any light at all , never mad'st profession at all , as of one ready for Christ ; but O poore wretch , all is yet to do with thee ! if so , then remember that if thou diest now , thou shalt never have communion with Jesus Christ in glory .

SECT. IV.

Object . WHat if I have not ?

Answ. I know it is the misery of men , they can make nothing of this till they feele it : But two things I will say .

1. Do but consider what if thou shouldst be deprived of the light of the Sun ; nay , only of bread , only that one creature , and have cloaths , Sun , Friends , all other blessings but that ; would it not be a wo with a witness , would it not cut a mans heart to heare him cry , Bread , bread , a little bread for the Lords sake , to save my life ! there is but a drop of the sweetness of Christ in that . Oh what a misery will it be to pine away , and famish under wrath in chaines of darkness , and to cry , Oh a little refreshing from the p●esence of Christ , and canst not get it , but to live ever tormented without that , when thy soul shall cry , Lord , thus long have I been tormented without thee , till my spirits are weary , and my heart faint ; Now , O now a little mercy , — Oh no.

2. That though thou seest it no great matter to be separated from Christ now , yet when the heavens shall be in a flaming fire , and the earth shall g●ve up the dead that be in it , and Christ shall appeare in infinite glory , admired of Angels , blessed of Saints , Crowned of God , comforting his Elect , Come , oh come ye blessed ; then you shall think this separation something . Oh that you would now go home and mourn , and look up to the Lord , that he would make thee ready a Vessel of honour , and acknowledge it 's righteous with him , if he should never do it .

SECT. V.

Vse 2. IT is of examination to all the Virgins ; Would you know whether the Lord will bring you to e●ernal fellowship with him ? are you ready for him , made sit to live with him or no ? for ●e●e only those which are ready , are received in ; the foolish Virgins did 〈◊〉 so long asleep , that little did they think they were unready , untill the Bridegroom● came , and it was too late . It is the condition of many at this day , that little dream of their separation from Christ , and yet shall be when he comes ; but they have some hopes and assurance ; they look to meet the Bridegroome when he shall come , and so fall into a sweet sleep ; a comfortable condition , untill the Lords coming , puts them upon more narrow searching than ever before ; that which many think gold now , shall be found hay , and stubble , and consumed to nothing at the coming of Christ ; therefore search now .

I know there is many a gracious soul that is ready , feares to slip in at the passage over that narrow bridge , between life and death , this end of time , and beginning of eternity , and loth I am to sad any ; but , heare what I shall now say in feare ; when there are these three things in the soul , then it is ready ; whiles any are wanting , it is unready ; And by these try your selves .

SECT. VI.

1. WHen the soul , the Spouse of Christ is made lovely by its Wedding Garment , the Royal Robe of his own righteousness in the eyes of Christ ; for this Bridegroom , though he findes his Spouse 〈◊〉 , yet he being glorious and lovely himself , makes it lovely and glorious , E●h. 5. 25 , 26. A Queen fit for the fellowship of this King of Kings , and thorow this righteousness ( though otherwise weak and vile , yet ) the object of his , and the Fathers infinite and endless delight in heavenly Glory ; now it is fit , Zach. 3. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5. 2 Cor. 5. 2 , 3. Without this righteousness , there is nothing but shameful nakedness in the best ; so as the soul 〈◊〉 Adam , will rather seek bottomes of Mountaines to hide it from Christ , 〈◊〉 to appeare before him . Now examine you Saints ; time was , that 〈◊〉 was no shame to thee , though thou didst wallow in that Vomit , and livedst in it , and livedst by it as by thy Trade ; or if the Lord did keep and deanse you from foule sins , and that you could pray , and sorrow , and k●ow and remember what you heard , and had some good affections , now you were some body in your own eyes , and it may be you thought if you died then , you should to heaven , and Christ must needs save you ; who should he save else ? but now the Lord hath made thee poor in spirit , and ashamed ; nay , the Lord hath made thee lie down confounded , because of all thy shame before him ; and the Lord hath made thee see a glory , a ri●ing Sun in Christs righteousness which the Gospel hath brought to light ; though thou wert a poor , naked , condemned , vile creature ; yet the Lord hath made thee seek for it , so as to esteem all things loss to be found there , and now here is all thou hast to glory in , as that which may make thee lovely in the Fathers sight ; and here the Lord hath quieted thy conscience , and heart also ; be not discouraged , nor afraid to stand before the Lord , if he should send for thee this night ; for though thou art vile in thine own eyes , yet the Lord looks upon thee as lovely .

The Apostle makes a question , why the Gentiles are justified , and not the Jewes , Rom. 9. 30 , 31. he answers it , verse 32. viz. they sought it by the works of the Law ; but if it be otherwise with thee , that in Christ thy righteousness and strength is , then thou mayst glory ; so that now thou shalt have peace againe , against all the condemning of conscience , Satan , and God himself .

But have you seen your nakedness , known , and stood convinced of your vi●eness , and have heard the voyce of God condemning thee for thy sinful , though civil life , and been afraid , and hereupon you have reformed your life , lamented your course , set upon some duties , gone to Christ for strength against some corruptions , and you have had it , and you have looked about you , and have been ready to say , If the Lord saves not me , who should he ? and so have sowen these leaves and skinnes together to cover your shame ; and now you are well , being strangers to this true righteousness , you shall never see the Lord in peace , if you die thus . Or if thus , you see not Christ to be all , sin is not your shame , but you lie in it , and holiness is not your glory ; and hence you esteem it not , but it 's a common thing to you , if that was , then it would be your glory to be like Christ , and to live to him : Know it thou art not yet ready , for thou only seest the Garment , and you catch at it , but the Lord helps you not by faith to put it on .

SECT. VII .

2. VVHen the soul is filled with the Spirit of Christ , when there is not only some of the workings of the Spirit in the soul , but the soul is filled with the Spirit ; for this was the wound of the foolish Virgins , they had Lamps , outward Profession , and glorious , which was a work of the Spirit , and some dipping of their week in the oyle , some lighter superficial changes , and works of grace in their hearts ; but they had not oyle in their Vessel , they had not plenty and fulness of the Spirit ; some unripe eares there were , but not full ; and hence they were to buy when the Lord Jesus came ; but the wise had .

The blood and righteousness of Christ , ever brings the plenty of the Spirit of Christ , hence 2 Cor. 5. 5. earnest of the Spirit .

I speak not now of extraordinary fulness , which Prophets and Apostles had , nor of that fulness which is in glory , as if we must have that here , but of that which the Saints attaine to in this life , every one according to his need and measure of capableness of the same ; the Spirit of love is not dropt , but shed into the heart ; the Spirit of God in them , is not a Spirit of some light affection , dying affection , but of eternal life , Rom. 8. 2 , 3. The spirit of mourning doth not only drip upon them , but it 's poured down upon them , Zach. 12. 10. the spirit of wisdome doth not only give them light and knowledge , but Marvellous Light , 1 Pet. 2. 9.

I have opened this at large ; only three signes now I shall give you to discerne this Spirit by .

SECT. VIII .

1. THis Spirit and fulnesse of it , the Saints not only pray for , but they follow their ●ray●rs to Christ , untill th●ir sou●s are sweetly satisfied with it , and so it abides daily satisfying their hearts . John 4. 14. The water I shall give , shall be a spring , so as the soul shall not thirst after more gra●e ; i. e. with a tormenting thirst ; nor after the world ; the grace of God , and the Spirit of God in the heart is so sweet , that the soule saith , Oh it is enough , oh if my soul might ever be thus near the Lord , indeared to him , walking thus humbly , thankfully , cheerfully with him , this should be all my desire ; and hence , Iohn 14. 16. it is called the Com orter , which dwells in them , and is known by them , the world knows it not . Now here is the wound of others , they have the Spirit convincing them of emptiness , misery , nakedness , and they lie so , and they desire ; but as Solomon saith , Prov. 13. 4. They are forsaken of the Spirit , before they finde him to be a Comforter quenching their thirsty desires , making them to feele the sweetness of his Presence , of his Grace . Isa. 58. 11. There were divers that did pray , fast , draw near to God , and did delight in it , but they felt not what they desired at all ; there were some lusts , their souls were leane , and like parched desarts ; but when the heart is indeed humbled , the spirit comes in , and makes the bones fat , and like a watered garden ; Oh therefore take heed you give not over , till the Lord pour out in thy empty heart , of the fulness of his grace .

2. This Spirit ever keeps a man poor and vile in his own eyes , and empty . Take a man that hath no knowledge , nor taste of Gods grace , whiles he findes ignorance , he may pray , and be diligent in use of means , and full of life ; but when he hath got some knowledge , and can discourse pretty well , and hath some tastes of the Heavenly Gift , some sweet elaps●es of grace , and so his conscience is pretty well quieted , and if he hath got some answer to his prayers , and hath sweet affections , he grows full , and having ease to his conscience , casts off sence , and daily groaning under sin ; And hence the Spirit of Prayer dies , he loses his esteeme of Gods Ordinances , feeles not such need of them , or gets no good , feeles no life and power by them ; and whereas before he could catch at every word , and mourn when he found the Lord passed by him , and speak never a good word to him : now no such trouble , because he is full . This is the woful condition of some , but yet they know it not ; but now he that is filled with the Spirit , the Lord empties him , and the longer he lives , so that others think he needs not much grace , yet he accounts himself the poorest , and feels a need of every truth of God , and Ordinance of God ; his sin ( 't is true ) continues , 't is not quite abolished , and his sighing within himself continues also to his grave . Isa. 57. 15. poore , and yet the Lord dwells there ; how can these sta●d together ? very well in those who are the Lords .

3. This Spirit comes in that fusness , as that it so purifies the heart of sin and self , as that it makes the soul set it seef for God , as his last end and happinesse , and so as that the work of Christ is his blessednesse . 2. Tim. 2. 20 , 21. He that purgeth himself from these things , is a Vessel of honour , and fit for his Masters use . It is with some souls , as it is with some drosly Vessels , they are put out of the fire , and they are taken out before their dross is removed , or they melted , or if melted , yet not fashioned for use , even to every good work ; so some have great troubles without and within ; now the fire goes out , or they get out of the fire ; viz. the trouble , before their dross is removed , or their sinful natures be changed ; or if they be melted , yet they are not fashioned , and framed for their Masters use only ; they are for their own use , and their lusts use , and seek themselves in all they do , but not for the Lords use ; it is not their life to live to God . Promises are sweet , and Christ is sweet , and Heaven is sweet ; but the work of Christ to be of use for Christ , this is not their bliss : I know Saints fall short here much , and seek themselves ; but yet their hearts are prepared , fashioned , set for this end , and they through the help of the Spirit , refine themselves for the Lord ; that when sin desires them to serve it , No ( their answer is ) I am no debtor , nor servant to you ; I have lived too long to you already , I am now the Lords , and for the Lord ; Oh that I might have that honour as to be employed for him ; I say unto you , the Lord hath here filled you , and fitted you for his use , and you may be comforted .

SECT. IX .

3. WHen the soul is recovered out of that security , which usually befalls men after some time of first affection and profession , in that measure , as that now it lives unto the Lord in a daily waiting for him , and longing for him , when the Lord sees it meet to come and take him to himself . For all these Virgins fell asleep , after they came out to meet the Bridegroom with their burning Lamps ; and not only the foolish , but the wife also slept . Now I ask you , Do you think they were ready then for the Lord ? No , not untill they were awakened againe , and the wise had got their Lamps burning againe , and waiting for him ; but yet the foolish had got not only no light to their lamps , but Oyle was wanting also to their Vessels ; So it is here .

Time h●th been , that the Lord hath awakened you with feares and terrors about your estate , and you have got into the assemblings of the Saints together , and kept company with them , and you have escaped the outward pollutions of the world , and defilements of Gods worship and services , and you have seen the insufficiency of all duties and it is Christ you have look't after , and prayed for , and got some peace and comfort that he is yours , and have look't to meet him , hoped if you die , that you should be saved ; but have you not faln into a secure frame againe , both wise and foolish ? have you not turned Prodigals , and scent , and lost all , after you have had your portions ? if not , thank God , be not high-minded , but feare ; for very few , but after fulness fall asleep ; and after they have had some peace of conscience , but they fall to enter into some peace , if not with some foul open sins , yet some truce with some lesser secret sins ; and if their oyle be not spent , their sorrows spent in sorrowing , their trouble spent in trouble , their desires spent in desiring ( as water spends away it self in running out of a Cisterne , not out of a Spring ) yet their light hath gone out ; the beauty of thy profession is ( it may be ) lost , that heat and life is gone which others saw , and you saw much more : are you ready now ? and though you may have some awakenings , yet are they so far as to cause you to get up , and kindle your Lamps , and waite for the Bridegroome ? If it be so that still you keep sleeping , and have not your Lamps ready trimm'd , then you are just as all the foolish Virgins were , before the cry came .

SECT. X.

Quest. BUT may not a godly man die in a declining , decaying , secure frame ?

Answ. 1. He may die in an uncomfortable frame , without great peace of conscience ; for sometimes a mans Lamp may shine brightest , when his peace is least ; but the more prayer , the more searchings and washing of heart is then to be attended ; a godly man may die mourning for ought I know , and the Lord give him his garment of gladness in Heaven , for the spirit of heaviness here on earth ; because though he loseth the comfort of his estate , yet not the safety of it , because he dyes under the wings of a Promise ; So that though he dyes uncomfortably , yet not securely .

2. He may die to his feeling in such a frame , poor , and contrite ; for growing in the sence of emptiness , is not decaying in the being or power of holiness ; the Lord is now preparing of him to honour his grace , when he doth not help him to honour his Will in that inlargedness of heart to it as he would , so that this soul is not decaying .

3. But yet I do not know that the Lord lets his people die ordinarily in a withering condition ; especially if it appear so to others of his discerning servants ; the Lord will send some cry to awaken his servants before he comes to them , or they enter into the Marriage with him : I will allow some unusual exceptions against general rules , and put in Asa for one , and leave secrets with God ; but ordinarily the Lord doth not let his deare Servants dye in a sottish secure estate : When Sampsons locks are cut , and his strength lost , he shall lie in the Mill untill they be grown againe before he dies ; and Solomon may run ryot , but he shall proclaim his folly to all ages in the world for it , in Eccles. before he dies . Ep●es . 5. 26 , 27. Christ presents his Church without wrinckle ; you are to be presented by Christ to the Father , and to be set before Christ without wrinckle , without witherings , and decayes , if he loves you , he will wash you , that it may be so .

SECT. II.

Quest. BVT must they be so farre awakened , as to wait for the Lord , and desire to be with him , having got Vessels full , and Lamps burning ?

Answ. Yes , in some measure at least ; for there are awakenings to the life of glory in another world , and awakenings to the life of duties in this world ; by the one the soul is raised out of this world to the Lord in Glory ; by the other the soul is raised up to duties in this world ; if the Lord awakens not his Saints to the first , either they are not awakened truly , or not throughly and effectually ; for till then the soul is not ready , Luk● 12. 40. with 35. As it is with a man who is sent for to enjoy favour and fellowship of the King , he is not ready for it , untill he stands waiting at the door , and that it is his business ; the patternes of mercy , and Vessels of glory , are ever set out in the New Testament , by this , Heb. 9. ult. Tit. 2. 12 , 13.

Look as it was with Simeon , Luke 2. 25. He had a promise he should see Christ before he died ; hence he waited for the consolation of Israel ; so the soul having a promise of seeing Christ when he is dead , it makes him wait for this time ; and when he wants a promise sealed , though he waites not nextly , yet he waites remotely , that the Lord would cause him to believe it , that so he might wait for it ; that is his end , this is the mea●es ; he knows it is best to be with the Lord , where is no sin , but holiness ; he hath found him sweet in his looks , in his words , in his works , in his hopes , his first fruits , but to be with him is best .

This is not such an high pitch which Saints come not to , it is indeed such which Hypocrites come not to ; the Hypocrites end is to escape misery ; hence they desire comfort by duties , that they shall be freed from it , but not to enjoy Christ ; the Lord never tied in their souls such a knot of faith and love which works this .

For 1. Security of Saints , 't is not the privation of life ( that is death ) but a suspension of the acts of a heavenly life ; there is in them love to Christ , delight in him , happiness in living to him , pleasing of him ; but it is suspended by cares or contents of the world , and love of ease ; hence a Christian is never throughly awakened , till he comes to that life againe ; his heart is with Christ in heaven ; and because he cannot be there , hence he stayes a while , and looks , and waits for it ; anothers security is the privation of life , of empty duties arising from some vanishing affections , as in the foolish Virgins which were to quiet conscience only ; Hence their awakening are only to that life again●e at the best , if ever God do awaken them , unless the Lord indeed convert them .

2. Every thing will mightily tend to that to which its nature bends and inclines it ; as a stone if thrown upward , will mightily tend downward . Some say there is an Element of fire above , because this here endeavours to ascend , as being out of its place ; he that is of the earth , he will be tending to it , though awakened , t●ough lifted up ; Saints will be tending upward , because their nature is heavenly , loving , looking , waiting , longing , 2 Cor. 5. 3 , 4. with 1. as Angels here be willing to stay to do the work , but yet they long to be before the face of God againe , because their natures are heavenly , and there their proper place is .

Now for the Lord Jesus sake examine your selves here . I hope some are awakened , the Word hath done it ; cry of afflictions , inward temptations have made you look about you , and you are wearied out with your own wayes ; but are you not since grown secure ? time was the feet of the Messengers of peace were glorious , but now their Message is meane ; Sabbaths longed for , now you are weary of them , heartless in them , sleep with the spoon in your mouths ; private duties were seasons of breaking the heart , refreshing and comforting from the Lord , but now you neglect them , sleight them , and the Lord in them , and are not much troubled at it , because you have some excuse or other for it ; thy mouth was full of good questions , now thou thinkest thy self more fit to teach than learn ; thy society was sweet as the Rose in Spring , now the sweet odour of it is lost ; time was thou wer● exceeding tender of the least sinne , and not a day past , but thy cheeks were wet in secret before the Lord ; now thou art grown blinde and bold , and you can defile your self in all your wayes , and your faith in Christ keeps you from repentance for sin ; time was , the truth was glorious , and you could make use of your Notes many a day after , when you did not finde good in publick ; but now pen and Ink is left at home , you cast your bread into corners , and feed not your hearts therewith : Time was , you could take a rebuke kindly , when you were little in your own eyes ; but now if you think a reproof is meant of you , your hearts can swell , nay , now your judgement decayes ; What warrant for private prayers twice a day ? what warrant for weekly Sermons , when we have six dayes to labour , and one to rest in ? you were formerly more exact , but now wiser , and thus you lie , and as if you were come to the end of your race already , and reach not after things before you , you have enough grace , hence you think you shall be saved , and so sit st●ll , and now play the good Husband : Oh the Covenants you have had , if ever you came hither what you would do ! oh the esteem of the Lord afar off ! but now you are broken by your Voyage , and your Vessel is crackt , and oyle is run out , and Lamp is out , will you dye so ? if you say yes , I profess you are not ready ; it is a question if ever you had grace , if it be so ; and therefore bless God , the Lord gives you warning this day ; but I feare many will not stir till Christ comes ; I say as she to Sampson , Vp , for the Philistins are upon thee ; so I say , Security is upon thee , and wrath is now gone out to awaken thee , if the word doth not .

SECT. XII .

Use 3. OF Exhortation . Labour to be in a readinesse , awaken out of sleep , and get your Garments on , your loynes girt , your Vessels full , your Lam●s burning , tha● you may be indeed ready , and he Lord may finde you so , as well as men think you so ; It is Christs Exhortation , Luke 12. 40. whereupon Peter askt , Did he speak that Parable only to the Disciples , or of all ? Verse 41. he answers all , especially them that know the Lords minde herein , and do it not , Verse 47. So you may ask me , Whom do I press to make ready ? I answer all . Two sorts I shall therefore name .

1. Those who are yet unready , either in whole or part .

2. Those who are ready , but not so ready as those should be who stand before the Lord , and as themselves will wish another day they had been ; the wise as well as foolish , may be sleepy , and so unready for a time ; but O awake .

First , Those who are unready and unprepared for the Lord and his coming ; are there any such ? Yes , very many ; some there be who know they are unready , and will not yet buy , and yet prepare not for it , because they are young enough yet , or have time enough to provide for that hereafter . Some others , because they cry , Lord , Lord , and look to Christ , and are well thought of by the wise , that think they are ready ; but know it , all your thoughts , and cares , and prayers , and endeavours , are little enough for it , even all your life ; and yet to prepare for this , hath been the least part of many a mans life ; and such is the security of some , that till Christ come , they will not Gird up themselves to this Work .

SECT. XIII .

COnsider the lamentable end of one who dies unready ; Motive 1. some ( not all ) the Lord leaves for terrours to the secure world , who are as good as men risen from the dead , to tell men of the vanity of their sinful courses , who looking upon time past , they see that it is irrecoverably lost , and past away as a dreame , and lost as a shadow ; look upon time present , they feel their souls left naked , their accounts not made , an end come to all their hopes and comforts here , their body sick , their conscience trembling , if not tearing , their hearts hard , God departed , the grave opened for their filthy carkasses , and Devils waiting for their secure soules ; And now say such , What profit have I for all my vanity under the Sun ? Look to time to come , there they see the Throne set , the Lord Jesus on it , their soules standing naked before him , whose grace was great toward them whiles they lived , but whose face now is a consuming fire ; and they behold eternity , even that eternal black Gulf between them and the Lord ; and here they lie wishing they had taken their time , professing now their time is lost , beseeching others to take warning by them , desiring the prayers of others ; but yet thinking though Noah and Samuel should stand before the Lord for them , there is no hope . Come and tell them , Do not cast away mercy , cast not away that blood , which is worthy to be gathered up by blessed Angels in Vessels of gold ; lament , and returne , and the Lord will to you ; what tell you me of repenting and believing ? is a sick time , a fit time to repent in ? but the Lord hath done great things for you , you have thought so , but there were such sins , or such a sin , I knew , you knew not ; I knew it , yet I loved it , I had indeed some lazy purposes to forsake it , but the Lord hath taken me in my seemings ; but mercy is infinite ; oh it 's my torment ; I have seen an end of my sinnes , and now I feel the beginning of my torment ; happy are they that die in the Lord , and thrice happy that make ready for the Lord .

Consider thou hast but a short time to prepare in , Motive 2. and the time will be then , when thou dost least think of it , Luke 12. 46. The Lords Arrows are now flying abroad ; if you did think you should be next smitten down dead , you would prepare ; but you think the Lord delayes his coming ; Oh Remember , that time thou do'st least think of , Christ will come .

If unready now , you will be much more unready next day ; Motive 3. grant thy time to be long ; you will be the more unfit the longer you delay ; thou hast hinderances now , the longer thou livest , thou wilt have more and more ; ●y heart will be harder every day than other .

SECT. XIV .

PRay unto the Lord that he would prepare you , and fit you , give his Christ , and fulness of his Spirit unto you , Meanes 1. which you know the Lord will give to them that ask ; for man like the Potters clay , is no more able to prepare himself for glory , than to appoint and elect himself thereunto . Hence Psal. 10. 17. Rom. 9. 23. prepared to glory ; therefore pray , not that prayer can move the Lord to it , but because it is a means appointed of God to execute his eternal purposes of grace unto the Vessels of grace , Acts 9. 9 , 11. Paul was three dayes mourning , and he did not eat and drink , and yet was not discouraged , but kept on praying , and ceaseth not , till the Lord sends Ananias that he might receive the Spirit , Verse 17. So say I to you , Time hath been thou hast not prayed , mornings , evenings , your sleep would not suffer you , or if so , yet it hath been without mourning for living without Christ , abusing of Christ , and the sin of your nature ; or if so , it hath been on●y by fits , and you could hold up your head againe , before God sends Anamias with a Message of peace , or that Message without the Spirit of grace ; Are you now prepared ? Oh no! oh therefore now begin this work ; say , I am thy clay , Lord , and have been a broken unclean Vessel , unfit for any use , to hold any grace ; if mercies come , I forget thee , and grow worse ; if sickness , I am blockish ; if Ordinances , I despise them ; if thou forsakest me , I forsake thee ; if thou drawest neare to me , I resist thee ; if Christ be offered , I reject him ; if not , I presume , and turn his grace to wantonness ; now Lord gather a broken Vessel ; if I live , I shall still sin ; if I die , I shall blaspheme ; if I forsake acts of sin , yet lusts of sin remaine ; if they be quenched , yet my polluted nature remaines not cleansed ; and the guilt cries ; Now Lord undertake for me , begin thou the work , and take the glory ; and here mourn till the Lord comes ; know the worth , and prize the presence of the Spirit , and then pray , Iohn 14. 16. The world cannot receive it , because they know it not , with Iohn 4. 10. Sacrifice is unfit to be offered , till by shedding blood , life is taken away .

Be very watchful over your hearts , that they grow not too gentle , and handle tenderly sinnes arising after faith , Meanes 2. and profession of your interest in Iesus Christ , sins of the second growth ; some sins grow up before profession , as all manner of ignorance , and hardness , and lasciviousness , and vanity ; now many grow terrified for these , and comforted by the Gospel against these , and now peace is made ; Oh but there are some mens natures like some fields , which when they are mowen and weeded , yet they have a second growth ; it may be as with other kinde of Weeds , you may never fall to those sins you lived in once ; but other sins more close , more spiritual ; like the House Luke 11. 24. swept and emptied , but seven other spirits worse than the former , may at last enter in ; Oh take heed of these , for they will make your latter end miserable ; you know habitations of Satan , are not fit mansions for the Spirit of Christ ; you know Vessels not only of Wood , but of Gold , if filthy and poysoned , are unfit for Princes use till cleansed ; and look through all the Scriptures on the faces of the best hypocrites , you shall finde some filth growing up after their Profession , or together with it , like blood and sacrifice mixt together , Matth. 7. 23. Luke 13. 27. Not those that have iniquity , but those that work it ; not those that work against it , and are destroyers of it by little and little , but workers of it .

If you ask me , what these sins be ? I answer , These tares , and choaking Thornes , as they are sown , and grown whiles you be asleep , so they may be seen when they are grown up , if you walk in your fields , and meditate on your hearts . I 'le only name some .

1. Pride , affecting some excellency above others , and thinking your self some body .

2. Spiritual fulness , and secret loathing of Ordinances , when men are clogged with them .

3. Despising known truths ( which like flowers , were notwithstanding sweet at first gathering ) either concerning your misery , or Christ : if the Gospel were preacht to the ignorant , they would take heaven with violence ; but thy soul now is not moved , and the messengers of God that bring them , despised , as Galatia and Corinth did Paul .

4. A spirit of contention with good people . Now you cannot bear unkindnesses , and they offend you , &c. Alexander at first stood for Paul , and he opposeth Paul to his face at last .

5. Boldness to 〈◊〉 in small matters commonly without sorrow , begot by counterfeit assurance of Gods love .

6. Seeking of God in Ordinances , and working of iniquity out of them ; fits men have of good affections , but healthful constitutions of bad ones .

7. Thinking you are indeed what you would be , and yet indeed would not be : There be other sins , but these are some of the most special which I shall now mention ; take heed of letting these grow , or dealing gently with them ; for Saints may feel these , but they put their hook to the roots of these Weeds , and would faine pull them quite up ; but if you deal gently , ( as David with the young Absolom ) and think God must do all , I cannot part with them ; and hence you give way to them ; and though there be these sins , yet I have many good signes and promises too I shall be saved ; and so long as they cannot destroy my soule , what though they grow in my soul ? You perish ( 1 Cor. 9. 26 , 27. ) if thus it be with you .

Take heed you do not run away with such comforts arising from your feeding upon the promise and person of Christ , Meanes 3. without refr●shing the soule also with the good Will and Commands of Christ ; do not think your selves ready to enjoy Christ , when his promise , person , and love is sweet , ( which is good ) but his will is bitter , and a burden to thy soul , even thy whole soul , ( I know 't is so to the ●nregenerate part of godly men ) for such men there be , 1 Iohn 1. 6. To the Saints , Christs love is sweet , and promise sweet , and therefore his Will , his Work . Iohn 4. 34. — Bread you know not of , to do the Will of him that sent me , and to finish it ; so it is their food to do the Will of him that loves them , and to finish it ; If a man is to remove from one Countrey to another , and he cannot live upon the Bread of the Countrey , nor water where he goes , he is then unfit for such a Journey , because he cannot live upon the bread of it . Now what is that which feeds the life of Saints in glory ? not only Christ , but living unto Christ , to be perfected under the Government and Kingdom of Christ ; can you live upon this now in part , and the first fruits of it ? if you can , know it is then prepared for thee , and thou for it ; if not , but you live ( as you say ▪ ) upon the present sweet of the promise ; nay , it may be upon the thoughts of old comforts ; but to do the Will of Christ , is death , not life to you ; and it is meerly your task for wages , to do his Will , not part of your Inheritance , you are unfit to be with Christ ; Acts 21. 13. Why break you my heart ? ( saith Paul ) I am ready to die for the sake of Christ , and to do much more ; So think thus , Was Paul ready to die , and I not ready to do ? my heart loaths thy Commands Lord ; but what the Law makes heavy , the Gospel makes sweet ; for thy sake , Lord , I love thy will ; pray , Oh thy love is sweet , but let thy will be so also .

Labour to grow poor in spirit , that when you cannot honour the Lords Will , Meanes 4. yet you may be gathering som●thing out of all sinnes and weaknesses , to honour Gods grace ; the glory of grace is the last end ; those that be prepared for it , shall enjoy it ; Who are those ? The poore , who when they see they have lost their lives , their soules , their comforts , in not doing his Will , which is bitter to them , yet the Lord shall not lose the honour of his grace , Psalme 74. 21. The poor will be thankful ; What doth Paul , that Vessel of grace , Persecutor , Blasphemer , but a Saint , now say ? Oh but the least of them ; but he was an Apostle ; but I deserve not that name , but yet he is received to mercy ; 't is very true , yet never such an example , as he thinks ; and therefore saith he To the King immutable , &c. when Iacob had seen the Lord , Gen. 26. ult. if he shall give me food and rayment , he shall be my God ( i. e. I shall then magnifie him ; he having said he would be so before , and he had it in plenty ; So say , If the Lord shall pity , pardon , I shall then give all to him , if I had a thousand hearts , tongues ; truly as Psalme 40. ult. The Lord now thinketh on you ; When a Servant hath spent and lost his Masters estate , and he is to give up an Account , truly then he may give it with comfort , when as he gaines one way abundantly , though he loseth another , and makes the best gaines ; so here .

SECT. XV.

2. TO those who are ready , but yet not so ready as is meet .

The Lord hath given you warning to prepare , by some sharp afflictions on thy self , or by the death of thy friends , Motive 1. or by secret feares of thine own heart , thy time is not many hands breadth longer ; and it may be this shall be the Funeral Sermon of some of you ; you have been flying like Bees abroad in the world to gather your honey , and the Lord ha●h been smoaking of you , and that in your own Hive ; you have thought to dwell long in Tabernacles ; the Lord hath let it fall to decayes , and repaires it not again .

If you live unready , it may be the Lord will try you with some sore conflict , Motive 2. with fears of death , and terrors of darkness ; and all your preparation is too little for your combate then .

The place of glory is made ready for you ; how shall I so unholy , see God ? Motive 3. Christ is there Iohn 14. 3. waiting for thee , longing after thee .

Thou art it may be yet in many respects unready . Motive 4. As

1. Not yet planted in the House and Church of God , not yet gathered to communion of Christ in his Saints on earth . I know men may have just reasons to deferre ; but if they have none , I would be loth to die in their room ; Hezekiah , Isa. 38. ult. Psalme 26. 8. I have loved the habitation of thy House ; Oh gather not my soule with the wicked . I am perswaded , some deare to Christ linger here , and you cannot finde this not that saving good in your selves , you say ; I had rather hear one mourn for emptiness , than boast of his grace .

2. There are many sinnes not yet mourned sufficiently for , in daye of youth , and in a secure condition ; in heaven is no mourning ; oh therefore take time now , for want of this grace is not so sweet .

3. It may be some main duty is neglected to the souls of them , whom thou hast a charge of , as not Ca●echising thy family , children not careful for their souls .

4. It may be thou hast been little in prayer for the Churches ( though for thy family and children ) which is usually the last work of the Saints ; there 's no praying for them in Heaven ; as Christ at the end of his life like a Priest shed blood , and prayed for them , so Saints are made Priests to God and Christ :

5. It may be thy house is not yet set in order , nor thy Will made , Reckonings between men not yet set right and even , and then there is Quarrels when thou art Dead , and trouble when you dye .

6. It may be thou art grown secure , and art lost , and driven away , and many wrinckles be on thy face and heart , &c. you cannot say with Paul , 2 Tim. 4. That you have fought , &c. but are rather at truce with sin ; you run not , but have slipt , and fallen down , and so lost all .

SECT. XVI .

THerefore to help here in this readiness , Meanes 1. Get a heart more loosned and weaned from the world . Solomon he did launch out his heart herein too far ; not in Epicurisme , but Eccles. 2. 3. applying his heart to wisdome all this time ; so may you , and be unready ; How ? I cannot , but God will teach it you by affliction . Psalme 39. 6 , 7. You are Sojourners here with God , as all your Fathers ; there 's nothing proper , nothing long to be enjoyed .

Own the Lord Iesus ; he is yours , Meanes 2. but you own him not ; as Simeon came to the Temple and there found him , and there blest God ; and now ( saith he ) let me depart in peace ; hath the Lord stirred up unutterable sighings , and groanings , and mournings , ( you think ( it may be ) if Christ was present , you would not doubt of answer ) and they continue still , and do you think Christ is hard-hearted ? hath the Lord come to thee in the Temple , and manifested his love by his own promise , sure , and faithful , and wilt thou not yet own him ? hast had , and hast now the first fruition of the Spirit , and wilt not yet own him ? and art afraid to go to him , when others are in glory that trod in thy steps ? Oh be humbled for it ; I know there is nothing which makes thee feare it , but a Rebellious vile heart , and nature ; and can the Lord love such a one ? Yes , such a one , if he mournes under it , Rom. 7. 24. Isa● . 57. 18 , 19. The Lord will create peace ; he hath seen thy wayes , and he●will heale them ; And when you have him thus , own him daily , keep your peace , do nothing which may make you lose boldness in prayer , and therefore reckon daily with him ; and Remember , the promise stands , when feelings are lost .

Object . But I can do but little for him .

Answ. True , Isa. 64. 6. Thou the Lords clay , his Vessel , though of little publique use , yet in thy place do what thou canst for Christ Jesus . Servants , Masters , Members , Rich , Poore , bestirre your selves For Christ , you shall lose nothing by it , &c.

VERSE 10. The Door was shut .

IN these words is set down the consequent of that which immediately followed the Wise Virgins gracious entertainment with Christ ; the door was shut , by which is signified the exclusion of the foolish from the fellowship of Christ ; as also the greatness of Christs love to the wise , opening the door of glory unto them ; and when they are gathered , shutting the door against every one else .

Hence Observe ,

That the endeared love of Christ to his Elect , doth much appear in this , Observ. 1. In opening the door of glory unto them , and shutting it against others of great esteem and name in the Church of God ; for this is one Scope of the words , Gen. 7. 16.

To open the Kingdome of Heaven to all the world , and save all , would be great love in the eyes of the Sai●ts ; but to save them , and condemne others ; to receive them , and ex●lude others , and that of great name and esteem , Virgins , this sets out the Lords love exceedingly ; Christs distinguishing , separating love , is his great love , Mat. 11. 25.

If we consider the multitude of the one , Reason 1. and fewness of the other ; not only in regard of the world , but in regard of others in Churches , Luke 13. 24. Many shall seek , and many that are first , shall be last , Matthew 19. 30.

If we consider that there is as much reason appearing outwardly , Reason 2. that the Lord should choose thee one as well as the other ; what difference is appearing outwardly between these Virgins ? I 'le warrant you the wise did think the foolish as good , and it may be far better than themselves . Iudges 6. 15. Saith Gideon , How wilt thou save Isra●l by me ? I am the least in my Fathers house ; yet saith the Lord , I will be with thee ; so the Saints may say , and do say , Why Lord , wilt thou save me , I am the least and poorest of all others .

If we consider the reason why the Lord doth this , Reas. 3. and that is because of nothing but the Will of God , his good pleasure ; Matth. 11. 25. For why should their Vessels be filled ; they received , and not others only the Will of God ; I know not you , &c. Of which hereafter .

If we consider the intolerable torment of those who go farre , Reas. 4. and yet are excluded . Mat. 8. 11 , 12. Children of the Kingdome cast out , there shall be weeping ; the higher a man is risen , the greater is his fall , and his bruises at the bottome ; so when one hath been raised up to great hopes , profession , affection , yet now to fall , to lose all , to see he hath been spinning Cobwebs all his life ! when Israel were near to Canaan , now to be shut out ! Now they wept .

Vse 1. Vse 1. We may see hence , what little cause any have to boast only in outward priviledges , or common gifts , graces , excellencies . I confess it is great mercy for the Lord to call a man out of his prophaneness , and separate him from the world , bringing him to the fellowship of Saints , and give him that which makes h●m reputed well of by others ; but boast not only of this , as if the Lord did therefore highly favour you ; for the Lord Jesus may shew ( for all this ) his love to his own , and his terrour to thee , and may shut the door of glory at last upon thee . 1 Cor. 1. 27 , 28 , 29. The Lord chooses things that are not , to bring to nought and to staine other glory . Rom. 11. 17. The Gentiles boasted themselves , that they were graffed in ; oh saith the Apostle ( seeing this spirit apt to rise ) boast not , be not high-minded , do not grow secure , but feare ; common graces ever make men proud , as others make men humble ; they despise not others , they magnifie God , if the Lord hath made a difference ; see the goodness of God , verse 22. but boast not therein ; therefore do not content thy self with a name to live , and having some cankered hopes , some shining excellencies ; for the Lord may do this to shew others his love , and yet staine thy glory ; as one that hath great hopes of preferment , many Friends to commend and speak for him , if one tells him , You shall certainly lose all your labour , he will mourn more than another that had no hopes , nor helps at all of rising ; he will not glory in any thing he hath , but will take some sure and safer way ; So I say to you , If there be the least Grace and Favour , blesse God for that , but do not boast of any thing else .

Vse 2. Use 2. Hence the Saints may learne how to affect their hea●ts with the Lords love to the● ( for there is such a poysonful disposition in them , that though they have it , yet they cannot be affected sometimes with it ; Vp Deborah , Aw●ke L●te and Harpe ) and 't is this ; Do not only Remember , and think on the Lords love saving thee , calling , humbling , &c. but so as to call thee , and leave others ; to quicken thee , and leave others dead ; to open the door of glory to thee , and exclude others ; to call thee out of the Kingdome of the world , to look upon thee in a sinful Town , to awaken thee , and leave others ( so many ) secure , to call thee out of thy sinful company , some of which like brands , are now smoaking in this world , others burning in another ; to call thee out of a sinful , ignorant family , thou the least , the worst of them , and to leave the rest , this is much !

But when thou art brought into the Kingdome of Heaven , Fellowship of Saints , for the Lord to love thee , set his heart upon thee , when he forsakes others of thy own company , of great parts and abilities , whom thou thinkest better of than thy self , at least as well ; to pull down these Princes to the dunghill , and to exalt thy horn ; to cut down these Cedars , and to preserve a Shrub ; to tread upon the greatest glory of man , and to pity a worm , for so thou art in thine own eyes ; Oh let this fire warme thy heart , though thou hast been affected with it before , especially considering no reason for it , but only the good pleasure of God ; this affected Christ himself , Mat. 11 , 25. 'T is true , you do not see this done , but you shall one day behold it with your eyes ; only let this love kindle love , thankfulness , humility in thine heart againe .

And hence , if the Lord hath put a difference between thee and others , do not deny , do not doubt of , do not despise his grace ; that if thou hast lost thy first love , this may recover it ; if all his love makes thee more humble , and thankful , you stand , Rom. 11. 20. Isa. 65. 16. Do not feare thy estate , because the Lord cuts off the natural branches , that therefore thou mayst be one ; but be featful of the least sin , and wrong to Christ , that hath loved thee , especially of pride , and unthankfulness the root of that ; and Remember , that the poor things are chosen to confound the Mighty .

That the door of grace and glory shall be shut against all wicked men living , Observ. 2. at the coming of the Lord to death or judgement ; there is a time that the door is open unto men , in regard of Ministerial dispensations ( for secrets of election we are not to minde ) Isa. 55. 6 , 7. This time is in this life ; but when death comes , then it is shut ; when Angels sinned , the Lord immediately shut the door against them ; but through Christ the door is open for term of life to men .

Because after death there is no meanes of grace or glory left , which is the Reason 1. Ministry of the Word and Prayer ; for that is the chief key of opening the door , even when the doores of heart and heaven are shut , Mat. 16. 19. and hence , 2 Cor. 6. 2. Now is the time of prayers and preaching , and so to be helped ; but after death there are no Ministers , they are at rest from their labours ; and the Ministry of men is for men , not for naked soules . Lazarus must not give a drop of cold water then to cool the tongue , much less Ministers to comfort or convert their hearts ; 't is true , the Lord can work extraordinarily ; but do you think he will do it for one that hath despised grace all his life ?

Because it 's impossible they should repent after death , Reason 2. by any other means ( if meanes were afforded ) as by seeing their sinne , and feeling their punishment . Iohn 9. 4. The night cometh wherein no man can work ; because after death , comes judgment of wrath to the wicked , Heb. 9. ult. all patience , and pity have forsaken them , and so wrath lies upon them , that they can do nothing but bear it ; as one under a great load , or burning in the fire , all his thoughts , and affections , and spirits , are taken up with that , and that is all he can do , Heb. 10. 27. So here .

Vse 1. Of Confutation of a viperous , satanical , Use 1. secret opinion , which like a ghost 〈◊〉 the mindes of some people , ( viz. ) that think and conclude even in time of health , in midst of saving healing meanes , that their time of grace is past , and door is shut to them , before Christ comes against them at death or judgement ; which though God many times turnes for good , to humble a bold heart which will burne Gods day-light out , and linger in its sinnes , yet it doth sometimes dead the heart from all effectual endeavours , and discourage the heart from all duties , makes all the Gospel the Ministry of blood and death , and a hand-writing against it ; and when it concludes God hath shut the door against it , it shuts God , and Christ , and all his Promises out of its heart .

1. Some think they having sinned against light , have had some blasphemous thoughts , that they have committed the unpardonable sin , &c.

2. Some others think not so , but yet they heare that some mens time is out before death ; they think theirs is also , having sought so long , they are even sealed up by God to hardness of heart ; and thus some seemingly coming to Christ , are indeed kept off from him .

3. Others of the Saints meeting with many sore troubles and tryals , and that for some sins ; and one deep calling to another , they think with David , God hath forgot , hath shut up his mercies , will remember no more to be gracious ; and though he hath been so , yet because he hath been so abused by them , that therefore now he will not be merciful again ; and thus their hearts sink .

Oh Remember , the Gate of Gods Grace is not shut up before death , then is the time for it to be shut . I confess indeed there is a time in this life , the Lord doth cease to strive , and doth forsake the soul ; and we may say of them , as Christ , Oh that thou hadst known ! but now they are hid from thine eyes ; — But yet this is a secret , which as a secure despiser of grace should tremble at ; so those that are awakened , and set in their way to Christ , should not trouble themselves about it .

Object . But oh that I did know whether it be past or no!

Answ. I shall rather give to these people some good counsel , for 't is not for you to know these times and seasons ; though this I would say , if the impardonable sin be not committed .

1. This time of the doores being shut , is not in time of health and peace , but in time of extream trouble , wherein trouble doth affect them more than the sin ; as Prov. 1. and as many when a sick bed is come , and in Noahs Flood , 1 Pet. 3 , 20.

2. Or if it be in time of health , this is ever the companion of it , ( viz. ) hatred , and opposing Saints secretly or opening , because Christ having quite forsaken him , his heart swells against the Saints ; hence Saul envied David , Esau hated Iacob Murmurers against God ; were in the Wilderness , and against Moses ; But I come to counsel ; for God lets loose Satan full of malice , upon a poor creature , sometimes to vex and trouble .

First , Consider the root of this distemper , ( viz. ) either great pride , or despising of the riches of Gods grace .

1. Pride , for ( this we shall finde ) such spirits , because they have not peace sealed , strength against sin granted unto them , and that which they would have , ( if discouraged , and not quickened by this ) they regard not life , meanes , offers of grace ; What is all this , if God hath forsaken me ? What is it ? Yes , that 't is ; as might at large be shewed .

2. Despising of grace ; if I had not committed such sins , I could then think for mercy ; but such evils , such miseries , cannot be remedied . Truly , as it is a despising of a Physician , to think , If I was not so sick , he would be tender , and helpful ; but not now , being so exceedingly diseased ; So it is here , &c.

Secondly , Consider , Suppose the time be past , yet remember thou art worthy to be forsaken of God even from thy birth , not worthy of thy daily bread , much less to taste of Gods Supper ; the Lord was loth to shut the door ; Hence he we●t on Ierusalem ; and Psalme 81. 12. cryed out , Oh that my people had walked in my wayes ● thy sinnes provoked the Lord unto it , if he hath in justice cast thee off ; therefore though it be past , be not discouraged , but lie down humbled , as Iudges 10. 14 , 15. and as David , Psal. 42. 3. My teares are my meat , whiles they say so , Where is you● God ? So tell the Lord , Satan saith , and feeling saith , and feares say , Where is my God ? Lord pity ! And if thy heart be sick , tell the Lord of it , Verse 6. I am perswaded many should quickly feele an Answer to this Question , by taking this course ; but they miss at least of the comfort of Grace and Mercy , because they will be Disposers of the Lords Grace and Time .

Thirdly , Consider , it may be that time is not past , it is a secret only known to God ; the door of grace may only seem to be shut ; why doth Christ bid knock else ? When the Ninevites heard that they should dye within fourty dayes , Ionah 3. 9. say they , Who can tell but the Lord may repent ? you say the Decree is past , and spoken ; and as Spira said , I have that Witnessed . I say againe , Who can tell , but ( if God had said so , but ) that ●he may repent ? therefore be not discouraged , or faint because of this . Nay , 't is most probable time is not past .

1. Because the things of thy peace , the discovery of the vileness of thine own heart , the glory of Christ , is not hid from thine eyes .

2. God calls thee now to returne ; When Iudah had banisht David , and they might think He will not receive us ; yet when David sent by his Messengers , Why do you not bring the King back ! I am flesh of your flesh ; then they all were encouraged to hope for favour , 2 Sam. 19. 12 , 14. So ,

4. Consider , if thou dost return , the time of love is so farre from being past , as that it is then come indeed unto thy soul.

Object . But my sin is great ▪

Answ. Suppose it be ●lasphemy of Christ , nay , murder of the Sonne of God ; yet Acts 2. 38. when Peter preached Repentance to life , they th●t gladly received that word , who might be instrumental to crucifie Christ , were received . Oh but my heart is hard ! Hosea 10. 12. break up your fallow ground , &c. 'T is time , saith he , &c.

Object . But I have refused to returne , and have not been ashamed !

Answ. Yet , Ier. 3. 3 , 4 , 5. Wilt thou not from this time cry to me ? &c.

Object . But I may returne to the Lord , and he refuse to returne to me

Answ. No , Ier. 8. 7. Shall he fall , and not arise ? shall the Lord turn away , and not return ? why then is he fallen perpetually ; the reason is given , No man said , What have I done , how have I despised Gods grace ? the Stork knows her season ; but , &c. the Lord keep you from dashing your selves in pieces here , and make this a Word of Christs Encouragement to thee .

Vse 2. Of Exhortation unto all men , Use 2. not to delay your making peace with God ; for when you are dead , the gate is shut ; and if Angels should cry to have it opened , they shall not be heard .

You that are young , take warning this day , do not think there is time enough hereafter : You that are old , do not think it too late , or that it would be a shame for you to begin now , who have propt up your hearts with base comforts ; you that have been stirred , but are now faln asleep , beware of dying in your ditches , and pits , wherein you are faln ; you must stand before God shortly . Though you never repented yet , &c. never was in bitterness , never had any great mourning , &c. never knew the life of Christ , peace of conscience , never felt the Kingdome , and mighty power of Christ , yet despaire not , for yet there is hope ; but if once death comes , then thou art gone ; it is day yet , and Christ holds open his wings yet ; but if death comes , his time is out .

Object . But I have a faire time yet before me .

Answ. 1. It may be not , for thou art condemned already .

2. If you have , yet wilt abuse patience , and forbearance of God ? wilt despise what leads thee to repentance ! as a man ●inking , spits in the face of him that holds up his Head ; wilt thou be worse than a devil ?

Objection . But a little repentance will ●erve the turne , 't is quickly lon● ?

Answer . Oh no! as Paul said , I have fought a good fight ; thou hast ●ins as dear as thy life to forsake ; thou hast Devils , World to wrestle with ; n●y , God himself to wrestle with ; you cannot runne your Race in a day .

Object . What if I be shut out ?

Answ. I say no more but only what Solomon said , Prov. 5. 11 , 12 , 13. O how have I hated reproof ! that shall be thy woful dirge another day , when shut out ; oh never to have one look , one word from Christ , but to see him afar off , this shall be thy fearful portion hereafter . Truly we may take up that complaint of Christ , You can discerne the times of the Weather , not Christs coming .

VERSE 11 , 12. Afterward came also the o●her Virgins , saying , Lord , Lord , open unto us . But he answered , and said , V●rily I say unto you , I know you not .

IN these two Verses , is set down the entertainment Christ gives unto the foolish Virgins , and his behaviour toward them ; and that is , he did not own them as his , but saith , I know you not . Their miserable rejection is aggravated from these particulars , shewing their misery .

1. The note of certainty of this , Verily , &c.

2. Though they came afterward to the Lord , ( it is not said , with their Oyle in their Vessels , &c. )

3. Though they prayed to the Lord to open when they came .

4. Though they prayed earnestly , Lord , Lord ,

5. Though they sought thus with Arguments , Lord , Lord , as if they should say , Thou art our Lord and Saviour , we look for life from none but thee .

That after the coming of Christ to death or judgement , then shall those Oserv. 1. who are most secretly wicked , know certainly that the gate is shut , and their exclus●on , and final separation from the face of Christ .

These foolish Virgins had some hopes and assurances of mercy , whiles the Bridegroom was absent in their life ; so men have in this world such hopes ; but when Christ came , and shut the door upon them , then they knew their miserable condition .

This life is compared unto a sleep , and dreame , Psalme 90. 5. wherein men understand and conceive of things with false shapes ; so here ; but when they awaken , then they appeare otherwise ; after death men are awakened , and then they see things as they are ; the Parable of the rich man , Luke 16. proves this .

Because then God lets in a new light , most full and cleare , Reason 1. to see and know things as they are , and so to know themselves and their estates ; it is an Atheists speech , Eccl●s . 9. 5 , 7 , 10. That the dead know not any thing ; and hence , be as merry as you can , eat thy bread with joy , &c. No , now they do know , &c. as the Saints know their eternal acceptation , by a most glorious light ; God walks darkly here , but then this full light shall come in ; As it is with a man that is to be condemned , before he be cast , the Judge brings in full evidence ; so Heb. 9. ult. After death cometh judgement ; there is full evidence ; when A●am stood before God , the Lord fu●ly convinced him ; when death comes , then there is an end of mens Stewardships , Luke 16. 2. and when an end comes to that , what comes then ? Come give up thy account ; now those whose reckonings are naught , must either deceive and blinde the all-searching eyes of God , and so not be found out , or they shall see wherein they have been faithless and false . What is spoken of the general Judgement , is true also of this particular ; it is the day of Revelation ; God himself will now cleare up matters as Christ here doth , Verily , I know you not .

Because then the soul will desire to know , Re●s . 2. and have leisure to see and know it self ; as these foolish Virgins , their souls were looking ( in a sort ) in their life-time for Christ , but now they look and see indeed ; some know not themselves , though having light ; nor their present misery , because they desire not to know ; and hence reflect not upon themselves according to light now ; or if they desire so to-do , yet they have not leisure ; the noise and multitude of cares , keeps them from a cleare knowing of their estates : but now men shall be brought to the Land of solitariness , and shall have leisure to see , having Gods light let in to see by ; there shall then be no business , but only to consider , Who am I ? and what have I done ? men shall have no Cities to build , nor business to do , as Faelix then , and hence put out the light .

Because then conscience is throughly awakened , Reas. 3. because it is a time of judgement now ; and if so , then the witnesses must appeare ; though they have been silent long before , they shall be forced to speak . Now it is wonderful to see what conscience will speak when God awakens it ; men many times will not see the evil which they have done ; but conscience will make them see it , nay , confess it , when 't is awakened . Three things conscience will do , when it is awakened .

1. It will shew a man his chief sins , which he defended , which he extenuated , which he never suspected ; These things hast thou done .

2. It can bring fresh to memory sins forgotten , sleighted , dead and buried , a great number , all of them as if new done . Iohn 4. 29. all things that ever I did .

3. It can , and will aggravate all these things and sins , and present them in the greatness of them , that mens mouths shall pass their own Sentence upon them , as Cain did ; that let all the world perswade them their case is good , they cannot believe it ; now this we see in this life in some ; but when life is ended , then these things shall be acted much more lively , Psal. 50. 21. I will reprove thee ; even of what they thought God did approve ; and I will set them in order , in their number and greatness before thy eyes ; i. e. of conscience ; all falshoods , deceits , loathsome tricks , &c. I did this and that , but I had these ends in them , and I harboured these sins by them , will conscience make men say .

Because now Satan , to whose custody the soul is committed , Reas. 4. appears to the soul , and it sees it self in his hands . The best Hypocrite is never delivered out of the hands of Satan and his power ; he will eithe●r keep constant possession ; or if not , yet he will returne againe ; now he will not appear in this time of peace to the soul , because there is yet hope ; but after death , then hope is past , and therefore then he appeares ; for as the souls of the Elect are carryed to Heaven by Angels , and blessed among them ; so è ●ontrà , the souls of the wicked are in the hands of Devils ; 1 Pet. 3. 19. He preacht to the spirits now in Prison ; Theeves , so long as they are not known , or if known , not apprehended , they fear not death ; but when taken , and laid up in prison , there they know their death , and there they see their Jaylour ; so here ; and as Satan did condemne , and sad the heart of the humbled out-cast , 2 Cor. 2. 11. so much more these , when cast out from the presence of God . A Ca●tive when taken by him that hath overcome him , the Conquerour appeares , and sets his foot upon him , especially if one eminent whom Satan hath conquered .

Because of the intolerable and heavy wrath of God , Reason 5. which then doth seize upon the soul. Luke 16. I am t●rment●d : In this life , though God be lost , yet mens hearts are comforted with creatures , and patience , and common bounty ; as it is with skall'd legs , eased in the water ; but now when men are dead , then there is no creature to enjoy , to ease the heart ; the body is dead , and what are these things to the soul ; now hence the soule feels God is gone , and for ever gone ; and now when he hath most need , in great torment gone , the soul feels this , I say ; and feeling this woe , it knows it indeed ; the beasts know their misery , when they feel the Knife in their hearts . Let men deceive themselves never so deeply with false imaginations , yet when they feel it otherwise , it shall confute them , as the Generations of men in the dayes of Noah ; men will have some hope while patience lasts , but when that 's gone , then their hopes and hearts sink also ; whiles men be in the Vessel , they hope to live , but if that sink , and they can see no plank , nor shore , but see waves , and men crying , &c. now their hearts must needs fail them .

Of terrour to them who upon cleare conviction from the Word , Use 1. will not believe their doom , their misery now . Sometime the Word comes so near men , and the very sin they live and lie in , is pointed at , found out , and words , and thoughts opened , as if some body had told the Minister of the man ; and they think He speaks against me , but they will not believe that sin is so black , or God so angry , but hope well ; but if they do sleight , and regard not these convictions , yet oh remember the time is drawing on , and it is not farre of , but therein you shall know , the word of the Lord is more precious to him than to you ; you let it fall , but the Lord will not ; 1 Sam. 3. 19. The Old World would not believe Noah , the Lord therefore made their experience convince them of it . I know men may be deceived ; but as he said in another case , The word is not bound ; so the word which like God , searcheth the secrets of thy heart , and thy Hypocrisie , that is not deceitful ; thy Scepter , O Lord , is a right Scepter , and it cannot be crook't and bent . And if man doth condemn thee , know it , God is greater then man , and it is his glory to confirm the words of his Servants , that are not Diviners , South-sayers , and uncertaine Prognosticators of mens des●inies , Isa. 44. 26. but having their warrant from the Word , it shall be confirmed by God himself ; nay , that very Word shall arise , though it sleeps now ; the Word is only left as a Witnesse , Matth. 24. 14. and do you think it shall not be so ? if Christ lives , he will confirm it . Is it not better to know your condition now , and be humbled for it , seeing else you must know it , when it is too late to know it ? If two have a Quarrel against each other , and the one who hath the better side entreats to agree with him , to acknowledge his fault , be humbled , he will forgive him , before he comes to higher Courts where it will be tried , and himself cast , and such a Fine , and damages be set upon his head , as will utterly undo him ; is it not a misery for such an one so brought under , to feed himself with hopes , and not to listen , till he hath spent all , and is utterly undone , and beggar'd ; truly thus 't is here ; And so I end , with reminding you of the speech of God to Elies Sons , 1 Sam. 2. 25. They heard not their father , because God would slay them ; so here you will not hear Ministers condemne you , because God will do it .

See the great folly of tho●e , who having got some false comforts , Use 2. and are lo●h to know the worst of their ●states now ; Isa. 30. 10. that say to the Prophets , Prophesie deceits ; or if not , they will not come to the light ; Iohn 3. 20. or if light come to them , they hate it , and put it out , choak it , if they do not also hate the man . Shall you know your estates hereafter , and will you not see them now ? what comfort will this be to you ? There is a Beast , when it is hunted , and weary , runnes its head into the ground or bushes , and thinks it self then safe , though its body be all seen ; and that the Hunter doth not see it , nor the Hounds , because it sees not them ; So it is here ; What wi●l it profit you to hide your eyes from the Almighties search , who cannot hide your selves ? It 's true , if there was no hope n●w , then men might comfort themselves , and not dye with thoughts and fears of it , till they come to dye ; but there is hope ; — Oh folly not to see it now ! and truly this is mens frame .

1. Because some think it a shame to begin now , after they have been so well thought of , now to strip themselves .

2. Because of trouble , men naturally will avoid it , and hence skin their ●ores over superficially .

3. Because they think it impossible , or very difficult to be saved now , if all should be naught that they have done already ; and hence , rather hazard all , and put it to the venture .

4. Because they must maintaine their innocency and confidence . What ? must I not believe , no● hope well ?

5. Because when they have done their best , they can do no more than what they do now , viz. trust to Gods mercy .

But more particularly this appeares .

First , When men will not see , nor desire the Lord to reveal their sinne and deceits , Psalme 36. 3. That 's one part of ●eart-flattery , not to see to do good ; a gracious heart is broken off from flattery ; he knows it , and hence will to the Lord ; when he know● not himself , and his estate , Lord teach me ; the damning sin , is some dear sin ; a sin which the soul allowes habitation , and house-roome , and heart-roome unto ; and hence it will not see it , because it would not part with it ; and hence it faith , It cannot see it , because it will not ; it 's in love with the flattery of it ; and hence 't is it , because it will not , it 's in love with the flattery of it ; and hence 't is strange to see some that live in oppression by unlawful prizes , and exacting immoderate wages , cannot see their sin , though privately , and publickly spoken of , because they will not ; cannot see it , because they will not ; 't is strange to see how time-servers will defend their Fashions ; and they cannot see it , because the heart is secretly in love with such vanities ; and 't is just , seeing they love not the truth , they should be deceived by errors ; Two wayes men have to hide their sins from God himself .

1. By covering them with reason ; A man that is ashamed of his nakedness or sore , he will get a covering for it ; hereby one may know what a mans chief sin is ; viz. by his reason●ngs for it ; as one may know where the eggs be , by the Hens sitting upon them ; and truly , a little reason will blinde the eyes many times ; nay , though God and Scripture be brought in ; Balaam would ●ain finde out some light from God to curse , and from Altar to Altar he went , &c. but found nothing ; Thus here , &c.

2. By covering them with duties and sorrows , and yet keeping them ; for when men do see their sin , and 't is great , what do they therefore ? they wash it with teares ; they confess it as those , Isa. 58. 5 , 6. they fast for strife or debate ; they would be vexed with enraged consciences but for these duties ; and this makes them hope well ; and here come in those distinctions , I have sins as others , but I mourn under them ! oh but Remember , those sorrows destroy sin by little and little , and do not feed sin ; but these ease thee in thy sin ; Hosea 10. 4. Hemlock growes up in the F●rrow●s ; you speak words , saith the Lord , &c. So here , &c.

Secondly , When men are willing the Lord should let them see their sin , but unwilling to attend him in the use of all meanes for that end ; especially these two .

1. Diligent watch over the heart daily , by frequent reflecting upon its own acts ; it 's strange to see what discoveries might be made by observing ends , aimes , motives of workings ; Hence Christ beats much upon this .

2. Daily Meditation in some solemn manner . 2 Tim. 2. 7. Consider what I say ; and ●he Lord shall give thee understanding ; 'T is a thousand to one if men do not lose themselves , and souls in neglect of this . Hag. 1. 5 , 7. David said , I considered my wayes , and turned . Now to say , Let the Lord search me , but not to use means , is to shut your eyes against the book , and say , Now Lord teach me .

Of Exhortation ; Vs● 3. Oh therefore know the worst of your own hearts n●w . Phil. 2. 12. Work out your salvation with feare : Saints with a feare of careful search , but you much more . Gen. 27. 11 , 12. When Reb●ccah would have Iacob go to Isaac , saith Iacob , What if my Father f●el me ! I may get a curse then . So the Lord Jesus ( believe it ) will feel thee ; he will see who thou art , before he let thee into Heaven ; if thou art a stranger to thy sin , and Christ , and his grace , thou shalt see the gate shut upon thee hereafter ; therefore know it now how 't is with thee ; nothing will be such a cut to thy heart as this , viz. when 't is too late to see the sin which ruined ; oh this will torment ! as it doth Politicians , when they see , There I forsook a Rule of Policy , there I was mistaken ; if I had carried the business otherwise there , then I had got this ; oh it troubles them ; so it will do you , when you shall see your Projects and Hopes dasht .

Quest. How shall I know this ?

Answ. 1. Mark what others , godly , and discerning , speak , or fear concerning thee ; for though God reveals not a Hypocrite to all , yet 't is seldom but it is to some or other . 1 Tim. 5. 25. not speak against , yet not give a full Testimony .

2. Mark what conscience speaks , or feares thee with in cool blood , without getting those feares quencht by fresh Application of Christs blood ; it 's said , The feares of the wicked shall come upon him ; there are some hot pangs which men have , and then think well of themselves , but gene●ally live out from God and Christ . Mark which way the scale tur●es , when you are still ; the worme that is not killed , will gnaw for ever , if it bites now .

3. Mark what troubled thee when afflictions were upon thee ; then God many times convinceth men of folly ; when Benjamins sack had the Cup , The Lord hath found out our iniquity , said they , Gen. 44. 16. So some evils may be falsely imputed , but then you shall see some other sin ( it may be ) for which the Lord may have had long , a Controversie with you .

4. Mark what thou art when crossed ; many a one is good , while men and God please him ; but when reproof comes , or he is crost , then he is mad , hair-brain'd , hateful , scorneful , wilful , Eccles. 10. 11. for men may be crost of their will , but their own ends they will not be crost in ; Mark how you deny your own ends in what you do , then you may appeale to God indeed .

5. Mark your temptations , and corruptions , with opposition ; if all be quiet , either there is a truce for a time , or else there is peace between you and sinne , and Satan , and so Warre between God and you .

6. Mark thy Opinions ; Sometimes , saith Solomon , a fool is not known till then , Prov. 17. 28. for they arise ( unless some in simplicity ) from some corruption .

Question 2. How may the Saints come to be setled , that they may know this ?

Answer 1. Beware of contenting your self with any measure ; but with Paul , reach after things before , &c. for hence the foolish Virgins were deceived ; but after all fillings be ever empty , hungry , and feeling need , and praying for more , setting thy self against all sin ; say with David , Cleanse me from secret sins .

2. Strike at the root of all sin , ( viz. ) your evil natures , mourn daily under it , and the activity of it ; and though some sins be unknown , yet when the root dyes , they shall dye . Isa. 57. 18. When you mourn for this , God will speak peace .

3. Be sure your end be right , that having received Christ , and doing duties , you do them before him , and for his sake ; for here Hypocrites 〈◊〉 ; and this makes Paul to appeale to Christ , 2 Cor. 5. Depart you ●●rkers of iniquity , will Christ say hereafter ; You have sought your selves in all this : Though the duty is hard , and thy heart loth to come to it , yet say , For thy sake , Lord , I love it .

The earnest cryes and prayers of unregenerate men at death or judgement , Observ. 2. are then too late to pr●cure m●r●y from the hands of Christ . If there be any means in time of distress ●o have help , it is by prayer ; it● helps the Saints out of deep pits , dark dungeo●s , Lam. 3. and Iron Furnaces , bitter agonies , intolerable pressures ; but this meanes , though they shall use it then , because their torment is great , and their self-love remaines , as these Virgins did , yet it comes too late then ; I know their prayers differ ; but of that I shall speak hereafter .

If in this life sometimes they come too late , much more after this ; Reason 1. but so it is sometimes ; Prov. 1. 28. Psal. 18. 41. Prov. 15. 1. even unto the Lord . The Lord sees it meet to give a taste of his severity after life , and in this life , that men may fear , and the terrour may fall upon many .

Because then Christ sits upon the Throne of judgement , Reason 2. and so no Mediatour to help them , as hath been proved ; and if it be so , how shall they stand ? Psalme 130. 3. In this life mercy waits , and patience bears , till it can bear no longer , and then doth ease it self , Ez●kiel 5. 13. and cries to justice , &c. And therefore the prayers and howlings of the wicked are to no more purpose than of a Malefactor before the Judge condemned for Treason .

Because their cryes are but only Howlings , Reas. 1. Hosea 7. 14. only rising from their own torment , because the Spirit of God is quite gone ; and if the Lord should heare , they would be as bad againe as ever before ; if mercy should save these Thieves from this Gallows , they would cut the Throat , and S●ab the heart of mercy afterward ; as all such persons do , who are carried from that principle in their prayers ; and therefore let them never look to be heard now .

Hence see the exceeding greatnesse of the wrath of Christ , Vse 1. to them that die without him , Psalm 18. 41. Many times the Lord hides his face from his people for a time ; but then they pray , and seek his face again , and the Lord heares them , and shines upon them again ; when his Spirit in them speaks to him , his Son in his Covenant speaks unto them ; and the Lord hears the cry of their weeping , as well as their praying , Psalme 6. 8. But if when they pray earnestly , and the Lord hears not then , but is angry with their prayers , oh this is bitter to them , Psal. 80. 4 , 5. Lam. 3. 44. 't is that which Christ typically complaines of , Psal. 22. 1 , 2 , 4 , 5. There is no wrath like this ; for a God so pitiful , as many times to help without cryes , more than a Mother with tender bowels , and not to regared cryes , as if he had cast off his nature ; this makes wrath and sin bitter to the people of God ; and indeed this is the reason why the Lord gives his people mercy ; but 't is by means of prayer usually , that they might see in what favour they are in his sight above others , that when he seems to be averse from hearing , yet prayer will turn the wheele , and Iacob prevailes over God ; and hence Psalm● ● . Christ shall have all Nations for his possessi●ns ; but yet Ask of me ; as Her●d said , when he said , Ask of me , to half of the Kingdome , &c. And hence exceeding wrath is shewn , in denying for a time , to he●r prayer many times ; Now look upon the condition of poore ●inners dying without Christ ; they shall then cry , and cry earnestly , and yet not prevail , if the wrath of God did break out at this time , and lie he●vy , and the Lord say . Now cry , and I 'le deliver ; it was no such sorrow , ●hough b●●ter enough to lie under wrath one moment ; but to cry , and cry vehemently , Lord , Lord , and never to be heard , oh who can beare this ! their torments are intolerable ; hath the Lord no pity ? their cries are many , and heart● are faint ; hath Christ no bowels ? hath this Lamb no more meekness , gentleness ? yes , that there is ; but such is his terrour now , they are shut up from you ; and so shall ever be , though you shall cry , and weep as many teares , and more too than the Sea hath drops ; and when you cannot come before his face , the Gate being shut , you shall cry , That the Rocks and Mountaines may fall upon you to h●de you from this wrath of the Lamb ; and you shall then cry , Behold , and see , if ever sorrow were like mine● but all shall be in vain .

Oh therefore see the greatness of this wrath , so as to see the bitterness of any one sin , which stands yet between thee and Christ ; which though it be sweet under thy tongue now , yet when the day of thy anguish shall come , it shall shut up Christs heart from hearing all cryes .

Of Exhortation , To perswade all men to take their season of praying now . Use 2. Isa. ● 55. 1. with 6. when the Lord cryed , Come to the waters , &c. and because they might plead , Hereafter ; oh saith he , Call upon him whiles he is near● ; there will be a great Gulf between you and Christ , when you are dead ; now therefore when the Lord comes in his Word especially , cry unto him for help and pity .

You will say , There is no great need , thanks be to God , of pressing ment to prayer here ; Who is so prophane but doth ? he is not worthy to live , or to enjoy the benefit of the Sun , nor fit to live among the society of men , who dares not do thus , but to live among Bears and Wolves , and Beasts in the Wilderness . I would to God there was no need to press this point ; but truly , the Countrey being a place filled with discontents , which ever keeps from prayer , because the Devil is in them ; and also of great peace and rest ; hence , here men are more apt to sleep , and grow secure , than in any other place of the world ; and the Spirit of prayer is ready to dye , even in Gods own ; and hard 't is for this Incense to be sweet , without some fire , some affliction thereunto .

1. Some there be , that do not so much as feel their misery at all , neither sin nor wrath ; and hence they cannot pray at all ; they are not in so good a case to pray , as the damned who feel their misery , and cry out under it ; these cast out of Gods sight , yet h●ving hope , and so should pray the more , and so cry out under it , yet cannot ; though the earth groanes under their sins , yet their hearts are hard , and they cannot feel them , and so cannot pray ; and they quiet themselves with some formes , and their Coleworts twice sodd , and some cold prayers morning and evening , and hope that these will serve the turn , and here is all the comfort they have ; nay , not only so , but if others that know their hearts better , and so pray longer , reprove them for it , they sinfully reply , What ? you are like the Pharisees , that think to be heard for their long prayers . Oh the Lord gives many up to this spirit of slumber ; their hearts are heavy , and can no more lift them up than a stone .

2. Some there be who feel their misery , and go unto the Lord with many cries and prayers , but yet herein behave themselves like Saul , when God answered him not , then they forsake him ; and like them , Mal. 3. 14. What profits us that we have walked mournfully ? and thinking they shall not finde , they build their Cities as Caine did , and ease themselves that way .

3. Some there be that do not give over , because they think they shall not find , but ease themselves by their very prayers , pray out their prayers , and confess out their confessions , and mourn out their sorrows ; and are compared to the Dog , who easeth himself by his vomit ; they are troubled , and then prayer easeth them ; and when a little ease , then prayer is done , as Psal. 78. 35 , 38.

4. Some that have no ease , yet have no leisure , not time ● as many servants , and men greedy of the world rise betimes , and work hard , sleepy at night , that they cannot have leisure ; and when conscience asks , Why do you not take time ? this is their excuse . Oh but cannot you take it out of your sleep , and lose your life , rather than lose your seasons of prayer ? they hope hereafter so to do .

5. Some that have leisure , yet their hearts are dead ; they can pray , and stand convinced of misery ; but I say their hearts are dead . Isa. 64. 7. None stirreth up himself ; nay , sometimes as a man asleep , when the fire burns round about him , yet he feels it not . Isa. 42. ult. They can vex , and be discontent when crosses and afflictions come , but no heart to pray , or lay their condition to heart : Oh this is sad and fearful .

1. Beseech you therefore take your time now ; you must and shall pray .

1. Do you think ever to have mercy without seeking it , and praying hard for it ? No , if ever God intend good to thee , if an Elect Vessel , thou must pray ; yea , and glad you may have such an unvaluable priviledge ▪ and that you are alive to do it . I know the Lord is found of them that seek him not ; but he will make you seek , that so he may be found ; seek therefore in time now , before it is too late .

2. Do not say the Gate is shut ; no , 't is yet open , and that by the blood of a Mediatour , Heb. 10. 19 , 20. So that when you object God hears not sinners , yet Zach. 13. 1. there is yet a f●untain opened , for to wash in for sin and uncleannesse ; all thy sins cannot shut it , because 't is opened wash away sin .

3. Do not say , If I had a part in Christ , I could then be encouraged to ask . I pray what think you of that Woman of Samaria , when Christ spake , If thou didst know and ask , he would give thee living waters ; What did the poor Woman of Canaan do , when Christ himself told her , She was a Dog , and had nothing to do with Childrens bread ; when you have no Promise to assure you the Lord will give ; yet the glorious bounty , and riches of grace , may encourage you sufficiently to seek .

4. Do not say , But it may be I shall be denied , let me pray never so long ; I know you are worthy to be de●ied , and as you have cried the Lord should not heare , and as you have abused grace , it should cry against you , why should you Quarrel ? the Lord owes thee not strawes ; but yet Remember the Parable of the unjust Judge , who heard a woman , a stranger when importunate ; and this is found a sure truth ; 't is with all men praying , as 't is with women in travailing , either their pangs will deliver them of their burden , and so they live , or else they will be their death ; if they cease , and give over , then they die . Prayer will deliver you of your sinnes , unbelief , or whatever stands between Christ and you ; or if not , they shall die , and perish . Sow your seed of Prayer , it will multiply if it be the right seed , until your Harvest bé great , and your gain unknown ; security will fall on a Hypocrite , before he gets the blessing , and the cares of the world will choak his prayers .

5. O● therefore follow the Lord ; Hosea 6. 3 , 4. You shall know him , if you follow on ●o know him ; especially if you be truly wounded , though he hath been as a Lion to you ; Is Christ so glorious , his presence so sweet , his Kingdome so great , his mercy so rich , his Inheritance so full , and wilt not thou pray , awake one houre ? hath Christ bought mercy with his blood , and wilt not thou spill thy blood ? nay , not spare and spend thy poor prayers to beg it , ( it may be praying time is declining apace ) and so get it ; and by that meanes hear Christ Jesus say , Come , oh come thou blest , that hast been praying , weeping , following me , and take thy Crown , and sit down on my Throne ; oh it will be a cut to think , Had I sought it , I had had it ! Psal. 24.

Of Thankfulness to the Saints , Use 3. that the Lord hath given them hearts to seek the Lord in a finding time , Psal. 32. 5 , 6. Time was thou couldst not pray ; but the Lord hath found thee out , and stirred up unutterable groanes here , and all thy groanings have not been bid from the Lord .

Object . But many pray and finde not ; how shall I know I have found ?

Answ. When the spirit of prayer , not the gift of prayer hath carried thee , R●m. 8. 27.

Quest. How shall I know that ?

Answer , 1. It is not fervency . 2. Nor looking to Christ and his Mercy . 3. Nor Arguments that are evidences of this Spirit ; for these the foolish Virgins had . But I shall shew it in three Degrees .

First , Observe what is the ut●ostend in prayer , and so hath been in all thy prayers ; it is certain all the prayers of unregenerate men , though enlivened with some common gift of the Spirit , are ever for themselves ; if any outward calamity befalls them , they then pray , Psal. 78. But it is as Pharaoh , for themselves , because the plague is upon them ; if the Word meets with them , and troubles them , their prayers ( if fervent ) are only for ease ; when their bones are broke , 't is for peace and comfort ; and if they desire grace , 't is for peace-sake ; if they have peace for the present , and feel blindness , hardness of heart , they think these will damn them ; and hence salvation and deliverance from misery , is the utmost end they aim at and so in all their prayers ; let men study their hearts , and they shall see themselves the mark they shoot at , and the God they serve , and Idol they worship in all their prayers ; and do you think these shall be heard ? No , no ; but Saints they look not at these things chiefly , but their utmost end is another thing ; at first conversion it is much self , but it turnes in time to higher ends , &c. and that is , what though I have peace , salvation , these loa●es , but yet miss of Christ himself , and the life of Christ , to live by him , and live to him , which is our last end ! 2 Cor. 5. 15. And here all his prayers end , though crooked many wayes ; else these are the prayers of that Spirit of life , which is ever heard ; and hence Iames 5. 3. Ye ask and have not , because ye ask to spend it on your lusts . Isa. 58. 5. though they fasted and prayed , yet it was for s●rife and debate ; the Saints do it to destroy their lusts ; and hence , though all fervent prayers are not of the Spirit , yet all prayers of the Spirit are ever fervent , though exprest with chatterings , mournings as Doves , because the last end hath a mighty force with it ; and hence waiting on God in all meanes for Answers , follows ; and hence , prayers of the Saints are endless , Appetitus finis est infinitus ; hence Rom. 8. 23. life in heaven is his Scope , and he is longing for it , glad of that time ( for all prayers of Hypocrites are but issues of self-Iove ) 〈◊〉 all occasions do but quicken up that principle ; so all the prayers of the Saints rise from the spirit of love to God , and faith in him , Rom. 8. 27 ▪ 28. The Sonlike Spirit , or Spirit of Adoption , not servile , is in them .

Secondly , If the soul receive any thing from the Lord thus praying , 't is exceed●ng thankful ; the Spirit of Christ , wherever it is , glorifies Christ , Iohn 16. and Psal. 116. 1. and that in time of peace ; hence Psalme 50. 14 , 15. Offer to God thanks giving , and par thy vowes , and then call though in time of trouble , and I will he●re . For the Lord to begin to do the soul any good , 〈◊〉 and shew it its misery , the worth of the Lord Jesus , to give him any heart to seek , to give him any hope , to give him the least hint by any word of mercy ; oh its heart melts ( it should be thus ) and wonders but to think , nay , to see the Lord hath answered him ! oh this swallows him up , makes him give all to the Lord , as Hannah did , when she had her Childe , 1 Sam. 2. 1 , 2. Esau lost the blessing , though he begged it with tears ; he had a prophane heart that did not esteem it indeed , 〈◊〉 and so would ●ever have been thankful for it ; poor Iacob gets it , though he had but a sta●f to hold him up .

Thirdly , If it receive not answer , it mournes , and loaths it self ▪ justifies God , gives all to him ; prayers from self-loathing , are not prayers which come from self-love , Psal. 22. 2 , 3 , ●4 . Zach. 12. 10 Psal. 72. 12. There the Spirit dwells in the poor and contrite , and their cries are heard ; when men pray , and want , and are quiet without wishing they could lament 't is not from the Spirit ; oh therefore try here if 't is thus ; as he said to H●zekiah , The Lord hath heard thy cries , and seen thy teares ; and oh wonder at the Lord , that he should give thee a heart to cry now .

Reproof to Saints , Use 4. Who though received and heard , yet think the Lord regards them not ; and as David , think his mercy is shut up .

1. Remember former times , Psal. 77. 7. Your experiences of the Lords pitying thee in thy blood , and he will not cast thee off now .

2. Consider the Riches of grace ; when you cannot find any thing past , but what might cause him to loath thee , yet the Lord may then love , when thou art lamenting thy vileness , Isa. 63. 15 , 16.

3. Consider the Lord doth purposely seem to dis-regard thee sometimes ; not to shut out prayers , but to make you pray better ; not that you should not pray at all , Iudg. 16. 10. but to make you seek , and follow him , though in the dark . Lam. 3. 45. with 55. in a land of pits ; eye hath not seen what God hath laid up for you .

4. Consider there is as much in the Lord to move him in thy worst estate to help thee , as in the best , ( viz. ) his mercy , Psal. 6. 4. You say , If my heart was not so vile , if I had not committed such sins , the Lord might ! this is as if you said , The Lord shews not pity only for his mercy , &c.

VERSE 12. I know you not .

WOrds of fence in Hebrew , beare and signifie affection also ; The principal affections , are Love , and Hatred . 1. Love , Psal. 1. ul● . Iohn 10. 14. 2. Hatred , Hosea 7. 2. Revel. 8. 12. In this place such knowledge is meant , which hath the affection of love joyned with it ; so that 't is as if Christ should say , I love you not , I delight not in you , my heart is not toward you , whatever good words you give me , and how ever your heart is toward me , or you have thoughts of me ; And this is the great misery of foolish Virgins .

That it is a most heavy and dreadful misery not to be beloved , Observ. 3. not to be known of Iesus Christ ; for now when the Tables are turned , and the Stage is pull'd down , and the Foolish shut out , and when Christ himself would give them a doleful Answer , express in words their woe , he coucheth it under these , I know you not . I do not say that men do feel it so , but it is so , and at last it will be found so .

This may appear , if we consider these particulars .

If you consider the exceeding greatness , and glory of his place , and person ; Considerat . 1. He is exalted , and set at the right hand of God , upon the Throne of his Father , and his Dominions reach from sea to sea ; he is King of Kings , and Lord of Hoasts of Angels , &c. Phil. 2. 9. A Name abo●e every Name he hath , and God hath sworne , To him shall every one bow . Now being thus great , and not to be beloved of such a one , is heavy ; if we want the love of poor men , and base ignoble spirits , it is no such matter ; but to lose great ones favour , especially if we depend upon them in life and goods , peace and honour , this is bitter ; hence 2 Thes. 1. 9. from the glory of his power .

If you consider the terrour of the wrath of God for time to come . 2. Considerat . If a man be abroad in the Fields from home , and no stormes , not colds , nor heats arise to hurt him , a shelter would not be so much prized , nor the loss of it great ; but if there be such , and then to want it , and to lie open to the injury of all Weathers ; now it is a woe to want it : So I say to you , men that are abroad in the wide Fields of this world , and gone from home , if there should never be misery , but you might eat your bread , and drink your Wine with a merry heart , and rejoyce in your Wives , and there then should be no knowledge of any thing after death , as those Epicutes spake , Eccles. 9. the Love of Christ would not be so sweet ; but there will be stormes , scorching heats that shall burn , and never be quenched , there will be colds which shall blast all your budds , and blossomes , and beauty , &c. Now to have no love of Christ to take your self to , as to a shelter in these times , is very heavy ; hence Isa. 32. 2. Christ typified by Hezekiah , shall be a shadow in a weary Land , which is spoken to shew the sweetness of his love , and their blessedness that have him to fly to ; and hence their woe who want him . It is said , Gen. 6. 8. Noah found grace in Gods eyes ; not in the eyes of men ; for before the Flood came , they did ●not see it such a favour , for to have an Ark ; but when that came , and they fled from Houses to Trees , from Trees to Mountaines , and waters beneath , and above prevailed , now they saw it someth●ng to finde favour in the eyes of God , and their woe to want it . Moses dies , wondering at the happiness of the Saints , in regard of this , Deut. 33. 26. and ult. The eternal God is thy refuge ; he fore-sees stormes , he preserves from miseries above head , so as they cannot touch the heads of the Saints ; if so be they do fall , yet they cannot fall so low , but underneath are his armes ; As a Child which stands alone , if it be in danger to fall , and others cry out , Pray take heed , I have my armes say they , under it ; hence Moses dyeth with this word , Oh Israel who is like unto thee ? happy art thou ! then wo to those who want this ; there is not one man living , but he shall meet with extremities , which shall make heart and spirits to faile , and the powers of heaven shall be shaken ; every thing may forsake you , but Christs love ; but if that also doth , wo then to you .

If you consider the power which this privation of love hath to damp all joy and mirth in all things present ; it 3. Considerat . invenomes , and puts a sting and poyson in all blessings , and makes comforts torments ; to have all blessings , and all priviledges , and not to have Christs love with them , is to have a snare , a trap , a stumbling block , and a Recompence , &c. Rom. 11. 9. Men regard not wrath to come ; but consider of this , thy blessings are woes , curses ; and you shall one day cry , Wo is me that ever I was , or that ever I had any blessing ! Suppose a man should be enriched with bags of D●amonds , hung with chaines of gold , fare deliciously , but condemned to die , this would damp all . Pharaoh had a stout will , Moses tells him , Exod. 9. 16. For this cause God had raised him up to shew his power upon him ; one would have thought it should have pull'd him from h●s Throne , and made him lie in the dust ; it did not , because God had hardened his heart ; so would this , if the Lord had not hardened yours .

Hence we shall see Saints , when they lie under false feares , only of loss of love ; those very things which are most sweet , are made most bitter . Psal. 77. 3. I remembred God , and was troubled ; but what think you of those that be not indeed loved , it is enough to bring down the most merry heart , and highest looks for the present ; what are my friends , mine enemies ? is there none to comfort me of all my Lovers ?

If you consider the sweetness of this Love of Christ . Considerat . 4. I'●e instance only in one particular , Psal. 63. 3. Cant. 1. 3. The Elect , when they are glorified , and with Christ , what shall be most ravishing in their eyes ? what shall swallow up their thoughts most ? oh the love of Christ , his free love ! why should I be accepted , beloved ! oh that ever the Lord should cast his eyes , and set his heart upon such an out-cast ! Hence , praise of the Riches of Grace , Ephes. 1. is the w●rk of Heaven . Now to be cast out of this love , will , must be exceeding bitter to the soul ; hence Mat. 7. 23. I never knew you , will be daggers at the heart , or the stone upon the graves mouth , which shall torment for ever .

If you consider the nature of this want , or negation of Christs love , what it is . Considerat . 5.

1. Degree , Is for Christ not to have so much as one purpose , or thought of peace and good to them , not to put the least Character of their names in the Book of life ; that is the first degree and fountain of all other ; Gods love , Ier. 29. 9.

2. Degree , Is not to speak one word of peace and love to a man , no absolute promise of life to them ; Psalme 50. 16. They have nothing to do to take Gods Covenant into their mouths ; those promises which comfort and support the hearts of the Saints against all sins , all miseries , belong not unto them .

3. Degree , Not to suffer for them , not to shed one drop of blood for their lives , Ioh. 17. 9. so that all their sins must lie upon them , to bear and answer for .

4. Degree , Not to do the least good for them ; good things they have , but through their sins , and Christs ordering of it , are not good for them , but they are thereby fitted by patience for destruction .

5. Degree , Not to accept any thing which they do to him ; their sacr●fices and prayers are sins , Mal. 1. I have no pleasure in you .

6. Degree , Not to pity them in time of their trouble , but to laugh at their Calamity , and to rejoyce in their Ruine , and eternal overthrow ; Christ shall get glory from them then , whom they despised so long before .

This may let us see , Use 1. what cause all the people of God have to be abundantly satisfied with the love of Christ ; the heart of man is naturally like the raging sea , never quiet , if the least windes do but arise ; the Saints may have unmortified affections , and are very apt upon troublesome temptations to be disquieted ; the Saints are compared to the Apple of Gods eye ; and we know little things will trouble much there ; it 's because in losses and sorrows which befall themselves , and in beholding the madness and folly of others , they are very apt to look upon the anger of the Lord in them fo● their sin , which others usually do not . Oh consider , is it such a misery to lose Christs love ? and have you a share in it ? oh then be thankful for it , and contented with it . When Christ was to depart from his Disciples , Ioh. 16. 22. you shall sorrow ; but what doth he leave with them to quiet them ? I will see you againe , that mourn now for loss of my presence ; What else ? doth he promise them nothing else ? truly that is enough . When David looked upon the prosperity of the wicked , and that they should ●ever see light , Psal. 49. 15. with 19. But God will redeem my soul from the grave , not from troubles , and he will receive me ; Some read it , For he hath received me ; both may stand together , and this was enough to him .

If a Traveller have lost his way , and not come home to his journeys end , he may be very well unquie● ; but when he is come to the end of his journey , and can go no further , then he sits down , and lives there , and would not go back againe , especially if he considers how many are out of doors , and under tempests , he may now bless God , they have a shelter ; So if the Lord had never revealed his grace to you in the Gospel , and you were not yet drawn by it , nor drawn to it , but were lost in your sins , or selves , or world , and had miseries upon you , then you might be unquiet ; but now when laid ●n the bosome of Christ , when suck●ng the breasts of the grace of Christ , when you can go no further though thou were●in Heaven , for there 's no other happiness there ; Now sit ●till c●ntented , and be glad of this , as under thy Vine and shadow ; especially considering the woes of them , that are yet farre from this grace and mercy in Jesus Christ , and under Clouds of blood . Men that faile upon the Sea , if they see nothing but waves , and vast raging of waters about them , they keep themselves close in their Ship , though their Cabbins be but little ; tell me one thing that is good , where Christs love is not ; shew me any thing but misery , death , and eternal sorrows out of it ; oh therefore sit still , quietly , meekly , contentedly , though you be tossed as high as Heaven , and go down as deep as Hell again .

You are troubled sometimes with losses of outward things , Cattel dye , and Rachels Children and Husband are not , increase little , decayes many , and Iobs wife bids him bless God ( and give glory to him , by confessing he is an Hypocrite , because so much afflicted ) and dye ; and David sees the ungodly flourish , and he thinks he hath washt his hands in vain , and 't is good to fare and live here as they live ; Oh consider , suppose the Lord should give thee these things as he doth to others , to be snares , and at last say , I know you not , when thy soul shall come trembling out of a sick and weary body , before the Tribunal of God Almighty , as these , was that portion then so good ? Oh therefore take your portion , and be thankful for it ! Oh therefore be glad in this , and say , I have these miseries , but Christs love to sweeten them ! these sorrows , but Christs love to sanctifie them ! I see Floods of Fire arising , but oh here 's this shelter to be a Refuge to me !

You have heard what it is not to be beloved , what a misery it is ; by that contrary , see this , viz.

1. For the Lord to have thoughts of peace to thee , when thou wert nothing but death and misery before his eyes , to bear thee in his heart ever since he was God .

2. For the Lord to speak to thee , and make an eternal Covenant , and every promise thine . Davids dying words are , This was enough , even all his desire ; and not one tittle but shall be accomplished one day .

3. For the Lord to ●hed his blood , beare thy sins , curse , and tread down death and sin , and teare away the hand-writing of the Law against thee , rather than the least evil befall thee .

4. For the Lord to be working for thee by all good things , all evil things , all providences , all Ordinances , night and day , and you may find it in part , and shall find it hereafter .

5. For the Lord to accept all thy poor endeavours , desires , prayers , Isai●h 56.

6. For the Lord to pity thee in all thy misery , and worst times ! then to shew his greatest love , when death , and powers of darkness put forth their greatest malice ! truly thus it is ; Oh let this love be enough , considering especially the woful condition of them that want it , who shall cry for one smile , and cannot get it ! See this love , and doubt not of it ; how could you love him , if he did not love you first ? especially if you have been satiated with it ? tray for it , Psalme 90. 14. I speak this the rather , because of the sad miseries which make men lame in their Christian course , that they are ready to lie down disconsolate , because they Remember not this ; Do not alwayes doubt , but once at last get through the Crowde to this Love .

Let those who want this love , mourn for it , Use 2. though the Lord gives you , and doth for you never so much in regard of other things . Suppose he doth not smite thy body with sickness , thy name with disgrace , thy estate with losses ; yet if he doth not love thee , this is woe enough . It was the misery of Israel , Ier. 15. 1. with 5. My minde is not to this people , cast them out ; and as the Lord there said , so I say ; If the Lord deal thus , who shall pity thee , or bemoane thee , or ask how thou dost ? Ioel. 1. 8 , 9 , 10. They lament when the Fig-tree was wasted ; much more now the Lords love is not towards thee . Lam. 1. 16. The Church there laments , that the Comforter which should refresh was farre off .

Quest. How shall I know that ?

Answ. If he never did affect thy heart with loss , and want of his love , and abusing of it , but hath let you go on in peace all your life ; you were borne out of his love , cast out to the loathing of thy person , and have lived so , though he hath been pitiful to thee ; now if you were never troubled with loss of this , and wrongs done against this , you are as yet out of love . Look as it is with a Father , if he hath a Childe froward , and cannot restraine him , he lets him alone , he loves him not , else he would chasti●e and correct him , and make him shake at his frownes ; so here , as it is Heb. 12. 8. If no correction , you are Bastards ; So here you have gone on , and never have been yet troubled in minde with the frowns of Christ , never lamented your wrongs done to Christ ; are you loved ? I know the Lord may let you go Prodigals for a time , but he will bring you back , if he loves you . I never knew any whom the Lord brought home , but this broke their hearts . O that the Lord was so patient , and I all my life abused him ! nay , he would oft have gathered me ! he did oft strive , and I was lik● a Ballock unaccustomed to the yoke , Jer. 31. 18. and he might have cut me off , or given me up to my stubborn heart . Many are troubled for want of memory , ignorance , and want of power to pray , or some sin , and then God is merciful to them , and this eases them againe ; but this is nothing , till you come to this , viz. feares of the eternal los of this love ; and this lies heavy . If this be thy condition , that for the present thou art not loved of the Lord , tell me but one thing which thou hast to comfort thee ; thou hast friends , peace , health , but they are all without love ; if without love , then thou hast them with a curse , and wrath of God . Suppose thou wert dying , and the Lord should say to thee , when thou cryest , I know thee not ; would it not be sad ! Lie upon thy Pillow , and sleep quietly if thou canst ; for ought I know , there was never drop of blood shed for thee , never thought of peace in Christs Breasts to thee ; a vile wretch that never lamented the loss of his love , nor contempt of it to this day !

Obj. But I care not so long as I have been well without it , so I hope I shall do still , I will not believe I am out of his love .

Answ. Yea , this is the misery of men , as it was of these Virgins ; but time shall come , when you shall see him sit upon his Throne , brighter than a Thousand Suns , in the glory of his Father , a fire burning round about him , and the Kings of the earth trembling at his presence , and his Saints in his bosome like unto him , then you shall wish you had his love , and lament , Rev. 1. and waile , because of him . Oh secure world , will you sit still in your sinnes , and lie in your unbelief , till the fire burnes about you , and there be no escape ! Oh that the Lord would pity you , many of you that have yet lived with dry eyes , and merry hearts , and yet have no love from Jesus Christ .

Learn hence not to despise or refuse the love of Christ when it is offered to you , Vse 3. and propounded to you in the Gospel ; we can be content to want the love of some men , because we can live well enough without them , and their love ; their love lost hurts not us ; but if the loss of their love may be the loss of our goods and lives , then ( if it may be had ) men will seek for , and long for it , thoght it should not be offered ; but if offered , it is gladly accepted : So if you could live without the love of Christ , you might content your selves ; but the loss of it is more bitter than ten thousand deaths ; and therefore refuse it not when it is offered ; but as they , Acts 2. 39 , 41. when they saw how they had imbrued their hands in the blood of Christ , and yet saw grace offered , it is said , They gladly received the Word of the Lord .

The Law is a word of condemnation ; but that is not the last word the Lord hath spoken , then I should spend time in vaine now ; the Gospel , even the whole Gospel is a word of love and Reconciliation ; 2 Cor. 5. 19 , 20. wherein the Lord doth beseech men to be reconciled ; i. e. to accept of Gods love offered therein .

The Lord knows full well that mens hearts are so full of enmity , that they will never seek for Reconciliation first , though they have good cause , because they have offered the wrong ; and therefore he stands not upon termes , but offers love first , without which he knows they are for ever undone ! Oh therefore receive it , accept of it when it is offered to you ; and lose thy life , rather than lose his love .

For the further opening of this Point , I shall shew three things . 1. That Christ doth offer his love in the Gospel ; and how . 2. Upon what termes . 3. Motives to accept it , and answer Objections against accepting of it .

First , That the Lord doth offer , and how he doth offer his love in the Gospel ; and this I shall cleare , because nothing can draw the soul to accept of love but this . For the better understanding of which , you must conceive that the love of Christ in the Gospel , is diversly manifested unto men ; either to men after they be in Christ , and are brought home by it , and this is a love of delight in them . Psalm : 45. 10 , 11. Or it is a love of good will to men not brought home ; as it is in Husbands , before their affections be set upon any , they make love , as it is 2 Thess. 2. 10. They received not the love of the truth , because the truth made love to them . Luke 2. 14. Good will towards men ; and this love , I say is offered ; this love the Lord makes unto you ; stand amazed at it , that after all your sinnes , wrongs done him , nothing but love is offered , even his dearest love ; for though there is patience , power to help , wisdome to guide ; though there is terrour in him , yet , Take my love , saith he , Iohn 3. 17. And hence , Heb. 2. 3. it is called Great salvation , or love ; 't is offered ; else how could men be said to reject it , or neglect it , which he warnes them of ? A man may as well question whether there be a Gospel , as whether love be offered there ; for as the Law is nothing but the manifestation of sin , the hand-writing of death and wrath against all men , writ with the Finger of God ; the Gospel is the manifestation of grace , the hand-writing of grace and peace to all men , written with the blood of God ; and hence the Gospel is that which brings life and immortality to light , 2 Tim. 1. 10. Not that there is life absolutely for all , but there 't is for all that shall by faith accept of it . More particularly ,

First , It is offered Universally to all wherever it comes , and therefore personally to every man ; the words are plaine , Mark 16. 15. Preach the Gospel to every creature ; and not only to them that do belong to Christ , and shall believe ; for though it be offered with the power of it effectually to these , yet offered it is also unto those that never shall have God , nor portion in the Son of God ; and hence , Luke 14. The Lord of the Feast invited those that never came in ; and Christ himself , 1 Iohn 11. He came to his own , and they received him not ; he would have gathered them under his wings , and they would not ; not only to them that be humbled ( though none will care for Gospel but such ) but to them that be unhumbled , Revel. 3. 18 , 20. doth this Gospel come . There be many object , Yes , the Lord offers love to them that are his , but not to me ? yes , to thee ; there is not a man here , that can exempt himself . And I would make no doubt to go to every man particularly , and say , The Lord intreats thee to be Reconciled ; nay , if there be one man worse than another , though his hands have been imbrued in the blood of the Prophets , and his soul stained with the crying guilt of the most hydeous sinnes that ever the earth bore , or Sun saw , yet the Lord makes love to him ; the price is paid for him , if he will accept of it , and that the Lord would have him so to do ; neither doth this Universal offer inferre an Universal Redemption ; for the Gospel in the offer of it , doth not speak absolutely that Christ hath dyed for all , and therefore for thee , as the Arminians maintain ; but it speaks conditionally , 'T is for thee , if ever the Lord gives thee a heart to receive that grace there ; therefore consider of it , there is not one here present , but the Lord would have you receive his love ; and consider this one reason , Thou shalt be condemned for refusing it ; Hence 't is Gods command , and Christs desire you should receive it , Io●n 3. 19. If not thy duty to receive it , 't is not thy sin to refuse it ; but 't is such a sin , that all men that perish under the sound of the Gospel , are principally condemned for .

Secondly , 'T is offered really ; I put in this , because men cannot see the reality of this ; because not Christ , but Ministers ( they think ) only make it , and so the offer is only external and Ministerial ; the Lord himself they think is not of that mind .

Answ. 1. What any Minister according to the Gospel doth , that Christ would do if he was here present ; hence 2 Cor. 5. 20. We beseech you in his s●ead ; as Embassadours speak what the King himself would do , and no more , and himself would speak what they do if he was present ; and hence Christ did not only preach the Gospel to his Elect , that should receive him , but to them who did reject him also , which made his blessed heart and eyes also break forth into teares , Oh that thou hadst known , &c.

2. 'T is Christ in them which doth speak , Heb. 12. 25. Him that speaks from heaven ; and hence Ephes. 2. 17. He came and preached peace , when he was gone up to Heaven ; and hence receiving of these Ministers and Embassadours of Christ , is receiving of Christ ; despising of them , is despising of Christ ; and look , as the bowels of God the ●athers love are opened i● Christ , so the bowels of Christs love are opened in those whom he sends . Never didst thou see any Minister pity thy condition , and offer peace to thee , but because Christ put it in his heart ; and as in rejecting the Gospel , you shall not sad their spirits so much as Christs Spirit in them ; so in accepting , è contrà .

3. Your life and salvation , and certainty of mercy from Christ , hangs upon your receiving their Word ; for men wi I say , If Christ were here , I durst believe his Word ; I tell you , the Lord hangs thy life upon believing their Word spoken according to him , Iohn 17. 20. I pray for them that shall believe in me through their word ; Why not through my word ? Answ. These may stand well together ; my word as the foundation their word as building upon it ; their word in the external administration and view of man , but my word indeed ; my word in their mouths , and so their word as instruments under that principal agent ; so that if an Angel , or one should rise from the dead , I should not look for more certainty of life by believing these , than them . Christ will speak no more , till he shakes down heaven and earth with his voice ; but their word he honours , and saith , Believe it ; their word is not , Christ hath loved thee ; but Believe , that thou mayst be beloved of Christ .

4. The Lord is so real here , that he punisheth men more for this , than if he was present . Christ lived among the Jewe● , and preached , they crucified him , and rejected him in his person ; yet this cast them not off , till Luke 13. 46. they put away the offers of grace by the Servants of Christ from them , and now the Apostles are to shake off the dust of their feet against such as those .

Thirdly , It is offered with vehement desires to accept of it , 2 Cor. 6. 1. Psal. 81. 11. We beseech you receive not Gods grace in vaine ; for you may say There is some offer , but the Lord desires it not in good earnest ; never did man desire to get the affection of another most beautiful , as the Lord doth thee that hast none ; we use to judge of the affection of another to a thing , by what he is willing to part with for it ; As he that sold all for the pearle , and bought it ; So the Lord is content to part with all he hath to thee ; the dearest thing he hath , is his precious blood , and all fruits and benefits of it ; his Spirit to comfort , himself to dwell with thee , his Father to love thee , his Kingdome to receive thee , his sweetest promises to assure and stablish thee ; all things , except his glory ; it is ●ot fit that you should receive that , but for him to receive it from thee ; and giving it to him , is better than having of it to thy self . To thee I say , that art like an incarnate Devil , Dead , and Damned , and undone for ever , unless thou accept of this Grace , is all this Mercy of the Gospel tendered .

Fourthly , It is offered freely , Isa. 55. 1 , 2. For this makes many stand and wonder , Why should the Lord make love to me so vile , so unworthy , good for nothing but to sin ! dry bones ! or what need hath the Lord of me ? what can I do for him ? what can I add to him ? why goeth he not into the Palaces of Princes to call in them ! but that he should deale thus with me that have sinned worse than Paul ●efore conversion ! not ignorantly ; I have known the grace of Christ , yet rejected it ; and have gone on desperately , have been mad in following my lovers , forsaking the Lord ; True , I know no cause , but only his free love , because he hath compassion on thee , and because 't is for his grace sake ; hence he desires it vehemently ; for that is worthy to be honoured , received , embraced of thee . Methinks it is in this case , as 't is with poor Marines , whose ship is wrackt , many drowned , and they cast upon the shore , one comes to them , and offers them house , and meat , and home , they tell him We are poor men , havenothing to pay ; true , I know that , but I have compassion upon you , because I see you are distressed men ; so 't is here with the Lord Jesus , I know thou hast nothing to require me , but I have compassion upon thee , accept my grace , take it , live upon it , because thou art a distressed soul ; God hath shewn wondrous mercy in giving life , now I offer more , one would th●nk ; now surely men should be glad to accept of this grace .

Quest. Vpon what t●rmes is this offer of love made ?

Answ. There is nothing required , but only and meerly receiving of it ; Iohn 1. 12. Under the Law it was , Do all this ; but the Gospel saith not so , but Re●eive me who have done all , and suffered also , with thy whole heart ; as it was in the Land of promise , nothing required , but going up , and possess it ; here it 's no more . Prov. 4. 8. She shall bring thee to h●nour when thou dost embrace her . The offer of love , is like the offer of a rich portion , nothing required but receiving it thankfully , and so living upon it ; so Psal. 16. 5 , 6 , 7. I thank the Lord that gave me counsel , &c. Or as it is in the offer of a Prince to a Traitour , he offers life to him ; Upon what termes ? I could crush thee as a fly between my fingers , but I desire nothing , only accept my favour , come and embrace me , and then live under my Government in my Kingdome , because that I love thy company , and because here is my honour , and thy safety ; so doth the Lord in the Gospel , the Lord professeth he had rather a soul should return , and live upon his love , and under the Government of his love , than dye ; Come under my wings , saith Christ , Matthew 23. you may all . I would have you safe , and near unto me , that you may feel the warmth and life of my love ; this is all the Lord looks for ; and who would not accept of love upon these termes !

Thirdly , Motives to accept of it . Why should I name any more than what the Text mentions ? no woe like this to lose it ! and though it may be now you may esteem it nothing while 't is faire weather , and whiles it is a day of patience , yet when the depths of anger are broken up , then you shall see , and say , No people like unto those that have it , when you shall see Christ on his Throne with ravishing beauty , and see him tread the Wine-press of wrath alone , and his garments dipt in the blood of his enemies ; then you shall say , The want of this love is bitter ; and hence if it be offered , take it now gladly , thankfully , joyfully .

Obj. But I am but one , will the Lord receive me ?

Ans. I have been stirred up to preach the Gospel for the sake of that One ; and Ier. 3. 14. I will take one of a Tribe . Though all else be rejected , the Lord minds thee .

2. Ob●ect . But Christ is in Heaven , how can I receive him , and his l●ve ?

Answ. A mighty Prince is absent from a Traytour , he sends his Herauld with a Letter of love , he gives it him to read ; how can he now receive the love of the Prince when absent ? Answ. He sees his love in his Letter , knows it came from him , and so at a distance closeth with him by this meanes ; So here , he that was dead , but now is alive , writes , sends to thee , Oh receive his love here in his Word ; this is receiving him by faith , Acts. 2. 37 , 38.

3. Object . But I am not elected , nor redeemed ; if I knew that , I durst receive the Lord and his love .

Answ. What-have you to do with Gods secret Decree of Election ? 't is your duty to look to the Gospel , which is the Will of Gods command ; there is a Will of Gods Decree , and a man may fulfill this Will and sin ; as Ier●b●am in revolting according to the Prophesie of the Prophet ; and to submit to this , is not moral obedience , though moved thereto by a Divine instinct , as in Cyrus ; but there is a Will of Gods Command , and this you are to look to ; obedience to this , never wants its recompence ; You say you are not Redeemed . Answ. True ; but it may be thou art Redeemed ; and therefore do not crucifie Christ a second time ; receive this love , and 't is certain 't is for thee .

4. Obj. But I am not humbled sufficiently ?

An●w . I know no man can receive Christ , till the Lord hath humbled and broken him down ; but know , there is no more humiliation required , than that which brings thee to receive the Lord Jesus Christ . Many have a spirit of cleaving to , and receiving of Christ , as hath been opened , but are kept off , because they feare they are not humbled ; but methinks the very offer of Christ to one condemned and lost for ever , who must else lie to all eternity mourning ( methinks this ) should break thy heart , if it be not a Stone , and a Rock , as it did Pauls ; indeed you must be more and more humbled all your life ; but this is a consequent required of those who are in Christ .

5. Object . But I cannot believe , why presse you me to it ?

A●sw . 1. The Lord doth not press you to believe , because you should believe from your selves ; but that feeling your own inability , you might suffer him to make you believe .

2. The Lord by words of Exhortation doth work Faith ; there goes a power with it ; as Acts 2. Repent ; they gladly received the Word ; and whose heart may it not draw and compell , especially if there be any spark of God in any soule ? and therefore pray give the Lord leave to speak , whose Word can quicken the dead , though the dead can neither stir nor heare .

3. There be many of you that say You cannot believe ; but this Gospel drawes out a power ; The way of the Lord , is strength to the upright , Prov. 10. 29. Will you ? can you despise or refuse his grace ? No , it should constrain .

6. Object . But I have received him , and I feel no vertue from him .

Answ. 1. I know many do receive him , and feel not the vertue of Christ ; but because Saints may be kept poor in Spirit , possesse all things in Christ , and yet receive little from Christ , I shall only ask two Questions .

1. How dost thou esteem of , and desire that blessing of Christ ? Dost esteem of nothing so precious , desire nothing more , and followest the Lord on with prayer for it ? it is in Christ for thee ; what thou wantest , thou shalt have it , Iohn 4. 10. Phil. 3. 9 , 10. No false heart but undervalues these things ; and the Lord will fulfill all thy desires ; in heaven thou shalt have all thy sins subdued and trodden to death .

2. How is thy heart for thy general frame , affected with the absence of the good thou feelest not from the Lord ? dost mourn bitterly for this ? look as the Disciples that mourned for Christs bodily absence , the Lord tells them . They should rejoyce ; ●o here ; a carnal heart is indifferent , though he lose Christs vertue . And therefore accept the Lords love , you poor mourning souls ; the most stony heart I speak to ; but much more unto the weary , and them that have been seeking after the Lord , behold salvation is come to thy heart this day , only ●et it in ; do not reject it , because thy sinnes are great , thy unworthiness great ; the Lord knows them , yet he offers ; some of you have had some hopes or assurance Christ is yours ; yet he may be thine ▪ Suppose he was never thine yet , now stretch out thy shaking hand , receive him who is this day crucified before thy eyes , his head hanging down , his blood gushing out , beseeching thee to accept of this which is shed for thee . I remember a godly man receiving Apples from a poor Woman , he took them thankfully , but said withal , This came from the Spirit of God ; so doth this offer much more , and therefore take it : But I know this love will be despised by some of you ; some not knowing your woe , some not feeling it , being without Christ ; some under terrours , but shut up under unbelief . If I did think the Lord had no purpose to do thee good , and I knew thee , I would read thy doom ; but the Lord may p●ty● and therefore I 'le go and mourn , and pray that the Lord would not lay your sins to your charge ; your base lusts are better than Christ to you ; O therefore mourne for this : you that know him not , prize him not ; but carry this Acts 13. 41. about with thee , viz. hear yo● despisers , and wonder , &c.

That many 〈◊〉 may , and do apprehend Christ by a seeming Faith , Observ. 4. whom yet Christ Iesus apprehends not by his dearest love .

For here were Virgins many of them , who cryed , Lord , Lord , only looking for salvation from him , hanging upon grace , clasping about his feet ( as it were ) and who in their life-time went out to meet the Bridegrom , expecting love from him ; and yet Christ here professeth , I know not you , I love you not .

I say , this is by a seeming ●aith ; for no man apprehends Christ by a lively Faith , but i● apprehe●ded of Christ , I●hn 1. 12. But if it be by a seeming Faith ▪ i. e ▪ which seemes to be Faith in the judgement and opinion of others , and also which seemes only to be so to their own apprehension , as it did unto these Virgins , the Lord doth not apprehend such by his 〈◊〉 love ; and that is I say , with his dearest love ; with common love he may , but with deare and eternal love , never .

The Faith of some men , is like the casting of some Anchor at Sea ; it sometimes falls upon a Rock , or light sand , it toucheth the ground , but the Rock holds not it ; and hence the Ship is ever driven before the winde , or carried away with the ebbings and flowings of the water ; So it is here ; and hence men are tossed to and fro with lusts and temptations , and driven before strong windes . Or as it was of Saul to Samuel , he apprehended Samuel , but Samuel departed from him , saw him no more untill the day of his death ; So here , the Kingdome and Love of Christ is rent from you . Iohn 2. 24. ●lt . But he committed not himself to them . Luke 13. 26 , 27. H●ve ●ot we eat and drunk in thy presence ? and yet Christ will say , I kn●w you not ; and this is the ●ase of many . Iob 8. 13 , 14. When an H●pocrite dyes , his hope peris●●● ; if the Lord had apprehended him with his dearest love , it could not be so .

For Explication of this Point , three things are to be opened . 1. How one may be said to apprehend Christ Jesus by a seeming Faith . 2. How Christ is s●id not to apprehend such . 3. Why he dot● not .

Qu●st . First , How may one be said to apprehend Christ by a seeming faith ?

Answ. Five wayes usually .

1. When men are forced ●o fly to Christ meerly out of extremity and pressures of misery , the stro●ks , and dry ●lowes of Divine Vengeance light upon them , and now they cry , Lord , pity us ; It may be , in time of peace , while conscience and Divine Vengeance were asleep , they regarded not Faith , nor Prayer , nor Christ , nor any thing else , notwithstanding a●l the heart-breaking cryes , and loud calls of God , but were merry and light , and licentious , &c. but in extremity then they will cry , and prize mercy above a thousand worlds , Prov. 1. 28. One would think their mouths should be stopped then ; some think those words are an allusion to the A●k in No●hs time , Hosea 8. 1 , 2 , 3. When the Eagle shall c●me against Gods p●op●e , Psal. 78. 35. they sh●ll cry , My God , we know th●e ; No sa●th the Lord , The enemy shall apprehend them , I will not ; this is not faith , but only self-love ; when as men are naught before , and their hearts sitting loose f●om God continual●y , having no daily embracements of him ▪ and would be worse after Gods afflicting hand , if he should help them ; but so it is , that they cry out to God for help , meerly because of torment , &c. This is like that cry of our Indians to the Devil , who worship , and cleave to him , because he p●agues them . True , in times of extremity , the faith of the Saints may be awakened which was asleep before ; and when God hedgeth their way with Thornes , they may then returne to their first Husba●d , because i● was better ; but when ex●remity begets it , it begins and ends with it , lives a●d dyes with it ; here such may feare that then Christ apprehends them not . Psalme 66. 3. Because of thy power , thy enemies shall sta●er , and submit . A proud Rebel●ious Wretch in times of peace , swells bigger than God , and is above God ; the Lord Jesus hath his times wherein ●he grapples with them when no Ministers can , and flings them down with his Sword at their heart , and his hand at their Throat , and terrours in their consciences ; and now they yield ; Christ may hence take these as common Subjects ; but never as special favourites to stand before him ; and this is the case of thousands , who fly to Christ meerly for extremities . Thus the case stood with old Ioab ; he should have dyed before ; 1 Kings 2. 30. but at last he neglects his harge , he run●es to the A●tar only out of self●ove and there he will dye ; one would think a man that had been so useful , flying to the Altar in his old age , might be pitied ; No , the Altar which secures others , secures not him ; justice may be shewn to him that will abuse favour long ; so 't is here .

2. When men fly to Christ in times of peace , that so they may preserve their sins with greater peace of conscience ; so that sin makes them flie to Christ , as well as misery ; not that they may destroy and abolish sin , but that they may be preserved in their sins with peace . For this is the frame of all men living ; sin before it is commited ( not all sin , but what is 〈◊〉 able ●o mens constitutions , corruptions , place , temptations ) is very sweet ; and if conscience be awake , it 's after the commission bitter ; sweet in the mouth , bitter in the belly ; or else they know it will be bitter another day ; Prov. 23. 32 , s●ings like a Cockatri●e , and what profit in inheriting lyes ? Now because men have not other good to live upon , or delight in , for God they have not ; hence many an heart secretly saith this , If I can have my sin , and peace , and conscience quiet for the present , and God merciful to pardon it afterward , then all is well ; hereupon hearing those that put their trust in Christ shall be pardoned for present , and saved afterward , hence he do●h re●ie ( as he saith ) only on the mery of God in Christ ; and now this hardens and blindes him , and makes him secure , and his Faith is Sermon-proof , nothing stirres him , &c. and were it not for their faith , they should despaire , but this keeps them up ; and now they think , if they have any tro●ble of minde , the Devil troubles them ; and so make Christ and Faith protectors of sin , not purifiers from sin ( which is most dreadful ) turning grace to wantonness , as they ●id sacrifice ; so these would sin under the shadow of Christ , because the shadow is good and sweet , Mi●ah 3. 11. they had subtle slye ends in good duties , for therein may lie a mans sin ; yet they lean upon the Lord , &c. Matthew 3. 7 , 8. The Scribes came in peace to Ioh●s Ministry , which was to awaken men to believe in the Messiah , Oh generation of Vipers , who hath for●warned you to flee from wrath to come ! hence saith he , Bring forth fruits ; as if he should say , You would have the blessing of the warme Sun still , but you care not to have your viperous nature changed , you will bring forth the old bitter fruits , &c. when Mony-changers came into the Temple , you have made it a Den of Thieves ; Thieves when hunted , fly to their Den , or Cave , and there they are secure against all searchers , and hue-and-cryes ; so here , but Christ whipped them out ; so when men are pursued with cryes and feares of conscience , away to Christ they go , as to their Den ; not as Saints , to pray and lament out the life of their sin there , but to preserve their sin ; this is vile ; will the Lord receive such ?

I am perswaded , many a mans heart is kept from breaking and mourning , because of this ; he saith ( it may be ) that he is a vile sinner ; but I trust in Christ , &c. If they do go to Christ to destroy their sin , this makes them more secure in their sin ; for ( say they ) I cannot help it ; and the thing I would not do , that do I , and Christ must do all ; whereas faith makes the soul mourn after the Lord the more , as Paul did ; yet do you think they that believed said , Let us sixn● , that Grace may abound ? No , No.

3. By seeing some glory , and tasting some sweet in the Gospel , and Christ manifested and arising therein ; hence some men may apprehend Christ neither out of feare of misery , nor only to preserve some sin ; but God lets in light and heat of the blessed beames of the glorious Gospel of the Son of God , and therefore there is mercy Rich , Free , Sweet , for damned , great vile sinners ; Good Lord ( saith the soul ) what a sweet Ministry , Word , God , and Gospel is this ! and there rests ; this was the frame of the stony ground , which heard the Word , and received it with joy , and for a time believed , Luke 8. 13. And this is the case of thousands that are much affected with the promise and mercy of Christ , and hang upon free-grace for a time ; but as 't is with sweet smells in a Room , they continue not long ; or as flowers , they grow old and withered , and then fall ; in time of temptation , lust , and world , and sloth is more sweet than Christ and all his Gospel is ; 't is in this case with the soule , as it was with Mary , who applyed the Spikenard only to the feet of Christ , but all the Room was filled with the sweetness of it ; so in the Gospel , the sweet odour of it is scattered to all ; and the Apostle Paul saith , We are a sweet savour of God to them that perish ; but Christ only applyes it unto the heart of a wounded , poor , humbled sinner ; and though smells and odours refresh , yet men cannot live by the smell ; so 't is here ; such is the rich grace of Christ , that the worst shall know and say , He is good ; As the King passeth by , many come to see him ; but doth he take all up to the Chariot with him ? No , but they go home to their several houses againe , and then they commune , and speak of what they saw ; so Christ accepts only of , and apprehends none but those that have forsaken all at his call , and so live upon his favour ; so here , as Psal. 45. all his Garments smell of myrth , yet only the Queen which heares , considers , and forgets her Fathers house , stands at his right hand .

4. When the soul is perswaded to close with the Lord Jesus Christ by the power of immediate Revelation , without the medium of the Word ; the Word they grant hath its use , and 't is good to attend to it , as to a light in a dark place , but stay till the day-starre arise ; the Word is obscure , and may deceive , but this cannot ; a●d they think Christ never apprehends them , till this doth ; and this some feel , and rest upon , as upon a light and comfort in sickness , and leave others to the Word ; some feel and hold no other evidence but this ; ●●me h●●d it , but never felt it , but live in admiring of it , and 't is a prety new thing , &c.

I confess the Spirit must reveale the meaning of the Word , before ever it can draw any to believe , and it must mightily , immediately apply the Word ; but for Christ to reveale himse●f without a Word , and a Word of promise in the Gospel truly understood , is a delusion , especially if the evidence of the Word be herein despised . Rom. 15. 4. Paul had Revelations ; so may a godly man have more than common manifestations of favour at some times ; but Paul speaks not of these , H●b. 6. 17. that we might have stro●g consolation , &c. All the Heires of the promises , as Heires that have Legasies left them , they go to the Will of the deceased Father , and that comforts that they hold to ; that is sure , such a one shall have it , if his name be there ; but if one shall say , Such a one hath promised me such lands , is it in the Will ? No ; but since he dyed , as I was taking a Pipe , he came to me ; oh be not deceived ! but say some , I hold to the Will ; let us see , where is it ? I love such and such , saith the Lord ; true ; but whom ? 't is Children believing , broken , poor , humbled . Now if you say , No , I regard no such Will ; then you regard not the Lord ; so 't is here , Ephes. 2. 20. Built upon the foundation of th● A●ostles ; i. e. upon the Word , and Christ in it , &c. Hence , if you build without the Word , you build without a Foundation , and you will fall ; and do you hold to that comfort that the Word never gave you ? Christ is not the ob●ect of Faith , but as revealed ; Iohn 6. 45. He that hath seen , &c. Christ is not revealed , but in his Word of the Gospel preached ; a I your conceptions without it , are idolatrous and monstrous ; you neither see nor apprehend Christ , nor Christ you .

5. By closing with Christ upon false signes of grace : there is a company of people , if they have but some pangs , and some Reformations now and then , they are presently Christs , they hope ; and if they be like unto all other good people , and do as they do , now all is well , Thus these foolish Virgins did deceive and delude themselves ; they were Virgins , they were like others , and they though● well of them , and hence they fell to have hopes , out of some sleighty work of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus ; but they are in the interim , strangers to the life of God , and Christ , and Grace ; these should have looked to have oyle in their Vessels before now .

Secondly , What is it for Christ not to apprehend such , and to withdraw from such ?

Answ. You may know this by the Affirmative . What is it for Christ Jesus to apprehend ? Consider a soul drawn home to the Lord Christ to believe ; there are two things he doth apprehend his people by . As ,

First , By an eternal Covenant of grace which the Lord makes and enters into with a poor sinner , whereby he bindes himself for ever to be his , a God unto him ; we cannot make the Lord apprehend us . ( as in 2 S●m. 5. 1 , 2 , 3. ) But by his Covenant , he bindes himself unto the souls of h●s people , Isa. 55. 2 , 3. which is a mighty strong Covenant , as strong as Gods purpose is ; for 't is nothing but Gods purpose revealed . Now this the Lord reveals usually two wayes .

1. In the Word , without the conscience knowing it , so as that a man hath not assurance of Gods Good-will to him . And

2. To Conscience ; and this two wayes .

1. By prayer , the soul being instant with God to reveale his good-will , the Lord doth it . Ez●kiel 36. ●7 . I will yet be enquired of for this , &c. Zach. 13. 9. Hence the Lord asks the poor heart , Will nothing content thee but the Lord ? I wi●l fulfill thy desires then , the Lord hath heard thy cryes ; all thy sinnes shall be pardoned , all those corruptions subdued , &c.

2. By the Ministry of the Word , when the soul hath been froward in seeking the Lord , but now mournes under it , that it cannot finde the Lord ; the Lord professeth , I 'le create the fruit of the lips , peace . Psal. 25. 14. He will shew them his Covenant , &c. So that the soul is for a time , stablished and supported by these and the like blessed words of Grace from the Lord .

Secondly , By an eternal Spirit of life , which ( as from Christ the Head ) comes into every member , and is in them , and shall be in them , never forsaking them , though it be grieved a thousand times in a day by them ; this Spirit sets on the Covenant , and gives the first fruits of glory , &c. Isaiah 59. ult. This is my Covenant , my Spirit shall never depart , &c.

Thus Christ apprehends his ; herein differing from Adam , he was next to God , and was apprehended by God . But 1. It was by a Covenant of works . 2. As a first cause upholding , and preserving , and governing the second ; but this Spirit which should never forsake , this he had not ; now when by Faith we are turned unto Christ , Christ apprehends us with both these armes . Now è contrà , you may see what is it not to be apprehended by Christ .

Because they were never given unto Christ in Vocation by the Fathers dr●wing , Reason 1. Iohn 6. 65. And Christ takes hold on none but them ; they are apprehended for the Givers sake , though they be worthless in themselves : All lawful Marriage , is by the Parents consent ; so here .

Because he knows the vileness of such mens hearts , lying in their sin , the falseness , Reas. 2. deceits of them , Ioh. 2. ult. As we use to say , Such a one ! No , I know him well enough .

Of sad Reproof to those who never trouble themselves with any thoughts whether Christ hath apprehended them ; Vse 1. if they have once apprehended Jesus Christ , they never question whether their Faith so apprehend Christ , as that Christ apprehends it . Oh consider ! these Virgins they did thus after a sort apprehend Christ all their li●e , but now they know Christ never loved them , because they never savingly apprehended him . I remember Isa. 4. 1. Seven women shall take hold of one man , ●nd shall say , We will be called by thy Name , to take away our reproach , but we will eat our own bread ; So● many take hold upon Christ , Lord , let us be call'd by thy Name , to take away our reproach ; when as they care for no part , nor portion in Christ , but they will eat their own bread , live upon their own lusts . It was Christs speech unto divers that saw him , and followed him , Iohn 6. as to h●s Disciples also , Except you eat my flesh , you have no life in you . What doth a man aim at in eating ? not only that he may have Bread in his hand , but he examines , What vertue hath it ? His end is , that it may grow one with him , and be turned into the ●ame flesh with him , and so , that there may be a most rear union that can be ; so should all Christians study that , and aim at that , that the Lord may be nearly united to them , and grow one with them ; a gracious heart prayers and mournes for want of this .

Oh there be many that profess , What should I trouble my self with this and that grace ? when I have done all , I can but look up to Christ ! True ; but will you not yet try whether you so look to Christ , as that he looks towards you ? Iohn 10. 10. I k●●w mine , and am known of mine ; there is a world of false faith in the world . Ier. 7. 8. When they cryed the Temple of the Lord , saith he , Do you sweare , lye , & c ? So I may say , Are you slothful in carriage , discontent in families , live in secret adultery , and your eyes and thoughts are full of it ? do you break your promises , and Covenant with God and men , and forget the Lord in a Land of Peace , care for little but that your Plough may speed , and your names may rise ? and do you cry , Christ , Christ ? go to S●i●h , go to the Palatinate , Bohemia , and see what God hath done ; Oh but I am better ! oh but go to these foolish Virgins , let their dead ghosts affright thee , if the Lords Word cannot make thee search here .

A man drowning , all his care will be for a hand to take him , so would you if all were right ; but you will not so .

Of Examination , Whether ever the Lord Jesus hath apprehended you with his dearest love , Use 2. as well as you have apprehended him ? 2 Cor. 13. 5. In all Covenants among men , whereby they are to binde themselves one to another , men will make it sure on both sides ; Christ will make you sure to him ; do you see that he be also made sure , and fast bound and united unto you .

Methinks the consideration of the example of the Virgins , might awaken every one unto it ; for if this was the frame only of some rude , prophane Rout of ●arnal Protestants , professing Christ with their lips , but denying him in their lives , it might be excusable for us ; but when Virgins , and so many , and that in these times of Christs coming , to faile here , this may strike a holy ●awfulness even in the best ; and with much feare and trembling to search themselves , as it did the Disciples of Christ , when they heard not many , but one only should be●ray him ; for there is this union on both parts , Iohn 10. 14.

2. But though there is cause to search , I confess 't is very hard to finde out this blessed Love-knot , the union between Christ and the soul being so mystical , and secret , and spiritual a work , especially in this life ; wherein the Lord Jesus ariseth in the souls of his people , not in his perfect fulness , but only as the day-starre , at which time there is much darkness before the rising Sun ; and hence the Apostle , Gal. 4. 9. You have known God , or rather are known of him , &c.

3. But yet it may be known ; the many examples I might alledge , might prove it ; and the promise of Christ to his Disciples doth evince it , Iohn 14. 20. They were weak for a time , and Christ forsook them , and left them very sorrowful for a time , but saith he , I will come to you again ; yea , and they might be never awhit the wiser for that ; Nay , ( saith he ) At that day you shall know I am in you , and you in me ; As a childe cannot tell how his soul comes into it , no● it may be , when , but afterwards it sees and feels that life : So that he were as bad as a Beast , that should deny an immortal soul ; and 't is an Article of our Faith ; so here , &c.

4. And truly when it is known , 't is exceeding useful , if a man was never apprehended by Christ , that now before he be cast out of sight , and reach of Christ , he may ( if possible ) get the Lord to apprehend him ; and if he hath been apprehended , he may be supported in sad combates , and comforted against all feares of Apostacy from the Lord , but may know he stands as fast as Mount Sion that never can be removed ; for times of spiritual assaults are to destroy faith . Psal. 22. 8. He trusted in God , let him deliver him ; and therefore you had need make sure of this ; time may come , that to sence and feeling , hope and heart may faile ; What supports now ? yet Christ doth not , Christ will not , Christ cannot .

Quest. How may this apprehending love on Christs part be known ? 〈◊〉

Answ. In these five Degrees of it , it manifests it self ; for it is unknown in it self ; but in the manifestation of it , there ' is seen of us .

1. Degree , When the love of Christ apprehends the soul effectually , it overcomes the soul by sence of love , and thereby draws the soul from the strong holds and bondage of sinne to Christ ; wherever there is exceeding deare love of the one unto the other , it is winning , it 's of an overcoming nature ; and though Christ doth threaten , or terrifie his people sometimes , yet the end is love ; the love of Christ is of a winning , overcoming vertue ; and he overcomes by love ; and where he sets his heart on any , he will sooner or later overcome by love ( if he can ) the hearts of his , to forsake all other Lovers , and cleave unto him . Ier. 31. 3. I have loved thee with an everlasting lov● ; What follows ? hence , I have drawn thee ; How ? by loving-kindness . Cant. 1. 4. Draw me , and I will follow thee ; this is the prayer of all those whom the Lord espouseth to himself ; and 't is as if they should say , I have neither strength , nor heart , to come nor follow ; my iniquities clog me , and my feares discourage me , &c. but yet Lord draw me .

Let a man believe in Christ , and accept the offer of Christ when he can ; but he can never do it , untill his heart a verse to Christ , and unbelieving , be drawn to the Lord Jesus ; and that not violently only by terrour , but by stronger cords , even the cords of Love , which perswades mightily the soul of unwilling to become willing ; the Lord revealing the glorious grace and righteousness of Jesus Christ , and all the benefits of him , and therefore he offers this to it , and requires nothing but faith to receive it ; this which stirs not the heart of another , overcomes the hearts of the Lords own , even with an holy admiration at this grace ! What , Lord , am I ! so vile I am , and filthy , and hellish , after so long abusing God and Grace , now to reveale , offer on such termes Christ and Grace to me ! Oh Lord , I am swallowed up with this kindness ! how canst thou think such thoughts of love ! yet I see it . Rom. 1. 17. The Gospel is the power of God to salvation ; for therein is righteousness revealed from faith to faith . And mark , 't is such a drawing of love , as pulls the soul from all the strong holds of sinne , to Christ ; for that which the Prophet complaines of people in his time , is true of ours , Ier. 8. 5. They took fast hold of deceit , and refused to return ; they hold it as their life , and it holds them as fast as spiritual bonds of death ; either the pleasure of sinne holds them , or the power of unbelief in refusing grace , attended with sinkings , and sadness of heart , or objecting against grace through pride of heart , when the Lord comes to apprehend it ; hereupon the Lord Jesus Christ , uno & eodem actu & ictu , in drawing the soul to himself , draws it from the captivity of sinne ; thus , Acts 26. 18. from darkness to light . 1 Thes. 1. 9. and the soul saith as they , Ier. 3. 23 , 24 , &c. The Lord Jesus doth not so draw it to himself , as that at the same time it abides in sinne ; no● so from sinne , as that it abides without Christ ; but uno , &c.

For I observe a double errour in mens drawing to Christ .

First , Either they come only from misery ( I say , Only ) and so are rather driven , than drawn to Christ ; they rather come themselves on the legs of their self-love , than on the feet of Faith . Now when Christ doth effectually draw , he doth it by love ; Oh this me●ts , this draws , this breaks , this overcomes ; and now as we say in Warre , It is better to Reconci●e an Enemy , than to Conquer him by force ; because th● one overcomes his power only , but the other overcomes his will ; so Christ could crush ( and he doth bruise his peoples souls with miseries , they would never else be suitably affected with the bruises of his soul ) but this makes way for love ; he overcomes the will by love .

Secondly , Or else if love doth meet , affect , and draw them , yet it doth not overcome them , o● draw them from the hold of sinne , but as Ivy clasps about the Tree with a root of its own . I have known some that have been melted , affected with the patience and goodness of God towards them ; that have been almost perswaded , and yet have turned almost Devils afterward ; the Reason hath been , because they were never quite taken off their own botto●es . Now a soul whom Christ draws , the Lord in drawing him to himself , pulls him from his sinne , so that he is weary of it ; the sight of Christs grace , oh this draws indeed ! that now not only it dare not , will not , but cannot live in sinne . Rom. 6. 2. Titus 2. 11 , 12. Grace appeares to all ; but it teacheth us ( saith the Apostle ) to deny ungodlinesse ; ungodliness will be suing and seeking for love , but they deny it ; the soul thus comes not unto Christ , without feeling of s●nne in it , but that the Lord would take away all iniquity from it . Ier. 3. 22. And because it feares there may be some secret evil ; its care therefore is , that the Lord would strike the root of all , and make it more bitter than death , to its grave . The greatest evil of all , is sinne ; 't is greater than Death , Grave , Hell ; hence Christs greatest love is in Redeeming first from sinne ; And as if there had never been sinne , grave , nor death should never hold ; so when he breaks the power of sinne , no power of Satan , World , Death , shall hold thee from Christ ; and 't is never overcome by love till now . Let a man be ●n never such feares and troubles of minde , and sinkings of heart , and soon after he pretends to great joyes , and assurance , but sin is not overcome , though it be s●ibbed and hid , yet it will overcome you at last , and would pull thee down from heaven , if ever thou wert there ; As if one that makes suit to another , and she is forced to give consent , but she hath her heart still to another Lover , he will never have her ; Not that the Saints are really free from all sins , and weaknesses , but they are free from peace with sin , though not free from War with sin till death ; as when two Lovers are faln out , it 's enough if the League be broken .

2. Degree . The apprehending love of Christ ; it sa●iates , fills , and feeds the soul with the sweetness of its self , now the soul being come to Christ , and seeing the heighth and depth of the love and pity of Christ . Psal. 65. 2 , 3 , 4. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest , he shall be satisfied ; the stony ground received the Word with joy , was affected with the grace of Christ ; as one that stands by where smells are ( but smells do not feed ) ( or they may taste , but tastes do not feed nor satisfie ) So 't is here . You know we feed on our meat , that we may be strengthened thereby , and it may be turned to nourishment , and good blood , and flesh , and be made one with us ; so Christ gives himself to be spiritually eaten by Faith , out of an earnest desire , that he may have a neare , a very near union to him , and he to us ▪ Now the maine end of eating , is satisfying ; and if a man be satiated with it , though ●e think it will never prove nourishment , yet it doth ; So , where life is , &c. Ioh. 6. 56. He dwells in me , and I in him .

If a man tastes not a greater good in Christ , than in his lusts , he will fall to them againe from Christ ; but if he feeds on Christ , and is satiate with him , never can he hunger againe ; otherwise the soul will say , It was better with me once , than now it is ; Solomon , though he tasted all good of the creatures after he knew God , and God had appeared twice to him , yet he felt them fall short of what he once found , and at last he remembred his rest . When Abram gave his children gi●ts , he did not lay hold on them with special love , but to him to whom he gave his Inheritance ; So the Lord may take hold on a man , and give him many abilities , but when he gives himself as an Inheritance and portion , this is special love ; and wh●● is that known ? ( viz. ) when the soul is fully satiated with it , Psalme 16. 2 , 3 , 4. And hence the Prodigal he did not know he should be received ; but when he came , Make me a servant , if not a Son ( saith he ) and his Father hung about his neck , &c. So here . Ex●dus 6. 3. God hath two wayes to satisfie his people . 〈…〉 .

1. By fulfilling his promises .

2. By manifesting himself , and that to their satisfying , as sufficient to do all what he hath promised .

Oh Consider of this , you that have seen mercy , but it hath not satiated you , nor doth yet ! but you have other bread to feed on ; the Lord never took hold on you .

3. Degree ▪ This apprehending love of Christ , having thus satiated the soule , it const●aines the soule to live and act for Christ . Now , what shall I do for the Lord , and the poor soule begins to lament dayes past of folly ; and secretly desires of the Lord , it might rather not live , than not live to him ; and though happily it often serves sin and self , yet the soul accounts that life death , and so laments ●t before the Lord , 2 Cor. 5. 15 , 16. That they that live , might live to him . John 6. 57. He that believeth in me , shall live by me ; i. e. both by me , and for me ; and Christ apprehends the soul fast now ; for Christ must rather lose his life , than lose this soul. Look as 't is with a Graft , put the science close by the stock , tye it fast , if there it withers , and rather loseth life than gets it , we say , Surely it 's not put in right ; for if it were , the living Stock would convey sap and nourishment to it . So 't is here ; some herbs are very precious , but for ornament , rather tha● use ; so Christ is deare , but what use do you make of Christ ? what life do you fetch from Christ ? the least joynt in a mans finger united to the soul , hath life of it ; but Signets though near to the finger , yet they have no life , and hence no union , and hence no members ; so the Saints have life , though weak ; but unregenerate men ( as Signets ) may be near life , and near the true Members of Christ that be quickened , but receive no Life .

Gluttons will feed , that they may go to sleeping ; others , that they may fall a working ; So , many take Christ , and get some peace , and then turn Grace into wantonness , and so sleep in their sloth ; but a gracious heart , all his prayers and feeding , is , that he might have strength , and heart , to live and work for Christ ; Hath the Lord pitied , pardoned ? how Lord shall I now live in my Calling ? now his friends are by him pityed ; now he is fruitful , and mourns , when others be not so .

4. Degree . This apprehending love of Christ having thus constrained the soul , it ever follows it , and dwells in it , Ioh. 14. 17. For after Christ hath apprehended the soul , so as that the soul thinks it shall never be as it hath been before ; yet oh the lamentable decayes and losses that it feels ! it loseth favour and life too afterward , and lives against Christ sometimes ( a thing never to be lamented enough ) but mark , if Christ hath apprehended , he will not forsake the soul , though it hath forsaken him ; and hence the Lord by his constant assistance of the Spirit , recovers it again , brings it back again , and that after questionings sometimes , if ever there was grace indeed in it ; yea , ●f not , yet oh that it should thus forsake the Lord ! nay , the Lord sometime preventing before it was seeking .

Iudas fails , the Lord never looks after him ; Peter falls , Christ looks after him , and recovers him ; all the Disciples denied Christ , and fled after promise never to do so ; yet , saith he , Mark 14. 28 , 16 , 7. I 'le go be●ore you to Galilee ; my Sp●rit is in you , and shall be in you , though you gr●eve it , and sad ● . Adam falls , and one sin cut him from Gods hold of him ; hence he dashe●h quite to pieces ; but now Christ upholding on other termes , hence , though his people forsake him , yet he holds them still fast and sure , and keeps ●hem from breaking utterly to pieces ; nay , if they be as water spilt on the ground , he will gather them up againe ; he deals not so wi●h others , Iohn 6. 66. Many forsake him , being never given indeed to him , he lets them go ; but Christ speaks to his Disciples , Will you go ? So if a man h●th a stranger in his House , he will let him go , and enquire not after him ; he came to me for a time ; but if he hath a Son , and he is gone , he will finde him out ; and there he wonders at a Fathers love , to see his Spirit ; So here ; and hence come the Saints to wonder at the Lord so much , What is not the Lord y●t gone ?

I speak this partly to terrifie those that go , and never return again , and to answer Objections of Saints ; the Lord hath hid himself from me , and I have forsaken him ; yet mark , he will bring thee back again to himself lamenting , &c.

5. Degree , This apprehending love of Christ , it now witnesseth love to the soul most clearly and fully ; the Question is , Doth Christ apprehend any but those to whom he witnesseth love ? No , for he doth witness to all in some measure ; but here comes the cleare manifestation of it ; When I was dead he quickned me , and since that I have lost the Lord , and he me , yet he hath found me out ; and hence now the soul concludes , the Lord loves it . Gal. 2. 20. Who loved me , and gave himself for me . Psalme 23. Vlt. The Lord restoreth my Soule , surely mercy shall follow me .

Now try if the Lord never dealt thus with thee .

As this may serve to discourage , or terrifie those that never did , Use 3. so it may encourage ●hose to preserve their faith who so apprehend Christ , as that they are apprehended of him ; If a Woman was never Married to such a man , for her to call him , or speak of him , or think of him to be her Husband , 't is presumption ; but when he hath given himself to her , then let her own her priviledge , and maintaine her claime against all Law , and wranglers , and preserve her interest ; So those that never were given to Christ , let them know their faith is but smoke and vanity ; but let Iob say , Though he kill me , yet I 'le trust him . David Psal. 42. 3. had that temptation , Where is now thy God ? that his teares were his meat , and drink , and was much shaken , and cast down by it ; but what , Doth he lie still ? No , he stirs up himself , aud chides himself , Why art thou cast down ? Ver. 5. 11. He is my God . 1 Tim. 6. 12. Fight a good fight of faith , and lay hold of eternal life whereun●o thou art called .

'T is very unsafe for any Christian to lay by Faith , and cast off the exercise of it , because 't is Christs apprehending of us which doth preserve us ; True , but 't is by faith , which may not be at all times seen , as neither the other can ; and therefore take heed you make not this use of Doctrine here , because many may apprehend Christ , whom Christ never apprehended ; therefore what have I to do to close with Christ ? To be kept from putting out faith either in your judgement and practice , or practice only ? I would but only ask of such these Questions .

F●rst , If we were only to look to Christs apprehending us without the other , why doth the Apostle put such a weight upon Faith , as that all the benefits of Christ are communicated by it ? Heb. 3. 14. We partake of Christ , if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast ; and Heb. 10. 38. The just lives by it , not from it .

Secondly , If so , why doth Satan so much strike at faith ? when Peter fell , what did he strike at ? what did he winrow him for ? To shake out his faith ; and hence Christ prayes that it faile not ; When Satan comes to Christ , the first thing which made way for all his temptations , was , If thou beest the Son , &c. Our blessed fellowship with Christ , he sees consists of two things ; Faith on our part , and the Spirit on Christs ; and Satan strikes at the weakest first .

Thirdly , If so , Why doth the Lord Jesus so carefully seek to preserve it ? both mediately by all meanes and Ministries , Word , Sacraments , which are to feed Faith ; and hence Paul , 1 Thess. 3. 2. To establish you in faith . And ver. 5. he hence rejoyced ; and ver. 10. We would be yours to perfect your Faith . And also immediately ; Peter falls , Christ prayes his faith faile not , his grace should not ; And 1 Pet. 1. 2 , 3. Preserved by faith to Salvation .

Object . But I cannot believe ?

Answ. Before faith you cannot ; and after you do believe , the Acts of faith , and lively working of faith , may be many times in disertions of the soul from God , or God from the soul , hindered ; and when he hath those lively workings of it , it 's from the power of Christ , that it is acted , as well as preserved ; but yet if Christ hath once given power to believe , he maintaines it constantly , and increaseth it ; and therefore you have no cause to plead , I cannot ; so that you cannot sin , and live in it , especially in unbelief , and lie there , you cannot draw back to perdition , but believe to the salvation of your souls ; the just lives by faith ; we say we must live ; Faith will be stirring , when no other grace can be so ; it Victuals the whole Camp , Relieves the besieged ; and it 's most strong , when man is most weak . 'T is true indeed , there may be many acts of presumption for one act of faith ; take heed of that ; That faith is not presumption , which the more it works , the more humble it makes the soul to be , and vile in his own eyes ; because as Faith ever fetcheth of Christs fulness to the soule , so it ever is attended with sence of emptiness in the soule naturally , and then it 's right .

Oh resist not the Lord Jesus , when he comes to apprehend you by his Almighty Arme ! Use 4. In a shipwrack , if a man sees many drowning , and perishing , never a hand to take hold of them , when one is reached out to him , will he resist it ? Oh no! I know indeed when the time of love comes , there is no power of overcoming and frustrating the grace of God , but yet there is a power of resisting , which the Lord complaines of in them , Acts 7. and which he makes his people to complaine with bitterness of in his bosome when his time comes . Isaiah 50. 2. The Lord cryes out of his people when they had sold themselves into the hand of their enemies , and were apt to lay the fault on the Lord , as men do . Now the Lord gives not me a heart to believe ; Saith he , Wherefore when I came , was there none to answer ? Object . You can never pardon such finners , help against such sinnes , mercy cannot reach us ? Is my hand shortned ? No such matter . I do not press you now to apprehend Christ , but resist not the Lord when he hath his hand upon thy heart or conscience to apprehend thee . Is the Lord at work with none of you ? art forsaken of Christ altogether ? There are many wayes of Resisting Christ thus ; I 'le only name these two .

First , When the soul will not suffer the Lord Jesus to bruise , or cross its will , that so he may prevaile over the resistancy of it . A strong arme , a strong man when his arme is bruised , or broken , or wounded , takes away the act of resistance ; as taking away the very life from it , takes away the very power of resistance ; so Christ would unite himself to the soul ; there can be no constant union , where there is constant resistance . Christ comes to take away that ; hence bruises and wounds the soul ; outwardly sometime in name , estate ; inwardly in conscience , in heart . Now here is mens folly , That they will not be humbled , when they heare of their estate in the Word ; they will not believe 't is so , though they stand all the while convinced therein , as if they had been named ; nay , they will not think of it ; if it begins to trouble them , or if they do begin , they think it is the temptation of the Devil ; and if their estates or names begin to dye , they will not be poor nor despised ; they had rather dye , or live in vexing and fretting , rather than yield ; they will have Gods Will bowed to theirs , not theirs to the Lord , nor yield themselves Captives to his mercy , let him do with them what he will , who owes them nothing . Thus it was with Ephraim ; Capernaum heard , admired , embraced Christ , but yet repented not ; that was to live in the smoke and fire ; Wo to you , saith he , for it . Ier. 6. 7 , 8. Be instructed ; He saith not , Instruct thy self , but be instructed , be convinced , be humbled for thy sin , lest my soul depart ; I am with thee yet to pardon it , yet to take it away .

Secondly , When they will not be gathered to Christ , nor come to him , nor receive his love when it comes to them , but put it farre from them as much as in them lies . The Disciples told Thomas Christ was risen , but he would not believe unless he saw him ; nay , unless he felt ; nay , unless he felt his very wounds ; Christ pities , and beares with the weakness of Faith ; But ( saith he ) be no more faithless , but faithful ; and hence saith he , Blessed are they which have not seen , and yet believed ; this , Christ complaines of in the Jewes , He would have gathered them , and they would not !

Now here resistance is made two wayes .

1. By the will ; when the soul sees the offer of love faire and full , but will not be drawn to close with it , because it knows whether to go , and live , and be yet well enough without it . Iohn 6. 68. Whether shall I go ? It hath some other Lovers to give it content ; but loss of Christs love , is not for the present as bitter as death to him ; because having of it , is not life to him , because something else is his life ; this is enmity of heart ; and indeed the root is worse ( if worse may be ) you can finde some pillow to ease you , when you refuse Christs love to help you .

2. By the minde ; the soul knows not whether to go , and yet the minde doth not , not will meditate with fixed meditations on the grace of Christ , whereby it might be drawn to Christ ; but pores upon its sinnes , and unbelief , and feares , and objects strongly , and continually against the Lord . Isaiah 40. 27 , 28. Hast not seen , &c. ( Beloved ) 'T is with the minde , as it is with burning glasses , hold them to the Sun , and you gather and unite the beames , that they burn ; So the soule by musing on Christs Love .

Object . Many say , I cannot believe though I see a command for it ; and God will not help me .

Answer . The fault is not here , but in this , You will not use this means in musing on the gracious freeness , riches and need of his love , Psal. 6● . 6 , 7. but on the earth .

1. Object . You will say , I cannot but resist .

Answer , Yet I pray give us leave to exhort you to believe ; give Peter leave to perswade ; Acts 3. 19. Repent and be converted ; the Lord requires that only ; it may be the Lord may go away from thy soul , and take his leave of thee for ever ; and if you did know , you would no● crucifie , nor resist the Lord of glory ; if you would consider , you would know .

2. Object . I finde my heart much affected and drawn , but then I am afraid of pr●suming ; ●ow shall I know when I may close with the Lord ?

Answ. 1. When the Merchant hath sold all , let him take the Pearl , and enrich himself with it ; the Devil may grudge thee it , but the Lord doth not , will not .

2. When the Lord comes to draw indeed , you cannot but accept ; your need will be so great , the offer so faire , love so abundant , and like the honey comb dropping into thy heart before thou suckest it ; and Christ so dear , that thou canst not tread upon h●m whom God hath smitten for thee . Mary Iob. 20. 15 , 16 , 17. stands weeping ; at last Christ appeares , Woman , why weepest thou ? whom seckest thou ? she knew him not ; hence her heart stirres not ; but at last he calls her by her name , and then she knew him , and saw him present ; Rabboni , saith she ; and now had she best apprehend ? Yea , she cannot but embrace him ; Oh touch me not as yet saith he , &c.

Of Exhortation , To labour that the Lord Jesus may apprehend you : I know it 's nothing but his mercy can move him to it , Vse 5. even to take away that resistance of your hearts ; but yet heare his voice , as well as know his power , and harden not your hearts whiles it is called to day , in use of means for this end , Psal. 61. 7.

1. Consider your need of this . Isa. 42. 1. Behold my servant whom I uphold ; Did Christ need ? Yes , Christ himself must be supported by the power of the Lord ; Psal. 40. 11 , 12. Let thy mercy and truth continually ●reserve me ; and this was not only when sinnes swallowed him up , but when he had been preserved , Psalme 17. 5 , 6. Hold up my goings ; You are gone in a moment , if the Lord lets his hold go ; you are kept in strong holds , in Iron bolts , in invisible , everlasting chaines , in the Dungeon where no water is , unless the arme of Christ help .

2. Consider the benefit of it . Acts 2. 24 , 25. It was impossible Christ should be held under paines of death , because of his Princely Spirit exalting him ; so here , Christ is and will be with you , and when once he hath apprehended you , none can pull you out of his hands , no not the Fathers hand that was angry ; and he will never cast away his ( Ioh. 10. 29. ) when they come to him .

3. Consider how few finde this . Isa. 53. 1. To whom is the arme of the Lord revealed , and who hath believed our report ? both joyned together , the arme is Christ , and the power of Christ by his Spirit in the hearts of his Elect ; but for want of this , it is that one lives loosely , and another falls foulely , and never riseth ; another falls secretly , and is never known , and dyes in a dreame , &c. and that there is such miserable scrambling for promises ; and that men are so worshipping whom they know not .

4. Consider the misery of the want of this .

But further ,

Be careful to get satisfaction by blood , Meanes 1. before Application by the Spirit ; if ever you look for the latter , be careful to get the former ; God is full of Spirit ; why sends he it not ? sinne is not satisfied for , first get that done therefore . Iohn 6. ●3 . Except ye eat my flesh , and drink my blood , &c. God could not send the Spirit nor Word but for this to thee ; a man feeles the strength of sinne , and prayes , Lord , subdue it ; oh but look to pay thy Ransome . If a man be in chaines for debt , and gets out without satisfaction for the debt or wrong , he will be taken againe ; but if it be satisfied for , though he be taken by the Jaylour , and ill-intreated , yet he shall be set free againe ; and therefore do as those , Levit. 3. 3 , 4. You are freely to go to Sacrifice ; and it 's said , it shall be accepted to make Atonement .

If the Lord with-hold his Spirit , Meanes 2. mourn for the want of it ; as Psal. 41. 3. My tears are my meat .

If the Lord gives any thing , be thankful for any little ; Mean●s 3. see it , and make much of it , for it is from Christ , the least thought or knowledge of thy misery ; Iohn 14. 17. The world cannot receive it , because it knows him not ; i. e. so as to prize it , love it , bless , and wonder at the Lord for it . Thy Spirit is go●d , Lord let it lead me , saith David .

Quest. What if I finde not these things in my soul ?

Answ. Mourn then .

Object . What if I cannot ?

Answ. Then muse on thy misery .

Object . But I cannot ?

Answ. Then hear what the Lord will speak .

Quest. What if he helps not ?

Answ. Thou art unworthy , thou art his clay , he may and will do what he will .

Of thankfulness to the Saints who are apprehended of the Lord Iesus ; you know him , Use 6. and he knows you ; you come to him , and he takes you ; you give up your selves to him , and he gives himself to you ; you make him your God and Head , and he makes you his people and Members , &c.

Oh be thankful for this ; 't is a choice and peculiar mercy , denied to many , and given unto you . Psalme 73. 23 , 24 , 25 , 26. Thou art continually with me when falling from thee ; What is the use that David makes ? Thou wilt guide ; and hence , Whom have I in heaven but thee ? I might be broken , and like water spilt on the ground every moment , but thou keepest me .

Object . But I finde the Lord methinks sometime utterly gone from me ; and I fear he will faile .

Answ. True ; and hence Ieremiah asks , Ier. 15. 18. Wilt thou be unto me as a lyar , and as waters that faile ? shall thy truth and mercy be spent ? No , once apprehended , he will not lose thee .

Quest. How shall I know that ?

Answer . Something I have spoken , and three things more I shall add now .

First . You may know it by time present ; There are two things which seldome fail in deepest disertxsions .

1. The soul forsakes not the Lord by unutterable groanes , when the Lord seems to forsake it , Psal. 22. 2 , 3. and it presseth hard after the Lord , Psalme 63. 8. and doth not as the Philistines , 2 Sam. 5. 21. forsake their gods , when they forsake them .

2. If this failes , it grows poor in spirit , and vile , and loaths it self , as worthy the Lord should never regard it , Isaiah 57. 15. and so 〈◊〉 grace most , when the Lord makes it least ; and when the Lord makes it nothing , it makes God all things to it .

Secondly , If neither of these will serve , yet you may remember dayes of old ; as David , Psal. 77. 10. Psal. 71. 6 , 9 , 11. Some said , God had forsaken him , but yet now he remembers Ancient mercies .

Thirdly , Then stay awhile longer in waiting for the Lord ; what the Lord doth now , you know not , but you shall know afterward ; Isa. 64. 4. that which eye ha●h not seen , hath God prepared .

1. You that are young men , hath the Lord pluck't you out of your S●d●n● sin , when you lingred in it , when you resisted the Lord in the heat of your youth ? &c.

2. You old men ; how many temptations , corruptions , back-slidings , pollutions ? beating out ( as it were ) the breath of the Spirit ? yet from the belly to gray haires the Lord hath carried thee , kept thee ; Oh thy foot had faln , if the Lord had not kept !

3. You that have been once sinful , vile creatures , yet hath the Lord loved you for all this ! what if the Lord take away comforts from you , and afflict ? yet hath he not taken living-kindness , not mercy from you , but done good to you by your sorrows , when others go by Droves before his Door , and takes none , &c. O what cause have you to magnifie mercy !

That the Lord Iesus at his coming to death or judgement , Observ. 5. will make a perfect separation between the wise and foolish Virgins .

For the Virgins were all one together till Christ comes ; and now the one sort is received to Christ , the other separated from Christ ; nay , not so much as known of Christ . There are not , have not been any Churches in this life , but there will be wise and foolish , Tares and Wheat grow up together ; not Virgins and Harlots , not openly prophane ( it may be ) or wicked and godly ; No , but when all are Virgins in outward Profession , and Conversation , yet then some will be wise , and some foolish in the sight of Christ , ( though not in the sight of man ) and between these the Lord Jesus will make a separation at his coming . Matth. 25. 31. He shall set Sheep and Goats at his right and left hand . Mat. 3. 12. He shall thorowly purge his floore , and separate chaffe and wheat . 2. Thes 1. 9. punished with eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord . The Son of the bond-woman , must not be Heir together with the Son of the free-woman , and therefore cast him out ; they must part companies .

Quest. 1. Whether shall they be separated ?

Answ. 1. At particular judgement ; what became of the soul of Lazarus ? It was carried by the Angels to Abrahams bosome ; i. e. to the Third Heavens where Abraham was , and to fellowship with him , dearly loved of him ; What then becomes of the souls of others ? they being sentenced by God , are dragg'd down to hell by evil Angels , and are reserved ; Where ? they are reserved in the Elements .

2. At general judgement ; the Elect shall be called to come and inherit their Kingdome ; and hence others shall be cast with the Devil and his Angels , to eternal fire , which is there where the Third Heaven is not ; and here shall they be parted , and never joyned together more , which is fearful .

Quest. 2. Why will there be such a separation ?

Answ. 1. Reason . Because at Christs coming they shall be immediately judged , and examined by Christ ; he shall then make strict and immediate 〈◊〉 of them ; Why do these foolish Virgins creep in now ? is not Christ present with his people , ruling and judging among his people ? Yes , but ▪ Christ ●udgeth now mediately by meanes of his servants ; and hence he not giving , and they not having perfect knowledge of the secrets of men ; hear●s , no● having perf●ct hatred of the evil and hypo●risie of mens hearts ; hence they are no● separated now , not cannot be ( ●hough the ●ervants of God should be very watchful ) so long as they cannot see nor convince men of all their Hypocrisie ; some ●ight and life he gives them to see beyond the● own natural abilities , but it is not perfected ; and hence his work is ( as the instruments are ) imperfect ; but now when Christ himself comes immediately to judge , and they fall into his hands , he can perfectly see all their secret evils ; he hath his eyes like a flaming 〈◊〉 , and themselves shall know , and all Churches shall know ; nay , all the world shall know that he is ● Go● searching the hear●s and reines , 1 Sam. 16. 7. and he perfectly hates Hypocrisie ; he regards not any mans person , or parts ; or profession , or kindnesses , or relations , ( which move us many times to accept whom ●he refuseth against some ●ight ) : but as ●tis , If. 〈◊〉 8 ▪ He ha●es robbery in 〈◊〉 offe●ings , and loves judgement ; and hence , the more present Christ is with his people , the more able are they to discerne , as Pet●r , the secrets of Ana●ias in the Primitive times , or the Lord discernes for them , and by some inexpected way or other little thought of to themselves , discovers them by their own mouths , or base actions ; by their fruits you shall know them ; Matthew 22. 12. when the King came , he was speechless , whom the Guests could not d●scerne ; So here , men have many things to say● for themselves , who when they come before Christ , will be s●●uck dumb . A wise Prince when he judgeth by inferiour Officers , they may discern of some cases ; but if a King ( as Solomon ) was present , secrets which they see not , would be found out ; so ●ere .

Reas. 2. Because this is part of the Curse upon Hypoc●●tes , To be ca●● out of the fellowship of the Elect ; secret sinnes do not only separa●e ●● from Christ , but from all out fellowship with the Saints , which next to se paration from Christ , is the greatest evil in the world ; It comforts the hearts of Hypocrites , they are loved of good people , and liked of good people ; and though pr●vy to a world of filth , which a gracious heart is ashamed of , and loaths himself for , and thinks himself not worthy of a look of love from any of the least ; yet Hypocrites quiet themselves , if they can cover it from the eyes of Gods people , Matth. 24. 40. but now they shall no longer rejoyce under the shadow of these Vines ; No , the Lord will separate them to evil , D●ut. 29. 21. which is partly begun now , and perfected afterward ; Mat. 8. 11 , 12. they shall see Abraham and Isaac in Gods Kingdome , and mourn when themselves are cast out .

Reas. 3. For the joy and comfort of the Saints ; for it 's a wonderful joy to the heart to enjoy fellowship of Saints aloue ; when in a Sacrament we see prophane people approach to it , it troubles us , grieves us ; when we come to a place where we may be perswaded of the uprightness of all , it 's very sweet ; but now there is some feare , and hence less joy ; but when we shall see the Saints together , and say , These are they who are eternally beloved of Christ , deare to him , and to be with them , and be asone , this is very sweet ; those that love together only , rejoyce to be alone together ; so Saints , so Christ himself , 1 Thes. 4. ult. Rev. 22. 14. Blessed are they that keep his commands , and may go to the City ; for without are dogs , and those who make lyes , &c.

Reason 4. In regard of the Glory of Chr●st , and Honour of Christ .

First , Hereby Christs infinite wisdome searching the secrets of all hearts , shall be seen , and that before all the World . 1 Cor. 14. 25. 't is said when the secrets of mens hearts are discovered , they shall fall down and say , Verily God is in you . Rev. 2. 23 ▪ All Churches shall know , &c. Why ? are Churches so ignorant of that ? Yes , they believe it in the general ; but they shall see it in the example , as well as in the rule , more fully afterward . We think he searcheth all hearts , but are there no hypocrites to be found in such and such Churches ? Yes , he shews some even in such ; and the more secre● and subtle any thing hath been ; the more openly will the Lord Reveale it , because this makes the more for Him .

2. Hereby Christ shews his exceeding great love to his people , in parting them and others ; Iohn 17. 23. I in them , that the world may know , &c. Gen. 6. 8. No●h found favou● ; Wherein was that shewn ? Verse 7. I 'le destroy man and ●east ; but Noab found favour ; and ver. 13. Make a● Ark , &c.

3. Hereby he sheweth his acceptance of the uprightness of the hearts and wayes of his servants , which it may be are poor and mean in their own eyes , but precious in the sight of the Lord , above all the pompous furniture and pithless profession of Hypocrites , Ma●. 3. 16 , 18. hence Mat. 25. Come take the Kingdome for you , &c. What is glorious in the worlds , is vile in the Lords eyes .

Let none be then offended at the Apostacy of men ( eminent in profession ) from the wayes of God , in the purest and most reformed Churches ; Use 1. What are these people ( say some scorners ) better than others ? some of these make a greater shew than others , and yet they fall ; What are these Churches better than others , where there is no such examination , no● trial ? a●d these be your Church-members , and your holy people , and your Coven●nt●r● , and thus men stumble . Oh consider , in the purest Churches there be many foolish whom Christ will separate one from another ; and therefore if Christ d●●h give a 〈◊〉 of this before hand , and those that are vile before him , he makes them vile before others , that all Israel may see and feare , do not wonder at it . Isa. 32. 5 , 6. The Churle shall be no more called lib●r●● , f●● he will speak ; and think , and work so . Luke 12. 2. Nothing secre● , but it shall be ●●re●led ( many secret evils are hid ) but it shall be but in part here . Christ saw his Disciples apt to be offended at the fall of Iudas . Did not he know him ? then he was not the Son of God ; or if he did , why did he suffer him ? Saith he , Iohn 13. 18. He that eats bread , shall lif● up his heel against me , that the Scripture may be fulfilled ; and 't is the portion of the Churches and people of God , to be troubled with such as these , that the Scriptures may be fulfilled ; therefore be not offended ; it ever hath b●en so in the Primitive times , as well as in Christs Family ; Paul fore●ells of Wolves devouring the Flock , arising out of themselves ; and 2 Pet. 2. 1 , 2. as there were , so there shall be false Prophers ; and Paul ( though discerning ) reckons his danger in regard of false Brethren ; and it is a heavy judgement of God , that that which should make a man adore the depth of Christs Wisdome , Holiness , Presence in his Church , and fear his own heart and Spirit , should offend men in the least measure ; for surely these are warnings to all the Churches , and all men , and examples before our doors , as those are , 1 Cor. 10. A man that is prescribing Rules of Art , he gives one or two examples , he could give twenty , but that is enough to make the wise understand , Hos. 14. 9.

Hence see the fearful and sad condition of those who shall voluntarily separate Vse 2. themselves ( and are glad of it ) from the fellowship of the faithful ; nay , the Churches of Christ , they do but execute the divine sentence of Christ upon themselves in this life , which shall be past upon them at the great day ; they shall then be parred , and cast out of the family of God , the Church of the first-born , of which the Churches on earth in their purity are a resemblance .

Look as it is in sinning , a man departs from God , and executes upon himself that which sha●l be ( though now 't is not felt ) his greatest doo● ; so it is in parting from the Saints ; they do but execute their sentence upon themselves ; and hence , 1 Iohn 2. 19. They went out from us , that it might be made manifest they were not all of us ; if ever they had portion in the Saints , they would never have parted ; not but that one may separate from the incurable corruptions of a true Church , and not but that one may remove from one Church to another , provided it be with love , and utmost care for the good of that where he was ; and also , not but that one may be forced upon some special cause to dwell in Mesheck , and be forced to forsake Sacrificing , to shew mercy ; but I speak of such forsaking wherein men voluntarily separate themselves from all the Churches of God at least , though not the people of God , out of a base esteem of their fellowship , and a hi●h esteem of something else which they shall have without it ; they regard not Communion of Saints , no further than it may serve their turne ; and when it will not serve their turne , then they forsake it .

This separation it commonly ariseth from certain preparations to it , which are the loosenings of a mans heart from Gods people ; Like the Apple , before it falls , it begins to grow loose from that which holds it . I shall briefly shew how this is , that you may be watchful ; many not yet fallen , but their hearts sit loose from Churches , and fellowship of Saints , and people of God , even when they think their hearts sit close to Christ ; and I will not name all ; for particular men have their particular temptations ; but what is most common ; and this is one secret sin , and plague of men in these Churches , and there will be rendings ; Christs work is to gather , and Satans ever quite contrary , to scatter ; and it is a Rule , What is Christs greatest work , the contrary is Satans chief●st ; as when Christ is humbling , he is hardning ; when drawing to believe , he to unbelief ; when Christs work is to gather and unite , his●s to scatter , loosen , and divide ; with that foot Christ treads on Satan most , there he bites most .

1. The Lord withdraws that honour and love from a man , which either he looks for , or thinks he deserves from the hands and hearts of Gods people ; either they are not lovely , or not loving to others ; when they have either no personal worth to purchase love , or they have nothing to give of love in exchange for love , or else ( to try them ) the Lord for a time leaves his people to a blockishness of spirit ; their love waxeth cold , or they think they are not honoured , or have not enough ; and so ( if men do not make ) Satan will make them scandals to themselves through their pride of spirit . 1 Sam. 15. 35. Saul desired , Honour me before the people , but Samuel came not to Saul ; hence what did Saul do ? you never read that he came to , or made use of Samuel again . We are united to Christ by faith , but to the Saints by love , and mutual love , Ephes. 4. 16. Take away this mutual love , that you love not others , or they love not you , unless you have Christs Spirit which was in Paul , and all the faithful , 2 Cor. 11. 16. you will fall secretly ; and hence Hebrews 10. 24 , 25. Provoke one another to love and good works ; say to one another , Pray Brother tell me of my faults , and your feares ; I 'le tell you my heart againe , &c. Truly h●re is the temptation of some , if not of most , to Apostacy from the Lord and his Servants ; and this is the guise of Hypocrites , let any godly not honour them , they despise them ; let any ungodly honour them , if they be not extreamly vile , they love them and their fellowship , and are ready to think them as honest as the best , because they make themselves their own gods , those that honour them , are their good Angels , and è contrà .

2. They begin to feel by woful experience , no spiritual good , or power of the Spirit and Presence of the holy Ghost in their fellowship , or in these Ordinances in it ; they have them , but not the use not comfort of them , and this sets them going , and ripens , and rots them for a fall ; for as want of love made them sit loose from the persons , so this makes them s●t loose from the Ordinance ; and a man thinks now , What am I the better for the purity of Ordinances ? and so hence , when he should loath his heart , he loaths the truth , and wayes he seems to approve , and hence falls . For this is a standing Rule , Let a man have Ordinances , and not know how to use them , or not indeed make spiritual use of them , if he knows it , but he will sit loose from them . Mal. 3. 14. Zach. 11. 8. My soul abhorred them , and they abhorred me ; not their own hearts , as it is with the soul and body , they are not knit one to the other immediately , but by spirits , which if they be extinct , then they fall asunder . Let a man have meat , and it not feed him , cloaths that cannot warme him , physick that cannot purge him , a Vineyard planted that never hath fruit on it , he will cast them off , and despise them ; and this is the second step , the heaviest judgement of God on men for not loving the truth , but taking pleasure in unrighteousness ; and this works thus especially , if they have had some trial of the people of God sometime , and after great expectations of receiving good from them , meet with but little ; the Word , Sacraments , Fastings , hence come to be stones , not bread ; the heaven of promises is Iron , and there is no raine falls on them ; and hence they , 1. Carelesly refuse at sometimes to come to the fellowship of the Saints . 2. Hence if they do come , they come late . 3. If timely , yet without prayer , or prizing of them ; they have felt no good , and now they expect little . 4. If conscience force to duties , yet they think them too tedious , or too frequent . Ezekiel 11. 21. they are losing , and dying , no man will tell you so particularly , but the Lord tells thee so now .

3. The Lord visits them with many sad and outward evils , and strange unexpected Trials , which they thought they could beare , but indeed cannot , puts them upon great losses , and leaves them to sad wants , their estates decay , they run into debt , and provisions are scarce , &c. and now they secretly repent themselves of the fellowship of Gods people , but accout their course and hazards they have run , either madness or rashness . Moses Heb. 11. 25. did choose affliction and suffering , that he lotted upon , and upon nothing else ; hence forsook honour and preferments , and pleasures ; men not doing thus , hence choose the world , and forsake the wayes of God ; the Israelites brought to the Wilderness , they would go back ; why ? they questioned whether God was with them ; why ? because they wanted water , bread , and variety of blessings , N●●b . 16. 13 , 14. And this sets them off ; as a man that loves his friend very well , but when he puts him to so much cost , and is so costly by his company , let him then even go ; so do many men , the Lord and his Ordinances .

4. Hereupon they come to call all into question again , which were without 〈◊〉 before , the wayes and Ordinances of God ; What warrant now say they , have you for Covenant , such constitution on of Churches , of Saints , st●ict examining of members ? and why not a forme of Prayer ? and why not a Ceremo●y lawful ? and now they want but a temptation , and then they fall . 2. Thess. 2. 10. They receive not the truth in love ; Why not ? because they feel loss by the truth , or feel not the spiritual good of the truth , and hence are given up to believe lyes ; the first beginning of which is to question the Truth , not from tenderness of conscience , though that be pretended , but from carnal lust ; and hence , Ezekiel 11. 24. whose heart goes after that derestable thing , and this they are hardned in ; if any good men by violence of temptation fall therein . Thus men fall from fellowship , and sit l●ose ; you will fall , if you look not to it ( which I say is fearful ) And as Christ said , By this shall all know you are my Disciples , if you love ; so all men shall know you are none of Christs , if you fall here , if you sit loose , &c. I have been searching and discovering that which is working in sundry , and lies as leaven , cast it out of your doores .

We may see hence one just ground of that diligent and narrow search and Use 3. trial , Churches here do or should make of all those whom they receive to be fellow-members with them ; the Lord Jesus will make a very strict search and examination of wise and foolish , when he comes , and will put a difference between them then ; may not men , not Churches imitate the Lord Jesus according to their light now ? If indeed all the Congr●ation of the baptized were holy , then as Korah said , They take too much upon them ; if Christ at his coming , would make neither examination , nor separation , not only of people baptized at large , but of professours , and glorious professours of his Truth and Name ; if Churches were not set to disce●●e between Harlots and Virgins , foolish Virgins and wise , as much as in them lies , that so some of the glory of Christ may be seen in his Churches here , as well as at the last day ; then the gate might be opened wide , and flung ●● the hinges too for all comers ; and you might call the Churches of Christ , the Inn and Tavern of Christ to receive all strangers , if they will pay for what they call for , and beare scot and lot in the Town , and not the house and Temple of Christ only to entertaine his Friends . But ( Beloved ) the Church hath the keyes of the Kingdome of Heaven ; and what they binde and loose , following the example and rule of Christ is bound and loosed in Heaven , and they judge in the room of Christ . 1 Cor. 5. 4 , 5. 2. Cor. 2. 10. Whom the Church casts out , and bids depa● to Satan , Christ doth ; whom the Church receives to it self , Christ doth ; we should receive in none but such as have visible right to Christ , and Communion of Saints . None have right to Christ in his Ordinances , but such as shall have Comm●nion with Christ at his coming to judge the World ; hence if we could be so Eagle-eyed , as to d●scern them now that are Hypocrites , we should exclude them now , as Christ will , because they have no right ; but that we cannot do , the Lord will therefore do it for his Churches ; yet let the Churches learn from this , to do what they can for the Lord now .

There is a foure-fold Glory of Christ shining in his separating foolish and wise at the last day ; which when Churches imitate now , they hold out now .

First , Hereby he shews his wisdome , in discovering the secrets of darkness , and all the wily knots men have tyed , to hamper themselves in their own miseries ; so Churches shew forth this wisdome , not only in discovering such whom you may feel to be hairy , rough Esaus with M●●onson , but such as have Iacobs voice , and are very wily ; when the secrets of hi● spirit are discovered , they will say , if not proud and passionate , God is in you ; hence the wisdome of Christ , Rev. 2. 2.

Secondly , Hereby the Lord Jesus shews h●s holiness , who withdrawes himself from those that are foolish , though outwardly most glorious ; for he will be sanctified ; so the Churches shadow out the holiness of Christ ●erein , who are bound to be holy as he is holy .

Thirdly , Hereby the Lord keeps the Communion of his Saints pure ; this is a wonderful glory in Heaven , that only the Elect and faithful of God shall lie down together ; and is the last and greatest glory that ever shall be seen in this world , Revelations 21. 27. One man or woman secret'y vile , which the Church hath not used all means to discover , may defile a whole Church , and bring it under wrath , as Achan , and make work and sorrow enough for many a day and year after , and bring that blemish and scandal as will not ea●●ly be worn off again , and then men will wish that they had kept their communion pure .

Fourthly , Hereby the Lord abundantly vouchsafes his presence to his people in Heaven , when the Goats are separated ; now come and take your fill of love , and possess your Kingdome ; so the Church hereby gaines more of the presence of Christ Jesus in publick and private ; when ●das is gone out , now Christ comforts the hearts of his Disciples ; when the Lord hath his Spouse alone , then he sports himself with her . Isaiah 4. ●●● . When all in Ierusalem are holy , there shall be a Cloud and Pillar of smoak on all their Habitations . And therefore not only the Churches should do thus , but a godly holy heart will desire it ; it 's the end of his coming that he may be searched ; better had men be tried and examined now , than by Christ another day .

Objection 1. But we must look not to what may be d ne , b●t to what must be done ; Churches have power to cast out them that be bad ; but what power to keep out them that be Baptized , and have a name to be good ?

Answer 1. Christ doth not only shut out Harlots , but professing Virgins ; which example is to be imitated now so farre as we can ; for on the same ground Christ excludes , we have the same if we know them .

2. The Apostle is punctual for it , 2 Tim. 3. 5. speaking of the last dayes , Having a forme of godliness , turn away from such ; He saith not , Let them in , and turn to them ; and if they prove evil members , cut them off , and turn them from you ; but turn away from them ; He saith not , If they be prophane , or not baptized , and cannot say , I was humbled , and now I believe ; but which is more , if they have a forme , under whose garments of profession you will ever see some of those sores , Psal. 2. 3.

3. Rev. 2. 2. It was accounted part of the wisdome and power of grace of the Ephesine Church which tried them which said They were Apostles , and had found them lyars ; they could not creep in there , but they were found out .

4. In the Ierusalem come down from Heaven ; it 's part of the glory of it to cast out the unclean ; but Rev. 21. 27. nothing enters therein which is unclean ; and are not they to be imitated now in their glory , who are set out for that end ?

5. To omit all other proofs , see Ezekiel 44. 8 , 9. The Apostle gives a sad charge , Hebr. 12. 15. Look diligently , lest a root of bi●terness g●ow up ; the Apostle doth not say , 'T is no matter what roots you set in Christs Garden ; only when they spring up , and begin to seed and infect others , then have a care of them ; but look there be not a root there ; truly so we do ; for they tell us they believe and repent , and we believe them , other strict inquiry we make not ; Oh but saith he , Look diligently to it ; it 's ill counsel to the Gardner to say , have a care to weed your Garden ; but 't is no matter , God looks not that you should be careful of your seed , so long as it be seed ; nay , the Lord that forbids me to suffer weeds to grow , forbids my carelesseness in sowing what seeds I please .

It is the judgement of some Divines , That the first sin of Adam and his Wife , was in suffering the Serpent to enter into the Garden 〈◊〉 for ▪ the ●uine of a Church may be the let ting in of some one ●ll member .

Objection 2. But they that are innocent , and say th●● believe , are in the least degree of probability converted ; and the best , we are but certain of their conversion in the highest degree of probability ; and therefore may both orts be admitted ?

Answer , No ; Paul may feare with a godly jealousie some of the Cor●●hian Church , 2 Cor. 12. 20 , 21. and may know some to he childish , and carnal , and weak , yet children ; yet he calls them all Saints , and dates not mince his speeches with such notions of probability ; and Heb. 6. 9. We are perswaded better things of you ; A moral certainty a● man may have , and should have of all Church-members ; a certainty of faith , conditional , though not absolute ; as if it be thus as they say , and I cannot , ought not to say otherwise of them , 't is well with them .

Objection 3. But the Primitive Church never received in any with such strict confessions , and large examinations ; three thousand in a day were admitted .

Answer , I remember a godly Divine in answering an Objection of late repentance from the example of the Thief ; having whipt it with many other Rods , at last lasheth it with this , it 's an extraordinary case ; and hence not to be brought in for an ordinary example ; hence he speaks thus , When therefore the time comes that Christ shall come and be crucif●ed again , and thou one of the Thieves to be crucified with him , and it fall out that thou be the best of the two , then shalt thou be saved by Christ ; that despi●●ng Christ now , puts off thy repentance till then ; So I say here , there is somewhat imitable and ordinary in the Apostles example , in admi●ting three thousand in a day , but something unusual , and farre different from our condition now ; and therefore this I would say when the time comes , that the Spirit is poured out on all flesh ; and that time is known to be the Spring-tide , and large measure of the Spirit , when Ministers are so honoured as to convert many thousands at a Sermon ; and so God and reason call for quickness ; when Elders of Churches are as sharp-sigted as the Apostles ; when the conversion of men also shall be most eminent , and that in such places where 't is death , or half hanging , to profess the Lord Jesus , as that they shall be prickt at their hearts , gladly receive the Word , lay down their necks on the block , cast down all their estates at the Churches feet , out of love to Gods Ordinances ; when men shall not have Christian education , the example and crowd of Christians from the teeth outwardly to press them to the door of the Church , as those times had not ; then for my part , if three hundred thousand were converted , I should receive them as gladly and as manifestly as they receive Christ ; but truly , there is such little takings now , that we have 〈◊〉 enough to look upon our money , and the Hypocrisie of the world gives us good reason to stay and see ; yet we grant Simon believes also ; and if he doth deceive the Apostles eyes for a time , let him come in , and tell him of his gall of bitterness afterward ; and if he be not o●stinate , but intreats Prayers , Charity hopes the best , and lets him stay in , Matthew 3. 7.

Obj. 4. But you may in weeding out the Tares , pull up the Wheat , and keep out the godly in such strict searchings .

Answ. 1. 'T is true ; and the want of tenderness and love to them that be Christs Lambs and Babes , having much ignorance , and carnalness , out of zeal in some , not guided aright ; and pride in others , despising those that are of meaher gifts than themselves ; or because of some weaknesse ; which if they were convinced of , would soon lament and amend ; and to be so rigorous toward them , will not be suffered by Jesus Christ , if continued in by Churches ; Hence Churches must be Watchful against this : And then .

2. If they follow the light , are weak with them that are weak , and strong with them that be strong , and are all things to all men , and gain all to Christ ; look as the receiving of ●ll members shall not be laid to their charge to h●rt them , so nor the excluding of some that are good . And this I 'le add , The Lord may see in some good people that are about to joyn themselves to the Church , that which makes them fit to destroy a Church ; not to build up a Church , as in case of some secret sin not sufficiently repented of , and some decay of the first love , Rev. 2 . 5. and the Lord by this means may recover them by Word or Rod under witness of the Church against them ; and hence many say , If I had then come in , I should have been proud and vile .

Obj. 5. But there are many odd confessions by those that are recived , and extravagant enlarged discourses of the jet time of their 〈◊〉 , and their Revelations , and ill Application of Scripture which makes such long doings , end are wearisome and uncomely .

Answ. So I would say , There may be many weaknesses in an Ordinance , shall . I therefore despise or cast off an Ordinance ? I could then cast away a●s ; and my own life , and soul too , when I had done ; No , lament them , and heale them . I confess it is not fit that so holy and solemn an Assembly as a Church is , should be held long with Relations of this odd thing and tother , nor hear of Revelations and groundless joyes , nor gather together the heap , and heap up all the particular passages of their lives , wherein they have got any good ; nor Scriptures and Sermons , but such as may be of special use unto the people of God , such things as tend to shew , Thus I was humbled , then thus I was called , then thus I have walked , though with many weaknesses since , and such special providence of God ● have seen , temptations gone through , and thus the Lord hath delivered me , blessed be his Name , &c.

I have done ; let all Gods people , Watchmen on Gods walls , still be watchful and careful ; there be temptations enough to make men fill and pester Gods House with Swine ; one hath his friend , and his affection leads him ; another he is a man of estate , and his money is in the mouth of his Sack ; another thinks there is one bad enough , but we shall do well enough with them ; Oh take heed of these things ! methinks a godly man should abhor the opinion , at least , if it was but for this reason ; viz. it is so suitable First , To a proud man ; shall I stoop to Churches , and give an account of my heart and course to them ? I am as good as they . Secondly , To Apostates from Churches ; who when they are gone , then they give way to these conceits , You are too strict , and are loth to confess their falls afterward . Thirdly , And Libertines , who cry out , Why shut you your Gates so close , that Swine and Sheep , Sheep and Goats , and all their Herds and Herdsmen come not in ? No , the Lord will separate one day ; do what you can therefore , you that are in Christs stead now .

Boast not of Church-priviledges only , I am a Church-member , Vse 4. and now all is well ; say not , We have Abram to our Father ; cry not the Temple of the Lord , and all the Christians in the Church think well of me ; for Christ Jesus will make a separation one day ( all is not Fish that comes to the Net ) and then better never have known what Church fellowship means , and yet be all the wh●le a stranger to Christ ; thou thinkest all have g●ven their approbation of thee ; so in charity they may ; but yet it may be some have had secret feares , and doleful thoughts of thy estate ; and what have they done ? Even as we do with those we cannot cast by any inferiour Courts , we put them over to be tried by the Highest Court of the Kingdome ; and that is very dreadful , if their case be bad ; so here , one thinks it a shame to live out , and hence for to serve his honour , sets himself up there ; another wants Marriage , and that 's the way to it ; another thinks of his gaine in a Town , in Fields , or in shop , hence desires it ; anothers conscience is only troubled for want of a Sacrament , hence would come in , and there they sit still ; oh takeheed of this .

Hence see there is need of conversion in some Church-members ; Vse 5. Did you ever see a Church-member converted ? said one , as if then the bitterness of death was past , when once in the Church ; some should look about them herein ; I 'le only give this Rule , Be alway converting , and be alway converted ; turn us again O Lord ; When a man thinks , I was humbled and comforted , I 'le not lay all by , and so live on old Scraps ; Oh beware of that frame ! not that a Christian should be alwayes pulling up foundations , and ever doubting ; but to make sure , be alway converting , more humble , more sensible of sinne , more near to Christ Jesus ; and then you that are sure , may be more sure ; and you that are not , may be sure indeed .

Of thankfulness to all Gods people called to Christ , Vse 6. that he should make a separation between you and others ; this is the wonder and Diamond of Gods Ring of love compassing all the Saints , in separating them from others . Mal. 1. 1 , 2 , 3. Was not Esau Iacobs brother ? yet I loved one , and hated the other . Psal. 78. 67 , 68. He c●ose not the Tribe of Ephraim , but Iudah ; and there was Sion , and there David ; so for the Lord to choose thee , and leave so many thousands in the World , is mercy ; but to choose thee , and leave many of the Town where thou livest , that 's more ; that had some meanes , and were better in birth , place , and parts , than thee ; but to choose thee from thy friends , two grinding in a Mill , and lying in a bed , one taken , tother left , is more ; but of professors , and glorious ones too , whom thou dost highly esteem , to choose thee , and leave them ; to open to thee , and shut the door against them , this is indeed wonderful ! if thou art one of these , he hath made thee thankful for it ; Oh this the mark and Crown of glory , and fruit of the Lords old love , for his opening of thy eyes , and changing thy heart , and giving thee rest and peace on his Son .

VERSE 13. Watch.

THat all the Churches of God are bound to be very watchful , Observation . by considering the Parable of these foolish Virgins .

Quest. 1. Against what shall they watch ?

Answ. 1. Against security , and dead-heartedness .

2. Against sleightness and shallowness of the work of grace in them .

Quest. 2. For what should they watch ?

Answ. For the blessed appearing , and glorious coming of Christ Jesus . at his first coming , 1 Pet. 1. 10 , 11 , 12. they searched after , and waited for his coming , and rejoyced to see that day ; so should we now for his second .

Of exhortation to these Churches in N. E. Oh be watchful , First , Vse . Against security . Motives .

1. Because 't is the last sin as you have heard , which surprizeth Saints ; a Christian at first conversion , strives and gets mastery over many sins , but some are very hard , that he cannot overcome them ; and because he cannot , hence like the Israelites , he is ready to think the worst is past , and I cannot be better ; and hence lies secure , and makes truce with sin .

2. 'T is a very dangerous sin ; What temptation may not a man fall into , and be overcome with , when he is sleepy and secure ? A strong man that is asleep , may not a childe , any weak enemy cut his Throat , or pick his Pockers ? it may be when awakened he may recover his losses , but it is sad for the present with him ; so here .

3. It is a most bewitching sin ; because nothing is so sweet as sleep , and the sweeter , the stronger , and the worse .

4. 'T is the temptation of this place . 1. Because when Churches grow secure , then all begin to slumber ; else one might awaken all . 2. Because here 's peace ; we have our ease , and our pillows , and feather-beds , and are out of the noise of persecution ; and hence sleep , and watch not ; are secure and dead-hearted , and pray not ; our hearts dye , and prayers dye by this means .

3. Because of many sad wearisome Trials , and heavy loads ; 't is hard to live for some , and their bodies are weak , and cates , and distractions many , and griefs from servants rudeness , &c. exceeding ; and debts come upon men ; sorrow made the Disciples eyes heavy , Luke 22. 45. The poor loaden horse when sp●r-gall'd , and the Load heavy , and Legs weary , he will lie down in the high way , till rest and provender be given him .

5. Oh therefore blessed are ye if you endure temptation , and watch one hour in this place and time . I tell you the Lord will fet thee down , and serve thee , and give thee what thou callest for .

Secondly , Against sleightness , and an hoverly work ; Motives .

1. Many looking after Christ , deceive themselves here ; here is their wound ; they have some taste of sins bitterness , and some taste of Christ , and some affections ; but the life of Christ they want ; not that all must have the same measure ; but consider of what hath been opened to you ; Oh these colours , formes , and figures , and images , and pageants , and pictures , and names , and paints , and gildings , are the undoing of many .

2. Consider the example of David , who though a Prophet , yet desires , O that I might see the Lord in his house ! Paul reached after more and more ; as for his prize , he made work of it .

3. Christ is full , and hath enough Spirit ; oh therefore seek for more ! if you know this gift , and ask , he will give Rivers of waters ; Young Christians , look to your selves as you wax old ; what is become of your gold ? why doth Copper appear now , in comparison of what it hath been ( it may be ) formerly ?

Thirdly , For Christs coming ; Motives .

1. This is the beginning of glory ; Adam looked only for his happiness in an earthly Paradise , but you are heirs of an heavenly , Tit. 2. 13.

2. You have nothing else to look for ; if only of the things of this world you might look for your portion here , it were another matter ; but now when called , justified , sanctified , sin warring against thee , and nothing but thy body and breath between thee and Christ ; oh look after it .

3. Sorrows in the Country cry for it ; we think within few years the Land will be out of heart , and want of cloaths , or not money to buy , or pay debts , and this and tother evil will ensue ; so for particular persons , What shall I do hereafter ? &c. True , but glory will pay for all at Christs coming .

4. All Saints ever looked for this long ago ; the Corinthians , 1 Cor. 1. 7. and the Thessal●●ians , 1 Thes. 1. ult. and the Philippians , Phil. 3. 20 , 21. grace teacheth men so to do , Tit. 2. 13. and promise of mercy is made to such only , Heb. 9. ult. and hence Rev. 22. the Church cryes o●t , Come Lord , come quickly ; Oh wait for this time when he shall Redeem , comfort , glorifie , free from all snares and sins ; if no hope in this life , of all men most miserable ; some young ones think 't is too soon ; old men that are near do it ; many have businesses , and cannot ; cannot you carry it to the fields , and rejoyce in expectations of this , but must be alwayes cast down ? &c. O teach it your Children ; speak of it one Brother to another ; some of you are poor and morning , oh be comforted , 't is for your sake Christ will come , and refresh , and wipe away your tears .

Thus I have finished this Parable ; there are divers and many Interpretations hereof given by some , but I speak what I believe ; I differ in nothing but ever gave reason .

And verily if you regard not , the Lord shall bring all these things as Witnesses against you another day ; I believe it shall not be without some fruit ; give him the glory that gives it .

FINIS .

AN ALPHABETICAL TABLE , Shewing the chief Heads contained in this TREATISE . A. Absence of Christ causeth security ; how ; and why ▪ part 2. page 26 , 27. Acts of holiness must be from Christ alone ; and how , part 1 p. 31 , 32 , 33. Actions of holiness must spring from an inward principle . part 1. p. 188 , 189. Appearance of men or Angels no ground of credit . part 1. p. 125. Apprehension of the soul by Christ examined . part 1. p. 188 , 189. Apprehension of Christ his second coming the Saints duty ; and how gotten . part 2. p. 50 , 51 , 52. Apostacy of Jeeming Saints is to be expected . part 2. p. 66. Arminians Doctrine of inherent righteousness confuted . part 1. p. 134. B. Blessed estate how known . part 1. p. 137. Bridegroom of the Church who is . part 1. p. 67. As such , Christ will come . part 2. p. 112. Bridegrooms coming , its effects to the Church . part 2. p. 111 , 112. C. Calling and election to be made sure ; why . part 1. p. 45 , 46. How done . p. 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51. Carelessness of waiting for Christ incident to Converts . part 1. p. 44 , 45. Church Relation an high honour . part 1. p. 5 , 6. Church visible , the place of preparing to meet Christ . part 1. p. 3. Charity of mens sincerity to be maintained with jealousie . part 1. p. 119. Christ the only and excellent donor of grace . part 2. p. 91 , 92. Christ how to be apprehended . part 2. p. 171 , 172 , 173. Christ in reallity , and for himself must be closed with . part 1. p. 81 , 82. Christ his person is to be embraced ; and how . part 1. p. 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87. Christ may be apprehended by such as he loveth not ; and why so . part 1. p. 174 , 178. Change of nature how known . part 1. p. 198. Coming of Christ how manifold . part 1. p. 9. part 2. p. 37. Coming of Christ to judgement what it means . part 2. p. 31. it is most certain . part 2. p. 36 , 37. at an appointed time . p. 120. when , where , how , and why . p. 105 , 106 , 107 , 108. Coming of Christ is to be believed . part 2. p. 109. expected by the Saints ; and why so . part 1. p. 88 , 89 , 90. sence of it awakeneth security . part 2. p. 47 , 50. assordeth comfort . p. 39 , 40. how it is reallized to the soul. par. 2. p. 28 , 29. Coming of Christ , its concomitants . ib. effects . part 2. p. 48 , 49. it is terrible . ib. Comfort not to be too soon , or easily taken . part 2. p. 85. when , and how to be taken . p. 86 , 87. Comforts denied to Saints ; what , and why so . part 1. p. 70 , 71 , 72. Common grace no ground of comfort . part 1. p. 139. Compassion of Christ to the wise and foolish Virgins . part 2. p. 42 , 43. it should awaken the secure . part 2. p. 44 , 45. Communion with Christ the Saints priviledge . part 2. p. 123 , 124. the properties of it . p. 125. Communication of good , no ground of mens boasting . part 2. p. 93 , 94. Confidence of Christs coming characterized . part 2. p. 41. Conflicts attend Saints , if not secure . part 2. p. 21. Conversion of others not to be hastily concluded . part 2. p. 65. Conscience quiet , no sign of true grace . part 1. p. 139. Content in the Lord Iesus Christ the Saints duty ; and when to be acted . part 2. p. 128 , 129 , 130 , 131. Cry at Christs coming what it is ; and why . part 2. p. 32 , 34. Comfort in desertion . part 2. p. 191. D. Day of grace not to be sleighted . part 1. p. 120 , 121. Day of Christs coming to judgement certain . part 1. p. 91. seen by the believer how . p. 89. Death to be desired by Saints . part. 1. p. 104. in what cases not to be desired . p. 101. it may take the goaly in an uncomfortable frame , but not void of grace . part 2. p. 145. Delay of grace dangerous . part 2. p. 157. Defilement of Virgins what . part 1. p. 38. Desires of this world wherein lawful . part 1. p. 103 , 104. wherein sinful . p. 102. Desires of the godly and hypocrite differenced . part 2. p. 77. Desires of grace consist with want of it , and destroy many . part 2. p. 75 , 76. in hypocrites last not . p. 78 , 79 , 81. Dishonour attends the unholy . part 2. p. 55 , 56. Divorce from others ; necessary to Virgins that will meet Christ . part 1. p. 11. Divorce of Christians from Lust. part 1. p. 6. Law . part 1. p. 7. Door of grace and glory shut on the wicked . part 2. p. 155. why , and when . p. 156 , 158 , 159. Dreaming a note of security . part 2. p. 6 , 7. E. Enjoyment of the world and Christ inconsistent . part 1. p. 15. Entertainment of the Virgins at the Bridegrooms coming different . part 2. p. 121 , 122. of the wise Virgins . ibid. of the foolish , what . p. 158. Espousal unto Christ how to be effected . part 1. p. 14 , 15 , 115 , 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 Expectation of Christs coming , and its effects . part 1. p. 82 , 83. Examination of Church-members , the grounds of it , and Objections about it answered . part 2. p. 197. F. Faith to be judged . part 1. p. 79. false known by four notes . p. 80 , 81 , 82. Faith its life of rest different from that of sloth . part 2. p. 22. Faith its fulness not attainable by hypocrites . part 1. p. 205 , 206 , 207 , 208. Fall of professors not to be admired par. 1. p. 120. it is incident to the best . p. 233 , 234. Faln Saints must endeavour to recover . part 1. p. 239 , 240. False - hearted , their misery . part. 1. p. 125. False hopes fearful at Christ his coming . part 2. p. 161. Fearlesseness a note of security . par. 2. p. 5. Fellowship with Christ in Ordinances how had . part 1. p. 107 , 108 , 109. Flagging in duty wherein it is . par. 2. p. 20 Folly and security found in Virgin Churches . part 2. p. 10. Forgetfulness of God a note of security . part. 2. p. 5. Fulness of grace what it is . part 1. p. 195. it belongs to Saints . part 1. p. 190 , 191. is wanting to hypocrites . p. 192 , 193. wherein satisfying . part 2. p. 182. G. Glory of God the end of all his dealings . part 1. p. 62. sometimes denied by Saints , and how . p. 63 , 64 , 65. Glory of grace how given to God . part 1. p. 66. Going forth to meet the Bridegroom , what it meaneth . part 1. p. 67 , 68. Gospel wherein glorious . part 1. p. 98 , 99. Gospel-hypocrites are the worst . part 1. p. 121 , 122 , 123. their Characters . p. 126 , 127 , 128 , 129. Grace to be carefully kept . part 2. p. 74. true and false differ more than in the efficient cause . part 1. p. 135. true how to be judged . p. 144 , 145. it is created in us by the Spirit . p. 174. not communicated at mens pleasure . part 1. p. 90 , 91. that of the wise will not profit the foolish . part 1. p. 89. nor is it communicated when desired from them . p. ib. Grace enjoyed , must not be denied . part 1. p. 144. Grace common and co●nterfeit will fail ; and how it doth so . par. 2. p. 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 Grace true is constant and eternal . part 1. p. 228 , 229. Graces created denied by some . part 1. p. 176 , 177. their activity denied . p. 178 , 179. their evidence denied . p. 180 , 181. H. Hearing the way to get the Spirit part 1. p. 103 , 104. Holiness what it is . part 2. p. 53. how , when , and before whom the Saints honour . p. 54 , 55. it looketh not for honour from men . p. 57. Honour of holiness how gained . part 2. p. 59 , 60. how preserved . p. 61. Honour of the unholy vile . part 2. p. 57. Humility fits for Christ his second coming . part 1. p. 61. Humiliatiō its fulness not attainable by hypocritespar . 1. p. 195 , 196 , 197 , 198 , 199 Hypocrites are in purest Churches . part 1. p. 115. how it cometh to pass . p. 116 , 117. they have some inward touches of the spirit ; yet but touches . p. 191 , 192. Hypocrisie its acts , and its cure . part 1. p. 150 , 151. I. Illumination , its fulness not attainable by hypocrites . part 1. p. 200 , 201 , 202. Inward principle of grace , the want of it examined . part 1. p. 182 , 183 , 184. and aggravated . p. 185. Insensibility an hindrance of grace . part 1. p. 171. Insensibilitie of the want of grace , a sad estate . part 2. p. 69 , 70. K. Kingdom of Heaven what it meaneth . part 1. p. 3 , 4. King the same to the Church visible , and invisible . part and p. ib. Knowledge of Christ necessary . part 1. p. 73. what it is . p. 74 , 75. how gained . p. 76 77 , 78. common what . p. 201. saving , what it is . p. 202 , 203 , 204. L. Lamps , the taking them , what it meaneth . part. 1. p. 39. Lamps , their glory what it is , and wherein . part 2. p. 52. Laws of heaven in the Church visible . part 1. p. 4. League with lust what it is , and how known . part 1. p. 17. with Law what . p. 19. Light , the danger of declining it . part. 1. p. 148 , 149. it is peculiar to Saints . p. 200. some in Lamps of foolish Virgins . p. 201. Looking for Christ his coming , the Virgins duty . part 1. p. 96. encouraged . p. 97. directed . p. 98. and characterized p. 94 , 95 Longing for Christ his appearance , Virgins property . part 1. p. 99. why so . p. 100. Longing for Christ in his Ordinances , a duty ; and why so . part 1. p. 105 , 106. Longing for Christs second coming perswaded . part 1. p. 113. directed . p. 114. Love of Christ precious and satisfying . part 2. p. 170 , 171. offered how , and on what terms . p. 173 , 174 , 175. to be accepted . p. 176 , 177. want of it is dreadful . p. 168 , 169. it is extended to such as love him . part 1. p. 23 , 24. it is not vain . p. 25. how it appeareth . p. 52 , 53 , 54 , 55. Love of Christ how comprehended . part 1. p. 34 , 35 , 36. it makes his coming certain . part 2. p. 38. opens the door to the wise Virgins . p. 157. Love to Christ perswaded . part 1. p. 21 , 22 it must be fixed in such as wait his coming . part 1. p. 51. how this is to be done . p. 56. Christs love to us how known . part 2. M. p. 184. M. Marriage to the Law , what it meaneth , and how done . part 1. p. 18 , 19. Means ineffectual , a note of hypocrisie . part 1. p. 152 , 153. and why so . p. 154 , 155. Means enjoyed , no advantage unless improved . part 1. p. 156. the careless use of means characterized . p. 158 , 159 , 160 , 161 effectual use exhorted . p. 163 , 164 , 165 Measure of knowledge or fellowship with Christ must not satisfie . part 1. p. 110. content in it characterized . p. 111 , 112. Mind of man the cause of truth or hypocrisie . part 1. p. 146. why so . p. 147 , 148. Ministry the means of grace . part 2. p. 96. must be of Gospel , not Law . p. 98. despisers of it rebuked . p. 99 , 100. described . p. 101. Ministers sent by the Church , but furnished by Christ . part 2. p. 97. they are scandalized in the world , for what . p. 102 , 103. N Nearness to Christ the Saints duty and priviledge . part 2. p. 132. how to be gained , and managed . p. 133 , 134 , 135 , 136. New Englands warning . par. 1. p. 166 , 167 O Opinion of justification by Christ alone , is not sufficient to salvation . part 1. p. 124 , 125. Oyl in Virgins Lamps , what it is . part 1. p. 168. it must be prepared against the bridegroom come . p. 186. helps how . p. 187. P. Pain prevents security . part 2. p. 4. Papists confuted . part 1. p. 134. Peace provoketh security . part 2. p. 3. Peculiar work of God in the heart , the only note of blessedness . part 1. p. 136. Perseverance in grace , is certain to the Saints , & how known . pa. 1. p. 230 , 231 , 232 Person of Christ glorious . part 1. p. 22. closed with by faith . p. 69. Power of doing holily lost by mans fall , restored by Christ . part 1. p. 28. Power of Christ in Ordinances how felt . part 1. p. 108 , 109. Prayer neglected , a note of security . part 2. p. 6. it will be too late when the door is shut . p. 163. Prepared for Christ must only possess him . part 2. p. 137 , 138. Principles of grace make shining professors . part 1. p. 172 , 173. Priviledges outward , no cause of boasting . part . 2. p. ●54 . Pulling down Gods Kingdom is dangerous ; and how it is done . part 1. p. 6 , 7 , 8. R Readiness to meet Christ , what it is . part 1. p. 40 , 41 , 42. necessary . p. 43 , 44. its characters . part 2. p. 141 , 142 , 143 , 144. motives and helps unto it . p. 147 , 148 , 149 , 150. Saints must be most ready . p. 151 , 152 Rod cryeth to the secure before Christ his second coming . part 2. p. 33. Resistance of Christ twofold . part 2. p. 189 S Sanctification , its fulness not attainable by hypocrites . part 1. p. 214. it is opposed unto self-seeking . p. 215. its particular ingredients . p. 216 , 217. consists not in a sence of the want of it . part 2. p. 70 , 71. Satisfying sweetness of the spirit explained . part 2. p. 83 , 84. Security the sin of last times , and incident to Virgin Churches . part 2. p. 2. what it is , and wherein it consists . p. 3. the easiness of its entrance . p. 4. a sweet sin . p. 5. marks of it , p. 6 , 7. the last that seizeth on the Church p 17. a strong sin . p. 19 , 20. a dangerous state . p. 34 , 35. greatly sinful . ●44 Season of grace to be taken . part 2. p. 164 , 165 , 166. Selling grace , what it means . part 1. p. 95. Self-acting most pleasing to men but vile to God . part 1. p. 29 , 30. Sence of want , no true sign of grace . part 1. p. 193. Sin suits not Virgins who wait the Bridegrooms coming . part 1. p. 13. Sincerity differeth from the closest hypocrisie . part 1. p. 131 , 132 , 133. it may be discerned , and how . p. 141 , 142 , 143. is to be sought after . p. 223 , 224. motives to it . p. 225. means . p. 226 , 227 Sleep its properties . part 2. p. 3. Slumber spiritual , its degrees . pa. 2. p. 15 , 16 Slothful opinions , what , and whence . part 2. p. 24 , 25. Souls are the vessels for oyl of grace . part 1. p. 169 , 170. Spirit of Christ , the inward principle of grace in the believer . part 1. p. 173 , 174. it fits the soul to meet Christ ; how part 2. p. 142 , 143. must not be limited or quenched , part 1. p. 193 , 194. its fulness not attainable by hypocrites . p. 209 , 210. consists with the departure of Saints . p. 211 , 212 , 213. its glory , and the fulness of it . p. 219 , 220 , 221 , 222 , 223. Strangeness to ●hrist lamented . pa. 2. p. 126 Subjects of heaven converse in the ●hurch visible . part 1. p. 5. Sweetness of the creature , what it is . part 1. p. 56. Separation one work at the day of judgment and the reasons of it . part 2. p. 192 , 193. Separation from the Churches of Christ , sin . part 2. p. 195. T Temptations to Apostacy , three sorts . part 1. p. 37. Terrors occasioned by security . part 2. p. 8. U Vessels for oyl , are the Saints , not Iesus Christ . part 1. p. 167 , 185 , 186. Vessels of honor , how they must act . part 1. p. 176. Virgins , who are meant by them . part 1. p. 11. Foolish who are . p. 115. wherein they differ from the wise . p. 152. they desire grace . part 2. p. 73. wise Virgins enter , but foolish are shut out from the Bridegroom . p. 122 , 123. Unbelief of the eternal doom , denounced in the word , dangerous . part 2. p. 160. Unconstancy a note of hypocrisie . part 1. p. 236 , 237 , 238. Unprofitableness in Ordinances , the effect of neglect . part 1. p. 155. Unreadiness at Christs coming , is woful . part 2. p. 139 , 140. Unregenerate men are not sensible of the want of grace . par. 2. p. 67 , 68. W Waiting for Christ , fits for his coming , part 2. p. 145 , 146. Want of love to Christ is very dreadful in its effects and nature . part 2. p. 169 , 170. Watching over one another , the Saints duty ; and how to be done . part 2. p. 8 , 9 , 10. Weaknesses are not graces . part 1. p. 129. Weariness provoketh security . part 2. p. 4. Will of Christ the object of sanctified obedience . part 1. p. 217 , 218. Withdrawing of Christ , what it is , and how done . part 2. p. 173 , 174. Word cryeth before Christ his coming . part 2. p. 32 , 33. Work of Christ to be done , what it is . par. 1. p. 58 , 59. must be done by such as wait his coming , and how . p. 57 , 60 , 61. Worst of mans estate is to be studied . part 2. p. 162. how known . p 163. Wrath of Christ at his second coming , great . part 2. p. 164. Watchfulness the duty of Church-members . part 2. p. 202. FINIS .

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