The godly mans picture drawn with a scripture-pensil, or, Some characteristical notes of a man that shall go to heaven by Thomas Watson ...

THE Character of a Godly Man , drawn with a SCRIPTURE-PENSIL . PSAL. 32. 6. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee .

CHAP. I. Containing the Preface or Introduction .

HOly David in the front of this Psalm , shews us , wherein true happiness consists ; not in beauty , honour , riches , ( the Worlds Trinity ) but in the forgiveness of sin . Vers. 1. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven . The Hebrew word to forgive * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 signifies to carry out of sight ; which well agrees with that , Ierem. 50. 20. In those dayes ( saith the Lord ) the sins of Judah shall be sought for , and they shall not be found . This is an incomprehensible blessing , and such as layes a foundation for all other mercies . I shall but glance at it , and lay down these five Assertions about it .

1. Forgiveness of sin is an act of Gods Free Grace . The Greek word to forgive * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . deciphers the Original of pardon ; it ariseth not from any thing inherent in us , but is the pure result of Free Grace . Isa. 43. 25. I , even I am he , that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake . When a Creditor forgives a Debtor , he doth it freely . Pardon of sin is a fine thread spun out of the bowels of Free Grace . Paul cries out , I obtained mercy , 1 Tim. 1. 13. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , I was be-mercied : he who is pardoned , is all bestrewed with mercy . When the Lord pardons a sinner , he doth not pay a Debt , but give a Legacy .

2. God in forgiving sin , remits the guilt and penalty . Guilt cries for justice ; no sooner had Adam eaten the Apple , but he saw the flaming sword , and heard the Curse ; but in remission God doth indulge the sinner ; he seems to say thus to him , Though thou art fallen into the hands of my Justice , and deservest to die , yet I will absolve thee , and whatever is charged upon thee , shall be discharged .

3. Forgiveness of sin is through the blood of Christ . Free grace is the impulsive cause , Christs * * Christus se in cruce Deo oblatus est sacrificium 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , sic nostra pians peccata . Maresius de ver. rel. lib. 3. blood is the meritorious . Heb. 9. 22 : Without shedding of blood is no remission . Justice would be revenged either on the sinner or the surety . Every pardon is the price of blood .

4. Before sin is forgiven , it must be repented of . Therefore repentance and remission are linked together . Luk. 24. 47. That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his Name * * Da Domin● poenitentiam , & postea indulgentiam . Fulgentius . . Not that repentance doth in a Popish sense merit forgiveness ; Christs blood must wash our Tears : but repentance is a qualification , though not a cause . He who is humbled for sin will the more value pardoning mercy . When there is nothing in the soul but clouds of sorrow , and now God brings a pardon , which is a setting up a Rainbow in the Cloud , to tell the sinner , that the flood of wrath shall not overflow him ; O what joy is there at the sight of this Rainbow ! The soul that before was steeped in tears , now melts in love to God . Luk. 7. 38. 47.

5. God having forgiven sin , he will call it no more into remembrance , Ier. 31. 34. the Lord will make an * * Peccata semel remissa nunquam redeunt . act of Indempnity , he will not upbraid us with former unkindnesses , or sue us with a cancelled Bond. Micah 7. 19. he will cast our sins into the depth of the sea . Sin shall not be cast in as Cork which riseth up again ; but as Lead which sinks to the bottom . How should we all labour for this Covenant-blessing !

1. How sad is it to want it ! It must needs be ill with the Malefactor who wants his pardon : all the Curses of God stand in full force against the unpardoned sinner ; his very blessings are cursed . Mal. 2. 2. Caesar wondred at one of his Souldiers , that was so merry when he was in debt . Can the sinner be merry who is heir to all Gods Curses , and knows not how soon he may take up his Lodgings among the damned ?

2. How sweet is it to have it ! 1. The pardoned soul is out of the gun-shot of Hell . * * Peccatum sic pessundatum est ut non possit nos damnare . Luther . Rom. 8. 33. Satan may accuse , but Christ will show a discharge . 2. The pardoned soul may goe to God with boldness in prayer . Guilt clips the wings of prayer , that it cannot flye to the Throne of Grace ; but forgiveness breeds confidence : He who hath his pardon , may look his Prince in the face with comfort .

This great mercy of pardon David had obtained , as appears , vers. 5. Thou forgavest me . And because he had found God a God of pardons , * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Neh. 9. 17. therefore he encourageth others to seek God , in the words of the Text , For this cause shall every one that is godly pray unto thee .

CHAP. II. Opening the Nature of Godliness . Every one that is godly .

IT will first be enquired , What Godliness is ? 1. Inquiry

I answer in general , Answ. Godliness is the sacred impression , and workmanship of God in a man , whereby of carnal he is made spiritual . When Godliness is wrought in a person , he doth not receive a new soul , but he hath another spirit , Numb. 14. 24. The faculties are not new , but the qualities ; the Strings are the same , but the Tune is mended . Concerning Godliness , I shall lay down these seven Maxims or Positions .

1. Godliness is a Real thing , it is not 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , but 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; Godliness is not the feaverish conceit of a sick brain ; a Christian is no Enthusiast , one whose Religion is made up all of Fancy ; Godliness hath Truth for its foundation ; it is called the way of Truth , * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Psal. 119. 30. godliness is a ray and beam that shines from God : if God be true , then godliness is true .

2. Godliness is an intrinsecal thing : it lies chiefly in the heart . Rom. 2. 29. Circumcision is that of the heart . The dew lies on the leaf , the sap is hid in the root . The Moralists Religion is all in the leaf , it consists only in Externals * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . but godliness is an holy sap which is radicated in the soul. * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Psal. 51. 6. in the hidden part , thou shalt make me to know wisdom . The Chalde expounds it , In the close place of the heart .

3 , Godliness is a supernatural thing : by nature we inherit nothing but evil . Rom. 7. 5. When we were in the flesh , the motions of sin did work in our members : we did suck in sin , as naturally as our Mothers milk ; but godliness is the wisdom from above , Jam. 3. 17. it is breathed in from heaven . God must light up the Lamp of Grace in the heart : Weeds grow of themselves , flowers are planted . Godliness is a Coelestial Plant , that comes from the New Hierusalem : Therefore it is called a fruit of the Spirit , Gal. 5. 22. A man hath no more power to change himself than to create himself .

4. Godliness is an extensive thing ; it is a sacred leaven that spreads it self into the whole soul. 1 Thess. 5. 23. The God of peace sanctifie you wholly . There is light in the understanding , order in the affections , pliableness in the will , exemplariness in the life . We do not call a Blackamore white because he hath white teeth : he is not godly who is good only in some part . Grace is called the new man , Col. 3. 10. not a new eye , or tongue , but a new man : he who is godly is good all over ; though he be regenerate but in part , yet it is in every part .

5. Godliness is an intense thing ; it doth not lye in a dead formality and indifferency , but is vigorous and flaming , Rom. 12. 11. Fervent in spirit . * * Qualitates sunt in subjecto intensive . We call water hot , when it is so in the third or fourth degree . He is godly whose devotion is inflamed , and his heart boyls over in holy affections .

6. Godliness is a glorious thing : As the Jewel to the Ring , so is Piety to the Soul bespangling it in Gods eyes . Reason makes us Men , Godliness makes us earthly Angels ; by it we partake of the divine nature , 2 Pet. 1. 4. Godliness is neer a kin to Glory , 2 Pet. 1. 3. Glory and Vertue . Godliness is glory in the ●eed , and glory is godliness in the flower .

7. Godliness is a permanent thing . Aristotle saith , denominations are given from the habit . We do not call him sanguine that blusheth , but who is of a ruddy complexion † † 1 Sam. 17. 42. A blush of godliness is not enough to denominate a Christian , but godliness must be the temper and complexion of the soul. Godliness is a fixed thing : There is a great deal of difference between a Stake in the Hedge , and a Tree in the Garden ; a stake rots and moulders , but a tree having life in it , abides and flourisheth . When godliness hath taken root in the soul , it abides to eternity . 1 Ioh. 3. 9. his seed remaineth in him ▪ Godliness being engraven in the heart by the Holy Ghost , as with the point of a Diamond , can never be raced out .

CHAP. III. A Reproof to such as are but Pretenders to Godliness . Use of Reproof .

Use. HEre is a sharp Reprehension to such as are Alchimy Christians , who do only make a show of * * Non faciunt justitiam sed fing●nt . Melancth. godliness : like Michal who put an Image in the bed , and so deceived Sauls Messengers , 1 Sam. 19. 16. these our Saviour calls whited * * Mar: 23. Sepulchres . They do not Virtutem colere , but colorare . In ancient times a third part of the Inhabitants of this Island were called Picts , which signifies painted ; 't is to be feared they still retain their old name : How many are painted only with the Vermilion of a Profession , whose seeming lustre dazles the eyes of beholders , but within there is nothing but putrefaction † † Matth. 23. 27. . Hypocrites are like the Swan , which hath white feathers , but a black skin ; or like the Lilly , which hath a fair colour , but a bad sent . Rev. 1. 3. Thou hast a name to live , but thou art * * Quis pejor an profitens impietatem ; an mentiens sanctitatem . Bern. dead . These the Apostle Iude compares to clouds without water , vers. 12. they pretend to be full of the Spirit , but they are empty clouds ; their goodness is but a Religious Cheat.

Quest. But why do persons content themselves with a show of godliness ?

Answ. This helps to keep up their fame . 1 Sam. 15. 30. Honour me before the people . Men are ambitious of credit , and would gain repute in the world , therefore they will dress themselves in the garb and mode of Religion , that others may write them down for Saints . But alas , what is one the better to have others commend him , and his Conscience condemn him ? What good will it do a man when he is in Hell , that others think he is gone to Heaven ? O beware of this ; Counterfeit piety is double † † Simulata sanctitas duplex iniquitas . iniquity .

1. To have only a show of godliness is a God-enraging sin : he who is a pretender to Saint-ship , but his heart tells him he hath nothing but the * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Name ; he carries Christ in his Bible , but not in his Heart ; some politick design spurs him on in the wayes of God , he makes Religion a Lacquey to his carnal Interest : What is this but to abuse God to his face , and to serve the Devil in Christs Livery ? Hypocrisie makes the fury rise up in Gods face ; therefore he calls such persons the generation of his wrath , Isa. 10. 6. God will send them to Hell to do penance for their hypocrisie .

2 To make only a show of godliness , is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , self-delusion . Ajax in his phrensie took Sheep for † † Arietem occidit credens se Vlyssem interemisse . men ; but it is a worse mistake to take a show of grace for grace . This is for one to put a cheat upon himself . Iam. 1. 22. Deceiving your own souls : He who hath counterfeit Gold instead of true , wrongs himself most . The hypocrite deceives others while he lives , but deceives himself when he dies .

3 To have only a name , and make a show 〈◊〉 godliness , is odious to God and man . The ●ypocrite is born under a sad Planet , he is ab●orred of all . Wicked men hate him because 〈◊〉 makes a show , and God hate him be●ause he doth but make a show : The wicked ●ate him because he hath so much as a mask 〈◊〉 godliness , and God hates him because he ●ath no more , Act. 26. 28. Thou hast almost ●erswaded me to be a * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Christian. The wicked ●ate the hypocrite , because he is almost a Christian , and God hates him because he is 〈◊〉 almost .

4 To be only Comets , and make a show of ●iety is a vain thing . Hypocrites los● ▪ all ●hey have done . Their dissembling tears ●rop beside Gods bottle , their Prayers and ●asts prove abortive . Zack. 7. 5. When yee ●asted and mourned , did ye at all fast unto me , ●ven to me ? as God will not recompence a ●othful , so neither a treacherous servant . All ●he hypocrites reward is in this life , Matth. ● . 5. They have their reward . A poor reward , ●he empty breath of men . The hypocrite may make his Acquittance , and write , Received in ful payment . Augustus Caesar had great triumphs granted him , but the Senate would not suffer him to be Consul , or sit in the Senate-house . Hypocrites may have the praise of men , but though these triumphs be granted them , they shall never have the priviledge to sit in the Senate-house of Heaven . What acceptance can he look for from God , whose heart tels him he is no better than a Mountebank in Divinity ?

5 To have only a pretence of godliness , will yeeld no comfort at death . Will painted gold enrich a man ? Will painted wine refresh him that is thirsty ? will the paint of godliness stand thee in any stead ? what were the foolish Virgins better for their blazing lamps , when they wanted oyle ? what is the lamp of Profession , without the oyl of Grace ? he who hath only a painted holiness , shal have a painted happiness .

6 Thou who hast nothing but a specious pretext and mask of Piety , exposest thy self to Satans scorn . Thou shalt bee brought forth at the last day as Sampson , to make the devil * * Judg. 16. 25. sport . He wil say , what is become of all thy Vows , Tears , Confessions ? Is all thy Religion come to this ? Didst thou so often defy the devil , and art thou now come to dwel with me ? couldst thou meet with no weapon to kill thee , but what was made of Gospel-mettle ? couldst thou suck poyson no where but out of Ordinances ? couldst thou finde no way to hell , but by seeming godly ? what a vexation will this be , to have the devil thus reproach a man ! 'T is sad to be insulted over in this life ; Cleopatra Queen of Egypt , when shee saw shee was reserved by the Enemy for a triumph , that shee might avoyd the infamy , put Aspes to her breasts , and dyed . What then wil it be to have the devil triumph over a man at the last day ?

Let us therefore take heed of this kinde of pageantry , or devout stage-play . That which may make us the more to fear our hearts , is , when we see tall Cedars in the Church worm-eaten with hypocrisy . Balaam a Prophet , Iehu a King , Iudas an Apostle , all of them stand to this day upon record for hypocrites .

'T is true , there are the seeds of this sin , in the * * Vivit adhuc 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 quamdiù aliquae fibrae manent , sed agrè , & admodum languidè . best ; but as it was with the Leprosy under the Law , all that had risings , or spots in the skin of the flesh , were not reputed unclean ; and put out of the * * Levit. 13. 6. Camp : so all that have the risings of hypocrisy in them , are not to be judged hypocrites , for these may be the spots of Gods * * Deut. 32 5. children . But that which denominates an hypocrite , is , when hypocrisy is predominant , and is like a spreading humour in the body .

Quest. When is a man under the regency and power of hypocrisy ?

Answ. There are two signes of its predominancy . 1 A squint eye , when one serves God for sinister ends . 2 A right eye , when there is some sin dear to a man , which he cannot part with . These two are as shrewd signes of an hypocrite , as any I know .

Oh let us take Davids candle and lanthorn , and search for this leven , and burn it before the Lord .

Christian , if thou mournest for hypocrisy , yet findest this sin so potent , that thou canst not get the mastery of it , go to Christ , beg of him that he would exercise his Kingly Office in thy soul ; that he would subdue this sin , and put it under the yoke . Beg of Christ to exercise his spiritual Chirurgery upon thee ; desire him to lance thy heart , and cut out the rotten , and that he would apply the medicine of his blood to heal thee of thy hypocrisy . Often make that prayer of David , Psalm 119. 80. Let my heart be found in thy statutes . Lord , let mee be any thing rather than an hypocrite . Two hearts will exclude from one heaven .

CHAP. IV. Shewing the Characters of a godly man .

2. IT will be enquired in the next place , 2 Inquiry . Who is the godly man ?

For the full answer whereunto , I shall lay down several specifical signs and characters of a godly man .

SECT. I.

1 The first fundamental sign is , 1 Character . a godly man is a man of † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Arist. Knowledge . Prov. 14. 18. The prudent are crowned with knowledge . The Saints are called wise Virgins , Mat. 25. 4. A natural man may have some discursive knowledge of God , but he knoweth nothing as he ought to know , 1 Cor. 8. 2. He knows not God savingly : he may have the eye of Reason open , but he discerns not the things of God after a spiritual † † Nihil agit ultra suam speciem . manner . Waters cannot goe beyond their Spring-head : Vapors cannot rise higher than the Sun draws them . 〈◊〉 natural man cannot act above his sphere ; 〈…〉 no more able to judge aright of sacred things , than a blind man is to judge of colours . 1 He sees not the evil of his heart ; if a face be never so black and deformed , yet it is not seen under a Vail : the heart of a sinner i● so black , that nothing but Hell can pattern it , yet the vail of ignorance hides it . 2 He sees not the beauties of a Saviour . Christ is a Pearl , but an hid Pearl .

But a godly man is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , taught of God . 1 Ioh. 2. 27. The anointing teacheth you all † † Spiritus sanctus veluti oleo mentes fidelium perfundit & irrigat . Estius . things ; that is , all things essential to salvation . A godly man hath the good knowledge of the Lord , 2 Chron. 30. 22. he hath sound wisdom , Prov. 3. 21. he knows God in Christ : to know God out of Christ , is to know him an enemy ; but to know him in Christ is sweet and delicious . A gracious soul hath the savour of knowledge , 2 Cor. 2. 14. There is a great difference between one that hath read of a Countrey , or viewed it in the Map , and another who hath lived in the Countrey , and tasted the Fruits and Spices of it . The knowledge wherewith a godly man is adorned , hath these eight rare Ingredients in it .

1 It is a grounded Knowledge , Col. 1. 27. If ye continue in the Faith grounded . It is not a believing as the Church believes , but 〈◊〉 Knowledge rests upon a double basis 〈◊〉 Word and Spirit ; the one is a 〈…〉 other a witness : saving Knowledge is not pendulous or doubtful , but hath a certainty in it , Iohn 6. 69. We believe , and are sure thou art that Christ , 2 Cor. 5 , 6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 being always confident * * Si caelum ruat , si orbis illabatur praecept , ego in Deum erectus ero ; Angelus licèt de caelo aliud mihi persuadere enitatur , dicam ei Anathema Anton. Marinar . a godly man holds no more then he will dye for : The Martyrs were so confirmed in the knowledge of the Truth , that they would seal it with their bloud .

2. It is an appretiative knowledge . The Lapidary is said to know a Jewel , who hath skill to value it : He knows God , who esteems him above the glory of heaven , † † Psal. 73. 25. and the comforts of the earth . To compare other things with God , is to debase Deity ; as if you should compare the shining of a Gloworm with the Sun .

3. The knowledge of a godly man is quickning , Psalm 119. 93. I will never forget thy Precepts , for with them thou hast quickned me . Knowledge in a natural mans head , is like a Torch in a dead mans hand : True knowledge animates . A godly man is like Iohn Baptist , a burning and a shining Lamp : He doth not only shine by illumination , but burn by affection . * * Claritas in intellectu , parit ardorem in affectu . The Spouses knowledge made her sick of love , Cant. 2. 5. Per●ulsa sum , † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . I am wounded with love . I am like a Deer that is struck with a Dart , my Soul lies a bleeding , and nothing can cure me , but a sight of him whom my Soul loves .

4. Divine Knowledge is appropriating , Ioh 19. 25. I know that my Redeemer liveth . A Medicine is best when it is applyed ; this applicative Knowledge is joyful . Christ is called a Surety , Hebr. 7. 22. O what joy when I am drowned in debt , to know that Christ is my Surety ! Christ is called an Advocate , 1 Ioh. 2. 1. The Greek word for Advocate 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , signifies a Comforter , O what comfort is it when I have a bad Cause , to know Christ is my Advocate , who never lost any Cause he pleaded .

Quest. But how shall I know that I make a right application of Christ ? an Hypocrite may think he applyes when he doth not . Balaam , though a Sorcerer , yet said , My God , Numb. 22. 18.

Answ. 1. He who rightly applyes Christ , puts these two together , Iesus and Lord , Phil. 3. 8. Christ Iesus my Lord : Many take Christ as a Iesus , but refuse him as a Lord . Do you joyn Prince and Saviour ? Act. 5. 31. Would you as well be ruled by Christs Laws , as saved by his Bloud ? Christ is a Priest upon his Throne , Zac. 6. 13. He will never be a Priest to intercede , unless your hear be the Throne where he sways his Scepter ▪ A true applying of Christ is , when we so take him for an Husband , that we give up our selves to him as a Lord .

2. He who rightly applyes Christ , fetcheth virtue from him : The Woman in the Gospel having touched Christ , felt virtue coming from him , and her fountain of bloud was dried up , Mar. 5. 29. This is to apply Christ , when we feel a sin mortifying virtue flow from him . Naturalists tell us , there is an Antipathy between the Diamond and the Loadstone , insomuch that if a piece of iron be laid by the Diamond , the Diamond will not suffer it to be drawn away by the Loadstone : So that knowledge which is applicatory , hath an antipathy against sin , and will not suffer the heart to be drawn away by it .

5. The knowledge of a godly man is transforming , 2 Cor. 3. 8. We all with open face , beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord , are changed into the same Image . As a Painter , looking upon a face , draws a face like it in the Picture : So looking upon Christ in the glass of the Gospel , we are changed into his similitude . We may look upon other objects that are glorious , yet not be made glorious by them : A deformed face may look upon beauty , and yet not be made beautiful : a wounded man may look upon a Chyrurgion , and yet not be healed ; but this is the Excellency of Divine Knowledge , it gives us such a sight of Christ , as makes us partake of his Nature ; as Moses when he had seen Gods back-parts , his face shined ; some of the Rays and Beams of Gods glory fell upon him .

6. The knowledge of a godly man is self-emptying ; carnal knowledge makes the head giddy with pride , 1 Cor. 8. 2. True knowledge brings a man out of love with himself , the more he knows , the more he blusheth at his own ignorance . David a bright Star in Gods Church , yet he thought himself rather a Cloud than a Star , Psalm 73. 22.

7. The knowledge of a godly man is growing , Col. 1. 10. Encreasing in the knowledge of God . * * Tandem fit surculus arbor . True knowledge is like the light of the morning , which encreaseth in the Horizon till it comes to the full Meridian : So sweet is Spiritual Knowledge , that the more a Saint knows , the more thirsty he is of knowledge ; 't is called the Riches of Knowledge , 1 Cor. 1. 5. the more riches a man hath , the more still he desires ; though S. Paul knew Christ , yet he would know him more , Phil. 3. 10. that I may know him , and the power of his Resurrection .

8. The knowledge of a godly man is practick , Iohn 10. 4. The Sheep follow him , for they know his voice . Though God requires knowledge more than burnt-offering , Hos. 6. 6 , yet it is a knowledge accompanied with obedience : True knowledge doth not only mend a Christians sight , but mends his pace : 'T is a reproach to a Christian to live in a contradiction to his knowledge ; to know he should be strict and holy , yet to live loosly : Not to obey , is all one as not to know , 1 Sam. 2. 12. The Sons of Eli knew not the Lord : they could not but know , for they taught others the knowledge of the Lord ; yet they are said not to know , because they did not obey : when Knowledge and Practise , like Castor and Pollux , appear together , then they presage much happiness .

Use 1. Vse of Tryal . Let us try our selves by this Character .

1. Are they godly , who are still in the Region of darkness ? 1 Bran. Pro. 19. 2. That the Soul be without knowledge , it is not good ; ignorant persons cannot give God a reasonable service , Rom. 12. 1. 'T is sad , that after the Sun of Righteousness hath shined so long in our Hemisphere , yet that persons should be under the power of ignorance : Perhaps in the things of the world they are knowing enough , none shall out reach them , but in the things of God they have no knowledge . Nahash would make a Covenant with Israel , that he might put out their right eyes , 1 Sam. 11. 1. The Devil hath left men their left eye , knowledge in secular matters , but he hath put out their right eye , they understand not the Mystery of Godliness ; it may be said of them as of the Jews , To this day the vail is upon their heart , 2 Cor. 3. 15. Many Christians are no better than baptized Heathens . What a shame is it to be without knowledge ! 1 Cor. 15. 34. Some have not the knowledge of God , I speak this to your shame . Men think it a shame to be ignorant in their Trade , but no shame to be ignorant of God ; there 's no going to Heaven blindfold , Isa. 27. 11. It is a people of no understanding , therefore he that made them , will not have mercy on them .

Surely ignorance in these daies is affected ; 't is one thing nescire , another thing nolle scire , 't is one thing not to know , another thing not to be willing to know , Iohn 3. 19. They loved darkness rather than light . 'T is the Owle loves the dark : Sinners are like the Athlantes , a people in Aethiopia , which curse the Sun . Wicked men shut their eyes wilfully , Mat. 13. 15. and God shuts them judicially , Isa. 6. 10.

2. Are they godly , 2 Bran. who though they have knowledge , yet they know not as they ought to know ; they know not God experimentally : How many knowing persons are ignorant ? they have Illumination , but not Sanctification ; their knowledge hath not a powerful influence upon them to make them better . If you set up an hundred Torches in a garden , they will not make the flowers grow , but the Sun is influential : Many are so far from being better for their knowledge , that they are worse , Isa. 47. 10. Thy knowledge hath perverted thee ; the knowledge of most makes them more cunning in sin ; these have little cause to glory in their knowledge . Absalom might boast of the hair of his head , but that hanged him ; so these may boast of the knowledge of their head , but it will destroy them .

3. Are they godly , 3 Bran. who though they have some glimmering of knowledge , yet no fiducial applying of Christ : Many of the Old World knew there was an Ark , but were drowned , because they did not get into the Ark ; Knowledge , which is not applying , will but light a man to hell ; it were better to live an Indian , than to die an Infidel under the Gospel : Christ not believed in , is terrible . Moses Rod , when it was in his hand , did a great deal of good , it wrought Miracles , but when it was out of his hand , it became a Serpent : So Christ , when laid hold on by the hand of Faith , is full of comfort , but not laid hold on , will prove a Serpent to sting .

Use 2. Use 2. of Exhort . As we would evidence our selves godly , let us labour for this good knowledge of the Lord : What pains will men take for the atchievement of Natural Knowledge ! I have read of one Benchorat , who spent forty years in finding out the motion of the Eighth Sphere ; what pains then should we take in finding out the knowledge of God in Christ ? There must be digging and searching for it , as one would search for a vein of silver , Pro. 2. 3. If thou seekest her as silver . — Et pluteum coedit , Pers. & dimorsos sapit ungues .

This is the best knowledge , Motive it doth as far surpass all other , as the Diamond doth the Christal ; no Jewel we wear doth so adorn us as this , Pro. 3. 15. She is more precious than Rubies . Iob 28. 12 , 13. Man knows not the price thereof , the depth saith it is not in me , it cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir , with the precious Onyx , or the Saphire . The dark Chaos was a fit Embleme of an ignorant Soul , Gen. 1. 2. but when God lights up the Lamp of Knowledge in the mind , what a new Creation is there ? How doth the Soul sparkle as the Sun in its glory ?

This knowledge is comfortable ; Motive we may say of the Knowledge of Nature , as Solomon , Eccles. 1. 18. He that encreaseth knowledge , encreaseth sorrow . The knowledge of Arts and Sciences is gathering of straw , but the knowledge of God in Christ is gathering of Pearl . This Knowledge ushers in Salvation , 1 Tim. 2. 4.

Quest. But how shall we get this Saving Knowledge ?

Answ. Not by the power of Nature : Some speak of Reason well improved how far it will go ; but alas the plumb-line of Reason is too short to fathom the deep things of God : A man can no more by the power of Reason reach the Saving Knowledge of God , than a Pigmy can reach the Pyramides : The Light of Nature will no more help us to see Christ , than the light of a Candle will help us to understand , 1 Cor. 2. 14. The natural man receives not the things of God , neither can he know them . What shall we do then to know God in a Soul-saving manner ? I answer , let us implore the help of Gods Spirit , Paul never saw himself blind till a light shined from heaven , Act. 9. 3. God must anoint our eyes ere we can see : What needed Christ have bid Laodicea to come to him for eye-salve , if she could see before , Revel. 3. 18. Oh! let us beg the Spirit , which is a Spirit of Revelation , Eph. 1. 17. Saving Knowledge is not by speculation , but by inspiration , Iob 32. 8 , The inspiration of the Almighty giveth understanding .

Narrat Cassianus † † Lib. 3. Constit. Mon , Cap. 33. de Theodoro quodam , qui notitia Scripturarum praeclare emicuit , quam ei non tam studium lectionis contulerat , quàm Spiritus Sancti Gratia ; siquidèm vix ipsius Graecae Linguae perpauca verba vel intelligere poterat , vel proloqui , quae Sancti Patris Oratio ( inquit Acosta ) non eò pertinere putanda est , ut studium humanum floccipendamus , sed ut hoc nobis eluoeat , Divini Spiritus dono interdùm fieri , ut homo plura de Sacris Scripturis Saluificè intelligat vel nuda lectione , quam magna vallatus copia commentariorum alioqui assequi possit .

We may have excellent notions in Divinity , but the Holy Ghost must inable us to know them after a spiritual manner : A man may see the Figures upon a Dial , but he cannot tell how the day goes unless the Sun shine . We may read many Truths in the Bible , but we cannot know them savingly till Gods Spirit doth shine upon us , 1 Cor. 2. 10. The Spirit searcheth all things , yea the deep things of God . The Scripture discovers Christ to us , but the Spirit reveals Christ in us , Gal. 1. 16. The Spirit makes known that which all the world cannot do , namely , the sense of Gods love .

Use 3. Vse 3. You who have this saluifical sanctifying knowledge flourishing in you , bless God for it ; this is the Heavenly Anointing : the most excellent objects cannot be seen in the dark , but when the light appears , then every flower shines in its Native beauty . So while men are in the midnight of a natural estate , the Beauty of Holiness is hid from them ; but when the light of the Spirit comes in a saving manner , then those truths they slighted before , appear in that glorious lustre , as transports them with wonder and love .

Bless God , ( ye Saints , ) that he hath taken off your Spiritual Cataract , and hath given you to discern those things , which by Natures Spectacles you could never see . How thankful was Christ to his Father for this ! Mat. 11. 25. I thank thee , O Father , Lord of Heaven and Earth , that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent , and hast revealed them unto babes . How should you admire Free-grace , that God hath not only brought the light to you , but given you eyes to see it ! that he hath inabled you to know the truth as it is in Iesus , Ephes. 4. 21. That he hath opened , not only the eye of your understanding , but the eye of your Conscience : This is a mercy you can never be enough thankful for , that God hath so enlightned you , that you should not sleep the sleep of death .

SECT. II.

2. The godly man is a man acted by Faith ; 2 Character . † † Fides est Sanctissima humani pectoris gemma . as gold is the most precious among the metals , so is Faith among the Graces . Faith cuts us off from the wild Olive of Nature , and inoculates us into Christ : Faith is the vital artery of the Soul , Hab. 2. 4. The just shall live by his Faith . Such as are destitute of Faith , though they breathe , yet they want life ; Faith is the quickner of the Graces ; not a Grace stirs , till Faith sets it awork ; Faith is to the soul , as the animal spirits are to the body , they excite lively operations in the body ; Faith excites Repentance ; it is like the fire to the Still which makes it drop . When I believe Gods love to me this makes me weep that I should sin against so good a God : Faith is the Mother of Hope ; first we believe the Promise , then we hope for it : Faith is the Oyl which feeds the Lamp of Hope ; Faith and Hope are two Turtle-graces , take away one , and the other languisheth . If the sinews be cut , the body is lame ; if this sinew of Faith be cut , Hope is lame ; Faith is the ground of Patience : He who believes God is his God , and all Providences work for his good , doth patiently yield up himself to the Will of God ; thus Faith is a living Principle .

And the life of a Saint is nothing else but a life of Faith ; his prayer is the breathing of Faith , Iam. 5. 15. His obedience is the result of Faith , Rom. 16. 26. A godly man by Faith lives in Christ , as the beam lives in the Sun , Gal. 2. 20. I live , yet not I , but Christ lives in me . A Christian by the power of Faith sees above Reason , * * 2 Cor. 4. 18. trades above the Moon ; by Faith his heart is finely quieted ; † † Psal. 112. 7. he trusts himself , and all his affairs with God : As in a time of War , men get into a Garrison , and trust themselves and their treasure there : So the Name of the Lord is a strong Tower , Pro. 18. 10. and a Believer trusts all that ever he is worth in this Garrison . 2 Tim. 1. 12. I know whom I have believed , and I am perswaded he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him , against that day . God trusted Paul with his Gospel , and Paul trusted God with his Soul .

Faith is a Catholicon , or remedy against all troubles ; it is a godly mans sheat-anchor that he casts out into the Sea of Gods mercy , and is kept from sinking in despair . — Si modo firma fides , nulla ruina nocet .

Use. Let us try our selves by this Character : Alas , how far are they from being godly , that are destitute of Faith ! such as are altogether drowned in Sense . Most men are spiritually purblind , they can see but just before them ; * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 2 Pet. 1. 9. I have read of a people of India who are born with one eye ; such are they who are born with the eye of Reason , but want the eye of Faith ; who because they do not see God with bodily eyes , they do not believe a God ; they may as well not believe they have Souls , because being Spirits they cannot be seen .

O where is he who lives in Excelsis , who is gotten into the upper Region , and sees 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 things not seen , Heb. 11. 27. † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. Did men live by Faith , would they use sinful policy for a livelihood ? Were there Faith , would there be so much fraud ? Did Faith live , would men like dead fish swim down the stream ? In this Age there is scarce so much Faith to be found among men , as there is among the Devils , for they believe and tremble . * * Jam. 2. 19. It was a grave and serious speech of Mr. Greenham , that he feared not Papisme , but Atheisme would be Englands ruine . But I shall not expatiate , having been more large upon this Head in another discourse . † † See the Christians Charter in Quarto , pag. 103.

SECT. III.

3. A godly man is fired with love to God , 3 Character . Psalm 116. 1. Faith and Love are the two Poles on which all Religion turns . A true Saint is carried in that Chariot , the midst whereof is paved with love , Cant. 3. 10. As Faith doth quicken , so love doth sweeten every duty : The Sun mellows the fruit , so love mellows the services of Religion , and makes them come off with a better relish : A godly man is sick of love , Ioh. 21. 16. Lord , thou knowest I love thee . Though dear Saviour I did deny thee , yet it was for want of strength , not for want of love : God is the Fountain and Quintessence of goodness , his beauty and sweetness lay constraints of love upon a gracious heart : God is the Saints portion , Psalm 119. 57. And what more loved then a portion ? I would hate my own Soul ( saith Austin ) if I found it not loving 〈◊〉 A godly man loves God , therefore delight to be in his presence ; he loves God , therefore takes comfort in nothing without him , Cant. 3. 3. Saw ye him whom my Soul loveth ? — Lilia nigra videntur , Pallentesque rosae , nec dulce rubens hyacinthus , Nullos nèc myrtus , nec laurus spirat odores .

The pious Soul loves God , therefore thirsts after him ; the more he hath of God , the more still he desires ; a sip of the Wine of the Spirit , provokes the appetite after more : The Soul loves God , therefore rejoyceth to think of his appearing , 2 Tim. 4. 8. He loves him , therefore longs to be with him : Christ was in Pauls heart , and Paul would be in Christs bosome , Phil. 1. 23. When the Soul is once like God , it would fain be with God : A gracious heart cries out , O that I had wings , that I might flie away , and be with my Love Christ . The Bird desires to be out of the Cage , though it be hung with Pearl .

Such is the love a gracious Soulbears to God , that many waters cannot quench it ; he loves a frowning God . † † Herb. Poem . Though I am out of sign , and clean forgot , Let me not love thee , if I love thee not .

A godly man loves God , though he be reduced to straits : A Mother and her Childe of nine years old , being ready to perish with hunger , the Childe looking upon its Mother said , Mother , do you think God will starve us ? No Childe , said the Mother , he will not : The Childe replied , But if he do , we must love him , and serve him .

Use. Let us try our godliness by this Touch-stone ; Do we love God ? Is he our Treasure and * * Amor ponit amantem extrase ▪ Aquinas . Center ? Can we with David call God our Ioy , yea our exceeding Ioy ? Psal. 43. 4. Do we delight in drawing nigh to him , and come before him with singing ? Psal. 100. 2. Do we love him for his Beauty more than his Iewels ? Do we love him , when he seems not to love us ?

If this be sign of a godly man , how few will be found in the number ? Where is the man whose heart is dilated in love to God ? Many court him , but few love him : * * Plurima fier● 〈◊〉 sunt , quae speciem habent bonam , sed non ex radice amoris proficiscuntur ; habent & spinae flores ; sit intùs dilectio , non potest ex ista radice nisi bonum existere . Aug. in Epist. Ioh. Tom. 9. People are for the most part eaten up with self-love ; they love their ease , their worldly profit , their lusts , but they have not a drop of love to God : Did they love God , would they be so willing to be rid of him ? Iob 21. 14. They say to the Almighty depart from us . Did they love God , would they tear his Name by their Oaths ? Doth he love his Father who shoots him to the heart ? Though they worship God , they do not love him ; they are like the Souldiers that bowed the knee to Christ , and mocked him , Mat. 27. 29. He whose heart is a grave , in which the love of God is buried , deserves to have that Curse written upon his Tomb-stone , 1 Cor. 16. ult. Let him be Anathema Maranatha . A Soul void of Divine Love , is a temper that best suits with damned spirits . But I shall wave this , and pass to the † † See Divine Cordial , page 123. next .

SECT. IV.

4. A godly man is like God , 4 Character . he hath the same judgement with God ; he thinks of things as God doth ; he hath a God-like disposition ; he partakes of the Divine Nature , 2 Pet. 1. 4. A godly man doth bear Gods Name and Image ; godliness is God-likeness . 'T is one thing to profess God , another thing to resemble him .

A godly man is like God in † † Summa religio est , imitari quem colis . Lactant. Holiness : Holiness is the most orient Pearl of the King of Heavens Crown , Exod. 15. 11. Glorious in Holiness . Gods power makes him Mighty , his mercy makes him lovely , but his holiness makes him glorious : The Holiness of God is the intrinsick purity of his Nature , and his abhorrency of sin : A godly man bears some kind of Analogy with God in this : He hath the Holy Oil of Consecration upon him , Psal. 106. 16. Aaron the Saint of the * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Deo consecratus & à rebus immundis sejunctus . River . Lord . Holiness is the Badge and Livery of Christs people , Isa. 63. 18. The people of thy † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Holiness : The godly are as well an Holy as a Royal Priesthood , 1 Pet. 2. 9. Nor have they only a Frontispiece of holiness , like the Egyptian Temples , which were fair without ; but they are like Solomons Temple , which had gold within ; they have written upon their heart Holiness to the Lord : The holiness of the Saints consists in their conformity to Gods Will , which is the rule and patern of all Holiness .

Holiness is a mans glory : Aaron put on garments for glory and beauty , Exod. 28. 2. So when a person is invested with the embroidered garment of Holiness , it is for glory and beauty .

The goodness of a Christian lies in his Holiness , as the goodness of the Air lies in the clearness of it ; the worth of gold in the pureness .

Quest. Wherein do the godly discover their holiness ?

Answ. 1. In hating the garment spotted by the flesh , Iude 3. The godly do set themselves against evil , both in purpose and practise ; they are fearful of that which looks like sin , 1 Thes. 5. 22. The appearance of evil may prejudice a weak Christian : If it doth not defile a mans own Conscience , it may offend his Brothers Conscience ; and to sin against him , is to sin against Christ , 1 Cor. 8. 12. A godly man will not go as far as he may , least he go further than he should ; he will not swallow down all that others ( bribed with preferment ) may plead for : 'T is easie to put a golden colour upon a rotten stuff .

2. The godly discover their holiness in being Advocates for Holiness , Psal. 119. 46. I will speak of thy Testimonies before Kings , and will not be ashamed . When Piety is calumniated in the world , the Saints will stand up in the defence of it ; they will wipe off the dust of a reproach from the face of Religion : Holiness defends the godly , and they will defend Holiness ; it defends them from danger , and they will defend it from disgrace .

Use 1. Use 1. How can those be reputed godly , who are unlike God ? they have nothing of God in them , not one shread of holiness : They call themselves Christians , but blot out the word holiness ; you may as well call it day at midnight .

So impudent are some , that they boast they are none of the holy ones : Is it not the Spirit of Holiness which marks the sheep of Christ from the goats , Eph. 1. 13. Ye were sealed ( or marked ) with the Holy Spirit : And is it a matter for men to boast of , that they have none of the Spirits ear-mark upon them ? Doth not the Apostle say , that without holiness no man shall see the Lord , Heb. 12. 14. Such as bless themselves in their unholiness , had best go ring the Bells for joy that they shall never see God .

Others there are that hate holiness : sin and holiness never meet but they fight : holiness dischargeth its fire of zeal against sin , and sin spits its venom of malice at holiness : Many pretend to love Christ as a Saviour , but hate him as he is the Holy One , Act. 3. 14.

Use 2. Use 2. of Exhort . Let us labour to be like God in holiness .

1. This is Gods great design he drives on in the world ; Motive 't is the end of the Word preached : the silver drops of the Sanctuary are to water the seed of grace , and make a crop of holiness spring up : What use is there of the Promises but to bribe us to holiness ? What are all Gods Providential Dispensations , but to excite holiness ? As the Lord makes use of all the seasons of the year , frost and heat , to bring on the harvest ; so all prosperous and adverse providences , are for the promoting the work of holiness in the soul. What is the end of the mission of the spirit , but to make the heart holy ? When the ayr is unwholesome by reason of foggy vapours , the wind is a fan to winnow and purifie the ayr : so the blowing of Gods Spirit upon the heart , is to purifie it , and make it holy .

2. Holiness is that alone which God is delighted with : Motive * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Aristot. Tamerlain being presented with a pot of gold , asked whether the gold had his Fathers stamp upon it : But when he saw it had the Roman stamp , he rejected it . Holiness is Gods stamp and impress ; if he doth not see this stamp upon us , he will not own us .

3. Holiness fits us for communion with God : Motive communion with God is a paradox to the men of the world ; every one that hangs about the Court , doth not speak with the King : We may approach to God in duties , and as it were hang about the Court of Heaven , yet not have communion with God : That which keeps up the intercourse with God is holiness ; the holy heart enjoys much of Gods presence ; he feels heart-warming and heart-comforting virtue in an Ordinance : Where God sees his Likeness , there he gives his love .

SECT. V.

5. A godly man is very exact and curious about the Worship of God ; 5 Character . the Greek word for * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 godly , signifies a right Worshipper of God : A godly man doth reverence Divine Institutions , and is more for the Purity of Worship than the Pomp : Mixture in sacred things , is like a dash in the wine , which though it gives it a colour , yet doth but adulterate it : The Lord would have Moses make the Tabernacle according to the pattern in the † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Mount , Exod. 25. 40. If Moses had left out any thing in the pattern , or added any thing to it , it would have been very provoking : The Lord hath always given testimonies of his displeasure against such as have corrupted his Worship : Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire , ( other than God had sanctified on the Altar ) and fire went out from the Lord , and devoured them , Levit. 10. 1. Whatsoever is not of Gods own appointment in his Worship , that he looks upon as strange fire ; and no wonder he is so highly incensed at it ; for as if God were not wise enough to appoint the manner how he will be served : Men will go to prescribe him , and as if the rules for his Worship were defective , they will attempt to mend the Copy , and superadd their * * Qui Deum ad humani cerebri id aeam , & ingenii tenuitatem admetiuntur , necesse est , ut in sua arrogantia confusi jaceant . Rivet . inventions .

A godly man dares not vary from the Pattern which God hath shewn him in the Scripture ; and probably this might not be the least reason , why David was called a man after Gods own heart , because he kept the springs of Gods Worship pure , and in matters sacred , did not super induce any thing of his own devising .

Use. By this Character we may try our selves , Vse . whether we are godly : Are we tender about the things of God ? Do we observe that mode of worship , which hath the stamp of Divine Authority upon it ? 'T is of dangerous consequence to make a medley in Religion .

1. Those who will add to one part of Gods Worship , will be as ready to take away from another , Mar. 7. 8. Laying aside the Commandment of God , ye hold the Traditions of men . They who will bring in a Tradition , will in time lay aside a Command ; This the Papists are highly guilty of ; they bring in Altars and Crucifixes , and lay aside the second Commandment : They bring in Oyl and Cream in Baptism , and leave out the Cup in the Lords Supper ; they bring in praying for the dead , and lay aside reading the Scriptures intelligibly to the living : They who will introduce that into Gods Worship which he hath not commanded , will be as ready to blot out that which he hath commanded .

2. Those who are for outward commixtures in Gods Worship , are usually regardless of the Vitals of Religion ; living by Faith , leading a strict mortified life , these things are less minded by * * Si modo exteriorum rituum pompis luxuriare poterint , sperant se Deo glaucoma obduxisse . Rivet . them : Wasps have their Combs , but no honey in them ; the Religion of many may be likened to those ears which run all into straw .

3. Superstition and Prophaness kiss each † † Qui curios simulant , & bacchanalia vivunt other : Hath it not been known that those who have kneeled at a Pillar , have reeled against a Post.

4. Such as are devoted to Superstition , are seldome or never converted , Mat. 21. 31. Publicans and Harlots go into the Kingdome of God before you : It was spoken to the Chief Priests , who were high Formalists ; and the reason why such persons are seldom wrought upon savingly , is , because they have a secret antipathy against the power of godliness : the Snake is of a fine colour , but it hath a sting ; so outwardly men may look zealous and devout , but retain a sting of hatred in their hearts against goodness . Hence it is , that they who have been most hot for superstition , have been most hot for persecution . The Church of Rome wears white linnen , ( an Embleme of Innocency ) but the Spirit of God paints her out in Scarlet , Rev. 17. 4. Whence is this ? not only because she puts on a scarlet Robe , but because her body is of a scarlet die , having imbrued her hands in the bloud of the Saints , Rev. 17. 6.

Let us then , as we would demonstrate our selves godly , keep close to the rule of Worship , and in the things of Iehovah , go no further than we can say , it is written .

SECT. VI.

6 A godly man is a servant of God , 6 Character . and not a servant of men . This Character hath two distinct branches , I shall speak of both in order .

1. A godly man is a servant of God , 1 Bran. Ezra 5. 11. We are the servants of the God of Heaven . Col. 4. 12. Epaphras a servant of Christ .

Quest. In what sense is a godly man a servant of God ?

Answ. In seven respects .

1. A servant leaves all other , and confines himself to one Master : so a godly man ●eaves the service of sin , and betakes himself ●o the service of God , Rom. 6. 22. Sin is a tyrannizing thing ; a sinner is a slave , when he ●ins with most † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 freedome : The wages which sin gives , may deter us from its service , Rom. ● . 23. The wages of sin is death . Here is ●amnable pay ! A godly man Lists himself 〈◊〉 Gods Family , and is one of his menial ser●ants , Psalm 116. 16. O Lord , truly I am thy servant , I am thy servant . David useth an in●emination ; as if he had said , Lord , I have ●aken earnest , none else can lay claim to me ; ●●y ear is bored to thy service .

2. A servant is not sui juris , at his own ●ispose , but at the dispose of his Master : A servant must not do what he please , but ●e at the will of his Lord . Thus a godly ●an is Gods servant , he is wholly at Gods ●ispose , he hath no will of his own . Thy will 〈◊〉 done on earth . Some will say to the godly , why cannot you do as others ? Why will not you drink , and swear , and prophane the Sabbath as others do ? The godly are Gods servants , they must not do what they will , but be under the rules of the Family ; they must do nothing but what they can show their Masters hand for .

3. A servant is bound , there are Covenants and Indentures sealed between him and his Master . Thus there are Indentures drawn in Baptisme ; and in Conversion , the Indentures are renewed and sealed ; we do there bind our selves to God to be his sworn servants , Psal. 119. 106. I have sworn , and I will perform it , that I will keep thy righteous Iudgements . A godly man hath tyed himself to the Lord by * * Psalm 56. 12. Vow , and he makes conscience of his vow ; he had rather die by Persecution , than live by Perjury .

4. A servant doth not only wear his Masters Livery , but do his work : Thus a godly man works for God ; S. Paul did spend , and was spent for Christ , 2 Cor. 12. 15. He outwrought all the other Apostles , 1 Cor. 15. 10. A godly man is active for God to his last breath , Psalm 119. 112. only , The dead rest from their labours .

5. A servant follows his Master ; thus a godly man is a servant of God , while others wonder after the * * Revel. 13. 3. beast , he follows after the † † Revel. 14. 4. Lamb. He will tread in the steps of Christ : If a Master leap over hedge and ditch , the servant will follow him : A godly man will follow Christ through afflictions , Luk. 9. 23. If any man will come after me , let him take up his Cross daily , and follow me . Peter would follow Christ upon the water : A godly man will follow Christ though it be death every step ; he will keep his goodness , when others are bad ; as all the water in the salt Sea cannot make the Fish salt , but still they retain their freshness ; so all the wickedness in the world cannot make a godly man wicked , but still he retains his piety ; he will follow Christ in the worst times .

6. A servant is satisfied with his Masters allowance ; he doth not say , I will have such provisions made ready , if he hath short commons he doth not find fault ; he knows he is a servant , and is at his Masters carving : In this sense a godly man is Gods servant ; he is willing to be at Gods allowance ; if he hath but some leavings he doth not grumble . Paul knew he was a servant , therefore whether more or less fell to his share , he was indifferent , Phil. 4. When Christians murmure at their condition , they forget that they are servants , and must be at the allowance of their Heavenly Master : Thou that hast the least bit from God , wilt die in his debt .

7. A servant will stand up for the honor of his Master ; he cannot hear his Master reproached , but will vindicate his credit . Thus every godly man will stand up for the honor of his Master Christ , Psal. 119. 139. My zeal hath consumed me . A servant of God appears for his truths : They who can hear Gods Name reproached , and his ways spoken against , yet be silent , God will be ashamed of such servants , and discard them before men and Angels .

Use. Vse . Let us declare our selves godly , by being servants of the most high God .

Consider 1. Motive God is the best * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Euripides . Master , he is punctual in all his promises , 1 Kin. 8. 23. There is no God like thee in Heaven above , or on earth beneath , who keepest Covenant with thy servants . Ver. 56. There hath not failed one word of all his good promise . God is of a most sweet gracious disposition ; he hath this property , he is slow to † † Psal. 103 9. anger , and ready to * * Psal. 86. 5. forgive : In our wants he doth relieve us , in our weakness he doth pitty us ; he reveals his secrets to his † † Pro. 3. 32. servants , Psal. 25. 14. He wait on his servants : Was there ever such a Master ? Luke 12. 37. Blessed are those servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching ; verily I say unto you , that he shall gird himself , and make them sit down to meat , and will come forth and serve them . When we are sick he makes our bed , Psal. 41. 3. Thou wilt make all their bed in their sickness . He holds our head when we are fainting : Other Masters may forget their servants , and cast them off when they are old , but God will not , Isa. 44. 21. Thou art my servant , O Israel , thou shalt not be forgotten of me . 'T is a slander to say , God is an hard Master .

2. Gods service is the best service : Motive There are six priviledges in Gods service .

1. Freedome . Though the Saints are bound to Gods service , yet they serve him freely : Gods Spirit , which is called a free * * Psa. 51. 12. spirit , makes them free and chearful in obedience : The Spirit carries them upon the wings of delight ; it makes duty a priviledge ; it doth not force , but draw ; it inlargeth the heart in love , and fills it with joy ; Gods service is perfect freedome .

2. Honour . David the King professeth himself one of Gods Pensioners , Psal. 143. 12. I am thy † † Servire est regnare . servant . St. Paul , when he would blaze his Coat of Arms , and set forth his best Heraldry , he doth not call himself Paul , ●n Hebrew of the Hebrews , or Paul of the Tribe of Benjamin , but Paul a servant of Christ , Rom. 1. 1. Theodosius thought it a greater dignity to be Gods servant , than to be an * * Nihil regio splendore indignum , si ad hanc ingenuam 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 invitentur . Rivet . Emperour . Christ himself , who is equal with his Father , yet is not ashamed of the Title Servant , Isa. 53. 11. Every servant of God is a Son , every subject a Prince : 'T is more honor to serve God , than to have Kings serve us : The Angels in Heaven are servitors to the Saints on † † Non est onerans sed ornans Dei servitus . earth .

3. Safety . God takes care of his servants ; he gives them a protection , Isa. 41. 9 , 10. Thou art my servant , fear not , I am with thee . God hides his servants , Psa. 27. 5. In the secret of his Tabernacle * * In abdito tento rii● sui . shall be hide me ; that is , he shall keep me safe , as in the most holy place of the Sanctuary , where none but the Priests might enter . Christs † † Mal 4. 2. Wings are both for healing , and for hiding ; for curing , and securing us : The Devil and his Instruments would soon devoure the servants of God , if he did not set an invisible guard about them , and cover them with the golden feathers of his * * Psal. 91. 4. Protection , Acts 18. 10. I am with thee , and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee . Gods watchful eye is ever upon his people , and the Enemies shall not do the mischief they intend , they shall not be destroyers , but Physitians .

4. Gain . Atheists say , It is vain to serve God ; and what profit is it that we have kept his Ordinances ? Mal. 3. 14. besides the vails which God gives in this life ( sweet peace of Conscience ) he reserves his best Wine till last ; he gives a glorious Kingdome to his * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Origen Cont. Cels. servants , Heb. 12. 28. The servants of God may for a while be kept under , and a bused , but they shall have preferment at last , Iohn 12. 26. Where I am , there shall my servants be .

5. Assistance . Other Masters cut out work for their servants , but do not help them in their work ; but our Master in heaven doth not only give us work , but strength , Psalm 138. 3. Thou strengthenedst me with strength in my Soul . God bids us serve him , and he will inable us to serve him , Ezek. 36. 27. I will cause you to walk in my Statutes . The Lord doth not only fit work for us , but fit us for our work ; with his Command he gives † † Da Domine quod jubes , & ju●e quod vis . Austin . power .

6. Supplies . A Master will not let his servants want ; Gods servants shall be provided for , Psal. 37. 3. Verily thou shalt be fed . Doth God give us a Christ , and will he deny us a crust ? Gen. 48. 15. The God who hath fed me all my daies : If God doth not give us what we crave , he will give us what we need : the wicked are fed , who are dogs , Phil. 3. 2. If a man feeds his dog , sure he will feed his servant : Oh then who would not be in love with Gods service .

3. We are ingaged to serve God ; Motive we are pretio empti , bought with a price , 1 Cor. 6. 20. 'T is a Metaphor taken from such as do ransom Captives out of prison , by paying a sum of money for them , they are to be at the service of them that ransomed them : So when the Devil had taken us prisoners , Christ ransomed us with a price , not of money , but bloud ; therefore we are to be only at his service : If any can lay a better claim to us than Christ , we may serve them ; but Christ having the best right to us , we are to cleave to him , and enroll our selves for ever in his service .

2. I pass to the second Branch of this Character : 2 Bran. A godly man is not the servant of men , 1 Cor. 7. 23. Be ye not the servants of men .

Quest. But is there no service we owe to men ?

Answ. There is a three-fold serving of men .

1. There is a Civil service we owe to men ; as the inferiour to the superiour ▪ The servant is a Living Tool , as Aristotle * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . saith , Eph. 6. 5. Servants obey your Masters .

2. There is a Religious service●we owe to men , when we are serviceable to their souls , 2 Cor. 4. 5. Your servants for Iesus sake .

3. There is a sinfull serving of men ; this consists in three things .

1. When we prefer mens Injunctions before Gods Institutions ; God commands one thing , man commands another ; God saith , sanctifie the Sabbath ; man saith , prophane it : When mens Edicts have more force upon us than Gods Precepts , this is to be the servants of men .

2. When we do voluntarily prostitute our selves to the impure lusts of men ; † † Ne adulentur , & impiis aeliorum cupiditatibus se addicant , vetat Apostolus . Calv. in 1 Cor. cap. 7. we let them 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 lord it over our Consciences : when we are ductill and frameable to any thing , either Arminian or Atheist , either for the Gospel or the Alchoran , when we will be what others will have us ; just of Issachars temper , Gen. 49. 14. Issachar is a strong Ass , couching down between two burdens . This is not humility , but sordidness , and it is a serving of men .

3. When we are Advocates in a bad Cause , pleading for any impious , unjustifiable actings ; when we baptize sin with the Name of Religion , and with our Oratory wash the Devils face ; this is to be the servants of men ; in these cases a godly person will not so unman himself , as to serve men ; he saith as Paul , Gal. 1. 10. If I pleased men , I should not be the servant of Christ : And as Peter , Act. 5. 23. We ought to obey God rather than men .

Use. Vse . How many leagues distant are they from godliness , who do 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , who either for fear of punishment , or hope of preferment , comply with the sinful commands of men , who will put their Conscience into any yoak , and sail with any wind that blows profit : These are the servants of men ; they have abjured their Baptismal Vow , and renounced the Lord that bought them .

He who is such a * * Omnium scenarum homo . Erasm . Proteus , who can change into any form , and bow as low as hell to please men , I would say two things to him .

1. Thou that hast learned all thy postures , who canst cringe , and tack about , how wilt thou look Christ in the face another day ? When thou shalt say upon thy death bed , Lord look upon thy servant , Christ shall disclaim thee , and say , 〈◊〉 servant ? No , thou didst renounce my service , thou wert a servant of men , depart from me , I know you not . What a cooling card will this be at that day ?

2. What doth a man get by sinfully inslaving himself ? he gets a blot in his name , a curse in his estate , an hell in his Conscience , nay , even those that he basely stoops to , will scorn and despise him . How did the High-Priests kick off Iudas , Mat. 27. 4. Look thou to that .

That we may not be the servants of men , let us abandon * * Esther 8. 17. fear , and advance faith : Faith is a world-conquering grace , 1 Ioh. 5. 4. It overcomes the worlds musick and fornace ; it steels a Christian with Divine courage , and makes him stand immoveable , as a Rock in the midst of the Sea .

SECT. VII .

7. A godly man is a Christ-prizer . 7 Character . To illustrate this , I shall show ;

1. That Jesus Christ is in himself precious .

2. That a godly man esteems him precious .

1. That Jesus Christ is in himself precious , 1 Pet. 2. 6. Behold I lay in Sion a chief corner-stone , elect , precious . Christ is compared to things most ●recious .

1. To a bundle of myrrhe , Cant. 1. 13. Myrrhe is very † † Plin. precious , it was one of the chief spices , whereof the holy anointing Oyl was made , Exod 30. 25.

1. Myrrhe is of a perfuming Nature ; so Christ perfumes our persons and services , that they are a sweet odour to God : whence is it the Church , that heavenly Bride , is so perfumed with * * Cant. 3. 6. grace , but because Christ , that Myrrhe-tree , hath dropped upon her .

2. Myrrhe is of an exhilarating nature ; the smell of it doth comfort and refresh the spirits : So Christ doth comfort the souls of his people , when they are fainting under their sins and sufferings .

2. Christ is compared to a Pearl , Mat. 13. 46. When he had found one Pearl of great price . Christ , this Pearl was little in regard of his humility , but of infinite value . Jesus Christ is a Pearl that God wears in his † † John 1. 18. bosome ; a Pearl , whose lustre drowns the worlds * * Gal. 6. 1● . glory ; a Pearl that enricheth the soul , the Angelical part of † † 1. Cor. 1. 5. man ; a Pearl that enlightens * * Rev. 21. 23. heaven ; a pearl so precious , that it makes us precious to † † Eph. 1. 6. God ; a Pearl that is cordial and * * Luke 2. 25. restorative ; a Pearl more worth than † † Col. 1. 16 , 17. heaven . The preciousness of Christ is seen three wayes .

1. He is precious in his ●erson ; he is the picture of his Fathers glory , * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Origen . Cont Cels. Heb. 1. 3.

2. Christ is precious in his Offices ; which are several Rays of the Sun of Righteousness .

1. Christs Prophetical Office is precious , Deut. 18. 15. He is the great Oracle of Heaven ; he hath a preciousness above all the Prophets which went before him ; he teacheth not only the ear , but the heart : He who hath the Key of David in his hand , opened the heart of Lydia , Act. 16. 14.

2. Christs Priestly Office is precious : This is the solid basis of our comfort , Heb. 9. 26. Now once hath he appeared to put away sin , by the sacrifice of * * Hic est in cujus typo immolabatur agnus , qui non solum suo sanguine nos redemit , sed & lanis over●it . Hierom. himself . By virtue of this Sacrifice , the soul may go to God with boldness ; Lord give me heaven , Christ hath purchased it for me ; he hung upon the Cross , that I might sit upon the † † Per has ●●mas later●● Christi licet 〈◊〉 sugere me● de Petra . ●ern . Throne . Christs Bloud and Incense , are the two hinges on which our Salvation turns .

3. Christs Regal Office is precious , Rev. 19. 16. He hath on his Vesture , and on his Thigh , a name written , King of Kings , and Lord of Lords . Christ hath a preheminence above all other Kings for Majesty ; he hath the highest Throne , the richest Crown , the largest Dominions , and the longest possession , Heb. 1. 8. Thy Throne , O God , is for ever and ever . Though Christ hath many Assessors , Ephes. 2. 6. yet no Successors . Christ sets up his Scepter where no other King doth ; he rules the will and affections ; his power binds the Conscience : The Angels take the oath of Allegiance to him , Heb. 1. 6. Christs Kingship is seen in two Royal Acts.

1. In ruling his people .

2. In over-ruling his Enemies .

1. In ruling his people . He rules with Clemency ; his Regal Rod hath honey at the end of it : Christ displays the Ensign of Mercy , which makes so many Volunteers run to his Standard , Psal. 110. 3. Holiness without Mercy , and Justice without Mercy , were dreadful ; but Mercy encourageth poor sinners to trust in him .

2. In over-ruling his Enemies . He pulls down their pride , befools their policy , restrains their malice , Psalm 76. 10. The remainder of wrath thou shalt restrain : Or as it is in the Hebrew , Accinges . Arias Mont. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 thou shalt girdle up . That stone cut out of the Moutains without hands , which smote the Image , Dan. 2. 34. was an Embleme ( saith Austin ) of Christs Monarchical power , conquering and triumphing over his Enemies .

3. Christ is precious in his benefits ; by Christ all dangers are removed , through Christ all mercies are conveyed ; in his bloud flows Justification , Act. 3. 9. Purgation , Heb. 9. 14. Fructification , Ioh. 1. 16. Pacification , Rom. 5. 1. Adoption , Gal. 4. 5. Perseverance , Heb. 12. 2. Glorification , Heb. 9. 12. This will be matter of sublimest joy to Eternity . We read , that those who had passed over the Sea of Glass , stood with their Harps , and did sing the Song of Moses and the Lamb , Revel. 15. 2. So when the Saints of God have passed over the glassie Sea of this world , they shall sing Hallelujahs to the Lamb , who hath redeemed them from sin and hell , and hath translated them into that glorious Paradise , where they shall see God for ever and ever .

2. The second thing to be illustrated is , that every godly man doth set an high value and estimate upon Christ , 1 Pet. 2. 7. Unto you therefore who believe , he is precious : In the Greek it is , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 an honour : Believers have an honourable esteem of Christ ; the Psalmist speaks like one captivated with Christs amazing beauty , Psalm 73. 25. There is none upon earth that I desire besides thee . He did not say he had nothing ; he had many comforts on earth , but he desired none but God ; as if a wife should say , there 's no ones company she prizeth like her husbands : How did David prize Christ , Psa. 45. 2. Thou art fairer than the children of men : The Spouse in the Canticles looked upon Christ as the Coriphoeus , the most incomparable one , Cant. 5. 10. The chief among ten * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . thousand . Christ out-vies all others , Cant. 2. 3. As the appletree among the trees of the wood , so is my beloved among the sons . Christ doth infinitely more excel all the beauties and glories of this visible world , than the appletree doth surpass the trees of the wild Forrest : So did Paul prize Christ , that he made him his chief study , 1 Cor. 2. 2. I determined to know nothing among you save Iesus Christ ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; I judged not any thing else of worth : St. Paul did best know Christ , 1 Cor. 9. 1. Have I not seen Iesus our Lord ? He saw him with his bodily eyes in a Vision , when he was wrap'd up into the third heaven , 2 Cor. 12. 2. and he saw him with the eye of his faith , in the blessed Supper , therefore he did best know him ; and behold , how he did slight , and vili-prize other things , in comparison of Christ , Phil. 3. 8. I count all things but loss , for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Iesus my Lord . Gain he esteemed loss , and gold dung for Christ . Indeed , a godly person cannot chuse but set an high valuation upon Christ , he sees a fulness of worth in him .

1. A fulness in regard of variety , Col. 2. 3. In whom are hid all † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Theophilact . treasures . No Country hath all commodities of its own growth ; but Christ hath all kind of fulness ; fulness of Merit , of Spirit , of Love ; he hath a treasure adequate to all our wants .

2. A fulness in regard of degree : Christ hath not only a few drops , or rays , but is more full of goodness than the Sun is of light ; he hath the fulness of the Godhead , Col. 2. 9.

3. A fulness in regard of duration : The fulness in the creature , like the brooks of Arabia , is soon dried up ; but Christs fulness is * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . inexhaustible , 't is a fulness over-flowing and ever-flowing .

And this fulness is for † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Believers : Christ is Communis Thesaurus ( as Luther saith ) a common Treasury or Magazine for the Saints , Ioh. 1. 16. Of his fulness have we all received ; Set a glass under a Still , and it receives water out of the Still drop by drop : So those who are united to Christ , have the dews and drops of his grace distilling upon * * Communio fundatur in unione . them : Well then , may Christ be admired of all them that believe .

Use 1. Vse 1. Is a godly man an high prizer of Christ , then what is to be thought of them who do not put a value upon Christ , are they godly or no ? There are four sorts of persons who do not prize Christ .

1. The Iews . They believe not in Christ , 2 Cor. 3. 15. Unto this day the vail is upon their heart : They expect their saeculum futurum , a Messiah yet to come , as their own Talmud reports : they blaspheme Christ , they slight righteousness imputed : They despise the Virgin Mary , calling her in derision Marah , which signifieth bitterness : They vilifie the * * Evangelium vocant avengelaion . Gospel ; they deny the Christian Sabbath ; they have the Christians in abomination ; they hold it not lawful for a Jew to take physick of a Christian. Schecardus relates of one Bendema a Jew , that being stung with a Serpent , a Christian came to heal him , but he refused his help , and chose rather to die , than to be healed by a Christian : So do the Iews hate Christ , and all that wear his Livery .

2. The Socinians , who acknowledge only Christs Humanity : this is to make him below the Angels ; for the Humane Nature simply considered , is inferiour to the Angelical , Psa. 8. 5.

3. Proud Professors ; who do not lay the whole stress of their Salvation upon Christ , but would mingle their dross with his gold , their duties with his Merits ; this is to steal a Jewel from Christs Crown , and implicitly to deny him to be a perfect Saviour .

4. Airy Speculatists ; who prefer the study of the Arts and Sciences before Christ ; not but that the knowledge of these is commendable : Moses was skill'd in all the knowledge of the Egyptians , Acts 7. 22. Humane Learning is of good use to prepare for the study of better things ; as a courser dye prepares the cloath for a richer and a deeper dye : but the fault is , when the study of Christ is neglected : The knowledge of Christ ought to have the preheminence : It was not sure without a Mystery , that God suffered all Solomons writings about birds and plants to be lost ; but what he wrote about spiritual wisdome , hath been miraculously preserved ; as if God would teach us , that to know Christ ( the true * * Pro. ● . 12. Wisdom ) is the Crowning Knowledg : One leaf of this Tree of Life , will give us more comfort on a death-bed , than the whole Idea and plat-form of Humane Science : What is it to know all the motions of the Orbs ; and influences of the Stars , and in the mean time to be ignorant of Christ , the bright Morning Star ? Rev. 22. 16. What is it to understand the nature of Minerals , or precious stones , and not to know Christ the true Corner-stone ? Isa. 28. 16. 'T is an undervaluing , yea despising of Christ , when with the load-stone we draw iron , and straw to us , but neglect him who hath tryed gold to bestow upon us , Rev. 3. 18.

Use 2. Vse 2. of Tryal . Is it the sign of a godly person to be a Christ-prizer ? then let us try our godliness by this : Do we set an high estimation upon Christ ?

Quest. How shall we know that ?

Answ. 1. If we are prizers of Christ , then we prefer him in our judgements before other things : We value Christ above honor and riches ; the Pearl of Price lies neerest our heart : He who prizeth Christ , esteems the gleanings of Christ better than the worlds Vintage : He counts the worst things of Christ better than the best things of the world , Heb. 11. 26. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches , than the treasures in Egypt . And is it thus with us ? Is the price of worldly things fallen ? Gregory Nazianzene did solemnly bless God , that he had any thing to lose for Christs * * Naz. sake But alas , how few Nazianzenes are to be found : You shall hear some say , they have honourable thoughts of Christ , but they prize their Land and Estate above him . The young man in the Gospel preferred his bags of gold before Christ : Iudas valued thirty pieces of silver above him : May it not be feared , if an hour of tryal come , there are many would rather renounce their Baptisme , and throw off Christs Livery , than hazard the loss of their earthly possessions for him .

2. If we are prizers of Christ , we cannot live without him ; things which we value , we know not how to be without : A man may live without musick , but not without food . A Childe of God can want health and friends , but he cannot want Christ : In the absence of Christ he saith as Iob , I went mourning without the Sun , Iob 30. 28. I have the star-light of creature-comforts , but I want the Sun of Righteousness . Give me Children ( said Rachel ) or I die , Gen. 30. 1. So saith the Soul , Lord give me Christ , or I die ; one drop of the Water of Life to quench my thirst : Let us try by this , do they prize Christ , who can make a shift well enough to be without him ? Give a childe a rattle , and it will not mind gold : If men have but worldly accommodations , corn and wine , they can be well enough content without Christ : Christ is a Spiritual Rock , 1 Cor. 10. 4. Let men have but oyl in the cruse , they care not for honey out of this Rock : If their Trading be gone , they complain , but if God takes away the Gospel , which is the Ark wherein Christ the Manna is hid , they are quiet and tame enough : Do these prize Christ , who can sit down content without him ?

3. If we are prizers of Christ , then we shall not grutch at any pains to get † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Plut. him . He who prizeth gold , will dig for it in the Mine , Psa. 63. 8. My Soul followeth hard after God . Plutarch reports of the Gauls , an antient people in France , after they had tasted the sweet wine of the Italian Grape , they enquired after the country , and never rested till they had arrived at it . He in whose eye Christ is precious , never rests till he hath gotten Christ , Cant. 3. 1 , 2 , 4. I sought him whom my soul loveth , I held him , and would no● let him go .

Try by this ! Many say they have Christ in high Veneration , but they are not industrious in the use of means to obtain him . If Christ would drop as a ripe fig into their mouth , they could be content to have him , but they will not put themselves to too much trouble to get him : Doth he prize his health , who will not put himself upon physick or exercise ?

4. If we are prizers of Christ , then we take much complacency in Christ : What joy doth a man take in that which he counts his treasure ? He who prizeth Christ , makes him the Head of his joy : He can delight in Christ , when other delights are gone , Hab. 3. 17. Though the fig-tree doth not flourish , yet I will rejoyce in the Lord . Though a flower in a mans garden die , yet he can delight in his money and Jewels : He who esteems Christ , can solace himself in Christ , when there is an Autumn upon all other comforts .

5. If we are prizers of Christ , then we will part with our dearest lusts for him . Paul saith of the Galathians , they did so esteem him , that they were ready to have pulled out their own eyes , and have given him , Gal. 4 , 15. He who esteems Christ , will pull out that lust , which is his right eye . A wise man will throw away a poyson for a cordial : He who sets an high value upon Christ , will part with his pride , unjust gain , sinful † † Isaiah 30. 22. fashions : He will set his feet upon the neck of his sins .

Try by this ! How can they be said to prize Christ , who will not leave a vanity for him ? Not a spot in the face , not an oath , not an intemperate cup : What a scorn and contempt do they put upon the Lord Jesus , who prefer a damning lust , before a saving Christ .

6. If we are prizers of Christ , we shall think we cannot have him at too dear a rate . We may buy gold too dear , but we cannot purchase Christ too dear : Though we part with our bloud for him , it is no dear bargain : The Apostles rejoyced that they were graced so much , as to be disgraced for Christ , Act. 5. 41. They esteemed their fetters more precious than bracelets of gold : Let not him say he prizeth Christ , who refuseth to bear his Cross , Mat. 13. 21. When persecution ariseth because of the Word , by and by he is offended .

7. If we are prizers of Christ , we will be willing to help others to a part in him ; that which we esteem excellent , we are desirous our friend should have a share in : If a man hath found a Spring of water , he will call others that they may drink , and satisfie their thirst . Do we commend Christ to others ? Do we take them by the hand , and lead them to Christ ? This shows how few prize Christ , because they strive no more that their Relations should have a part in him : They get land and riches for their posterity , but have no care to leave them the Pearl of Price for their portion .

8. If we are prizers of Christ , then we prize him in health as well as in sickness ; when we are inlarged , as well as when we are straitned : A friend is prized at all times ▪ the Rose of Sharon is always sweet : He who values his Saviour aright , hath as precious thoughts of him in a day of prosperity , as in a day of adversity : The wicked make use of Christ , only when they are in straits ; as the Elders of Gilead went to Ieptha when they were in distress , Iudg. 11. 7. Themistocies complained of the Athenians , that they ran to him but as to a Tree , to shelter them in a storm : Sinners desire Christ only for a shelter : The Hebrews never chose their Judges , but when they were in some imminent * * Godw. Iew. Antiq. dangers : Godless persons never look after Christ , but at death , when they are in danger of hell .

Use 3. As we would evidence to the world that we have the impress of godliness on us , Use 3. of Exhort . let us be prizers of Jesus Christ ; he is Elect , Precious ; Christ is the wonder of beauty : Pliny saith of the Mulberry Tree , there is nothing in it , but what is medicinable and useful , the fruit , leaves , bark : So there is nothing in Christ , but what is precious ; his Name is precious , his Virtues precious , his bloud precious . — Et precium mundi sanguiser at Domini —

Oh then let us have endearing thoughts of Christ ; let him be accounted our chief treasure and delight : This is the reason why millions perish , because they do not prize Christ : Christ is the door by which men are to enter into heaven , Iohn 10. 9. If they do not know this door , or are so proud that they will not stoop to go in at i● , how can they be saved ? That we may have Christ-admiring thoughts : Let us consider ,

1. We cannot prize Christ at too high a rate ; we may prize other things above their worth ; that is our sin , we commonly over-rate the creature ; we think there is more in it than there is ; therefore God withers our gourd , because we over-prize it : But we cannot raise our esteem high enough of Christ , he is beyond all value : There is no Ruby or Diamond but the Jeweller can set a just price upon it , he can say it is worth so much , and no more ; but Christs worth can never be fully known : No Seraphim can set a due value on him ; his are unsearchable riches , Eph. 3. 8. Christ is more precious than the Soul , than the Angels , than † † Si tanti vitreum ? quanti verum Margaritum ? Tertull. Heaven .

2. Jesus Christ hath highly prized us ; he took our flesh upon him , Heb. 2. 16. He made his Soul an offering for us , Isa. 53. 10 : How precious was our Salvation to Christ ? Shall not we prize and adore him , who hath put such a value upon us ?

3. Not to prize Christ is high imprudence ; Christ is our Guide to Glory ; 't is folly for a man to slight his Guide ; he is our Physitian , Mal. 4. 2. 'T is folly to despise our Physitian .

What , to set light by Christ for things of no value ? Mat. 23. 17. Ye fools and blind . How is a fool tryed , but by showing him an Apple , and a piece of Gold , if he chuse the Apple before the Gold , he is judged to be a fool , and his Estate is begged : How many such Ideots are there , who prefer Husks before Manna , the gaudy empty things of this life , before the Prince of Glory , Will not Satan beg them at last for fools ?

4. Such as slight Christ now , and say , There is no beauty in him that he should be * * Isa 53. 2. desired : There is a day shortly coming , when Christ will as much slight them ; he will set as light by them , as they do by him ; he will say , I know you not , Luk. 13. 27. What a slighting word will that be , when men shall cry , Lord Jesus save us , and he shall say , I was offered to you , but you would none of † † ●sa. 81. 11. me ; you scorned me , and now I will set light by you , and your Salvation ; Depart from me , I know you not . This is all that sinners get by rejecting the Lord of Life : Christ will slight them at the day of Judgement , who have s●ighted him in the day of Grace .

SECT. VIII .

8. A godly man is an Evangelical weeper . 8 Character . David did sometimes sing with his Harp , and sometimes the Organ of his eye did weep , Psal. 6. 6. I water my couch with tears . Christ calls his Spouse his Dove , Cant. 2. 14. The Dove is a weeping creature : Grace dissolves and liquifies and Soul , causing a spiritual thaw : The sorrow of the heart runs out at the eye , Psa. 31. 9.

The Rabbins report , that the same night Israel departed out of Egypt towards Canaan , all the Idols of Egypt were broken down by Lightning and Earthquake : So at that very time men go forth out of their natural condition towards heaven , all the Idols of sin in the heart must be broken down by Repentance : A melting heart is the chief branch of the Covenant of Grace , Ezek. 36. 26. and the product of the Spirit , Zac. 12. 10. I will powre upon the House of David the Spirit of Grace , and they shall look on me whom they have pierced , and they shall mourn for him .

Quest. But why is a godly man a weeper ? Is not sin pardoned , which is the ground of Ioy ? Hath ot he had a transforming work upon his heart , why then doth he weep ?

Answ. A godly man finds matter enough of weeping .

1. He weeps for the in-being of sin , the Law in his members , Rom. 7. 23. The ebullitions , and first risings of * * Motus primo primi . Aquin. sin ; his Nature is a poysoned Fountain : A regenerate person grieves that he carries that about him which is enmity to God ; his heart is like the wide Sea , wherein there are creeping things † † Psa. 104. 25. innumerable ; vain sinful thoughts : A Childe of God laments hidden wickedness ; he hath more evil in him than he knows * * Plangendae tenebrae Aug. of : There are those Meanders in his heart which he cannot trace ; a terra incognita , an unknown world of sin , Psalm 19. 12. Who can understand his errors ?

2. A godly man weeps for the adherency of Corruption ; if he could get rid of sin , there were some comfort , but he cannot shake off this † † Fomes iste & stirps ●eccati , etiam in renatorum 〈◊〉 medullis tenacissimè i●h●ret . Viper . Sin cleaves to him as the Leprosie to the wall , Lev. 14. 39. Though a Childe of God forsakes his sin , yet sin will not forsake him , Dan. 7. 12. Concerning the rest of the beasts , they had their Dominion taken away , yet their lives were prolonged for a season . So though the Dominion of sin is taken away , yet the life of it is prolonged for a season ; and while sin lives it molests : The Persians were daily Enemies to the R●mans , and would be invading upon their frontiers ▪ So sin wars against the Soul , 1 Pet. 2. 11. And no cessation of arms till death ; will not this cause tears ?

3. A Childe of God weeps that he is sometimes overcome by the prevalency of Corruption , Rom. 7. 19. The evil I would not , that do I. Paul was like a man carried down the stream : How oft is a Saint overpowred with pride and passion ! When David had sinned , he steeped his Soul in the brinish tears of Repentance : It cannot but grieve a regenerate person to think he should be so foolish , as after he hath felt the smart of sin , yet to put this fire in his bosom again .

4. A godly heart grieves that he can be no more holy ; it troubles him that he shoots so short of the Rule and Standard which God hath set : I should , faith he , love the Lord with all my heart : But how defective is my love ? how far short do I come of what I should be , nay , of what I might have been : What can I see in my life , but either blanks or blots ?

5. A godly man weeps sometimes , out of the sense of Gods love : Gold is the finest and most solid of all the metals , yet is soonest melted with the fire : Gracious hearts , which are golden hearts , are the soonest melted into tears by the fire of Gods love . I once knew an holy man , who walking in his garden , and shedding plenty of tears , a friend coming to him accidentally , asked him , why he wept ? He brake forth into this pathetical expression , O the love of Christ , the love of Christ , Thus have we seen the Cloud melted into water by the Sun-beams .

6. A godly person weeps , because the sins he commits are in some sense worse than the sins of other men ; the sin of a justified person is very odious .

1. Because he acts contrary to his own principles ; he doth not only sin against the Rule , but against his Principles , against his knowledge , vows , prayers , hopes , experiences : He knows how dear sin will cost him , yet he adventures upon the forbidden fruit .

2. The sin of a Justified person is odious , because it is a sin of unkindness , 2 King . 11. 9. Peters denying of Christ was a sin against love ; Christ had enrolled him among the Apostles , he had taken him up into the Mount of Transfiguration , and showed him the glory of Heaven in a Vision ; yet after all this signal Mercy , that he should deny Christ , it was high ingratitude . This made him go out and weep bitterly , Mat. 26. 75. He baptized himself , as it were , in his own * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. de poen , tears : The sins of the godly go neerest to Gods Heart : Others sins anger God , these grieve him : The sins of the wicked pierce Christ sides , the sins of the godly wound his heart ; the unkindness of a Spouse goes neerest the heart of her Husband .

3. The sin of a Justified person is odious , because it reflects more dishonor upon God , 2 Sam. 12. 14. By this deed , thou hast given occasion to the Enemies of the Lord to blaspheme . The sins of Gods people put black spots in the face of Religion . Thus we see what cause there is , why a Childe of God should weep even after Conversion . — Quis talia fando , temperet à lachrymis ?

Now this sorrow of a godly man for sin , is not a despairing sorrow ; he doth not mourn without hope . Psal. 65. 3. Iniquities prevail against me : There is the Holy Soul weeping ; as for our transgressions thou shalt purge them away : There is Faith triumphing .

Divine sorrow is excellent : There is as much difference between the sorrow of a godly man and a wicked , as between the water of a Spring which is clear and sweet , and the water of the Sea which is salt and brackish . A godly mans sorrow hath these three qualifications ,

1. It is internal ; it is a sorrow of Soul ; hypocrites disfigure their faces , Mat. 6. 16. godly sorrow goes deep , it is a pricking at the heart , Acts 2. 37. True sorrow is a spiritual Martyrdome therefore called Soul-affliction , Lev. 23. 29.

2. Godly sorrow is ingenuous ; it is more for the evil that is in sin , than the evil which follows after ; it is more for the spot than the sting : Hypocrites weep for sin only as it brings affliction . I have read of a Fountain that never sends out streams , but the Evening before a Famine : Hypocrites never send forth the streams of their tears , but when Gods Judgements are approaching .

3. Godly sorrow is influential ; it makes the heart better , Eccles. 7. 3. By the sadness of the countenance , the heart is made better . Divine tears do not only wet , but wash , they purge out the love of sin .

Use 1. Use 1. How far are they from being godly ; who scarce ever shed a tear for sin : If they lose a neer Relation , they weep , but though they are in danger of losing God and their Souls , they weep not . How few know what it is to be in an Agony for sin , or what a broken heart means ; their eyes are not like the Fish-pools of Heshbon , full of water , Cant. 7. 4. but rather like the Mountains of Gilboa , which had no dew upon them , 2 Sam. 1. 21. It was a greater plague for Pharaoh to have his heart turned into stone , than to have his Rivers turned into bloud .

Others , if they do sometimes shed a tear , yet they are never the better , they go on in wickedness , and do not drown their sins in their tears .

Use 2. Use 2. Let us labour for this Divine Character , be weepers . This is a repentance not to be repented of , 2 Cor. 7. 10. 'T is reported of Mr. Bradford Martyr , that he was of a melting spirit , he seldome sate down to his meat , but some tears trickled down his cheeks . There are two Lavors to wash away sin , Bloud and * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Just. in Collat. cum Triph. Tears : The Bloud of Christ washeth away the guilt of sin , tears wash away the filth ; repenting tears are precious , God puts them in his bottle , Psal. 56. 8. They are beautifying ; a tear in the eye doth more adorn , than a Ring on the finger : Oyl makes the face shine , Psal. 104. 15. Tears make the heart shine ; tears are comforting ; a sinners mirth turns to melancholy , a Saints mourning turns to musick : Repentance may be compared to Myrrhe , which though it be bitter to the taste , it is comforting to the spirits : Repentance may be bitter to the fleshy part , but it is most refreshing to the spiritual . Wax that melts is fit for the Seal ; a melting Soul is fit to take the stamp of all heavenly blessings : Let us give Christ the water of our tears , and he will give us the Wine of his Bloud .

SECT. IX .

9. A godly man is a lover of the Word , 9 Character . Psal. 119. 97. O how love I thy Law .

1. A godly man loves the Word written . Chrysostom compares the Scripture to a garden set with knots and * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrys. Psa. 48. flowers : A godly man delights to walk in this garden , and sweetly solace himself ; he loves every branch and parcel of the Word .

1. He loves the counselling part of the Word , as it is a Directory and Rule of life : The Word is the Mercurial Statue which points us to our duty ; it contains in it credendae and fac●enda , things to be believed and practised : A godly man loves the Aphorismes of the Word .

2. A godly man loves the Minatory part of the Word : The Scripture , like the Garden of Eden , as it hath a Tree of Life in it , so it hath a Flaming Sword at the Gates of it ; this is the threatning of the Word ; it flasheth fire in the face of every person that goes on obstinately in wickedness , Psal. 68. 21. God shall wound the hairy scalp of such an one , as goes on still in his trespasses . The Word gives no indulgence to evil ; it will not let a man halt between God and Sin : The true Mother would not let the Childe be divided , and God will not have the heart divided : The Word thunders out threatnings against the very appearance of evil ; it is like that flying Roll full of curses , Zac. 5. 1.

A godly man loves the menaces of the Word , he knows there is love in every threatning : God would not have us perish , therefore doth mercifully threaten us , that he may scare us from sin : Gods threatnings are as the Sea-mark , which shows the Rocks in the Sea , and threatneth death to such as come neer ; the threatning is a curbing bit to check us , that we may not run in a full careir to hell ; there is mercy in every threatning .

3. A godly man loves the consolatory part of the * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chry●ost . Word , the Promises ; he goes feeding upon these , as Sampson went on his way eating the honey-comb , Iudg. 14. 8. The Promises ; are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , all marrow and sweetness ; they are our Bezar-stone when we are fainting ; they are the conduits of the Water of Life , Psal. 94. 19. In the multitude of my thoughts within me , thy comforts delight my Soul . The Promises were Davids Harp to drive away sad thoughts ; they were the breast which milked out Divine Consolation to him .

A godly man shows his love to the Word written :

1. By diligent reading of it : The Noble Bereans did search the Scriptures daily , Act. 17. 11. Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures , Act. 18. 24. The Word is our Magna Charta for heaven , we should be daily reading over this Charter : The Word is index sui & obliqui , it shows what is truth ; and what is error ; it is the field where the Pearl of Price is hid : How should we dig for this Pearl ! A godly mans heart is the Library to hold the Word of God , it dwells richly in him , Col. 3. 16. It is reported of Melancthon , that when he was young , he carried the Bible always about him , and did greedily read in † † Biblia etiam adolescens semper secum circumtu●it , avideque legit in templo & alibi . Melch. Adam in vit. Melancth. it . The Word hath a double work , to teach us , and to judge us : They that will not be taught by the Word , shall be judged by the Word : Oh let us make the Scripture familiar to us ! What if it should be as in the ●imes of Dioclesian , who commanded by Proclamation the Bible to be * * Euseb. lib. 8. c. 3. burned ; or as in Queen Maries daies , wherein it was death to have a Bible in English ; by diligent conversing with Scripture , we may carry a Bible in our head .

2. A godly man shows his love to the Word , by frequent meditating in it , Psalm 119. 97. It is my meditation all the day . A pious Soul meditates of the Verity and Sanctity of the Word ; he hath not only a few transient thoughts , but lays his mind a steeping in the Scripture ; by meditation he suck● from this sweet flower , and concocts holy truths in his mind .

3. He shows his love to the Word by delighting in it , it is his recreation , Ier. 15. 16. Thy word● were found , and I did eat them , and thy Word wa● unto me the Ioy and rejoycing of my heart . Never did a man take such delight in a dish that he loved , as the Prophet did in the Word : And indeed , how can a Saint chuse but take great complacency in the Word , because all that ever he hopes to be worth is contained in it : Doth not a son take pleasure in reading over his Fathers Will and Testament , where he makes a conveyance of his Estate to him ?

4. He shows his love to the Word , by hiding it , Psal. 119. 11. Thy Word have I hid in my heart : As one hides a treasure that it should not be stoln away : The Word is the Jewel , the heart is the Cabinet where it must be locked up : Many hide the Word in their memory , but not in their heart . And why would David inclose the Word in his heart ? That I might be kept from sinning against thee . As one would carry an Antidote about him , when he comes neer an infected place ; so a godly man carries the Word in his heart as a spiritual antidote to preserve him from the infection of * * Verbum Dei alexipharmacum . sin : Why have so many been poysoned with error , others with moral vice , but because they have not hid the Word as an holy antidote in their heart .

5. He shows his love to the Word by desending it : A wise man will not let his Land be taken from him , but will defend his Title . David looked upon the Word as his Land of Inheritance , Psal. 119. 111. Thy Testimonies have I taken as an Heritage for ever . And do you think he would let his Inheritance be wrested out of his † † Potius ruat caelum quam pereat una mica veritatis . Luther . hands ? A godly man will not only dispute for the Word , but die for it , Rev. 6. 9. I saw under the Altar the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God .

6. He shows his love to the Word by preferring it above things most precious . 1. Above food , Iob 23. 12. I have ●esteemed the words of his mouth , above my necessary food . ● Above riches , Psal. 119. 72. The Law of thy mouth is better unto me , then thousands of gold and * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 vocat . Zenoph . silver . 3. Above worldly honor . Memorable is the story of King Edward the Sixth , who upon the day of his Coronation , when they presented before him three Swords , signifying to him that he was Monarch of three Kingdomes , the King said , there is yet one Sword wanting ; being asked , what that was ? he answered , the Holy Bible , which is the sword of the Spirit , and is to be preferred before these Ensigns of † † Wolfius lect memorabil . Centur. 16. Royalty .

7. He shows his love to the Word by talking of it , Psal. 119. 172. My tongue shall speak of thy Word . As a covetous man is talking of his rich purchase , so a godly man is speaking of the Word : what a treasure it is , how full of beauty and suavity ; they whose mouths the Devil hath gagg'd , who never speak of Gods Word , it is a sign they never reaped any good by it .

8. He shows his love to the Word by conforming to it ; the Word is his Sun-Dial , by which he sets his life , the balance in which he weighs his actions ; he copies out the Word in his daily walk , 2 Tim. 4. 7. I have kept the Faith . St. Paul kept the Doctrine of Faith , and lived the life of Faith .

Quest , Why is a godly man a lover of the Word ?

Answ. 1. Because of the excellency of the Word .

1. The word written is our pillar of fire to guide * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Clem. A●lexandrin . us : It shows us what Rocks we are to avoid ; it is the card by which we sail to the new Hierusalem .

2. The word is a Spiritual Optick Glass , through which we may see our own hearts : The Glass of Nature which the Heathen had , discovered spots in their Conversation , but this Glass discovers spots in the Imagination ; that Glass discovered the spots of their unrighteousness , this discovers the spots of our righteousness , Rom. 7. 9. When the Commandment came , sin revived , and I died : when the word came as a Glass , all my opinion of self-righteousness died .

3. The word of God is a Soveraign comfort in distress ; while we follow this Cloud , the Rock follows us , Psal. 119. 50. This is my comfort in my affliction , for thy word hath quickned me . Christ is the Fountain of Living water , the word is the Golden Pipe through which it runs : what can revive at the hour of death , but the Word of † † Phil. 2. 16. Life .

2. A godly man loves the word , because of the efficacy it hath had upon him , this day-star hath risen in his * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. heart , and usher'd ●n the Sun of Righteousness .

2. A godly man loves the Word Preached ; which is a Commentary upon the word written : The Scriptures are the Soveraign oyls and balsoms , the preaching of the word is the powring of them out : The Scriptures are the precious spices , the preaching of the word is the beating of these spices , which causeth a wonderful fragrancy and delight . The word preached is the Rod of Gods strength , Psal. 110. 2. and the breath of his lips , Isa. 11. 4. What was once said of the City Thebes , that it was built by the sound of Amphius his Harp , is much more true of Soul-Conversion , it is built by the sound of the Gospel Harp ; therefore the preaching of the Word is called , the power of God to Salvation , 1 Cor. 1. 24. By this , Christ is said , ( now ) to speak to us from Heaven , Heb. 12. 5. This Ministery of the word is to be preferred before the Ministry of Angels .

A godly man loves the word preached , partly from the good he hath found by it ; he hath felt the dew fall with this Manna ; and partly because of Gods Institution , the Lord hath appointed this Ordinance to save him ; the Kings Image makes the Coyn go currant ; the stamp of Divine Authority upon the word preached , makes it an Engine conducible to mens Salvation .

Use. Vse . Let us try by this Character , whether we are godly : Are we lovers of the word ?

1. Do we love the word written ? What sums of money did the Martyrs give for a few leaves of the Bible ? Do we make the word our familiar ? As Moses had often the Rod of God in his hand , so should we have the Book of God in our hand : when we want direction , do we consult with this sacred Oracle ? when we find corruptions strong , do we make use of this Sword of the Spirit to hew them down ? when we are disconsolate , do we go to this Aqua vitae bottle for comfort ? then we are lovers of the word ! But alas , how can they say they love the Scriptures , who are seldome conversant in them ? their eyes begin to be sore when they look upon a Bible : The two Testaments are hung by , like rusty Armour , which is seldome or never made use of : The Lord wrote the Law with his own finger , but though God took pains to write , men will not take pains to read ; they had rather look upon a pair of Cards , then upon a Bible .

2. Do we love the word preached ? Do we prize it in our judgements ? Do we receive it into our hearts ? Do we fear the loss of the word preached , more than the loss of peace and trading ? Is it the removal of the Ark that troubles us ?

Again , do we attend the Word with Reverential Devotion ? when the Judge is giving his Charge upon the Bench all attend , when the word is preached , the great God is giving us his Charge , do we listen to it as to a matter of life and death ? this is a good sign we love the word .

Again , do we love the Sanctity of the word ? Psal. 119. 140. The word preached is to beat down sin , and advance holiness : Do we love it for its spirituality and purity ? Many love the word preached only for its eloquence and notion ; they come to a Sermon as to a Musick-lecture , Ezek. 33. 31. or as to a garden to pick flowers , but not to have their lusts subdued , or their hearts bettered : These are like a foolish woman which paints her face ▪ but neglects her health .

Again , do we love the convictions of the word ? Do we love the word when it comes home to our Conscience , and shoots its arrows of reproof at our sins ? 'T is the Ministers duty sometimes to reprove : He that can give smooth words in the Pulpit , but knows not how to reprove , is like a sword with a fine hilt , without an edge , Titus 2. 15. Rebuke them sharply : Dip the nail in oyl , reprove in love , but strike the nail home . Now Christian , when the word toucheth upon thy sin , and saith , Thou art the man , dost thou love the reproof ? Canst thou bless God that the sword of the Spirit hath divided between thee and thy lusts ? This is indeed a sign of grace , and shows thou art a lover of the word .

A corrupt heart loves the comforts of the word , but not the reproofs , Amos 5. 10. They hate him that rebuketh in the gate . — Igne micant oculi — Like venomous creatures , that upon the least touch spit poyson , Act. 7. 54. When they heard these things they were cut to the heart , and gnashed upon him with their teeth . When Stephen touched them to the quick , they were mad , and could not endure * * Quales quaeso illi sunt , qui verbi redargutiones accipere nolunt , sed contra , obstinati murmurant , & Ministros verbi Caelestis ob id odio prosequuntur ? Nimirum non sunt vasa contrita , sed serrea ac lapidea ; & ô utinam malleo legis , hae petrae se concuti Paterentur , sed quia quotidie in duricie sua pergunt , & diabo●o se regendos in solidum tradunt , idem Dei malleus tandem in inferni barathru●● eos percussione horrenda deturbabit . Glassii ex eg . p. 4. in Johan . it .

Quest. How shall we know that we love the reproofs of the word ?

Ans. 1. When we desire to sit under an heart-searching Ministry ; who cares for Physick that will not work ? A godly man chuseth not to sit under such a Ministry as will not work upon his Conscience .

2. When we pray that the word may meet with our sins ; if there be any traiterous lust got into our heart , we would have it found out , and Execution done upon it ; we would not have sin covered , but cured : we can open our breast to the bullet of the word , and say , Lord smite this sin .

3. When we are thankful for a reproof , Psa. 141. 5. Let the righteous smite me , it shall be a kindness , and let him reprove me , it shall be an excellent oyl which shall not break my * * Sermo vulnerans dolorem affert sed salutarem . Molleru● . head .

David was glad of a reproof . Suppose a man were in the mouth of a Lyon , and another should shoot the Lyon and save the man , would not he be thankful ? So , when we are in the mouth of sin , as of a Lyon , and the Minister by a reproof shoots this sin to death , shall not we be thankful ? A gracious soul rejoyceth when the sharp Lance of the word hath let out his Imposthume ; he wears a reproof as a Jewel on his ear , Pro. 30. 12. As an ear-ring of gold , so is a reprover on an obedient ear . To conclude , 't is convincing ●reach●ng must do the soul good ; a nipping reproof prepares for comfort , as a nipping frost prepares for the sweet flowers of spring .

SECT. X.

10. A godly man hath the Spirit of God residing in him , 10 Character . 2 Tim. 1. 14. The Holy Ghost which dwelleth in * * Gal. 4. 6. us . The Schoolmen move the question , whether a man receive the Holy Ghost himself or no ? Montanus held that the godly have so Gods Spirit in them , that they partake of his Essence , and are become one person with himself ; but this amounts to no less than blasphemy ; then it would follow , that every Saint were to be worshipped .

I conceive the spirit is in the godly per modum influxus , they have the presence , and receive the sacred influences of it : When the Sun comes into a room , not the body of the Sun is there , but the beams that sparkle from it : Indeed , some Divines have thought , that the godly have more than the influx of the spirit , though to say how it is more , is ineffable , and is fitter for some Seraphique Pen to describe than mine . The Spirit of God discovers its self in a gracious soul two wayes .

1. By its motions : These are some of that sweet perfume the spirit breaths upon the heart , whereby it is raised into a kind of Angelical frame .

Quest. 1. But how may we know the motions of the Spirit from a delusion ?

Answ. The motions of the Spirit are always consonant to the word ; the word is the Chariot wherein the Spirit of God * * Verbum est vehiculum spiritus . rides ; which way the tyde of the word runs , that way the wind of the spirit blows .

Quest. 2. How may the motions of the Spirit in the godly , be distinguished from the impulses of a Natural Conscience ?

Answ. 1. A Natural Conscience may provoke sometimes to the same thing that the spirit doth , but not from the same principle . Natural Conscience is a spu● to duty , but it puts a man upon doing duties for fear of hell ; as the Gally tugs at the Oar for fear of being beaten : whereas the spirit moves a Childe of God from a more Noble Principle ; it makes him serve God out of choice , and esteem duty his priviledge .

2. The impulses of a Natural Conscience , put men only upon more facil duties of Religion , wherein the heart is less exercised ; as perfunctory reading , or praying ; but the motions of the spirit in the godly go further , causing them to set upon the most irksome duties , as self-reflection , self-humbling ; yea perillous duties , as confessing Christs Name in times of danger : Divine motions are in the heart like new wine which will have vent : When Gods Spirit possesseth a man , it carries him full-sail through all difficulties .

2. The Spirit discovers it self in the godly by its † † Spiritus Dei opulens virtutibus suamque 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 impertiens Ambros. de Spir. virtues . These are various .

1. Gods Spirit hath a teaching virtue , the spirit teacheth convincingly ▪ * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Ioh. 16. 8. It doth so teach , as it doth perswade .

2. Gods Spirit hath a sanctifying † † Omne agens producit sibi simile . virtue , the heart naturally is polluted , but when the spirit comes into it , it works sin out , and grace in : The Spirit of God was represented by the Dove ▪ Embleme of Purity ; the spirit makes the heart a Temple for pureness , and a Paradise for pleasantness : The holy Oyl of * * Exod. 30. ●5 . Consecration , was nothing else but a prefiguring of the † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ▪ Chry. spirit : The spirit sanctifies a mans fancy , causing it to mint holy meditations ; it sanctifies his will , byassing it to good : so that now it shall be as delightful to serve God , as before it was to sin against him : sweet powders perfume linnen ; so Gods Spirit in a man , perfumes him with holiness , and makes his heart a Map of Heaven .

3. Gods Spirit hath a vivifying virtue 2 Cor. 3. 6. The Spirit giveth * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . life : As th● blowing in an Organ makes it sound , so th● breathing of the spirit causeth life and mo●on : When the Prophet Elijah stretche● himself upon the dead Childe it revived 1 Kin. 17. 22. so Gods Spirit stretching self upon the soul infuseth life into it .

As our life , so our liveliness is from th● spirits operation , Ezek. 3. 14. The Spirit lifted me up . When the heart is bowed dow● and is listless to duty , the Spirit of God lift it up , it puts a sharp edge upon the affection● it makes love ardent , hope lively ; the spir●● takes off the weights of the soul , and gives wings , Cant. 6. 12. Or ever I was aware , 〈◊〉 Soul made me like the Chariots of Ammin●●i ▪ The wheels of the soul were before pulle● off , and it did drive on heavily , but whe● the spirit of the Almighty possesseth a ma● now he runs swiftly in the ways of God , an● his soul is as the Chariots of Amminadib .

4. Gods Spirit hath a Jurisdictive virtue it rules and governs ; Gods Spirit sits paramount in the † † Spiritus Dei habitat in nobis quia regit , & gubernat . Paraeus . soul , it gives check to th● violence of corruption , it will not suffer man to be vain and loose as others : The Sp●rit of God will not be put out of office , exerciseth its authority over the heart , bringing every thought to the obedience of Chri●● 2 Cor. 10. 5.

5. The spirit hath a mollifying virtue ; therefore it is compared to * * Act. 2. 3. fire , which softens the wax : The spirit turns flint into flesh , Ezek. 36. 26. I will give you an heart of flesh . How shall this be effected ? Ver. 27. I will put my spirit within you . While the heart is hard , it lies like a log , and is not wrought upon either with judgements or mercies , but when Gods Spirit comes in , it makes a mans heart as tender as his eye , and now it is made yielding to Divine Impressions .

6. The spirit of God hath a corroborating † † Spirit● praeeunte nullus fit obex . virtue , it infuseth strength and assistance for work , it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a spirit of Power , 2 Tim. 1. 7. Gods spirit carries a man above himself , Eph. 3. 16. Strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man : The spirit confirms faith , animates courage , it lifts at one end of the Cross , and makes it lighter to be * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 born : The spirit gives not only a sufficiency of strength , but a redundancy .

Quest. How shall we know whether we act in the strength of Gods Spirit , or in the strength of our own abilities ?

Answ. 1. When we do humbly cast our selves upon God for assistance ; as David going out against Goliah , did cast himself upon God for help , 1 Sam. 17. 45. I come to thee in the Name of the Lord . 2. When our duties are divinely qualified , we do them with pure aims . 3. When we have found God going along with us , we give him the glory of all , 1 Cor. 15. 10. This doth clearly evince , that the duty was carried on by the strength of Gods Spirit , more than by any innate abilities of our own .

7. Gods Spirit hath a comforting † † Spiritus super mel dulcis , qui vel ipsam mortem suavem reddit . Bern. virtue ; disconsolacy may arise in a gracious * * Psa. 43. heart ; as the Heaven , though it be a bright lucid body , yet hath interposition of Clouds ; this sadness is caused usually through the malice of Satan , who if he cannot destroy us , he will disturb us , but Gods Spirit within us doth sweetly chear and revive ; he is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , the Comforter , Ioh. 14. 16. These comforts are real and infallible : Hence it is called the Seal of the Spirit , Eph. 1. 13. When a Deed is sealed , it is firm and unquestionable : so when a Christian hath the seal of the spirit , his comforts are confirmed ; every godly man hath these revivings of the spirit in some degree , he hath the seminals and initials of joy , though the flower be not fully ripe and blown .

Quest. How doth the Spirit give comfort ?

Answ. 1. By showing us that we are in a state of Grace : A Christian cannot always see his riches ; the work of Grace may be written in the heart like short-hand , which a Christian cannot read ; the spirit gives him a Key to open these dark Characters , and spell out his Adoption , whereupon he hath joy and peace , 1 Cor. 2. 12. We have received the Spirit which is of God , that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God .

2. The spirit comforts , by giving us some ravishing apprehensions of Gods love , Rom. 5. 5. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost . Gods love is a box of precious oyntment , and it is only the spirit can break open this box , and fill us with the sweet perfume of it .

3. The spirit comforts , by carrying us to the Bloud of Christ ; as when a man is weary and ready to faint , carry him to the water , and he is refreshed : so when we are fainting under the burden of sin , the spirit carries us to the Fountain of Christs Bloud , Zac. 12. 1. In that day there shall be a Fountain opened , &c. The spirit inables us to drink the waters of Justification which run out of Christs sides : The spirit applyes whatever Christ hath purchased , it shows us that our sins are done away in Christ , and though we are spotted in our selves , we are undefiled in our head .

4. The spirit comforts , by inabling Conscience to comfort ; the Childe must be taught before it can speak : The spirit opens the mouth of Conscience , and helps it to speak , and witness to a man that his estate is good , whereupon he begins to receive comfort , Rom. 9. 2. My Conscience bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost . Conscience draws up a Certificate for a man , then the Holy Ghost comes and sets his hand to the Certificate .

5. The spirit conveys the Oyl of Joy through two Golden Pipes .

1. The Ordinances .

2. The Promises .

1. The Ordinances : As Christ in prayer had his countenance changed , Luk 9. 29. There was a glorious lustre upon his face ; so often in the use of Holy Ordinances , the godly have such raptures of joy , and soul-transfigurations , that they have been carried above the world , and despised all things below .

2. The Promises : The Promises are comfortable : 1. For their sureness , Rom. 4. 16. God in the Promises hath laid his truth to * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. pawn . 2. For their suitableness , being calculated for every Christians condition . The Promises are like a Physick-garden , there is no disease but some herb may be found there to cure it ; but the Promises of themselves cannot comfort , only the spirit inables us to suck these Honey-combs : The Promises are like a Limbeck full of herbs , but this Limbeck will not drop , unless the fire be put under : So when the spirit of God ( which is compared to fire ) is put to the Limbeck of the Promises , then they distil Consolation into the soul. Thus we see how the spirit is in the godly by its virtues .

Object . But is this the sign of a godly man to be filled with the Spirit ? Are not the wicked said to partake of the Holy Ghost ? Heb. 6. 4.

Answ. Wicked men may partake of the spirits working , but not of its in-dwelling ; they may have Gods spirit move upon them , the godly have it enter into them , Ezek. 3. 24.

Object . But the unregenerate taste of the Heavenly Gift ? Heb. 6.

Answ. It is with them as Cooks , who may have a smack and taste of the meat they * * Mr. Perkins . dress , but they are not nourished by it : Tasting there , is opposed to eating : The godly have not only a drop or taste of the spirit , but it is in them as river of living water , Iohn 7. 38.

Use 1. Vse 1. It brands them for ungodly , who have none of Gods spirit , 1 Bran. Rom. 8. 9. If any man have not the Spirit of Christ , he is none of his : And if he be none of Christs , then whose is he ? to what Regiment doth he belong ? 'T is the misery of a sinner he hath none of Gods spirit : Me thinks 't is very offensive to hear men say , Take not thy holy spirit from us , who never had Gods spirit : will they say they have Gods spirit in them , who are drunkards and swearers ? Have they Gods spirit who are malicious and unclean ? It were blasphemy to say these have the spirit : Will the blessed spirit leave his Caelestial Palace , to come and live in a prison ? A sinners heart is a Gaol , both for darkness and noysomness , and will Gods free spirit † † Psal. 51. 52. be confined to a prison ? A sinners heart is the Embleme of Hell , what should Gods spirit do there ? Wicked hearts are not a Temple , but an Hog●sty , where the unclean spirit makes his abode , Ephes. 2. 2. The Prince of the power of the Ayr , the spirit that now worketh in the children of * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Th●ophilact . disobedience . We would be loath to live in an house haunted with evi● spirits ; a sinners heart is haunted , Ioh. 13 ▪ 27. After the sop Satan entred . Satan venter upon the godly , but enters into the wicked when the Devils went into the herd of swine they ran violently down a steep place into th● Sea , Mat. 8. 32. Whence is it men run so greedily to the Commission of sin , but because the Devil hath entred into these * * Diabolus ab 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 impios propellit , donec in aeternum ignem ruant Praecipites . Glassius . Swine .

2. This cuts them off from being godly , who not only want the spirit , but deride it : Like those Iews , Acts 2. 13. These men are full of new wine : And indeed so the Apostles were , they were full of the wine of the spirit : How is Gods spirit scoffed at by the sons of Belial ? These ( say they ) are men of the Spirit . O wretches , to make those tongues which should be Organs of Gods praise , instruments to blaspheme : Have you none to throw your squibs at but the spirit ? Deriding of the spirit comes very neer to the despighting of it : How can men be sanctified but by the spirit ? therefore to reproach that , is to make merry with their own damnation .

Use 2. Use 3. Exhort . As you would be listed in the number of the godly , labour for the blessed indwelling of the spirit ; pray with Melancthon , Lord inflame my soul with thy holy † † Domine accende animam meam spiritu tu● 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . spirit ; and with the Spouse , Awake O North-wind , aad come thou South , blow upon my garden , Cant. 4. 16. As a Mariner would desire a wind to carry him to Sea , so beg the prosperous gales of the spirit ; and the Promise may add wings to prayer , Luke 11. 13. If ye being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children , how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Spirit to them that ask him ? Gods spirit is a rich Jewel , go to him for it , Lord give me thy spirit , where is the Jewel thou didst promise me ? When shall my soul be as Gideons Fleece , wet with the dew of heaven ?

Consider how needful the spirit is , Motive without it we can do nothing acceptably to God .

1 VVe cannot pray without it ; 't is a spirit of Supplication , Zac. 12. 10. It both helps the invention , and the affection , Rom. 8. 26. The spirit helps us with sighs and * * Suspiria haec & gemitus , à caelesti columba didicerunt sancti . Aug. groans .

2. We cannot resist temptation without it , Act. 1. 8. Ye shall receive power , after the Holy Ghost is come upon you : He who hath the tyde of corrupt nature , and the wind of temptation , must needs be carried down the stream of sin , if the contrary wind of the spirit doth not blow .

3. VVe cannot be fruitful without the spirit . — Aureus imber sitientia caelo ●orda rigans . —

VVhy is the spirit compared to dew and † † Si fluvius riparum editis superfusus exu●dat , quanto magis spiritus superveniens animam , ●ffusiore quadam 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ubertate laetificat . Ambr. de Spir. rain , but to show us how unable we are to bring forth a Crop of Grace , unless the dew of God fall upon us ?

4. VVithout the spirit no Ordinance is effectual to us ; Ordinances are the Conduit-Pipes of Grace , but the spirit is the Spring : Some content themselves that they have a Levite to their Priest , but never look any further ; as if a Merchant should content himself that his ship hath good tackling , and is well manned , though it never have a gale of wind : The Ship of Ordinances will not carry us to heaven , though an Angel were the Pylot , unless the wind of Gods Spirit blow : The Spirit is the Soul of the Word , without which it is but a dead letter : Ministers may prescribe Physick , but it is Gods spirit must make it work : Our hearts are like Davids body , when it grew old , they covered him with cloathes , but he gat no heat , 1 King . 1. 1. So though the Minister of God ply us with prayers and counsels as with hot cloathes , yet we are cold and chill till Gods spirit comes , and then we say as the Disciples , Luke 24. 32. Did not our hearts burn within us ? Oh therefore , what need have we of the spirit ?

3. You who have the blessed spirit manifested by its energy and vital operations : Vse 3. 1. Acknowledge Gods distinguishing love ; the spirit is an ear-mark of Election , 1 Iohn 3. 4. Christ gave the bag to Iudas , but not his spirit : The spirit is a Love-token ; where God gives his spirit for a pawn , he gives himself for a portion : The spirit is an Epitomizing blessing , it is put for all good things , Mat. 7. 11. What were you without the spirit , but as so many carkasses ? Without this Christ would not profit you ; the Bloud of God is not enough without the Breath of God : Oh then , be thankful for the spirit ; this Loadstone will never leave drawing you , till it hath drawn you up to heaven .

2. If you have this spirit do not grieve it , Eph. 4. 30. Shall we grieve our Comforter ?

Quest. How do we grieve the Spirit ?

Answ. 1. When we unkindly repel the motions of it : The spirit sometimes whispers in our ears , and calls to us as God did to Iacob , Gen. 35. 1. Arise , go to Bethel . So saith the spirit , Arise , go to prayer , retire thy self to meet thy God : Now when we stifle these motions , and entertain temptations to vanity , this is a grieving of the spirit ; if we check the motions of the spirit , we shall lose the comforts of the spirit .

2. We grieve the spirit , when we deny the work of the spirit in our hearts ; if one gives another a token , and he should deny it , and say he never received it , this were to abuse the love of his friend : So Christian , when God hath given thee his spirit , witnessed by those meltings of heart , and passionate breathings after heaven , yet thou deniest that thou ever hadst any renewing work of the spirit in thee ; this is high ingratitude , and is a grieving the good spirit ; renounce the sinful works of the flesh , but do not deny the gracious work of the spirit .

SECT. XI .

11. The godly man is an humble man ; 11 Character . he is like the Sun in the Zenith , which when it is at the highest shows lowest : 1 Distinction . St. Austin calls Humility the Mother of the Graces ; but ere I show you who is the humble man , I shall lay down three distinctions .

1. I distinguish between being humbled and humble ; a man may be humbled , and not * * Quanti humiliantur & humiles non sunt . Bern. humble ; 2 Distinction . a sinner may be humbled by affliction , his condition is low , but not his disposition ; a godly man is not only humbled , but humble , his heart is as low as his condition .

2. I distinguish between outward humility and inward ; there 's a great deal of difference between an humble carriage , and an humble † † Plurimi humilitatem vultu menti entes superbia autem intus adeò tument , ut nulla vesica adeò sic inflata ventoquam cor eorum fastu . spirit ; a person may carry it humbly :

1. Towards others , yet be proud ; who more humble than Absalom in his outward behaviour ? 2 Sam. 15. 5. When any man came neer to do him obeysance , Absalom took him by the hand and kissed him . But though he had an humble carriage , he aspired after the Crown , ver. 10. As soon as ye hear the sound of the Trumpet , ye shall say Absalom reigneth in Hebron . Here was Pride dressed in Humilities Mantle .

2. A person may behave himself humbly towards God , yet be proud , 1 King . 21. 27. Ahab put on sackcloth , and fasted , and went softly , but his heart was not * * Nobilior humilitatis pars , animo inclusa latet , atque oculorum aciem effugit . 3 Distinction . humble : A man may bow his head like a bull-rush , yet lift up the Ensigns of Pride in his heart .

3. I distinguish between Humility and Policy ; many make a shew of Humility to work their own * * Plurimi humilitatis umbram sectantur . Hierom. ends : The Papists seem to be the most humble mortified Saints , but it is rather subtilty than humility ; for by this means they get the Revenues of the earth into their possession ; all this may be , and yet no godliness .

Quest. How may a Christian know that he is humble , and consequently godly ?

Answ. 1. An humble soul is emptied of all swelling thoughts of himself : Bernard calls Humility a Self-annihilation , Iob 22. 29. Thou wilt save the humble . In the Hebrew it is , Him that is of low * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 eyes . An humble man hath lower thoughts of himself than others can have of * * Humilitas est 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 suae agnitio . him : David , though a King , yet looked upon himself as a worm , Psal. 22. 6. I am a worm , and no man . Bradford a Martyr , yet subscribes himself a sinner , Iob 10. 15. If I am righteous , I will not lift up my head : Like the Violet , a sweet flower , but hangs down the head .

2. An humble soul thinks better of others than of himself , Phil. 2. 3. Let each esteem others better than † † Humilitas est contemptus propriae excellentiae . Bern. de gard . humil . themselves . An humble man values others at an higher rate than himself ; and the reason is , because he can better see his own heart than he can anothers ; he sees his own corruption , and thinks sure it is not so with others , their Graces are not so weak as his , their corruptions are not so strong ; sure ( thinks he ) they have better hearts than I : An humble Christian studies his own infirmities , and anothers exellencies , and that makes him put an higher value upon others than himself , Pro. 30. 2. Surely I am more bruitish than any man . And Paul , though he were the chief of the Apostles , yet he calls himself the least of Saints , Eph. 3. 8.

3. An humble soul hath a low esteem of his duties ; Pride is apt to breed in our holy things , as the worm breeds in the sweetest fruit , and forth comes from the most generous wine : An humble person doth not only deny his sins , but his duties ; when he hath prayed and wept , alas , saith he , how little have I done , God might damn me for all this ; he saith as good Nehemiah , Chap. 13. 22. Remember me O my God concerning this , and spare me . Remember Lord how I have poured out my soul , but spare me , and pardon me ; he sees that his best duties weigh many grains too light , therefore he desires Christs Merits may be put into the Scales : The humble Saint blusheth when he looks upon his Copy , he sees he cannot write even , nor without blotting ; this humbles him to think that his best duties run dregs ; he drops poyson upon his sacrifice : Oh , saith he , I dare not say I have prayed or wept , those which I write down for duties , God might write down for sins .

4. An humble man is ever preferring Bills of Indictment against himself ; he complains not of his condition , but his heart : O this evil heart of unbelief ! Lord ( saith Hooper ) I am hell , but thou art heaven . An hypocrite is ever telling how good he is ; an humble soul is ever saying how bad he is : Paul that high-flown Saint , who was caught up into the third heaven , how doth this bird of Paradise bemoan himself for his corruptions , Rom. 7. 24. O wretched man that I am , &c. Holy Bradford subscribes himself , the hard-hearted sinner : The more knowledge an humble Christian hath , the more he complains of ignorance ; the more Faith , the more he bewails his * * Quanto quis plus proficit , eò minus se reputet profecisse . Bern , de mod. Orand . unbelief .

5. An humble man will justifie God in an afflicted condition , Nehem. 9. 33. Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us . If men oppress and calumniate , the humble soul acknowledgeth Gods righteousness in the midst of severity , 2 Sam. 24. 17. Lo , I have sinned : Lord , my pride , my barrenness , my Sermon-surfeiting hath been the procuring cause of all these judgements ; when Clouds are round about God , yet righteousness is the habitation of his Throne , Psa. 97. 2.

6. An humble soul is a Christ-Magnifier , Phil. 1. 20. he gives the glory of all his actions to Christ , and Free-grace : King Canutus took the Crown off his own head , and set it upon a Crucifix ; so an humble Saint takes the Crown of honour from his own head , and sets it upon Christs ; and the reason is , from that 〈◊〉 he bears to Christ ; Love can part with 〈…〉 to the object loved : Isaack loved 〈…〉 and he gave away his Jewels to † † Gen. 24. 53. 〈…〉 humble Saint loves Christ intirely , therefore can part with any thing to him : he gives away the honour and praise of all he doth to Christ , let Christ wear those Jewels .

7. An humble soul is willing to take a reproof for sin ; a wicked man is too high to stoop to a reproof : The Prophet Micaiah used to tell King Ahab of his sin , and saith he , I hate him , 1 Kin. 22. 8. Reproof to a proud man , is like powring water on lime , which grows the more hot ; a gracious soul loves him that reproves , Pro. 9. 8. Rebuke a wise man , and he will love thee . The humble-spirited Christian can bear the reproach of an Enemy , and the reproof of a friend .

8. An humble man is willing to have his name and parts eclipsed , so Gods glory may be more encreased ; he is content to be out-shined by others in gifts and esteem , so that the Crown of Christ may shine the brighter : This is the humble mans Motto , Let me decrease , let Christ encrease : 'T is his desire that Christ should be exalted , and if this be effected , let who will be the instrument , he rejoyceth , Phil. 1. 15. Some preach Christ of envy ; They preached to get away some of Pauls hearers ; Well , saith he , Christ is preached , and I therein do rejoyce , ver ▪ 8. An humble Christian is content to be laid aside , if God hath any other tools to work with which may bring him more glory .

9. An humble Saint likes that condition which God sees best for him ; a proud man murmures he hath no more , an humble man wonders he hath so much , Gen. 32. 10. I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies : when the heart lies low , it can stoop to a low condition . A Christian looking upon his sins , wonders it is no worse with him , he doth not say his mercies are small , but his sins are great ; he knows the worst piece God carves him , is better than he deserves , therefore takes it thankfully upon his knees .

10. An humble Christian will stoop to the meanest person , and the lowest office , he will visit the poorest member of Christ : Lazarus his sores are more precious to him than Dives purple ; he doth not say , Stand by , come not neer to me , for I am holier than thou ; but , condiscends to men of low estate , Rom. 12. 16.

Use 1. Is Humility the inseparable Character of a godly man , Use 1. of Tryal . let us try our hearts by this Touch-stone : Are we humble ? alas , where doth their godliness appear , who are swelled with pride , and ready to † † Cristas erigit , & jovem se putat . burst ? But though men are proud , they will not confess it : This Bastard of Pride is born , but none are willing to father it ; therefore let me ask a few questions , and let Conscience answer .

1 Are not they proud who are given to glorying ? 1 Cor. 5. 6. Your glorying is not good . 1 VVho glory in their riches ; their hearts swell with their estates . St. Bernard cals Pride the rich mans couzen . Ezek. 28. 5. Thy heart is lifted up because of thy riches . 2 VVho glory in their apparel . Many dress themselves in such fashions , as they make the devil fall in love with them ; Black-spots , gaudy attire , naked breasts , what are these , but the flags and banners which Pride doth display ? 3 VVho glory in their beauty . The body is but dust and blood kneaded together : Solomon saith , Beauty is vain , Prov. 31. 30. Yet so vain are some , as to be proud of vanity . 4 VVho glory in their gifts . These trappings and ornaments do not set them off in Gods eyes ; an Angel is a knowing creature , but take away humility from an Angel , and he is a devil .

2 Are not they proud who are highly opinionated of their own excellencies ? who beholding themselves in philautiae speculo , in the multiplying glass of self-love , appear in their own eyes better than they are : Simon Magus gave out , that himself was 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , some great one , Act. 8. 9. Alexander would needs be son to Iupiter , and of the Race of the gods . Sapor King of Persia stiles himself Brother of the Sun and Moon . Projicit ampullas , & sesqui pedalia * * Horat. verba .

I have read of a Pope , who trod upon the neck of Frederick the Emperour , and as a Cloak for his pride , cited that Text , Psa. 91. 13. Thou shalt tread upon the Lyon , and the Dragon shalt thou trample under feet : No such Idol as Self ; the proud man bows down to this Idol .

3. Are not they proud who despise others ? Luke 18. 9. The Pharisees trusted in themselves that they were righteous , and despised † † Alto supercilio alios intuentes , & quum loquuntur dictatores agunt . others . The people of the Chineses say , that Europe hath one eye , and they have two , and all the world else is blind : A proud man looks upon others with such an eye of scorn , as Goliah did upon David , 1 Sam. 17. 42. When the Philistim looked about , and saw David , he disdained him . They who stand upon the Pinacle of Pride , look upon other men no bigger than Crows .

4. Are not they proud who are the Trumpets of their own * * Proprio laus sordet in ore . praise ? Acts 5. 36. Before these days rose up Theudas , boasting himself to be some body . A proud man is the Herald of his own good deeds , he blazeth his own fame , and therein is his vice , to paint his own virtue .

5. Are not they proud who take the glory due to God , to themselves , Dan. 4. 30. Is not this great Babylon I have built ? So saith the proud man , are not these the Prayers I have made ? Are not these the works of Charity I have done ? When Herod had made an Oration , and the people cryed him up for a God , Act. 12. 22. he was well content to have that honor done to him : Pride is the greatest sacriledge , it robs God of his glory .

6. Are not they proud who are never pleased with their condition ? they speak hardly of God , taxing his care and wisdom , as if he had not dealt well with them . A proud man God himself cannot please , but like Momus , he is ever finding fault , and flying in the face of heaven .

Oh let us search if there be none of this leven of pride in us : Man is Naturally a proud piece of flesh ; this sin runs in a bloud ; our first Parents fell by their Pride , they did aspire after a Deity ; there are the seeds of this in the best , but the godly do not allow themselves in it ; they labour to kill this weed by mortification . But certainly where this sin is regnant and prevailing , it cannot stand with grace ; you may as well call him a prudent man who wants discretion , as a godly man who wants humility .

Use 2. Labour for this character ; Vse 2. Exhort . be humble . 'T is an Apostolical Exhortation , 1 Pet. 5. 5. Be cloathed with humility . Put it on as an embroydered † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , idem valet quod 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Helychius . robe : better want any thing than humility ; better want parts than humility , nay better want the comforts of the Spirit , than want humility . Micah 6. 8. What doth the Lord require of thee , but to walk humbly with thy * * Excelsa est Patria humilis est Via . God ?

1. The more worth any man hath , the more humble he is . Feathers fly up , but Gold descends . Motive The golden Saint descends in humility . Some of the Ancients have compared Humility to the Celidonian stone , which is little for substance , but of rare virtue .

2. God loves an humble soul. 'T is not our high birth , but our low hearts God delights in . An humble spirit is Gods prospect . Isa. 66. 2. To this man will I look , even to him that is poor , and of a contrite spirit ; an humble heart is Gods Palace , Isa. 57. 15. I dwell in the high and holy place , with him also that is of an humble spirit . Great Personages besides their houses of state , have lesser houses which upon occasion they retreat to . Besides Gods house of state in Heaven , he hath the humble soul for his retiring-house , where he takes up his rest , and doth solace himself . Let Italy boast that it is for pleasure the Garden of the world ; an humble heart glories in this , that it is the Presence-chamber of the Great King .

3. The Times we live in are humbling : The Lord seems to say to us now , as he did to Israel , Exod. 33. 5. Put off thy Ornaments from thee , that I may know what to do to thee . My displeasure is breaking forth , I have eclipsed the light of the Sanctuary , I have stained the waters with blood , I have shot the arrow of Pestilence , therefore lay down your Pride , put off your Ornaments . Woe to them that lift themselves up , when God is casting them down . When should a people be humble if not under the rod ? 1 Pet. 5. 6. Humble your selves under the mighty hand of God . When God afflicts his people , and cuts them short in their priviledges , 't is time then to sow sackcloath on their skin , and defile their horn ( or honour ) in the dust , Job 16. 15.

4. What an horrid sin Pride is ! St. Chrysostom calls it the mother of Hell . Pride is a complicated evil : as Aristotle saith , Justice comprehends all virtue in it ; so Pride comprehends all vice . 'T is a spiritual drunkenness ; it flies up as Wine into the brain , and intoxicates it . It is * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . idolatry ; a proud ma● is a self-worshipper , 'T is revenge ; Hama● plots Mordicaies death , because he would not bow the knee .

How odious is this sin to † † 1 Pet. 5. 5. God! Prov. 16. 5. Every one that is proud in heart , is an abomination to the Lord .

5. The mischief of pride . It is the break-neck of * * Quem non gula 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 superavit ▪ Cyprian . souls . Zeph. 2. 9 , 10. Surely Moab shall be as Sodom , &c. this shall they have for their pride . The Doves ( saith Pliny ) take a pride in their feathers , and in their flying high , at last they fly so high that they are a prey to the Hawk . Men fly so high in pride , that at last they are a prey to the Devil the Prince of the † † Superbiat homo , & tanquam Icariis pennis●e ipsum elevet , deprimitur tamen in profundum ruinae barathrum . Rivet . aire .

6. Humility raiseth ones esteem in the eyes of others : All give respect to the humble , Prov. 15. 33. Before honour is * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. humility .

Quest. What means may we use to be humble .

Answ. 1. Let us set before us the golden pattern of Christ . He commenced Doctor ●n humility . Phil. 2. 7. But made himself of ●o reputation , and was made in the likeness of flesh . O what abasement was it for the Son of God to take our Flesh ! nay , that Christ ●hould take our Nature when it was in disgrace , being stained with sin , this was the wonder of humility . Look upon an humble Saviour , and let the plumes of Pride fall .

2 Study Gods Immensity and Purity : a sight of glory humbles . Elijah wrap'd his face in a Mantle when Gods glory passed before him , 1 King . 19. 13. The Stars vanish when the Sun appears .

3 Let us study our selves . First , our dark side : by looking our faces in the glass of the Word we see our † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. spots : what a world of sin swarms in us ! We may say as Bernard , Lord I am nothing but peccatum aut sterilitas , either sinfulness or barrenness .

Secondly , Our light side . Is there any good in us ? 1 How disproportionable is it to the means of Grace we have enjoyed ! There is still something lacking in * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . our Faith , 1 Thess. 3. 10. O Christian be not proud of what thou hast , but be humble for what thou wantest .

2 The Grace we have is not of our ow● growth : We are beholding to Christ an● free Grace for it : as he said of that Ax● which fell in the water , 2 King . 6. 5. Al● master , for it was borrowed . So I may say 〈◊〉 all the good and excellency in us , it is bo●rowed . Were it not folly to be proud of Ring that is † † Ne micam habes quam non Dei charismate accepisti ; num sani hominis est de eo gloriari quod non est suum sed alienum ? lent ? 1 Cor. 4. 7. For 〈◊〉 maketh thee to differ from another ? and wh● hast thou , that thou didst not receive ? Th● Moon hath no cause to be proud of 〈◊〉 light , when she borrows it from the Sun .

3. How far short do we come of others ; perhaps other Christians are Gyants in Grace ; they are in Christ not only before us , but above * * In quantis sis minor cogita , non in quantis sis major . Aug. in Mat. us . We are but as the foot in Christs Body , they are as the eye .

4. Our beauty is spotted : The Church is said to be fair as the Moon , Cant. 6. 10. which when it shines brightest hath a dark spot in it ; Faith is mixed with infidelity ; a Christian hath that in his very grace may humble him .

5. If we would be humble , let us contemplate our mortality : Shall dust exalt it † † Cum sis humilimus , cur● non humilimus ? self ? The thoughts of the grave should bury our pride : They say when there is a Tympany in the body , the hand of a dead man stroaking that part , cures the Tympany : The serious meditation of death , is enough to cure the Tympany of Pride .

SECT. XII .

12. A godly man is a praying man : 12 Character . This is in the Text , Every one that is godly shall pray unto thee . As soon as Grace is powred in ; prayer is powred out , Psa. 109. 4. But I give my self to prayer ; in the Hebrew it is , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 but I prayer : Prayer and I are all one ; Prayer is the Souls traffique with heaven ; God comes down to us by his Spirit , and we go up to him by prayer . Caligula placed his Effigies in the Capitol , whispering in Iupiters ear ; prayer whispers in Gods ear . A godly man cannot live without prayer : A man cannot live unless he takes his breath ; not can the Soul , unless it breathes forth its desires to God : As soon as the Babe of Grace is born it cryes ; no sooner was Paul converted , but , behold he prayeth , Act. 9. 11. No doubt he prayed before being a Pharisee , but it was either superficially , or superstitiously ; but when the work of Grace had passed upon his soul , behold , now , he prays : A godly man is every day upon the Mount of Prayer ; he begins the day with prayer , before he opens his shop , he opens his heart to * * Oratio ●st clavis diei . God . We use to burn sweet perfumes in our houses ; a godly mans house is domus aromatum , an house of perfume , he ayrs it with the incense of prayer ; he ingageth in no business without seeking God : Scipio never entred into the Senate House , but first he ascended the Capitol , where he did his † † Prius in Capitolium quàm Seratum . Plutarch . devotion : A godly man consults with God in every thing , he asks his leave , and his blessing : The Grecians asked counsel at their Oracles ; so doth a godly man enquire at the Divine Oracle , Gen. 24. 12. 1 Sam. 23. 3 , 4. A true Saint continually shoots up his heart to heaven by sacred ejaculations .

Quest. Is Prayer a sign of a godly man , may not an hypocrite pray eloquently , and with seeming devotion ?

Answ. He may , Isa. 58. 2. they seek me daily ; but an hypocrite doth not pray 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , in the spirit , Eph. 6. 18. A man may have the gift of prayer , and not have the spirit of prayer .

Quest. How shall we know that we have the Spirit of Prayer ?

Answ. When the prayer which we make is spiritual .

Quest. What is it to make a Spiritual Prayer ?

Answ. 1. When we pray with knowledge ; under the Law , Aaron was to light the Lamps , when he burned the Incense upon the Altar , Exod. 30. 7. Incense did typifie prayer , and the lighting of the Lamps did typifie knowledge ; when the Incense of prayer burns , the Lamp of knowledge must be lighted , 1 Cor. 14. 15. I will pray with the understanding . We must know the Majesty and Holiness of God , that we may be deeply affected with reverence when we come before him ; we must put up such Petitions as are exactly adequate and agreeable to Gods will . Eccles. 5. 2. Be not rash with thy mouth , to utter any thing before God : The Lord would not have the blind offered to him , Mal. 1. 8. How can we pray with affection , when we do not pray with judgement ? The Papists pray in an unknown tongue ; Christ may reply to them as he did to the Mother of Zebedees Children , Mat. 20. 22. Ye ask ye know not what . He that prays he knows not how , shall be heard he knows not when .

2. A spiritual prayer is , when the heart and spirit pray ; there are not only words but * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrys. desires : 'T is excellent when a man can say , Lord , my heart prays , 1 Sam. 1. 13. Hannah prayed in her heart : The sound of a Trumpet comes from within ; and the excellent Musick of Prayer comes from within the † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrys heart ; if the heart doth not go along in duty , it is speaking , not praying .

3. A spiritual Prayer is a fervent * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Act. 12. 5. Prayer , Iam. 5. 16. An effectual fervent prayer prevails much . The heart , like the Primum Mobile , should carry the affections in a most zealous and rapid manner ; fervency is the wing of Prayer , by which it ascends to heaven ; Prayer is expressed by sighs and groans , Rom. 8. 26. It is not so much the gifts of the spirit , as the groans of the spirit God likes : Prayer is called a wrestling , Gen. 32. 24. and a powring out of the Soul , 1 Sam. 1. 15. Prayer is compared to Incense , Psa. 141. 2. Incense without fire makes no sweet smell ; Prayer without fervency , is like Incense without fire : Christ prayed with strong cryes and tears , Heb. 5. 7. crying Prayer † † Clamor iste penetrat nubes , ac pertingit usque ad aures Dei . Luther . prevails : When the heart is inflamed in Prayer , a Christian is carried as it were in a Fiery Chariot up to heaven .

4. A Spiritual Prayer is such as comes from a broken heart , Psa. 51. 17. The Sacrifices of God are a broken spirit . The Incense was to be beaten , to typifie the breaking of the heart in Prayer : 'T is not the voluble tongue , but the melting heart God accepts : Oh saith a Christian , I cannot pray as others ; as Moses said to the Lord , I am not eloquent : But canst thou weep and sigh ? Doth thy soul melt out at thy eyes ? God accepts broken expressions , when they come from broken hearts . I have read of a Plant that bears no fruit , but it weeps forth a kind of Gum which is very costly : So , though thou dost not flourish with those gifts and expressions as others , yet if thou canst weep forth tears from a contrite heart , these are exceeding precious to God , and he will put them in his bottle ▪ Iacob wept in prayer , and had power ever the Angel , Hos. 12. 4.

5. A spiritual Prayer is a believing Prayer , Mat. 21. 22. Whatever ye shall ask in prayer believing , ye shall receive : The reason why so many Prayers suffer shipwrack , is because they split against the Rock of unbelief ; Praying without Faith , is shooting without * * Qui timide rogat docet negare . Seneca . bullets : When Faith takes Prayer by the hand , then we draw neer to God ; we should come to God in Prayer ; as the Leper , Mat. 8. 2. Lord if thou wilt , thou canst heal † † Invoco te Domine quanquam languida & imbecilla fide , tamen fide . Caspar . Cruciger . me : 'T is a disparagement to Deity , to have such a whisper in the heart , that Gods ear is heavy , and cannot * * Isa. 59. 1. hear : What is said of the people of Israel , may be applyed to Prayer , It could not enter in , because of † † Heb. 3. 19. unbelief .

6. A Spiritual Prayer is an holy Prayer , 1 Tim. 2. 8. Wherefore lift up pure hands : Prayer must be offered upon the Altar of a pure heart ; sin lived in , makes the heart hard , and Gods ear deaf ; sin stops the mouth of Prayer , it doth as the Thief to the Traveller , puts a Gagg in his mouth , that he cannot speak ; sin poysons and infects prayer : A wicked mans prayer is sick of the Plague , and will God come neer him ? The Loadstone loseth its virtue , when it is bespread with Garlick : so doth prayer , when it is polluted with sin , Psa 66. 18. If I regard iniquity in my heart , the Lord will not hear me .

'T is foolish to pray against sin , and then to sin against prayer ; a spiritual prayer , like the spirits of Wine , must be refined , and taken off the Lees and dregs of sin , Mal. 3. 3. That they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness : If the heart be holy , this Altar will sanctifie the gift .

7. A spiritual prayer is an humble prayer , Psa. 10. 17. Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble . Prayer is the asking of an Alms , which requires humility , Luke 18. 13. The Publican standing afar off , would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven , but smote upon his breast , saying , God be merciful to me a * * Quanto cum tremore , quantâ humilitate , accedere debet à Palude sua repens ranuncula vilis Bern. de mod. Orandi . sinner . Gods incomprehensible glory may even amaze us , and strike an holy consternation into us when we approach nigh to him , Ezra 9. 6. O my God I blush to lift up my face to thee : 'T is comely to see a poor nothing lye prostrate at the feet of its Maker , Gen. 18. 27. Behold , I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord , which am but dust and ashes . The lower the heart descends , the higher the prayer ascends .

8. A spiritual prayer is when we pray in the name of Christ : To pray in the name of Christ , is not only to name Christ in prayer , but to pray in the hope and confidence of Christs mediation : as a Childe claims his Estate in the right of his Father who purchased it , so we come for mercy in Christs Name , who hath purchased it for us in his bloud ; unless we pray thus , we do not pray at all , nay , we rather provoke God ; as it was with Uzziah , when he would offer Incense without a Priest , God was angry , and struck him with Leprosie , 2 Chron. 26. 16. So when we do not come in Christs Name in prayer , we offer up Incense without a Priest , and what can we expect but to meet with wrath ?

9. A spiritual prayer is when we pray out of love to prayer ; A wicked man may pray , but he doth not love prayer , Iob 27. 10. Will he delight himself in the Almighty ? A godly man is carried upon the wings of delight ; he is never so well as when he is praying ; he is not forced with fear , but fired with love , Isa. 56. 7. I will make them joyful in my house of prayer .

10. A spiritual prayer is , when we have spiritual ends in prayer : There is a vast difference between a spiritual prayer , and a carnal desire ; the ends of an Hypocrite are secular and carnal ; he looks asquint in prayer ; it is not the sense of his spiritual wants that moves him , but rather lust , Iam. 4. 3. Ye ask amiss , that ye may consume it upon your lusts . The sinner prays more for food than Grace ; this God doth not interpret praying , but howling , Hosea 7. 14. They howled upon their beds , they assemble for corn and wine . — Da modo lucra mihi . — Ovid.

Prayers which want a good aim , want a good answer : A godly man hath spiritual ends in prayer ; he sends out his prayer , as a Merchant sends out his Ship , that he may have large returns of spiritual blessings ; his design in prayer is , that his heart may be more holy , and that he may have more communion with God : A godly man drives the Trade of prayer , that he may encrease the stock of Grace .

11. A spiritual prayer is accompanied with the use of means ; there must be 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 as well as 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : When Hezekiah was sick , he did not only pray for recovery , but he laid a lump of figs to the boyl , Isa. 38. 21. Thus it is in case of the soul , when we pray against sin , and avoid temptations ; when we pray for Grace , and improve opportunities , this is the laying a fig to the boil , which wil make us recover : To pray for holiness , and neglect the means , is like winding up the Clock , and pulling off the weights .

12. A spiritual prayer is that which leaves a spiritual frame behind upon the heart ; a Christian is better after prayer , he hath gotten more strength over sin , as a man by exercise gets strength : The heart after prayer keeps a tincture of holiness , as the Vessel savours and relisheth of the Wine that is put into it . Moses having been with God on the Mount , his face shined ; so having been on the Mount of prayer , our Graces shine , and our lives shine : This is the sign of a godly man , he prays in the spirit : This is the right kind of praying ; the gift of prayer is ordinary , like Culinary fire ; but spiritual prayer is more rare and excellent , like Elementary fire which comes from heaven .

Use 1. Is a godly man of a praying spirit ? Vse . 1. then this excludes them from being godly ,

1. Who pray not at all : Their houses are unhallowed houses ; 't is made the note of a Reprobate , he calls not upon God , Psal. 14. 4. Doth that indigent creature think to have an Alms who never asks it ? Do they think to have mercy from God who never seek it ? Truly then God should befriend them more than he did his own Son ; he offered up prayers and supplications with strong cryes , Heb. 5. 7. None of Gods Children are tongue tyed , Gal. 4. 6. Because ye are sons , God hath sent forth the spirit of his son into your hearts crying Abba Father . Creatures by the instinct of Nature cry to God , Psal. 147. 9. The young Ravens which cry : Psal. 104. 21. The Lyons seek their meat from God : Not to cry to God , is worse than bruitish .

2. Others pray , but it is seldome ; like that prophane Atheist Heylin speaks of , who told God he was no common begger , he never troubled him before , and if he would hear him now , he would never trouble him again .

3. Others pray , but not in the Holy Ghost , Iude 20. They are rather Parrots , than weeping Doves ; their hearts do not melt in prayer ; they exercise their invention more then their affection .

Use 2. Use 2. As you would evidence the New-birth , Exhort . cry Abba Father ; be men of prayer ; pray at least twice a day : In the Temple there was the Morning and Evening Sacrifice : Daniel prayed three times a day ; nay , so did he love prayer , that he would not neglect prayer to save his life , Dan. 6. 10. Luther spent three hours every day in prayer .

Object . But what needs prayer , when God hath made so many promises of blessings ?

Answ. Prayer is the condition annexed to the Promise : Promises turn upon the hinge of prayer , Ezek. 36. 37. I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel . A King promiseth a pardon , but it must be sued out . David had a promise that God would build him an house , but he sues out the promise by prayer , 2 Sam. 7. 25. Christ himself had all the promises made sure to him , yet he prayed , and spent whole nights in prayer .

Therefore if you would be counted godly , be given to * * Deus nunquam frustra quaeritur , imò ne tunc cum inveniri non potest . Bernard . Prayer : Prayer sanctifies your mercies , 1 Tim. 4. 5. prayer weeds out sin , and waters Grace .

That I may encourage Christians , and hold up their heads in prayer , as Aaron and Hur held up Moses hands , let me propound these few considerations .

1. Prayer is a seed sown in Gods ears ; other seed sown in the ground may be picked up by the Birds , but this seed ( especially if watred with tears ) is too precious to be lost .

2. Consider the power of prayer : The Apostle having set down the whole Armour of a Christian , brings in prayer as the chief part , Eph. 6. 18. Without this ( saith Zanchy ) all the rest are little † † Reliqua arma Parum prosunt . Zanch. worth : By prayer Moses divided the Red Sea ; Ioshua stop'd the course of the Sun , and made it stand still , Iosh. 10. 13. Nay , prayer made the Sun of Righteousness stand still , Luke 18. 40. And Iesus stood still . Prayer is the in-let to all blessings , spiritual and temporal . When Aurelius Antonius went against the Germans , he had in his Army a Regiment of Christians , who upon their earnest prayer , obtained Rain for the refreshment of his Army ; and because of the power of their prayers , he called them the Thundering Regiment . Prayer hath a power in it to destroy the insolent Enemies of the Church . We read , the two Witnesses have a flame at their lips ; fire proceeds out of their mouths which devoures their Enemies , Rev. 11. 5. This fire is certainly to be interpreted of their * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Macar . Hom. prayers : David prayed , Lord turn the counsel of Achitophel into foolishness , 2 Sam. 15. 31. This prayer made Achitophel hang himself . Moses prayer against Amalek did more than Ioshua's Sword : Prayer hath a kind of Omnipotency in it , it hath raised the dead , overcome Angels , cast out Devils ; it hath influence upon God † † Exod. 32. 10. himself : Iacobs prayer held God ▪ Gen. 32. 26. I will not let thee go till thou bless * * Precibus suis velut vinculis ligatum tenuit Deum . me . Prayer finds God free , but leaves him bound .

3 , Jesus Christ prays over our prayers again ; he takes the dross out , and presents nothing but pure gold to his Father . Christ mingles his sweet odours with the prayers of the Saints , Rev. 5. 8. Think of the dignity of his person , he is God ; and the sweetness of his Relation , he is a Son : Oh then what encouragement is here for us to pray ! Our prayers are put in the hand of a Mediator ; though as they come from us they are weak and imperfect , yet as they come from Christ , they are mighty and powerful .

4. The sweet promises which God hath made to prayer , Isa. 30. 19. He will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry , Ier. 29. 13 , 14. Then shall ye go and pray unto me , and I will hearken unto you ; and ye shall seek me , and find me , when ye shall search for me with all your heart . And Isaiah 65. 24. Before they call , I will answer , and while they are yet speaking , I will hear . These promises keep the head of prayer above water ; God is bound with his own promises , as Sampson was bound with his own hair .

Let us then double our files , and with our Saviour , pray yet more earnestly , Luke 22. 44. Let us be importunate Suitors , and resolve with S. Bernard , that we will not come away from God without * * Nunquam à te Domine absque te recedam . Bern. God : prayer is a Petarr , which will make heaven gates fly open .

Quest. How shall we do to pray aright ?

Answ. Implore the Spirit of God , Iude 20. Praying in the Holy Ghost . The Holy Ghost both Indights prayer , and inflames it : God understands no other language but that of his spirit ; pray for the Holy Ghost , that you may pray in the Holy Ghost .

SECT. XIII .

13. A godly man is a sincere man , 13 Character . Iohn 1. 47. Behold an Israelite indeed , in whose spirit there is no guile . The word for sincere , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 signifies sine plicis , without pleats and folds : A godly man is plain-hearted , having no subtil subterfuges ; Religion is the Livery a godly man wears , and this Livery is lined with Sincerity .

Quest. Wherein doth the godly mans Sincerity appear ?

Answ. 1. The godly man is that which he seems to be ; he is a Iew inwardly , Rom. 2. 29. Grace runs through his heart , as silver through the veins of the earth : The hypocrite is not what he seems . — Fronte positus , Astutam vapido servans sub pectore vulpem .

A picture is like a man , but it wants breath : The Hypocrite is an Effigies , a picture , he doth not breathe forth Sanctity ; he is but like an Angel on a Sign-post : A godly man answers to his profession , as the Transcript to the Original .

2. The godly man labours to approve himself to God in every thing , 2 Cor. 5. 9. We labour that whether present or absent , we may be accepted of him . 'T is better to have God approve , than the world applaud : They that did run in the Olympick Race , laboured to have his approbation , who was the Judge and Umpire of the Race : There is a time shortly coming , when a smile from Gods face will be infinitely better than all the applauses of men : How sweet will that word be , Euge bone serve , Well done thou good and faithful servant , Mat. 25. 21. A godly man is ambitious of Gods Letters-Testimonial ; the hypocrite desires to carry it fair with men : Saul was for the vogue of the people , 1 Sam. 15. 30. A godly man approves his heart to God , who is both the Spectator and the Judge .

3. The godly man is ingenuous in laying open of his sins , Psa. 32. 5. 1 confessed my sin to thee , and my iniquity have I not hid . The hypocrite doth vail and smother his sin ; he doth not abscindere peccatum , but abscondere ; like a Patient that hath some loathsome disease in his body , he will rather die than confess his disease : But a godly mans sincerity is seen in this , he will confess and shame himself for sin , 2 Sam. 24. 17. Lo I have sinned , and I have done wickedly : Nay , a Childe of God will confess sin in particular ; an unsound Christian will confess sin by wholesale , he will acknowledge he is a sinner in general ; whereas David doth as it were point with his finger to the sore , Psal. 51. 4. I have done this evil : He doth not say , I have done evil , but this evil ; he points at his bloud-guiltiness .

4. The godly man hath blessed designs in all he doth ; he propounds this end in every Ordinance , that he may have more acquaintance with God , and bring more glory to God ; as the herb Heliotropium turns about according to the motion of the Sun ; so a godly mans actions do all move towards the glory of God : It is an axiom in Phylosophy , The means are in order to the * * Media sunt appetenda propter finem . end . A godly mans praying and worshipping is , that he may honor God ; though he shoots short , yet he takes a right aim ; the hypocrite minds nothing but self-interest , the sails of his Mill move not , but when the wind of preferment blows ; he never dives into the waters of the Sanctuary , but to fetch up a piece of gold at the bottom .

5. The godly man abhors dissimulation towards men , his heart goes along with his * * Homo sine fuco . Erasm. tongue , he cannot flatter and † † Psa. 28. 3. hate , commend and censure , Rom. 12. 9. Let love be without dissimulation . Dissembled love is worse than hatred ; counterfeiting of friendship is no better than a * * Psa. 78. 36. lye , for there is a pretence of that which is not : Many are like Ioab , 2 Sam. 20. 9. He took Amasa by the beard to kiss him , and smote him with his sword in the fifth rib , and he † † Mel in ore , fel in corde . died . — Impia sub dulci melle venena latent . —

There is a River in Spain , where the fish seem to be of a golden colour , but take them out of the water , and they are like other fish : All is not gold that glisters ; there are some pretend much kindness , but they are like great veins which have little bloud ; if you lean upon them , they are as a Leg out of joynt : For my part I much question his truth towards God , that will flatter and lie to his friend , Pro. 10. 18. He that hideth hatred with lying lips is a fool . By all that hath been said , we may try whether we have this note of a godly man , to be sincere .

Sincerity ( as I conceive ) is not properly ● grace , but rather the ingredient into every grace : Sincerity is that which doth qualifie grace , and without which grace is not true , Eph. 6. ult. Grace be with them , which love our Lord Iesus Christ in sincerity : Sincerity qualifies our love ; sincerity is to grace , as the bloud and spirits are to the body ; there can be no life without the bloud , so no grace without sincerity .

Use. As we would be reputed godly , Use of Exhort . let us labour for this Character of sincerity .

1. Sincerity renders us lovely in Gods eyes ; Motive God saith of the sincere soul as of Sion , Psal. 132. 14. This is my rest for ever , here will I dwell , for I have desired it : A sincere heart is Gods Paradise of * * Tali corde unicè delectatur Deus , id veluti dulcisonum quoddam spirituale nabl●um , harmoniae suae suavitate , modulorumque oblectamine , aures ejus mirum in modum mulcet . delight : Noah found grace in Gods eyes : Why , what did God see in Noah ? he was girt with the girdle of sincerity , Gen. 6. 9. Noah was perfect in his Generation . Truth resembles God , and when God sees a sincere heart , he sees his own Image , and he cannot chuse but fall in love with it , Pro. 11. 20. He that is upright in his way , is Gods delight .

2. Sincerity makes our services find acceptance with God ; the Church of Philadelphia had but a little † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . strength ; her grace was weak , her services slender , yet of all the Churches Christ wrote to , he found the least fault with her : What was the reason ? because she was most sincere , Rev. 3. 8. Thou hast kept fast my word , and hast not denied my Name . Though we cannot pay God all we owe , yet a little in currant Coyn is accepted ; God takes sincerity for full payment : A little gold , though rusty , is better than Alchimy be it never so bright ; a little sincerity , though rusted over with many infirmities , is of more value with God , than all the glorious flourishes of hypocrites .

3. Sincerity is our safety ; false hearts that will step out of Gods way , and use carnal policy , when they think to be most safe , they are least secure ; he that walketh purely , walketh surely , Pro. 10. 9. A sincere Christian will do nothing but what the word warrants , and that is safe , as to the Conscience : Nay , oftentimes such as are upright in their way , the Lord takes care of their outward safety , Psal. 4. I laid me down and slept . David was now beleaguer'd with Enemies , yet God did so incamp about him by his Providence , that he could sleep securely as in a Garrison : Ver. 5. The Lord sustained me : The only way to be safe , is to be sincere .

4. Sincerity is Gospel perfection , Iob 1. 8. Hast thou considered my servant Job , that there is none like him in the earth , a perfect , and an upright man . Though a Christian be full of infirmities , and like a Childe that is put out to Nurse , weak and feeble , yet God looks upon him , as if he were compleatly righteous : Every true Saint hath the Thummim of perfection upon his breast-plate .

5. Sincerity is that which the Devil strikes most at : Satans spite was not so much at Iobs Estate , as his integrity ; he would have wrested the Shield of Sincerity from him , but Iob held that fast , Iob 27. 6. A Thief doth not fight for an empty purse , but for money : The devil would have robbed Iob of the Jewel of a good Conscience , and then he had been poor Iob indeed : Satan doth not oppose Profession , but Sincerity : Let men go to Church , and make glorious pretences of holiness , Satan doth not oppose this ; this doth him no hurt , nor them no good ; but if men will be sincerely pious , then Satan musters up all his forces against them : Now that which the Devil doth most assault , we must labour most to maintain : Sincerity is our Fort-Royal , where our chief treasure lies ; this Fort is most shot at , therefore let us be more careful to preserve it : While a man keeps his Castle , his Castle will keep him : While we keep Sincerity , Sincerity will keep us .

6. Sincerity is the beauty of a Christian , wherein lies the beauty of a Diamond , but in this , that it is a true Diamond ? If it be counterfeit , it is worth nothing : So wherein lies the beauty of a Christian , but in this , that he hath truth in the inward * * Psa. 51. 6 parts : Sincerity is a Christians Ensign of glory ; 't is both his Breast-plate to defend him , and his Crown to adorn him .

7. The vileness of hypocrisie : The Lord would have no leven offered up in Sacrifice ; leven did typifie hypocrisie , Luke 12. 1. The hypocrite doth the devil double service , under the Vizor of Piety , he can sin more , and be less † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Euseb. suspected , Mat. 23. 14. W● unto you Scribes and Pharisees , hypocrites , for ye devoure Widows houses , and for a pretence , make long prayers : Who would think they were guilty of Extortion , that would pray so many hours together ? Who would suspect him of false weights , that hath the Bible so often in his hand ? Who would think he would slander , that seems to fear an oath ? Hypocrites are the worst sort of sinners , they reflect infinite dishonor upon Religion ; hypocrisie for the most part ends in scandal , and that brings an evil report upon the ways of God ; one man breaking , makes such as are honest suspected ; one scandalous hypocrite , makes the world suspect that all Professors are so ; the hypocrite was born to do Religion a spite , and to bring it into an odium .

The hypocrite is a lyer , he worships God with his knee , and his lusts with his heart ; like those 2 Kin. 17. 33. They feared the Lord , and served their own gods .

The hypocrite is an impudent sinner , he knows his heart is false , yet he goes on : Iudas knew himself to be an hypocrite ; he asks , Master is it I ? Christ replies , Thou hast said it ? Yet so shameless was he as to persist in his falseness , and betray Christ : All the plagues and curses written in the Book of God , are the hypocrites portion , Hell is his place of Randezvous , Mat. 24. 51. Hypocrites are the chief guests the Devil expects , and he will make them as welcome , as fire and brimstone can make them .

8. If the heart be sincere , God will wink at many failings , Numb. 23. 21. He hath not seen iniquity in Iacob . Gods love doth not make him blind , he can see infirmities , but how ? not with an eye of revenge , but pitty , as a Physitian sees a disease in his Patient to heal him : God doth not see iniquity in Iacob , so as to destroy him , but to heal him , Isa. 57. 18. He went on frowardly , I have seen his ways , and I will heal him : How much pride , vanity , passion , doth the Lord pass by in his sincere ones ! He sees the integrity , and pardons the infirmity : How much did God overlook in Asa ! the high-places were not removed : Yet it is said , 2 Chron. 15. 17. The heart of Asa was perfect all his days . We esteem of a picture , though it be not drawn at the full length : So though the graces of Gods people are not drawn at their full length , nay , have many scars and spots , yet having something of God in sincerity , they shall find mercy ; God loves the sincere , and 't is the nature of love to cover * * Pro. 12. 10. infirmity .

9. Nothing but sincerity will give us comfort in an houre of trouble : King Hezekiah thought he had been dying , yet this revived him , that Conscience drew up a Certificate for him , Isa. 38. 2. Remember O Lord , how I have walked before thee in truth , &c. Sincerity was the best flower of his Crown : What a golden Shield will this be against Satan , when he shall roar upon us by his temptations , and set our sins before us on our Death-bed , then we shall answer , 'T is true Satan , these have been our miscarriages , but we have bewailed them ; if we have sinned , it was against the bent and purpose of our heart ; this will stop the Devils mouth , and put him to a retreat ; therefore labour for this Jewel of Sincerity , 1 Ioh. 3. 24. If our heart condemn us not , then we have confidence towards God : If we are cleared at the Petty Sessions in our own Conscience , then we may be confident , we shall be acquitted at the Great Assizes at the day of Judgement .

SECT. XIV .

14. A godly man is an heavenly man ; 14 Character . Heaven is in him , before he is in Heaven ; the Greek word for Saint , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , signifies a man taken off from the earth : a person may live in one place , yet belong to another ; he may live in Spain , yet be a free Denizon of England ; Pomponius dwelt at Athens , yet was a Citizen of Rome : So a godly man is a while in the * * Patria loci . world , but he belongs to the Hierusalem † † Patria juris . above ; that is the place to which he aspires ; every day is Ascension day with a Believer : The Saints are called Stars , for their sublimeness ; they are gotten above into the upper Region , Pro. 15. 24. The way of life is above to the wise : A godly man is Heavenly six ways .

1. In his Election . 2. In his Disposition . 3. In his Communication . 4. In his Operation . 5. In his Expectation . 6. In his Conversation .

1. A godly man is heavenly in his Election ; he chuseth heavenly objects : David did chuse to be a Residentiary in Gods house , Psa. 84. 10. A godly person chuseth Christ and grace , before the most illustrious things under the Sun : That a man is that his choice is ; and this chusing of God is best seen in a critical houre : When Christ and the World come in competition , and we part with the world to keep Christ and a good Conscience , a sign we have chosen the better * * Luke 10. 42. part .

2. A godly man is heavenly in his Disposition ; he sets his affections on things above , Col. 3. 2. He sends his heart to heaven before he comes there ; he looks upon the world , but as a beautiful prison , and he cannot be much in love with his Fetters , though they are made of gold : An holy person contemplates glory and Eternity ; his defires have gotten wings , and are fled to heaven : Grace is in the heart like fire , which makes it sparkle upwards in Divine breathings and ejaculations .

3. A godly man is heavenly in his Communication , his words are powdred with salt to season others , Col. 4. 6. As soon as Christ was risen from the grave , he was speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdome of God , Act. 1. 3. No sooner is a man risen out of the grave of Unregeneracy , but he is speaking of heaven , Eccles. 10. 12. The words of a wise mans mouth are gracious : He speaks so heavenly , as if he had been already in heaven ; the love he bears to God , will not suffer him to be silent ; the Spouse being sick of love , her tongue was as the pen of a ready writer , Cant. 5. 10. My beloved is white and ruddy , his head is of fine gold , &c. If Wine be in the house , the Bush will be hung forth , and where there is a principle of godliness in the heart , it will vent it self at the lips ; the Bush will be hung forth .

How can they be termed godly , 1. Who are possessed with a dumb devil ? They never have any good discourse ; they are fluent and discoursive enough in secular things ; they can speak of their wares and drugs , they can tell what a good crop they have , but in matters of Religion they are as if their tongue did cleave to the roof of their mouth : There are many persons , if you come into their company , you cannot tell what to make of them , whether they are Turks or Atheists , for they never speak a word of Christ .

2. Whose tongues are set on fire of Hell : Their lips do not drop honey but poyson , to the defiling of others . Plutarch saith , speech ought to be like gold , which is then of most value , when it hath least dross in it : O the unclean malicious words that some persons utter ! What an unsavoury stench comes from these dunghils ; those lips had need have Davids * * Psa. 39. 1 Bridle , that gallop so fast in sin : Can the body be healthful when the tongue is black ? Can the heart be holy when the devil is in the lips ? A godly man speaks the language of Canaan , Mal. 3. 16. They that feared the Lord , spake often one to another .

4. A godly man is heavenly in his Operation . The motions of the Planets are Caelestial : A godly man is sublime and sacred in his motions , he works out salvation , he puts forth all his strength , as they did in the Olympicks , that he may obtain the Garland made of the Flowers of Paradise ; he prays , fasts , watcheth , he offers violence to heaven , he is divinely acted , he carries on Gods Interest in the world , he doth Angels work , he is in his Operations Seraphical .

5. A godly man is heavenly in his Expectation ; his hopes are above the † † Psa. 39. 7 world , Tit. 1. 2. In hope of eternal life : A godly man casts Anchor within the * * Viget spei immobilis virtus . Cypr. vail ; he hopes to have his fetters of sin filed off ; he hopes for such things as eye hath not seen ; he hopes for a Kingdome when he dies ; a Kingdome promised by the Father , purchased by the Son , assured by the Holy Ghost ; as an Heir lives in hope when such a great Estate shall befall him , so a Childe of God , who is a Co-heir with Christ , hopes for glory : This hope comforts him in all varieties of condition , Rom. 5. 2. We rejoyce in the hope of the glory of God .

1. This hope comforts a godly man in affliction ; hope doth lighten and sweeten the most severe Dispensations : A Childe of God can laugh with tears in his eyes ; the time is shortly coming , when the Cross shall be taken off his shoulders , and a Crown set upon his head : A Saint at present is miserable , with a thousand troubles , in an instant , cloathed with Robes of Immortality , and advanced above Seraphims .

2. This hope comforts a godly man in death , Pro. 14. 32. The righteous hath hope in his death : If one should ask a dying Saint , when all his earthly comforts were gone , what he had left ? he would say , the Helmet of Hope . I have read of a Martyr Woman , who when the Persecutor commanded that her breasts should be cut off , she said , Tyrant do thy worst , I have two breasts which thou canst not touch , the one of Faith , the other of Hope . A soul that hath this blessed hope , is above the desire of life , or the fear of death : Would one be troubled to exchange a sorry Lease for an Inheritance that will be for him and his Heirs ? Who would care to part with life , which is a Lease will soon be run out , to be possessed of a glorious Inheritance in light ?

6. A godly man is heavenly in his Conversation ; he casts such a lustre of Holiness , as adorns his Profession ; he lives as if he had seen the Lord with bodily eyes ; what zeal , sanctity , humility , shines forth in his life : A godly person doth emulate not only the Angels , but imitate Christ himself , 1 Iohn 2. 6. The Macedonians celebrate the Birth-day of Alexander , on which day they wear his picture about their necks , set with Pearl and rich Jewels ; so a godly man carries the lively picture of Christ about him , in the heavenliness of his deportment , Phil. 3. 20. Our conversation is in heaven .

Use 1. They must needs be cast over the Bar for ungodly , Vse 1. who are eaten up with the world ; godly and earthly is a contradiction , Phil. 3. 18 , 19. For many walk , of whom I now tell you even weeping , that they are the Enemies of the Cross of Christ , whose god is their belly , who mind earthly things . We read the earth swallowed up Korah alive , Numb. 16. 32. This Judgement is on many , the earth swallows up their time , and thoughts , and discourse , they are buried twice ; their hearts are buried in the earth before their bodies : How sad is it that the soul , that Princely thing , which is made for Communion with God and Angels , should be put to the Mill to grinde , and made Mancipium terrae , a slave to the earth ? How is the soul become like the Prodigal , chusing rather to converse with swine , and feed upon husks , than to aspire after Communion with the blessed Deity ? Thus doth Satan befool men , and keep them from heaven , by making them seek an heaven here .

Use 2. Vse 2. As we would evidence our selves to be born of God , let us be of a sublime heavenly temper : Exhort . We shall never go to heaven when we die , unless we are in heaven whilest we live : That we may be more Noble , and raised in our affections , let us seriously weigh these four considerations .

1. God himself sounds a retreat to us , to call us off the world , 1 Iohn 2. 15. Love not the world : We may use it as a posie of flowers to smell to , but it must not lie as a bundle of myrrhe betwixt our breasts , Rom. 12. 2. Be ye not conformed to this world ; do not hunt after the honors and profits of it , and as Gods Precepts , so his Providences , are to beat us off the world : Why doth he send War and Pestilence ? What means the heat of this great anger ? Surely dying times are to make men die to the world .

2. Consider how much below a Christian it is to be earthly-minded : We laugh sometimes at Children when we see them busying themselves about toys , blowing bubbles in the ayr out of a shell , kissing their Babies , &c. when in the mean time we do the same ; at death what will all the world be which we so hug and kiss , but as a Baby of Clouts , it will yield us no more comfort then ; and to be taken up with these things , how far is it below an heaven-born soul ! nay , for such as profess to be enobled with a principle of Piety , and to have their hopes above , for them to have their hearts below , how do they 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 disparage their Heavenly Calling , and spot their silver wings of Grace , by beliming them with earth ?

3. Consider what a poor contemptible thing the world is , it is not worth setting the affections on , it cannot fill the heart ; if Satan should take a Christian up to the Mount of Temptation , and show him all the Kingdomes and glory of the world , what could he show him but a phancy , an apparition ? Nothing here can be proportionable to the immense soul of man , Iob 20. 22. In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in streights : Here is want in plenty ; the creature will no more fill the soul , than a drop will fill the bucket ; and that little sweet we suck from the creature , is intermixed with some bitterness , like that Cup which the Jews gave Christ , Mar. 15. 23. They gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrhe . And this imperfect sweet will not last long , 1 Iohn 2. 17. The world passeth away . The creature doth but salute us , and is presently upon the * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . socr ad Demon. wing ▪ The world rings Changes , it is never constant but in its disappointments ; how quickly may we remove our lodgings , and make our pillow in the dust ? The world is but a great Inne , where we are to stay a night or two , and be gone ; what madness is it so to set our heart upon our Inne , as to forget our home ?

4. Consider what a glorious place heaven is : We read of an Angel coming down from heaven , who did tread with his right foot on the Sea , and with his left foot on the earth , Revel. 10. 2. Had we but once been in heaven , and viewed the superlative glory of it , how might we in an holy scorn trample with one foot upon the earth , and with the other foot upon the Sea : Heaven is called a better Country , Heb. 11. 16. But now they desire a better Country , that is an heavenly : Heaven is said to be a better Country , in opposition to the Country where we now sojourn : What should we mind but that better * * Sistitur appetitus in via satiatur in Patria . Country .

Quest. In what sense is heaven a better Country ?

Answ. 1. In that Country above there are better delights ; there is the Tree of Life , the Rivers of Pleasure ; there is amazing beauty , unsearchable riches ; there are the delights of Angels ; there is the Flower of Joy fully blown ; there is more than we can ask or † † Eph. 3. 20. think ; there is glory in its full dimensions , and beyond all hyperbole .

2. In that Country there is a better dwelling house : 1. It is an house not made with hands , 2 Cor. 5. 1. To denote the excellency of it : There was never any house but was made with hands ; but the house above surpasseth the art of man or Angel , none besides God could lay a stone in that building . 2. It is eternal in the heavens ; it is not a sojourning house , but a Mansion-house , it is an house will never be out of repair , Wisdome hath built this house , and hewn out her seven * * Pro. 8. 1. Pillars , which can never moulder .

3. In that Country there are better provisions , in our Fathers house is bread enough : Heaven was typified by Canaan , which did flow with milk and honey : There is the Royal Feast , the spiced Wine , there is Angels food , there are those rare viands and dainties served in , as exceed not only our expressions , but our faith .

4. In that Country is better Society : There is God blessed for ever : How infinitely sweet and ravishing will a smile of his face be ? the Kings presence makes the Court : There are the glorious Cherubims ; in this terrestrial Country where we now live , we are among Wolves and Serpents ; in that Country above , we shall be among Angels : There are the spirits of just men made perfect , Heb. 12. 23. Here the people of God are clouded with infirmities , we see them with spots in their faces , they are full of pride , passion , censoriousness ; in that Hierusalem above , we shall see them in their Royal attire , deck'd with unparallell'd beauty , not having the least tincture or shadow of sin upon them .

5. In that Country there is a better ayr to breathe in : We go into the Country for ayr ; the best ayr is only to be had in that better Country , 1. It is a more temperate ayr , the Climate is calm and moderate , we shall neither freeze with the cold , nor faint with the heat ; 2. It is a brighter ayr , there is a better light shines there : The Sun of Righteousness enlightens that Horison with his glorious beams , Rev. 21. 23. The Lamb is the light thereof . 3. It is a purer ayr : The Fens , which are full of black vapours , we count a bad ayr , and unwholesome to live in : This world is a place of Bogs and Fens , where the noxious vapours of sin arise , which make it pestilential and unwholesome to live in , but in that Country above , there are none of these vapours , but a sweet perfume of holiness ; there is the smell of the Orange-tree , and the Pomgranate ; there is the Myrrhe and Cassia coming from Christ , which send forth a most odoriferous smell .

6. In that Country there is a better soil ; the Land or Soil is better

1. For its altitude ; the earth lying low , is of a baser pedigree ; the Element , which is neerest heaven , is purer and more excellent , as the fire ; that Country above is the High Country , Psal. 24. 3. it is seated far above all the visible Orbs.

2. It is a better Land for its fertilness , it bear a richer Crop : The richest Harvest on earth is the golden Harvest , but the Country above yields Nobier Commodities , there are Pearls Caelestial , there is the Spiritual Vine , there is the honey-comb of Gods love dropping , there is the Water of Life , the hidden Manna ; there is fruit that doth not rot , flowers that never fade ; there is a Crop which cannot be quite reaped , it will be ever reaping time in heaven , and all this the Land yields , without the labour of ploughing and sowing .

3. It is a better Land for its inoffensiveness : There are no bryars there ; the World is a Wilderness where are wicked men , and the best of them is a bryar , Mica 7. 4. They will be tearing the people of God in their spiritual Liberties ; but in the Country above there is not one bryar to be seen , all the bryars are burned .

4. It is a better Land for the rareness of the prospect ; all that a man sees there is his own : I account that the best prospect , where a man can see furthest on his own ground .

7. In that Country is better union ; all the Inhabitants are knit together in love : The poysonful weed of malice doth not grow there ; there is harmony without division , and charity without envy : In that Country above , as in Solomons Temple , no noyse of Hammer is heard .

8. In that Country is better imployment ; while we are here we are complaining of our wants , weeping over our sins , but there we shall be praising God : How will the Birds of Paradise chirp when they are in that Caelestial Country ? There the Morning Stars will sing together , and all the Saints of God shout for joy .

O what should we aspire after , but this Country above ? Such as have their eyes opened , will see that it doth infinitely excel : An ignorant man looks upon a Star , and it appears to him as a little silver spot ; but the Astronomer who hath his Instrument to judge of the dimension of a Star , knows it to be many degrees bigger than the earth : So a natural man hears of the heavenly Country , that it is very glorious , but it is at a great distance ; and because he hath not a spirit of discerning , the world looks bigger in his eye ; but such as are Spiritual Artists , who have the Instrument of Faith to judge of Heaven , will say , it is far the better Country , and thither will they hasten with the Sails of desire .

SECT. XV.

15. A godly man is a zealous man ; grace turns a Saint into a Seraphim , Char. 15. it makes him burn in holy zeal ; zeal is a mixed affection , a compound of love and anger , it carries forth our love to God , and anger against sin in the most intense manner : Zeal is the flame of the affections ; a godly man hath a double baptism , of water and fire , he is baptized with a spirit of zeal , hee is zealous for Gods honour , truth , worship , Psal. 119. 139. my zeal hath consumed me ; it was a crown set on Phineas his head , hee was zealous for his God . Numb. 25. 13. Moses being touched with a coal from Gods altar , in his zeal hee breaks the Tables , Exod. 32. 19. our blessed Saviour in his zeal , whips the buyers and sellers out of the Temple , Ioh. 2. 17. the zeal of thy house hath eaten me up .

But there is a Praeternatural heat , something looking like zeal , which is not , a Comet looks like a Star : I shall therefore show some differences between a true and a false zeal .

1 A false zeal is a blinde zeal , Rom. 10. 2. They have a zeal of God , but not according to knowledge ; this is not the fire of the spirit , but wild-fire . The Athenians were very devout and zealous , but they knew not for what , Acts 17. 23. I found an Altar with this Inscription , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , To the unknown God , Thus the Papists are zealous in their way , but they have taken away the key of knowledge .

2 A false zeal is a self-seeking zeal ; Iehu cries , come see my zeal for the Lord , 2 King . 10. 16. but it was not zeal , but ambition , he was fishing for a Crown . Demetrius pleads for the Goddess Diana , but it was not her Temple , but her Silver shrines he was zealous for : Such zealots Ignatius complains of in his time , that they made a Trade of Christ and Religion , thereby to enrich * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Ignat themselves . 'T is probable many in King Henry the eights time were forward to pull down the Abbies , not out of any zeal against Popery , but that they might build their own houses upon the ruines of those Abbies ; like Eagles which fly aloft , but their eyes are down upon their prey : If blind zeal be punished seven fold , hypocritical zeal shall bee punished seventy and seven fold .

3 A false praeposterous zeal , is a misguided zeal ; it runs out most in things which are not commanded , It is the sign of an hypocrite to be zealous for traditions , and careless of institutions . The Pharisees were more zealous about washing of their cups than their hearts .

4 A false zeal is fired with passion . Iames and Iohn , when they would call for fire from heaven , were rebuked by our Saviour , Luk. 9. 54. Yee know not what spirit yee are off , it was not zeal , but choller ; many have espoused the cause of Religion , rather out of faction and humour , than out of zeal to the truth .

But the zeal of a godly man , is a true and holy zeal , which evidenceth it self in the effects of it .

1 True zeal cannot bear an injury done to God , zeal makes the blood rise , when Gods honour is impeached , Rev. 2. 2. I know thy works and thy labour and patience , and how thou canst not bear them which are evil ; hee who zealously affects his friend , cannot hear him spoken against , and be silent .

2 True zeal will encounter with the greatest difficulties ; when the world holds out a Gorgons head of danger to discourage us , zeal casts out fear ; it is quickned by * * Marcet sine adversario virtus . Sen. de provid . opposition . Zeal doth not say there is a Lyon in the way ; zeal will charge through an Army of dangers , it will march in the face of death . Let news be brought to Paul , that he was way-laid , in every City bonds and imprisonment did abide him , this sets a keener edge upon his zeal , Acts 21. 13. I am ready not only to bee bound , but to dye for the name of the Lord Iesus : as sharp frosts do by an antiparistasis make the fire burn hotter , so sharp oppositions do but inflame zeal the more .

3 True zeal as it hath knowledge to go before it , so it hath sanctity to follow after it : Wisdome leads the van of zeal , and holiness brings up the rear : an hypocrite seems to be zealous , but he is vitious : the godly man is white and ruddy , white in purity , as well as ruddy in zeal ; Christs zeal was hotter than the fire , and his holiness purer than the sun .

4 Zeal that is genuine loves truth when it is despised , and opposed , Psal. 119. 126. They have made void thy law , therefore I love thy commandements above gold : the more others deride holiness , the more we love it ; what is Religion the worse for others disgracing it ? doth a Diamond sparkle the less , because a blinde man disparageth it ? the more outragious the wicked are against the truth , the more couragious the godly are for it : When Mical scoffed at Davids religious dancing before the Ark , if ( saith he ) this be to be vile , I will yet be more vile , 2 Sam. 6. 22.

5 True zeal causeth fervency in duty , Rom. 12. 11. fervent in † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . spirit : Zeal makes us hear with reverence , pray with affection , love with ardency . God kindled Moses his sacrifice from heaven , Lev. 9. 24. There came a fire out from before the Lord , and consumed upon the Altar the burnt offering : when we are zealous in devotion , and our heart waxeth hot within us , here is a fire from heaven kindling our sacrifice : how odious is it for a man to be all fire when he is sinning , and all y●e when he is praying : A pious heart , like water seething hot , boils over in holy affections .

6. True zeal is never out of breath ; though it be violent , 't is perpetual ; no waters can quench the flame of zeal , it is torrid in the frigid zone : The heat of zeal is like the natural heat coming from the heart , which lasts as long as life : That zeal which is not constant , was never true .

Use 1. Use 1. How opposite are they to godliness who cry down zeal , 1 Bran. and count it a Religious phrensie ? They are for the light of knowledge , but not for the heat of zeal . When Basil was earnest in preaching against the Arrian Heresie , it was interpreted folly and dotage . Religion is a matter requires zeal ; the Kingdom of heaven will not be taken but by violence , Mat. 12. 11.

Object . But why so much fervour in Religion ? what becomes then of Prudence ?

Answ. Though Prudence be to direct zeal , yet not to destroy it ; because sight is requisite , must the body therefore have no heat ? If Prudence be the eye in Religion , zeal is the heart .

Quest. But where is moderation ?

Answ. Though moderation in things of indifferency be commendable , and doubtless it would much tend to the setling the peace of the Church ; yet in the main Articles of Faith , wherein Gods glory and our Salvation lie at stake , here moderation is nothing else but sinful neutrality : It was Calvins advice to Melancthon , that he should not so affect the name of moderate , that at length he lost all his zeal .

Object . But the Apostle presseth moderation , Phil. 4. 5. Let your moderation be known to all ?

Answ. The Apostle speaks there of moderating our passion ; the Greek word for * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 moderation , signifies candour , and meekness , opposite to rash † † Beza . anger ; and so the word is rendred in another place * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Patient , 1 Tim. 3. 3. By moderation then , is meant meekness of spirit ; and that is clear by the subsequent words , The Lord is at hand : As if the Apostle had said , avenge not your selves , for the Lord is at hand , he is ready to avenge your personal wrongs , but this doth not at all hinder , but that in matters of Religion a Christian should be zealous .

2 What strangers are they to godliness , 2 Bran. who have no zeal for the glory of God ? they can see his ordinances despised , his worship adulterated , yet their spirits are not at all stirred in them . How many are of a dull , lukewarm temper , zealous for their own secular interest , but have no zeal for the things of heaven ; hot in their own cause , but cool in Gods . The Lord doth most abominate lukewarm professours , I had almost said , hee is sick of them , Rev. 3. 15. I would thou wert cold or hot , ( any thing but lukewarm ) but because thou art neither cold nor hot , I will spue thee out of my mouth : A lukewarm Christian is but dough-baked , just like Ephraim , Hos. 7. 8. Ephraim is a cake not turned : To keep up a form of Religion without zeal , is to be like those bodies the Angels assumed , which mooved , but had no life in them . I would ask these Tepid neutral professors this question , If Religion be not a good cause , why did they undertake it at first ? if it be , why do they go so faintly about it ? why have they no more holy ardours of soul ? these persons would fain go to heaven in a soft bed , but are loath to bee carried thither in a fiery Chariot of zeal . Remember , God will be zealous against them , who are not zealous ; he provides the fire of hell , for those that want the fire of zeal .

Use 2. Use 2. Exhort . As you would be found in the catalogue of the godly , labour for zeal ; as good bee of no religion , as not to be zealous in religion . Beware of carnal policy ; This is one of those three things which Luther feared would bee the death of * * Melch. Adam in vit. Luth. Religion . Some men have been too wise to bee saved . Their discretion hath quenched their zeal ; beware of stoth , which is an enemy to zeal , be zealous and repent Rev. 3. 19. Christians , what do you reserve your zeal for ? is it for your gold that perisheth ? or for your lusts that will make you perish ? can you bestow your zeal better , than upon God ? how zealous have men been in a false religion ? Isa. 46. 6. They lavish gold out of the bag , and weigh silver in the ballance . The Iews did spare no cost in their idolatrous worship , nay , Ier. 32. 35. They cause their Sons and Daughters to pass thorow the fire to Molech . They were so zealous in their idol-worship , that they would sacrifice their Sons and Daughters to their false Gods ; how far did the purblinde Heathens go in their false zeal ? 〈◊〉 the Tribunes of Rome complained they wanted gold in their Treasur●es , to offer to Apollo , the Roman Matrons plucked off their chains of gold , and rings , and bracelets , and gave them to the Priests to offer up * * Livy . sacrifice : were these so zealous in their sinful worship , and will not you bee zealous in the worship of the true God ? can you loose any thing by your zeal ? shall it not bee super-abundantly recompenced ? what is heaven worth ? what is a sight of God worth ? was not Jesus Christ zealous for you ? he sweat drops of blood , hee conflicted with his Fathers wrath ; how zealous was hee for your redemption , and have you no zeal for him ? is there any thing you your selves hate more than dulness and slothfulness in your servants ? you are weary of such servants ; do you dislike a dull temper in others , and not in your selves ? what are all your duties without zeal , but non entia , meer fancies and nullities .

Do you know what a glorious thing zeal is ? it is the lustre that sparkles from grace , it is the flame of † † Ignis quidam flagrantissimi amoris . Aug. love ; it resembles the Holy Ghost , Act. 2. 2. There appeared cloven tongues like fire , which sat upon them , and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost . Tongues of fire , were an Emblem to represent that fire of zeal which the spirit powred upon them .

Zeal makes all our religious performances prevalent with God : When the iron is red hot , it enters best ; and when our services are red hot with zeal , they soonest pierce heaven .

SECT. XVI .

16. A godly man is a patient man , 16 Character . Iam. 5. 11. Ye have heard of the patience of Iob. Patience is a star which shines in a dark night : There is a twofold patience .

1. Patience in waiting . 2. Patience in bearing .

1. Patience in waiting : A godly man , if he hath not his desire presently , he will wait till the mercy be ripe , Psa. 130. 6. My soul waiteth for the Lord . Good reason God should have the Timing of our mercies , Isa. 60. 22. I the Lord will hasten it in his time . Deliverance may tarry beyond our time , but it will not tarry beyond Gods time .

Why should not we wait patiently upon God . 1. We are servants ; it becomes servants to be in a waiting posture . 2. We wait upon every thing else ; we wait upon the fire till it burns ; we wait upon the seed till it grows , Iam. 5. 7. Why cannot we wait upon God ? 3. God hath waited upon * * Isa. 30. 18. us : Did not he wait for our repentance ? How often did he come year after year before he found fruit ? Did God wait upon us , and cannot we wait upon him ? A godly man is content to stay Gods leisure , though the Vision tarry , he will wait for † † Hab. 2. 3 ▪ it .

2. Patience in bearing : This patience is twofold . 1. Either in regard of man ; when we bear injuries without revenging . Or 2. In regard of God ; when we bear his hand without repining : A good man will not only do Gods will , but bear his will , Mica . 7. 9. I will bear the indignation of the Lord . This patient bearing of Gods will is not

1. A Stoical Apathy : Patience is not insensibleness under Gods hand ; we ought to be sensible .

2. It is not patience upon force ; to bear a thing because we cannot help it ; which ( as Erasmus saith ) is rather necessity than patience . But , patience is a cheerful submission of our will to God , Act. 21. 4. The will of the Lord be done . A godly man doth acquiesce in what God doth , as being not only good , but best for him : The great quarrel between God and us is , whose will shall stand : Now the Regenerate will , falls in with the will of God : ●here are four things opposite to this patient ●ame of soul.

1. Disquiet of spirit : When the soul is discomposed , and pulled off the hinges , insomuch that it is unfit for holy duties ; when the strings of a Lute are snarled , the Lute is not fit to make Musick ; so when a Christians spirit is perplexed and disturbed , he cannot make melody in his heart to the Lord .

2. Discontent ; which is a sullen dogged humour : When a man is not angry at his sins , but at his condition , this is different from patience : Discontent is the daughter of pride .

3. Prejudice , which is a dislike of God and his ways , and a falling off from Religion : Sinners have hard thoughts of God , and if he doth but touch them in a tender part , they will presently be gone from him , and throw off his Livery .

4. Self-vindication , when instead of being humbled under Gods hand , a man justifies himself , as if he had not deserved what he suffers : A proud sinner stands upon his own defence , and is ready to accuse God of unrighteousness , which is as if we should tax the Sun with darkness ; this is far from patience : A godly man subscribes to Gods wisdome , and submits to his will ; he saith not only good is the Word of the Lord , Isa. 3●●8 . but good is the Rod of the Lord .

Use. Vse . As we would demonstrate our selves godly , let us be eminent in this grace of patience , Eccles. 7. 8. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit : There are some Graces which we shall have no need of in heaven ; we shall have no need of Faith when we have full Vision , nor patience when we have perfect joy ; but in a dark sorrowful night , there is need of these stars to * * Heb. 10. 36. shine : Let us show our patience in bearing Gods will ; patience in bearing Gods will is two-fold .

1. When God removes any comfort from us .

2. When God imposeth any evil upon us .

1. We must be patient when God removes any comfort from us : Doth God take away any of our Relations ? Ezek. 24. 16. I will take away the desire of thine eyes with a stroak ; yet it is our duty patiently to acquiesce in the Will of God : The loss of a dear Relation , is like the pulling away a Limb from the † † Quae arden er diligimus habita graviter suspiraemus ablae●ae . body . — Homo toties moritur , quoties amittit suos . —

But grace will make our hearts calm and sedate , and work us to an holy patience under such a severe dispensation . I shall lay down eight considerations , which may be as spiritual Physick to kill the worm of impatience under the loss of Relations .

1. The Lord never takes away any comfort from his people , but he gives them that which is better : The Disciples parted with Christs corporal presence , and he sent them the Holy Ghost : God eclipseth one joy , and augments another , he doth but make an exchange , he takes away a Flower , and gives a Diamond .

2. Godly friends dying are in a better condition , they are taken away from the evil to come , Isa. 57. 1. They are out of the storm , and are gotten to the Haven , Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord , Rev. 14. 13. The godly have a portion promised them upon their marriage with Christ , but the portion is not paid till the day of their death : The Saints at death are preferred to Communion with God , they have that they so long hoped for , and prayed for ; why then should we be impatient at our friends preferment ?

3. Thou that art a Saint , hast a friend in heaven which thou canst not lose : The Jews have a saying at their † † Sit consolatio tua in caelis . Funerals , Let thy consolation be in heaven . Art thou a close Mourner , look up to heaven , and fetch comfort thence , thy best kindred are above , Psa 27. 10 , When my Father and Mother forsake me , then the Lord will take me up : God will be with thee in the hour of death , Psa. 23. 4. Though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death , thou art with me . Other friends thou canst not keep , God is a friend thou canst not lose ; he will be thy Guide in life , thy Hope in death , thy Reward after death .

4 Perhaps God is correcting thee for a fault , and it so , it becomes thee to bee patient ; it may bee thy friend had more of thy love than God , and therefore God did take away such a relation , that the stream of thy love may run bak to him again . A gracious woman having been deprived , first of her Children , then of her Husband , Lord ( saith she ) thou hast a plot upon me , thou intendest to have all my love ; God doth not like it , to have any Creature set upon the throne of our affections , hee will take away that comfort , and then he shall lye nearest our heart . If an Husband bestow a jewel upon his Wife , and she doth so fall in love with that jewel , as to forget her Husband , hee will take away the jewel , that her love may return to him again ; a dear relation is this jewel , if we begin to idolize it , God will take away the jewell , that our love may return to him ●gain .

5 A Godly Relation is parted with , but not lost , that is lost , which wee are out of hope ever of seeing again ; religious friends are but gone a little † † Non sunt amissi sed pr●misse Cypr. before . A time will shortly come , when there shall bee a meeting without parting , 1 Thes. 5. 10. How glad is one friend to see another , that hath been long absent ? Oh what glorious acclamations shall there bee , when old relations shall meet together in heaven , and be in each others embraces ? when a great prince lands at the shore , the guns go off , in token of joy ; when godly friends shall be all landed at the heavenly shore , and shall congratulate one anothers felicity , what stupendious joy will there be ? what musick in the quire of Angels ? how will heaven ring of their praises ? and that which is the crown of all , they who were here joyned in the flesh , shall bee joyned nearer than ever in the mystical body , and shall lye together in Christs † † 1 Thes. 4. 17. bosome , that bed of perfume .

6 Wee have deserved worse at Gods hands ; hath hee taken away a childe , a wife , a parent ? hee might have taken away his spirit ; hath he deprived us of a relation ? he might have deprived us of salvation ; doth he put wormwood in the cup ? we have deserved poyson , Ezra . 9. 13. Thou hast punish●d us less than our iniquities deserve ; wee have a sea of sin , and but a drop of suffering .

7 The patient soul doth most sweetly enjoy it self ; an impatient man is like a troubled sea , that cannot rest ; he tortures himself upon the wrack of his own griefs and passions , whereas patience calms the heart , as Christ did the sea , when it was rough , and now there is a sabbath in the heart , yea , an heaven , Luk. 21. 19. In your patience possess yee your souls : By faith a man possesseth God , and by patience hee possesseth himself .

8 How patient have many of the Saints been , when the Lord hath broken the very staff of their comfort , in berea●ing them of Relations ; The Lord took away Iobs children , and he was so far from murmuring , that he falls a blessing , Iob 1. 21. The Lord hath taken away , blessed be the name of the Lord . God fore-told the death of Elies sons , 1 Sam. 2. 34. In one day they shall dye both of them ; but how patiently did he take this sad news , 1 Sam. 3. 18. It is the Lord , let him do what seemeth him good : See the difference between Eli and Pharoah , Pharoah saith , who is the * * Exod 5. 2. Lord ? Eli saith , it is the Lord : When God struck two of Aarons sons dead , Lev. 10. 〈◊〉 Aaron held his peace ; patience opens the ear , but shuts the mouth , it opens the ear to hear the Rod , but shuts the mouth that it hath not a word to say against God , Behold here the patterns of patienc● ; and shall not wee write after their fair Copies ? these are heart-quieting considerations , when God sets a deaths-head upon our comforts , and removes dear relations from us .

2 We must be patient , when God inflicts any evil upon us , Rom. 12. 12. Patient in Tribulation .

1 The Lord sometimes laies heavy affliction upon his people , Psal. 38. 2. Thy hand lies sore upon me . The Hebrew word for * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 afflicted , signifies to bee melted ; God seems to melt his people in a furnace .

2 God doth sometimes lay divers afflictions on the Saints , Iob 19. 17. Hee multiplieth my wounds : as wee have divers waies of sinning , so the Lord hath divers waies of afflicting ; some hee melts away their estates , others hee chains to a sick bed , others hee confines to a Prison ; God hath various arrows in his quiver , which he shoots .

3 Sometimes God lets the affliction lye long , Psal. 74. 9. There is no more any Prophet , neither is there among us any that knoweth how long : As it is with diseases , there are some Chronical , that linger and hang about the body several years together , so it is with afflictions , the Lord is pleased to exercise many of his precious ones with Chronical afflictions , such as lye upon them a long time ; now in all these cases , it becomes the Saints , patiently to rest in the will of God ; the Greek word for † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . patient , is a metaphor , alludes to one who stands invincibly under a burden . This is the right notion of patience , when we bear affliction invincibly without fainting , or fretting .

The trial of a Pilot is seen in a storm ; so is the tryal of a Christian seen in affliction ; hee hath the right art of navigation , who when the boistrous winds blow from heaven , doth steer the ship of his soul wisely , and not dash upon the ●rock of impatience ; a Christian should alwaies keep a decorum , not behaving himself unseemly , or disguising himself with intemperate passion , when the hand of God lies upon him . Patience adorns suffering ; affliction in Scripture is compared to a net , Psa. 66. 11. Thou broughtest us into the net . Such as have escaped the Devils net , yet the Lord suffers them to bee taken in the net of affliction , but they must not be as a wild Bull in a net , Isa. 51. 20. to kick and fling against their maker , but lye patiently till God break the net , and makes away for their escape . I shall propound four cogent Arguments , to excite patience under those evils which God inflicts on us .

1 Afflictions are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 1 Argu. for our benefit . Heb. 12. 9. Hee for our profit , wee pray that God would take such a course with us as may do our souls Good , when God is afflicting us , hee is hearing our prayers , he doth it ▪ for our * * Domine hic ure , hic seca ut in aeternum parcas . Aug. profit : not that afflictions in themselves do profit us , but as Gods Spirit works with them ▪ For as the waters of Bethesda could not give health of themselves , unless the Angel descended and stirred the water , Iohn 5. 4. So the waters of affliction are not in themselves healing till Gods Spirit co-operates and sanctifies them to us : Afflictions are many ways † † Quod mundus noxium esse putat , exitum utilem parit . Calv. profitable .

1. They make men sober and wise : Physitians appoint distracted persons to be bound in Chains , and to be dieted , and have hard fare to bring them to the use of reason : Many run stark mad in prosperity , they neither know God nor themselves ; the Lord therefore binds them with cords of affliction , that he may bring them to their right * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. understandings , Iob 36. 8. If they be held in cords of affliction , then he shews them their transgression , he openeth also their ear to discipline .

2 Afflictions are a friend to grace .

1 They beget grace ; Beza acknowledged God laid the foundation of his Conversion in a violent sickness at Paris .

2 They augment grace , the people of God are beholding to their troubles , they had never had so much grace , if they had not met with such sore trials ; now , the waters run , and the spices flow forth . The Saints thrive by affliction , as the Lacedemonians grew rich by war ; God makes grace flourish most in the fall of the leaf .

3 Afflictions quicken our pace in the way to heaven ; it is with us , as with children sent on an errand , if they meet with Apples or Flowers by the way , they linger and make no great haste home , but if any thing fright them , then they run with all the speed they can to their fathers house ; so in prosperity , we are gathering the Apples and Flowers , and do not much minde heaven , but if troubles begin to arise , and the times grow frightful , then we make more haste to heaven , and with David ; run the way of Gods commandements . Psa. 119. 32. 2 Argu.

2 God intermixeth mercy with affliction , hee steeps his-sword of justice in the oyl of * * Vindictae gladium misericordiae oleosemper exacuit . mercy , there was no night so dark , but Israel had a Pillar of fire in it ; there is no condition so dismal , but we may see a Pillar of fire to give light , if the body be in pain , conscience is in peace , there is mercy ; affliction is for the prevention of sin , there is mercy : In the Ark there was a rod and a pot of Manna , the Emblem of a Christians condition , mercy interlined with * * Psa. 101. 1. judgement , here is the rod and Manna .

3 Patience evidenceth much of God in the heart ; 3 Argument . patience is one of Gods titles ; Rom. 15. 5. The God of patience ; thou that hast thy heart cast into this blessed mould , it is a sign God hath imparted much of his own nature to thee , thou shinest with some of his beams .

Impatience evidenceth much unsoundness of heart ; as it is in the body , if the body bee of that temper , that every little scratch of a pin makes the flesh to rancle , you will say , sure this mans flesh is very unsound ; so for every petty cross to flye out in impatience , and quarrel with providence , it is the sign of a distempered Christian ; if there be any grace in such an heart , they must have good eyes that can see it ; but he who is of a patient spirit , is a graduate in Religion , and doth much participate of the divine nature .

4 The end of affliction is glorious ; 4 Argument . the Iews were captive in Babylon , but what was the end ? they departed out of Babylon with vessels of silver , with gold and precious things , Ezra . 1. 6. So , what is the end of affliction , it ends in endless glory , Acts 14. 22. 2 Cor. 4. 17. how may this rock our impatient hearts quiet : who would not willingly travel through a little dirty way , and ploughed lands , at the end whereof is a fair Meadow , and in that Meadow , a golden Mine ?

Quest. How shall I get my heart tuned into a patient frame ?

Answ. 1 Get faith ; all our impatience proceeds from unbelief ; faith is the breeder of patience , when a storm of passion begins to arise , faith saith to the heart , as Christ to the Sea , peace , be still , and there is presently a calm .

Quest. How doth faith work patience ?

Answ. Faith argues the soul into patience ; faith is like that Town-Clark in Ephesus , who allayed the contention of the multitude , and argued them soberly into peace , Act. 19. 35 , 36. So when impatience begins to clamour and make an hubbub in the soul ; faith appeaseth the tumult , and argues the soul into holy patience : Saith faith , Why art thou disquieted O my Soul ? art thou afflicted ? is it not thy Father hath done it ? he is carving and pollishing thee , and making thee fit for glory , he smites that hee may save ; what is thy tryal , is it sickness ? God shakes the Tree of thy body , that some fruit may fall , even the peaceable fruit of righteousness , Heb. 12. 11. Art thou driven from thy habitation ? God hath prepared for thee a City , Heb. 11. 16. Dost thou suffer reproach for Christs sake ? a spirit of God and glory rest upon thee , 1 Pet. 4. 14. Thus faith argues and disputes the soul into patience .

2 Pray to God for patience , patience is a flower of Gods planting ; pray that it may grow in your heart , and send forth its sweet perfume : Prayer is an holy charm , to charm down the evil spirit ; prayer composeth the heart , and puts it in Tune , when impatience hath broken the strings , and put all into a confusion : Oh go to God , prayer delights Gods ear , it melts his heart , it opens his hand ; God cannot deny a praying soul ; seek to him with importunity , and either he will remove the affliction , or which is better , he will remove thy impatience .

SECT. XVII .

17 A Godly man is a thankful man ; praise and thanksgiving , 17 Character . is the work of heaven , and he begins that work here , which he shall bee alwaies doing in heaven . The Iews have a saying , the world subsists by three things ; the Law , the worship of God , and * * Super tribus consistit mu●●dus , super lege , & cultu sacro , & retributione . Aloys . novar . thankfulness ; as if where thankfulness were wanting , one of the Pillars of the world were taken away , and it were ready to fall . The Hebrew word for praise , comes from a radix , that signifies to shoot † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 jaculatus est . Hiph . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 confiteri , gratias agere . Buxtorf . up ; the Godly man sends up his praises , as a volly of shot towards heaven . David who was modelled after Gods heart , how melodiously did he warble out Gods praises ? therefore was called the sweet singer of Israel , 1 Sam. 23. 1. Take a Christian at the worst , yet hee is thankful : The Prophet Ionah , who was homo 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a man of a waspish spirit ; the sea did not so work with the tempest , * * Jon. 1. 13. as Ionahs heart wrought with passion ; yet , through this cloud you might see grace appear ; he had a thankful heart , Ionah 2. 9. I will Sacrifice to thee with the voice of thanksgiving , I will pay that which I have vowed . For the clearer illustrating of this , I shall lay down these four particulars .

1 Praise and thanksgiving is a Saint-like work ; we finde in Scripture , the godly are still called upon to praise God , Psa. 135. 20. Ye that fear the Lord , bless the Lord . Psa. 149. 5. Let the Saints bee joyful in glory , let the high praises of God be in their mouth ; praise is a work proper to a Saint .

1 None but the godly can praise God aright ; as all have not skill to play on the Lute , so every one cannot sound forth the harmonious praises of God ; wicked men are bound to praise God , but they are not fit to praise him ; none but a living Christian can tune Gods praise ; wicked men are dead in sin , how can they lift up Gods praises , that are dead ? Isa. 38. 19. The grave cannot praise thee : A wicked man stains and eclipseth Gods praise , if a foul hand work in Damask , or flowred Sattin , it will slur the beauty of it ; God will say to the sinner , what hast thou to do , to take my name into thy mouth ? Psa. 50. 16.

2 Praise is not comely for any , but the godly , Psa. 33. 1. Praise is comely for the righteous : A prophane man stuck with Gods praises , is like a dunghill stuck with flowers ; praise in the mouth of a sinner , is like an Oracle in the mouth of a fool ; how uncomely is it for him to praise God , whose whole life is a dishonouring of God ? it is as undecent for a wicked man to praise God , as it is for an Usurer to talk of living by faith , or for the Devil to quote Scripture ; the godly only are fit to be queristers in Gods praises , 't is called the Garment of praise , Isaiah 61. 3. this garment sits handsome only on a Saints back .

2 Thanksgiving is a more noble part of Gods worship ; our wants may send us to prayer , but it argues an heart highly ingenuous to bless God ; the Raven cries , the Lark sings ; in petition we act like men , in thanksgiving we act like Angels .

3 Thanksgiving is a God-exalting work , Psa. 50. 23. Whoso offereth praise , glorifieth me , though nothing can adde the least cubit to Gods essential glory , yet praise exalts him in the eyes of others ; praise is a setting forth of Gods honour , a lifting up of his name , a displaying the trophy of his goodness , a proclaiming his excellency , a spreading his renown , a breaking open the box of oyntment , whereby the sweet savour and perfume of Gods name is sent abroad into the world .

4 Praise is a more distinguishing work ; by this a Christian excels all the infernall spirits ; dost thou talk of God ? so can the Devil , hee brought Scripture to Christ ; dost thou profess religion ? so can the Devil , he transforms himself into an Angel of light ; dost thou fast ? he never eats ; dost thou beleeve ? the Devils have a faith of assent , they believe and tremble , Iam. 2. 19. but , as Moses wrought such a miracle , as none of the Magicians could do the like ; so here is a work Christians may be doing , which none of the Devils can do , and that is the work of thanksgiving ; they blaspheme , but do not bless ; Satan hath his fiery darts , but not his harp and viol .

Use 1 See here the true genius and complexion of a godly man , Vse 1. hee is much in doxologies and praises . 1 Bran. 'T is a saying of Lactantius , hee cannot bee a good man , who is unthankful to † † Lactan. instit. c. 3. his God : A godly man is a God-exalter ; the Saints are Temples of the Holy Ghost , 1 Cor. 3. 16. where should Gods praises bee sounded , but in his Temples ? a good heart is never weary of praising God , Psa. 34. 1. His praise shall continually bee in my mouth . Some will be thankful while the memory of the mercy is fresh , but afterwards leave * * Plures sunt apud quos non diutius in animo sunt donata quam in usu . Sen. de benef . off ; The Carthaginians used at first ; to send the tenth of their yearly revenue to Hercules , but by degrees they grew weary , and left off * * Diodor. Siculus . sending . David as long as hee drew his breath , would chirp forth Gods praise , Psa. 146. 2. I will sing praises to my God , while I have any being : David would not now and then give God a fit of Musick , and then the instrument must be hung up , but he would continually be celebrating Gods praise .

A godly man will express his thankfulness in every duty , hee mingles thanksgiving with prayer , Phil. 4. 6. In every thing by prayer , with thanksgiving , let your requests bee made known to God . Thanksgiving is the more divine part of prayer ; in our petitions wee express our own necessities , in our thanksgivings we declare Gods excellencies . Then prayer goes up as incense , when it is perfumed with thanksgiving .

And as a godly man expresseth thankfulness in every duty , so in every condition ; hee will be thankful in * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chrysost. ad Antioch . ●om. 1. ●om. 17. adversity , as well as prosperity , 1 Thes. 5. 18. In every thing giving thanks : A gracious soul is thankful and rejoyceth , that hee is drawn nearer to God , though it be by the cords of affliction ; when it goes well with him , hee praiseth Gods mercy ; when it goes ill with him , he magnifies Gods justice ; when God hath a rod in his hand , a godly man will have a Psalm in his mouth . The Devils smiting of Iob , was like the striking upon a musical instrument , he sounded forth praise , The Lord hath taken away , blessed be the name of the Lord , Iob 1. 21. Gods spiritual plants , when they are cut and do bleed , drop thankfulness , the Saints Tears cannot drown their praises .

2 If this be the sign of a godly man , 2 Bran. then the number of the godly will appear to bee very small . Few are in the work of praise , sinners cut God short of his thank-offering , Luk. 17. 17 where are the * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Theodor. nine ? Often Leapers healed , there was but one returned to give praise ; the most of the world are Sepulchres , to bury Gods praise ; you shall hear some swearing and cursing , but few that bless God : Praise is the yearly rent that men sit at , but most are behinde hand with their rent . God gave King Hezekiah a famous deliverance , but Hezekiah rendred not again , according to the benefit done unto him , 2 Chron. 32. 25. that But , was a blot in his Scutchion ; some instead of being thankful to God , render evil for good , they are the worse for mercy , Deut. 32. 6. Do yee thus requite the Lord , foolish people and unwise ? This is like the Toad , that converts the most wholsome hearb to poyson ; where shall wee finde a grateful Christian ? Wee read of the Saints , Rev. 5. 8. Having harps in their hand ; the Emblem of praise ; many have tears in their eyes , and complaints in their mouths , but few that have harps in their hand who are blessing and praising the name of God .

Use 2 Let us put our selves upon a scrutiny , and examine by this Character whether we are godly , Vse 2. Trial. are wee thankful for mercy ? 't is an hard thing to bee thankful .

Quest. How may wee know whether wee are rightly thankful ?

Answ. 1 When wee are careful to register Gods mercy , 1 Chron. 16. 4. David appointed certain of the Levites , to record and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel . Physitians say , the memory is the first thing that † † Memori● primo senescit . decayes ; 't is true in spirituals , Psal. 106. 13. They soon forgat his works : A godly man enters down his mercies , as a Physician his receipts into a book , that they may not bee lost . Mercies are Jewels that should be locked up ; A childe of God keeps two books alwaies by him , one to write his sins in , that he may be humble , the other to write his mercies in , that he may be thankful .

2 Then wee are rightly thankful , when our hearts are the chief instrument in the musick of praise , Psa. 111. 1. I will praise the Lord with my whole * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 heart . David would not only put his Viol in tune , but his heart ; if the heart doth not joyn with the tongue , there can bee no consort ; where the heart is wanting , the Parrot is as good a Querister , as the Christian.

3 Then we are rightly thankful , when the favours which we receive , endear our love to God the more . Davids miraculous preservation from death , drew forth his love to God , Psa. 116. 1. I love the Lord , it is one thing to love our mercies , another thing to love the Lord ; many love their deliverance , but not their deliverer ; God is to bee loved more than his mercies .

4 Then we are rightly thankful , when in giving our praise to God , wee take all worthiness from our selves , Gen. 32. 10. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies , thou hast shewed unto thy servant ; as if Iacob had said , Lord the worst bit thou carvest me , is better than I deserve . 2 Sam. 9. 7. Mephibosheth bowed himself , and said , what is thy Servant , that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am ? So a thankful Christian , when he takes a survey of his blessings , and sees how much he enjoyes , that others better than he want , Lord saith he , what am I , a dead dog , that free-grace should look upon me , and that thou shouldst crown mee with such loving kindness ?

5 Then we are rightly thankful , when we put Gods mercies out of Use ; wee turn our injoyments into improvements ; the Lord gives us health , and wee spend and are spent for Christ , 2 Cor. 12. 15. hee gives us an estate , and wee honour the Lord with our substance , Prov. 3. 9. he gives us children , and wee dedicate them to God , and edugate them for God ; wee do not bury our Talents , but trade them , this is to put out our mercies to Use : a gracious heart is like a peece of good ground , that having received the seed of mercy , thrusts forth a crop of obedience .

6 Then wee are rightly thankful , when we can have our hearts more enlarged for spiritual mercies , than for temporal : Eph. 1. 3. Blessed be God , who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings : A godly man blesseth God more for a fruitful heart , than a full crop ; hee is more thankful for Christ , than for a Kingdome : Socrates was wont to say , hee loved the Kings smile more than his gold : a pious heart is more thankful for a smile of Gods face , than hee would bee for the gold of the Indies .

7 Then wee are rightly thankful , when mercy is a whe● to duty , it causeth a spirit of activity for God ; Mercy is not as the Sun to the fire , to dull it , but as oyl to the wheele , to make it run faster . David wisely argues from mercy to duty , Psal. 116. 8 , 9. Thou hast delivered my Soul from death , I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living . It was a saying of Bernard , Lord I have two Mites , a soul and a body , and I give them both to * * Du●s h●beo min●tias domine , &c. Bern. thee .

8 Then wee are rightly thankful , when we excite others to this Angelical work of praise : David would not only bless God himself , but calls upon others to do so , Praise ye the Lord , Psalm . 111. 1. That is the sweetest musick , which is in consort ; when many Saints joyn together in consort , then they make heaven ring of their praises ; as one drunkard will bee calling upon another , so in an holy sense , one Christian must bee stirring up another to the work of thankfulness .

9 Then we are rightly thankful , when we do not only speak Gods praise , but live his praise : It is called gratiarum actio , then wee give thanks , when wee live thanks ; such as are mirrours of mercy , should be patterns of piety , Obad. 17. Upon Mount Sion , shall be deliverance , and there shall be holiness : To give God orall praise , and dishonour him in our lives , is to commit a barbarism in religion , and is to be like those Iews who bowed the knee to Christ , and then did spit upon him , Mark 15. 19.

10 Then wee are rightly thankful , when wee do propagate Gods praises to posterity , we tell our children what God hath done for us , in such a want hee supplyed us , in such a sickness he raised us , in such a temptation he succoured us : Psa. 44. 1. O God our Fathers have told us , what work thou didst in their daies , in the time of old . By transmitting our experiences to our Children , Gods name is eternized , and his mercies will bring forth a plentiful crop of praise when wee are gone . He man puts the question , Psal. 88. 10. Shall the dead praise thee ? Yes , in this sense , when we are dead , we praise God , because having left the Chronicle of Gods mercies with our Children , we put them upon thankfulness , and so make Gods praises live , when we are dead . — dumque aurea voluet astra polus , Memori semper celebrabunt cantu . —

Use 3 Let us evidence our godliness by gratefulness , Vse 3. Exhor. Psa. 29. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name .

1 It is a good thing to be thankful , Psal , 147. 1. Motive It is good to sing praises to our God . 'T is ill when the tongue ( that Organ of praise ) is out of tune , and doth jar , by murmuring and discontent ; but it is a good thing to be thankful : it is good , because this is all the creature can do to lift up Gods name ; and it is good , because it tends to the making us good : the more thankful we are , the more holy ; while wee pay this tribute of praise , our stock of grace increseth : in other debts , the more we pay , the less wee have , but the more wee pay this debt of thankfulness , the more grace wee have .

2 Thankfulness is the quit-rent wee owe to God , Psa. 148. 11 , 13. King of the earth , and all people , let them praise the name of the Lord : Praise is the tribute or custome , to bee paid into the King of heavens Exchequor : Surely while God renews our Lease , we must renew our rent .

3 The great cause we have to be thankful , 't is a principle grafted in nature , to be thankful for * * Beneficium Postulat officium . benefits : The Heathens praised Iupiter for their victories .

What full clusters of mercies hang upon us ? when we go to enumerate Gods mercies , we must ( with David ) confess our selves to bee nonplussed , Psal. 40. 5. Many , O Lord my God , are thy wonderful works which thou hast done , they cannot be reckoned up in Order . And as Gods mercies are past numbring , so they are past measuring : David takes the longest measuring line hee could get , hee measures from earth to the clouds , nay , above the clouds , yet this measure would not reach the heighth of Gods mercies , Psal. 108. 4. Thy mercy is great above the heavens . O how hath God enriched us with his silver showers ? a whole constellation of mercies , hath shined in our Hemisphere .

1 What Temporal favours have wee † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chrys. received ; every day wee see a new tide of mercy coming in ; the wings of mercy have covered us , the breast of mercy hath fed us , Gen. 48. 15. The God which hath fed mee all my life long to this day . What snares laid for us have been broken ? what fears blown over ? the Lord hath made our bed , when he hath made others grave ; he hath taken such care of us , as if he had none else to take care for ; never was the cloud of providence so black , but we might see a Rainbow of Love in the cloud ? we have been made to swim in a sea of mercy , and doth not all this call for thankfulness ?

2 That which may put a string more into the instrument of our praise , and make it sound louder , is to consider what spiritual blessings God hath conferred upon us : he hath given us of the upper-springs , 〈…〉 he hath opened the Wardrobe of Heaven , and fetched us out a better garment than any of the Angels wear ; he hath given us the best robe , and put upon us the Ring of faith , whereby wee are married to him : These are mercies of the first magnitude , which deserve to have an Asterist put upon them , and God keeps the best Wine till last , here hee gives us mercies but by retail , the greatest things are laid up ; here are some Hony drops , and fore-tastes of Gods love , the Rivers of pleasure are reserved for Paradise ; well may we take the harp and viol , and triumph in Gods praise ; who can tread upon these hot coals of Gods love , and his heart not burn in thankfulness ?

4 Thankfulness is the best policy , there is nothing lost by it ; to bee thankful for one mercy , is the way to have more , 't is like powring water into a † † Ascensus gratiarum descensus gratiae . Pump , which fetcheth out more ; Musicians love to sound their trumpets , where there is the best Eccho , and God loves to bestow his mercies , where there is the best Eccho of * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . thankfulness .

5 Thankfulness is a frame of heart God delights in ; if repentance bee the joy of heaven , praise is the * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . musick . Bernard calls thankfulness the sweet Balm that drops from a Christian.

Four Sacrifices God is much pleased with , the sacrifice of Christs blood , the sacrifice of a broken heart , the sacrifice of Alms , and the sacrifice of thanksgiving : Praise and Thanksgiving ( saith Mr. Greenham ) is the most excellent part of Gods worship , for this shall continue in the heavenly quire , when all other exercises of Religion shall cease .

6 What an horrid thing ingratitude is , it gives a dye and tincture to every other sin , and makes it Crimson ; ingratitude is the spirits of baseness , Obad. v. 7. They that eat thy bread , have laid a Wound under thee : Ingratitude is worse than bruitish , Isa. 1. 3. 'T is reported of Iulius Caesar , that he would never forgive an ungrateful person ; though God be a sin-pardoning God , he scarce knows not how to pardon for this , Ier. 5. 7. How shall I pardon thee for this , thy children have forsaken me , when I had fed them to the full , they then committed adultery . Draco ( whose Laws were written in blood ) published and edict , that if any man had received a benefit from another , and it could bee proved against him , that hee had not been grateful for it , hee should be put to death ; an unthankful person is a monster in nature , a Pardox in Christianity ; he is the scorn of heaven , and the plague of earth ; an ungrateful man , never doth well but in one thing , that is when hee dies .

7 The not being thankful , is the cause of all the Judgements which have lain upon us ; our unthankfulness for health , hath been the cause of so much Mortality ; our Gospel-unthankful thankfulness , and Sermon-surfeiting , hath been the reason why God hath put so many Lights under a Bushel ; as Bradford said , my unthankfulness was the death of King Edward the sixth : Who will bestow cost on a peece of ground , that brings forth nothing but briars ? unthankfulness stops the golden Vial of Gods bounty , that it will not drop .

Quest. How shall we do to be thankful ?

Answ. 1. If you would be thankful , get an heart deeply humbled in the sense of your own vileness ; a broken heart is the best pipe to sound forth Gods praise ; hee who studies his sins , wonders that he hath any thing , and that God should shine upon such a dunghill , 1 Tim. 1. 13. Who was before a Blasphemer , and a Persecuter , but I obtained mercy : How thankful was he ? how did he Trumpet forth free-grace ? A proud man will never bee thankful , he looks upon all his mercies , to bee either of his own procuring or deserving ; if he hath an Estate , this he hath gotten by his wit and industry , not considering that Scripture , Deut. 8. 18. Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God , for it is he that gives thee power to get Riches . Pride stops the Current of gratitude : O Christian ! think of thy unworthiness , see thy self , the least of Saints , and the chief of Sinners , and then thou wilt be thankful .

2 Labour for sound evidences of Gods love to you ; read Gods love in the impress of holiness upon your hearts ; Gods love powred in , will make the Vessels of Mercy run over with thankfulness , Rev. 1. 5 , 6. Unto him that loved us , be glory and dominion for ever . The deepest Springs yeeld the sweetest water : hearts deeply sensible of Gods love , yeeld the sweetest praises .

SECT. XVIII .

18 A godly man is a lover of the Saints ; Char. 18. the best way to discern grace in ones self , is to love grace in others , 1 Ioh. 3. 14. Wee know we have passed from death to life , because we love the Brethren : What is religion but religation ? a knitting together of hearts ; Faith knits us to God , and love knits us one to another : There is a two-fold love to others .

1 A civil love ; a godly man hath a love of civility to all , Gen. 23. 7. Abraham stood up and bewed to the children of Heth : Though they were extraneous , and not within the pale of the Covenant , yet Abraham was affable to them : grace doth sweeten and refine nature , 1 Pet. 3. 8. be † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . courteous : wee are to have a love of civility to all .

1 As they are ex eodem luto , of the same lump and mould with our selves , and are a peece of Gods curious * * Resert laertius de Aristotele , quum ipsi probo daretur , quod flagitioso homini opem tulisset , eum respondisse , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . needle-work .

2 Because our sweet deportment towards them , may bee a means to win upon them , and make them in love with the waies of God ; a morose ruggid carriage , often alienates the hearts of others , and hardens them the more against holiness , whereas a loving behaviour is very obliging , and may bee as a load-stone to draw them to religion .

2 There is a pious and an holy love , and this a godly man doth bear chiefly to them , who are of the houshold of † † Quemadmodum ignis ea intensius caleficit quae adsita quam quae dissita sunt : ●ta charitatis ignis ferventius fidei domesticos diliget , quam 〈◊〉 qui sunt a fide extranei . faith ; the other was a love of courtesie , this of complacency : Our love to the Saints ( saith Austin ) should bee more than to our natural relations , because the bond of the spirit is nearer than * * Quia major est fraternitas spiritus quam sanguinis . Aug. Tom. 0. that of blood . This love to the Saints , which evidenceth a man godly , must have seven ingredients in it .

1 Love to the Saints must bee sincere , 1 Ioh. 3. 18. Let us not love in word or in tongue , but in deed and in truth : The hony that drops from the comb is pure , so must love be pure without deceit : Many are like Naphtali , Gen. 49. 21. he giveth goodly words : Pretended love is like a painted fire , which hath no heat in it . Some hide malice under a false veil of love ; I have read of Antoninus the Emperour , where he made a shew of Friendship , there he intended the most mischief .

2 Love to the Saints must be spiritual , we must love them because they are Saints ; not out of self-respects , because they are affable , or have been kinde to * * Ollaris amor , qui tamdiù fervet quā diù olla fervida est . us , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hesh . but we must love them under a spiritual notion , because of the good that is in them ; we are to reverence their holiness , else it is a carnal love .

3 Love to the Saints must be extensive , we must love all that bear Gods * * A quatenus ad omne valet consequentia . image .

1 Though they have many infirmities ; a Christian in this life , is like a good face full of Freckles ; thou that canst not love another because of his imperfections , didst never yet see thy own face in the glass ; thy brothers infirmities may make thee pity him , his graces must make thee love him .

2 Wee must love the Saints , though in some things they do not coalesce and agree with us : another Christian may differ from me in less matters , either because hee hath more light than I , or because hee hath lesse light ; if he differs from me , because he hath more light , then I have no reason to censure him ; if because hee hath less light , than I ought to bear with him , as the weaker Vessel , in things of an indifferent nature , there ought to be Christian connivance .

3 We must love the Saints , though their graces out-vye and surpass ours ; we ought to bless God for the eminency of anothers grace , because hereby religion is honoured ; Pride is not quite slain in a believer ; Saints themselves are apt to grudge and repine at each others excellencies ; is it not strange , that the same person , should hate one man for his sin , and envy another for his vertue ? Christians had need look to their hearts ; then is love right and genuine , when we can rejoyce in the graces of others , though they seem to eclipse ours .

4 Love to the Saints must be appretiating , we must esteem their persons above others , Psa. 15. 4. He honours them that fear the Lord : we are to look upon the wicked as lumber , but upon the Saints as jewels , these must bee had in high veneration .

5 Love to the Saints must bee Social , wee should delight in their company , Psal. 119. 63. I am a companion of all them that fear thee . 'T is a kind of hell to be in the company of the wicked , where we cannot choose but hear Gods name dishonoured : It was a capital crime , to have carried the Image of Tiberius , engraven upon a Ring or Coyn into any fordid place ; They who have the Image of God engraven upon them , should not go into any sinful fordid company . Never but two that I read of , who were living , did desire to keep company with the dead , and they were possessed with the * * Mat. 8. 28. Devil : what comfort can a living Christian have , to converse with the dead ? Iude 2. but the society of Saints is eligible ; this is not to walk among the Tombs , but among beds of spices . Beleevers are Christs garden , their graces are the flowers , their savory discourse is the fragrant smell of these flowers .

6 Love to the Saints must be demonstrative ; we should be ready to do all offices of love to them ; vindicate their names , contribute to their necessities , and like the good Samaritan , pour Oyl and Wine into their wounds , * * Haec erat aqua limpida ex fonte charitat is in miserum profluens , Solitarius erat , Samaritanu● accedit eum , & visitat ; vulner atus erat , haec sine naus●ae vin● expurgat , oleo lenit ; semi-mortuus erat , hic suo jumento ipsum vehit ; peregrinus erat , hic in hospitium invehit ; pauper erat , hic pecuniam pro illo erogat . Glass exeg . p. 4. in luc. Luk. 0. 34. 35. Love cannot be concealed , but is active in its sphere , and will lay out it self for the good of others .

7 Love to the Saints must be constant , 1 Iohn 4. 16. He that dwelleth in love : Our love must not only lodge for a night , but we must dwell in love , Heb. 13. 1. Let Brotherly love * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . continue : as love must bee sincere without hypocrisie , so constant without deficiency ; love must be like the pulse , alwaies beating ; not like those Galathians , who at one time were ready to pull out their eyes for Paul , Gal. 4. 15. and afterwards were ready to pluck out his eyes ; love should not expire but with our life : and surely if our love to the Saints , be thus divinely qualified , we may hopefully conclude that we are enrolled among the godly , Ioh. 13. 35. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples , if ye have love one to another .

That which induceth a godly man to love the Saints , is , because he is nearly related to them , there ought to be love among relations , there is a spiritual consanguinity among beleevers , they have all one head , therefore should all have one heart , they are stones of the same building , 1 Pet. 2. 5. and shall not these stones bee cemented together with * * Quando quidem lapides vivi sumus , nos coadunari in unu●● templum , ac mutua charitate conglutinari necesse est . Calvin . Vse 1. Love ?

Use 1. Is this the distinguishing Mark of a godly man , to be a lover of the Saints , then how sad is it to see this grace of love in an eclipse ? this Character of godliness , is almost blotted out among Christians England was once a fair garden , where the flower of love did grow , but sure now this flower is either plucked or withered ; where is that amity and unity as should be among * * Quam ardent ubique odia regnat discordia , germana illa 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 non secus ac si in tenebrosum aliquem carcerem esset inclusa , aut in exilium pulsa , nusquam fere inter Christianos conspicitur . Christians ? I appeal to you , would there bee that censuring and despising , that reproaching and undermining one another if there were love ? instead of bitter Tears , there are bitter spirits ; a sign iniquity abounds , because the love of many waxeth cold ; there is that distance among some professours , as if they had not received the same spirit , or as if they did not hope for the same heaven : In the Primitive times , there was so much love among the godly , as set the heathens a wondring , and now there is so little , as may set Christians a blushing .

Use 2 Use 2. As we would be written down for Saints in Gods Kalender , Exhort . let us love the † † 1 Pet. 2. 17. Brotherhood : they who shall one day live together , should love together ; what is it makes a disciple but * * Charitati nihil 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , est virtutum regina Christianorum vexillum , discipulorum 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , perfectionis vinculum . love ? Iohn 13. 35. The Devil hath knowledge , but that which makes him a Devil is , that hee wants love . To perswade Christians to love , consider ,

1 The Saints have that in them , which may make us love them ; they are the curious embroidery and workmanship of the Holy ghost , Eph. 2. 10. they have those rare lineaments of grace , as none but a pensil from heaven could draw ; their eyes sparkle forth beauty , Cant. 4 9. their breasts are like clusters of grapes , Cant 7. 7. This makes Christ himself delight in his spouse : The King is held in the galleries . The Church is the daughter of a Prince , Cant. 7. 1. she is waited on by Angels , Heb: 1. ult . she hath a Pallace of glory reserved for her , Ioh. 14. 2. and may not all this draw forth our love ?

2 Consider how evil it is for the Saints not to love .

1 It is Unnatural , the Saints are Christs Lambs , Ioh. 21. 15. for a dog to worry a Lamb is usual , but for one Lamb to worry another , is unnatural : The Saints are brethren , 1 Pet. 3. 8. how barbarous is it for brethren not to love ?

2 Not to love is a foolish thing ; have not Gods people enemies enough , that they should flye in the faces one of another ? the wicked confederate against the godly , Psal. 83. 3. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people : though there may fall out a private grudge betwixt such as are wicked , yet they will all agree and unite against the Saints : if two Gray-hounds are snarling at a bone , yet , put up an Hare between them , and they will leave the bone , and follow after the Hare ; so if wicked men have private differences amongst themselves , yet if the godly be near them , they will leave snarling at one another , and will pursue after the godly ; now , when Gods people have so many enemies abroad , who watch for their halting , and are glad when they can do them a mischief ; shall the Saints fall out , and divide into parties among themselves ?

3 Not to love is very unseasonable ; Gods people are in a common calamity , they suffer in one cause , and for them to disagree , is altogether unseasonable ; why doth the Lord bring his people together in affliction , but to bring them together in affection ? Mettals will unite in a furnace , if ever Christians unite , it should bee in the furnace of affliction . Chrysostome compares affliction to a shepherds Dog , which makes all the sheep run together : Gods Rod hath this loud voice in it , Love one another ; how unworthy is it when Christians are suffering together , to be then striving together .

4 Not to love is very Sinful .

1 For Saints not to love , is to live in a contradiction to Scripture ; the Apostle is continually beating upon this string of love , as if it made the sweetest musick in Religion , Rom. 13. 8. Col. 3. 14. 1 Pet. 1. 22. 1 Ioh. 3. 11. 1 Iohn 4. 21. This Commandement we have from him , that hee who loveth God , love his Brother also : not to love , is to walk Antipodes to the word ; can he be a good Physician , who goes against the rules of Physick ? can he be a good Christian , who goes against the rules of Religion ?

2 Want of love among Christians , doth much silence the spirit of prayer : hot passions , make cold prayers ; where animosities and contentions prevail , instead of praying one for another , Christians will be ready to pray one against another ; like the Disciples , who prayed for fire from heaven upon the Samaritans , Luke . 9. 54. and will God , think you , hear such prayers as come from a wrathful heart : will hee eat of our leavened bread ? will hee accept of those duties , which are sowered with bitterness of spirit ? shall that prayer ever go up as incense , which is offered with the strange fire of our sinful passions ?

3 These heart-burnings , hinder the progress of piety in our own souls ; the flower of grace , will not grow in a wrathful heart ; the body may as well thrive while it hath the Plague , as a soul can , that is infected with malice : while Christians are debating , grace is abating ; as the spleen grows , health decaies , and as hatred increaseth , holiness declines .

5 Not to love is very fatal ; the differences among Gods people , portend † † Omne divisibilé est corruptibile . ruine : all mischiefs come in at this gap of division , Mat. 12. 25. Animosities among Saints , may make God leave his Temple , Ezek. 10. 4. The glory of the Lord , went up from the Cherub , and stood upon the threshold : Doth not God seem to stand upon the threshold of his house , as if he were taking his wings to ●lye ? and wo to us , if God depart from † † Hos. 9. 12 us : If the Master leave the ship , it is near sink●ng indeed : if God leave a land , it must needs ●ink in ruine .

Quest. How shall wee attain this excellent grace of love ?

Answ. 1 Beware of the Devils Foot●osts , I mean such as run on his errand , and make it their work to blow the coals of contention among Christians , and render one party odious to another .

2 Keep up friendly meetings ; Christians should not be shy one of another , as if they had the Plague .

3 Let us plead that promise , Ier. 32. 39. I will give them one heart , and one way : Let us pray that there may bee no strife among Christians , but who shall love most ; let us ●ray that God will divide Babylon , and unite ●ion .

Use 3 Is this a mark of a godly man , Vse 3. to ●ove ▪ the Saints ? then they must stand inlighted for ungodly , who hate the Saints ; the wicked have an implacable malice against Gods * * Impii sanctorum statuas coronant , eorumque virtutes odio habent . people , and how can antipathies be reconciled ? To hate Saint-ship , is a brand of a reprobate : they that maligne the godly , are the curse of the creation ; if all the scalding drops in Gods Vial , will make them miserable , they shall bee so : Never did any● who were the haters and persecuters of Saints , thrive upon that Trade : What became of Iulian , Dioclesian , Maximinus , Valerian , Cardinal Crescentius , and others , some of them , their bowels came out , others choked with their own blood , that they might be set up as standing monuments of Gods vengeance , Psa. 34. 21. They that hate the righteous shall be desolate .

SECT. XIX .

19 A godly man doth not indulge himself in any sin . 19 Character . Though sin lives in him , yet he doth not live in sin . Every man that hath wine in him , is not in wine . A godly man may step into sin through infirmity , but hee 〈◊〉 not keep the road , Psal. 139. 24. See if there bee any way of wickedness in mee .

Quest. What is it to indulge sin ?

Answ. 1 To give the breast to it , and feed it ; as a fond Parent humours his childe , and lets him have what he will , so to indulge sin , is to humour sin .

2 To indulge sin , is to commit it with delight , 1 Thess. 2. 12. They have pleasure in unrighteousness .

In this sense a godly man doth not indulge sin ; though sin be in him , hee is troubled at it , and would fain get rid of it ; there is as much difference between sin in the wicked , and the godly , as between poyson being in a Serpent , and in a Man ; Poyson in a Serpent , is in its natural place , and is delightful : But poyson in a mans body is offensive , and hee useth Antidotes to expel it . So sin in a wicked man is delightful , being in its natural place , but sin in a childe of God is burdensome , and he useth all means to expell it . This pares off from the sin ; the will is against it . A godly man enters his protest against sin , Rom. 7. 15. What I do , I allow not . A childe of God while he commits sin , hates the sin he * * Suae ipsius 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 odio habet . commits ; Rom. 7. in particular , there are four sorts of sins which a godly man will not allow himself in .

1 Secret sins , Some are more modest than to commit gross sin , that would be a stain to their reputation , but they will sit brooding upon sin in a corner , 1 Sam. 23. 9. Saul secret●y practised mischief . All will not sin in a Belcony , but perhaps they will sin behind the curtain . Rachel did not carry her fathers Images as a Sumpter-cloath , to be exposed to publick view , but she put them under her , and sate upon them , Gen. 31. 34. many carry their sins secretly , as a candle in a dark lant●orn .

But a godly man dares not sin secretly : 1 he knows that God sees in secret , Psal. 44. 21. as God cannot be deceived by our subtilty , so he cannot be excluded by our secresy .

2 A godly man knows that secret sins are in some sense worse than others : they discover more guile and Atheism ; The Curtain-sinner makes himself beleeve God doth not see , Ezek. 8. 12. Son of man , hast thou seen what the Antients of the house of Israel have done in the dark ; for they say , the Lord seeth us not . They that have bad eyes , think the Sun is dim ; how doth this provoke God , that mens Atheisme should give the lye to his Omnisciency , Psal. 94. 9. He that formed the eye , shall he not * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Cyril . see ?

3 A godly man knows that secret sins shal not escape Gods Justice ; a Judge on the Bench can punish no offence but what is proved by Witness ; he cannot punish the Treason of the heart : but the sins of the heart are as visible to God , as if they were written upon the fore-head . As God will reward secret duties , so he will revenge secret sins .

2 A godly man will not allow himself in gainful sins . Gain is the golden bait , with which Satan fisheth for souls . — dulcis odor lucri —

This was the last temptation hee used to Christ , Mat. 4. 9. All this will I give thee . But Christ saw the hook under the bait . Many who have escaped gross sins , yet are caught in a golden Net : To gain the world , they will use indirect courses . A godly man dares not travel for riches thorow the Devils high-way . Those are sad gains , that make a man lose peace of conscience , and heaven at last . He who getteth an estate by injustice , stuffs his pillow with thorns , and his head will lye very uneasie when he comes to dye .

3 A godly man will not allow himself in a beloved sin ; there is usually one sin that is the † † Peccatum in delitiis . Aug. favorite , the sin which the heart is most fond of : A beloved Sin lies in a mans bosome , as the Disciple , whom Iesus loved , leaned on his bosome , Ioh. 13. 23. A godly man will not indulge a darling sin , Psa. 18. 23. I have kept my self from mine iniquity . The Sin of my constitution , to which the byas of my heart doth more naturally incline , 1 Kings 22. 31. Fight neither with small nor great , save only with the King : a godly man fights with this King-sin . The Oracle of Apollo answered the people of Cyrrha , that if they would live in peace among themselves , they must make continual war with those strangers , which were upon their confines . If wee would have peace in our souls , wee must maintain a war against our complexion-sin , and never leave till it be † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Thucid. subdued .

Quest. How shall we know the beloved sin ?

Answ. 1 That sin which a man doth not love to have reproved , is the darling Sin . Herod could not endure to have his incest spoken against ; if the Prophet medles with that sin , it shall cost him his head : men can be content to have other sins declaimed against , but if the Minister put his finger upon the sore , and toucheth this sin , their hearts begin to burn in malice against him ; a shrewd sign , that is the Herodias .

2 That sin the thoughts run most upon , is the darling sin ; which way the thoughts go , the heart goes ; he that is in love with a person , cannot keep his thoughts off the object ; examine what sin runs most in your minde , what sin is first in your thoughts , and salutes you in the morning , that is the praedominant 〈◊〉 .

3 That sin which hath most power over us , and doth most easily lead us captive , that is the beloved of the soul ; there ●re some sins a man can make better resistance against ; if they come for entertainment , he can more easily put them off ; but there is one sin , if that comes to be a suitor , hee cannot deny it , but is overcome by it , this is the bosome sin . The young man in the Gospel , had given a repulse to many sins , but there was one sin foiled him , that was covetousness : Christians , mark what sins you are soonest led captive by , that is the Harlot in your bosome . 'T is a sad thing that a man should bee so bewitched by lust , that if it ask to part with , not only half the Kingdome , Esth. 7. 2. but the whole Kingdome of heaven , hee must part with it , to gratifie that lust .

4 That sin which men use arguments to defend , is the beloved sin ; he that hath a jew●l in his bosome , will defend it as his life ; so when there is any sin in the bosome , men will defend it ; the sin we are advocates and disputants for , is the complexion-sin ; if the sin be passion , and we plead for it , Io● . 4. 9. I do well to be angry : if the sin be covetousness , and we vindicate it , and perhaps wrest Scripture to justifie it , that is the sin which lies neerest the heart .

5. That sin which doth most trouble us , and flies most in our face in an hour of sickness and distress , that is the Dalilah-sin : When Iosephs Brethren were distressed , their sin came to remembrance , in selling their Brother , Gen. 42. 21. We are verily guilty concerning our brother , in that we saw the anguish of our brother when he be sought us , and we would not hear , therefore is this distress come upon us . So , when a man is upon his Sick-bed , and Conscience shall say , thou hast been guilty of such a sin , thou didst go on in it , and roul it as honey under thy tongue , Conscience reads a sad Lecture , sure that was the beloved sin .

6. That sin which a man doth most hardly let go his hold of , is the endeared sin : Iacob could of all his sons most hardly part with Benjamin , Gen. 42. 36. Joseph is not , and Simeon is not , and ye will take Benjamin away : So saith the sinner , this and that sin I have parted with , but must Benjamin go , must I part with this delightful sin , that goes to the heart ▪ As it is with a Castle that hath several Forts about it , the first and second Fort are taken , but when it comes to the Castle ▪ the Governour will rather fight and die than yield that : So a man may suffer some of his sins to be demolished , but when it comes to one sin , that is the taking of the Castle , he will never yield to part with that ; surely , that is the Master-sin .

The complexion-sin is a God-provoking sin . The wise men of Troy counselled Priame to send back Helena to the Grecians , not suffering himself to be any longer abused by the Charms of her beauty , because the keeping her within the City , would lay the foundation of a fatal war : So should we put away our Dalilah-sin , least it incense the God of heaven , and make him commence a war against us .

The complexion-sin is of all other most dangerous : As Sampsons strength lay in his hair , so the strength of sin lies in this beloved sin : This is like an humour striking to the heart , which brings death . A godly man will lay the Axe of Repentance to this sin , and hew it down ; he sets this sin , as Uriah , in the fore-front of the battel , that it may be slain : He will sacrifice this Isaack , he will pluck out this right eye , that he may see the better to go to heaven .

4. A godly man will not allow himself in those which the world counts lesser sins : There is no such thing as little sin , yet some may be deemed less comparatively ; but a good man will not indulge himself in these .

As 〈◊〉 Sins of Omission . Some think it no great matter to omit Family , or Closet-prayer ; they can go several moneths and God never hear of them : A godly man will as soon live without food , as without prayer : He knows every creature of God is sanctified by prayer , 1 Tim. 4. 5. The Bird may sh●me many Christians , it never takes a drop , but the eye is lift up towards heaven .

2. A godly man da●es not allow himself in vain frothy discourse , much less in that which looks like an oath : If God will reckon for idle words , will he not much more for idle oaths ?

3. A godly man dares not allow himself in rash censuring : Some think this a small matter , Use of Exhort . they will not swear , but they will slander : this is very evil ; thou woundest a man in that which is dearest to him : He who is godly turns all his censures upon himself , he judgeth himself for his own sins , but is very chary , and tender of the good name of another .

Use. As you would be numbred among the Genealogies of the Saints , do not indulge your selves in any * * Quam absurdum est postula re à Deo omnium peccatorum veniam , & ●olle repromittere omnium peccatorum fugam ? sin ; consider the mischief that one sin lived in will do .

1. One sin gives Satan as much advantage against thee as more : The Fowler can hold the Bird by one wing : Satan held Iudas fast by one sin .

2. One sin lived in argues the heart is not sound ; he who hides one Rebel in his house is a Traytor to the Crown ; that person who indulgeth one sin , is a trayterous hypocrite .

3. One sin will make way for more ; as a little Thief can open the door to more : Sin is linked and chained † † Omne peccatum est connexum . Aquin. together ; one sin will draw on more : Davids adultery made way for murder : One sin never goes alone ; if there be but one Nest-egg , the Devil can brood upon it .

4. One sin is as well a breach of Gods Law as more , Iam. 2. 10. He that shall offend in one point , is guilty of all . If the King make a Law against Felony , Treason , Murder , if a man be guilty but of one of these , he is as well a Transgressor of the Law , as if he were guilty of all .

5. One sin lived in keeps out Christ from entring ; one stone in the Pipe keeps out the water ; one sin indulg'd obstructs the soul , and keeps the streams of Christs Bloud from running into it .

6. One sin lived in will spoil all thy good duties : A drop of poyson will spoil a glass of Wine : Abimeleck , a Bastard , destroyed threescore and ten of his Brethren , Iudg. 9. 5. One Bastard-sin will destroy threescore and ten prayers : One dead fly will corrupt the box of oyntment .

7. One sin lived in will be a Canker-worm to eat out the peace of Conscience , it takes away the Manna out of the Ark , and leaves only a Rod. — Eheu quis intus scorpio ? Sen. Trag. —

One sin is a Pyrate to rob a Christian of his comfort ; one jarring string brings all the Musick out of tune ; one sin countenanced , will spoil the Musick of Conscience .

8. One sin allowed will damn as well as more ; one disease is enough to kill : If a Fence be made never so strong , leave open but one gap , the wilde Beast may enter , and tread down the corn : If there be but one sin allowed in the soul , you set open a gap for the Devil to enter . 'T is a simile of Chrysostom , a Souldier that hath his Head-piece on and Breast-plate , if in but one place he wants Armour , the bullet may enter there , and he may as well be shot , as if he had no Armour on : So if thou favourest but one sin , thou leavest a part of thy soul unarmed , and the Bullet of Gods Wrath may enter there and ●hoot thee . One sin may shut thee out of heaven ; and as Hierom * * Quid refert an uno , an pluribus ? Hier. faith , What difference is there in being shut out for more sins , or for one ? Therefore take heed of cherish●ng one sin : One Milstone will sink a man into the Sea as well as an hundred .

9. One sin harboured in the soul will unfit for suffering : How soon may an hour of Tryal come ; he who hath an hurt in his shoulder , cannot carry an heavy burden , and he who hath any guilt in his Conscience , cannot carry the Cross of Christ : Will he deny his life for Christ , that cannot deny his lust for Christ ? One sin in the soul unmortified , will bring forth the bitter fruit of Apostasie .

Would you then show your selves godly , give a Bill of Divorce to every sin , kill the Goliah-sin , Rom. 6. 12. Let not sin reign : In the Original it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , let not sin King it over you : Grace and Sin may be together , but Grace and the love of Sin cannot . Therefore parley with sin no longer , but with the Spear of Mortification , let out the heart-bloud of every sin .

SECT. XX.

20. A godly man is good in his Relations : 20 Character . To be good in general is not enough , but we must show forth Piety in our Relations .

1. He is godly who is good as a Magistrate : The Magistrate is Gods Representative ; a godly Magistrate holds the ballance of Justice , and gives to every one his * * Ius suum cuique tribuit . right , Deut. 16. 19. Thou shalt not respect persons , neither take a gift , for a gift doth blind the eyes . A Magistrate must judge the Cause , not the person : He who suffers himself to be corrupted with bribes , is not a Iudge , but a Party : A Magistrate must do that which is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , according to Law , Act. 23. 3. And that he may do Justice , he must examine the Cause : T●e Archer that will shoot right , must first see the mark .

2. He is godly who is good as a Minister . A Minister must be

1. Painful , 2 Tim. 4. 1 , 2. Preach the Word , be instant in season , out of season . The Minister must not be idle ; sloath is as inexcusable in a Minister , as sleep in a Centinel : Iohn Baptist was a voice crying , Mat. 3. 3. A dumb Minister is of no more use than a dead Physitian : A man of God must work in the Lords † † Oportet Episcopum concionantem mori . B. Jewell . Vineyard : It was Austins wish , that Christ might find him at his coming , either praying or preaching .

2. A Minister must be knowing , Mal. 2. 7. The Priests lips should keep knowledge , and they should seek the Law at his mouth . It was said in the honour of Nazianzene , that he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , an Ocean of Divinity . The Prophets of old were called Seers , 1 Sam. 9. 9. 'T is absurd to have our Seers blind : Christ said to Peter , Feed my sheep , Ioh. 21. 16. But how sad is it when the Shepherds need to be fed ? Ignorance in a Minister , is like blindness in an Oculist . Under the Law , he who had the plague in his head was unclean , Levit. 13. 44.

3. A Minister must preach plain , suiting his matter and stile to the capacity of his Auditory , 1 Cor. 14. 19. Some Ministers , like Eagles , love to soar aloft in abstruse Metaphyfical notions ; thinking they are most admired , when they are least understood ; they who preach in the Clouds , instead of hitting their peoples Conscience , shoot over their heads .

4 A Minister must be zealous in reprooving sin , Tit. 1. 13. Rebuke them sharply . Epiphanius saith of Eliah , he sucked fire out of his Mother breasts ; a man of God must suck the fire of zeal , out of the breasts of Scripture . Zeal in a Minister , is as proper as fire on the Altar ; some are afraid to reprove ; like the Sword-fish , which hath a sword in his head , but is without an heart ; so they carry the sword of the spirit about them , but have no heart to draw it out in a reproof against sin ; Eze. 13. 18 how many have sown pillows under their people , making them sleep so securely , that they have never waked , till they have been in hell .

5 A Minister must bee holy in heart and life .

1 In heart . How sad is it for a Minister , to preach that to others , which he never felt in his own soul ; to exhort others to holiness , and himself a stranger to it : O that it were not thus too often ! how many blow the Lords Trumpet with a foul breath .

2 In Life . The Priests under the Law , before they served at the Altar , washed in the Lavor ; such as serve in the Lords house , must first bee washed from gross sin , in the Lavor of repentance : The life of a Minister should be a walking Bible . Basil said of Nazianzene , he did thunder in his doctrine , and lighten in his conversation : A Minister must imitate Iohn Baptist , who was not only a voice crying , Isa ▪ ● . 3. but a light shining , Ioh. 5. 35. they disgrace this excellent calling , who live in a contradiction to what they preach ; they turn their codices into calices , † † Pet. Blessens . ep. 7. their books into cups , and though they are Angels by office , yet are Devils in their lives , Ier. 23. 15.

3. Hee is godly , who is good as an Husband , he fills up that relation with love , Eph. 5. 25. Husbands love your Wives : The Vine twisting its branches about the Elm , and embracing it , may be an emblem of that intire love , which should be in the conjugal relation ; a married condition would be sad , if it hath cares to imbitter it , and not love to sweeten it : Love is the best diamond in the marriage Ring : Isaac loved Rebeckah , Gen. 24. 57. Unkindnesses in this near relation , are very unhappy . Wee read in Heathen Authors , that Clitemnestra the wife of Agamemnon , to revenge an injury received from her Husband , first rent the Vail of her chastity , and afterwards consented to his death : The Husband should shew his love to his Wife , by covering infirmities , by avoiding occasions of strife , by sweet endearing expressions , by pious counsel , by love-tokens , by incouraging what he sees amiable and vertuous in her , by mutual prayer , by associating with her , unless detained by urgency of business : The Pilot that goes from his ship , and quite leaves it to the merciless waves , declares that he doth not esteem it , or reckon any treasure to be in it .

The Apostle gives a good reason , why there should be mutual love between Husband and Wife , 1 Pet. 3. 7. That your prayers bee not hindred : where passions prevail , there prayer is either intermitted , or interrupted .

4 He is godly who is good , as a Father .

1 A Father must drop holy instructions into his Children , Eph. 6 4. Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord : Thus did Abraham , Gen. 18. 19. I know Abraham , that hee will command his children , and his houshold , and they shall keep the way of the Lord . Children are young plants , which must be watered with good education , that they may with Obadiah , fear the Lord from their youth up , 1 Kings 18. 12. Plato saith , in vain doth he expect an harvest , who hath been negligent in sowing ; nor can a parent look to reap any good from a childe , where he hath not sown the seed of wholesome instruction ; and though notwithstanding all counsel and admonition , the childe should dye in sin , yet it is a comfort to a godly Parent , to think that before his childe dyed , he gave it spiritual physick .

2. A parent must pray for his Children : Monica the Mother of Austin , prayed for his Conversion , and one said , It was impossible a Son of so many Prayers and Tears should miscarry : The soul of thy Childe is in a snare , and wilt not thou pray that it may bee recovered out of the snare of the Devil , 2 Tim. 2. 26. many Parents are careful to lay up portions for their children , but they do not lay up prayers for them .

3 A Parent must give his children discipline , Prov. 23. 13. Withhold not correction from the childe , for if thou beatest him with the rod , he shall not dye : The rod beats out the dust and moth of sin ; a childe indulg'd and humoured in wickedness , will prove a burden instead of a blessing : David cockered Adonijah , 1 King . 1. 6. His Father had not displeased him at any time , saying , why hast thou done so ? and hee afterwards was a grief of heart to his Father , and would have put him besides his throne ; correction is a hedge of thorns , to stop Children in their full Car●eir to hell .

5 He is godly who is good , as a Master ; a godly man promotes religion in his family ; he sets up piety in his house , as well as in his heart , Psalm 101. 2. I will walk within my house with a perfect heart , Ioshua 24. 15. I , and my houshold will serve the Lord . I find it written in the honor of Cranmer , his Family was Palaestra Pietatis , a Nursery of Piety : A godly mans house is a little Church , Col. 4. 15. The Church which is in his house .

1. A good man makes known the Oracles of God to them , who are under his roof ; he reads the Word , perfumes his house with prayer : It is recorded of the Iews , that they had sacrifices in their Family , as well as in the Tabernacle , Exod. 12. 3.

2. A godly man provides necessaries ; he relives his servants in health and Sickness ; he is not like that Amalakite , who shook off his servant when he was sick , 1 Sam. 30. 13. But rather like the good Centurion , who sought to Christ for the healing of his sick servant , Mat. 8. 5.

3. A godly man sets his servants a good example , he is sober and heavenly in his deportment , his virtuous life is a fair glass for the servants in the family to dress themselves by .

6. He is godly who is good in the Relation of a Childe , He honours his parents . Philo the Jew , placed the fifth Commandment in the first Table ; as if Children had not performed their whole devotion to God , till they had given honour to their Parents . This honouring of Parents consists in two things .

1. In reverencing their persons ; which reverence is shown both by humility of speech and gesture : The contrary to this is , when a Childe doth behave himself unseemly and proudly . Among the Lacedemonians , if a Childe had carried himself imperiously towards his parent , it was published by Authority , that it was lawful for the Father to appoint whom he would to be his Heir , and to dis-inherit that Childe .

2. Honoring of Parents lies in obeying their Commands , Eph. 6. 1. Children obey your Parents in the Lord . Duty is the Interest money which children pay their Parents , for the Principal they have had from * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Isocr . them . Christ hath set all Children a pattern of obedience to their Parents , Luke 2. 51. He was subject unto them . The Rechabites were eminent for this , Ierem. 35. 5. 1 set before the Rechabites pots full of wine , and said to them drink ye wine , but they said we will drink no wine , for Jonadab the son of Rechab our Father commanded us saying , Ye shall drink no wine , neither ye , nor your sons for ever . Solon among the many Laws he made , one asked him , Why he made no Law against disobedient Children ; he answered , because he thought none would be so wicked . God hath punished Children , who have refused to pay the tribute of obedience . Absalom , a disobedient son , was hanged in an Oak betwixt Heaven and Earth , as being worthy of neither . Manlius , an old man , being reduced to much poverty , and having a rich son , he entreated him only for an alms , but could not obtain it ; the son disowned him as his Father , and gave him reproachful language ; the poor old man let tears fall ( as witnesses of his grief ) and went away ; God to revenge this disobedience of the son , soon after struck him with † † Beards Theat. phrensie ; he in whose heart godliness lives , makes as well Conscience of the fifth Commandment as the first .

6. He is godly who is good as a servant , Col. 3. 22. Eph. 6. 5. Servants be subject to them who are your Masters , according to the flesh , with fear and trembling . The goodness of servants lies

1. In * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Ig at . Ep. ad Tarsens . diligence : Abrahams servant made haste to dispatch the business his Master intrusted him with , Gen. 24. 33.

2. Chearfulness : Servants must be Free-willers : Thus the Centurions servants , Luke 7. 8. If I say to one go , he goes .

3. Faithfulness ; which consists in two things : 1. In not defrauding , Titus 2. 10. Not purloyning . 2. In keeping counsel ; it argues the badness of a stomack , when it cannot retain what is put into it ; and the badness of a servant , when he cannot retain those secrets which his Master hath committed to him .

4. Silentness , Titus 2. 9. Not answering ●●gain . 'T is better to mend a fault , than to mince it ; and that which may quicken a servant in his work , is that encouraging Scripture , Col. 3. 24 , Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the Inheritance , for ye serve the Lord Christ If Christ should bid you do a piece of work for him , would ye not do it ? While you serve your Master , you serve the Lord Christ : If you ask what Salary you shall have , Ye shall receive the reward of the Inberitance .

Use 1. Is this the Grand Sign of a godly man , Vse 1. to be relatively holy 〈◊〉 ●hen the Lord be merciful to us , Inform. how few godly ones are to be found ? Many put on the Coat of Profession , they will pray , and discourse of points of Religion , but what means the bleating of the sheep ? They are not good in their Relations : How ill doth it sound when Christians are defective in Relative Piety : Can we call him godly who is a bad Magistrate ? He perverts equity , Psalm 58. 1. Do ye judge uprightly , O ye sons of men ? You weigh the violence of your hands in the earth . Can we call him godly , who is a bad Parent ? He never teacheth his Childe the way to heaven : He is like the Ostrich , which is cruel to her young , Iob 39. 19. Can we call him godly who is a bad Master ? Many Masters leave their Religion at Church , ( as the Clerk doth his book ) they have nothing of God at home , their houses are not Bethels , but Beth-avens ; not little Temples , but little Hells . How many Masters at the last day must hold up their hand at the Bar , though they have fed their servants bellies , they have starved their souls : Can we call him godly , who is a bad Childe ? He stops his ear to his Parents counsel ; you may as well call him a good subject who is disloyal : Can we call him godly , who is a bad servant ? He is slothful and wilful ; he is more ready to spy a fault in another , than to mend it in himself . To call one godly , who is bad in his Relations , is a contradiction , it is to call evil good , Isa. 5. 20.

Use 2. As we desire to have God approve us , Vse 2. let us show forth godliness in our Relations : Exhort . Not to be good in our relations , spoils all our other good things ; Naaman was an honourable man , but hee was a Leaper , 2 King . 5. 1. That But , spoiled all ; so such an one is a great hearer , but he neglects relative duties , this stains the beauty of all his other actions ; as in Printing , though the Letter be never so well carved , yet if it be not set in the right place , it spoils the sense ; so let a man have many things commendable in him , yet if he be not good in his right place , making conscience how he walks in his relations , he doth hurt to religion . There are many , to whom Christ will say at last , as to the young man , Luk. 18. 22. Unum deest , yet lackest thou one thing , thou hast miscarried in thy relative capacity ; as therefore we tender our salvation , and the honour of religion , let us shine forth in that Orb of relation , where God hath fixed us .

SECT. XXI .

21 A godly man doth spiritual things in a spiritual manner , 21 Character . Phil. 3. 3. Wee are the Circumcision , which worship God in the spirit : Spirit-worship is Virgin-worship , 1 Pet. 2. 5. Ye are built up a spiritual house , an holy priesthood , to offer up spiritual * * Templum dei est vir pius , & ubicunque locorū fuerit , altare in corde suo ponere potest . sacrifices ; not only spiritual for the matter , but the quality ; a wicked man either lives in the total neglect of duty , or else dischargeth it in a dull careless manner ; in stead of using the world , as if he used it not , 1 Cor. 7. 30. hee serves God , as if hee served him not ; a godly man spiritualizeth duty , hee is not only for the doing of holy things , but for the holy doing of things .

Quest. What is it to perform spiritual duties spiritually ?

Answ. It consists in three things .

1. To do duties from a spiritual principle , viz. a renewed principle of grace : let a man have gifts to admiration , let him have the most melting ravishing expressions , let him speak like an Angel dropped out of heaven , yet his duties may not be spiritual , because he wants the grace of the spirit ; whatever a moral unregenerate person doth , is but nature refined , though he may do duties better than a godly man , yet not so well ; better as to the matter and elegancy , yet not so well , as wanting a renewed principle ; a Crab-tree may bear as well as a Pippin , the fruit may be bigger and fairer to the eye , yet it is not so good fruit as the other , because it doth not come from so good a stock ; so an unregenerate person may perform as many duties as a childe of God , and these may seem to be more glorious to the outward view , but they are harsh and sower , because they do not come from the sweet and pleasant root of grace : a true Saint gives God that wine , which comes from the pure grape of the spirit .

2 To perform duties spiritually , is to do them with the utmost intention ; a Christian is very serious , and labours to keep his thoughts close to the work in hand , 1 Cor. 7. 35. That ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction .

Quest. But may not a godly man have roving thoughts in duty ?

Answ. Yes , sad experience sets seal to it , the thoughts will bee dancing up and down in prayer ; the Saints are called Stars , and many times in duty they are wandring stars . The heart is like Quick-silver , which will not fix . 'T is hard to tye two good thoughts together ; we cannot lock our hearts so close , but that distracting thoughts , like winde , will get in . Hierom * * Aut per● porticus de ambulo , ●ut de faenore computo , &c. complains of himself , sometimes saith he , when I am about Gods service , I am walking in the galleries , or casting up of accounts .

But these wandring thoughts in the godly , are not allowed , Psa. 119. 113. I hate vain thoughts , they come as unwelcome guests , which are no sooner spied , but are turned out of doors .

Quest. Whence do these impertinent thoughts arise in the godly ?

Answ. 1 From the pravity of nature , they are the mud which the hear casts up .

2. From Satan ; the Devil if he cannot hinder us from duty , ●hee will hinder us in duty ; when we come before the Lord , he is at our right hand to resist us , Zac. 3. 1. As when one is going to write , another stands at his elbow and jogs him , that he cannot write even ; Satan will set vain objects before the fancy , to cause a diversion : the Devil doth not oppose formality but fervency ; if he sees we set our selves in good earnest to seek God , he will bee whispering things in our ears , that wee can scarce minde what wee are doing .

3 These impertinent thoughts arise from the world ; these vermine are bred out of the earth , worldly business oft crouds into our duties , and while we are speaking to God , our hearts are talking with the world , Ezek. 33. 31. They sit before me as my people , but their heart goes after their covetousness . While we are hearing the word , or meditating , one worldly business or other commonly knocks at the door , and we are taken off the duty , while we are in the duty . 'T is with us as with Abraham , when he was going to worship ; the fowles came down upon the sacrifice , Gen. 15. 11.

Quest. How may wee get rid of these wandring thoughts , that we may be more spiritual in duty ?

Answ. 1 Eye Gods purity ; hee is an holy God whom wee serve , and cannot endure when wee are worshipping him , that wee should converse with vanity : Will a King like it , that while his subject is speaking to him , hee should bee playing with a feather ? will God endure light feathery hearts ? how devout and reverend are the Angels , they cover their faces , and cry Holy , Holy .

2 Think of the Grand importance of the duties we are engaged in ; as David said , concerning his building an house for God , 2 Chron. 29. 1. The work is great ; when wee are hearing the word , the work is great ; this is the word by which we shall be judged ; when we are at prayer , the work is great , wee are pleading for the life of our souls , and is this a time to trifle ?

3 Come with affection to duty ; the nature of love , is to fix the minde upon the object ; he who is in love , his thoughts are still upon the person he loves , and nothing can take them off . Hee that loves the world , his thoughts are ever intent upon it ; were our hearts more fired with love , they would be more fixed in duty ; and O! what cause have we to love duty ? is not this the direct road to heaven ? do we not meet with God here ? can the spouse be better than in her Husbands company ? where can the soul be better , than in drawing nigh to God ?

4 Consider the mischief that these vain distracting thoughts do ; they fly-blow our duties , they hinder fervency , they shew high irreverence , they tempt God to turn away his ear from us ; how do we think God should minde our prayers , when we our selves scarce minde them ?

3 To do duties spiritually , is to do them in faith , Heb. 11. 4. By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice than Cain . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . The holy oyle for the Tabernacle , had several spices put into it , Exod. 30. 34. Faith is the sweet spice , which must be put into duty : 'T is a wrong to God , to doubt either of his Mercy or Truth ; a Christian may venture his soul upon the publick faith of heaven .

Use 1 How far are they out of the way of Godliness , Vse 1. who are unspiritual in their worship ? who do not duties from a renewed principle , and with the utmost intention of soul , but meerly to stop the mouth of conscience : many people look no farther than the bare doing of duties , but never mind how they are done . God doth not judge of our duties by the length , but by the love : when men put God off with the dreggish part of duty , may not he say as Isa. 58. 5. Is it such a Fast that I have chosen ? Are these the duties I required ? I called for the heart and spirit , and you bring nothing but the Carkass of Duty , should I receive comfort in this ?

Use 2. Let us show our selves godly , Vse 2. by being more spiritual in duty ; Exhort . 't is not the quantum , but the quale ; 't is not how much we do , but how well . A Musitian is commended not for playing long , but for playing well : We must not only do what God appoints , but as God appoints : O how many are unspiritual in spiritual things ? they bring their services , but not their hearts ; they give God the skin , not the fat of the offering : God is a Spirit , Ioh. 4. 24. And it is the spirituality of duty he is best pleased * * Nobis cum Deo est negotium , cui nihilo minus cum carne dissidium quam igni cum aqua . with , 1 Pet. 2. 5. Spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God : The spirits of the Wine are best ; so is the spiritual part of duty , Eph. 5. 19. Making melody in your hearts to the Lord : It is the heart makes the † † Non chordula musica sed cor. Musick ; the spiritualizing of duty gives life to it ; without this , it is dead praying , dead hearing , and dead things are not pleasing ; a dead flower hath no beauty , a dead breast hath no sweetness .

Quest. How may we do to perform duties in a spiritual manner ?

Answ. 1. Let the Soul be kept a Virgin ; lust doth besot and dis-spirit a man ; beware of any tincture of uncleanness , Iam. 1. 21. Wood that is full of sap will not easily burn ; and an heart steeped in sin , is not fit to burn in holy devotion . Can he be spiritual in worship , who feeds carnal lust ? Hos. 4. 11. Whoredome and wine , and new wine , take away the heart . Any sin lived in takes away the heart ; such an one hath no heart to pray , or meditate : The more alive the heart is in sin , the more it dies to duty .

2. If we would be spiritual in duty , let us revolve these two things in our mind .

1. The profit which comes from a duty performed in a spiritual manner ; it infeebles Corruption , it encreaseth Grace , it defeats Satan , it strengthens our Communion with God , it breeds peace of Conscience , it procures Answers of Mercy , and it leaves the heart always in a better tune .

2. The danger of doing duties in an unspiritual manner , they are as if they had not been done ; for what the heart doth not do , is not * * Quiequid cor non facit non fit . done : Duties slubbered over , turn Ordinances into Judgements : Therefore many , though they are often in duty , they go away worse from duty : If Physick be not well made , and the ingredients rightly tempered , it is as bad as poyson for the body : So if duties are not well performed , they leave the heart more hard and sinful than before .

Duties unspiritual oft create Judgements temporal , 1 Chron. 15. 13. The Lord our God made a breach upon us , for that we sought him not after the due order . Therefore God makes breaches in Families and Relations , because persons worship him not in that manner and due order which he requires .

3. If we would have our duties spiritual , we must get our hearts spiritual ; an earthly heart cannot be spiritual in duty : Let us beg of God a spiritual pallat , to relish a sweetness in holy things ; for want of spiritual hearts , we come to duty without delight , and go away without profit : If a man would have the wheels of his Watch move regularly , he must mend the Spring . Christian , if thou wouldst move more spiritually in duty , get the Spring of thy heart mended .

SECT. XXII .

22. A godly man is thorow-paced in Religion , 22 Character . he obeys every Command of God , Act. 13. 22. I have found David a man after mine own heart , which shall fulfill all my will . In the Greek 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 all my wills . A godly man labours to walk according to the full bredth and latitude of Gods Law . Every Command hath the same stamp of Divine Authority upon it , and he who is godly , will obey one Command as well as another , Psal. 119. 6. Then shall I not be ashamed , when I have respect to all thy Commandments . A godly man goes through all the Body of Religion , as the Sun through all the Signs of the Zodiack . He that is to play upon a ten-stringed Instrument , must strike upon every string , or he spoils all the Musick . The ten Commandments may be compared to a ten-stringed Instrument , we must obey every Commandment , strike upon every string , or we can make no sweet Musick in Religion : True obedience is fil●al ; it is fit the Childe should obey the Parent in all just and sober commands : Gods Laws are like the Curtains of the Tabernacle , which were looped together ; they are like a Chain of Gold , where all the links are coupled : A conscientious man will not willingly break one Link of this Chain ; if one Command be violated , the whole Chain is broken , Iam. 2. 10. Whosoever shall keep the whole Law , yet offend in one point , is guilty of all . A voluntary breach of one of Gods Laws , involves a man in the guilt , and exposeth him to the curse of the whole Law : True obedience is intire and uniform : A good heart , like the Needle , points that way which the Load-stone draws .

This is a grand difference between a Childe of God and an hypocrite ; the hypocrite doth pick and chuse in Religion ; some duties he will perform which are more facil , and do gratifie his pride or interest , but other duties he makes no reckoning of , Mat. 23. 23. Ye pay tithe of Mint and Annis , and have omitted the weightier matters of the Law , Iudgment , Mercy , and Faith . To sweat in some duties of Religion , and freeze in other , is the symptom of a distempered Christian. Iehu was zealous in destroying the Idolatry of Baal , but let the golden Calves of Jeroboam stand , 2 Kin. 10. 30. This shows men are not good in truth , when they are good by halves . If your servant should do some of your work you set him about , and leave the rest undone , how would you like that ? The Lord saith , Walk before me , and be perfect , Gen. 17. 1. How are our hearts perfect with God , when we prevaricate with him ? Some things we will do , and other things we leave undone ; he is good , who is good universally . — Pater adsum , impera quid vis . Plautus . —

There are ten duties God calls for , which a godly man will conscientiously perform ; and indeed these Duties may serve as so many other Characters and Touch-stones to try our godliness by .

1 A godly man will be often calling his heart to account ; 1 Duty . he takes the candle of the word , and searcheth his inward parts , Psa. 77. 6. I commune with my own heart , and my spirit made diligent search : a gracious soul searcheth whether there be any duty omitted , any sin cherished ; he examines his evidences for heaven ; as hee will not take his gold upon trust , so neither his grace ; he is a spiritual Merchant , hee casts up the estate of his soul , to see what he is worth ; he sets his house in order ; often reckonings keep God and conscience friends ; a carnal person cannot abide this heart-work , he is ignorant how the affairs go in 〈◊〉 soul ; he is like a man , who is well acquainted in forraign parts , but a stranger in his own country . — ut nemo insese tentat descendere , nemo ?

2 A godly man is much in closet-prayer , he keeps his hours for private devotion ; Iacob when he was left alone , wrestled with God , Gen. 32. 24. So when a gracious heart is alone , it wrestles in prayer , and will not leave God till it hath a blessing ; a devout Christian exerciseth eyes of faith , and knees of prayer .

Hypocrites , who have nothing of religion , besides the frontispiece , love to bee seen . Christ hath Characterized them , Mat. 6. 5. They love to pray in the corners of the streets , that they may be * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , plus valet qua 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Beza . seen : The hypocrite is devout in the Temple ; there all will gaze on him ; but he is a stranger to secret communion with God ; he is in the Church a Saint , but in his closet an Atheist ; a good Christian holds secret intelligence with heaven : — ille dolet verè , qui sine teste dolet .

Private prayer keeps up the trade of godliness ; when closet-holiness is laid aside , there is a stab given to the hear● of religion .

3 3 Duty . A godly man is diligent in his † † Nullus mihi per otium dies exit . Sen. ep. 8. calling ; he takes care to provide for his family : the Church must not exclude the shop . 'T is a speech of Mr. Perkins , though a man be endued with excellent gifts , and hear the word with reverence , and receive the sacrament , yet if he practise not the duties of his calling , all is but hypocrisie ; religion did never grant a pattent for idleness , 2 Thess. 2. 11 , 12. There are some which walk among you disorderly , working not at all ; them that are such , we command and exhort by our Lord Iesus , that with quietness , they work , and eat their own bread : That bread eats most sweet , which is got with most sweat ; a godly man had rather fast , than eat the bread of idleness . Vain professors talk of living by faith , but do not live in a calling ; they are like the Lillies of the field , they toyl not , neither do they spin ; an idle person is the Devils Tennis-ball ; which he bandies up and down with temptation , and at last the Ball falls into the Hazzard .

4 A godly man sets bounds to himself in things lawful ; 4 Duty . he abates in matters of recreation and diet , hee takes only so much for the recruits of nature , as may the better dispose him for Gods service . Hierom lived abstemiously , his diet was a few dried Figs , and cold water . And Austin in his Confessions saith thus , Lord , thou hast taught me , to go to my meat as to a * * Lib. 10. confess . medicine : If the snaffle of reason , much more should the curbing-bit of grace check the † † Magnu● sum & 〈◊〉 majora natus , 〈◊〉 ut sim corporis mei mancipium Seneca . appetite ; the life of a Sinner is bruitish ; the glutton feeds without fear , Iude 2. and the drunkard drinks without * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Claud reason : Too much oyle choaks the Lamp , whereas a lesser quantity makes it burn brighter ; a godly man holds the golden bridle of temperance , and will not suffer his Table to be a snare .

5 A godly man is careful about moral righteousness ; 5 Duty . he makes conscience of equity , as well as piety ; the Scripture hath linked both together , Luk. 1. 75. That wee might serve him in righteousness and true holiness : Holiness , there , is the first Table , Righteousness , there , is the second Table : Though a man may be morally righteous , and not godly , yet no man can be godly , but hee must be morally righteous : This moral righeousness is seen in our dealings with men ; a good man observes that golden maxim , Mat. 7. 12. Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you , do ye even so to them . There is a threefold injustice in matters of dealing .

1 Using of false weights , Hos. 12. 7. The ballances of deceit are in his hands : men by making their weights lighter , make their sin heavier , Amos 5. 8. They make the Ephah small : the Ephah was a measure they used in selling ; they made the Ephah small , they gave but scant measure ; a godly man , who takes the Bible in one hand , dares not use false weights in the other .

2 Imbasing a commodity , Amos 8. 6. They sell the refuse of the wheat : they would pick out the best grains of the wheat , and sell the worst at the same price as they did the best , Isa. 1. 22. Thy wine is mixed with water : they did adulterate their wine , yet make their customers beleeve it came from the pure grape .

3 Taking a great deal more than the commodity is worth , Lev. 25. 14. If thou sell ought to thy neighbour , ye shall not oppress one another : a godly man deals exactly , but not exactingly , he will sell so as to help himself , but not damnifie another . His motto is , A conscience void of offence , towards God , and towards men , Act. 23. 16.

The Hypocrite separates these two , which God hath joyned together , Righteousness and Holiness , he pretends to be pure , but is not just : This brings religion into contempt , when men hang forth Christs colours , yet will use fraudulent circumvention , and under a mask of piety , neglect morality ; a godly man makes conscience of the second Table , as well as the first .

6 A godly man will forgive them that have wronged him , 6 Duty . revenge is sweet to nature . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hom. II.

A gracious spirit passeth by affronts , forgets injuries , and counts it a greater victory to conquer an enemy by patience , than by † † Haud quaquam offensas ●●bi illatas chaly●eo stilo marmore insculpit , se● Dei 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 imitatur , qui injurias molli inscribit palimpsesto , cui gratiae suae spongia alligata est , ut illas statim deleat . power : This is truly heroical , To overcome evil with good . Though I would not trust an Enemy , yet I would endeavour to love him ; though I would exclude him out of my Creed , yet not out of my prayer , Mat. 5. 4.

Quest. But doth every godly man arrive at this , to forgive , yea love his Enemies ?

Answ. He doth it in a Gospel-sense ; that is , 1. Quoad assensum , he subscribes to it in his judgement , as a thing which ought to be done , Rom. 7. 18. With my mind I serve the Law of God . 2. Quoad dolorem : A godly man mourns that he can love his Enemies no more , Rom. 7. 24. O wretched man that I am ! O this base canker'd heart of mine , that have received so much mercy , and can show so little ! I have had Talents forgiven me , yet I can hardly forgive Pence . 3. Quoad votum : A godly man prays that God will give him an heart to love his Enemies ; Lord pluck this root of bitterness out of me , perfume my soul with love , make me a Dove without gall . 4. Quoad conatum : A godly man doth in the strength of Christ resolve and strive against all rancour , and virulency of spirit : This is in a Gospel-sense to love our * * Amicos ●iligere omnium est , inimico● autem s●lorum Christi anorum . Tert. ad Scapull . cap. 8. Enemies ; a wicked man cannot do this , his malice boils up to revenge . 7. Duty .

7. A godly man lays to heart the miseries of the Church , Psal. 137. 1. We wept when we remembred Sion . I have read of certain Trees , whose leaves if cut or touched , the other leaves begin to contract , and shrink up themselves , and for a space hang down their heads : Such a spiritual sympathy is there among Christians , when other parts of Gods Church suffer , they feel themselves as it were touched in their own persons . Ambrose reports , that when Theodosius was sick unto death , he was more troubled about the Church of God , than about his own sickness . When Aeneas would have saved Anchises his life , saith he , Absit ut excisa possim supervivere Troiâ . Virg. Far be it from me that I should desire to live when Troy is buried in its ruines ; there are in Musick two Unisons , if you strike one , you shall perceive the other to stir , as if it were affected : When the Lord strikes others , a godly heart is deeply affected , Isa. 16. 11. My bowels shall sound like an Harp . Though it be well with a Childe of God in his own particular , he dwells in an house of Cedar , yet he grieves to see it go ill with the publick . Queen Esther enjoyed the Kings favour , and all the delights of the Court , yet when a bloudy Warrant was signed for the death of the Jews , she mourns and fasts , and ventures her own life to save theirs .

8. 8 Duty . A godly man is contented with his present † † Dives est qui ni nil concupiscit . condition ; if provisions grow low , his heart is tempered to his condition : Many ( saith Cato ) blame me because I want , and I blame them because they cannot want : A godly man puts a candid interpretation upon Providence ; when God brews him a bitter Cup , this ( saith he ) is my diet-drink ; it is to purge me , and do my soul good , therefore he is well * * Phil. 4 ▪ 11. content .

9. A godly man is fruitful in good works , 9 Duty . Titus 2. 7. The Hebrew word for godly 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 signifies merciful ; implying , that to be godly and charitable , are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , one and the same . A good man feeds the hungry , cloathes the naked , he is ever merciful , † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cyrill . Psal. 37. 6. The more devout sort of the Jews , at this day , distribute the tenth part of their Estate to the poor ; and they have a Proverb among them , give the tenth , and you will grow * * Decima ut dives fias . rich . The hypocrite is all for Faith , nothing for Works ; like the Lawrel that makes a flourish , but bears no fruit .

10. A godly man will suffer persecution ; 10 Duty . he will be married to Christ , though he settle no other Joynture upon him but the Cross ; he suffers out of † † Heb. 11. 35. choice , and with a spirit of gallantry . Argerius wrote a Letter to his friend , dated , From the pleasant Garden of the Leonine prison . The blessed Martyrs , who put on the whole Armour of God , did by their courage blunt the edge of Persecution . The Juniper Tree makes the coolest shadow , and the hottest coal : So Persecution makes the coal of love hotter , and the shadow of death cooler .

Thus a godly man goes round the whole Circle of Religious Duties , and obeys God in what ever he commands . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Polynices ap. Erip.

Object . But it is impossible for any one to walk according to the full bredth of Gods Law , and to follow God fully ?

Answ. There is a two-fold obeying Gods Law ; the first is perfect ; when all is done that the Law requires , this we cannot arrive at in this life . Secondly , There is an incompleat obedience , which in Christ is accepted . This consists in four things .

1. An approving of all Gods Commandments , Rom. 7. 12. The Commandment is just , and holy , and good ; and ver. 16. I consent unto the Law that it is good . There is both assent , and consent .

2. A sweet complacency in Gods Commands , Psal. 119. 47. I will delight my self in thy Commandments which I have loved .

3. A cordial desire to walk in all Gods Commands , Psal. 119. 5. O that my ways were directed to keep thy Statutes .

4. A real endeavour to tread in every path of the Command , Psal. 119. 59. I turned my feet unto thy Testimonies . This God esteems perfect obedience , and is pleased to take it in good part . Zacharias had his failings , he did hesitate through unbelief , for which he was strucken dumb ; yet it is said he did walk in all the Commandments of the Lord blameless , Luke 1. 6. Because he did cordially endeavour to obey God in all things . Evangelical obedience is true for the essence , though not perfect for the degree ; and wherein it comes short , Christ puts his Merits into the Scales , and then there is full weight .

SECT. XXIII .

23. A godly man walks with God , 23 Character . Gen. 6. 9. Noah walked with God . The Age in which Noah lived was very corrupt , ver. 5. The wickedness of man was great in the earth : But the iniquity of the times could not put Noah out of his walk ; Noah walked with God . Noah is called a Preacher of Righteousness , 2 Pet. 2. 5.

Noah preached 1. By Doctrine ; his preaching was ( say some of the Rabbins ) after this manner ; Turn ye from your evil ways , that the waters of the Floud come not upon you , and cut off the whole seed of the Race of * * R. Eli●z . c. 22. Adam .

2. Noah preached by his life ; he preached by his humility , patience , sanctity ; Noah walked with God .

Quest. What is it to walk with God ?

Answ. Walking with God imports five things .

1. A walking as under Gods eye : Noah did reverence a Deity : A godly man sets himself as in Gods presence , knowing his Judge looks * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iso●r . on , Psalm ▪ 16. 8. I have set the Lord always before me , Here was Davids Opticks .

2. Walking with God implies the familiarity and intimacy the soul hath with God : Friends walk together , and solace themselves one with another : The godly make known their requests to God , and he makes known his love to them . There is a sweet intercourse between God and his people , 1 Iohn 1. 3. Our 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , our Communion is with the Father , and his Son Iesus .

3. Walking with God , is a walking above the earth : A godly man is elevated above all sublunary objects ; that person must ascend very high , who walks with God : A Dwarf cannot walk among the Stars ; nor can a dwarfish earthly soul walk with God .

4. Walking with God , denotes visible piety ; walking is a visible posture ; grace must be conspicuous to the beholders : He walks with God , who discovers something of God in his carriage ; he shines forth in a Bible-Conversation .

5. Walking with God , imports a continued progress in Grace ; it is not only a step , but a walk ; there is a going on towards perfection : A godly man doth not sit down in the middle of his way , but goes on till he comes at the † † Quid prodest currere & ante cursus metam defecere ? Bern. end of his Faith , 1 Pet. 1. 9. Though a good man may be extra semitam , yet not extra viam : He may through infirmity step aside ( as Peter did ) but he recovers himself by repentance , and goes on in a progress of holiness , Iob 17. 9. The righteous also shall hold on his way .

Use 1. See from hence , Vse 1. Inform. how improper it is to call them godly , who do not walk with God : They would have Noahs Crown , but they do not love Noahs walk : Most are found in the Devils black walk , Phil. 3. 18. Many walk , of whom I tell you weeping , that they are the Enemies of the Cross of * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Cyrill . Christ .

1. Some will commend walking with God , and say it is the rarest life in the world , but will not set one foot in the way ; all that commend Wine do not come up to the price ; many a Father commends virtue to his Childe , but doth not set him a pattern .

2. Others walk a few steps in the good old † † Jer. 6. 16. way , but they retreat back again : If the ways of God were not good , why did they enter into them ? If they were good , why did they forsake them ? 2 Pet. 2. 21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness , than after they have known it , to turn from the holy Commandment .

3. Others slander walking with God , that it is a melancholly walk , and such as are less zealous , are more prosperous ; this God accounts blasphemy , 2 Pet. 2. 2. The way of truth shall be evil spoken of : In the Greek it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , it shall be blasphemed .

4. Others deride walking with God , as if it were a way of foolish preciseness : What , you will be of the Holy Tribe ? You will be wiser than * * Psal. 137. 3. others ? There are some persons , if it were in their power , would jeer Holiness out of the world : The Chair of the Scornful stands at the Mouth of † † Pro. 19. 29. Hell .

5. Others instead of walking with God , walk 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 after the * * 2 Pet. ● . 10. flesh .

1. They walk by Fleshly Opinions . 2. They walk after Fleshly Lusts.

1. They walk by Fleshly Opinions . There are six of these .

1. That it is best to do as the most do , 1 Opin . to steer 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , after the course of the World ; to be in the Mode , not to get a new heart , but to get into a new fashion .

2 That Reason is the highest Judge and Umpire in matters of Religion ; 2 Opin . we must beleeve no farther , than we can see ; for a man to become a fool that he may be wise , 1 Cor. 3. 18 Phil. 3. 9. to be saved purely by the righteousness of another ▪ to keep all , Mar. 10. 39 by loosing all ; this the natural man will by no means put in his Creed .

3 That a little Religion will serve the turn ; 3 Opin . the life-less form may in policy be kept up , but zeal is Frenzy ; the world thinks that religion to be best , which like leaf-gold , is spread very thin .

4 That way is not good , 4 Opin . which is exposed to affliction , a stick , though it be straight , yet under water it seems crooked : So Religion , if it be under affliction , appears to a carnal eye crooked .

5 That all a mans care should be for the present ; 5 Opin . as that prophane Cardinal said , he would leave his part in Paradise , to keep his Cardinalship in Paris .

6 That Sinning is better than Suffering ; 6 Opin . 't is more discretion to keep the skin whole , than the Conscience pure : These are such Rules , as the Crooked Serpent hath found out , which whosoever walk by , shall not know Peace .

2 They walk after fleshly lusts , they do 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 turn Caterers for the * * Animalia ventris , Luther . flesh , Rom. 13. 14. such an one was the Emperour Heliogabalus , he so indulged the flesh , that he never sate but among sweet flowers , mixed with Amber and Musk ; he attired himself with Purple , set with precious stones ; he burned in his Lamps , instead of oyle , a costly Balsome brought from Arabia , very odoriferous ; he bathed himself in perfumed waters , he did 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , he put his body to no other use , Epictetus . but to be a strainer for meat and drink to run thorow .

Thus Sinners walk after the flesh , if a drunken or unclean lust call , they gratifie it ; they brand all for cowards , who dare not sin after the same rate as they do . These instead of walking with God , walk contrary to him : Lust is the Compass they sail by , Satan is their Pilot , and Hell the Port they are bound for .

Use 2 Let us try whether we have this Character of the godly , Vse 2. do we walk with God ? Trial. That may be known ,

1 By the way we walk in ; it is a private retired way , wherein only some few holy ones walk : therefore it is called a Path-way , to distinguish it from the common road , Pro. 12. 28. In the path-way thereof is no death .

2 If we walk with God , then we walk in the fear of God , Gen. 5. 22. Enoch walked with God : The Chalde Version renders it , he walked in the fear of the Lord ; the godly are fearful of that which may displease God , Gen. 39. 9. How then can I do this great wickedness , and sin against God : this is not a base servile fear , but

1 A fear springing from affection , Hos. 3. 5. a childe fears to offend his father , out of the tender affection he bears to him : This made holy Anselm say , If Sin were on one side , and Hell on the other , I would rather leap into Hell , than willingly offend my God .

2 It is a fear joyned with affiance , Heb. 11. 7. By faith , Noah moved with fear : Faith and fear go hand in hand ; when the soul looks upon Gods holiness , he fears ; when he looks upon Gods promises , he beleeves : A godly man doth tremble , yet trust ; fear preserves reverence , faith preserves chearfulness ; fear keeps the soul from lightness , faith keeps it from overmuch sadness : By this we may know whether we walk with God , if we walk in the fear of God , we are fearful of infringing his Laws , and forfeiting his love : It is a brand set upon sinners , Rom. 3. 18. They have not the fear of God before their eyes . The godly fear and offend not , Psa. 4. 4. the wicked offend and fear not , Ierem. 5. 23 , 24. Loose and dissolute walking will soon estrange God from us , and make him weary of our company , 2 Cor. 6. 4. What communion hath light with darkness ?

Use 2. Let me perswade all who would be accounted godly , Use 2. to get into Noahs walk : Exhort . Though the truth of grace be in the heart , yet the beauty of it is seen in the walk .

1. Walking with God is very pleasing to God : He that walks with God , declares to the world what is the company he loves most ; his fellowship is with the Father ; he counts those the sweetest hours which are spent with God ; this is very grateful and acceptable to God , Gen. 5. 24. Enock walked with God . And see how kindly God took this at Enocks hands , Heb. 11. 4. He had this testimony , that he pleased God .

2. Close walking with God , will be a good means to intice and allure others to walk with him . The Apostle exhorts Wives to walk so , that the Husbands might be won by the Conversation of the * * Est pellax virtutis odor . Wives , 1 Pet. 3. 1. Iustin Martyr confessed he became a Christian , by beholding the holy and innocent lives of the Primitive † † Euseb. Saints .

3. Close walking with God , would put to silence the Adversaries of the Truth , 1 Pet. 2. 15. A loose carriage , puts a Sword into wicked mens hands to wound Religion : What a sad thing is it , when it shall be said of Professors , they are as proud , as covetous , as unjust as others : Will not this expose the ways of God to contempt ? But holy and close walking , would stop the mouths of sinners , that they should not be able to speak against Gods people , without giving themselves the lye . Satan came to Christ , and found nothing in him , Iohn 14. 30. What a confounding thing will it be to the wicked , when they shall have nothing to fasten as a crime upon the godly , but their holiness , Dan. 6. 5. We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel , unless we find it against him concerning the Law of his God .

4. Walking with God is a pleasant walk : The ways of Wisdome are called Pleasantness , Pro. 3. 17. Is not the light pleasant ? Psal. 89. 15. They shall walk ( O Lord , ) in the light of thy countenance . Walking with God , is like walking among Beds of * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Arist 〈◊〉 . l. 1. 〈◊〉 Spices , which send forth a fragrant perfume . This is it which brings peace , Act. 9. 31. Walking in the fear of the Lord , and in the joys of the Holy Ghost . While we walk with God , what sweet Musick doth the Bird of Conscience make in our breast ? Psal. 138. 5. They shall sing in the ways of the Lord .

5. Walking with God is honourable ; it is a credit for one of an inferiour rank to walk with a King : What greater dignity can be put upon a mortal man , than to converse with his Maker , and to take a turn with God every day .

6. Walking with God leads to rest , Heb. 4. 9. There remains a rest for the people of God . The Philosopher saith , Motion tends to * * Motus tendit ad quietem . rest . Indeed there is a motion which doth not tend to rest ; they who walk with their sins shall never have rest , Re. 4. 8. They rest not day & night : But they that walk with God , shal sit down in the Kingdom of God , Luk. 13. 29. As a weary traveller when he comes home sits down and rests him , Rev. 3. 21. To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my Throne . A Throne denotes Honor , & sitting , denotes rest .

7. Walking with God is the most safe walking : Walking in the ways of sin , is like walking upon the edge of a River : The sinner treads upon the banks of the bottomless Pit , and if Death gives him a jogg , he tumbles in ; but it is safe going in Gods way , Pro. 3. 23. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely : He walks safe , who walks with a Guard ; he that walks with God , shall have Gods Spirit to guard him from sin , and Gods Angels to guard him from danger , Psal. 91. 11.

8. Walking with God will make death sweet : It was Augustus his wish , that he might have an 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a quiet easie death , without much pain . If any thing make our Pillow easie at death , it will be this , that we have walked with God in our Generation : Do we think walking with God can do us any hurt ? Did we ever hear any cry out upon their Death-bed , that they have been too holy , that they have prayed too much , or walked with God too much ? No , that which hath cut them to the heart , hath been this , that they have walked no more closely with God ; they have wrung their hands , and torn their hair , to think that they have been so bewitched with the pleasures of the World : Close walking with God , will make our Enemy ( Death ) to be at peace with us . King Ahashuerus , when he could not sleep , called for the Book of Records , and read in it , Esther 6. 1. So when the violence of sickness causeth sleep to depart from our eyes , and we can call for Conscience ( that Book of Records ) and find written in it , such a day we humbled our souls by fasting , such a day our hearts melted in prayer ; such a day we had sweet communion with God ; what a reviving will this be ? How may we look death in the face with comfort , and say , Lord , now take us up to thee in Heaven , where we have so often been by affection , let us now be by fruition .

9 Walking with God ; is the best way to know the minde of God ; friends who walk together , impart their secrets one to another , Psa. 25. 14. The secrets of the Lord , is with them that fear him . Noah walked with God , and the Lord revealed a great secret to him , of destroying the Old World , and saving him in the Ark. Abraham walked with God , Gen. 24. 40. and God made him one of his Privy-council , Gen. 18. 17. Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do ? God doth sometimes sweetly unbosome himself to the soul in Prayer , and in the holy Supper , as Christ made himself known to the Disciples , in the breaking of bread , Luk. 24. 35

10 They who walk with God , shall never be wholly left of God ; the Lord may retire himself for a time , to make his people cry after him the more , but he will not quite leave them , Isa. 54. 8. I hid my face for a moment , but with everlasting kindeness will I have mercy on thee . God will not cast off any of his old acquaintance , he will not part with one that hath born him company . Enoch walked with God , and he was not , for God took him , Gen. 5. 24. He took him up to heaven , as the Arabick renders it ; Enoch was lodged in the bosome of divine Love .

Quest. How may we do to walk with God ?

Answ. 1 Get out of the old road of sin ; hee that would walk in a pleasant meadow , must turn out of the road . The way of sin is full of Travellers , there are so many travelling in this road , that hell , though it be of a great circumference , is fain to enlarge it self , and make room for them , Isa. 5. 14. This way of sin seems pleasant , but the end is damnable . I have ( saith the Harlot ) perfumed my bed , with Mirrhe , Aloes , and Cinamon , Prov. 7. 17. See how with one sweet ( the Cinamon ) there were two bitters , Myrrhe , and Aloes : for that little sweet in sin at present , there will be a far greater proportion of bitterness afterwards : Therefore get out of these briars , you cannot walk with God and sin , 2 Cor. 6. 14. What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ?

2 If you would walk with God , get acquaintance with him , Iob 22. 21. Acquaint now thy self with him . Know God in his attributes and promises ; strangers do not walk together .

3 Get all differences removed , Amos 3. 3. Can two walk together except they are agreed ? This agreement and reconciliation is made by faith , Rom. 3. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation , through faith in his blood . When once we are friends , then we shall be called up to the Mount as Moses , and have this dignity conferred on us , to bee the favourites of heaven , and to walk with God .

4 If you would walk with God , get a liking to the vvaies of God : They are adorned vvith beauty , Prov. 4. 18. svveetned vvith pleasure , Prov. 3. 17. fenced vvith truth , Rev. 15. 3. accompanied vvith Life , Acts 2. 28. lengthned with eternity , Hab. 3. 6. be enamoured with the way of Religion , and you will soon walk in it .

5 If you would walk with God , take hold of his arm ; such as walk in their own strength , will soon grow weary and tire : Psal. 71. 16. I will go in the strength of the Lord God : We cannot walk with God , without God ; let us press him with his promise , Isa. 36. 27. I will cause you to walk in my statutes : If God take us by the hand , then we shall walk and not faint , Isa. 40. 31.

SECT. XXIV .

24 He who is godly , 24 Character . labours to be an instrument of making others godly ; he is not content to go to heaven alone , but would bring others thither ; Spiders work only for themselves , but Bees work for others : A godly man is both a Diamond and a Load-stone ; a Diamond for the sparkling lustre of grace , and a Load-stone for his attractiveness , he is ever drawing others to the embracing of Piety : Living things have a propagating virtue ; where Religion lives in the heart , there will be an endeavour to propagate the life of grace , in those we converse with , Philemon v. 10. My son Onesimus , whom I have begotten in my bonds . Though God be the fountain of grace , yet the Saints are pipes to transmit living streams to others . This thirsty endeavour after the conversion of souls , proceeds ,

1 From the nature of Godliness ; it is like fire , which assimilates and turns every thing into its own nature ; where there is the fire of grace in the heart , it will endeavour to inflame others ; grace is an holy leaven , which will be seasoning and leavening others with divine principles . Paul would fain have converted Agrippa ; how did he court him with Rhetorick ? Act. 26. 27. King Agrippa , beleevest thou the Prophets ? I know that thou beleevest : his Zeal and Eloquence had almost captivated the King , ver. 28. Then Agrippa said unto Paul , almost thou perswadest me to be a Christian.

2 A godly man attempts the conversion of others , out of a spirit of compassion : Grace makes the heart tender ; a godly man cannot chuse but pitty such as are in the gall of bitterness ; he sees what a deadly cup is a brewing for the wicked ; they must without repentance , be bound over to Gods wrath ; the fire which rained on Sodome , was but a painted fire , in comparison of hell-fire ; this is a fire with a vengeance , Iude 7. Suffering the Vengeance of eternal fire : now , a godly man seeing captive Sinners ready to be damned , labours to convert them from the errour of their way , 2 Cor. 5. 11. Knowing the terrour of the Lord , we perswade men .

3 A godly man endeavours the good of others , out of an holy zeal he bears to Christs glory ; the glory of Christ is dear to him , as his own salvation ; therefore that this may be promoted , he labours Summo conatu , to bring in souls to Christ .

'T is a glory to Christ , when multitudes are born to him ; every star adds a lustre to the sky , every convert , is a member added to Christs body , and a jewel adorning his Crown . Though Christs glory cannot be encreased , as he is God , yet as he is Mediatour , it may ; the more are saved , the more Christ is exalted ; why else should the Angels rejoyce at the Conversion of a † † Luke 15. 10. Sinner ? but because now Christs glory shines the more .

Use 1. This excludes them from the number of godly , Vse 1. who are spiritual Eunuchs , 1 Bran. they labour not to promote the Salvation of others . Nascitur indignè per quem non nascitur alter . —

Did men love Christ , they would endeavour to draw as many as they could to him . He who loves his Captain , will perswade others to come under his Banner ; this unmasks the hypocrite . Though an hypocrite may make a show of Grace himself , yet he never minds the procuring Grace in others ; he is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 without bowels . I may allude to that , Zac. 11. 9. That which dies , let it die , and that which is cut off , let it be cut off . Let souls go to the Devil , he cares not .

2. How far are they from being godly , 2 Bran. who instead of endeavouring Grace in others , labour to destroy all hopeful beginnings of Grace in them ? Instead of drawing them to Christ , they draw them from Christ ; their work is to poyson and mischief souls : This mischieving of souls is three ways .

1. By evil Edicts : So Jeroboam made Israel sin , 1 King . 17. 26. He forced them to Idolatry .

2. By evil Examples : Examples speak louder than Precepts ; but principally the examples of great ones are influential : Men placed on high , are like the Pillar of Cloud , when that went , Israel went : If great ones move irregularly , others will follow after .

3. By evil Company ; the breath of sinners is * * Nemo errat sibi ipsi , sed dementiam suam spargit in Proximos . Sen. Epist. infectious ; they are like the Dragon which cast a floud out of his mouth , Revel. 12. 15. They cast a floud of oaths out of their mouth : Wicked tongues are set on fire of Hell , Iam. 3. 6. The sinner finds Match and Powder , and the Devil finds fire : The wicked are ever setting snares , and temptations before others ; as the Prophet speaks in another sense , Ier. 35. 5. I set pots full of wine , and cups , and said unto them drink . So the wicked set pots of Wine before others , and make them drink till Reason be stupified , and Lust inflamed : These are prodigiously wicked , who make men Proselites to the Devil : How sad will their doom be , who besides their own sins , have the bloud of others to answer for ?

3. If it be the sign of a godly man to promote Grace in others , 3 Bran. then much more ought he to promote it in his neer Relations . A godly man will be careful that his Children should know God ; he would be sorry that any of his flesh should burn in hell ; he labours to see Christ formed in them , who are himself in another Edition . Austin saith , That his Mother Monica travelled with greater care and pain for his Spiritual Birth , than for his † † Lib. 5. Confess . Natural .

The time of Childhood is the fittest time to be sowing seeds of Religion in our Children , Isa. 28. 9. Whom shall he make understand Doctrine ? Them that are weaned from the milk , that are drawn from the breasts . The Wax , while it is soft and tender , will take any impression : Children while they are young will fear a reproof , when they are old they will hate it ,

1. It is pleasing to God that our Children should know him betimes : When you come into a garden , you love to pluck the young bud , and smell to it ; God loves a Saint in the bud ; of all the Trees the Lord made choice of in a Prophetical Vision , it was the Almond Tree , which blossomes one of the first of the * * Jer. 1 11 Trees : Such an Almond Tree is an early Convert .

2. By endeavouring to bring up our Children in the fear of the Lord , we shall provide for Gods glory when we are † † Celebre honoris divini trophaeum , etiam mortui in altum feremus . dead . A godly man should not only honor God while he lives , but do something that may promote Gods glory when he is dead : Our Children being seasoned with gracious Principles , will stand up in our room , when we are gone , and will glorifie God in their generation . A good piece of ground doth not only bear a fore-crop , but an after-crop ; he that is godly , doth not only bear God a crop of obedience himself while he lives , but by principling his Childe with Religion , he bears God an after-crop when he is dead .

Use 2. Let all who have Gods Name named upon them , Use 2. Exhort . do what in them lies to advance Piety in others : A Knife touched with a Loadstone will draw the Needle ; he whose heart is divinely touched with the Loadstone of Gods Spirit , will endeavour to draw those who are neer him to Christ : The Heathen could say , We are not born for our selves * * Non nobis solum nati . only . The more excellent any thing is , the more communicative ; in the body every member is diffusive , the eye conveys light , the head spirits , the liver bloud ; a Christian must not move altogether within his own circle , but endeavour the welfare of † † Vir bonus magis aliis prodest quam sibi . others : To be diffusively good , makes us resemble God , whose sacred influence is universal .

And surely it will be no grief of heart , when Conscience can witness for us , that we have brought glory to God in this manner , by labouring to fill heaven .

Not that this is any ways Meritorious , Caution . or hath any causal influence upon our Salvation . Christs bloud is the cause ; but our promoting Gods glory in the Conversion of others , is a signal evidence of our Salvation : As the Rain-bow is not a cause why God will not drown the World , but it is a sign that he will not drown it ; or as Rahabs Scarlet thread she hung out of the * * Josh. 2. ●8 . window , was not a cause why she was exempted from destruction , but it was a sign of her being exempted ; so our building up others in the Faith , is not a cause why we are saved , but it is a Symbole of our Piety , and a presage of our felicity .

And thus I have shown the Marks and Characters of a godly man . If a person thus described be reputed a Phanatick , then Abraham , and Moses , and David , and Paul , were Phanaticks , which I think none will dare to affirm , but Atheists .

CHAP. V. Containing two Conclusions .

COncerning the Characteristical signs , afore-mentioned , I shall lay down two Conclusions .

1 These Characters are a Christians box of evidences ; 1 Conclus . for as an impenitent sinner hath the signs of reprobation upon him , whereby , as by so many spots and tokens , he may know he shall dye ; so he who can shew these happy signs of a godly man , may see the Symptomes of Salvation in his Soul , and may know he is passed from death to life ; he is as sure to go to heaven , as if he were in heaven already ; such a person is undoubtedly a member of Christ , and if he should perish , then something of Christ might perish .

These blessed Characters , may comfort a Christian under all worldly dejections , and Diabolical suggestions ; Satan tempts a Childe of God with this , that he is an hypocrite , and hath no title to the Land of promise ; a Christian may pull out these evidences , and put the Devil to prove , that ever any wicked man or hypocrite , had such a fair Certificate to shew for heaven : Satan may sooner prove himself a lyar , than the Saint an hypocrite .

2 He who hath one of these Characters in truth , 2 Conclus . hath seminally all , he who hath one link of a Chain , hath the whole Chain .

Object . But may a Childe of God say , either I have not all these Characters , or they are so weakly wrought in me , that I cannot discern them ?

Answ. To satisfie this scruple , you must diligently observe the distinctions the Scripture gives of Christians ; it casts them into several classes and orders ; some are infantuli , little children , who are but newly laid to the breast of the Gospel ; others are adulti , Young men , who are grown up to more maturity of Grace ; others are patres , Fathers , who are ready to take their degree of Glory , 1 Iohn 2. 12. 13 , 4. Now , you who are but in the first rank or classis , yet you may have the vitals of Godliness , as well as those who have arrived at an higher stature in Christ : the Scripture speaks of the Cedar , and the bruised Reed , the last of which is as true a Plant of the heavenly Paradise , as the other ; so that the weakest ought not to be discouraged ; all have not these characters of godliness written in Text-Letters , if they be but dimly stamped upon their souls , God can read the work of his spirit there . Though the seal be but weakly set upon the wax , it ratifies the will , and gives a real conveyance of an estate : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 1 Kings 14. 13. If there be found but some good thing towards the Lord ( as it was said of Abijah ) God will accept it .

CHAP. VI. Containing the first Vse , Exhorting all to become Godly .

Use 1 FRom all that hath been said , I would draw three great Uses . Vse 1.

First , Such as are still in their natural estate , who never yet did relish any sweetness in the things of God ; let me beseech them in the bowels of Christ , that they would labour to get these Characters of the Godly , engraven upon their hearts ; though godliness be the object of the worlds scorn and ha●ed ( as in Tertullians daies , the name of a Christian was a * * Ideo torquemur confitentes , quia nominis prali●● est . Tertu● Apol. crime ) yet be not ashamed to espouse godliness ; know , that persecuted godliness , is better than prosperous wickedness ; what will all the world avail a man , without godliness ? To be learned and ungodly , is like a Devil transformed into an Angel of light ; to be beautiful and ungodly , is like a fair picture hung in an infected room ; to be honourable in the world and ungodly , is like an Ape in purple , or like that Image , which had an head of gold upon feet of clay ; 't is godliness , Dan. 2. 33. that en-nobles and consecrates the heart , making God and Angels fall in love with it .

Labour for the reality of godliness , rest not in the common workings of Gods spirit ; Col. 1. 6. think not that it is enough to be intelligent and discurive , a man may discourse of Religion to the admiration of others , yet not feel the sweetness of those things in his own Soul : the Lute gives a melodious sound to others , but is not at all sensible of the sound it self ; Iudas could make an elegant discourse of Christ , but did not feel vertue from him .

Rest not in having your affections a little stirred ; an hypocrite may have affections of sorrow , as Ahab ; affections of desire , as Balaam , these are sleight and flashy , and do not amount to real godliness . Oh I labour to be as the Kings daughter , glorious within , Psa. 45. 13.

That I may perswade the sons of men to become godly , I shall lay down some forcible Motives and Arguments , and the Lord make them as nails fastened by his spirit .

1 Let men seriously weigh their misery , Motive while they remain in a state of ungodliness ; which may make them hasten out of this Sodome : the misery of ungodly men appears in nine particulars .

1 They are in a state of death , Eph. 2. 1. dead in * * Manet hoc porisma , unionē anim e nostrae cum Christo , veram esse & unicā ejus vitam , ac proinde extra Christū nos esse penitus mortuos , quia regnat in nobis pecca●ū mortis materia● Calvin . Trespasses : dead they must needs be , who are cut off from Christ , the principle of life ; for as the body without the soul is dead , so is the soul without Christ . This spiritual death is visible in the effect , it bereaves men of their senses : sinners have no sense of God in them , Ephe. 4. 19. who being without feeling : all their moral endowments , are but strewing flowers upon a dead corpse ; and what is hell , but a sepulchre to bury the dead in .

2 Their offerings are polluted ; not only the * * Pro. 21. 4. Ploughing , but the praying of the wicked is sin , Prov. 15. 8. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord : If the water be foul in the well , it cannot be clean in the bucket ; if the heart be full of sin , the duties cannot be pure : In what a strait is every ungodly person , if he doth not come to the Ordinance , he is a contemner of it , if he doth come , hee is a defiler of it .

3. Such as live and die ungodly , have no right to the Covenant of Grace , Eph. 2. 12. At that time ye were without Christ , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , strangers from the Covenants of Promise . And to be without Covenant , is to be like one in the old World , without an Ark. The Covenant is the Gospel-Charter , which is enriched with many glorious priviledges , but who may plead the benefit of this Covenant ? Surely only such whose hearts are in-laid with grace . Read the Charter , Ezek. 36. 26. A new heart will I give you , and I will put my spirit within you : Then it follows , ver. 28. I will be your God . A person dying in his ungodliness , hath no more to do with the New Covenant , than a Ploughman hath to do with the priviledges of a Corporation .

Gods Writing is always before his Seal , 2 Cor. 3. 3. Ye are declared to be the Epistle of Christ , written not with ink , but with the spirit of the living God , not in Tables of stone , but in fleshy Tables of the heart . Here is a golden Epistle , the writing is the work of Faith , the Table it is written in , is the heart , the finger that writes it is the spirit : Now , after the Spirits writing , follows the Spirits sealing , Ephes. 1. 13. After ye believed ye were sealed with the Spirit ; that is , ye were sealed up to an assurance of glory : What have ungodly men to do with the seal of the Covenant , who have not the writing ?

4. The ungodly are spiritual fools ; Psalm 75. 4. I said to the fools deal not foolishly , and to the wicked , lift not up the * * Nonne isti moriones qui dum animam suam vulnerant rident ? horn . If one had a Childe very beautiful , yet if he were a fool , the Parent would take little joy in him : The Scripture hath dressed the Sinner in a Fools Coat ; and let me tell you , better be a fool void of Reason , than a fool void of Grace : This is the Devils fool , Pro. 14. 9. Is not he a fool who refuseth a rich portion ? God offers Christ and Salvation , but the Sinner refuseth this portion , Psal. 81. 11. Israel would none of me . Is not he a fool who prefers an Annuity before an Inheritance ? Is not he a fool who tends his mortal part , and neglects his Angelical part ? As if one should paint the wall of his house , and let the Timber rot : Is not he a fool who will feed the Devil with his Soul ? As that Emperour who fed his Lion with † † Heliogab . Feasant : Is not he a fool who lays a snare for himself ? Pro. 1. 18. Who consults his own shame , Hab. 2. 10. who loves death , Pro. 8. 36.

5. The ungodly are vile persons , Nahum . ● 14. I will make thy grave , for thou art vile . 〈…〉 men base , it blots their name , it taints their bloud , Psal. 14. 3. They are altogether become filthy : In the Hebrew it is , rancidi facti sunt , they are become * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 stinking . Call wicked men never so bad , you cannot call them out of their name ; they are swine , † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Cyrill ▪ Mat. 7. 6. Vipers , Mat. 3. 7. Devils , Iohn 6. 70. The wicked are scoria & gluma , the dross and refuse , Psalm 119. 119. And heaven is too pure to have any dross mingle with it .

6. Their Temporal Mercies are continued in Judgement : The wicked may have health and estate , yea more than heart can wish , Psa. 73. 7. But their Table is a snare , Psa. 69. 2● . Sinners have their mercies with Gods leave , but not with his love : The people of Israel had better been without their Quails , than to have had such sowre sawce . The ungodly are Usurpers , they want a spiritual Title to what they possess ; their good things are like cloath taken up at the Drapers , which is not paid for ; death will bring in a sad reckoning at last .

7. Their Temporal Judgements are not removed in Mercy : Pharaoh had ten Arrows shot at him ( ten Plagues ) and all those Plagues were removed , but his heart remaini●g hard those Plagues were not removed in Mercy ; it was not a preservation ▪ but a reservation : God reserved him for a signal Monument of his Justice , when he was drowned in the depth of the Sea : God may reprieve mens persons when he doth not remit their sins : The wicked may have sparing Mercy , but not saving Mercy .

8. The ungodly while they live are exposed to the wrath of God , Ioh. 3. 36. He that believeth not , the wrath of God abideth on him . He who wants Grace , is like one who wants a pardon , he is every hour in fear of Execution : How can a wicked man rejoyce ? Over his head the Sword of Gods Justice hangs , and under him hell fire burns .

9. The ungodly at death must undergo Gods fury and indignation , Psal. 9. 17. The wicked shall be turned into hell . I have read of a Loadstone in Aethiopia , which hath two * * Vincentius . corners , with one it draws the iron to it , with the other it puts the iron from it : So God hath two hands , of Mercy and Justice , with the one he will draw the godly to heaven , with the other he will thrust the sinner to hell : And O how dreadful is that place ! It is called a fiery † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 lake , Rev. 20. 15. A lake , to denote the plenty of Torments in hell ; a fiery lake , to show the fierceness of them : Fire is the most torturing Element . Strabo in his Geography mentions a Lake in Galilee , of such a pestiferous nature , that it scaldeth off the skin of whatsoever is cast into it : But alas , that Lake is cool , compared with this fiery Lake , into which the damned are thrown . To demonstrate this fire terrible , there are two most pernicious qualities in it . 1. It is Sulphureous , it is mixed with brimstone , Revel. 21. 8. which is unsavoury and suffocating . 2. It is unextinguishable ; though the wicked shall be choaked in the flames , yet not consumed , Revel. 20. 10. And the Devil was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone , where the Beast and the False Prophet * * Poenam inextinguibilem & foetorem maximum minatur Deus Muscul. are , and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever . Behold the deplorable condition of all ungodly ones , in the other world , they shall have a life that always dies , and a death that always lives : May not this affright men out of their sins , and make them become godly , unless they are resolved to try how hot hell fire is ?

2. What rare persons the godly are , Motive Pro. 12. 26. The righteous is more excellent than his Neighbour . As the Flower of the Sun , as the Wine of Lebanon , as the sparkling upon Aarons Breast-plate , such is the Orient splendor of a person imbellished with godliness : The exce●lency of the persons of the godly , appears in seven particulars .

1. They are precious ; therefore they are set apart for God , Psal. 4. 3. Know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself : We set apart things that are precious ; the godly are set apart as Gods peculiar treasure , Psa. 135. 4. As his garden of delight , Cant. 4. 12. As his Royal Diadem , Isa. 62. 3. The godly are the excellent of the earth , Psa. 16. 2. Comparable to fine gold , Lam. 4. 2. Double refined , Zach. 13. 9. They are the glory of the Creation , Isa. 46. 13. Origen compares the Saints to Saphires and * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Origen . Cont. Cel● . Christal : God calls them Iewels , Mal. 3. 17. They are so :

1. For their value ; Diamonds ( saith Pliny ) were not known a long time but among Princes , and were hung upon their Diadem : God doth so value his people , that he will give Kingdomes for their ransome , Isa. 43. 5. He laid his best Jewel to pawn for them , Ioh. 3. 6.

2. They are Jewels for their lustre : If one Pearl of grace doth shine so bright that it doth delight Christs heart , Cant. 4. 9. Thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes ; that is , one of thy Graces : Then how illustrious are all the Graces met in a Constellation ?

2. The godly are honourable , Isa. 43. 4. Thou hast been * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Gloriosus fuisti . honourable : The godly are a Crown of glory in the hand of God , Isa. 62. 3. They are plants of Renown , Ezek. 16. 14. They are not only Vessels of Mercy , but Vessels of Honour , 2 Tim. 2. 21. Aristotle calls Honor , the chief good † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . thing . The godly are neer a Kin to the blessed Trinity , they have the Tutelage and Guardianship of Angels ; they have Gods Name written upon them , Revel. 3. 12. and the Holy Ghost dwelling in them , 2 Tim. 1. 14.

The godly are a sacred Priesthood ; the Priesthood under the Law was honourable ; the Kings Daughter was wife to Iehoiada the Priest , 2 Chron. 22. 11. It was a custome among the Egyptians , to have their Kings chosen out of their Priests : The Saints are a Divine Priesthood to offer up spritiual sacrifices , 1 Pet. 2. 9. They are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Coheirs with Christ , Rom. 8. 17. They are Kings , Rev. 1. 6. Novarinus relates of an antient King who invited a Company of poor Christians , and made them a great Feast , and being asked why he showed so much respect to persons of such mean birth and Extract , he told them , these I must honour as the Children of the most high God , they will be Kings and Princes with me in another world . The godly are in some sense higher than the Angels , the Angels are Christs friends , these are his spouse ; the Angels are called morning-stars , Iob 38. 7. but the Saints are clothed with the Sun of righteousness , Rev. 12. 1. all men saith * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chrys. Chrysostome , are ambitious of honour ; behold then the honour of the godly ! Prov. 7. 8. Wisdome is the principal thing , therefore get wisdome , exalt her , and she shall promote thee , she shall bring thee to honour , when thou dost embrace her : The Trophies of the Saints renown , will be erected in another world . — Famaque post cineres major —

3 The godly are beloved of God , Psal. 47. 4. The excellency of Iacob whom he loved : An holy heart , is the garden where God plants the flower of his love : Gods love to his people is an antient love , it bears date from eternity , Ephe. 1. 4. he loves them with a choice distinguishing love , they are the dearly beloved of his soul , Ier. 12. 7. The men of the world have bounty dropping from Gods fingers , but the godly have love dropping from Gods heart ; he gives the one a golden cup ; the other a golden kiss ; he loves the godly , as he loves Christ , Iohn 17. 26. it is the same love for kinde , though not for degree : here the Saints do but pitissare , sip of Gods love , in heaven they shall drink of Rivers of pleasure , Psa. 36. 8. And this love of God is permanent ; death may take away their life from them , but not Gods love from them , Ier. 31. 4. I have loved thee with a love of * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 perpetuity .

4 The godly are prudent persons , they have good Insight and Foresight .

1 They have good insight , 1 Cor. 2. 10. He that is spiritual judgeth all things : the godly have insight into Persons and Things .

1 They have insight into persons , they have the anointing of God , and by a spirit of discerning , they can see some difference between the precious and the vile , Ier. 15. 19. Gods people are not censorious , but they are juditious ; they can see a wanton heart , through a naked breast , and a spotted face ; they can see a revengeful spirit , through a bitter tongue ; they can guess at the Tree by the fruit , Mat. 12. 33. They can see the Plague-tokens of sin , appear in the wicked , which makes them remove from the tents of those sinners , Num. 16. 26.

2 The godly have insight into Things Mysterious .

1 They can see much of the mystery of their own hearts : Take the greatest Politician , who understands the mysteries of state , yet he doth not understand the mystery of his own heart ; you shall sometimes hear him swear , his heart is good ; but a Childe of God sees much heart-corruption , 1 King . 8. 38. though some flowers of grace grow there , yet he sees how fast the weeds of sin grow , therefore is continually weeding his heart by repentance and mortification .

2 The godly can discern the mystery of the times , 1 Chron. 12. 32. The children of Issachar were men that had understanding of the times : The godly can see when an age runs dregs , when Gods name is dishonoured , his messengers despised , his Gospel ecclipsed ; the people of God labour to keep their garments pure , Rev. 16. 15. their care is , that the times may not be the worse for them , nor they the worse for the times .

3 The godly understand the mystery of living by faith , Heb. 10. 38. The just shall live by faith : they can trust God , where they cannot trace him ; they can fetch comfort out of a promise , as Moses did water out of the rock : Hab. 3. 17. Though the Fig-tree doth not blossome , yet I will rejoyce in the Lord .

2 The godly have good foresight :

1 They foresee the evil of a Temptation , 2 Cor. 2. 11. We are not ignorant of his devices ; The wicked swallow temptations like Pills , and when it is too late , feel these Pills gripe their Conscience ; but the godly fore-see a Temptation and will not come near ; they see a snake under the green grass , they know Satans kindness , is craftiness ; hee doth as I●phtha's daughter , he brings forth the Timbrel , and danceth before men with a temptation , and then brings them very low , Iudg. 11. 35.

2. The godly fore-see temporal dangers , Pro. 22. 3. A prudent man foreseeth the evil , and hideth himself . The people of God see when the Cloud of wrath is ready to drop upon a Nation , and they get into their Chambers , Isa. 26. 20. The Attributes and Promises of God ; and into the clifts of the Rock , the bleeding wounds of Christ , and hide themselves ; well therefore may they be baptized with the name of Wise Virgins .

5. The godly are the bull-wark of a Nation , 2 Kin. 2. 12. O my Father , the Chariots of Israel , and the horsemen thereof . The godly are the Pillers to keep a City and Nation from falling ; they stave off Judgement from a Land : It was said of old , so long as Hector lived , Troy could not be demolished : God could do nothing to Sodom till Lot was gone out of it , Genesis 19. 22. Golden Christians are Brazen Walls . The Lord would soon break up house in the world , were it not for the sakes of a few Religious ones : Would God ( think we ) preserve the world only for Drunkards and Swearers ? He would soon sink the Ship of Church and State , but that some of his Elect are in it : Yet such is the indiscretion of men as to injure the Saints , and to count them burdens which are the chief * * Isa. 1● . 24. blessings .

6. The godly are of a brave Heroick spirit , Numb. 14. 24. My servant Caleb , because he had another spirit . An excellent spirit was found in Daniel , Cap. 5. 12. The godly hate that which is base and sordid , they will not inrich their purses by inslaving their Consciences ; they are Noble and couragious in Gods Cause , Pro. 28. 1. The righteous are bold as a Lion . The Saints live suitably to their high birth , they breathe after Gods love , they aspire after glory , they set their feet where worldly men set their heart ; they display the Banner of the Gospel , lifting up Christs Name and interest in the world .

7. The godly are happy persons : King Balak sent to curse the people of God , but the Lord would not suffer it , Numb. 22. 12. God said unto Balaam , thou shalt not curse the people , for they are blessed : And Moses afterwards records it as a thing memorable , that that intended Curse of the King , God did convert into a blessing , Deut. 23. 5. The Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee . They must needs be happy who are always on the strongest side , Psa. 118. 6. The Lord is on my side : they are happy who have all conditions sanctified to them , Rom. 8. 28. Who are crowned with peace while they live , Psa. 119. 165. and with glory when they die , Psal. 73. 24. And may not this tempt all to become godly ? Deut. 33. 29. Happy art thou , O Israel ; a people saved by the Lord .

3. Motive To endeavour after godliness , is most rational .

1. It is the highest act of Reason , for a man to become another man : If while he remains in Natures Soil , he is poysoned with sin , no more actually fit for communion with God , than a Toad is fit to be made an Angel , then it is very consonant to Reason , that he should endeavour after a change .

2. It is rational , because this change is for the better , Eph. 5. 8. Now are yee light in the Lord . Will not any man be willing to exchange a dark prison for a Kings Palace ? Will he not change away his brass for gold ? Thou that becomest godly ▪ changest for the better ; thou changest thy pride for humility , thy uncleanness for holiness ; thou changest a lust that will damn thee for a Christ that will save thee : Were not men besotted , had not their fall beat off their head-piece , they would see it were the most rational thing in the world to become godly .

4. The excellency of godliness . Motive Auro quid melius ? jaspis , quid jaspide ? virtus .

The excellency of godliness appears several ways .

1. Godliness is our spiritual beauty , Psa. 110. 3. The beauties of holiness : Godliness is to the soul as the light to the world , to illustrate and adorn it : 'T is not greatness sets us off in Gods eye , but goodness : What is the beauty of the Angels but their sanctity ? Godliness is the curious imbroidery and workmanship of the Holy Ghost : A soul furnished with godliness , is damask'd with beauty , it is enamell'd with purity , this is the cloathing of wrought gold , which makes the King of heaven fall in love with us : were there not an excellency in holiness , the hypocrite would never go about to paint it : Godliness sheds a glory and lustre upon the Saints : What are the Graces , but the golden feathers in which Christs Dove * * Psa ▪ 68. 13. shines ?

2. Godliness is our defence : Grace is called the Armour of Light , Rom. 13. 12. It is light for beauty , and armour for defence . A Christian hath armour of Gods making , which cannot be shot thorow ; he hath the Shield of Faith , the Helmet of Hope , the Breast-plate of Righteousness ; this is armour of proof , which defends against the assaults of temptation , and the terrour of † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. hell .

3 Godliness breeds solid peace , Psa. 119. 165. Great peace have they that love thy Law . Godlines composeth the heart , making it sedate and calm , like the upper Region , where there are no winds and tempests . How can that heart be unquiet where the Prince of Peace dwells , Col. 1. 27. Christ in you . An holy heart may be compared to the doors of Solomons Temple , 1 Kin. 6. 32. which were made of Olive-tree , carved with open Flowers . There is the Olive of peace , and the open Flowers of joy in that heart : godlines doth not destroy a Christians mirth , but refine it ; his Rose is without prickles , his wine without froth ; he must needs be full of joy and peace , who is a favourite of heaven ; he may truly sing a Requiem to his soul , and say , Soul take thy * * Luk. 12. 19. ●ase . King Ptolomy asked one how he might be in rest when he dreamed ? He replied , Let piety be the scope of all thy actions : If one should ask me how he should be in rest when he is awake ? I would return the like answer , Let his soul be in-laid with godliness .

4. Godliness is the best Trade we can drive , it brings profit ; wicked men say , It is vain to serve God , and what profit is it ? Mal. 3. 14. To be sure there is no profit in sin , Pro. 10. 2. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing . But , godliness is profitable , 1 Tim. 4. 8. It is like digging in a gold Mine , where there is gain as well as toil : godliness makes God himself over to us as a portion , Psa. 16. 5. The Lord is the portion of my Inheritance : If God be our portion , all our estate lies in Jewels ; where God gives himself , he gives every thing else ; he who hath the Mannor hath all the Royalties belonging to it : God is a portion that can neither be spent nor lost , Psa. 26. 73. Thus we see godliness is a thriving Trade .

And as godliness brings profit with it , so it is profitable 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 for all things , 1 Tim. 4. 8. What is so besides godliness ? Food will not give a man wisdome , gold will not give him health , honor will not give him beauty ; but godliness is useful for all things , it fenceth off all troubles , it supplies all wants , it makes soul and body compleatly happy .

5. Godliness is an enduring substance , it knows no fall of the leaf .

All worldly delights have a Deaths-Head set upon them ; they are but shadows , and they are flying : Earthly comforts are like Pauls friends , who brought him to the Ship , and there left him , Acts 20. 38. So these will bring a man to his grave , and then take their farewell ; but godliness is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a possession we cannot be robbed of , it runs parallel with Eternity ; force cannot weaken it , age cannot wither it ; it out-braves sufferings , it our-lives death , Pro. 10. ● . Death may pluck the stalk of the body , but the Flower of grace is not hurt . — numquam stygias fertur ad umbras inclyta virtus . Seneca .

6 Godliness is so excellent , that the worst men would have it when they are going hence ; though at present godliness be despised , and under a cloud , yet at death all would be godly : A Philosopher asking a young man , whether he would be rich Croesus , or virtuous Socrates ? answered , he would live with Croesus , and dye with Socrates : So men would live with the wicked in pleasure , but dye with the godly , Numb. 23. 10. Let me dye the death of the righteous , and let my end bee like his : If then godliness be so desirable at death , why should we not pursue after it now ? godliness is as needful now , and would bee more feasible .

5 There are but few godly ; they are as the gleanings after vintage ; Motive most receive the Mark of the Beast , Rev. 13. 17. The Devil keeps open house for all comers , and hee is never without ghuests ; this may prevail with us to be godly , if the number of the Saints be so small , how should we labour to be found among these pearls ? Rom. 9. 27. but a remnant shall be saved : it is better going to Heaven with a few , than to Hell in the crowd .

6 Consider how vain and contemptible other things are , Motive about which , persons void of godliness busie themselves ; men are taken up about the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 things of this life , and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind ? Eccles. 5. 16. can the winde fill ? what is gold but dust ? Amos 2. 8. which will sooner choak , than satisfie : pull off the mask of the most beautiful thing under the Sun , and look what is within , there is care and vexation ; and the greatest care is yet behinde , and that is account : The things of the world , are but as a bubble in the water , or a Meteor in the air .

But godliness hath a real worth in it , if you speak of true honour , it is to be born of God ; if of true valour , it is to fight the good fight of faith ; if of true delight , it is to have joy in the Holy ghost . Oh then espouse godliness ! here is reallity to be had ; of other things , we may say as Zac. 10. 2. They comfort in vain .

CHAP. VII . Prescribing some helps to Godliness .

Quest. But what shall we do that we may be godly ?

Answ. I shall briefly lay down some rules or helps to godliness .

1 Be diligent in the use of all means , 1 Rule . that may promote godliness , Luke 13. 24. strive to enter in at the straight gate : what is purpose without pursuit ? when you have made your estimate of godliness , prosecute those mediums which are most expedient for obtaining it .

2 If you would be godly , 2 Rule . take heed of the world ; 't is hard for a clod of dust to become a star , 1 Ioh. 2. 15. love not the world : many would be godly , but the honours and profits of the world divert them ; where the world fills both head and heart , there is no room for Christ ; he whose minde is rooted in the earth , is likely enough to deride godliness ; when our Saviour was preaching against sin , the Pharisees , who were covetous , derided him , Luk. 16. 14. The world eats out the heart of godliness , as the lvy eats out the heart of the Oak ; the world kills with her silver darts .

3 Inure your selves to holy thoughts ; 3 Rule . serious meditation , represents every thing in its native colour ; it shews an evil in sin , and a lustre in grace . By holy thoughts , the head grows clearer , and the heart better , Psa. 119. 59. I thought on my waies , and turned my feet unto thy testimonies : Did men step aside a little out of the noise and hurry of business , and spend but half an hour every day , in thinking upon their souls , and eternity , it would produce a wonderful alteration in them , and tend very much to a real and blessed conversion .

4 Watch your hearts ; 4 Rule . it was Christs watch-word to his Disciples , Mat. 24. 42. Watch therefore ; the heart will praecipitate us to sin , before we are aware ; a subtil heart , needs a watchful eye ; watch your thoughts , your affections ; the heart hath a thousand doors to run out at : O keep close sentinel in your souls ! stand continually upon your Watch-tower , Hab. 2. 1. when you have prayed against sin , watch against * * Haud militi tutum cum in castris ei excuba●dum est , vel ad quadrantem horae a somno opprimi . tentation ; most wickedness in the world , is committed for want of watchfulness ; watchfulness maintains godliness , it is the selvedge which keeps religion from ravelling out .

5 Make Conscience of spending your time , 5 Rule . Eph. 5. 16. redeeming the time : Many persons fool away their * * Aut aliud agendo aut male agendo● Sen. time ; some in idle visits , others in recreations and pleasures , which secretly bewitch the heart , and take it off from better things : What are our golden hours for but to mind our souls ? Time mis-improved , is not time lived , but time lost . Time is a precious commodity ; a peece of wax in it self , is not much worth , but as it is affixed to the label of a Will , and conveyes an estate , so it is of great value : Thus time , simply in it self , is not so considerable , but as salvation is to be wrought out in it , and a conveyance of heaven depends upon the well improvement of it , so it is of infinite concernment .

6 Think of your short stay in the world , 6 Rule . 1 Chron. 29. 15. Our daies on the Earth are as a shaddow , and there is none abiding . There is but a span between the Cradle and the Grave : Solomon saith , there is a time to bee born , and a time to dye , Eccles. 3. 2. but mentions no time of living , as if that were so short , it were not worth naming ; and time , when it is once gone , cannot be recalled ; the Scripture compares time to a flying Eagle , Io● 9. 6. — yet , herein time differs from the Eagle , the Eagle flies forward , and then back again , but time hath wings only to fly forward , it never returns back . — fugit irrevocabile tempus —

The serious thoughts of our short abode here , would be a great means to promote godliness ; what if death should come before we are ready ? what if our life should breathe out , before Gods spirit hath breathed in ? he that considers how flitting and winged his life is , will hasten his repentance ; when God is about to make a short work , he will not make a long work .

7 Possess your selves with this maxim , 7 Rule . that godliness is the end of your Creation ; God never sent men into the world , only to eat and drink ▪ and put on fine cloathes , but that they might serve him in righteousness and holiness , Luk. 1. 75. God made the world only as an attiring room , to dress our souls in ; he sent us hither upon the grand errand of godliness ; should nothing but the body ( the bruitish part ) bee looked after , this were basely to degenerate , yea , to invert and frustrate the very end of our being .

8. Be often among the godly ; 8 Rule . they are the salt of the earth , and will help to season * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Clem. Alex . Paed. l. 3. you . Their counsels may direct their prayers may quicken : Such holy sparks may be thrown into your breasts , as may inkindle devotion in you : It is good to be among the Saints to learn the trade of godliness , Pro. 13. 20. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise .

CHAP. VIII . Exhorting such as have made a Profession of Godliness , to persevere .

Use 2. MY next Use is to exhort those who wear the Mantle , Vse 2. and in the judgement of others are looked upon as godly , that they would † † Non cepisse sed perfecisse virtutis est persevere , Heb. 10. 23. Let us hold fast the profession of our Faith . This is a seasonable Exhortation in these times , when the Devils Factors are abroad , whose whole work is to unsettle people , and make them fall off from that former strictness in Religion which they have professed : 'T is much to be lamented to see Christians

1. Wavering in Religion : How many do we see desultorii ingenii , unresolved and unsteady : Like Reuben , unstable as water , Gen. 49. 4. These the Apostle fitly compares to waves of the Sea , and wandring Stars , Iude 13. They are not fixed in the principles of godliness . Beza writes of one Bolsechus , his Religion changed like the * * Religionem Ephemeram habuit . Moon : Such were the Ebionites , who kept the Jewish Sabbath and the Christian : Many Professors are like the River Euripus , ebbing and flowing in matters of Religion ; they are like reeds , bending every way , either to the Mass or the † † Hos cum hyaena meritò comparaveris , de quâ Plinius lib. 7. cap. 2. Hyaena sicut & ichneumon , nunc mas est nunc faemina , it a quidem sui dissimiles , nunc Deo serviunt , nunc carni , ab uno ad aliud transferuntur , tipula leviores . Alchoran : They are like the Planet Mercury , which doth vary , and is seldome constant in its motion : When men think of heaven , and the recompence of reward , then they will be godly ; but when they think of Persecution , then they are like the Jews , who deserted Christ , and walked no more with him , Iohn 6. 66. Did mens faces alter as fast as their Opinions , we should not know them : to be thus vacillant and wavering in Religion , argues lightness : Feathers are blown any way , so are feathery Christians .

2. 'T is to be lamented to see men fall from that godliness which once they seemed to have ; they are turned to worldliness and wantonness , the very mantle of their Profession is fallen off ; and indeed if they were not fixed stars , it is no wonder to see them falling stars . This spiritual Epilepsie , or falling-sickness , was never more rife ; this is a dreadful sin , for men to fall from that godliness they-seemed once to have . Chrysostom saith , Apostates are worse than they who are openly flagitious , they bring an evil report upon godliness : The Apostate ( saith Tertullian ) seems to put God and Satan in the ballance , and having weighed both their services , prefers the Devils service , and proclaims him to be the best Master , in which respect the Apostate is said to put Christ to open shame , He. 6. 6

This will be bitter in the end , Heb. 10. 38. What a worm did Spira feel in his Conscience ? How did Stephen Gardiner cry out in horror of mind upon his Death-bed , that he had denied his Master with Peter , but he had not repented with Peter .

That we may be 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 † † Ig●at . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , stedfast in godliness , and persevere , let us do two things .

1. Let us take heed of those things which will make us by degrees fall off from our profession .

1. Let us beware of covetousness , 2 Tim. 3. 2. Men shall be covetous , ver. 5. Having a form of godliness , but denying the power . One of Christs own Apostles was caught with a silver bait : Covetousness will make a man betray a good cause , and make shipwrack of a good Conscience . I have read of some in the time of the Emperour Valens , who denied the Christian Faith , to prevent the confiscation of their goods .

2. Beware of unbelief , Heb. 3. 12. Take heed least there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief , in departing from the living God . No evil like an evil heart , no evil heart like an unbelieving heart ; why so ? It makes men depart from the blessed God ; he that believes nor Gods mercy , will not dread his Justice ; Infidelity is the Nurse of Apostasie ; therefore unbelieving and unstable go together , Psal. 78. 22. They believed not in God , ver. 41. They turned back and tempted God .

3. Take heed of cowardliness ; he must needs be evil , who is afraid to be good , Pro. 29. 25. The fear of man bringeth a snare . They who fear danger more than sin , to avoid danger will commit sin . Origen out of a spirit of fear , offered Incense to the Idol . Aristotle saith , the reason why the Camelion turns into so many colours , is through excessive fear : Fear will make men change their Religion , as often as the Camelion doth her colour . Christian , thou who hast made a profession of godliness so long , and others have noted thee for a Saint in their Kalendar , why dost thou fear , and begin to shrink back ? The Cause is good which thou art imbarqued in ; thou fightest against sin ; thou hast a good Captain which marcheth before thee ; Christ the Captain of thy Salvation , Heb. 2. 10. What is it thou fearest ? Is it loss of liberty ? What is liberty worth , when Conscience is in bonds ? Better lose thy liberty and keep thy peace , than lose thy peace and keep thy liberty : Is it loss of Estate ? Dost thou say as Amaziah , 2 Chron. 25. 9. What shall we do for the hundred Talents ? I would answer with the Prophet , The Lord can give thee much more than this : He hath promised thee in this life an hundred-fold , and if that be not enough , he will give thee life everlasting , Mat. 19. 29.

2. If you would hold fast the profession of godliness , use all means for perseverance , 1. Labour for a real work of Grace in your soul ; Grace is the best fortification , Heb. 13. 9. It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace .

Quest. What is this real work of Grace ?

Answ. It consists in two things .

1. It lies in an heart-humbling work : The thorn of sin pricked Pauls Conscience , Rom. 7. 9. Sin revived , and I died . Though some are less humbled than others , as some bring forth Children with less pangs , yet all have pangs .

2 Grace lies in an heart-changing work , 1 Cor. 6. 11. But ye are washed , but ye are sanctified ; A man is so changed , as if another soul did live in the same body ; if ever you would hold out in the waies of God , get this vital principle of grace ; why do men change their religion , but because their hearts were never changed ? they do not fall away from grace , but for want of grace .

2 If you would hold on in godliness , be deliberate and judicious , weigh things well in the ballance , Luke 14. 28. Which of you intending to build a Tower , sitteth not dow● first , and counteth the cost : Think with your selves , what it will cost you to be godly , you must expect the hatred of the world , Ioh. 15. 19. the wicked hate the godly for their piety ▪ 't is strange they should do so ; do we hate a flower because it is sweet ? the godly are hated for the perfume of their graces ; is a Virgin hated for her beauty ? the wicked hate the godly for the beauty of holiness , which shines in them ; and secret hatred will break forth into open violence , 2 Tim. 3. 12. Christians must count the cost before they build ; why are people so hasty in laying down Religion , but because they were so hasty in taking it up ?

3 If you would hold fast your profession , get a clear distinct knowledge of God , know the love of the Father , the merit of the Son , the efficacy of the Holy Ghost : Such as know not God aright , will by degrees renounce their profession : The Samaritans sometimes sided with the Iews , when they were in favour , afterwards they disclaimed all kindred with the Iews , when they were persecuted by * * Josephus Antiochus ; and no wonder they did shuffle so in their religion , if you consider what Christ saith of the Samaritans , Ioh. 4. 22. Ye worship ye know not what ; they were inveloped with ignorance ; blinde men are apt to fall , so are they who are blinded in their mindes .

4 If you would persist in godliness , enter upon it purely , out of choice , Psa. 119. 30. I have chosen the way of truth : espouse godliness for its own worth ; he that would persevere , must rather choose godliness with reproach , than sin with all its worldly pomp ; he who takes up religion for fear , will lay it down again for fear ; he who imbraceth godliness for gain , will desert it when the ●ewels of preferment are pulled off ; be not godly out of a wordly design , but a religious choice .

5 If you would persevere in godliness , labour after integrity ; this will be a golden pillar to support you ; a tree that is hollow , must needs be blown down ; the hypocrite sets up in the trade of religion , but he will soon break , Psa. 78. 37. Their heart was not right with him , neither were they stedfast : Iudas was first a sly hypocrite , and then a Traitor ; if a peece of copper be guilded , the guilding will wash off , nothing will hold out but sincerity , Psa. 25. 21. Let integrity preserve me : How many storms was Iob in ? not only Satan , but God himself set against him , Iob 7. 20. which was enough to have made him desist from being godly , yet Iob stood fast , because he stood upright , Iob 27. 6. My righteousness I hold fast , and will not let it go , my heart shall not reproach me , so long as I live : those colours hold best , which are laid in oyle ; if we would have our profession hold its colour , it must be laid in the oyl of sincerity .

6 If you would hold out in godliness , hold up the life and fervour of duty , Rom. 12. 1. 1. Fervent in spirit , serving the Lord : We put coals to the fire to keep it from going out , when Christians grow into a dull formality , they begin to be dis-spirited , and by degrees abate in their godliness ; none so fit to make an Apostate , as a lukewarm professour .

7 If you would persevere in godliness , be much in the exercise of self-denial , Mat. 16. 24. let him deny himself , self-ease , * * Nemo d● displicet nisi qui sibi placet . Bernard self-ends ; whatever comes in competition with , or stands in opposition to Christs glory and interest , must be denied ; Self is the great snare , self-love undermines the power of godliness . The young man in the Gospel , might have followed Christ , but that something of self * * Nemo laeditur nisi a se ipso . hindered , Mat. 19. 20 , 22. Self-love , is self hatred , he will never get to heaven , that cannot get beyond himself .

8 If you would hold on in godliness , preserve an holy jealousie over your hearts , Rom. 11. 20. Be not high-minded , but fear : he that hath Gun powder in his house , fears lest it should catch fire ; sin in the heart is like Gun-powder , it may make us fear , lest a sparkle of temptation falling upon us , should blow us up : There are two things may make us alwaies jealous of our hearts ; the deceits of our hearts , and the lusts of our hearts : When Peter was afraid hee should sink , and cried to Christ , Lord save me , then Christ took him by the hand and helped him , Mat. 14. 31. but when Peter grew confident , and thought he could stand alone , then Christ suffered him to fall . Oh let us be suspitious of our selves , and in an holy sense , cloathe our selves with trembling , Eze. 26. 16.

9 If you would continue your progress in godliness , labour for assurance , 2 Pet. 1. 10. Give diligence to make your calling and election sure : He who is sure God is his God , is like a Castle built upon a rock , all the powers of Hell cannot shake him : How can he be constant in religion , who is at a loss about his spiritual estate , and knows not whether he hath grace or no ? it will be a difficult matter for him to dye for Christ , who doth not know that Christ hath died for him ; assurance establisheth a Christian in shaking times ; he is the likeliest to bear witness to the truth , who hath the spirit of God bearing witness to his heart , Rom. 8. 16. Oh give diligence ! be much in prayer , reading , holy conference ; these are the oyle , without which the lamp of assurance will not shine .

10 If you would hold out in godliness , lay hold of Gods strength ; God is called the strength of Israel , 1 Sam. 15. 29. It is in his strength we stand , more than our own ; the childe is safest in the Nurses hands ; it is not our holding God , but his holding us , preserves us ; a little pinnace tyed fast to a rock , is safe , so are we , when we are tyed to the rock of ages .

CHAP. IX . Motives to persevere in Godliness .

THat I may excite Christians to persevere in the profession of Godliness , I shall propose these four considerations .

1 It is the glory and Crown of a Christian , to be gray-headed in godliness , Act. 21. 16. Mnason of Cyprus , an old Disciple : What an honour is it to see a Christians garments red with blood , yet his conscience pu●e white , and his graces green and flourishing ?

2 How do sinners persevere in their sins , they are setled on their lees , Zeph. 1. 12. The judgements of God will not deter or remove them ; they say to their sin , as Ruth to Naomi , Ruth 1. 16. Where thou goest , I will go , the Lord do so to me , and more , if ought but death part thee and me ; so nothing shall part between men and their sins ; Oh! what a shame is it , that the wicked should be fixed in evil , and we unfixed in good ? that they should be more constant in the Devils service than we are in Christs .

3 Our perseverance in godliness , may be a means to confirm others ; Cyprians hearers followed him to the place of his suffering , and seeing his stedfastness in the faith , ●●iamur ●ul cum ●cto Escopo , in ●ss . Cypr. cryed out , Let us also dye with our holy Pastor , Phil. 4. 14. Many of the Brethren waxing confident by my Bonds , are much more bold to speak the Word . St. Paul's zeal and constancy , did animate the beholders ; his Prison-chain made converts in Neroes Court ; and two of those Converts were afterwards Martyrs , as History relates .

4 Wee shall lose nothing by our perseverance in Godliness : There are eight glorious Promises which God hath intailed upon the persevering Saints .

The first is Rev. 2. 10. Be thou constant to the death , and I will give thee a Crown of * * Tria amplectitur corona , ●uae beatitudini apprime conve●iunt , nimirum tranquilitatem , ●uia corona dat praemium post ●ertamen ; deinde plenit●dinem , quia corona habet perfectam figuram , utpote circularem ; & denique sublimitatem , quandoquidem corona est summi honoris ●signe . Brond . life . Christian , thou mayest lose the breath of life , but not the Crown of life .

The second promise is Revel. 2. 7. To him that ●vercometh will I give to eat of the tree of life . This Tree of life is the Lord Jesus . This tree infuseth life , and prevents * * Lignum vitae ea virtute est praeditum , ut animi vires roboret , nec senium obrepere unquam patiatur , Alchazar . death ; in the day we eat of this tree , our eyes shall indeed be opened to see God .

The third promise is Rev. 2. 17. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden Manna , Vincere , est peccatum & mundum fide calcare & veritatem nunquam deserere . Muscul. and will give him a white stone , and in the stone a new name written , which no man knoweth , saving he that receiveth it . This Promise consists of three branches .

1 I will give to eat of the hidden Manna , This is mysterious , it signifies the love of God ; which is Manna , for its sweetness , and hidden for its rarity .

2 I will give him a white stone ; Alb● lap●●●● not ar● dicitur qui probatur . that is absolution , it may be called a precious stone saith Hierom.

3 And in the stone a new name ; That is , Adoption , he shall be reputed an Heir of Heaven , and no man can know it , saving he who hath the privy seal of the spirit to assure him of it .

The fourth promise is , Rev. 3. 5. he that overcometh the same shall bee cloathed in white raiment , and I will not blot his name out of the book of life , but I will confess his name before my Father , and before his Angels . The persevering Saint shall bee cloathed in White ; This is an Emblem of joy , * * Festos Albatus celebret . Horat Eccles. 9. 8. He shall put off his mourning , and be cloathed in the white robe of glory ; and I will not blot his name out of the book of life : God will blot a Believers sins out , but he will not blot his name out ; the Book of Gods Decree hath no Errataes in it . But I will confess his Name ; he who hath owned Christ on earth , and worn his colours , when it was death to wear them , Christ will not bee ashamed of him , but will confess his Name before his Father , and the holy Angels . Oh what a comfort and honor will it be to have a good look from Christ at the last day ; nay , to have Christ own us , by Name , and say , these were they who stood up for my truth , and kept their garments pure , in a defiling age ; These shall walk with mee in white , for they are worthy .

The fifth promise is , Rev. 3. 12. Him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the Temple of my God , and he shall goe no more out , and I will write upon him the Name of my God , and the Name of the City of my God . Here are many excellent things couched in this Promise ; I will make him a Pillar in the Temple of my God ; The Hypocrite is calamus , a Reed shaken with the wind , but the conquering Saint shall be columna , a glorious Pillar ; a Pillar for strength , and a Pillar in the Temple , for sanctity ; and he shall go no more out ; I understand this of a glorified state , Hee shall go no more out ; that is , after he hath overcome , hee shall go no more out to the Wars ; hee shall never have sin or temptation more to conflict with , no more noyse of Drum , or Cannon shall bee heard , but the Believer having won the field , hee shall now stay at home , and divide the spoil . And I will write upon him the Name of my God . That is , he shall bee openly acknowledged for my Childe ; as the Son bears his Fathers Name . How honourable must that Saint bee who hath Gods own Name written upon him ! And I will write upon him , the Name of the City of my God . That is , he shall be enrolled as a Denison or Citizen of the Ierusalem above , hee shall bee made free of the Angelical society .

The sixth promise is , Rev. 2. 26. He that overcometh , and keepeth my works unto the end , to him will I give power over the nations : this may have a double mystery , either it may be understood of the Saints dwelling upon earth ; they shall have power over the nations ; their zeal and patience shall over-power the adversaries of * * Necesse est ut Veritati cedat mendacium , Piis impii . truth , Act. 6. 10. or principally , it may be understood of the Saints triumphing in heaven , they shall have power ●ver the nations ; they shall share with Christ in some of his power ; they shall joyn with him in judging the world at the last day ; 1 Cor. 6. 2. Know ye not , that the Saints shall judge the world ?

The seventh promise is , Rev. 3. 21. To him that overcometh , will I grant to sit with me upon my throne .

1 Here is first the Saints dignity , they shall sit upon the throne .

2 Their safety , they shall sit with Christ ; Christ holds them fast , and none shall pluck them out of his throne ; the Saints may be turned out of their houses , but they cannot be turned out of Christs throne ; men may as well pluck a star out of the sky , as a Saint out of the throne .

The eighth promise is , Rev. 2. 28. I will give him the morning-starre : Though the Saints may be sullied with reproach in this life , they may be termed factious and disloyal ; St. Paul himself suffered trouble ( in the opinion of some ) as an evil doer , 2 Tim. 2. 9. yet God will bring forth the Saints righteousness , as the light , and they shall shine as the Morning-star , which is brighter then the rest , Rev. 22. 16 I will give him the morning-star . — This morning star is meant of Christ , as if Christ had said , I will give the persevering Saint , some of my beauty , I will put some of my splendid raies upon him , he shall have the next degree of glory to me , as the mornning Star is next the Sun .

O what soul-ravishing promises are here ! who would not persevere in godliness ? he that is not wrought upon by these promises , is either a stone or a bruite .

CHAP. X. The third Vse referring to the Godly .

Use 3. LEt me in the next place direct my self to those , Vse 3. who have a real work of godliness upon their hearts , and I would speak to them by way of , 1 Caution . 2 Counsel . 3 Comfort .

1 By way of Caution , that they do not blur these Characters of grace in their souls ; though Gods children cannot quite deface their graces , yet they may disfigure them ; too much carnal liberty , may weaken their evidences , and so dim their lustre , that they cannot bee read : These Characters of the godly are precious things , the gold and christal cannot be compared with them . O keep them fair written in your hearts ! and they will be so many living comforts in a dying hour ; it will not affright a Christian , to have all the signs of death in his body , when he can see all the signs of grace in his soul , he will say as Simeon , Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace .

2 By way of Counsel , you who are inriched with the treasures of godliness , bless God for it : This flower doth not grow in natures garden ; when you had listed your selves under the Devil , and taken pay on his side , fighting against your own happiness , that then God should come with converting grace , and put forth a 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a loving and gentle violence , causing you to espouse his quarrel against Satan ; when you had lain many years soaking in wickedness , as if you had been par-boild for Hell , that then God should lay you a steeping in Christs blood , and breathe holiness into your heart , O what cause have you to write your selves eternal debtors to free grace . Hee denies God to be the Authour of his Grace , who doth not give him the praise of it ; * * Negat beneficium , qui beneficium non honorat . Tertul. O acknowledge the love of God ; admire distinguishing mercy , set the Crown of your praise upon the head of free grace . If wee are to bee thankful for the fruits of the earth , much more for ●he fruits of the Spirit ; it is well there is an eternity coming , when the Saints shall triumph in God , and make his praise glorious .

3 Let me speak to the godly by way of Comfort ; you that have but the least dram of godliness in sincerity , let me give you two rich Consolations .

1 That Jesus Christ will not discourage the weakest Grace , 1 Consolation . but will cherish and preserve it to Eternity : Grace which is but newly budded , shall by the beams of the Sun of Righteousness bee concocted and ripened into Glory : This I shall speak more fully to in the next .

CHAP. XI . Showing , that the least degree of Godliness shall bee preserved . Mat. 12. 20. A bruised Reed shall hee not break , and smoking flax shall hee not quench , till hee send forth Iudgement unto Victory .

THis Text is spoken Prophetically of Christ ; Isa. 42. 3. hee will not insult over the infirmities of his people , hee will not crush Grace in the infancy ; A bruised Reed shall he not break , and smoking flax shall be not quench . — I begin with the first , the bruised Reed .

Quest. What is to bee understood here by a Reed ?

Answ. It is not to bee taken litterally , but mystically , It is a Rational Reed ; the Spiritual part of man ; the Soul , which may well bee compared to a Reed , because it is subject to imbecility , and shaking in this life , till it grow up unto a firm Cedar in Heaven .

Quest. What is meant by a bruised Reed ?

Answ. It is a soul humbled and bruised in the sense of * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 animan contrit●● , interpret●tur . Erasm. sin , it weeps , but doth not despair , it is tossed upon the waves of fear , yet not without the Anchor of Hope .

Quest. What is meant by Christs not breaking this † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . reed ?

Answ. The sense is , Christ will not discourage any mournful spirit , who is in the pangs of the New-birth : If the bruise of sin be felt , it shall not be mortal : A bruised reed shall he not break . In the words there is a Mi●o●●s , he will not break , that is , he will bind up the bruised reed , he will comfort it .

The result of the whole is , to show Christs compassion to a poor dejected sinner , that smites upon his breast , and dares hardly lift up his eye for mercy , the bowels of the Lord Jesus yern towards him , this bruised reed he will not break .

In the Text there are two parts : 1. A Supposition , a soul penitentially bruised . 2. A Proposition , it shall not be broken .

Doct. The bruised soul shall not be broken , Psal. 147. 3. He bindeth up their wounds : For this end Christ received both his Mission and Unction , that he might bind up the bruised soul , Isa. 61. 1. The Lord hath anointed me to bind up the broken-hearted ▪ But why will not Christ break a bruised reed ?

1. Out of the sweetness of his Nature , Reas. 1. Iam. 5. 11. the Lord is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , very pitiful ; he begets bowels in other creatures , therefore is called the Father of mercies , 2 Cor. 1. 3. and surely he himself is not without bowels ; when a poor soul is afflicted in spirit , God will not exercise harshness towards it , lest he should be thought to put off his own tender disposition .

Hence it is , the Lord hath been ever most solicitous for his bruised ones ; as the Mother is most careful of her Children , that are weak and sickly , Isa. 40. 11. He shall gather the Lambs with his arm , and carry them in hi● bosome : Such as have been spiritually bruised , who like Lambs , are weakly and tender , Christ will carry them in the arms of free-grace .

2 Jesus Christ will not break the bruised reed , Reas. 2. because a contrite heart is his sacrifice , Psa. 51. 17. A bruised spirit sends forth tears , which are as precious wine , Psa. 56. 8. A bruised soul is big with holy desires , yea , is sick of love ; therefore if a bruised reed hath such virtue in it , Christ will not break it ; no Spices when they are bruised , are so fragant to us , as a contrite spirit is to God .

3 The bruised reed shall not be broken , Reas. 3. because it doth so nearly resemble Christ Jesus Christ was once bruised on the cross ▪ Isa. 53. 10. It pleased the Lord to bruise him , his hands and feet were bruised with the nails , his side was bruised with the Spear : A bruised reed , resembles a bruised Saviour ; nay , a bruised reed is a member of Christ , which though it be weak , Christ will not cut off , but cherish so much the more .

1. Will not Christ break the bruised reed ? Use 1. this tacitly implies he will break unbruised reeds ; Inform. such as were never touched with trouble of spirit , 1 Bran. but live and die in impenitency , these are hard reeds , or rather rocks : Christ will not break a bruised reed , but he will break an hard reed : Many know not what it is to be bruised reeds ; they are bruised outwardly by affliction , but they are not bruised for sin ; they never knew what the pangs of the New birth meant : You shall hear some thank God they were always quiet , they never had any anxiety of spirit , these bless God for the greatest Curse : Such as are not bruised penitentially , shall be broken judicially ; they whose hearts would not break for sin , shall break with despair ; in hell there is nothing to be seen but an he●p of stones , and an hammer ; an heap of stones , that is hard hearts , and an hammer , that is Gods Power and Justice , breaking them in pieces .

2. Will not Christ break a bruised reed ? 2 Bran. See then the gracious disposition of Jesus Christ , he is full of clemency , and sympathy ; though he may bruise the soul for sin , he will not break it : The Chyrurgion may lance the body and make it bleed , but he will bind up the wound ; as Christ hath beams of Majesty , so bowels of mercy : Christ gives the Lyon in his Scutchion , and the Lamb ; the Lyon , in respect of his fierceness to the wicked , Psal. 50. 22. And the Lamb , in respect of his mildness to his people ; his name is Iesus , a Saviour , and his office is an healer , Mal. 4. 2. Christ made a plaister of his own bloud to heal a broken † † Cum debilitati nostrae ita se attemperat Christus , ejus 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 deo●culari discamus . Musc. heart : Christ is the quintessence of love ? One saith , if the sweetness of all flowers were in one flower , how sweet would that flower be ? How full of Mercy is Christ , in whom all mercy meets ? Christ hath a skilful hand , and a tender heart : He will not break a bruised reed .

Some are so full of Ostracisme and cruelty , as to add affliction to affliction , which is to lay more weight upon a dying man ; but our Lord Jesus is a compassionate High Priest , Heb. 2. 17. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmity ; every bruise of the soul goes to his heart ; none refuse Christ , but such as do not know him . He is nothing but love incarnated : He himself was bruised , to heal them that are bruised .

3. See then what encouragement here is for Faith ! 3 Bran. Had Christ said , he would break the bruised reed , then indeed there were ground for despair ; but when Christ saith , he will not break a bruised reed , this opens a door of hope for humble bruised souls : Can we say we have been bruised for sin , why do we not believe ? Why do we go drooping under our fears and discouragements , as if there were no mercy for us ? Christ saith , He will heal the broken in heart , Psal. 147. 3. No , saith Unbelief , he will not heal me : Christ saith , he will cure the bruised soul : No , saith Unbelief , he will kill it : Unbelief , as it makes our comforts void , so it goes about to make the Word void ; as if all Gods Promises were but forgeries , or like Blanks in a Lottery : Hath the Lord said , he will not break a bruised reed , can Truth lie ? O what a sin is unbelief ! Some think it dreadful to be among the number of drunkards , swearers , whoremongers , let me tell you , it is no less dreadful to be among the number of * * Rev. 21. 8. Unbelievers : Unbelief is worse than any other sin , because it brings God into suspition with the Creature , it robs him of the richest Jewel of his Crown , and that is his truth , 1 Ioh. 5. 10. He that believeth not ; hath made God a lyar .

Oh then , let all humbled sinners go to Jesus Christ : Christ was bruised with desertion to heal them who are bruised with sin : If you can show Christ your sores , and touch him by faith , you shall be healed of all your soul-bruises : Will not Christ break thee , then do not undo thy self by despair .

Use 2. Will not Jesus Christ break a bruised reed , Vse 2. then it reproves those who do ( what in them lies ) to break the bruised reed ; Reproof . and they are such as go about to hinder the work of Conversion in others , when they see them wounded and troubled for sin , they dishear●en them , telling them , that Religion is a sowre melancholly thing , they had better return to their former pleasures : when an Arrow of Conviction is shot into their Conscience , these pull it out again , and will not suffer the work of Conviction to go forward . Thus when the soul is almost bruised , they hinder it from a thorow bruise : This is for men to be Devils to others : If to shed the bloud of another makes a man guilty , what is it to damn anothers soul ?

Use 3. This Text is a spiritual hony-comb , Vse 3. dropping consolation into all bruised hearts ; Consol. as in the body , when there is a Lipothimy , or fainting of the vital spirits , we apply cordials ; so when sinners are bruised for their sins , I shall give them some cordial-water to revive them : This text is comfortable to a poor soul , who sits with Iob among the Ashes , and is dejected in the sense of its unworthiness : Ah! saith the soul , I am unworthy of mercy , what am I , that ever God should look upon me ? those who have greater parts and Graces , perhaps may obtain a look from God , but alas ! I am unworthy ; doth thy unworthiness trouble thee ? what more unworthy than a bruised reed ? yet there is a promise made to that , a bruised reed he will not break ▪ the promise is not made to the Fig-tree , or Olive , which are fertile plants , but to the Bruised reed : Though thou art despicable in thy own eyes , a poor shattered reed , yet thou mayest be glorious in the eyes of the Lord ; let not thy unworthiness discourage thee ; if thou seest thy self vile , and Christ pretious , this promise is thine , Christ will not break thee , but will binde up thy wounds .

Quest. But how shall I know that I am savingly bruised ?

Answ. Did God ever bring thee upon thy knees ? hath thy proud heart been humbled ? didst thou ever see thy self a sinner , and nothing but a sinner ? didst thou ever with a weeping eye , Zac. 12. 10. look upon Christ ? and did those tears drop from the eye of faith ? Mar. 9. 24. This is a Gospel-bruising : canst thou say , Lord , though I do not see thee , yet I love thee , though I am in the dark , yet I cast Anchor ? this is to be a bruised reed .

Object. 1 But I fear I am not bruised enough ?

Answ. 'T is hard to prescribe a just measure of humiliation ; it is in the new birth , as in the natural , some bring forth with more pangs , some with fewer ; but would you know when you are bruised enough ? when your spirit is so troubled , that you are willing to let go those lusts , which did bring in the greatest income of pleasure and delight ; when sin is not only discarded , but disgusted , then you have been bruised enough ; then the Physick is strong enough , when it hath purged out the disease , then the soul is bruised enough , when the love of sin is purged out .

Object. 2 But I fear I am not bruised as I should be , I finde my heart so hard ?

Answ. 1 Wee must distinguish between hardness of heart , and an hard●heart ; the best heart may have some hardness , but though there be some hardnesse in it , it is not an hard heart ; denominations are from the better part ; if we come into a field that hath Tares and Wheat in it , we do not call it a field of Tares , but a Wheat-field ; so though there be hardnesse in the heart , as well as softnesse ; yet God , who judgeth by that part which is more excellent , looks upon it as a soft heart .

2 There is a great difference between the hardnesse in the godly and the wicked ; the one is natural , the other is only accidental ; the hardnesse in a wicked man , is like the hardnesse of a stone , which is an innate continued hardnesse ; the hardnesse in a childe of God , is like the hardnesse of Ice , which is soon melted with the Sun-beams ; perhaps God hath at present withdrawn his spirit , whereupon the heart is congeal'd as Ice , but let Gods spirit as the Sun , return and shine upon the heart , now it hath a gracious thaw upon it , and it melts in love .

3 Dost not thou grieve under thy hardnesse ? thou sighest for want of groans , thou weepest for want of tears ; the hard reed cannot weep , if ●hou wert not a bruised reed , all this moisture could not come from thee .

Object. 3 But I am a barren reed , I bring forth no fruit , therefore I fear I shall bee broken .

Answ. Gracious hearts are apt to overlook the good that is in them , they can spye the worm in the leaf , but not the fruit . Why dost thou say thou art barren ? if thou art a bruised reed , thou art not barren . The spiritual reed ingrafted into the true Vine is fruitful , there is so much sap in Christ , as makes all , who are inoculated into him , bear fruit Christ distils grace , as drops of dew , upon the soul , Hos. 14. 5 , 6. I will be as the de● unto Israel , he shall grow as the Lilly , his branches shall spread , and his beauty shall be as the Olive-tree . That God , who made the dry rod blossome , will make the dry reed flourish .

So much for the first expression in the Text , I proceed to the second ,

The smoaking Flax shall he not quench .

Quest. What is meant by smoak ?

Answ. By smoak is meant corruption : Smoak is offensive to the eye , so sin offends the pure eye of God .

Quest. What is meant by smoaking flax ?

Answ. It is meant Grace mingled with corruption ; as with a little fire there may be much smoak , so with a little grace there may be much corruption ▪

Quest. What is Christs not quenching the Smoaking Flax ?

Answ. The meaning is , though there be but a spark of grace with much sin , Christ will not put out this spark . — In the words there is a figure , He will not * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 quench , that is , he will encrease : Nothing more easie than to quench Smoaking Flax , the least touch doth it , but Christ will not quench it ; he will not blow the spark of Grace out , but will blow it † † Ellychnium prope extinctum , sufflavit , magis ut clarè arderet . Musculus . up ; he will encrease it into a flame ; he will make this Smoaking Flax a burning Taper .

Doct. That a little grace mixed with much corruption , shall not be quenched . For the illustrating of this , I shall show you

1. That often a little grace is mixed with much corruption .

2. That this little grace interlined with corruption , shall not be quenched .

3. The Reasons of the Proposition .

1. Often in the godly a little grace is mingled with much corruption , Mark 9. 24. Lord I believe , there was some Faith ; help my unbelief ; there was corruption mixed with it : There are in the best Saints interweavings of sin and grace ; a dark side with the light : much pride mixed with humility , much earthliness with heavenliness : Grace in the godly doth relish of an old Crabtree stock .

Nay , in many of the Regenerate there is more corruption than grace , so much smoak that you can scarce discern any fire , so much distrust , that you can hardly see any * * 1 Sam. 27. 1. Faith , so much passion , that you can hardly see any meekness . Ionah a peevish Prophet , he quarrels with God ; nay , he justifies his passion , Ionah 4. 9. I do well to be angry to the death . Here was so much passion , that it was hard to see any grace . A Christian in this life , is like a glass that hath more froth than wine ; or like a diseased body , that hath more humours than spirits : This may humble the best , to consider how much corruption is interlarded with their grace .

2. This little grace mixed with much corruption shall not be quenched : The smoaking flax he will not quench : The Disciples Faith was at first but small , they forsook Christ and * * Mat. 26. 56. fled . Here was smoaking flax , but Chirst did not quench that little grace , but cherish and animate it ; their Faith afterwards grew stronger , and they did openly confess † † Acts 4. 29. 30. Christ . Here was the flax flaming .

3. The Reasons why Christ will not quench the smoaking flax .

1. Because this Scintilla , this little light which is in the smoaking flax is of divine production , it comes from the Father of Lights , and the Lord will not quench the work of 〈◊〉 own grace : Every thing by the instinct of Nature will preserve its * * Omne agens est ful conservativum . own : The Hen that hatcheth her young , will preserve and cherish them , she will not destroy them as soon as they are hatched : God who hath put this tenderness into the Creature to preserve its young , will much more cherish the work of his own spirit in the heart : Will he light up the Lamp of Grace in the soul , and then put it out ? This would be neither for his interest nor honor .

2. Christ will not quench the beginnings of grace , because a little grace is precious as well as more : A small Pearl is of value : Though the Pearl of Faith be little , yet if it be a true Pearl it shines gloriously in Gods eyes : A Goldsmith makes reckoning of the least filings of gold , and will not throw them away : The pupilla oculi , the apple of the eye , is but little , yet of great use , it can at once view an huge part of the heavens : A little Faith can justifie ; a weak hand can tye the Nuptial Knot ; a weak Faith can unite to Christ as well as a strong ; a little grace makes us like God ; a silver penny bears the Kings Image upon it as well as a larger piece of Coyn : The least dram of grace bears Gods Image on it , and will God destroy his own Image ? When the Temples in Greece were demolished , Xerxes caused the Temple of Diana to be preserved for the beauty of its structure : When God shall destroy all the glory of the world , and set it on fire , yet he will not destroy the least grace because it bears a print of his own likeness upon it : That little spark in the smoaking flax is a ray and beam of Gods own glory .

3. Christ will not quench the smoaking flax , because this little light in the flax may grow bigger : Grace is resembled to a grain of Mustard-seed , of all seeds it is the least , but when it is grown , it is the greatest among herbs , and becometh a Tree , Mat. 13. 32. The greatest grace was once little ; the Oak was once an Acorn ; the most Renowned Faith in the world was once in its Spiritual Infancy ; the greatest flame of zeal was once but smoaking flax : Grace , like the waters of the Sanctuary , riseth higher : If then the least Embryo and seed of holiness be of a ripening and growing nature , the Lord will not suffer it to be abortive .

4. Christ will not quench the smoaking flax , because when he preserves a little light in a great deal of smoak , here the glory of his power shines forth : The trembling soul thinks it shall be swallowed up of sin , but God by preserving a little quantity of grace in the heart , nay , by making that spark prevail over corruption , as the fire from heaven licked up the water in the trench , 1 King . 18. 38. Now , God gets himself a glorious Name , and carries away the Trophies of Honor , 2 Cor. 12. 9. My strength is made perfect in weakness .

1. See the different dealings of God and men , Vse 1. men for a little smoak will quench a great deal of light ; Inform. God for a great deal of smoak will not quench a little light : 1 Bran. 'T is the manner of the world , if they see a little failing in another , for that failing they will pass by and quench a great deal of worth : This is our nature , to aggravate a little fault , and diminish a great deal of virtue ; to see the infirmities , and darken the excellencies of others ; as we take more notice of the twinkling of a Star , than the shining of a Star : We censure others for their passion , but do not admire them for their piety . Thus for a little smoak that we see in others , we quench much light .

God doth not thus , for a great deal of smoak he will not quench a little light ; he sees the sincerity , and over-looks many infirmities , the least sparks of grace he cherisheth , and blows them gently with the breath of his spirit , till they break forth into a flame .

— 2 If Christ will not quench the smoaking flax , 2 Bran. then we must not quench the smoaking flax in our selves ; if grace doth not increase into so great a flame as we see in others , therefore to conclude we have no fire of the spirit in us , this is to quench the smoaking flax , and to bear false witness against our selves ; as we must not credit a false evidence , so neither must we deny a true ; fire may be hid in the embers , so may grace be hid under many distempers of soul ; some Christians are so skilful at this , in accusing themselves for want of grace , as if they had received a fee from Satan , to plead for him , against themselves .

This is a great mistake , to argue from the weakness of grace , to the nullity ; it is one thing to be wanting in faith , and another thing to want faith ; he whose eye-sight is dim , is wanting in his sight , but he doth not want sight ; a little grace is grace , though it be smothered under much corruption .

3 If the least spark of grace shall not bee quenched , then this follows as a great truth , that there is no falling from * * Fides justificans semel habita , non potest in totum amitti . grace ; if the least dram of grace should perish , then the smoaking flax should be quenched ; grace may be shaken by fears and doubtings , but not blown up by the * * Gratia concutitur non excutitur . Aug. roots : I grant , seeming grace may be lost , this wilde-fire may be blown out , but not the fire of the Spirits kindling ; Grace may be dormant in the soul , but not dead , as a man in an Appoplexy , doth not put forth vital operations : Grace may be eclipsed , not extinct , a Christian may lose his comfort , like a tree in Autumn , that hath shed its fruit , but still there is sap in the vine , and the seed of God remains , 1 Ioh. 3. 9. Grace is a flower of eternity .

This smoaking flax cannot be quenched by affliction , but like those trees , Pliny writes of , growing in the red Sea , which being beaten upon by the waves , stand immoovable , and though they are sometimes covered with water , flourish the more ; grace is like a true orient Diamond , that sparkles , and cannot be broken .

I confesse it is matter of wonder , that grace should not be wholly annihilated , especially if we consider two things .

1 The malice of Satan , he is a malignant spirit , and laies bars in our way to heaven ; the Devil with the wind of temptation , labours to blow out the spark of grace in our hearts ; if this will not do , he stirs up wicked men , and raiseth the Militia of Hell against us : what a wonder is it , that this bright Star of grace , should not be swept down with the tail of the Dragon ?

2 It is an amazing thing , that grace should subsist , if we consider the world of corruption in our hearts ; sin makes the major part in a Christian ; there is in the best heart more dregs than spirits . The heart swarms with sin ; what a deal of pride and Atheism is in the soul ? now is it not admirable , that this Lilly of grace , should be able to grow among so many thorns ? it is as great a wonder , that a little grace , should be preserved in the midst of so much corruption , as to see a Taper burning in the Sea , and not extinguished .

But though grace lives with so much difficulty , as the infant that struggles for breath , yet being born of God it is immortal , grace conflicting with corruption , is like a Ship tossed and beaten with the waves , yet it weathers out the storm , and at last gets to the desired Haven . If grace should expire , how could this Text be verified , The smoaking flax he will not quench .

Quest. But whence is it , that grace , even the least degree of it , should not be quenched ?

Answ. It is from the mighty operation of the Holy Ghost ; the Spirit of God , who is origo originans , doth continually excite and quicken grace in the heart : He is every day at work in a believer ; he powres in oyl , and keeps the Lamp of Grace burning : Grace is compared to a river of life , Ioh. 7. 38. The river of grace can never be dri●d up , for the Spirit of God is the Spring which feeds it .

Now that the smoaking flax cannot be quenched , is evident from the Covenant of Grace , Isa. 54. 10. The Mountains shall depart , and the Hills be removed , but the Covenant of my peace shall not be removed , saith the Lord . If there be falling from grace , how is it an immoveable Covenant ? If grace die , and the smoaking flax be quenched , wherein is our state in Christ better than it was in Adam ? The Covenant of Grace is called , A better Covenant , Heb. 7. 22. How is it a better Covenant than that which was made with Adam ? Not only because it hath a better Surety , and contains better priviledges , but because it hath better conditions annexed to it , It is ordered in all things , and sure , 2 Sam. 23. 5. * * Status ante la●sum purior , in Christo certior . Such as are taken into the Covenant , shall be as stars fixed in their Orb , and shall never fall away : If grace might die , and be quenched , then it were not a better Covenant .

Object . But we are bid not to quench the spirit , 1 Thes. 5. 19. which implies , that the grace of the Spirit may be lost , and the smoaking flax quenched .

Answ. We must distinguish between the common work of the spirit , and the sanctifying work , the one may be quenched , but not the other : The common work of the spirit , is like a picture drawn upon the yce , which is soon defaced : The sanctifying work is like a Statute carved in gold , which endures : The gifts of the spirit may be quenched , but not the grace ; there is the enlightning of the spirit , and the anointing ; the enlightning of the spirit may fail , but the anointing of the spirit abides , 1 Ioh. 2. 27. The anointing which ye have received of him , abideth in you . The hypocrites blaze goes out , the true believers spark lives and flourisheth , th●● one is the light of a Comet which wastes and * * Mat , 25. 8. evaporates , the other is the light of a star which retains its lustre .

From all that hath been said , let a Saint of the Lord be perswaded to these two things , 1. To believe his priviledge . 2. To pursue his duty .

1. To believe his priviledge : This is the incomparable and unparallel'd happiness of a Saint , that his coal shall not be † † 2 Sam. 14 ▪ 7. quenched : That grace in his soul , which is minute at● languid , shall not give up the Ghost , but recover its strength , and encrease with the encrease of God : The Lord will make the smoaking flax a burning lamp : It were very sad , that a Christian should be continually upon the Tropicks , one day a member of Christ , and the next day a limb of Satan ; one day to have grace shine in his soul , and the next day his light put out in obscurity : This would spill a Christians comfort , and break asunder the golden Chain of Salvation ; but be assured , O Christian , he who hath begun a good work , will ripen it into perfection : Christ will send forth judgement unto victory ; he will make grace victorious over all opposite corruption : If grace should finally perish , what would become of the smoaking flax ? And how would that title properly be given to Christ , Finisher of the * * Heb. 12. 2. Faith ?

Object . No question this is an undoubted priviledge to such as are smoaking flax , and have the least beginnings of grace , but I fear I am not smoaking flax , I cannot see the light of grace in my self ?

Answ. That I may comfort the smoaking flax , why dost thou thus dispute against thy self ? What makes thee think thou hast no grace ? I believe thou hast more than thou wouldst be willing to part with ; thou valuest grace above the gold of Ophir : How couldst thou see the worth and lustre of this Jewel , if Gods Spirit had not opened thy eyes ? Thou wouldst fain believe , and mournest that thou canst not believe , are not these tears the Initials of Faith ? Thou desirest Christ , and canst not be satisfied without him ; this beating of the pulse evidenceth life : The iron could not move upward , if the Loadstone did not draw it ; the heart could not ascend in holy breathings after God , if some heavenly Loadstone had not been drawing it . Christian , canst thou say sin is thy burden , Christ is thy delight ? and as Peter once said , Lord , thou knowest I love thee : This is smoaking flax , and the Lord will not quench it ; thy grace shall flourish into glory ; God will sooner extinguish the light of the Sun , than extinguish the dawning light of his spirit in thy heart .

2. Let a Christian pursue his duty : There are two duties required of believers , 1. Love . 2. Labour .

1. Love . Will not the Lord quench the smoaking flax , but make it at last victorious over all opposition ? how should the smoaking flax flame in love to God ? Psal. 31. 23. love the Lord all ye his Saints : The Saints owe much to God , and when they have nothing to pay , it is hard if they cannot love him : O ye Saints , it is God who carries on grace progressively in your souls : He is like a Father who gives his son a small stock of money to begin with , and when he hath traded a little , he adds more to the stock : So God adds continually to your stock , he is every day dropping oyl into the lamp of your grace , and so keeps the lamp burning : This may inflame your love to God , who will not let the work of grace miscarry , but will bring it to perfection : The smoaking flax he will not quench : How should Gods people long for heaven , when it will be their constant work , to breathe forth love , and found forth praise ?

2. The second duty required of Christians is labour : Some may think if Christ will not quench the smoaking flax , but make it burn brighter to the Meridian of glory , then we need take no pains , but leave God to bring his own work about . Take heed of drawing so bad a Conclusion from such good premises : What I have spoken , is to encourage Faith , not to indulge sloath : Do not think God will do our work for us , and we sit still : As God will blow up the spark of grace by his spirit , so we must be blowing it up by holy endeavours : God will not bring us to heaven sleeping , but praying : The Lord told Paul , all in the Ship should come safe to shore , but it must be in the use of means , Act. 27. 21. Except ye abide in the Ship , ye cannot be saved . So the Saints shall certainly arrive at Salvation , they shall come to shore at last , but they must abide in the Ship , in the use of Ordinances , else they cannot be saved : Christ assures his Disciples , None shall pluck them out of his hand , Ioh. 10. 28. But yet he gives that counsel , Watch and pray , that ye enter not into temptation , Mat , 26. 41. The seed of God shall not die , but we must water it with our tears ; the smoaking flax shall not be quenched , but we must blow it up with the breath of our endeavour .

The second comfort to the godly , 2 Conclusion . is that godliness advanceth them into a near and glorious union with Jesus Christ : But of this in the next .

CHAP. XII . Shewing the Mystical union between Christ and the Saints . CANT. 2. 16. My beloved is mine , and I am his .

IN this Book of the Canticles , we see the love of Christ and his Church , running toward each other in a full torrent .

The Text contains three general Parts .

1 A Symbol of affection , my beloved . 2 A term of appropriation , is mine . 3 An holy resignation , I am his .

Doct. That there is a conjugal union between Christ and beleevers .

The Apostle having treated at large of marriage , he windes up the whole chapter thus , Eph. 5. 32. This is a great mystery , but I speak concerning Christ and the Church : what nearer than union ? what sweeter ? there is a twofold union with Christ ,

1 A natural union ; this all men have , Christ having taken their nature upon him , and not the Angels , Heb. 2. 16. but if there be no more , than this natural union , it will give little comfort ; thousands are damned , though Christ be united to their nature .

2 There is a sacred union , whereby we are mystically united to Christ ; the union with Christ is not personal ; if Christs essence were transfused into the person of a beleever , then it would follow , that all which a beleever doth , should merit .

But the union between Christ and a Saint , is ,

1 Faederal ; * * Religio nostra non mis●et naturas sed personas conf●derat my beloved is mine ; God the Father gives the bride , God the Son receives the bride , God the Holy ghost tyes the knot in marriage ; he knits our wills to Christ , and Christs love to us .

2 This union is vertual ; Christ unites himself to his spouse , by his graces and influences , Iohn 1. 16. Of his fulness have we all received , and grace for grace : Christ makes himself one with the spouse , by conveying his Image , and stamping the impress of his own holiness upon her .

This union with Christ , may well be called mystical , it is hard to describe the manner of it ; as it is hard to shew the manner how the soul is united to the body , so how Christ is united to the soul ; but though this union be spiritual , it is real : Things in nature work often insensibly , yet really , Eccles. 11. 5. we do not see the hand move on the Dial , yet it moves ; the Sun exhales and draws up the vapours of the earth insensibly , yet really ; so the union between Christ and the soul , though it be imperceptible to the eye of reason , yet is real , 1 Cor. 6. 17.

Before this union with Christ , there must be a separation ; the heart must be separated from all other lovers ; as in marriage there is a leaving of Father and Mother , Psa. 45. 10. Forget also thine own people , and thy Fathers house ; So there must be a leaving of our former sins , a breaking off the old league with hell , before wee can bee united to Christ , Hos. 14. 8. Ephraim shall say , what have I to do any more with Idols ? or as it is in the Hebrew , with sorrows : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Those sins which before were looked upon as lovers , now they are sorrows ; there must be a divorce , before an union .

The end of our conjugal union with Christ is twofold .

1 Co-habitation ; this is one end of marriage , to live together , Ephes. 3. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts ; it is not enough to give Christ a few complemental visits in his ordinances , hypocrites may do so ; but there must be a mutual associating ; we must dwell upon the thoughts of Christ , 1 Iohn 3. 24. he that dwelleth in God ; married persons should not live asunder .

2 Fructification , Rom. 7. 4. That ye should 〈◊〉 married to another , even to him who is raised from the dead , that we should bring forth fruit unto God : the Spouse brings forth the fruits of the spirit , love , joy , peace , long-suffering , gentleness , Gal. 5. 22. Barrenness is a shame in Christs spouse .

This marriage-union with Christ , is the most noble and excellent union .

1 Christ unites himself to many ; in other marriages there is but a person taken , but here millions are taken ; alas , else poor souls might cry out , Christ hath married himself to such an ones person , but what is that to me ? I am left out ; no , Christ marries himself to thousands ; 't is casta polygamia , an holy and chaste polygamy ; multitudes of persons doth not defile this marriage-bed ; no poor sinner , but bringing an humble beleeving heart , may be married to Christ .

2 In this holy marriage , is a nearer conjunction , than can be in any other , in other marriages , two make one flesh , but Christ and the beleever make one spirit , 1 Cor. 6. 17. He that is joyned to the Lord , is one spirit : now as the soul is more excellent than the body , and admits of far greater joy ; so this spiritual union , brings in more astonishing delights and ravishments , than any other marriage-relation is capable of ; the joy that flows from the mystical union , is unspeakable and full of glory , 1 Pet. 1. 8.

3 This union with Christ never ceaseth . — Foelices ter & amplius , Horat. 1. Carm. 13. quos irrupta tenet copula —

Other marriages are soon at an end , Death cuts asunder the marriage-knot , but this conjugal union is eternal : thou that art once Christs spouse , shalt never be a widdow more , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Hos. 2. 19. I will betroth thee unto me for ever : to speak properly , our marriage with Christ begins , where other marriages end , at death .

In this life is but the contract ; the Iews had a time set between their espousals and marriage , sometimes a year , or more : in this life is but the affiancing and contract , promises are made on both sides , and love passeth secretly between Christ and the soul ; he gives some smiles of his face , and the soul sends up her sighs , and drops tears of love : But all this is but a praevious work , and something tending to the marriage , the glorious compleating and solemnizing of the Nuptials , is reserved for heaven ; there is the marriage-supper of the Lamb , Rev. 19. 9. and the Bed of glory perfumed with love , where the souls of the elect shall be perpetually solacing themselves , 1 Thes. 4. 17. then shall we ever be with the Lord ; so that death doth but begin our marriage with Christ .

Use 1 If Christ be the head of the body Mystical , Vse 1. Ephes. 1. 22. then this Doctrine doth behead the Pope , that man of sin , who usurps this prerogative , to be Ecclesiae caput , the head of the Church , and so would defile Christs marriage-bed ; what blasphemy is this ? two heads is monstrous ; Christ is head , as he is husband , there is no vice-husband , no deputy in his room : The Pope is the Beast in the Revelation , Ca. 13. 11 to make him head of the Church , what were this , but to set the head of a Beast , upon the body of a Man ?

Use 2 Is there such a conjugal union , Vse 2. Tryal . let us try whether we are united to Christ .

1 Have we chosen Christ to set our love upon ? and is this choice founded upon knowledge ?

2 Have we consented to the match ? 't is not enough that Christ is willing to have us , but are we willing to have him ? God doth not so force salvation upon us , as that wee shall have Christ whether wee will or no ; we must consent to have him ; many approve of Christ , but do not give their consent : and this consent must be ,

1 Pure and genuine , we consent to have him for his own worth and excellency , Psa. 45. 2. Thou art fairer , than the Children of men .

2 It must be a present consent , 2 Cor. 6. 2. now is the accepted time ; if we put Christ off with delayes and excuses , perhaps he will come no more , he will leave off wooing , his spirit shall no longer strive , and then poor finner what wilt thou do ? when Gods wooing ends , thy woes begin .

3 Have we taken Christ , faith is vinculum unionis , the bond of the union ; Christ is joyned to us by his spirit , and we are joyned to him by faith : Faith tyes the marriage-knot .

4 Have we given up our selves to Christ ? thus the spouse in the Text , I am his ; as if she had said , all I have is for the use and service of Christ ; have we made a surrender ? have wee given up our name and will to Christ ? when the Devil solicites by a temptation , do we say , we are not our own , we are Christs , our tongues are his , wee must not defile them with oathes , our bodies ar● his temple , we must not pollute them with sin : if it be thus , it is a sign the Holy ghos● hath wrought this blessed union between Christ and us .

Use 3. Is there this Mystical Union ? then from hence we may draw many Inferences .

1. See the dignity of all true believers ▪ 1. Infer . they are joyned in Marriage with Christ , there is not only assimilation , but union , they are not only like Christ , but one with Christ ; This honor have all the Saints : A King marrying a Beggar , by virtue of the union she is ennobled and made of the Bloud-Royal ; 〈◊〉 wicked men are united to the Prince of darkness , and he settles Hell upon them for their Jointure : So the godly are divinely united to Christ , who is King of Kings , and Lord of Lords , Rev. 19. 16. By virtue of this Sacred Union , the Saints are dignified above the Angels , Christ is their Lord , but not their Husband .

2. See how happily all the Saints are married ; 2. Infer . they are united to Christ , who is the best Husband , Cant. 5. 10. The chief of ten thousand . Christ is a Husband that cannot be parallel'd , 1. For tender care . 2. For ardent affection .

1. For tender care : The Spouse cannot be so tender of her own soul and credit , as Christ is tender of her , 1 Pet. 5. 7. He careth for you . Christ hath a debating with himself , a consulting and projecting how to carry on the work of our Salvation ; he transacts all our affairs , he minds our business as his own ; indeed he himself is concerned in it ; he brings in fresh supplies to his Spouse ; if she wanders out of the way , he guides her ; if she stumble , he holds her by the hand , if she falls , he raiseth her ; if she be dull , he quickens her by his spirit , if she be froward , he draws her with cords of love ; if she be sad , he comforts her with promises .

2. For ardent affection : No Husband like Christ for love : The Lord saith to the people , I have loved you ; and they say , Wherein hast thou loved us ? Mal. 1. 2. But we cannot say to Christ , wherein hast thou loved us ? Christ hath given real Demonstrations of his love to his Spouse : He hath sent her his Word , which is a Love-letter ; and he hath given her his Spirit , which is a Love-token : Christ loves more than any other Husband .

1. Christ puts upon his Bride a richer Robe , Isa. 61. 10. He hath cloathed me with the garments of Salvation , he hath covered me with the Robe of Righteousness . In this Robe God looks upon us as if we had not sinned : This is as truly ours to justifie , as it is Christs to bestow : this Robe doth not only cover , but adorn : Having on this Robe we are reputed righteous , not only as Angels , but as Christ , 2 Cor. 5. 21. That we might be made the righteousness of God in him .

2. Christ gives his Bride , not only his Golden Garments , but his Image : He loves her into his own likeness : An Husband may bear a dear affection to his Wife , but he cannot stamp his own Effigies upon her ; if she be deformed , he may give her a Vail to hide it , but he cannot put his beauty upon her : But Christ imparts the beauty of holiness to his Spouse , Ezek. 16. 14. Thou wert comely through my comeliness . When Christ marries a soul , he makes it fair , Cant. 4. 7. Thou art all fair my Spouse . Christ never thinks he hath loved his Spouse enough , till he can see his own face in her .

3. Christ dischargeth those debts which no other Husband can : Our sins are the worst debts we owe , ( if all the Angels should go to make a Purse , they could not pay one of these debts ) but Christ frees us from these ; he is both an Husband and a Surety ; he saith to Justice , as Paul concerning Onesimus , If he ows thee any thing , put it upon my score , I will repay it , Philem. 19.

4. Christ hath suffered more for his Spouse , than ever any Husband did for a Wife ; he suffered poverty and ignominy : He who crowned the heavens with stars , was himself crowned with * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. thorns : He was called a companion of sinners , that we might be made companions of Angels ; he was regardless of his life ; he leaped into the Sea of his Fathers wrath to save his Spouse from drowning .

5. Christs love doth not end with his life . He loves his Spouse for ever , Hos. 2. 19. I will betroath thee unto me for ever . Well may the Apostle call it , a love that passeth knowledge , Eph. 3. 19.

3. See how rich believers are , 3 Infer . they are matched into the Crown of Heaven , and by virtue of the Conjugal Union all Christs riches go to believers , Communion is founded in Union . Christ communicates his Graces , Iohn 1. 16. As long as Christ hath it , believers shall not want ; and he communicates his Priviledges , Justification , Glorification : He settles a Kingdome upon his Spouse for her Joynture , Heb. 12. 28. This is a Key to the Apostles Riddle , 2 Cor. 6. 10. As having nothing , yet possessing all . By virtue of the Marriage-Union , the Saints are interested in all Christs riches .

4 See how fearful a Sin it is to abuse the Saints ; 4. Infer . it is an injury done to Christ , for beleevers are mystically one with him , Act. 9. 4. Saul , Saul , why persecutest thou me ; when the body was wounded , the head being in heaven cryed out ; in this sense men crucifie Christ afresh , Heb. 6. 6. because what is done to his members , is done to him ; if Gideon was avenged upon those who slew his brethren , Iudg. 8. 21. will not Christ much more bee avenged upon those that wrong his Spouse ? Will a King endure to have his Treasure rifled ? his Crown thrown in the dust ? his Queen beheaded ? will Christ bear with the affronts and injuries done to his Bride ? the Saints are the apple of Christs eye , Zac. 2. 8. and they that strike at his eye , let them answer it , Isa. 49. 26. I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh , and they shall be drunken with their own blood , as with sweet wine .

5 See the reason why the Saints do so rejoyce in the Word and Sacrament , 5. Infer . because here they meet with their Husband Christ ; the Wife desires to be in the presence of her Husband : The Ordinances are the chariot in which Christ rides , the lattice through which he looks forth and shews his smiling face ; here Christ displaies the banner of love . Can. 2. 4. The Lords Supper is nothing else but a pledge and earnest of that eternal communion the Saints shall have with Christ in heaven : Then he will take the Spouse into his bosome ; if Christ be so sweet in an Ordinance , when we have but short glances , and dark glimpses of him by saith , Oh then , how delightful and ravishing will his presence be in heaven , when we shall see him face to face , and be for ever in his loving embraces ?

4 This mystical union affords much comfort to beleevers , Vse 4. Consol. in several cases .

1 In case of the dis-respects and unkindenesses of the world , Psa. 55. 3. In wrath they hate mee : but though we live in an unkinde world , wee have a kinde Husband , Ioh. 15. 9. As the father hath loved me , so have I loved you : What Angel can tell how God the Father loves Christ ? yet the Fathers love to Christ , is made the copy and pattern of Christs love to his Spouse ; this love of Christ , as far exceeds all created love , as the Sun out shines the light of a Torch ; and is not this matter of comfort ? what though the world hates me , yet Christ loves me .

2 It is comfort in case of weakness of grace ; the beleever cannot lay hold upon Christ , but with a trembling hand ; there is a spirit of infirmity upon him , but O weak Christian ! here is strong consolation ; there is a conjugal union , thou art the Spouse of Christ , and hee will bear with thee as the weaker vessel : will an Husband divorce his Wife , because she is weak and sickly ? no he will be the more tender of her ; Christ hates treachery , but he will pity infirmity ; when the spouse is faint , and ready to be discouraged , Christ puts his left hand under her head Can. 2. 6. this is the spouses comfort , when she is weak , her Husband can infuse strength into her , Isaiah 49. 5. My God shall bee my strength .

3 It is comfort in case of death ; when beleevers dye , they go to their Husband ; who would not bee willing to shoot the Gulf o● death , that they might meet with their Husband Christ ? Phi. 1. 23. I desire 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 to loose Anchor , and be with Christ ; what thoug● the way be dirty , seeing we are going to ou● friend ; when a woman is contracted , she longs for the day of marriage ; after th● Saints funeral , begins their marriage ; the body is ergastulum animae , a Prison to the soul who would not desire to exchange a Priso● for a Marriage bed ? How glad was Iosep● to go out of Prison to the Kings court God is wise , he lets us meet with changes an● troubles here , that he may we an us from the world , and make us long for death ; when the soul is divorced from the body , it is married to Christ .

4 It is comfort in case of passing the sentence , at the day of Judgement : There is a marriage union , and O Christian , thy Husband shall be thy Judge ; a Wife would not fear to bee cast at Bar , if her Husband sat Judge ; what though the Devil bring in many indictments against thee ? Christ will expunge thy sins in his blood ; he will say , shall I condemn my spouse ? O what a comfort is this ? the Husband is Judge : Christ cannot pass the sentence against his spouse , but hee must pass it against himself , for Christ and beleevers are one .

5 It is comfort in case of the Saints sufferings ; The Church of God is exposed in this life to many injuries , but she hath an Husband in heaven , that is mindeful of her , and will turn her waters into wine ; now it is a time of mourning with the Spouse , because the Bride-groom is absent , Mat. 9. 15. But shortly she shall put off her mourning , Christ will wipe off the tears of blood from the cheeks of his Spouse , Isa. 25. 8. The Lord God will wipe off tears from off all faces .

Christ will comfort his spouse after the time wherein she hath been afflicted , he will solace her with his love , he will take away the cup of trembling , and give her the cup of consolation , and now she shall forget all her sorrows being called into the banqueting house of heaven , and having the banner of Christs love displayed over her .

5. Let me press several duties upon such as have this Marriage-Union with Christ . Vse 5.

1. Make use of this Relation ; 1 Duty . in two cases .

1. When the Law brings in its Indictments against you ; here are , saith the Law , so many debts to be paid , and it demands satisfaction ; acknowledge the debt , but turn over all to your Husband Christ : 'T is a Maxim in Law , that the suit must not go against the wife as long as the Husband is * * Uxori lis no● intenditur . living : Tell Satan when he accuseth thee , 't is true the debt is mine , but go to my Husband Christ , he will discharge it : Would we take this course , we might ease our selves of much trouble ; by Faith we turn over the debt to our Husband : Believers are not in a state of Widdow-hood , but Marriage : Satan will never go to Christ , he knows Justice is satisfied , and the Debt-book cancell'd , but he comes to us for the debt that he may perplex us , we should send him to Christ , and then all Law-suits would cease : This is a believers Triumph , when he is in himself guilty , in Christ he is worthy , when he is spotted in himself , he is pure in his head .

2. In case of desertion : Christ may ( for ends best known to himself ) step aside for a time ; Cant. 5. 6. My beloved had withdrawn himself ; say not therefore Christ is quite gone : 'T is a fruit of jealousie in a Wife , when her Husband hath left her a while , to think he is quite gone from her : Upon every removal out of sight , for us to say ( as Sion ) The Lord hath forsaken me , Isa. 49. 14. This is jealousie , and it is a wrong done to the love of Christ , and the sweetness of this Marriage-Relation : Christ may forsake his Spouse in regard of comfort , but he will not forsake her in regard of union : An Husband may be a thousand miles distant from his Wife , but still he is an Husband : Christ may leave his Spouse , but still the Marriage Knot holds .

2. Love your Husband Christ , 2 Duty . Cant. 2. 5. love him , though he be reproached and persecuted : A Wife loves her Husband when in prison : To inflame your love towards Christ , consider , 1. Nothing else is fit for you to love : If Christ be your Husband , it is not fit to have other Lovers , that would make Christ grow jealous . 2. He is worthy of your love ; he is of unparallel'd beauty , Cant. 5. 10. altogether lovely . 3. How pregnant is Christs love towards you ? he loves you in your worst condition , he loves you in affliction : The Goldsmith loves his gold in the Furnace : he loves you notwithstanding your scars and blemishes : The Saints infirmities cannot wholly take off Christs love from them , Ier. 3. 1. Oh then how should the Spouse be endeared in her love to Christ ! This will be the excellency of Heaven , our love will then be as the Sun in its full strength .

3. Rejoyce in your Husband Christ ; 3 Duty . hath Christ honoured you to take you into the Marriage-Relation , and make you one with himself ? this calls for joy : By virtue of the Union , believers go sharers with Christ in his riches . It was a custome among the Romans , when the Wife was brought home , she received the Keys of her husbands house , intimating , that the treasure and custody of the house was now committed to her : When Christ shall bring his Bride home to those glorious Mansions which he is gone before to Prepare for her , Iohn 14. 2. He will deliver up the keys of his treasure to her , and she shall be as rich as heaven can make her ; and shall not the Spouse rejoyce , and sing aloud upon her bed ? Psal. 149. 5. Christians , let the times be never so sad , you may rejoyce in your spiritual Espousals , Hab. 3. 17. Let me tell you , it is a sin not to rejoyce ; you disparage your Husband Christ . When a wife is always sighing and weeping , what will others say , This woman hath a bad husband : Is this the fruit of Christs love to you , to reflect dishonor upon him ? A melancholly spouse sads Christs heart : I deny not but a Christian should grieve for sins of daily incursion , but to be always weeping ( as if he mourned without hope ) is dishonourable to the Marriage-Relation , Phil. 4. 4. Rejoyce in the Lord always . Rejoycing doth credit your husband ; Christ loves a chearful Bride ; and indeed the very end of Gods making us sad , is to make us rejoyce ; we sow in tears , that we may reap in joy : The excessive sadness and contristation of the godly , will make others afraid to imbrace Christ , they will begin to question whether there be that satisfactory joy in Religion as is pretended : Oh yee Saints of God forget not consolation , let others see that you repent not of your choice ; 't is joy that puts liveliness and activity into a Christian , Nehem. 8. 10. The ioy of the Lord is your strength . Then the soul is swiftest in duty , when it is carried upon the wings of joy .

4. Adorn this Marriage-Relation , 4 Duty . that you may be a crown to your husband . 1. Wear a vail . We read of the spouses vail , Cant. 5. 7. This vail is humility . 2. Put on your Jewels . These are the graces , which for their lustre are compared to rows of Pearl , and chains of gold , Cant. 1. 10. These precious Jewels distinguish Christs Bride from strangers . 3. Carry your selves as becomes Christs Spouse . 1. In chastity . 2. In sanctity .

1. In chastity : Be chaste in your judgments , defile not your selves with error , error adulterates the mind , 1 Tim. 6. 5. 't is one of Satans artifices , first to defile the judgement , then the conscience .

2. In sanctity : It is not for Christs Spouse to do as Harlots ; a naked breast , a wanton tongue , doth not become a Saint ; Christs Bride must shine forth in Gospel-purity , that she may make her husband fall in love with her . A woman being asked what Dowry she brought her husband , answered , she had no Dowry , but she promised to keep her self chaste : so though we can bring to Christ no Dowry , yet he looks we should keep our selves pure , not spotting the breasts of our Virginity by contagious and scandalous sins .

FINIS .